HEAD(hed), (n.) 1. the top part of the human body or the front part of an animal where the eyes, nose, east and mouth are. "Your brain is in your head." DIBS(dibz), (n.) 2. a thick, sweet syrup made in countries of the East, especially the Middle East, from grape juice or dates. [Arabic "debs"]--World Book Dictionary, 1976.
Into this Universe, and Why not knowing Nor Whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing; And out of it, as Wind along the Waste, I know not Whither, willy-nilly blowing. Stanza XXXII of “Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by Edward Fitzgerald (1809–1883)
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Enchiridion 9: Ability To Choose
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"Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself." (Epictetus, Enchiridion 9)
Every situation we experience is accompanied by a choice on our part. Sickness is a sign that all is not well with the body. There is no choice when sickness comes to the body, but how does one "be" while sick? How does one think, interact with others? With a choice.
Sickness happens, but attitude does not. One's demeanor is chosen.
You are not your body.
You are not what you own nor are you what is lacking.
You are not your circumstances.
You are a human.
Being.
The choice of how you "be" is this: either consent, give in and let the situation define your identity, your character, your emotions; or, control your response despite that situation. Just because one is sick does not mean one may treat others rudely, angrily or with impatience. Life did not suddenly sour because you don't feel well.
Next time you don't feel well and it seems the world is going to end, look at those around you are having a good day. Clearly, what you feel is not universal. Sure our body feels gross, but we don't stop thinking. There's no reason to let something on the outside decide for you. You are not puppet.
It's not difficult to hear a mother say to a child, "I don't care how bad you feel! Sickness is no excuse to be mean!"
Here's a man who made a choice, who did not let circumstances dictate his identity:
Legend has it that the astronomer Ptolemy (1st century A.D.) suggested that falling stars were caused by the gods moving in the heavens, thus knocking stars out of their places. Somehow people reasoned that that if the gods were moving, they must be getting close to earth so they would lift their "prayers" or "wishes" (literally, "desires") whenever they saw the stars falling in hopes the gods would notice and grant a favorable answer. But how does one wish on falling star? Once you see it, it's gone before the wish or prayer can be made! The answer is simple: meteor shower. That's how to get your wish. Mrs. Ann Hodges had a wish fall right into her lap. Sort of. In 1954 Mrs. Hodges was sleeping on the couch when a 8 1/2 pound meteorite fell through her house and into her living room where it bounced off the radio and struck her left hip leaving her with a bruise. Not sure what she was wishing, but that's not how to do it. Epictetus hel...
“Keep constant guard over your perceptions, for it is no small thing you are protecting, but your respect, trustworthiness and steadiness, peace of mind, freedom from pain and fear, in a word your freedom. For what would you sell these things?” EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.3.6 b –8
