I feel as though I am beginning to succumb to a cold or, possibly, the flu since it’s going around and it’s funny how the mind reacts. Despite knowing the Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection by heart and reflecting on many of them often, I still seem to be quite the baby when it comes to getting sick. I have watched my resolve crumble, my energy fail and my attitude become dark. From the moment I first began to feel a scratchiness in my throat and the first inklings of a post nasal drip my mindfulness seemed to be stripped away leaving me with a feeling of self-pity. Yes, I know I need to take care of myself but indulging in unskillfulness certainly isn’t the way. May I practice well and not give more thought to a sick body than is necessary.
Jaradhammomhi jaram anatito
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
I really get it. I get how awful it is to notice that you’re coming down with something, and I also get the desire to be skillful about what happens with the body. It surely isn’t an easy path. How do you get through it keeping your self intact? How do you find the balance point between self-indulgence and self-deprecation?
By: Lorien on 03/04/2016
at 2:49 am
I ‘m not sure how I’ll get through it but I’m going to try to bear in mind that it is the nature of the body to sicken and getting upset and feeling sorry for myself will only make it worse. Plus, it helps me to remember that I’m still making kamma so I may as well keep on trying to keep my actions of body, speech and mind as pure as possible. Thanks for your thoughts and be well!
By: Upāsaka on 03/04/2016
at 3:01 am