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