Iona Winter

Foot in mouth: speaking without thinking. As opposed to foot and mouth – the horrible toxic disease we were petrified of contracting as children. Sadly, this has lead to a lifelong fear of cows and pigs—I won’t be a farmer in this lifetime. But I digress.

Hmm, the matter of foot-in-mouth issues. As I go about managing worldly chaos, sometimes I have the uncomfortable sensation of my foot being planted in my mouth. That is, I say things which are sometimes uncensored. I can’t help myself. As soon as the words are out, I decide it might be better to return them, because the audience is not always receptive. Too blimmin late for that Missus!

Now there are several ways to look at this, AND possible responses vacillate between being a zen-like hermit in a cave, or giving oneself a hard time. Many of us, are supremely good at giving ourselves a hard time. I mean, from birth we are told what NOT to do and what NOT to think. It’s no wonder we end up confused and conflicted about what is truly ours, and what has been planted there (in our minds, hearts and mouths) through other experiences.

That said, I reckon if something comes out then it was probably meant to. Otherwise, I would’ve shut up about it. Sometimes it pays to be a little philosophical about such things. And I don’t mind, said foot in mouth, because it’s usually clean anyhow.

Being constantly bombarded with toxic images, words, sounds and sensations, that reek of humanity’s imperfections, sometimes wears me out. AND it takes a concerted effort to remain quiet about it. Seriously, if I was overwhelmed (all of the time) by these things, I would be propelled in the direction of a cave. For the rest of my life. But no, I’m a little claustrophobic so that option (as well as farming) is clearly off the table.

I can’t live my life avoiding people, because I like them. So I continue to find ways to navigate or neutralise toxicity in my life – gently removing my feet along the way if needs be. The image of a hermit in a cave (yes, that cave again) observing a beautiful sunrise, with his/her/their bare feet standing on the earth, often pops into mind. Ah…such a beautiful picture of stillness, calm and connectivity to the universe…sigh. 

I tried it this week (the standing on the earth bit, in bare feet), and the process was helped by a magnificent sunrise. To remain inside would’ve been a wasted opportunity, in my opinion.

I felt appreciation, gratitude and inner peace, while watching the sun come up. What a privilege, before going about the business of the day. BUT I had to make the time to do it.

My thought for today is this. Take a moment in your day to pause. Look out a window, or step outside. Breathe in and look for a beautiful thing. Enjoy the moment and (if you can) carry the image, sound or sensation with you throughout the rest of your day.