My blood pressure: 

high blood pressure runs in my family, my grandfather died of a stroke at a fairly young age, my father had one as well but recovered and remained fairly health for many years after, although for much of his adult life he was one medication to help control his blood pressure. I've been fortunate, a lifetime of exercise and almost and decade and half of a plant-based diet have kept me healthy, my blood pressure always in the normal range, cholesterol too, and most every metric reflects the effort of my care. Meditation, yoga, daily time in nature, and creative outlets - these all serve to keep me fit and energetic, manage stress, and add deep dimensions of joy to my life.

and still I check my blood pressure daily, morning and evening, a habit I came too during my father's care when I would take mine immediately after checking his as he was concerned with the toll a caregiver must endure and thought it might be helpful to keep track and take early measures to correct an upward trend if it seem needed. It was a smart strategy and became a ritual of mutual care. This was typical of his concern, never wanting me to suffer for the sake of his needs later in his life. 

a few months ago during an episode of Bell's Palsy, the short term medication for treatment caused my blood pressure to soar. It was interesting to see the immediate impact of breathwork to my numbers, how just a few minutes of mindful breathing, pranayama, could return both blood pressure and heart rate to a healthy range and that it would last for several hours after. This reminded me that numbers themselves aren't the only measure of health, that it's the daily effort of care that truly matters. 

between these two points of checking my blood pressure, early morning and right before bed - I seldom give thought to these issues. What I do for my health is mostly a routine that's highly enjoyable, and the pleasure of this care actually adds to the benefits, with every point of self-love adding seamlessly to the whole affair. Honestly, I'm not at all concerned about my blood pressure, my lifestyle seems to keep everything in check just fine, and there seems little need to worry. Yet I find this ritual important, it's a connection, something shared with my father that still calls for my return. Really, it's just a mindful moment, a few relaxing breaths, numbers reflecting on how I feel right now...and a reminder that my role of caretaker continues, for myself, and from this place of true self-care extended towards others, inclusive, holding the entire world. 

checking my blood pressure...

a reminder of this care. 

~

Peace, Eric