Cheers to Your "Non-Toothaches!"

Hey everyone,

As we navigate this beautiful stage of life – whether you're already enjoying retirement or eagerly anticipating it – it's easy for our minds to zero in on what's not quite right. A creaky knee here, a stiff back there… sound familiar? Our natural tendency, as the wise Thich Nhat Hanh pointed out, is to focus on the "toothaches" of life – those things that demand our attention because they hurt or cause discomfort.

Think about it: when you have a toothache, it's all you can think about. You lament how much better it was before the toothache, and you'd do just about anything for it to stop. But what about all those moments when you don't have a toothache? How often do we pause to celebrate that incredible, pain-free state? Probably not often enough!

This isn't about ignoring any real discomfort, but rather about bringing a conscious awareness to all the things that are going right within us, even the seemingly neutral ones. Just like our teeth not hurting, so much of our bodies are quietly working in harmony, day in and day out, without us giving them a second thought.

So, here's a little invitation for you, a practice in appreciating your own "non-toothaches":

Take a moment, right now. Find a comfortable seat, or just stand wherever you are. Close your eyes if that feels good. Now, slowly, gently, scan your body.

• Bring your awareness to your feet. How do they feel? Are they comfortable in your shoes?

• Move up to your legs. Notice the sensations. Are they feeling strong? Relaxed?

• Continue this gentle scan through your abdomen, your chest, your arms, your hands, and even your head.

• Don't forget your internal organs. Can you feel the gentle rhythm of your breath, the quiet hum of your digestion?

  
  

As you do this, consciously seek out the non-sensations too. Notice the absence of pain, the feeling of ease, the parts of your body that are simply… fine. You might be surprised at how much is actually going well!

This simple act of intentionally shifting your awareness to what feels good, to what is functioning smoothly, is a powerful form of mindfulness. It's also a profound way to cultivate gratitude for the incredible resilience and quiet strength of your own body.

Make this a daily practice. A few moments each day to acknowledge and appreciate your "non-toothaches" can bring a surprising sense of peace, well-being, and genuine appreciation for the gift of your health.

What "non-toothaches" are you appreciating today?