THIS MOMENT
When I got sick many things became incredibly apparent to me. The life I had taken for granted was no longer the same… When I got better, other ways became incredibly apparent to me. Each moment had become so precious. Each moment of my recovery became a gift. And today, 20 years after the MS diagnosis, as I live in health, I have realized that every moment I have been granted has become my wealth. All I have is each moment at a time. I don’t know what will be next, but I do know that this moment is mine to do whatever it is I choose to do; to be whomever I choose to be; to love whomever I choose to love. At this moment I choose only that which brings me peace and love in which I have been able to heal.
Namaste-the ability to heal in me, is the ability to heal in you.
INTENTION
In setting our intention to trusting the process, we must let go of “what if.” “What if” can be the most damaging block to wellness and living. All we have is “now”, and all we are is “now.” In trusting ourselves in the process of healing, we can calm our nervous system down, and bring a sense of balance to the body. We create the space for the body to heal; to breathe with ease and make room for homeostasis to happen. In the relaxation is where the healing happens.
THE WHY IS NOT IMPORTANT
Why have some of us found the path to yoga? Someone may have found it to improve his or her health. Someone else may be practicing because they heard yoga would give them a beautiful body. Or the reason for someone else may be because they’ve been told it’s the way to peace and possibly self-realization. No matter what the reason is, the fact is that you are here. No reason is better than another. The point is you have created the space for whatever it is the practice needs to give you. In my case I found yoga, or maybe yoga found me, because I was very ill. But the truth of the matter is that it has brought my body back to balance and health, but it also has surprised me in how much more it continues to give me. There is no right reason nor wrong reason. It’s what each day, the practice we choose gives to us. That which we may be needing. I’m happy to be on this path with you…no matter the reasons.
Namaste-that light within which guides you, is the same light which guides me.
OBSERVE
Observe your emotions throughout the day when seeing something beautiful, smelling something sweet, or recalling a happy moment. Then observe your emotions when watching a scary movie, seeing a sad event or when feeling angry. Then observe how your body reacts to those emotions. Each emotion sets in motion a reaction in the body. It’s essential that we be aware of them. The impact of those emotions on our bodies is fundamentally tied to our healing and well being.. Think about it…. We know stress has a negative effect on our bodies. It can literally cause disease in the body. Then doesn’t it stand to reason that if we choose to focus on emotions such as gratitude and compassion, the effect on the body can be one of healing? It’s important that we choose how we react and how we interact throughout the day. It’s important that we are aware of our self chatter and the emotions which we create for ourselves. The quality of our lives depends on it.
NO NEED FOR WORDS...SIMPLY FEEL
This image came to me in the form of a card. There are so many emotions wrapped up in it for me. The first thing I felt was surrender. Then a deep sense of gratitude. From there it has shown me many more. But, ultimately, the point is, it made me feel; and very deeply. My hope is that it does the same for you. Stay with that feeling…
Thank you @deniseevans. Simply beautiful.
On a Personal Note...
A little over twenty years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I can say that may have been the most terrifying moment in my life. There have been many challenges along the way in the past twenty years since then. Many fears that needed to be faced head on. There were many decisions to be made and feeling my way blindly through it all, but trusting my inner voice. At the same time there were many beautiful moments and an abundance of love. There was a life to be lived. But how to live it? Once I was able to go through the grieving process of losing my health, I chose to live to the best of my ability. Not a stone was left unturned. Not an “I love you” would be missed. I chose to give all I had to this life I had been gifted. What did that look like? Well, it was a lot of hard work wrapped in faith. Faith in the ability to heal. There was no other way.
It will be my birthday tomorrow; one more trip around the sun has been made. I have been reflecting and pondering today . I’m in awe of what I have been so fortunate to receive in this lifetime; including this disease that opened my eyes to that which is important, and giving me my purpose, my dharma. I have been able to transcend MS, but at no moment am I not aware of the responsibility I have to others, to help them transcend with me. It is with a full heart that I have taken that on. It is each yoga class, each conference call, each moment I have where I can see a person finding their connection with self love and healing that makes this life so full. I have written this because I want to thank those who have allowed me to be part of their healing process. For those who are yet to come, I am here waiting, and looking forward to meeting you. Looking forward to the next trip around the sun and what it will bring.