Power of me

I was contacted yesterday by one of my yoga instructors, who is also a massage therapist. We talked a little about the last 7 weeks of my “medical stuff”, and she must have heard the frustration in my voice. She invited me to her gentle yoga class, and following that,  suggested she give me a massage. Hmmm, I thought. I could make a million excuses out of fear, or I could take back some control over my health and give it a try. Certainly couldnt hurt. So I happily accepted her offer.  Bright and early this morning I took and hour long yoga class. Lots of slow movement, and gentle stretching. Then off for my massage. We must have talked for a couple of hours, before and after the massage. I left feeling empowered. I had never met her, only thru emails, and when she saw me, she asked how much had I weighed, as I had given her the impression I was much heavier. I found this interesting, as I hadnt known I was doing this. I am soo unhappy with my weight, I guess I have made it much bigger than it is. I never had told her my weight in pounds, but must have conveyed myself as a much heavier person.  WOW, talk about negative self image.                                                    I had a lot, I mean A LOT, of tension in my middle( thoracic) part of my back. She said there was a good chance, due to the muscles being so tight, they may have pulled my spine out of alignment. We all know the powers of STRESS. Again, found this extremely interesting, and very plausible.  I dont want to give up my power to heal myself. The medical field has yet to prove to me that their answers are any better. Their treatment takes an additional toll on my body. Makes you really think…….  She ended the session by sharing a few additional stretches I can do to loosen that part of my back up.  I plan to get a massage monthly. I owe it to myself, and I will resume my gentle yoga routine, as it really did help my mental health. I had an awesome day, and a day I would love to fill up weeks with. Today showed me where my life is going. I feel as if I am leading a double life at times, with a “regular job” that doesnt fulfill me, and a lifestyle that has been stuck in a very “normal” routine, with little interest.  I felt alive today, and I want to feel that much more often. As my yoga instructor said, my mind and my dreams are moving a little quicker than my body. All my dreams are coming together, but I need to make sure to give my body a chance to catch up. Next Friday I will be traveling w/ 2 of my yoga instructors to an inner city elementary school where we will introduce yoga to them. Should be quite exciting. Then in just a month, I will head up north( VT ) for my yoga retreat weekend.  Dont let fear stand in the way of your dreams. Believe and they will happen. 

7 Comments so far

  1. Robyn on May 1st, 2008

    That’s great that you had a great day and a great massage! I’ve never “gotten” a real massage!! I’ve always wanted to, though…
    Going to the inner city school to introduce the children to yoga?? FUN!! That sounds pretty cool! I’m glad that you have found something that makes you feel alive - - we all should search for something that makes us feel that way sometimes. Life can be pretty monotonous, and it’s always good to do something different. I think your monthy massage idea is an excellent one! I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if working those back muscles into submission with a massage will, indeed, help your pain that is rooting from your upper back. Great idea! :)
    Hope you have a great day! :D

  2. Botzz on May 1st, 2008

    Sandy, a massage can be super relaxing! I am glad you got to have one, and I am happy that you were able to get something out of it.

    also we all tend to think were bigger than we actually are, so no surprise that you are in the club with us ;P you have come a ways since starting, keep it up.

    inner city huh? lol I didn’t know CT had an “inner city” where ya headed?

    As Ever
    Me

  3. ravengirl on May 2nd, 2008

    Wow…I just ran across your blog through Ruby Jean’s. I am so jealous! :) I love massages…and I love yoga! I have just begun my journey with it but I am practicing it constantly. It has become my passion…I want to go through and read the rest of what you have written, I believe we have a lot in common. I am going to add yours to my blogroll as well so I don’t lose you!!!

    http://3fatchicks.com/diet-blogs/ravengirl

  4. rubyjean on May 2nd, 2008

    Funny, when I read your blog, I was reminded of ravengirl, and there she is. Great that you’ve found each other! I don’t think I’ve ever told you that I am also very interested in yoga, although I’ve only taken a few classes. It’s wonderful that you found someone like this lady you mention. So good that you are able to approach the solving of your back issues from two sides. You are bound to heal. Take care of yourself (I know you are) lovely lady! XOXOXX Ruby

  5. Holly on May 4th, 2008

    I am glad you went - you sound soooooooooo much more relaxed in this post! That is definitely what you needed. I am going to have to look around here for yoga classes. The thing about me is that whatever I do I HAVE to do it with the boys too because I homeschool them and don’t like leaving them out of healthy activities. Maybe I will get a dvd or something– do you know of one that is good for the whole family? They are so cute when they do crunches and push ups with me :)

    ok-I have never had a massage and I want to know how much clothing has to be removed and how weird it is in the beginning. Do you get undressed and then later on they come in or whats the deal there? I would love to get a massage but I am a sooo chicken.

  6. canadianchunky on May 5th, 2008

    Sandy:
    Have you tried glucomate (sp)? It is something that is naturally made in our bodies and can rebuild cells. It is a bit pricey and available at health stores but well worth it. It sounds like it could help you a lot.

    Cheers
    Shari

  7. grabthebull on May 6th, 2008

    love this. thank you.

    -k

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