EmpathicWriter
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005:  What I learned from my recent hospitalization.

3/12/2014

13 Comments

 
There are a lot of things I don't do well.  Some things I am remarkably bad at include:

  • making a big fuss about what to eat, or where to eat;
  • taking 6 steps to do something that can be done in 3;
  • wasting time, effort and resources with dawdling or idleness.

The above things cripple me -- like Superman's kryptonite -- and I recently learned why.  I, literally, don't have the energy to spare for that nonsense.

I learned that I have half the ideal amount of hemoglobin, which is the part of the red blood cells that provide oxygen (energy!) to the body.  It is the gas that makes the car go, and my tank has perpetually been on half, never full.  I always knew I was anemic, but a recent hospitalization -- the first in my life -- taught me I've been dangerously anemic.

Hence, my hard-wired tendency to want to conserve my energy for conversations and activities that matter.

When something is limited (like my energy has been), it takes on a preciousness.  It is of value, and not to be squandered.  In America -- the land of plenty, abundance and 348 different kinds of toothpaste -- we rarely feel scarcity.  Even those with low to no cash flow still experience a high degree of bounty the majority of the world will never know.

So we don't readily feel the preciousness of things.  We lack the inclination to ration our attention for things of high value.  We settle for junky mediocrity so long, and so routinely, until it has become the norm... while The Exquisite or The Deep feels burdensome, rather than savory.  Totally backwards.

In a weird way, I am saying thank you for my anemia... which has very likely contributed to my need for simplicity, non-hurriedness, smart systems and a life that will not force me to keel over from panting exhaustion, trying to keep up with the Joneses who, behind closed doors, and according to most happiness polls... are actually lacking peace of mind, contentment and/or strongly derived meaningfulness.

An iron regimen should improve my physicality and, hopefully, give me the energy to plant thousands of ideas, seeds and trees!

Barring anymore unforeseen mishaps, we'll be back on track this coming Monday, where you'll hear from a gardener I admire, and we'll also start talking about the Permaculture Principles, one principle at a time.  If you want to get a head-start on that, consider these three words, "Observe and Interact."

What I'd love to learn from you right now is: What is precious to you?  Share below!
13 Comments
Trisha
3/12/2014 02:26:57 am

there is incredible strength in your sharing your vulnerability...thanx for this wisdom!

Reply
Erika Harris link
3/12/2014 03:06:16 am

Thanks, Trisha! Yes, I show my cracks... it's the only way I know how to share light :-) So happy for your visit.

Reply
Wisdom Seeker
3/13/2014 01:55:01 am

It is amazing how -- when we do what we love -- energy can be fortified rather than depleted. Y-o-u are a prime example! ...Thank you for your marvelous altruism, and best wishes for a full recovery!

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Erika Harris link
3/16/2014 05:10:38 pm

Wisdom Seeker, I couldn't agree more... about doing what we love being energizing and fortifying. So true. And thanks for your kind words and wishes :-)

Reply
Jill link
3/13/2014 06:04:01 am

Hi Erika,

I am glad to hear that you are doing okay after your recent hospital stay, and also glad that it provided a life lesson and insight to guide you further on your journey.

I very much agree with your observation that when there is apparent abundance, we are less discerning of the individual and inherent value of what we have. I too feel time is very precious, and that people tend to treat it very casually.

I've also begun to really understand that perspectives held about value and therefore choices made with respect to abundance are often based on sets of assumptions that have not been closely examined resulting in a tendency for people to be cavalier in their choices, actions and perspectives on same.

Looking forward to your examination of the Permaculture Principles! I have previously considered Observe & Interact and feel that a good local weekly paper is an excellent tool for allowing people to begin applying this principle in their own communities.

Reply
Erika Harris link
3/16/2014 05:13:29 pm

Jill, a good local weekly paper is a *brilliant* tool to use for applying this principle! I'll be sure to mention it in the next episode, with a head-nod to you, of course :-) Thanks so much!

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Barry DeCarli link
3/17/2014 12:19:11 pm

Hi Erika, I'm a bit behind on commenting...I'm sorry to hear about your anemia, but glad to hear that your iron regimen can help "fill your tank." Good thoughts on "preciousness." I am trying to put that idea to work by skipping over some of the "junky mediocrity" I sometimes view/read on Facebook. I'm going to favor things of value and inspiration from now on. As for what is precious to me, that's a tough question to answer. Here are three to start with: people who are close to me, taking the time to write and for perspective, the stories of those who are on a much tougher journey than me...Looking forward to listening to today's podcast (tomorrow). Take good care of yourself.

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Erika Harris link
3/20/2014 08:13:04 am

Thanks, Barry :-) Am really happy to read that "taking the time to write" is something you consider precious, because the world is better with your poetry in it.

Reply
Barry DeCarli link
3/20/2014 08:24:08 am

Thank you, Erika. That is such a wonderful thing for you to say. Actually, it is likely one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about my poetry. Peace.

Reply
Barry DeCarli link
3/20/2014 08:25:07 am

...and take care.

Reply
Vinita Ricks
4/3/2014 05:24:43 am

Glad to hear that you are better and growing healthy. Please do the essentials, so you can keep us focused on the heart as the way forward. Taking care of yourself is always #1.

Reply
Erika Harris link
4/4/2014 03:55:34 am

Thanks, Vinita! Appreciate the reminder... and you :-) XO

Reply
Vinita Ricks
4/4/2014 08:55:05 am

Oh, I'm a foodie -- maybe in the closet -- but I really care about what I put into my body. I got my health scare 14 years ago. I walk a very straight, thin line, with very little, to none of the stuff that is NOT for MY body. That's the tricky part, you have to figure out what is GOOD for you, NOT anybody else. We're similar, but not just like anybody else. We have consumed wrong, different "poisons" to get to now. So getting out of our health challenge may not be the same either. My beef with modern medicine is they treat us all the same, but we're only similar to others.I can learn from your struggle, your issue, your truth, but it will NOT be mine. Good Luck. Your heart centered-ness will be a total asset. Trust it!!




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