June 17, 2019

Hi All:

Here’s a little story from my life. I am sharing because I want to share my experience, and also because I understand that the mind and body are inextricably connected….even if we don’t fully recognize this, our thoughts are affecting our bodies and therefore our overall well-being.

Here goes the story: I am from East Tennessee. Maybe you already know that there, and other places I have lived in the eastern US, get pretty hot by the month of June. Even by April warm-ness is prevailing. This clearly is not so in Chicago and places around the Great Lakes.

I am entering my fifth summer here and still find myself moaning and groaning about the mornings and often full days of mid- to low-50s weather in late May and yes even June!!

This situation is relevant for me here because it is a very simple example of how I like to make judgments about what is happening right in front of me and then wish something different was happening. Maybe a modern way to say it is “the grass is most certainly greener on the other side.”

The frustration, annoyance or whatever - the suffering - I cause myself by making these judgments and then wishing for something other than what is, is exhausting mentally, and physically as well.

I have found when I can drop the judging part, my life experience becomes immensely much smoother and I physically move more freely through the days.

The way I have been thinking about how to drop the judger part of my internal monologue is to first be aware that I spend a lot of effort judging, and to then start to notice when I am judging and how I don’t want to feel what comes after all the judging which is frustrated and unfulfilled.

So I find I judge, well, a whole awful lot. Which means I use a lot of effort on that instead of living. And by living I mean being grateful and appreciative and kind, for and to myself and others...this can lead to contentedness.

Finding processes, or ways, to become more content in life is a life-long endeavor, and an important one to me. And yes bodywork has been key for me, in the form of meditation, massage and yoga. These are the avenues I take.

I recognize one can live one’s whole life and judge everything and cause oneself suffering and continue to exist for many, many years. I have just discovered finding ways to be present for what actually is going on inside of me and outside of me with less judging makes me feel way more content. And contentedness (in body and mind!) is what I’m going for!!!!

Thanks for reading this and see you out there J

Take care,

Emily