Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Body: The Throne Upon Which Sits My Soul

I am learning there is something deeply spiritual about the health of my body.

I just left a yoga intro class that actually is a simplified version of a form of meditation I started studying in Korea but left before I completed the practices. This place is a short walk from my apartment. It not only focuses on body movement related to yoga but also chi, breathing, cognitive behavior, and strengthening the spiritual core. This was not an accident. This is just one example of the numerous "coincidences" that have occurred along this path of healing my body. I have never been so sick or so debilitated and what I am dealing with is not even extreme.

I know there were some lessons to be learned during this whole process and I know that I will see them clearly very soon. Everything I have needed to heal physically, spiritually and emotionally was put in my path in some of the most unexpected ways. I have learned that the recent break down I my body was not a simple thing. There were a number of factors that, when you take them all in together, needed attention and were not just physical.

One thing I have learned is to relax into the experience and not to fight it with my body. Stress leads to depression which causes the immune system to lower its defenses even more. I have learned, and am still learning, how to be taken care of by someone else...to address my thinking that I owe them something or I am not pulling my weight. I have learned to be patient. I have learned, that when it comes to my health, I am my own advocate. The Internet has been indispensable during this whole process. Becoming more educated about what is ailing me BEFORE I step into the doctor's office. It is important to know what questions to ask and when to accept or disregard something they offer as the problem or the best way to heal. And lastly, I have learned that God provides what I need at all times. I just have to let go and be open to the opportunities placed in my path.

I am still not fully well. I am going to an acupuncturist. I am on antibiotics. I will be starting yoga/meditation. I am taking immune system boosting pills. I am taking pro-biotics to replenish what the antibiotics are wiping out. I am also seeing a therapist. I am praying in the mornings. Physical healing is connected to spiritual and emotional healing. I am certain, beyond certain even, that this time was meant to prepare me for what ever I will be doing next. I sure want to be ready :)