body
Lying peacefully in the arms of slumber, dreamland was all around. Suddenly a band of wet saliva encased my still sleeping nose perched peacefully near the edge of the bed. An auto reflexive swipe at my proboscis came with a sudden awareness that daybreak was soon upon us. Gracie the now gigantic puppy was alerting me in her pack language that a visit to the grassy knoll was now desired. Somewhat begrudgingly the bedroom slippers embraced my feet just prior to the first stretch of the day. The puppy, born in the time of daylight saving, has not yet made friends with the reversion to standard time. Her actions, though inconvenient to my repose, give me great assurance of her desire not to soil the den she so lovingly shares with us. Likewise, I have reasoned, pains and discomforts though not welcomed visitors, give notice that attention is needed within their realm. Some are satiated by routine exercise and stretching whereas others require different palliative approaches. Being attuned to the language of one’s body is an important step along the path to optimal health. May we all become better listeners!