There is a connection between the way I eat, whether or not I make time for silence and personal reflection in my day; and whether or not I feel at ease with myself and my physical body. If I am in pain or discomfort (conscious or unconscious, especially unconscious), I will invariably project that onto others and it colors the way I see the world. I have found that indigestion or anxiety at night correlates with disturbing dreams that show me a "reality" that supports that. My perception of what is going on around me and my dreaming are not so different. They are both directed by a mind that is making a connection, and if it's not an internal one, it's an external one or both. For example, if I have a headache, I find it more difficult to be patient with people and projects. Being angry creates fatigue and can even create a headache if I'm already tired and feeling tense. The vague feelings of discomfort are potentially the most harmful to others. At least, when I'm suffering pain I can see the connection to my unhappiness and correct it. If I just "wake up on the wrong side of the bed" one day, I'm much more likely to see my problems as someone else's fault and act accordingly. When I'm relaxed and rested, the sky is bluer, everything seems much more alright with the world, and I'm ready to show up in a helpful frame of mind.
Choices I make about my health are not just to benefit me, but for the benefit of my family and those around me. When I'm rested, relaxed and balanced, I'm much more able to give and support and make a positive impact.
