Holy Water

I'm sipping a glass of water as I write this.

It's my reminder that my first obligation is to nourish myself so that I can continue to do the things I need to do. It's the talisman I need these days to remind me that my health is my real 401 -K.

For all the cerebral inventory of what's good to eat and what's not, who among us is disciplined enough not to continue reaching into a bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips if it's sitting right there? It depends on how mindful we happen to be; in other words, focused.

But that's tricky territory, particularly in our US culture; where most everyone has some level of addictive behavior.No shame or blame intended here, because I equate "addiction" to "imbalance." We all experience varying spots on that continuum throughout our lives, depending on what's happening around us, and how centered we are in spite of it.

That centeredness come from the daily practice of reminding ourselves of what's important to us, and creating goals and strategies that support that.

Which is why I don't buy salt and vinegar potato chips. They might sit in my cupboard unopened, until something triggers my innate instinct to obsess or worry about something. Then I'm headed that direction to get some quick relief.

Of course, it's not really relief, but it sure feels like that ~ briefly, anyway.

That's because we resist emotional discomfort at all costs because something deep within us might change if we let those emotions and uncomfortable feelings wash over us. But feelings stem from thoughts ~ and thoughts are just, well...thoughts.

So back to the water. As I drink it, I focus only on the thought that I'm lucky to have clean water to drink, and that it's providing what my body wants and needs.

In this moment, I'm grateful; and in this moment, I don't need anything else.