unstable core

sunrise:  7:12

new thing I saw today:  It was a clear morning, but my view of Orrington, ME was filtered through a haze of morning mist that hung over the Penobscot River.  I thought that a walk during sunrise in the same place every day might get monotonous, but It's quite striking how many unique variations on a theme mother nature can present.

Conditions are still poor for skiing, and walking is awkward on snow hardened into ruts and lumps.  Having recently recovered from a 9 week back injury, I am cautious about balance.  It was a humbling thing I heard from the physical therapist back in Ocotober - "You have an unstable core."  Here I thought I was doing okay - I swim, play tennis, ride a bike or run now and then.  I thought I was in pretty good shape.  Apparently not.  I haven't been paying attention to the most important part of what keeps me in balance and holds me together - all those "core" muscles on which everything else depends.

That diagnosis set me reflecting on the more general state of my being, and I ruefully realized that perhaps my whole essence was suffering from an unstable core.   Yes I'm busy, active, I'm getting things done.  But I think I've been neglecting something more fundamental.

A new exercise class is helping me with my physical core, and my back is better.  I'm hoping that the discipline of these new dedicated mornings of physical and intellectual reflection may serve to improve the rest.