stop & feel it

stop and feel it

EveryBODY can do yoga

Becoming Disabled – guest blog from chair yoga class student

thanks, pat, for composing this thoughtful blog about your experience of becoming disabled; you tell it like it is and give so many healthy suggestions!

i really like how you affirm people for the troubles upon them and then offer do-able solutions, things they can act upon to empower and elevate themselves.  your honesty, courage and inner peace shine through and i’m so grateful for your inspiring contribution herein:

It comes as a huge shock.  I am not the healthy person that I was.   And just when I’m feeling emotionally distraught, anxious, and physically down, I realize that things in my life have changed.   HAVE I CHANGED?   HOW HAVE I CHANGED!   Will I recover?  Can I still work:  Who will do the things I am known for?  Who will take care of my family?  What about my spouse?  How much money will all this cost?   …And a million other thoughts.

 First, you have to listen to your body.   Eat as healthy as you can, exercise often – even if the movements are small, and sleep when you need to.   Ask for help so that you can do this.  The diagnosis and the illness are both stressful so it is important to find a way to relax, to give you the opportunity to think deeply and to begin a new routine which can restore a sense of balance in your life despite the illness.   Music, prayer, meditation, deep breathing, yoga, laughter and friendship can help to reduce stress.   So can being kind to others, or even witnessing someone else being kind.   Be realistic.   Ask a family member or friend to support you as you learn and adapt and figure out what to do next.
 
Make lists.  The first one can be a list of things you are grateful for.  If you do it right this will be a long one.   If there are people you are grateful for, please tell them.   Remember, they may be scared and worried also.  
The second can be a ‘current challenges’ list.  Write down all the  concerns you can think of.  It is not necessary to go far into the future, or to define every ‘what if”.   Share this list with your closest supporters.   Remember the old saying “A trouble shared is a trouble halved.”  
The third list is a ‘to do list’.   Brainstorm what can be done to eliminate or reduce the challenges on list 2.   Be creative.  Include imaginary and outrageous solutions and ideas that you can laugh about.  
         
Pat Ligon 2/14/13
Guruatma serves as a mentor for those who suffer from chronic or critical illness, as well as their family members. To inquire about or schedule a one-on-one session, click here: http://yogic-tools.com/services/contact-us/.