sialoptysis

spitting - should say more about that on reflection, so much we know but don't know we know, unless it is written and accepted by others - so often all but the most courageous and wise among us remain in denial, I am thinking of the understanding of space time location, but spitting too. Grandma didn't approve of spitting - but why? Phlegm is a potentially deadly result of excessive consumption, indulgence and exposure, grandma put that together. Hence spitting was the action of a morally inferior class of person, behavior which she would not accept in her presence. I don't remember ever spitting in front of her but perhaps it got buried under geraniums and bird feeding and delicious black tea.

I am not saying it is our fault if phlegm invades but it can be the result of poor choices. In relation to the chinese propensity for spitting there has been toxic air quality in various areas of China for centuries, and no environmental oversight or preventative health care to prevent it. We have no choice over exposure to some phlegm causing agents, but we can choose whether we take in others.

In TCM phlegm or mucus or "Gob" is both physical and invisible/insubstantial, it affects the lungs, heart, stomach and "channels and collaterals, " gumming them up, and of course there is both Heat Phlegm and Cold Phlegm. Each organ has a multitude of associations including spirit and emotion, abilities and capacities far beyond what we would ever make in western culture. It is truly a part of our Practice.

Everything in moderation, even moderation. The path we walk is a fun and joyful one and varied, and pleasing. Not too passionate, not too devout, we are unintentional heroes like Hobbits, enjoying simple pleasures, this is the middle way. The great reliever of Gob? Kindness, free and equally given, to ourselves and to all other beings.