Cystic Fibrosis and Stress

By Spencer Burton

  Living a fast paced life seems to be the standard these days. As our environment has sped up its rush to success, we’ve acclimated our bodies and minds to handle the higher level of stress that comes at us like a freight train. Its this lifestyle that can only breed an imbalanced value system, an imbalance in what truly matters most in life, and a higher chance for illness. This is something I wish to truly focus on.

 For people living with Cystic Fibrosis or many other illnesses that require nutrition, care, sufficient rest and preparation, stress levels from this fast-paced lifestyle need to be examined, and changed. A warrior know when its best to fight battles, and when its best to walk away.

 Walk a Warriors Path

“Does this path have a heart? All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. They are paths going through the bush, or into the bush. In my own life I could say I have traversed long paths, but I am not anywhere. Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn’t, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other does not. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.”

         - Don Juan  (Carlos Castenada’s Teachings of Don Juan)

The path we walk in life is often the wrong one for us, mentally, spiritually and physically. Its apparent that in order to become truly happy in this life,  we have to find a “path” or purpose that resonates with us deeply. If you wake up in the morning and have that worried or nervous knot in your stomach because you hate what you do or the people or situations you do it with, then you are simply not walking your path. The bigger the detour you take to your path, the bigger the gamble you take on your health.

How much happiness do you experience doing what you do? If the answer is not much,  then that daily unhappiness has been shown to lower your immune system. This world is full of wonders and you need to be a part of the glory. Live grateful of your blessings, and grateful of your ability to change what doesn’t serve you. Become sensitive to yourself and what you need to feel happy and whole. Realize that life isn’t promised and what you do today may be a warriors last battle on earth. Make that battle worthy of you and your life and your stress cannot survive.

 Separate Yourself From Chaos

The dramas of life are so frequent that it makes no sense to add more than necessary. Who do you associate with? Where do you live and does it serve you? Where do you work? If any of these elements in your life are adding to your stress they must be removed. Are your friends and family good positive influencers and supporters of your dreams and aspirations? There are so many good and positive people in the world that it makes no sense to let the materialistic and negative neigh-sayers intrude on our happiness. Do you live in an overcrowded and under natured big city? Sometimes in order to truly realize what is important in life, which is key in dissolving stress, we need to slow our lives down get out of the fray. Move to the country,  or just go camping or hiking more. Your connection with life should be a personal one. All of your surroundings should put you at ease, and at peace. Your surroundings and circumstances should inspire you, not hinder you. It is in peace of mind that you will find your mind of peace.  

In this world of big corporations and overpopulation,  stress is larger than ever before. However, we need to see that our lives are not to serve these large money machines,  or work a dead end job, they are to align with a passion and a love for what we do and what we contribute to the universe. Living like a warrior means that we must remove the impending stress and become the healthy and vibrant creatures we were intended to be. We must inspire others, and be inspired. If we can manage to weed out that which is adding stress to our lives, then we clear the path to being a warrior,  and illuminate the path to true health; mind, body and soul. ~