Try not to get Frustrated – my teacher gently reminded my Gentle Barre class after we had done so many squat variations everyone’s legs were shaking. She went on to suggest that we focus on gentle acceptance, and recruit some help from our whole body and each other to finish the set.
I really needed to hear this.
Last week I ended up in a yoga class that was way over my body’s ability. I set up by the wall so I could modify poses and get extra support. But when we came to the part of the class that was really too difficult for me the room was so full, I couldn’t modify without kicking someone in the head. So I just stopped.
Frustration and shame washed over me. Confronted with my lack of flexibility and strength, I lost it. I felt alone and isolated. It was bad. I left the class and cried in the bathroom. I felt a good bit of grief for the balance and strength I once had.
After a few minutes of sobbing, it dawned on me that my anger and frustration was supporting a delusion. It separated me from the practice I love and my community. Understanding and acceptance of where I am right now is what I need.
Try Not to Get Frustrated on Your Recovery Journey
My recovery from Lyme Disease is bolstered by remembering not to get frustrated. I thought if I worked really hard I would be done with doctors IVs shots and pills by now. I am not, this condition comes with a lifetime of learning.
Lyme Disease left me with a different body a weaker more sensitive body. I can only rebuild strength from where I am. Where I was is in the past. I have to put one foot in front of the other, reclaim wellness and become who I want to be. Try not to get frustrated when I hit new or unexpected obstacles.
Today, I am healthier and stronger than at diagnosis, but not done. I have to tell myself and you all, “Try not to get frustrated.” Frustrated means discontented, unhappy and impatient. It is a pile off pooh! None of these emotions help heal.
Frustration Hurts Healing, Love Helps
Isolation, negativity, depression, anger and frustration interfere with healing. Love and connection support healing. My yoga community supports me in a loving positive way.
Here is a quote from AARP on how positive emotions support recovery.
“Surround Yourself with Love When you’re ill, it’s easy to withdraw. But people who care about you can help your physical healing with their support. In a study published in 2005 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers found that when wounds of the same shape, size, and depth were experimentally induced in couples, healing was much faster if the couples were loving toward each other rather than hostile. So, if you are ill or injured, embrace those who reach out to you. And if you find yourself alone, seek out shoulders to lean on, whether of friends, relatives, colleagues, or a formal support group.” http://www.aarp.org/health/alternative-medicine/info-11-2008/super_healing.html
Keep Current and In Acceptance
It may be that many advanced yoga poses just aren’t for me anymore. Revolved Balancing Half Moon pose may not be the most important thing for me to reclaim. I need to work that out and come to acceptance with my choices and reality. Here are some ideas to work out frustration and anger.
Most people don’t go through life without hitting a bump or two or twenty. Some of the bumps are little and others require big detours. One of my big bumps is Lyme disease. Think back over your life and look for these bumps. Did you grow? I now I did. The universe helps us with lessons to grow into our own nature.
I will continue to reclaim a full rich life, and yoga is and will continue to be a part of it. On my recovery journey I have opened new doors and learned a lot about my character strength and desires. I am much clearer about what I want to do with my life and consistent in acting to achieve my goals.
The rebuilding and reclamation of Mary post Lyme disease is a worthy effort and an important journey for me. How about you? What do you want to reclaim on your recovery journey from the bump in the road of Lyme?