The Gifts of Canker Sores

This morning I am thinking about how the sores in my mouth (resulting from quite an uncomfortable dental procedure) have impacted me in the last week. My mother had a sign in our family room that read "When life give you lemons, make lemonade." People who know me would probably affirm my gift for finding the positive. It started in my early years and I have consistently been able to "make lemonade."

Wow. This one threw me for a loop. I have felt wimpy and whiny and visited pity city more than once. I cognitively understand that I am filtering and choosing to focus on the things that aren't working and that makes me feel worse. It can feel hard to reorient emotionally even when I see the need cognitively. Literally, while in the dentist chair I felt the grip of fear and wanted to bolt when I let myself think about all the tough spots in my life right now. When I moved my mind to the mindfulness practice I name ABC breathing, I felt the calm, resilience, and strength to stay in the chair (and to move forward in all areas).

 Today I woke up after a good night's sleep and felt closer to myself. I see the gifts of this discomfort. These sores on my cheek, tongue, and bottom of my mouth invited me to have more courageous conversations in relationships where I asked more directly for what I need and for confirmation and clarity. Greater relational honesty and courage has been the biggest gift. This discomfort has invited me back to my natural place of abundant gratitude for my many blessings that all begin with good physical health. The gift of the awareness of how connected my physical well-being is to my emotional well-being and how the stories I am telling myself impact my body, mind, and spirit is essential. The gifts that come from asking for and receiving what I need, and the healing power of resonant relationships are most powerful.

 I wonder what discomfort you may be feeling right now? And what 'gifts' will you find in it?