joy in the non toothache

I do not have a toothache today, do you?
Isn't it wonderful not to have a toothache?
Isn't it relaxing, restful, and pleasant?

You've had a toothache, haven't you? And when you did, you probably were desperate for it to stop so that you could enjoy life again. So, now that you're not having the toothache, are you enjoying life as much as you could be? Do you appreciate not having a toothache?

It's difficult. I agree. It is too easy to take a non toothache for granted, and thus remain immune to its joys. But odds are you will have a toothache again, or a throbbing ingrown toenail, or a horrible, miserable cold. If you are lucky enough not to be suffering any of these afflictions right now, please take a moment. Focus on the transience of this moment. Feel how fortunate you are to be experiencing this moment in time, this utter freedom from so many pernicious afflictions.

When I looked back at April it was all too easy to say well, it was a bad month because I lost my grandmother, and had to face the dark side of my family of origin, and I had no income this month. These are sad things, unless you look at them another way.

My grandmother escaped from persistent and increasing physical pain the only way she could; as much as I miss talking to her, I am glad that she got her wish. The emotional pain of being with my family of origin reminds me of how lucky I am to have created the warm and loving family I live in today. I got to share an adventure flying to and from New York in less than a day to attend Mama's funeral with my darling son, Sam. And the inverse of my recent lack of income is that I had time to indulge in some wonderful activities this past month, including one that should lead to income very soon.

I received Level Two training in reiki last month, and also marketed my new business and created and launched my own website at www.sukireiki.com - I also gave reiki to about a dozen friends in April. I have found several locations in which to offer my reiki services in the near future and I found out that I will be promoted as the new Business of the Month at the Kenwood/Madeira branch of Key Bank for the entire month of June.

And I got a dog. Not just any dog, but Suki, the best dog in the world. And I had plenty of time to bond with her.

I had time to work in the garden at a simply beautiful time of year.

I am playing in multiple musical groups, each of which is gratifying in its own way.

I was able to make time for yoga, for spinning, to spend with friends.

My marriage is strong. I had enough time and energy in April to focus on my husband and on our relationship. We had a dinner date one night in April, and a theatre date, too.

And at no point in April did I have a toothache, a miserable cold, or a throbbing ingrown toenail. Life is good.