Our Practice – Preventing Yoga Injuries
Seems strange to talk about something that is supposed to be so good for us causing injury. However, as I am continually learning, sometimes too much of a good thing, even yoga, can be harmful. Many of you know I have been struggling with some wrist, hip and elbow issues, some likely from yoga, some likely from other activities (tennis, walking dog that pulls). I am lecturing myself daily about eliminating poses that exacerbate the issue and resting. Most of you hear me say that yoga is not a contest and that there is a reason that yoga is not in the Olympics. So I am gently reminding us all to give our bodies the chance to heal, rest and allow it to be there for us for a long time. Listen to your body, not your ego, and take a break. That is why child pose exists 😊
In the meantime, check out this article with some very good tips on how to avoid many of the common yoga injuries. You may have heard me mention many of them, but there are some really ideas
here, all in one place.
Meditating on Being Alone vs Lonely
My husband went to Florida last winter for about a month. He hates the cold and wanted to be there, I had a lot going on - my day job was really busy impacted by the virus, I was getting the yoga gig going, the blog…. etc. Frankly, in hindsight, I could have done it all from there-but then again- who would have watched the pets and managed the cabin? Truth was, I enjoy some alone time. When I said this to some people, I got some raised eyebrows. Several people asked me if I didn’t get lonely. Truth is, I liked the time to focus on some things: creating vegan recipes (many, many involving the zucchini and blueberries in the freezer), my yoga gig and some other projects - completely uninterrupted in the evenings and on weekends. I read a lot, spent time with my sister and Mom, but quite honestly really isolated and focused on my projects.
In thinking back on that time, I realized that there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. I explained it to someone when I said, “sure I miss him, but the difference is, I know he is coming back”. I have several friends who have lost spouses, partners, family members and their companions way too early. The loneliness that comes from that kind of loss must be tremendous. Finding the courage and spirit to move forward and rebuild life from that is formidable, and I always wonder if I were in the same position would I have been nearly as strong? I try to be sensitive to those around me that may truly be lonely for a myriad of reasons and to reach out.
Back to the difference between being alone and being lonely. If you are someone who does not like spending time alone, I challenge you to find some solitary time every day for something that you are passionate about and relish it. Being comfortable with oneself is so important. It may seem scary or uncomfortable to spend time alone, but it really is vital for our strength and growth. I think you will really begin to look forward to it! When I was thinking about this topic, I did a google search, there were many great resources on the topic. One article was from Psychology Today and I have the link here:
“In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for constructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.” Rollo May
Rollo May was an American existential psychologist and author of the influential book Love and Will (1969).
Nurturing with Food – Joe’s Zucchini Stew
I had a (banking) customer from Providence who was of Italian descent. We used to spend a significant amount of time talking about gardening, cooking, and food in general and far less time talking about banking. He gave me a wonderful compliment one day when he said, “are you sure you aren’t Italian?” When I said that I was sure, he replied, “well you were definitely an Italian grandmother in another life”! One day when we were talking about zucchini overload, he told me about this recipe. His recipe called for pieces of pepperoni to be dropped in during the simmering - for obvious reasons I don’t do that, but I am sure it would be quite tasty. This recipe is very forgiving, adjust amounts based on what you have.
See you on the mat
Namaste
Julia Anne
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