It Takes A Village

Hello All,

Just recovering from intense back pain that started one week ago.  It all started innocently enough.  I simply lifted my cat carrier to take Mitzi to the vet.  Simple enough, right. Not right!  That night I could not move my body without excruciating pain coursing through me.  How could this happen?  After all, I am macrobiotic and therefore superhuman and immune to all physical ills.  Lets consider this statement.  First of all, macrobiotics just gives me a leg up.  If I eat healthfully and exercise and do not put toxins in my body, I will be less likely to fall ill, but I am still human and discharges of everyday emotions, foods and environmental factors are normal and healthy.  But...was I really following my macrobiotic regime lately?  I had been falling off the wagon, as it were.  I had eaten a whole bowl of corn chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant just the night before, after a not so emotionally nurturing lunch date with my mom that afternoon.  The Mexican dalliance had been in direct response to that lunch and a need to let loose plus the fact that it was taking them hours to serve us! Excuses, excuses...  In addition, I had made the type A decision to work my tale off to produce a bevy of yummy macrobiotic, vegan and gluten free treats for an open house at an Orthodox pool three days before which introduced stress and pressure and ended up being less than fulfilling when the kosher attendees chose to only purchase 20 dollars worth of goods.  I did get to spend some quality time with one of my super cool friends who sold none of her elegant and classic stained glass.

So...I was ripe for a fall.  I was not following my own advice to meditate daily, reduce stress in my life, including toxic people,  and only put nutrient rich quality macrobiotic food in my belly.

How did I recover from my self sabotage?  It took a village of support to nurse me back to health.  I consulted my chiropractor who assured me it was just muscle spasms, though I was convinced it was a dread blockage of the fatalistic kind.  I consulted my wonderful homeopath, who lived in India for 30 years and has the calmest, most nurturing bedside manner, on the phone because he is in Florida and I am in Maryland.  His remedies and suggestions were life saving!  I made several visits to my acupuncturist, whose best guess was gallbladder issues.  His knowledge of the body and patience and openness to my lifestyle is unsurpassed.  Then, of course, I had to drop a line to Warren Kramer who immediately called me back and asked the dreaded question, with his innocent bashful tone, "Have you eaten anything dried and baked lately, by chance?", knowing full well I had,  before he even asked!!!  All of these guys are on my team.  I picked them from the roster of choices and I am so grateful to have them.  They are the cream of the crop!  And lets not forget KO who was there every step of the way, lifting things for me, feeding me healthy food, driving me and giving me TLC.  Phone calls from friends, my ever supportive sister and a relative here and there did the trick.

The heartfelt message is that WE NEED PEOPLE.   We need them when we are well and when we are not so well.  My advice is to form your own team before you need them. Also offer to be on other people's teams.  I am willing to reach out and support my loved ones when they need it and be more aware of when they need it, offering a ride or a listening ear, a meal or just a loving prayer.

Would love to hear comments on your own experiences with your own needs and experiences in these situations.

With love,  Almost pain free and more awake to my life, Susan