myth of the pain free body…
The other night, in a closing circle of 30 students, I asked for a show of hands. “Raise your hand if right now you are experiencing an absolutely pain free body.” Not one hand rose up. I often pose this inquiry. We don’t realize that the normal human condition is to experience body aches and pains on the regular. We so often keep this intel to ourselves, like a dirty little secret. Shame? Not wanting to be Debbie Downer? Hopelessness?
When I see folks one-on-one we map out exactly where the body aches and pains are, how they evolved and how they behave. Your relief is palpable. You finally can bring this story into the light of day. You have a witness, someone who wants to hear, wants to know, wants to help. I love the beginning of our journey. The embarkation point clues me how the path to healing might unfold. But yesterday a random note from a student reminded me that the path to transformation can also happen in a group class.
“I can't thank you enough for continuing to offer the rolling classes on Friday. I also can't believe it's been 18 months since I first started rolling. I have a 68 year old body that, thanks to you, is less of a challenge and more of a celebration of those 68 years.” M. E.
A communication such as this sets my heart to swelling, fills my entire rib cage with oozing warmth. Thank you M.E. A reminder that there is no time like the present to embark on creating a shift. And that deep changes can be instigated by attending a weekly class. One reason weekly Release & Realign was established was to support patients who had completed a course of physical therapy. A place for them to land and be inspired to continue their journey. But there are many students present whom I’ve never seen for physical therapy treatment.
I love these intrepid travelers. They often enter the space empty-handed and full of fiery curiosity. We’re ready for newbies with trial rollers and balls, extra mats and a warm welcome to our cozy nest. This is such a special community of courageous practitioners! For many of the first-timers, it is a first experience with releasing all the sticky tissue. They are often surprised at WHAT they feel. And they are always grateful for HOW they feel after 90 minutes of mindfully curated practice.
And here is what I have witnessed, what M.E. so eloquently articulated. The students who are able to commit, show up on the regular, especially those who begin to experiment with some home practice—-these are the folks able to make a huge life shift. And that’s why I am sitting here on this cold morning with such a juicy warm feeling in my heart. I have a new patient at ten so I have to go. But I hope you can join me some day for your own exploration.
Maybe it’s time for an individual session. Maybe you want to show up Friday morning. Or maybe you want to deep dive for the weekend of February 28 to March 2. Or this---just posted---Deep at Yoga Shala on Saturday April 12. Whatever. I’m still here and totally thriving. Let’s do it!
❤️Bella