It is interesting how pain can reflect us inwards, turning us to be quiet. One of the few times when I was little I would shut up would be when I was sick, I guess in part that is still true though I am working on becoming quieter, more of listener then a talker. I think we can learn so much when we listen to others, and I love to hear stories. Like sickness pain turns me inward, and I sink into deep breathing and strong focus, determination that I won’t let it stop me. After being on my feet for nearly six hours and running around on concrete and up and down stairs my ankle was swollen, my hips creaking and reminding me that the recent x-rays were right there is arthritis there forming taking hold.

This morning I wasn’t going to miss my yoga class, so I pulled myself out of bed and readied my self carefully and methodically moving with consciousness that is not usually wasted on small things. Before class I told my amazing instructor that I may be a bit slow today and need to sit out some of the standing poses, but it ended up being just two students, another and myself. The other student is also new, so the instructor took it easy on us and I was able to go through most of it. The amazing part was I was more focused today then normal, I focused so deeply on breathing, not worrying so much if I “got” every movement that I felt more relaxed and natural in my poses then I have in a while.

Yoga has become my rock this summer, my focus point, my healing strength, my core energy guide. It has focused, relaxed and healed me in more ways then I can express. While the throb of my ankle continues strongly, I can sink into my mind deeply, and meld with the pain, allowing it to just be a simple part of the day, a companion. Invited, for now, to stay a while. I am interested in investigating some books about yoga the history, more poses and getting a few more dvds if you have a suggestion for me I would be so happy to hear it.

Namaste