Ask Uttara: How do you keep up with your practice when you are injured?

Question: 

How do you keep up with your practice when you are injured?

Response:

That depends a LOT upon your regular practice and your injury.

First step; what's happening in your body?  What has your doctor told you NOT to do?

What hurts?  Like, actual pain?  And back that way up to do you even have a relationship with pain versus intensity; do you know the difference?

Because we're operating out of a "no pain, no gain" culture -- which is (*ahem*) a load of shit.  (Oops, parden the cussword).

But seriously; I am so tired of people encouraging pain, being okay with what is clearly harmful; feeling somewhat virtuous or special or like you've paid some kinda dues by suffering.  Because the true reality is -- your suffering serves no one.  NO ONE.

Okay, finished with my rant.

So, you have an understanding of the difference between pain and intensity (assuming here).  If it hurts -- stop.  Know the difference between "causing damage" and just "feeling weird" or something that just has to be worked through.  There is a difference.

Let us assume you are not even mobile.  Begin with maximum hydration and sleep.  Both things we all need more of.  Conscious breathing is amazing and powerful; oxygen AND lifeforce (prana/chi/the Force) pour in.  Direct your breath towards your injury and visualize healing light, warmth, love, penetrating your injury.

Even if you are bedridden you can move the spine all six ways:  forward bend, back bend, side bend (both sides), and twist (both ways).  There are lots of different ways to do this -- you can do it standing, sitting; legs crossed or extented.  With each movement choose a number of breaths (if this is your only practice at least 10 breaths per movement).  Move consciously, deliberately, slowly, mindfully. 

If you can put your legs up the wall or be upside down in some way, do it for at least 5-8 minutes.

If your injury is in the upper body, keep the legs strong; chair pose, warrior poses, lunges, triangle; keep the legs healthy and open.  If only one side is injured, keep the other side strong but try not to swing things too out of balance; one very strong leg and another weak will not serve you.

Same with a lower body injury; keep your upper body strong and pliable with plank, reverse plank, eagle arms, and side bends.

State of mind is very, very important; do not be angry at the body; what is the injury teaching you?  Have you been getting the message to slow down and not listening?  Here is your wake-up call.  Have you been too independent and not asking others for assistance?  Now you are required.

Hopefully this injury is not serious and will heal quickly; both the body and the mind.  In the meantime, cultivate a gratefulness for what your body CAN do -- and bring that gratitute into your everyday life even when you are whole and healed.

Shanti,

Jill

Ask Uttara: I found out I was pregnant and then lost my baby in the early stages . . .

Question: 

I found out I was pregnant and then lost my baby in the early stages of pregnancy; it's been really difficult for me; how can I heal physically, mentally and emotionally?

Response:

Dearest Reader -- I am so sorry for your loss.  No matter how long you carry a child there is a deep connection.

Begin with rest and relaxation; get the sleep, nutrition and pure water that you need -- those things will help body, mind and spirit.  And though you need lots of rest, be careful not to retreat too far inward -- seek out friends, conversation, social time to the extent it feels good to do so.  Don't feel the need to hide the information from your inner circle; so very many women lose a child, it is actually quite common in the early stages of the pregnancy; talking with others might be helpful to you.

Talk and be open with the child's father; hopefully he is supporting you throughout this process; be sure to keep the communication lines open and try to ask for what you need.  Sometimes men retreat inward because they are unsure how to handle emotions; talk, laugh, cry together.  Ask him to rub your feet; ask him about his grief and emotions.  Make sure he is supported and loved through this process as well.

Take walks; get out in nature; this planet has the ability to heal us all if we allow her the time and space.

Lay down and allow your breath to move throughout your body; keep relaxing and relaxing and allowing and allowing.  It's really quite magical.

Acupuncture might be a good call to balance hormones and energy levels.  Massage would be wonderful for you; gentle loving, healing touch. 

You may want to look at the website of Dr. Robin Markus, her site is nourishinglife.com -- she does a lot with yoga and breathwork to deal with women's issues.  Just met her at a retreat and was really impressed.  She has a good website and some youtube videos you might find helpful.

Be certain you are not feeling any anger towards your body; sometimes we can feel like the body has betrayed us and it has not -- things are going as they should, trust the process.

Perhaps write a letter to your baby; or do a little ritual sending them onto their next incarnation.  Some souls accomplish their work in days; others take years; we all have such an incorrect idea of time here on Earth.

Thinking of you during this difficult time, and sending healing light.

Blessings,

Jill