This is just a quick note.   Tonight during our Tuesday Night Class, I had the most amazing trip down memory lane.   Let me explain.

Part of the reason that I talk about the My Real Bodyoga classes being a community is exactly that, we really are.   More than a slogan, it is the way we are with each other. Though my classes are small, each member of the class brings and leaves something memorable in the session.  In the beginning, we start very differently than other yoga classes.  We know each others names. We know whose knees are sore, who is stressed from work, how many of use have pets and dread home owners association meetings.   

Tonight, as I was sharing with the class, the memory of all of the people that have been helped in the classes came to me.  People with anger and anxiety, cancer, death and divorce.  Marriages, births and job promotions.  Bodies that have gained strength and bodies who strength and beauty are growing more " real " , like the Velveteen Rabbit. 

Also tonight a former student stopped in to tell me that she would be back.  Just to check in and share a little more life together.  

The best part, is that my students know that I truly love them.   Each person I have ever shared the yoga mat with has given me a sense of love and self.  I look in their hearts and they show the beauty that is their life.  

The best part of my yoga practice is my students, every time. Moving together and finding joy together is the best that life can get. 

Just wanted to say thank you again, for allowing me to be your teacher.  Thank you for being mine!

 LOL, no this isn't trying to sell you anything! Not a scam , nothing to sign up for, I just want to share some hope and experience that I received last night!

Let me first share my background.   I have arthritis in my neck, back and shoulders ( and a wonderful degenerative disc diagnosis).  In the winter, the pain gets over the top for me.  There have been days that I have laid in bed because literally the weight of my own head hurt so bad , I couldn't hold it up anymore. 

​Yesterday was a super high pain day.  As much as I was trying to have a happy face, it wasn't happening. Someone asked me what they could do to help and I said, " I just need to go to yoga".

How comforting. 

In the old days, I would either go to the ER with the pain ( by the way, that's an inappropriate use of an ER) or I would find narcotics to take and go to bed.   All both behaviors only got me weight gain, troubled relationships, depressed, more anxiety  and low self esteem.   That just didn't work.

So 14 years ago , I changed. 

I try my best to do what I need to do in the most natural ways first, and try to understand the concern I have. I don't have an issue with Western medicine, I just know it is limited.  Without an informed and invested consumer, the medicine won't work. 

So in my research, there is very little that can be done for degenerative disc disease. Fibromyalgia....forget it, no help ( Western medicine wise).  So my question is and was, do I let my body defeat me or do I define it?

Yesterday , I used the DEEP Blue lotion from my doTerra box.  Since Jason's discontinued the tee tree gel ( saddest day ever!), this is the next best thing!  Then I went to yoga and worked the hardest , most satisfying class that I have ever done. One hour before, I was practicing my own flow and yoga.  Two hours of yoga!   And I did the splits ( first time since my glut pull)!  My body felt amazing, I slept so well. ( First night in a while!) Pain was manageable.

Most importantly I feel empowered! Yesterday was a clear win for me. Those of us with chronic conditions understand how important those daily wins are. ( our challenge is to not minimize the 'small wins', they are all BIG!)

Today, you guessed it, the pain is back. BUT- my heart is happy and my muscles feel strong. I did yoga this morning and after work will do a little more. I will use essential oils to keep my mind focused and clear. 

It is when we become passionate about our healing , that healing begins. Just know that it is a daily thing.....a daily reprieve contingent on our spiritual condition.   Get passionate about you, then notice where healing takes place for you. Rejoice in that. Allow the muscles to feel strong ,the heart is happy, the sadness lifts a little, even if the bones still hurt!  Worthy work to help us to heal so we can  all be of service to each other!
( By the way, I also use Cayenne capsules on the really bad days.... I suggest you look it up!)

One day at a time, one movement at a time. You can get stronger, stay stronger.  You can message me on Facebook, Building Blocks of Recovery for ideas of yoga or essential oils that may be helpful to you! ( no charge, silly......your healing is worth my time to care!!!! I love you, remember?)

click here for an interesting link from the Arthritis Foundation of Western Austrailia