tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91540745782740154432024-03-13T10:01:21.337-07:00Yoga -More than posesHip Replacement, THR revision surgery, Yoga and Hip replacement, Hip replacement surgery, 2nd hip replacementAmy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-91852493449457183492014-12-12T09:19:00.000-08:002014-12-12T09:19:25.872-08:00Day 10 - Thank you and Goodbye India.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2QC1dAF90/VIXOEoB6LGI/AAAAAAAAANE/i-K9DwBlJ-s/s1600/20141208_143126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2QC1dAF90/VIXOEoB6LGI/AAAAAAAAANE/i-K9DwBlJ-s/s1600/20141208_143126.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.markzambon.com/" target="_blank">Mark Zambon</a> - lost his legs in<br />
Afghanistan. He is part of the Wounded<br />
Warriors Project. His positive spirit is inspiring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ahhhh...all good things must come to an end. My 10 day Iyengar intensive is no exception to that rule. On one hand I am sad - since it was such a privilege to stand side by side with 1400 yogis from 57 countries and practice Iyengar <br />
Yoga. On the other hand I am ecstatic to be returning home - to my normal life - normal food - and normal sleeping habits!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr-niaXmhXw/VIXOADZqRII/AAAAAAAAAM8/vFyaFirA_QA/s1600/20141208_143333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr-niaXmhXw/VIXOADZqRII/AAAAAAAAAM8/vFyaFirA_QA/s1600/20141208_143333.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian dancer at the convention</td></tr>
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The last few days of the intensive began to take their toll on me. I had a hard time staying focused and found myself feeling completely done at times. Geeta was kind to us on the last day with a restorative sequence and digital pranayama. Both of which were a welcome respite to my disturbed mind. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlRd6Tzez8/VIhMlrDx-oI/AAAAAAAAAO8/A5aBxxFNrD4/s1600/20141210_112753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlRd6Tzez8/VIhMlrDx-oI/AAAAAAAAAO8/A5aBxxFNrD4/s1600/20141210_112753.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Geeta Iyengar. She mostly taught<br />
from this chair. her health is not well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The intensive ended with closing remarks which included a reminder that we are both teachers and students of Iyengar Yoga. We have a great responsibility to carry forward the teachings of BKS Iyengar with integrity and compassion. Guruji (as BKS Iyengar is called) lives within each of us - his life's work stokes the fire within - encouraging us to move forward in our practice and encouraging others to discover how Yoga helps us live a better life.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYBm8R-p5ho/VIXOLtMEYyI/AAAAAAAAANM/kdNUWjM4j-g/s1600/20141206_171952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYBm8R-p5ho/VIXOLtMEYyI/AAAAAAAAANM/kdNUWjM4j-g/s1600/20141206_171952.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Couple who were married at the Hotel<br />
we stayed at</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It will take me months to digest all that I learned during those 10 days. Finding ways to enhance my practice and insert the teachings into my classes. I will forever hear in my head Geeta's accented voice, "You People! You practice from your ego. Practice from your heart. Do it!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJx29rLdPZY/VIhLWhH6JCI/AAAAAAAAANs/1OFeuTS6ehQ/s1600/20141210_163108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJx29rLdPZY/VIhLWhH6JCI/AAAAAAAAANs/1OFeuTS6ehQ/s1600/20141210_163108.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in front of the Temple.</td></tr>
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On the last day Tammy and I visited <a href="http://www.puneinandout.com/parvati-hill-temple/" target="_blank">Parvati Hill Temple</a> in Pune'. It was beautiful and I snapped some fun pictures of it and the surrounding area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0Pk_t3JU_o/VIhLQsDXIrI/AAAAAAAAANk/7qteBNfEJKc/s1600/20141210_163643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0Pk_t3JU_o/VIhLQsDXIrI/AAAAAAAAANk/7qteBNfEJKc/s1600/20141210_163643.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiva at the Parvati temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g690aAaq23s/VIhLYt6sV3I/AAAAAAAAAN0/IZq_4b0dvpY/s1600/20141210_162954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g690aAaq23s/VIhLYt6sV3I/AAAAAAAAAN0/IZq_4b0dvpY/s1600/20141210_162954.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammy and Me - selfie style!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 3:05AM Tammy and I then began our 30 hour adventure home. 20 hours in an airplane. 10 hours in airports. In Mumbai my artificial hip sounded the alarm.The lady checking me asked me f I had any documentation that I had an artificial hip. I said no. She said, "then how am I supposed to know if it is true?". So in a Mumbai airport I pulled my jeans down and showed her my scar - she seemed satisfied (and perhaps a little embarrassed?) I will say that the Mumbai airport is one of the most beautiful airports I have EVER seen. Such a contrast to the rest of the city - which is probably one of the poorest places I have ever seen. Frankfurt airport is one of the highest security airports I have ever been in. When you exit your plane you have to go through security again. They go though everything with a fine tooth comb. And those Germans are NOT nice!<br />
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Enjoy the pictures and I will return to the blog in a few days with some of the enlightenments I received at the intensive. Namaste'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0tXP5P9Uek/VIhL3S0dM7I/AAAAAAAAAOM/Orp0bbEH6GA/s1600/20141210_162242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0tXP5P9Uek/VIhL3S0dM7I/AAAAAAAAAOM/Orp0bbEH6GA/s1600/20141210_162242.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Indian girls were at the temple. <br />
They surrounded me and wanted to know my name.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9i1wsCMaxM/VIhL--QxP-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/XXZGIV868zU/s1600/20141210_161812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9i1wsCMaxM/VIhL--QxP-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/XXZGIV868zU/s1600/20141210_161812.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammy & I at the temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQEexnGSLak/VIhMRRdkOhI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vr0lEvHAw6M/s1600/20141210_160333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQEexnGSLak/VIhMRRdkOhI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vr0lEvHAw6M/s1600/20141210_160333.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple through the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtCCDtbW8w8/VIhMX1-0j6I/AAAAAAAAAOs/zm3ro5rIm0o/s1600/20141210_155242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtCCDtbW8w8/VIhMX1-0j6I/AAAAAAAAAOs/zm3ro5rIm0o/s1600/20141210_155242.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was 108 steps up to the temple.<br />
These goats welcomed us in the beginning</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbepBo9UpQ/VIhMiLsiOqI/AAAAAAAAAO0/yYmfiMRkYDk/s1600/20141210_155125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbepBo9UpQ/VIhMiLsiOqI/AAAAAAAAAO0/yYmfiMRkYDk/s1600/20141210_155125.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is what the goats do<br />
at the bottom of the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUNq7Nvbb7w/VIhMtNiXncI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3tS-LkDrEiE/s1600/20141209_194653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUNq7Nvbb7w/VIhMtNiXncI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3tS-LkDrEiE/s1600/20141209_194653.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the successful meal <br />
outings (of which there were few).BBQ at your table!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-46991016549583415152014-12-07T18:11:00.002-08:002014-12-07T18:11:46.854-08:00India day seven - Yoga proof!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ72lfSJt_c/VIR6G_ZPnBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/De11km8MohI/s1600/20141207_141810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ72lfSJt_c/VIR6G_ZPnBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/De11km8MohI/s1600/20141207_141810.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vrksasana with BKS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just finished the 7th day of the Iyengar Yoga intensive.<br />
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Geeta's focus over the past 7 days has been on opening up the chest, spreading the ribs and aligning the spine. Standing poses, forward bends, inversions and twists; whatever asana sequence awaits us we know that Geeta's method is pure Iyengar. Each sequence is presented in incremental steps, carefully planned, and finely tuned as Geeta leads each student closer to the transformation of Yoga.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHpJcCx1_no/VIR6ZX7I_4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/EgnkpNal4mo/s1600/20141204_142012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHpJcCx1_no/VIR6ZX7I_4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/EgnkpNal4mo/s1600/20141204_142012.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo op with the ladies - Xuan,Me, Tammy<br />
and Alicen </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will say, that because of the accent it has been a little difficult at times to understand her instructions. I often find myself translating in my head what she has said and then I find that I missed the next three sentences. Still, her ability to guide you towards the essence of the pose is pure brilliance. I feel so fortunate to be here experiencing this event.<br />
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On Friday a local PhD who is also a student at the Pune Yoga institute gave a presentation on the scientific evidence that Yoga really does work. There was some great reference material but specifically the practice of Yoga:<br />
<br />
<strong>Affects your muscles, bones and organs:</strong><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
increases muscle length and longer muscles are stronger muscles. In turn muscles supply nutrition to the bone and keep the bone healthy.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Stimulates new bone by weight bearing action.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Arteries are made of muscles, so when we extend and contract the arteries are "exercised" and elasticity is increased. </div>
</li>
<li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wpht-tJpSg/VIR6Qe5YYyI/AAAAAAAAAME/9g49LuyrBLQ/s1600/20141206_142925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wpht-tJpSg/VIR6Qe5YYyI/AAAAAAAAAME/9g49LuyrBLQ/s1600/20141206_142925.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legs up the wall at break time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The heart is a muscle. When we do back bends, the heart is massaged between the back and front ribs.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Creates space in the rib cage and abdomen area bringing freedom to the organs</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Inversions bring the blood in the bottom of the lungs to mix with the oxygen in the other 2/3 of the lungs which helps to circulate the oxygen more efficiently in the body and improve stamina.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that is just a small portion of her findings. She also had references to about 10 medical studies all supporting the evidence that Yoga works on structural and chronic health issues as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOyKM7GFDLw/VIR6gC03c6I/AAAAAAAAAMU/YuJI1qsNejs/s1600/20141203_194003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOyKM7GFDLw/VIR6gC03c6I/AAAAAAAAAMU/YuJI1qsNejs/s1600/20141203_194003.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we called this the nuclear soup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Other adventures have been the food. We are getting really tired of Indian food, but even when you order something that is not Indian, it still tastes like Indian! Our favorite was the restaurant where we got "green" food. Needless to say, It was not appetizing. The other night Tammy and I ate at Mc Donalds (seriously I normally do not eat at fast food) and we were ecstatic because it tasted like "home"! Even Tammy's McVeggie burger was good!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, they have their own sense of "time" here in India. Everything is "5 minutes only" and then it is not really 5 minutes only. More like 30 minutes or more - <u><em>if</em></u> they understood what you were saying. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUstKXqvIzs/VIR7SG5MXeI/AAAAAAAAAMk/dIOQfVvKV78/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUstKXqvIzs/VIR7SG5MXeI/AAAAAAAAAMk/dIOQfVvKV78/s1600/photo-1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the institute with the ladies.<br />
Picture of BKS in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbMGYdmD1tg/VIR6oBtf9mI/AAAAAAAAAMc/u7cleT8VR_k/s1600/20141205_161218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbMGYdmD1tg/VIR6oBtf9mI/AAAAAAAAAMc/u7cleT8VR_k/s1600/20141205_161218.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun shopping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Traveling in this city is a nightmare. We don't realize how fortunate we are that we can jump in the car and get somewhere relatively quickly. Here in India, a 10 mile drive can take upwards of 45 minutes to 1 hour or more depending on traffic. we pick and choose our adventures wisely. A simple dinner can turn out to be a 3 hour adventure between driving, service and traffic.<br />
<br />
Shopping has been fun! Our dollar is strong here so we have been able to purchase some beautiful things for our friends and family at home. It is weird to see things about Christmas on FB or the news because we feel so far removed from that season here in India. <br />
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Most of you who are reading this are now just thinking about dinner or going to bed for your Sunday evening. In India it is Monday morning and I am off to day 8 of the intensive. Have a great week everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Namaste'</div>
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</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-42894570247838445532014-12-03T08:39:00.001-08:002014-12-03T08:40:14.001-08:00Day Four India - many adventures thus far!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I have been in India four days now. I have some news to share. Those of us who live in the states have no idea how fortunate we are and how grateful we should be. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Odaxj6UQQk0/VHr_XUIz55I/AAAAAAAAAIs/J9-1QyUjWsU/s1600/20141130_134949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Odaxj6UQQk0/VHr_XUIz55I/AAAAAAAAAIs/J9-1QyUjWsU/s1600/20141130_134949.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd story dilapidated buildings and below<br />
are open businesses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>We live in the land of plenty</strong>. If we want something we run down to the store or open the cupboard and get what we want. Who knew that clean air, drinkable water, ICE, BEEF, roads with stop signs, stop lights and traffic lights, clean sidewalks and clean cities were a luxury? We don't have to go through metal detectors at hotels or stores and we could never imagine a constant presence of police and local military. Packs of stray dogs (not vicious- tame), beggars and shanti towns aren't just in poor areas but seem to infiltrate even the more modest neighborhoods. Needless to say - this place is an eye opening experience for a small town Redlands girl. All of you reading this should be thankful for what you have!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngZ06cuXfXI/VHr_z8T8IhI/AAAAAAAAAJE/Rj0eWbn_6Es/s1600/20141130_134515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngZ06cuXfXI/VHr_z8T8IhI/AAAAAAAAAJE/Rj0eWbn_6Es/s1600/20141130_134515.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old woman on street near businesses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The traffic here is pure mayhem! There is no reason or rhyme to how people drive. Cars, bikes, motorcycles, scooters (many with 4 people on them including small children) pedi cabs, buses, pedestrians all travel on the same road at the same time. They communicate with their car horns - it's like some kind of morse code that clearly I do not understand! If I lived here I would NEVER drive. I can't even look while our driver takes us to our venue! Just this evening it was like Mr. Toads wild ride. Oncoming traffic, on both sides of the road - I have to cover my eyes and all the ladies laugh at me while I just crack up from the absurdity of it all!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNlpNjUjtU8/VH7zi3LAVhI/AAAAAAAAALk/svECMdkKPd0/s1600/20141201_101641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNlpNjUjtU8/VH7zi3LAVhI/AAAAAAAAALk/svECMdkKPd0/s1600/20141201_101641.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The venue day one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even in the midst of all this craziness, I am having a fabulous time. Studying with 1000 Yoga students and teachers and taking classes facilitated by the Iyengar family. This is a dream come true. People from all over the world coming together to practice the centuries old art of Yoga. I am in Yoga nirvana!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2uoztdcQ40/VH7zCfMsJSI/AAAAAAAAALE/drMVcNrdIbs/s1600/20141202_180654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2uoztdcQ40/VH7zCfMsJSI/AAAAAAAAALE/drMVcNrdIbs/s1600/20141202_180654.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us at the Institute. Picture of BKS in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The yoga classes have been exceptional and todays class was close to brutal. 3 hours of asana is tough for even the most conditioned Yogi - I'm wondering how I will feel by day 10! I now understand how coming to India to study Yoga for a month or 2 at a time can transform your practice. These Iyengar teachers and their ability to take you deeper into a pose is beyond mere words. Liberating, humbling, exciting, transforming - and so much more. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJllCfxVq9Y/VH7zNcRYhbI/AAAAAAAAALU/RUe8bOpuXXQ/s1600/20141201_145345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJllCfxVq9Y/VH7zNcRYhbI/AAAAAAAAALU/RUe8bOpuXXQ/s1600/20141201_145345.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banner of BKS Iyengar in <br />
Tadasana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am beginning to feel the after effects of today's class and my harrowing taxi ride - so I will close for now. Namaste' and what ever tomorrow brings you - enjoy your journey - and be grateful for what you have- because a lot of people have very little.<br />
<br />
Namaste'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-22105294494205191722014-11-30T05:16:00.000-08:002014-11-30T05:56:11.828-08:00India - travels and day one<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm happy to report that travels to India were un-remarkable! YAY! we made it to Mumbai, there was a car waiting for us and a room ready for us at the hotel. There were several times during our pre-trip planning that these three components were in question. so I'm happy to say that all worked out as planned.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1W23ALiJFI/VHsBKaFKPaI/AAAAAAAAAKk/SBmjFQ76qZI/s1600/20141130_012930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1W23ALiJFI/VHsBKaFKPaI/AAAAAAAAAKk/SBmjFQ76qZI/s1600/20141130_012930.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>So everyone's first question is about the toilets in India. Well here is one the airport. It looks just like the toilets in America except for that butt sprayer next to it. So far I haven't seen any toilets that are just "holes" but if I do I'll be sure to snap a picture.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PTiBPai_d0/VHsBAtr-WSI/AAAAAAAAAKU/7gkSjWobpNg/s1600/20141130_110811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PTiBPai_d0/VHsBAtr-WSI/AAAAAAAAAKU/7gkSjWobpNg/s1600/20141130_110811.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy, Alice, Xuan and Tammy at the <br />
Iyengar institute Pune India.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The true highlight of the day was the visit to the Iyengar Institute in downtown Pune. BKS's legacy was everywhere. Just being in the same room as he once was, teaching, practicing, inventing, posing and reposing made me giddy with joy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ER_2l2N7jc/VHsAeuY49II/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Oob7Wv_XvzI/s1600/20141130_112336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ER_2l2N7jc/VHsAeuY49II/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Oob7Wv_XvzI/s1600/20141130_112336.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BKS's chair in the library. The whole room <br />
was these shelves<br />
lined with books, Incredible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPp5NziYTsE/VHsAVoFpm1I/AAAAAAAAAJs/fcCopum5TLk/s1600/20141130_114752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPp5NziYTsE/VHsAVoFpm1I/AAAAAAAAAJs/fcCopum5TLk/s1600/20141130_114752.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammy and Amy at the institute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As Tammy and I cruised around we saw a sign that said "library". So we decided to check it out. Down a flight of stairs and there was the desk where BKS Iyengar would sit and speak with students or do additional research. Since his passing in August, they have placed a picture of him in the chair. Although he is gone, his presence is still very much alive. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlP0Xyh1oKY/VHsAQLn6rjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/jBMRl5iMZP8/s1600/20141130_114855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlP0Xyh1oKY/VHsAQLn6rjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/jBMRl5iMZP8/s1600/20141130_114855.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of <a href="http://www.bksiyengar.com/modules/IYoga/sage.htm" target="_blank">Patanjali</a> at the institute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkYN_441Gkc/VHsAr3ZmqeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gHajUqVEK_A/s1600/20141130_110941.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students shoes in front of the institute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomorrow we start classes at the Balewadi Sports Complex here in Pune. Just me and 1000 of my favorite Yogis! Should be exciting to see and feel the energy. Maybe with so many Yogis being mindful and balanced we can bring a little more peace into the world.<br />
<br />
Well India/California time is starting to catch up with me. So I will sign off. Tomorrow I'll share adventures in taxis and shopping in Pune! HA - I'm seriously shocked that we all lived!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt9vEoY0osY/VHsALKdCeMI/AAAAAAAAAJc/EqvJlM3BW3o/s1600/20141130_120013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt9vEoY0osY/VHsALKdCeMI/AAAAAAAAAJc/EqvJlM3BW3o/s1600/20141130_120013.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Iyengar Institute from the front<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-26250644537777970572014-11-18T14:07:00.001-08:002014-11-27T05:51:17.488-08:00A new adventure - India!It's been a while since I posted to my blog. I've been busy - with lots of changes - some good, some not so good, but imagine how boring life would be if it was always as we expected and planned.<br />
<br />
In early June I left the YMCA and I am now teaching at Inner Evolution Yoga in Yucaipa. I am enjoying the studio and the students who are discovering Iyengar Yoga! to find out more about this Yoga studio visit <a href="http://www.innerevolutionyoga.com/">www.innerevolutionyoga.com</a><br />
<br />
I continue to teach small classes in my home studio (<a href="http://www.divineyogastudio.com/">www.divineyogastudio.com</a>) and have found somewhat of a niche in private yoga lessons. I have quite a few couples who come for private yoga lessons as well as students suffering from injuries or chronic conditions. It is heart warming to witness the transformation in these students who may have felt limited in their abilities, begin to blossom in their yoga practice. I am so grateful that I study and teach Iyengar Yoga. Because of BKS's life's work, I am able to assist these students so they can participate and enrich their life through yoga.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxhZu1c2bVs/VHOHLGMqyLI/AAAAAAAAAH8/SVfzBYVbeYE/s1600/20141123_123525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxhZu1c2bVs/VHOHLGMqyLI/AAAAAAAAAH8/SVfzBYVbeYE/s1600/20141123_123525.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Recovery from my total hip revision surgery continues to move along. I still suffer from weakness and muscle atrophy in the right hip, but for the most part I am back to my usual activities. My cobalt level is back to normal, however my Chromium level is still high. This distresses me a bit, since there is no real data available on the long term effects of this metal in the body.<br />
<br />
A piece of exciting news is that I am traveling to India for 2 weeks to study with Geeta Iyengar. This is a great opportunity to study Iyengar Yoga with BKS's daughter Geeta. BKS passed away this last summer, of course heartbreaking, but his legacy lives on through those who practice and teach Iyengar Yoga. <br />
<br />
I'll be using this blog to document my India travels and adventures! Already it has been an adventure - shots, passports, VISAs, travel arrangements, wiring $$ - trying to communicate with people in India when they are on total opposite time. I'm learning that international travel is complicated (I've never gone farther than Mexico), but no matter what happens I know it will enrich my life for the better.<br />
<br />
So if you're interested, check back and see what India has to offer to this American Yogi!<br />
<br />
Namaste'<br />
<br />Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-16181870660320124952014-07-01T08:42:00.000-07:002014-07-01T08:42:08.279-07:002 years post surgery - a different perception...It has been a little over two years since my surgery. It's crazy to think how much has happened over the past two years. Recovery has been a long and frustrating road. But, along with that road has been learning experiences, self discovery and growth.<br />
<br />
My overall physical recovery is still a work in progress. I am back to my usual activity - albeit with limited strength in my surgery hip. I still suffer from weakness in that muscle area and frankly I doubt it will ever return to full strength. However, I do feel fortunate that I can still cycle and practice and teach my yoga. I know that I am demanding a lot of my body - but I was never one to sit around and let life happen around me. I want to do all that I can with what I've got. This life is NOT a dress rehearsal.<br />
<br />
My emotional recovery is subject to my ability to accept that what is. Most days I don't even think about the past two years of my recovery and embrace my blessings with love and compassion. Other days when I'm feeling discomfort or limited to what I want my body to do versus what it can do - I still find myself attached to the past and all those feelings of suffering bubble up. But fortunately those days are few.<br />
<br />
My yoga continues to provide me with the physical and spiritual nourishment that my mind and body need to stay healthy and sharp. I can't imagine where I would be without it. When I find myself wallowing in my misfortunes, I reach for those things which I know to be true and that I have learned through the disciplines of the yoga:<br />
<ul>
<li>Judgments and negative thoughts are harmful to you and others - get rid of them. </li>
<li>Be kind to myself and love me and everything that I am right now - even the imperfect being that I am.</li>
<li>Anger is a waste of energy - love, compassion and kindness make this human life worth living - share that everyday, all day with everyone you meet.</li>
<li>My attachment to the way things "used" to be is my main cause of suffering. Be grateful for the things I have right now at this moment - because that is all that matters.</li>
<li>Worrying about the future is futile. Every second I spend worrying about tomorrow is a second that I am not present at this moment. I don't want to miss a thing.</li>
</ul>
So I will continue to forge ahead. Knowing that there will be good and bad days - just like everyone else in this world. Instead of commiserating about these unfortunate events that changed my life and the path it was on, I try to look forward to my continuing journey on this road to recovery. I've met so many great people and learned so much that I would never have learned if this misfortune had never happened. It's funny how a different perception of things can truly change how you look at life. <br />
<br />
You should try it...<br />
<br />
Namaste'<br />
<br />
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-39587438129063877712014-01-21T19:10:00.000-08:002014-01-21T19:10:37.146-08:0019 months post surgery - many questions...few answers
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was recently contacted by an on-line medical device recall website. The editor had read my blog and asked me to write an article about my metal on metal (MoM) total hip replacement revision surgery and subsequent recovery for their community forum. I was happy to do this since there is little useful information out on the internet about this type of surgery and recovery. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I began by going back and re-reading my blog from the very beginning of my hip revision ordeal. I realized, that while I am on the road to recovery - I have not recovered as I would have expected to be 19 months post surgery. In fact, I think I feel even more betrayed by the medical industry since I am still not whole - not mentally or physically as a result of the defective MoM hip implant. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Many questions - few answers...</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am 19 months post surgery as I write this. I still suffer
from leg, muscle and joint pain as a result of the second THR revision surgery. As of October 2013 my Chromium levels are still elevated ( Cobalt is in normal range). I will have new labs taken in January 2014 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to see if there is any change. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the pain is not
excruciating, and at times is just a mild discomfort - it is always
present. The Doctors in their infinite wisdom (sarcasm) say the hip is stable
and everything looks great! But I’ve found that the Doctors really don’t
understand – because their knowledge comes from a text book – not from a real
life experience. They are doing the best they can (within the confines of
managed health care and their experience) – but I live in this body and I would
really like some answers as to why I feel this way. </span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why would after two surgeries and 19 months of recovery would I still have hip weakness, joint instability and pain in the surgery area and leg?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been working hard to recover – I am not just sitting around waiting to get stronger! I am physically and mentally working every day toward 100% recovery – why then I am still struggling and having issues?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are the long term affects of the high levels of chromium and cobalt? No one seems to know the answer to that question. What will this mean to me long term?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t understand why the doctors aren’t more interested in these questions as well? </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wouldn’t this knowledge help them as they treat future patients?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some days all of this makes me angry, some days I learn to
accept and let go and other days I wonder when and if I will ever feel normal
again. But the fact is I worry – A LOT - about my long term ability to stay
active and lead a normal life. I
worry that this new prosthesis is bad or incompatible (even though the doctors
say it is fine) and perhaps that is why I feel all this pain. At other times I
chalk it up to my active lifestyle – I still continue to cycle and do yoga (These
two activities help to keep me sane and strong). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My hope is that all these
muscle pains are just my atrophied muscles coming back to life – a little at a
time. Perhaps these pains are compensating muscles that now have to overwork to
make up for the muscles that are not working properly? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always...Many questions – few
real answers…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Namaste'</o:p></span><br />
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-45048147001059875212013-11-04T13:51:00.003-08:002013-11-04T13:51:23.092-08:0017 months post surgery - recovery so far.<h3>
Random Thoughts...</h3>
Two days ago would have been my Dad's 87th birthday. He's been gone three years now and I miss him everyday .<br />
<br />
I often wonder what my Dad would think of my life these days, the fates that have befallen me and the life choices I've made since he passed. He would have totally freaked out that I quit my good stable job to start a yoga studio. I know he was proud of my Yoga accomplishments - but make a living at it? He'd be skeptical at best. - and would have tried his best to talk me out of it.<br />
<br />
I know for sure that he would have been so pissed about my faulty hip. He probably would have led the revolution to sue the hell out of the maker of that hip. Bill Cox would not have rested until his daughter was compensated for all her suffering and those poor bastards said they were wrong. Just the thought of my Dad's indignation at such things makes me smile. He always had my back - that's for sure.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Recovery Progress</b></h3>
Anyways - here I am at 17 months post- hip revision surgery. There becomes less and less to report on my progress— since progress at this point is slow. Any improvements now come at a snails pace. However I am finding out what is still not fully recovered and wonder if it ever will be.<br />
<br />
Right hip external rotation is still very compromised. The weakness in the right buttocks (gluteus maximus, medius and minimus) is still weak. This causes instability in that hip and surfaces any time I walk for extended periods of time especially on uneven surfaces - like hiking. Boy oh boy does my back and hips get angry when I hike. It takes me a good two to three weeks to recover. It makes me incredibly sad to think that I may never be able to hike again. Yosemite, Hawaii, the canyon below my house - potentially off-limits. I'll keep good thoughts that I can overcome this obstacle and that I will be able to hike in the future.<br />
<br />
The 1/2 inch leg length difference seems to only exacerbate the hip instability problem and jack up my back. So I have to make sure that every pair of shoes I own has a 1/2 inch lift or the heels altered 1/2 inch to accommodate the leg discrepancy. The guy at the shoe repair shop knows me by name now. He asked if my insurance was covering the costs of the shoe repairs - I laughed - um No.<br />
<br />
So I continue to work my Yoga practice to repair what the surgeons had to mess with to take out my metal on metal hip. Some days are good - I feel like I've made some progress and other days not. The good news is that there are more good days now than bad! As a result, I am feeling more ready to MAYBE re-start up my yoga studio soon. I'm actually considering looking at places to lease. It's kind of exciting - but a little scary at the same time. I'm only able to teach so many classes a week - and I worry about that. What are my limitations and can I run a successful Yoga studio within them?<br />
<br />
Awww...burning questions with no real answers...yet.<br />
<br />
Namaste' Friends<br />
<br />
<br />Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-43031739724940117792013-09-11T08:52:00.001-07:002013-09-16T09:06:06.313-07:00Just when you think you have moved on....September 11 - of course we all know the significance of this day. Probably know exactly where we were when the horrifying image of terrorism attacked our United States. Of course we will never forget this day, but for the most part we move forward the other 364 days in a consciousness that doesn't dwell on those awful hours and days. But this one day, the events bring us back to those feelings, sadness, suffering, shock, anger, fear of the unknown - and it dredges up all the feelings of suffering we experienced - <i>just when we think we have moved on.</i><br />
<br />
And while my hip situation can nowhere compare with the suffering experienced by the millions of that day, a simple event in my life - one day - can resurface all those feelings of pain associated with the surgery and misfortunes of that event.<br />
<br />
Just when I think I have moved on, a simple event like a blood test that shows that my Chromium levels are still 5 times too high sneaks in. A doctor appointment with a new Orthopedic surgeon, to re-hash all my THR revision story so that he can be brought up to speed on my situation. A fear inside - that I try to NOT think about that maybe again, something is not right with this new hip. Or what affect these high Chromium levels will have on me long term. Ah yes, these things dredge up all the suffering I experienced - Even as much as I try to NOT let it affect me it does. I withdraw, I avoid, I shut down. I imagine the worst - <i>just when I think I have moved on. </i><br />
<br />
Do we ever really move on and completely let go of those past experiences that define our lives? Should we? Desperately not wanting to let them define us or rule how we live our life, but the reality of the situation somehow does indeed set a direction for us.<br />
<br />
I tend to look at my life events as lessons, what can I learn from this so I can understand - become wiser- except sometimes I can't see the lesson. What was the lesson from September 11? What is the lesson from my ill fated hip? How can I let go of these torturous thoughts for every single minute of every single day 365 days a year so I can find peace - so I can move on?<br />
<br />
I want to move on....Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-26331627533116409802013-06-18T13:07:00.002-07:002013-06-18T13:08:21.230-07:00The "Lost & Found" year - 1 year post surgeryToday marks one year since my total hip replacement revision surgery...There are so many thoughts racing around in my head. Which ones will show up in this post? Which ones will stay securely locked away? I could rant & rave about all the crappy things that have happened or I could practice acceptance and surrender to what this last year has given me and rejoice in that. Hmmm neither sounds very attractive.<br />
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It is sad to say but I truly feel that I have lost a full year of my life - and the worst part is I am not fully recovered yet. I know things happened in this year that I would not have experienced without this life event. Things that made me a more "whole" person -brought a new understanding and compassion into my life. So how can I feel I lost a whole year - when I know that I have found new insights and understanding?<br />
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These conflicted feelings are not unique to me or my situation. We all feel this way at one time or another. It is the source of much suffering in our daily lives. Our minds replay the tragedy over and over trying to find peace with what is, never really able to let go of the anger, sadness or loneliness. We find ourselves somewhere in the middle (like I am) with conflicted emotions.<br />
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I have found that my yoga practice has brought me great peace. Not so much the postures (they can be grueling and not very peaceful at all sometimes) but the residual effects of the yoga. The great stillness I feel after my practice, reminds me that everything is temporary and that this too shall pass. I found that my body awareness, as a result of my yoga practice, helped me to intuitively know how best to approach my recovery <i>and </i>conversely when things were just not right and to slow down (although my stubborn mind does get in the way!).<br />
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So I now embark on this next year with continued conflicted emotions and a not quite healed body. I will turn again to my yoga practice as a source of physical support and wisdom to silence the mental chatter. In the Yoga Sutra's (the book outlining the art and science of Yoga) <b><i>Sutra 2.15 </i></b>says: <b style="font-style: italic;">The wise man knows that the fluctuations of the mind </b>(good & bad<b style="font-style: italic;">) are tinged with sorrow (</b>attachment<b style="font-style: italic;">) and he keeps aloof from them. Acquire right knowledge and it will root out the seeds of pain and pleasure (</b>regular font are my interpretations added to the sutra).<br />
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I'm hoping in this next year, I can find the right knowledge to free me from my conflicted feelings and to strengthen my body, so I can move forward into the next 1/2 century of my life.<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-10015567877265916852013-05-28T12:40:00.001-07:002013-05-28T12:40:04.539-07:00Attention and Awareness - a path to a better life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have just returned from a week long Yoga conference. And while we all went there specifically to practice our Yoga or to become better teachers of Iyengar Yoga - we spent a lot of time in our breakout sessions discussing our consciousness. Consciousness when we perform asanas (poses), in our bodies, in our daily life, in our spiritual life and so forth. But what really began to resonate with me was that we as humans mostly spend our human life "unconscious" - unaware of how our actions or better yet - reactions, affect others and ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To many the word unconscious conjures up pictures of someone laying on the ground unresponsive - but I found a definition that better communicates where I am going with this: </span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">unconscious mind</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> (or </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">the unconscious</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">) consists of the processes in the mind that occur automatically and are not available to introspection, and include thought processes, memory, affect, and motivation.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> It contains thoughts, memories, and desires that exist well under the surface of </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscious_mind" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Conscious mind">conscious</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> awareness but that still exert a great impact on behavior.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">These unconscious thoughts manifest themselves through what Yoga practitioners call Samskaras - impressions formed with each life experience. Some even believe that we are born with these samskaras from previous lives. To a more western mind this is called the "old brain". Every experience - no matter how minute leaves an impression in our mind and our brain uses these to judge/experience/react to our present occurring events. Herein lies the problem - with our unconscious thought, we do just that - react - and often times not well. These reactions affect our relationships, careers, and more importantly our relationship with our self.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">How do we change that? These samskaras are embedded deep into our unconscious - some are good and some are bad. To really affect change we have to pay <b>attention </b>and<b> </b>be more <b>aware</b> of our unconscious thought patterns. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Birjoo Mehta -(Sr. Iyengar Teacher from India) facilitating at the conference described </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention and awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> as this: </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Attention </b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">- an action directed towards a specific point. </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> is what happens after you bring your mind to that specific point. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">By practicing these two mindful actions, we can begin to facilitate positive steps in changing our behaviors and lessen the affect of past samskaras (impressions) so that we may participate more fully in the moment instead of letting past impressions color our present experiences. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">We can start practicing </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention and awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> very simply. If you're a yoga practitioner - start by bringing the </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> away from that part on your body that is talking the loudest to you (hamstring or lower back in forward bends perhaps) and then bring the </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> to the opposite part of the body - the area that is quiet. Notice (</span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">) how the mind and the body react to this </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention and awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">. Often times a peacefulness arises and thus a new awareness/consciousness in the pose. If you're not a yoga practitioner, but maybe you practice another sport (golf, cycling, running, etc) you can do the same but coming at it from your sport's perspective. Become aware of any new feelings, sensations etc. and by doing so, say hello to a new consciousness!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">So how do we practice this </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention and awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> in our relationships? Much in the same manner. In everyone's life there are people who challenge us - naysayers, victims, complainers, polyannas, children (!) - you know what I'm talking about. The best place to practice </span><b style="line-height: 19.1875px;">attention and awareness</b><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> is with them. These people need us to be present with them. When we are not, we actually create more of what annoys us about them. When this person starts to exhibit the behavior that sends you over the top - bring your <b>attention</b> to that feeling you have about them (judgement, annoyance, irritating, mayhem - haha) and then bring your <b>awareness</b> to that person. Listen to what they are "really" saying. The behavior exhibited by this person is really deeper than what is on the surface. What are they really looking for? Love, compassion, trust, acceptance? Can you just be there with that person in the moment? You may become <b>aware </b>of a new understanding, a different side to that person (just like a different side to your yoga pose or golf swing). A new consciousness that brings you into the moment <b>- and really no other moment matters - but this one right now.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Remember - practice is just that - practice - no one gets to perfect the first (or thousandth) time. But each practice gets you closer to a more fulfilled life</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Namaste'</span></span>Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-31249007722084670752013-04-15T15:53:00.001-07:002013-04-15T15:53:29.784-07:0010 months post surgery update NEWSIt has been 10 months since my total hip replacement revision surgery - and almost 2 months since my last blog post. Here is the latest on my progress. I'll discuss the news, then the better news.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">News -</span></b><br />
I am still struggling with full use of my right hip. Muscle atrophy as a result of the metal ions that leaked into my hip area, have caused some external hip rotation issues that continue to plague me. I'm getting more strength little by little, but it is a slow and frustrating process. Thank goodness for my Acupuncturist Lester Bahn - his 2x monthly sessions continue to break up scar tissue and improve my circulation in that area. I can now go for almost two weeks between sessions and feel relatively normal. Stairs are still a struggle and some standing yoga poses test my strength limits. Hiking and being on my legs for an extended period of time causes a lot of discomfort and frankly is not worth the pain and suffering for days afterward. Hoping that gets better so I can get to Yosemite again and enjoy a day at Disneyland!<br />
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As a result of the revision surgery, my right leg is now about 1/2 to 5/8 longer than my left leg. The surgeon was unable to put the new prosthesis in at the same angle as the last which resulted in a significant leg length differentiation. Because of this, my hips are out of alignment and my sacroiliac joints hurt most of the time. My sciatica on the left side has been flaring up as a result of the issue and has been causing me some pain. I've had to have most of my left leg shoes lifted by 1/2 inch to compensate. This is starting to ease some of the discomfort in my back, but seriously limits the kind of shoes I can wear. No more sexy high heels for me!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Better news - </b></span><br />
With the help of a Senior Iyengar Teacher - Manuoso Manos, I have been working with my atrophied muscles and they are getting better! My knees feel better and I can move in and out of my Yoga poses more easily (still not great - but much better) :) This is such a relief because I was almost ready to give up my standing pose practice as a result of all the pain I was having on the right side and SI joint.<br />
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I'm back to teaching at the YMCA (4 classes a week) and started teaching a Mature Learner class at UCR. I'm slowly starting classes at my home studio (as I feel better and stronger and more capable of teaching additional classes). I won't be looking for a new place to lease for a "real studio" for a while. I am just not healed enough to sign an extended lease and stress my body by teaching more and running a business. Maybe in 2014? Who knows?<br />
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I do know that I am a little anxious about starting another studio for fear that something will go wrong again and I'll have to close another studio. I feel like my initial momentum has been completely interrupted - and getting that sense of purpose and drive back to open my studio again eludes me right now. I'm hoping it comes back about the time I am healed so I can re-open my studio and work towards a fulfilling and financially secure future.<br />
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Until then, I'll keep working on my own enlightenment. Pushing through the mental chatter that tries to sidetrack me and push me down the path of negativity. When those thoughts come up - I've learned to breathe and think how blessed I am that I came out on the other side of this whole catastrophe. My surgeon told me at my last visit about a lady in Canada who died from the metal poisoning from her metal on metal hip. Yes - my story could have been much worse - although there are times that I want to give up especially on days when my body feels 800 years old.<br />
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Will I get all my strength back? I don't know. Will I re-open my studio? I don't know. I will persevere - that much I do know.<br />
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Namaste' Friends.<br />
<br />Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-71490740037307015392013-01-25T13:02:00.000-08:002013-01-28T09:58:24.060-08:00Heavy Metal...Yoga rocksSince my last post I received results from my recent lab work . The news ROCKS :)<br />
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I've been requesting lab work every 3 months to see how the metal levels in my body are doing since my surgery. If you remember, my Chromium and Cobalt levels (metals that were sloughed off from my metal on metal hip replacement prosthesis) were the culprits in causing the metallosis in my body. The metallosis is what was causing inflammation, pain, and tissue and bone destruction on the right side of my body. Well the good news is my Chromium levels are normal and my Cobalt levels are just just slightly elevated. YAY! I have been so worried about what harm these metals continue to do to my body and what long term affects they may have on me going forward. It's somewhat reassuring to know that my body has successfully purged the toxins - of course there is still the worry of the long term affects - but hey - I will live in the moment and be happy with the lab results.<br />
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I owe some of the purging of these metals to my constant yoga practice. Throughout this ordeal, I maintained a practice (even if it was only one or two poses) to help my body get rid of all the bad stuff (for lack of a better word) resulting from the metals and the after affects of surgery. <br />
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Especially important in my recovery process and toxin purging are the Yoga twist postures. Twists act like a sponge - in the sense that the twist poses squeeze and then soak the organs and tissues. New blood and oxygen are able rush in to nourish those areas thereby allowing any built up toxins to be released and eventually eliminated from the body. Twists keep the organs and tissues soft and flexible so that each area is better able to carry out its "job" as it was designed to.<br />
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In today's sedentary lifestyles (TV, driving, school, sitting at desks, video games, texting etc...) our body doesn't move and twist like it should and the organs and tissues harden, shorten, and and eventually find it more difficult to carry out their essential duties. Twists (and Yoga in general) keep the body supple, flexible and balanced.<br />
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Yoga is a powerful tool for rehabilitating the body and the mind. My lab results are just once example of how Yoga can assist us in our pursuit of a healthy body, mind and spirit.<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-19306206892073134862013-01-12T17:14:00.002-08:002013-01-12T17:14:23.151-08:00Happy New Year - and other good things for 2013We'll it's a new year - YIPPEE! I don't want to ever sound unappreciative of the life I've been given, but I'm pretty sure that I could have done without the 2nd half of 2012. So as I ponder about how thankful I am to be kicking 2012 to the curb, I also realize the many <b><u>lessons </u></b>I have learned, the <u><b>good people</b></u> I have had a met over the past year and how <u><b>fortunate I am for my family and friends</b></u>.<br />
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let's start with the <u><b>lessons</b></u> I've learned:<br />
1. Sometimes a fresh start ends up being a quick ending.<br />
2. As you get older, your body does exactly what it wants to - regardless of all the things you do/did to prevent those things from happening.<br />
3. Patience really does have its rewards - even if they do take too friggen long to get there!<br />
4. If you're a person who has always persevered in the things that you want to do and come hell or high water managed to muscle your way through to make your goal, eventually you will encounter something you can't just muscle through. So stop torturing yourself and accept it - continue to persevere - but understand that it will take longer than you want to reach your goal this time.<br />
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<u><b> The Good People I've met </b></u>- during the two and 1/2 months that I had my studio open I had the good fortune to meet some amazing people who were Yoga enthusiasts. Many of them still keep in contact with me and I am grateful for their kind words and actions through all my drama this past year. In general I've come to find that my Yoga peers and friends are probably the nicest people I've ever met in my 51 years.<br />
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<u>My Doctor</u> - Dr. Donaldson, who I am grateful for, for removing the poisonous prosthetic from my body and his ever encouraging words about how well I am doing. He is a kind man, who is very busy - but his bedside manner and gift of his undivided attention to me when I am with him, make him an extraordinary person in my book.<br />
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<u>The Physical therapists at beaver Medical Clinic</u> - who were challenged with my unique situation, but kept looking for answers to why my recovery was not progressing as quickly as it should have been. They were real professionals who inspired me to work hard and lifted my spirits when I did not want to work at all!<br />
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<u>Friends & Family </u>- who have seen me at my best and worst this year. My daughter Olivia and Husband Jay who bore much of the brunt of my care after the surgery. They have put up with my miserable sick self, sad and depressed pathetic self and my angry and pissed self for a good part of the second part of the year. Both of them never complained and graciously loved me through the good and bad. For that I am eternally grateful. I love you both!<br />
<br />As for my friends - and you all know who you are - thank you for your never ending words of encouragement and listening to my pathetic tales of woe during my recovery. You never complained about my incessant whining about this and that and how unfair life was. I love you.<br />
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Lastly - my Yoga students. You never ever questioned that I would be back to teach you Yoga again. You all knew I would be (even when I thought no way for sure) and you waited until I was better and able to teach you - and you know what? You all came back. Thank you - this means more than you could ever know.<br />
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So in spite 2012 being a mixed bag of adventures and life altering events - it turned out that there was much I needed to learn to help out in 2013!<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-8824497217007312992012-12-18T16:58:00.001-08:002012-12-18T16:58:57.066-08:006 months post surgery - status updateWow - It's been 2 months since my last post. Time really does fly when your trying to recover from THR revision surgery. I'll give everyone a little update.<br />
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Today is exactly six month post surgery. For the most part I am recovering well - with a few hiccups - but according to my surgeon - things are going along great. He looks at me with great pride at all the things I am doing - he is quite proud of himself. HA!<br />
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I , on the other hand can't wait until I feel completely normal again. Not to say that I'm not cycling again, practicing Yoga and resuming my normal activities - because for the most part I am. But, I'd be lying if I said that everything feels perfect and that I can do everything I want to - because it doesn't - and I can't. I still have aches and pains in that hip and back area - which of course freak me out (is this hip not working either? Are my muscles ever going to be right after all that metal in the tissue? What other damage did the metal leakage cause?). My strength level is still lacking in that buttock area and my sciatica is bothering me. Dr. said this is all normal, that the soft tissue will take up to 1-2 years to completely heal after the invasive surgery he performed and scar tissue will cause the sciatica to flare up (lovely!). I guess the most worrisome of it all is what long term affect the metal will have on my body and what will I do in 20 years when this revised hip prosthetic wears out? They can't really do a third replacement on the same hip so it may be the scooter for me!<br />
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I'm getting restless! I need to make an income to help my family out financially! I realize I need a purpose during this crazy time in my life - so I can stop worrying about things that might happen or that I can't control!<br />
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So, I'm planning on returning to the YMCA to teach part time after the first of the year. I begin teaching a class for Seniors at the UCR Extension starting in January as well as a class at an assisted living community in San Bernardino. My doctor advised volunteering to teach until then to see how my body will react to the teaching and being on my feet etc.<br />
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I can't foresee me re-opening my studio <u>at least </u>for another 6 months. My body is just not ready for that. I also am not ready to make that commitment in case something goes wrong during recovery at this time. As disappointed as that makes me - I know that I need to be patient with my healing. Now is NOT the time to move forward with that decision. I'm hoping that by my one year anniversary I will feel better (mentally & physically) and sufficiently recovered to make long term career decisions about my future.<br />
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Until then, I'll go with the flow. Practice acceptance and patience and be grateful with my progress each day.<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-68867424916738943762012-10-08T17:08:00.000-07:002012-10-08T17:08:33.704-07:00Mindfulness in Action - is that an Oxymoron?We've all heard talk about mindfulness. Usually it is used in the context of being mindful of what you are doing at that moment. Being present with the task at hand. This week's blog is about mindfulness, but also about being present. Because it is my belief that we can be mindful but yet still not be present.<br />
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This week's musing from me comes after a moment last week when I found myself doing the billion (ok a slight exaggeration) of physical therapy exercises that I have been assigned to help with my recovery. I was doing those exercises and it occurred to me that while I was focused on the task at hand (mindful) I was rushing through them just to be on to the next exercise so I could finally be done.<br />
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I realized that we as humans are always rushing everything we do so we can get to the next thing. As a result we're really not present in the moment. If we're constantly rushing to get to that next thing, then we haven't taken time to enjoy this thing we're doing. For instance, how many of us rush in and out of our yoga poses so we can hurry up and be onto the next one or so we can be done? We're mindful of our poses, but we're not really present because our mind has already moved onto the next pose or a more likely thought, "Are we done with this pose yet, because I am dying!!!!!"<br />
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Yoga is about quieting the mind and being fully present in each moment. Sutra 1.2 of the Yoga Sutras, "Yogah cittavritta nirodha". Loosely translated as "Yoga is the quieting of the fluctuations of the mind." Yoga is the mental discipline of being fully present and mindful in everything we do. Stopping external and internal chattering and becoming one with our soul.<br />
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This week's sequence - Mindful Standing Poses. Practice being fully present in each pose. See how your poses change as you mind becomes quite and your body and mind respond to that quiet.<br />
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Swastikasana (easy cross leg pose)</div>
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Tadasana - (Mountain pose)</div>
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Urdvha Hastasana (upward hand pose)</div>
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Gomukhasana (cow face pose - arms only)<br />
Vrksasana - Tree Pose<br />
Garudasana - Eagle pose</div>
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Trikonasana - Triangle pose<br />
Parivrtta Trikonasana - Revolved Triangle pose - use a block on the inside of foot (helps with stability)</div>
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Virabhadrasana II - Warrior II - back foot at the wall (Make sure forward leg is in a 90degree bend and knee is in line with hip - back leg straight).<br />
Utthita Parvakonasana - Extended side angle - back foot at wall. (Make sure forward leg is in a 90degree bend and knee is in line with hip, back leg straight). Hand can be on a block.</div>
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Ardha Chandrasana - with block at the wall (half moon pose) or with chair<br />
Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward facing dog pose x 2<br />
Sirsasana - headstand - (only if you have done head stand with me or a capable teacher)<br />
Salamba Sarvangasana on a chair - if you don't know this pose or have a chair you can use then substitute with:<br />
Setubandha Sarvangasana - supported bridge pose with block under the sacrum.<br />
Savasana - corpse pose - 5- 10 minutes (don't cheat yourself out of this quiet time)<br />
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Namaste'</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-12595743219727842242012-09-30T13:55:00.002-07:002012-09-30T13:55:45.455-07:00Life is a work in progress...learn to practice compassion.Since my last post, (much too long ago) many life obstacles have gotten in the way of my yoga practice. It's easy to chastise myself for letting these things derail me. It's also easy to blame others for their "drama" that I allowed to invade my life and rob me of my yoga time. But that's not fair to me or to them. So I have to learn compassion towards myself for not doing what I set out to do (my yoga practice) and realize that <u><b>I chose</b></u> to spend my energy being part of their drama.<br />
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That leads me to this week's blog post. <span style="color: purple;"><b>Life is a work in progress</b>.</span> How easy it would be to say you were going to do something and then without fail do it consistently from that moment on. Imagine what that life would look like! Actually, I can't imagine what that life would look like. Because it's the life "obstacles" that teach us the most important lessons in life and help us to search deeper inside.<br />
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Life is a series of events, adventures, misfortunes, blessings, good intentions, successes, failures, observations, stress, love, grief, humor, sadness, impatience, embraces, guilt, drama, rejections... you get my drift. Life is never what we intend it to be. We can get close to our intentions and often times see our greatest dreams come true. But still in the midst of all of that, things happen which we have no control. So we find ourselves adjusting our "plans" and moving forward.<br />
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When life throws you obstacles, learn to adjust and practice <span style="color: magenta;"><b>Compassion.</b></span> In Yoga, Compassion ( a fundamental tenet) teaches us kindness and caring toward others and ourselves. The practice of Compassion allows us to forgive when things don't happen as planned. Compassion transforms the energy that we expend into positive expressions of love and caring. Practicing compassion isn't easy. It takes mindful intention - which is no easy task. When confronted with a life obstacle - stop, examine your thoughts for judgment or insensitivity, then breathe. Ask yourself, is this really a big deal? Or am I making it a big deal?IS this person just being human (like I am) in all our imperfectness? Smile, mentally wish them kindness and adjust your expectation.<br />
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This weeks sequence - Compassionate Forward bends (if you have any questions on the sequence please let me know I can help!!!!) Bolded poses for a shorter sequence or if you consider yourself more of a beginner.<br />
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<b>Swastikasana </b>- easy cross legs (3 ohms)<br />
<b>Tadasana - mountain pose</b><br />
<b>Urdvha Hastasana - Upward hand pose</b><br />
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - Hand to big toe pose (with strap or foot on a chair or both)<br />
<b>Trikonasana - Triangle</b><br />
<b>Parsvottanasana </b>- intense side stretch pose with blocks under hands concave back<br />
Uttanasana - intense forward stretch with blocks under hands concave back<br />
<b>Prasarita Padottanasana </b>- wide spread apart foot pose with hands on block concave back<br />
<b>Adho Mukha Svanasana</b> - downward facing dog pose<br />
Sirsasana - head stand - (only if you do head stand)<br />
Halasana - plow pose on chair (please use blankets and straps as you learned from me - safety is of utmost importance)<br />
<b>Dandasana </b>- staff pose (if your back rounds sit on blankets)<br />
<b>Urdvha Hasta Dandasana</b> - upward arm pose in staff pose<br />
<b>Urdvha Mukha Dandasana</b> - upward facing pose with hands to big toes or using a strap in staff pose. concave back.<br />
<b>Upavistha Konasana </b>- wide legged seated angle pose. Sit straight<br />
<b>Baddha Konasana </b>- Cobbler pose - or bound angle pose. Grab around feet or use a strap around feet<br />
Pascimottanasana - intense forward bend - use strap to reach feet with hands and keep a concave back<br />
<b>Savasana</b> - corpse pose (10 minutes)<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-74670892836292618132012-09-11T16:19:00.004-07:002012-09-11T16:19:55.751-07:00Home practice - for me and for you!Since I last posted I feel as if I have cleared a giant mental hurdle. I feel more positive and ready to move forward with my life. Not everything is perfect - that is certain. I'm still not teaching, the future of my studio is still up in the air, and my physical limitations prohibit many of my usual life activities. But in spite of these issues I've decided to jump back in to whatever normal activity I can muster (or endure at times)- albeit at a modified level.<br />
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I've begun to re-read Mr. Iyengars book, "Light on Life". It has inspired me to re-start my home practice. Not just in the sense of physical postures - Asanas, but also to practice awareness in my life. Observing who I am through my thoughts, words, and actions. How do they serve me? What can I learn? How can I affect the world through them? What can I practice getting rid of and what do I want to keep? Being vigilant and aware is difficult at best - but in doing so I can practice ways of finding peace within myself and ultimately having a "peaceful" effect on the world.</div>
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Asana practice is the way to look inside of who we are.While we start Yoga for the physical aspects, the residual effects are the deeper understanding of who we are at the core - our soul. In the Iyengar yoga discipline, we create a detailed awareness of each movement - nothing is coincidental - every body movement is made with a purpose. These mindful movements and actions provide each student with brief glimpses inside as we penetrate the layers of our physical body and move toward our spiritual body. Practicing the postures with awareness, kindness and honesty open us to endless possibilities as we learn to overcome our actual and perceived limitations and lead us to the light of our life - our soul.</div>
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As a bonus to those of you who follow me on my blog I am going to start including a practice sequence with each posting. This weeks sequence is a standing sequence. Do as much or as little as you want (the highlighted poses create a shorter sequence if you're time pressed) , please use props when you need them (let your ego go- this is the honesty and kindness part of your practice), but make sure that you always do Savasana (corpse pose) at the end for at least 10 minutes.</div>
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<u>Standing Sequence</u></div>
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<b>Swastikasana (easy cross leg pose)</b></div>
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Adho Mukha Virasana (downward facing hero pose)</div>
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Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing Dog pose)</div>
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<b>Tadasana - (Mountain pose)</b></div>
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<b>Urdvha Hastasana (upward hand pose)</b></div>
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<b>Gomukhasana (cow face pose - arms only)</b></div>
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Pascimo-namaskarasana - (back of the body prayer pose)</div>
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<b>Trikonasana - (Triangle pose)</b></div>
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<b>Virabhadrasana II - (Warrior II)</b></div>
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Ardha Chandrasana - at the wall (half moon pose)</div>
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<b>Prasarita Padottanasana - concave back (spread apart foot pose)</b></div>
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Sirsasana (head stand - <b><span style="color: red;">only for those students who know how to do this</span></b>)</div>
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Chatush Padasana - (four footed pose - similar to bridge pose but shoulders and head on the floor)</div>
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Salamba Sarvangasana - (shoulder stand - <b><span style="color: red;">only for those students who know how to do this</span></b>)</div>
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<b>Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - with medium block under sacrum </b>(Bridge the whole body pose - <b>this is an acceptable alternative to shoulder stand)</b></div>
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Savasana - (corpse pose)</div>
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Namaste'</div>
Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-36731734900085818032012-08-29T14:51:00.000-07:002012-08-29T14:54:15.130-07:00<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">10 weeks post surgery - Making Peace with Progress.</span></h3>
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It's been a while since I posted on my blog. Recovery has been a full time job. I also have been enjoying a few beach visits and getting out more often with a pared down social life!<br />
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I'm driving - YAY! So nice to get some independence back. Now I don't have to depend on others to drive me to Dr appts, PT appts, to the Y , shopping etc. I still cannot drive for long distances since it really aggravates those muscles at the surgery site.<br />
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Speaking of muscles at the surgery site - it seems that some of my Gluteus Maximus muscles (buttocks) are not working properly and have not been even prior to my surgery. One set of them is not firing at all. It is the set that propels me forward and is critical to proper walking mechanics. The metal that was leaking into the right hip from the bad hip replacement was causing inflammation and muscle and bone deterioration in and around those muscle groups. So because of the muscle weakness and deterioration, my hips throw me to the left (where there is more stability) and try to lock out the leg bones on the right side so that I can be stable. So needless to say, I have a really funky waddle because of it. PT is doing a good job trying to get those muscles firing again. It's a slow process, but we are starting to see some progress. <br />
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I'm without a cane since last week and just relying on my leg & hip brace which helps me to externally rotate my right leg. This has become a problem because of the weak buttocks muscles and what happens is the knee ends up hurting because it is pitching inwards instead of tracking as it should.<br />
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I started taking Pilates Reformer classes at the Y to help to strengthen my weak buttocks muscles and improve core stability. I am enjoying these classes and am regaining some strength in the affected area. I took a couple of short rides on my bike and it was so good to be back on the bike. Unfortunately I pulled a groin muscle! PT says it is because the weak buttocks muscles get tired and stop working, so some other muscles has got to pick up the slack - so my inner thighs bear the brunt and VOILA - pulled groin and inner thigh muscle.<br />
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My regular Yoga practice is suffering. I hate this feeling of guilt that I have about it. I think I am shying away from my practice because I just can't do what I used to be able to. Frankly a lot of it hurts still and my lack of flexibility reminds me of when I was a beginner. So instead of being confronted and disappointed with all my limitations - I'll just avoid it. <br />
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10 weeks away from a regular Yoga practice, Road cycling and teaching 7 classes of Yoga a week can wreck havoc on your body and mind. Let's just say 10lbs and flabby muscles is really depressing when you have worked so hard all your life to stay fit. It's also really easy to find comfort from all those depressing things with ice cream, chips, good beer and other late evening snacks that call my name. :)<br />
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All in all I'm good. Could I be better - of course! I could be back to doing all the things I was before - but that is not realistic. I have to make peace with that. I have to make peace with 6 months being a more reasonable period to recover and get back to normal. I saw a friend at the Y today and she said, " In an entire life, what is 6 months? It's nothing - it's a blink of an eye. You can do it Amy". She's right, I know it, now make peace with it Amy.<br />
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Namaste'Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-62591715549473212902012-08-08T13:15:00.000-07:002012-08-08T13:15:05.251-07:00<h2>
<span style="color: #741b47;">EGO (ahamkara) - getting over yourself can set you free</span></h2>
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One of the basic concepts of Yoga is the Ego or the sanskrit word Ahamkara/Asmita. Our conscious over identification with our "self" in relation to our external environment ( feelings, physical body,emotions, life stages, society norms) seperates us from the true state of "Yoga" - or union with the Divine.<br />
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The ego is one of the five Afflictions (Kleshas) that cause us suffering in this life (Avidya - Ignorance, Ahamkara/Asmita- Ego, Raga - Attraction, Dvesa - Aversion, Abhinivasa- Death). The cause of all the afflictions is embedded in the first Klesa - Ignorance. BKS Iyengar wrote in "Light on the Yoga Sutras", "Mistaking the transient for the permanent, the impure for the pure, pain for pleasure, that which is not the self for the self: all of this is a lack of spiritual knowledge". <br />
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I've been struggling with all these physical limitations lately. I take one step forward and the next thing I know my body or my emotions send me two steps back. Instead of staying present and acknowledging my ability for what I can do today - I end up looking back at what I could do before and then my Ego kicks in and I find myself sad, depressed, angry at my body - at my situation - at this juncture in my life. These feelings (my ego) tend to send me down a road that is just not realistic and frankly unhealthy for me and those around me.<br />
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Learning to stay in the present is hard. Past life experiences invade our present moments and creep into our future thoughts - often times undermining our progress and ultimately our Yoga practice. What to do?<br />
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Change my thoughts! <br />
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I am trying to remember that I am not 20 years old anymore - heck I'm not even what I was 8 weeks ago! My body will not do those things anymore. It is different everyday, every second, - every cell changes NOTHING stays the same - ever. I cannot hold onto those memories -that is all they are memories. From here on out everyday is new with its own sets of challenges and successes. When my Ego steps in and says - Wow - you can't do this like you used to, or you're not making quick enough progress like last time, or you're putting weight on around your middle because you're not working out like you used to, or am I embarrassing my husband because I am walking with a cane, or great one leg is longer than the other now and I have to wear a lift in my shoe. Uultimately all those Ego conversations just make me feel less and cause me suffering.<br />
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And I am not less - I am more than just this human body I inhabit. I make a difference - regardless of what this life (or my Ego) throws at me. <br />
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And readers - Guess what? So are you!<br />
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NamasteAmy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-79517995760743658922012-07-22T19:37:00.000-07:002012-07-22T19:37:24.305-07:00<h2>
<span style="color: red;">Happy 2nd Hip Hooray Anniversary - 5 weeks post surgery</span></h2>
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This past week has been full of successes - some big and others minor, but my recovery is, for the most part, moving along.<br />
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I graduated to a cane this last Wednesday. I was a little nervous but I am faring well. I do find that I get tired more quickly, than when I was using the walker. I also find that when I get tired my limp really shows and my knee starts to hurt. Usually when one joint is suffering, the joint above or below takes the brunt - so my knee pain is most likely a result of week muscles on the right side. I have to remember to stop, sit and rest for a while - then I'm good for another short time period.<br />
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I saw the Surgeon this week. I am now allowed to go in the pool. The incision has mostly healed - but they are very cautious about infection in that area. I have to keep an eye on the incision and if it looks funky or has pain I have to notify them right away. If infection gets down into the new joint it could mean open me up again and start all over - YUCK!!! The surgeon also said that all my soft tissue healing should be done in the next few weeks. After that it is a long slow process to gain my muscle strength back. I hope my muscle memory is strong and snaps back sooner - rather than later.<br />
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I've been in physical therapy 2 times a week and have been doing my own PT exercises at home another 3 times a week. I swam yesterday (swimming is hard!!!) and did some one legged squats in the pool and step ups on my surgery leg. I was amazed how sore I was today from such a simple pool workout. I am also noticing that my feet hurt all the time. I think it is because I walk all crooked, so the bottoms of my feet are working differently...and shoot howdy they are letting me know all about it!<br />
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I am off the scary pain meds! Thank goodness. I am now just taking Motrin 800 as needed for pain. I am so happy to be off the narcotics and most of the time feel clear headed . Speaking of clear headed - I am feeling less depressed. For that I am grateful. I am settling into my situation, and understand that this is not forever - but for now I have to accept my fate and keep an optimistic outlook.<br />
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I'm still not driving and most likely won't be for at least another month. My daughter has been a great helper and driver and many friends and family have lent me their amazing driving skills to and from Dr. appts , lunch, the store etc. I am so grateful for the support I have been blessed with!<br />
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A quick note - a Yoga student of mine is dealing with some pretty serious health issues right now - if you could send positive affirmations and healing thoughts his way I'm sure it would lift his spirits.<br />
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Namaste'<br />Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-86665800525703281512012-07-14T09:25:00.000-07:002012-07-14T09:25:06.183-07:00<h2>
<span style="color: orange;">Aparigraha - One of the five Yamas or Moral Codes</span></h2>
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One of the Yamas is Aparigraha (a-par-i-gra-ha), which has been translated as “non-hoarding”, “non-possessiveness” and “non-attachment”. the meaning is so much more complicated than these three simple definitions. But for my posting I like to think it means “taking only what is necessary for you to live”.<br />
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I found this website that does a great job defining Aparigraha - the wording it uses resonates in me and sparked me to consider if I have been hoarding or to attached to my strong body and perhaps taking it for granted - which may have resulted in me not being honest (Satya - truthful - one of the Yamas) with myself about my body's limitations. Was I ignoring signals that were telling me something wasn't right? I'm so proud of my strong body and all that it can do - but was my ego - my attachment- my pride in that strong body, blinding me to the truth?<br />
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The website says:<br />
"What does “taking only what is necessary for you to live” really mean? This means that we must have the basic objects to live a comfortable, safe and healthy life and that the purpose of material things we have in our life is to allow us to live this way. Instead of thinking of possessions as status symbols or something that represents our success, they should be thought of as simply tools that allow us to accomplish our goals in life."<br />
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Now that my body is slowly withering away, ( OK - so not withering away -but boy is it starting to get soft everywhere) and not able to do even a fraction of what it could do before, forces me to realize that I need to be kinder and nicer to this amazing machine - my body- so it can sustain me during this human life. I need to only take what I need from it to really live. I will treat it with kindness and caring and not be so critical of its limitations - now and in the future. Does this mean I won't push it when I'm fully recovered? Probably not, but in doing so it won't be for my need to be better or stronger or faster - but to keep it in tip top working order so I can accomplish everything that this life throws at me.<br />
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Namaste'<br />
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website link if you are interested: <a href="http://www.instantgoodkarma.org/Aparigraha.html">http://www.instantgoodkarma.org/Aparigraha.html</a>Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-82419139250811782232012-07-08T18:01:00.002-07:002012-07-08T18:01:57.436-07:00<h2>
Physical Recovery Update - I'll save my pathetic whining for another post</h2>
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Just wanted to give a full report on how I am recovering <u>physically</u> from my surgery. This is much better than my mental state.<br />
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<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-RK265PsWo/T_otTAunJBI/AAAAAAAAABo/nBox4_v6m7g/s1600/PT+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-RK265PsWo/T_otTAunJBI/AAAAAAAAABo/nBox4_v6m7g/s200/PT+bike.jpg" width="148" /></a>Staples are out and my 11 inch scar is finishing its healing with surgical strips</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I still cannot go into the pool until the incision completely heals - this is killing me. I could at least be getting an awesome tan floating in the pool. :)</li>
<li>I've started PT twice a week and am very happy with my therapists.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been doing my exercises as directed by my PT and can see progress being made already. Yay!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The PT said I could ride the recumbent bike at the gym for 20-30 minutes. YAY!</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have also started to incorporate a few very modified Yoga asanas. These are mostly restorative and chest and arm pit openers. Remember an open armpit makes us happy and helps to cure depression. I should be walking around with my arms up all the time -maybe that would help. hahahaha</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am starting to back off on my meds a little which is a good thing since they really F with my mind.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm starting to get more visits from friends and family and found that even a small daily outing can boost my optimism.</li>
<li>I'm still dependant on my sexy walker but am hoping to transition to a cane in the next few weeks.</li>
</ul>
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Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me. Your kind words and outreach of love make a difference in my recovery.</div>
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Namaste'<br />
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</div>Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-5908968354271927192012-07-07T10:18:00.000-07:002012-07-07T10:18:32.761-07:00<h2>
Svadhyaya - Self study for a better life </h2>
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Have you ever had a tightness in your heart that felt as if it were trying to suck you down into the depths of darkness? That no matter what you did to move forward it just seemed to envelope you and block your way back to normalcy? Many of you are shaking your head Yes. For me this is a first, my normally happy, positive attitude has been replaced with sadness. And while not really a negative attitude has replaced a positive attitude - I just feel..well...sad. This sadness for lack of a better word is so pervasive that I cannot figure out how to get out of it. <br />
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As a result I have been digging deep into my mind, body and spirit. In Yoga this is called Svadhyaya. self study, self reflection - the willingness to look at behaviors that drive us in this human life. This self study helps us to see ourselves more clearly and hopefully in the process pierce through the self image veil so we can come out on the other side more whole and at peace with what this life has given us.<br />
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So in my self study I first tried to determine the root cause of my sadness. The root cause has not been too difficult to figure out. Just look at everything that has happened to me in the last few months. My real distress is my inability to find my way out of this sadness. You have to understand that I am a person who sets goals and then achieves them. Even if that means that I have to just put my head down and muscle my way through it. The problem is I can't figure out a way to muscle through this and end up on the other side. <br />
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Part of the problem is I don't know what is on the other side - I thought I did 6 months ago when I quit my job and opened a Yoga studio - but we all know how that turned out. So what does my other side look like now??? How do I get there if I don't know what it is I'm getting at?<br />
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Time for more Svadhyaya - I guess.<br />
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Namaste' my friends. I miss seeing all of your smiling happy faces. Please remember to practice your Yoga.<br />
<br />Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9154074578274015443.post-79821803812757423052012-06-29T08:54:00.001-07:002012-06-29T08:54:47.268-07:00<h2>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy's medicated mind</span></h2>
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I have had many interactions with members of the medical profession over the past few weeks. Some good, some marginal and some downright disturbing. Of course all of these perceptions are laced with Amy's medicated mind - but that too gives extra cause for concern that these medical people should realize what they say and do can have profound effects on the patient.<br />
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I have found some pretty dark places in my mind over the past few months. The overwhelming sadness I had been experiencing before the surgery as I anticipated my fate, now seems light and flowery compared to the darkness since the surgery.<br />
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Some of that post surgery sadness was a result of the grieving process - that I know - but some of that sadness was a direct response to the words coming from my health care providers. And as I began to get really pissed off at one particular care provider and allow his words to plunge my normally optimistic mind down further into the scary abyss of Amy's medicated mind, - I realized that he was really just doing the best that he could. He thought he was helping. He didn't get up that morning and make the conscious decision to fuck with my life - he really was just trying to be helpful - in the ways that he knew; albeit - flawed at best. <br />
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The lesson here is that we all get up and try to do the best that we can. Sometimes with positive results and sometimes not. But deep inside we are all good, we are all trying to make a difference during our brief time on this earth. Sometimes things get in our way as we are trying to do good - our ego, our worries, our medications, our finances, our relationships, - and yes these do affect our interactions with others -whether we want to believe it or not.<br />
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So instead of judging others based on their limitations or our interactions with them I try to remember that they are doing the best they can - just like me. We are all interconnected and the thoughts we share with each other - or keep to ourselves - radiate out into the universe and ultimately have affects on others. I'm not saying that I have to accept this medical clowns opinion - I don't - nor will I let his words affect me any further - but I will accept that he means well. And be thankful that I only have one more appt with him and he can mean well with someone else. :)<br />
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<br /></div>Amy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01567659605039173335noreply@blogger.com1