Feeling Biological

I feel so biological. I have a dull headache, a runny nose, and a congested nasal cavity. My body, too, is tired, since I decided to surprise it today with the rigors of a 30 minute run that it hasn't experienced for a year now.

You might think I am not feeling well. But really, I am feeling pretty good about not feeling well, and so overall, I am feeling well. Instead of the metaphysical and intellectual hiding our physical experiences, in sickness, we feel totally biological. There's something sort of...fun...about laying in bed all day, reading a book, eating chicken soup, and moaning about feeling ill while our family members serve our needs.

The joy of sickness lies in its temporary-ness, and so obviously terminal illnesses do not carry the same entertainment value. With minor illnesses, we know that this is a mere stopping ground before we head back to our busy lives, our list of to-do items, appointments, expectations and performances. A fever or flu, or even a bad cold, gives us a moment of respite.

And with that respite comes the feeling of being biological. Biological in a vulnerable way, so that it's the help people give us when we're sick that makes us feel good about being sick. Biological in a healthy way, knowing that our body is gradually rehabilitating itself. Biological in a celebratory way, enjoying the little pleasures of life, hidden in the most unexpected of places.