I always gush to people about the amazing benefits of Yoga, making sure to mention how cleansing, strengthening and healing the practice can be. However, like many things in life, Yoga (the physical aspect, that is) should be practiced in a balanced manner. Just as we juggle our work, social, and personal lives, we should pencil in a dedicated Yoga session at specific times. It's so easy -- at least it is for me, and many other Yoga-nuts -- to fall so deeply in love with the practice that we overdo it a little. And like any other aspect of our lives, too much of a good thing can end up causing us harm.
The other day I went to see my doctor due to severe back pain. It turns out I had pulled a back muscle and damaged my sciatic nerve, the largest in the body. What's worse, the pain became evident after an intense Yoga workout. My first thought was: "How could Yoga do this to me?", followed shortly by: "Am I a fraud for telling people Yoga is good for their health?", and finally the classic: "But I'm a Yoga instructor, I should know how to prevent injury." After the first few moments of self-victimization, doubt, and anger passed, I was able to reflect on the significance of my injury.
Yes, my current situation sucked. Yes, being incapacitated meant missing school and staying away from Yoga for a while. Yes, I was in pain. In this physical world pain is absolutely inevitable. BUT -- and this is one of the key lessons I've come to understand -- suffering is optional. No matter the situation, we always have a choice. We can choose to let pain take over and fall into an abyss of despair, or we can accept things just as they are. Obviously this is easier said than done. More often than not our ego will grab hold of the steering wheel and convince us pain is bad. But is it really?
My back injury has taught me at least four significant lessons: just like I tell the students in my class, each of our bodies has lived a completely unique life to anyone else - you are where you are, so don't try to manipulate your present situation or force the body to do more than it can/should.
Lesson #1 for me: Take it easy. I was pushing my body way too hard, thinking I needed to be more advanced than what I was ready for.
Lesson #2: Gratitude. After being confined to a bed or couch for about 4 days, I gained a far deeper appreciation for my body and the mobility it allows me. I think we often forget just how blessed we are to have the vehicles we so often shun or put down for trivial reasons. Our bodies are absolutely incredible; just think of all the amazing, subconscious processes it does without you even having to think about it!
Lesson #3: Blessed. As I was stuck in a horizontal position, I also realized how blessed I am to have the family that I do. The day the pain was really intolerable, my dad came right to the rescue and brought me home. My mother remained at my beck and call for the next week, driving me to the doctor, getting me an acupuncture appointment the same day, and giving me daily back massages.
Lesson #4: Teaching. Because of my injury, I was unable to teach my usual Thursday class- something I was NOT happy about. However, it was exactly the reaction I felt that prompted me to fully realize how I've come to love sharing Yoga with others. The thrill of standing up before people, the excitement of welcoming Yoga- virgins, and the inexplicable joy felt when someone in the class smiles or reaches a new milestone.
The moral of the story is; regardless of the situation you may find yourself in, there's always an opportunity to be found- a silver lining to be spotted - and a blessing to be discovered. Remember that pain is inescapable, but suffering isn't.
Much love and light to you all :-)
The other day I went to see my doctor due to severe back pain. It turns out I had pulled a back muscle and damaged my sciatic nerve, the largest in the body. What's worse, the pain became evident after an intense Yoga workout. My first thought was: "How could Yoga do this to me?", followed shortly by: "Am I a fraud for telling people Yoga is good for their health?", and finally the classic: "But I'm a Yoga instructor, I should know how to prevent injury." After the first few moments of self-victimization, doubt, and anger passed, I was able to reflect on the significance of my injury.
Yes, my current situation sucked. Yes, being incapacitated meant missing school and staying away from Yoga for a while. Yes, I was in pain. In this physical world pain is absolutely inevitable. BUT -- and this is one of the key lessons I've come to understand -- suffering is optional. No matter the situation, we always have a choice. We can choose to let pain take over and fall into an abyss of despair, or we can accept things just as they are. Obviously this is easier said than done. More often than not our ego will grab hold of the steering wheel and convince us pain is bad. But is it really?
My back injury has taught me at least four significant lessons: just like I tell the students in my class, each of our bodies has lived a completely unique life to anyone else - you are where you are, so don't try to manipulate your present situation or force the body to do more than it can/should.
Lesson #1 for me: Take it easy. I was pushing my body way too hard, thinking I needed to be more advanced than what I was ready for.
Lesson #2: Gratitude. After being confined to a bed or couch for about 4 days, I gained a far deeper appreciation for my body and the mobility it allows me. I think we often forget just how blessed we are to have the vehicles we so often shun or put down for trivial reasons. Our bodies are absolutely incredible; just think of all the amazing, subconscious processes it does without you even having to think about it!
Lesson #3: Blessed. As I was stuck in a horizontal position, I also realized how blessed I am to have the family that I do. The day the pain was really intolerable, my dad came right to the rescue and brought me home. My mother remained at my beck and call for the next week, driving me to the doctor, getting me an acupuncture appointment the same day, and giving me daily back massages.
Lesson #4: Teaching. Because of my injury, I was unable to teach my usual Thursday class- something I was NOT happy about. However, it was exactly the reaction I felt that prompted me to fully realize how I've come to love sharing Yoga with others. The thrill of standing up before people, the excitement of welcoming Yoga- virgins, and the inexplicable joy felt when someone in the class smiles or reaches a new milestone.
The moral of the story is; regardless of the situation you may find yourself in, there's always an opportunity to be found- a silver lining to be spotted - and a blessing to be discovered. Remember that pain is inescapable, but suffering isn't.
Much love and light to you all :-)
~ A personal story from one of our Yoginis, Johanna Boedenauer ~
Johanna Boedenauer is a Grade 11 AIS student, founder and president of the AIS Yoga CAS group.
She holds a 200-hour Vinyasa Flow Yoga Certification from Heart Center Therapy, awarded by Essud Fungcap Jr.