Our last newsletter seem to touch a spot in people’s hearts because so many of you reached out with personal messages.  Thank you for your lovely stories and your experiences of adapting and changing your practice as you mature . . . and as life throws those inevitable curve balls.

One of the themes that came through loud and clear from your letters is the way in which the acquired benefits of years of yoga practice has assisted recoveries from illnesses, operations and challenging joint replacements.  This was something I also experienced in the weeks and months following my riding accident that fractured my pelvis four years ago.  During my time in hospital, nurses would comment, “We don’t get people like you very often.”  When I asked them what they meant they shared that it was rare to have patients who were fit, strong and healthy prior to their accident.  One nurse quietly explained that many conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and low motivation to actively participate in rehabilitation limited the restoration of function.   

Having the discipline to stay with a practice and gradually rebuild what is broken is something that yoga practitioners are very good at.  

It’s a reminder that we don’t only practice for today.  We practice for our tomorrows and the quality of life we wish to have, especially as we age.   It’s also a reminder that nourishing our health and wellbeing is one of the best investments we can make.  And a daily form of compassion that embraces what we are becoming rather than what we have left behind. 

Warmly,

Donna