When three astronauts and one cosmonaut lifted off this week to the ISS, I marveled at their bravery… and their trust. Sure there was a tiny tear located on the rocket, but “meh, it’s still okay” was the response. Billions of dollars, genius execution, and devotion to excellence required to ensure utmost safety and success. Errors are few but costly. How about the lunar lander launched a few weeks ago- the first in over 50 years. No one thought to disagree with the tall skinny design? Sure it tipped over – probably crushing the cameras. Basic principal- low center of gravity- wide base next time team.
Why mention these events this week? Because even with the brightest minds, the billions in funds, brilliance and unlimited ambition, perfection is not guaranteed. This all just makes me love the human body (and spirit!!) more. From head to toe, internal and external your body was created for maximum efficiency, strength, creativity and longevity. Outside forces or genetic infiltration certainly can cause chaos. But at the core, the body and mind are profoundly complete and brilliantly engineered.
Recently it was discovered that what we assume are just thoughts, actually have a physical path. New information is stored in one direction and then recalled in reverse direction in the brain. The nervous system sends messages out to the most minute areas of the body and even a tiny prick of pain can be felt in return. Skin and alimentary canal (mouth to bottom) have lining cells that rejuvenate and refresh every week. If you have a lobectory a new lung doesn’t form, like the liver which can regenerate, but the remaining lung expands to fill the space. Glands like parotid (saliva) and prostate are everywhere extra fluid is needed in the body to function. Two kidneys are actually overkill since one suffices to clear all the toxins. Vision is delivered at a converged point (optic chiasm) to travel back to the occipital lobe and register in the brain. You get it. So very many ways this magnificent body adjusts, works, conspires to provide amazing experiences.
Because the body is so spectacular it stands to reason that so is the mind. The nuanced perfection of anatomy and physiology extends to thinking and imagining. We are in constant flow. Just like the body repairs, defends and rejuvenates when insulted, damaged or injured, the mind reminds that you can still adjust, perform and be powerful. Overwhelming disease still occurs, and toxic treatments are tapped, but again and again we witness rebirth. Jenny with stage 4 breast cancer has undergone therapy for years. If she wore scubs you would think she is an employee- never a patient. What’s best is her bright smile and easy going manner. Nothing terrifies her anymore. Joy had lung surgery and a few days later was taking her walk, “Gotta get my steps in!” Phil is back to playing golf just 8 weeks after prostate surgery. “Doc, my handicap went to 8 and I was a scratch golfer!” I remind him he now has a goal. Mind influencing matter. For Brad, however, the battle is over. He wife says, “It is a blessing because he is tired and his brain is not fighting it anymore. He is accepting”. Isn’t it even remarkable that when a good life has been spent, our mind can bring us to peace and comfort?
We talk alot about how a body or a disease has let us down. But every single day our bodies are working on our behalf. Be good to it, respect it and enjoy it even with challenges. Be gentle. Delight in your amazing presence. It has been engineered specifically for you, so celebrate and continue to anticipate. Is today a message of hope? Maybe it is one of wonder and that is enough.