Yoga Journey #45

Patience

It’s been three weeks left to my own devices – home alone. I had a couple of goals which were to get back to regular practice and change to a plant based whole food diet. It is with some surprise that I have accomplished both. Yea I know it’s only been three weeks but the food part was easy except that I gained four pounds of which I did not expect.

And during this third week I have practiced five days out of seven. Each practice was at least 30 mins long with the longest being forty minutes. Full disclosure; I left out a couple of standing asanas and at the moment no vinyasas. Binding is also an issue as I can’t bind on several asanas but I’m getting more flexible and I’m sure I’ll be there in a few weeks. I’m following the Ashtanga sequence and today it included full closing (without Sirsasana (headstand)) I’m amazed.

Six weeks ago when I started to “force” myself on the mat it literally started with one sun salutation one day. Two the next and I just kept going. Doubt was my biggest road block as I thought I would not be able to do this any more. It has been a long time since I have practiced.

So I’ve become very optimistic about my practice and how far I can take it or how far it can take me. It’s like an infusion of potential – hook me up I’m ready to go.

Why is this important.

I’m in my late sixties with a recent diagnosis of “probable” secondary progressive MS and I wonder what should I be doing. Should I antagonize my body and piss off MS and make it worse and can I, or should I, even do this anymore. My neurologist told me to exercise – Yoga is my exercise. But it’s way more than that to me. It’s wisdom rolled up inside a mat, I unroll and find out.

It represents a freedom that I can compare to nothing else. MS limits me but my practice frees me from those confines. It was not always that way for me it took time to sink in. I knew at my very first lesson that this was for me but it took about ten months before it became clear about why. The breath is what did it. It was an epiphany in one moment in a class that freed me. Yea I know that sounds like BS but it was a moment I will never forget. And for all the teaching I have received that can not be taught. In my humble opinion it either happens or it doesn’t. However I will say the ambiance or the atmosphere created by the teacher contributes massively towards this discovery. And for that I’m very thankful.

Home practice makes this a little more difficult to move ahead. If a teacher was present the binds and folds would be a lot easier. But I don’t think it would be a great use of my time to go into a yoga studio for one or two sun salutations and I’m in no hurry. I’m optimistic though that someday I may be back at the studio for practice and that is something I thought would not happen again.

It’s important to not underestimate the power within; if I can do it… Get on your mat and

Be safe.