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EQUANIMITY
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Fall editioN 2012
self expression
Marching to the Same Tune
A
s human beings, we are born with more than 300
bones ­ as we mature, a good number of these
bones fuse together resulting in only 206 bones
for an adult. Although this may still seem like a relatively
large number, each of our bones serves a definite purpose
and function. Our backbone provides the structure and
enables us to stand while our skull and rib cage serve as
much needed protection for our brain, heart, lungs and
other delicate parts of our body. In addition to the each
distinct yet vital purpose, the size and shape of our bones
also vary widely. The biggest bone is our femur (thigh
bone) ­ it makes up approximately 1/4 of our height.
In contrast, the smallest is the stirrup bone in our ear
which only measures mere 1/10 of an inch. As we can
all imagine, each of these bones with varying sizes and
functions must be connected and aligned perfectly for our
overall physical well being. A slight predicament in any
one component of our body can, and often does, cause
pain throughout the entire body system.
I learned this important lesson recently, when one of
my lower backbones became misaligned with the rest
of my spine by a mere ¼ inch. Simplest of tasks such
as taking a shower and getting dressed took much
excruciating pain and time. My wife wasn't too amused
when bending down to bathe our infant son Daniel, at
least for temporarily, became a near impossible chore.
By J. h. hyun
GETTING
everyone
MARcHING
TO THE
Same
Tune
A Leadership Lesson from
Abraham Lincoln