Living with a chronic illness (MS), I realize that I am also chronically healing. There are times when my physical health has to come first. There are times when it can be a background murmur and I can attend other areas of my life.
Here are six elements of well-being I use living with a serious illness:
Find good doctors – trustworthy people who listen to you when you explain your experience and offer medical solutions while respecting you as the expert in your own care are key to your well-being.
Befriend your body – maybe it’s not what you hoped for, but it can continue to be a source of comfort and joy. There is more right with it than wrong, or you wouldn’t be reading these words. Pema Chödrön reminds us that “this very body, with its aches and pains and pleasures is exactly what we need to be fully awake and fully alive.”
Get good sleep –when you have enough rest, your physical symptoms are lessened, you have a more positive outlook on life, and more physical energy. Whatever you can do to make the hours before sleep gentle and relaxing increases the chances of getting good sleep.
Accept your emotions – being ill generates many feelings including the “difficult ones” like anger, grief, fear, and disgust. Learning that everything arises, abides, and dissolves helps. Noticing how your body is responding and labeling those sensations, you learn that emotions bring you energy.
Find good friends – people who will listen to what’s going on and care about you during both “good” and “bad” times. If you can be there for them as they journey, that will be a blessing for both of you.
Live in THIS moment – When you become fearful about what the future holds, it’s best to remember that in this moment all is well. Nothing needs to change. You can hold whatever sensations you are experiencing with tender compassion. All creatures suffer sometimes. Discomfort won’t last. When you bring your attention to your breathing, you are in the moment.
Often, I find a sense of well-being is only an attitude shift away. The more I understand my body and experience as a miraculous wonderment, the more content I am. When I pause and notice, the sweetness of this moment cradles me and I go to the next moment with willing curiosity.
May this moment be a gift to you.
In your journal:
- What do you need to feel a sense of well-being?
- Choose one of the six points above and write about its importance to you.
- Tune in to what’s within and around you. How is this moment a gift?