Body balance blues

Once upon a time, there was a lady called Amy. Amy lives in London and is a single mum to two young children. She works part-time as a consultant in the world of communications and teaches yoga in her spare time. Yoga has been part of her life for several years although she is relatively new to teaching. She likes to keep fit and spends some of her free time spinning. 

Amy found herself ‘trapped’ in a hamster wheel during the autumn. She was super busy in all areas of her life – work, yoga and play. And the wheels on her spinning bike spun harder to help her cope with the stress. The pain which began to pop up in her lower back was ignored. Even child’s pose (balasana) in yoga caused her discomfort. But round and round the wheels kept on going. And down and down she kept on sitting. Finding a way to live with the pain.

Three months later, Amy is waiting for a second operation to remove an external abscess on her lower back.

This is a true story about a super intelligent wise lady who knows about body balance and health. She has managed to move herself into a space of acceptance and sees her health challenge as an opportunity to spend time on other things.

‘I have felt really sorry for myself. I had to close down a few new opportunities at the beginning of 2019 which I was super excited about. I am in pain every day. And have to spend a lot of time on my tummy.’ She goes on to add, ‘reflecting on things, I realise I now have some time to put into my writing and spend more quality time with the children. Enjoying the simple things like cooking a meal together after school.’

Learning lessons in pain

Never, never ignore physical pain. Regardless how busy you are. You only have one body. And if it doesn’t work properly, everyone around you will suffer. You are no good to yourself, your family or your employer.

Reflection gives you more time. More time to prioritise and say no to the things that do not add value to your life. To step away from people and situations which drain your energy. To listen to your heart. 

Accepting the tough times can help you grow. Acceptance and letting go of the frustrations of the present challenges opens up to healing. Healing physically and emotionally. And the situation shows you a light at the end of the tunnel.

Tough life lessons become your strength. I firmly believe Amy will turn her personal learning into a strength which will allow her to help others. Perhaps yogis in her class who are healing from an injury. Perhaps to encourage others to maintain body balance before the hamster wheel life takes its toll.

It takes courage to prioritise you. It’s a journey to realise you can’t be everything to everyone. As you get older, your energy levels change. What kept you in balance in the past, might not be working for you now. Your body knows. Listen to those silent whispers and work with it. Always.