What's Your Medicine?

I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis and fibromyalgia about three years ago. The pain was unbearable.   The amount of medication I put in my body was ridiculous for the small bit of relief I got. 

I became depressed as  my mental health deteriorated simultaneously with my physical health. 

In the words of Desmond Tutu, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in.” 

Out of desperation, I turned to yoga and meditation, and I can’t begin to describe how my life shifted. 

It was not easy. But I was opened to trying it out.  I went to my first class (Hot Series 26) and I immediately felt relief both physically and mentally.  

I made a commitment to practicing at least once a week which eventually turned into almost every day. 

  

My symptoms eventually disappeared. 

I weaned myself off of Humira shots, gabapentin and Celebrex because I didn’t get the relief I needed from them as I did from practicing yoga and meditation.

My health quickly improved - beyond my expectations.   I am only pain free when I practice regularly.   

I’ve been distracted and stressed lately and not as committed to my practices. Pain inched it’s way back into my life as a result.  

This morning I committed to showing up, and between the style of class (Hot 26), the instructor, June and the amazing people I shared the practice with, The energy was intense.

It set my day in an intention of extreme gratitude and hope. 

Grateful for my resources...
Grateful  for my health...
Grateful for new friends...
and hopeful for the peace and unity that is desperately needed right now in this world.

Not a bad way to start the day!

Yoga and Meditation are my medicine.

What’s yours?