Inspiration Thursday

"Have your eyes open, but not scared." -Sandy the Mason
 
The wisdom found in every day words often catches me off guard.  I have been thinking about this quote for many reasons. Not the least of which is related to the recent shootings. Although I find evil acts terrifying and I acknowledge they are a real threat, I always am reminded that awareness is the key, not fear. 
 
We can focus on the good without ignoring reality. We can look and plan for the worst-case scenario without living fearfully. It does not require reflexive and immediate response, only acknowledgement, planning and awareness.  Listen, learn from the experience and plan for the future in prevention, but that doesn’t mean fear.  And not reacting in immediate anger or fear does not mean ignorance either.
 
In health even, we can choose to ignore our body’s signals or we can listen, learn and then respond thoughtfully.  Rapid response to pain in the form of medication can mask the problem and dampen the actual meaning. Ignoring pain altogether often continues to build a small problem into a bigger one.
 
At the same time, living fearful of pain can at times prevent movement, which is required to actually resolve painful states.  As I watched expert clinicians move patients into their pain during my last conference, we all learned that proceeding into pain with your eyes and ears open, could have profound effects in resolving the problem. Pain is information, it is not meant to be feared.
 
Proceeding in life with “your eyes open, but not scared” is a great philosophy especially as it relates to health.  Often monitoring the small details can ward off chronic disease. If you are recovering from chronic disease, continuing to listen to your symptoms through recovery will also lead you to a healthier life.
 
Proceed in all facets of life with “your eyes open, but not scared.”

Photo credit: Ahmed Sinan, license