Recently I was challenged by an abrupt hospitalization due to severe and intolerable spleen pain. Before I knew what was happening, I was in the hospital emergency room, then transported to a patient room with numerous special teams taking care of me. High doses of intravenous pain medication took the pain away like a dream but left me numb and out of touch. I knew this was only temporary, and that the final regiment would be effective and comfortable. The most important thing then was that the pain was gone.
But I have never felt so strange in my life. It felt like my physical and spiritual body were separated. And the question popped into my mind: “why would people drug themselves, is this what they are looking for”? Sure, problems disappear, and an artificial balance is created, but feelings disappear as well, and isn’t that what allows a human being to enjoy pleasures, feelings, and to grow? Lots of questions went through my mind during that short period of time, and I feel grateful and in awe of the complexity of our mind and body. Here I was crippled with pain and feeling sorry for myself, then I go through a period of complete pain-free detachment, and finally, my whole being comes together again. The image of a dog shaking wildly and bringing all the hair back in place again, that’s in a way how I felt. And it was a heavy shaking!
I am nearly back to my old self, pain-free I would like to point out, and I am grateful and delighted. I am still struggling with some of the drug effects, but they are disappearing rapidly. The doctors at the Mayo did an awesome job, and I am grateful for my blessings; doctors who can perform such miracles are mind-boggling and my gratitude is deep.
The mind and body connection is a miracle. Treat it with respect and be grateful for the blessings it provides. This experience in my life is difficult to describe, but hopefully, I was able to give you a glimpse. It will always be at the forefront of my mind. It made me clearly aware of the need to keep a harmonious relationship between the two so we can enjoy life to the fullest.
Silvia Coggin, CPC
Author and Founder of NotJustCooking.com