A Cavity and the Lack of Balance in the World

Olivia went to the dentist today and they found a CAVITY.  I have to admit, I"m very disturbed.  The first thing that came to mind was my fear that it will hurt and she will be forever traumatized and afraid to go to the dentist.  Every six months will be a struggle and a panic because the one thing she will remember is it hurt.  The second thing that plays over and over again is that I did something wrong; I didn't brush her teeth well enough.. I didn't give her enough fluoride when she was a baby.... I should have made sure she rinsed her mouth when she had something sugary...I've been unsettled all day.  I can't get it out my head that if I can't protect her from something as simple as a cavity, how can I protect her from the rest of the world. 

I am not by nautre a neurotic person, although I recognize this post may have you think otherwise; it's just everytime I turn around there is disturbing news about our food supply, our water, children dying of cancer, people with healthy lifestyles succumbing to horrible diseases, child abductions, animal cruelty, wars... it goes on and on... and now Olivia has a cavity.  Does every parent feel like this or is it more a reflection of my life being out of balance on some level?  I practice yoga on a fairly consistant basis and what I find very interesting is how varied the balance poses can be.  Unlike strength, balance, or shall I say "unbalance" is so much more in my head.  On the days when I can't settle my thoughts I topple over even in the most basic poses.  When my spirit is light and I can clear my mind, my body is steady and powerful. I am graceful, poised and controlled.

I've been looking at my life a lot lately and wondering if I died tommorrow, did I leave the world a better place?  Did I make a positive impact in some way?  Who would show up at the funeral and what would they remember about me? Am I providing Olivia with all she needs to grow into her own self and lead a healthy and fulfilled life?  Will she have self-awareness and confidance to take her place in the world, will she be authentic and live with integrity, will she stand tall and powerful when she's thrown a curve ball...will she brush and floss properly?

So, I ask myself, "what would you tell Olivia if she was asking all these questions?"  I would tell her, "Life is full of things we cannot control and therefore we must focus on how we are "being" in our life.  Be mindful and stay present, do your best and remember to breathe deeply.  Be thankful for all that you have and for who you are.  Be gentle with yourself and with others. Brush and floss daily and avoid sugary foods."