My body speaks to me.
No, I mean it really speaks to me. Usually in the way of numb fingers. That usually means my neck is out of alignment (the result of several minor car accidents years ago) or that my thyroid is “off.” I’ve had Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease for about 15 years, so this is something I’m used to dealing with.
Now you see why I am such a task master when it comes to teaching headstand!
Anyways, Hashimoto’s in not as scary as it sounds. But what it does mean is that that my body attacks it’s self. Not it’s entire self, just the thyroid. This is usually controlled by a cocktail of synthetic thyroid hormones. In my case, we try to “shut down” the thyroid so it won’t have to do any of the work itself. Usually this works fine, but sometimes it doesn’t and then my body sends me a wake up call. This time it sent me a firm message that I needed to take better care of myself. No longer could I ignore the tell tale signs things were “off.” The writing was on the wall …. weight gain, fatigue, joint pain and clumps of hair falling out in the shower. To be honest, I just felt irritated and “bitchy.” A few weeks ago the numbness and tingling in my fingers had turned into burning in my arms that woke me up in the middle of the night.
This was a first for me and to be completely honest, it scared me.
I began to slow down, to carve out more time to do the things that I loved. I even tried to get to bed earlier! It helped some, but I knew I needed a major intervention. Just like in any yoga pose, I knew I had to ground down and reconnect with my foundation.
I thought back to the times when I had felt the best in my life and made that my road map.
I began a “Reset” program to get my voracious appetite and midnight chocolate cravings back in check. I rolled out my yoga mat, meditated, committed to down time and wheat grass. I put my phone away at my daughter’s volleyball game . I even sat down and watched TV (Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday). Now, 5 days later I can honestly say I am on the back to “me.” I am sleeping better and the inflammation in my body has started to subside. My neck and arms have felt great this week. I have felt more balanced in my mind and body. I feel rooted, connected and am starting to expand out into new possibilities.
Mindful, healthy living isn’t a luxury. It is a necessity.
In life just like in any yoga pose, there is always room for play, for refinement and exploration. I realize not everyone is ready for a major overhaul, but anyone can add in one thing that strengthens or energizes them every day. Today I made one of my favorite smoothies. It’s packed full of goodness and is soy, dairy and wheat free. It’s my way of building a strong foundation. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Live inspired!
Leanne XO