(Re-)Learning How to Brush My Teeth

+This post is from the first edition of my blog entitled You Are Here+

This year has been a crazy whirlwind.  I spent half the year working and studying and the other half of the year not working, just studying – finishing up my certificate in Family Life Education and studying myself; studying who it is I am underneath all the social conditioning, the stories thrust upon me, and the often false beliefs about how this life works. Although it’s certainly been a less than productive year in the outside world, it‘s been the richest, most fruitful year in terms of the inner work that has been accomplished and in some cases, that is just getting started.

If I can compare this deep inner process to something more everyday, it’s like learning how to brush my teeth all over again.

 

The other day I had an appointment at the dentist and learned that the enamel on some of my teeth is beginning to wear away, slowly giving way to the root, and causing unpleasant sensitive spots.  The reason?  My brushing.

Over the years my teeth brushing technique has evolved (Has yours?  Just curious!).  To be honest, having had plenty of cavities as a child and braces as a teenager, I‘ve always tried to be careful with my oral hygiene.  What I learned the other day, however, is that I still don’t have it quite right. 

While I should definitely not be brushing back and fourth, from left to right, brushing in an up/down sweeping motion is apparently also not right.  If I want to avoid the wearing away of my gums and costly dental work in the future, I now have to angle my brush at 45 degrees, make sure the bristles get in between the teeth, and ever so gently brush up/down depending on which set of teeth I’m working on, avoiding the gums at all costs.

(Coming to the realization that all these“stories” and beliefs of how to properly brush my teeth have been false – or at least have evolved over time.)

 

What’s more, with this more cautious method, I find myself having to stay put in front of the mirror so I can supervise the whole process carefully. This means no more staring out the front window to gauge the weather outside, no more filling the kettle to get a head start on making tea, no more sitting on the couch wishing I didn’t have to go through this mindless routine every day, at least twice a day.

(Moving from mindless routine to mindful action.  Observing myself and doing what is right for me and beneficial to my all around health.)

 

It’s a struggle to adapt to this change in my routine, but I do it because I believe it’s good for me.  The results won’t be immediate, but I’m confident that over time, my oral health will thank me for the effort.

(Self-explanatory.)

 

Even with this small, yet huge change, there remain some questions to which I have yet to find the answer (for myself), like:

• Should I be brushing before I eat in the morning, or after?
• Should I be brushing after every meal, or is twice a day (morning + night) fine?
• Should I be flossing before or after brushing?

 

As with all the inner work I have been doing, I suppose the answers will come when I am ready and the timing is right.  All I know is that I’m on the right track.  At least it’s what the dentist and hygienist say.

So there you have it, my year put into simple, everyday terms!

 

Wishing everyone an end of year filled with love and light.  For now, I am off to Mexico with my partner to bring together both of our families, our friends, and to celebrate our union.  I can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store!  I have a hunch that it will be a year filled with many opportunities and with much growth.  And not just for me, but for everyone willing to take that leap of faith.  Cheers!!!