Starting on the recovery path
After two intense months, I am back and ready to start on the recovery path
It’s been a while since my last newsletter. At the end of April, I told my husband ‘I think I need to be careful. May will be intense. I probably will need a break afterwards’. The next day, I broke my wrist!
Looking back on a wonderful month
The month of May was indeed very intense but amazing. As usual, I taught my Taming the Walrus online classes. I also taught some Physical Activity sessions for Overcoming MS. But I was very lucky to collaborate with other wonderful people.
I hosted the month of May for Yogamatters and had the opportunity to interview Dr Ela Manga, and invite other teachers to facilitate community classes on the topic of Burnout and energy management. This topic is so close to my heart as I need to constantly monitor my energy level.
I also co-facilitated a Breathwork Foundation course with Dr Ela Manga and Marj Murray in our beautiful retreat centre. It was such a treat to spend a week with such inspiring and funny women. This will definitely remain one of my top key experiences.
Then we hosted a Yoga & Breathwork retreat for people living with MS, the first in our own retreat. Our retreat is small: 4 bedrooms (max 8 participants) but it is perfect for yoga therapy. I had the time to work individually with each person (a wonderful group of women). It was so rewarding.
May was such an amazing month. I loved every bit of it. All this while my left arm was in a cast.
Looking ahead to a long journey
Yesterday my cast was removed after 6 weeks. My forearm looks mummified. It is quite swollen and painful. Although I am very relieved and happy to have this cast off, I have to confess the next months look daunting.
I am so glad I have Yoga and Breathwork to help me navigate difficulties. But there is so much work to do to regain normal range of motion in my left forearm… it feels overwhelming even with all the tools I have learned over the last 2 and a half decades. I need to remember that it is a journey of self-discovery and compassion too. I need to take it easy, step by step.
Many of you - if not all of you- will be familiar with this feeling. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice. How do you keep motivated? How do you ensure you are not too eager to get better too fast?
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Much love
Veronique
I think continuing with the tools that you have learnt the last two decades and trusting them to work they will with time and patience.
I am always trying to fix myself and lack patience so I know that staying motivated when you always feel you should or could be doing more is so hard. If your body tells you to rest or that your intuition tells you that you may have pushed too hard then go with it, listen and rest.
I have a book called Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis by Garth Mclean, he has kept his ms in remission for 20 plus years by having a daily practice of yoga. He met BKS Iyengar whom advised him that he must walk the path between courage and caution.
You inspire so many, myself included with your excellent teaching that hopefully this will give you the faith you need to make a full recovery in what will seem no time at all!
What a thought provoking newsletter Veronique. I can't offer any valuable advice, as I only ever learn my limit when I've over stepped it! I agree that self compassion is the name of the game, which is not easy when your focus is caring for and supporting others. If anyone can provide you with guidance, it's yourself. I'll be watching your progress and taking inspiration from you. Good luck. Xx