The Sickness Connection

I've been out with a cold for the last few days. I had lots of time to lay in bed ( I had no energy to do much more) and read and sleep. It was, for all intents and purposes, kind of nice. Having the chills, feeling weak and coughing up a lung or two were not so nice, but there is something comforting about being sick. The soup, the extra attention from family and friends, sleep, glorious sleep, cups of tea delivered to the room, letting the chores slide....

I can see how some people may "need" their illnesses to fulfill certain aspects of their life that are not getting enough attention!

Like getting attention. Or rest. (How many times have I called in sick from school or work because I was exhausted?) Maybe sickness serves in not having to take a risk, or face up to a perceived "harsh" reality. There are as many different ways that illness can serve us as there are people.

It's an interesting observation, and one I make without judgement. My illness allowed me to realize how I hadn't been nurturing my body very well, read The Practical Guide to Astral Projection (Whoopee!), finish a few other books I had started, and definitely catch up on rest. I was spoiled ridiculously by my partner, and had a sweet cuddling session with my girl who was sick too. (Anyone with toddlers knows cuddling while awake is a rare bird. Since walking she is always on the go.) I also have taken the concept of how illness serves (which was an intellectual one for me) and crystallized it (now I know deeply).

One thing I know for sure, illness, sickness or dis-ease is always a sign that something is not right. Our bodies are magnificent vehicles that consistently send us messages via warning lights- consistently ignored they develop in a sort of breakdown. It's a perfect system and I am grateful for this experience to focus more on assessing when I need a tune-up.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to blow my nose.