I love the desert southwest, and while I will always be considered an outsider from east of the Mississippi (though I have lived in the area almost a quarter of century), the desert climate agrees with me. I didn’t expect to stay in the area as long as I have, but there is something about the blue sky, wide-open spaces, and dry environment that agrees with my body. As you know, the southwest is characterized by mild winters, low rainfall and humidity, and abundant sunshine.
I was in the saddle moving cattle a few weeks ago in over one-hundred-degree weather. When we finally arrived at the pens, we waited under a small mesquite bush for the trucks and trailers to pick us up. When we finally got into the truck, the thermometer registered 116 degrees. While I felt my skin was burning, somehow the whole day was tolerable.
Take a moment to contemplate the seasons, the weather, and the amount of daylight, and think about how it affects you daily throughout the year. I know we do not all have choices of where we live, but it is important to consider how much climate plays a role in your health.
Researchers at the universities of Cambridge and Tübingen published findings that reveal that the average body size of humans has fluctuated significantly over the last million years, with larger bodies evolving in colder, harsher regions while warmer climates led to smaller bodies. The researcher who led the study says, “Our study indicates that climate—particularly temperature–has been the main driver of changes in body size for the past million years.”
As I write this, I am sitting in a home in North Carolina listening to a rainstorm with the doors and windows wide open. I can feel the moisture on my skin and in my nose but unfortunately also in my lungs and in my bones. It is amazing how different my body feels compared the way it does in the desert southwest. No doubt our environment affects our health, both physically and mentally. Can anything be done about that?
Knowing how much climate affects our physical and mental health, as I navigate through the healthcare system with my aging father, I wonder how our health care system will be able adjust to climate disruptions like wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, and flooding. Mentioning climate change and thinking about state of the U.S. healthcare system make me realize that I need to stop and practice mindfulness.
According to the Eastern meditative traditions, lasting happiness is achieved by understanding and training the mind. Our usual pattern is to look to the outside world for the validation and comfort that define our happiness. Generally, events and situations govern how we feel, but we can’t control everything such as a poor health care system and climate change. Meditation teaches us that even when there are ups and downs, we can use mindfulness and awareness to deepen our understanding and develop the qualities that lead to stable happiness. What’s more, we find that our personal well-being has a ripple effect that benefits others.
Read more Maintaining Balance:
It’s not the destination when you’re on these walks
The importance of nature
Ten-Hut! Good posture matters
The first step is to set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. You don’t need to have a dedicated meditation chair or cushion to start. and no special skills are required. You only need 10 to 15 minutes a day to get started. Choose a time of day that best suits you; many prefer mornings.
First, find aa way to sit comfortably with your back straight, no matter where you sit. Your body should be dignified, aligned, and relaxed. Then tune into your body and your breath paying attention to physical sensations, especially your breathing. When you inhale, try to be aware of inhaling. When you exhale, try to be aware that you’re exhaling. Observe what’s going on with your body and respiration in the here and now. Notice your thoughts and let them pass
As you pay attention to the process of breathing, thoughts and emotions will arise. Don’t react to them. Don’t do anything about them one way or the other. Simply going acknowledge them, let them pass, and go back to your breath. The act of noticing, letting go, and coming back is mindfulness. Most of all be kind to yourself as you may experience difference emotions. I’m grateful for the desert, and I’m grateful that I have some tools that help me cope with the weather. There’s a reason why we say
“Take ten” to help someone settle down. That’s because it works. Go find a place to sit.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me at ashton@ashtoncannon.com.
Ashton Graham is an educator, book publisher, photographer, cowgirl and yoga teacher. She is currently studying to become a yoga therapist and lives on a ranch in West Texas. Visit www.ashtoncannon.com to learn more.
