Fibromyalgia: Is it all in the head?

Interesting new brain research compares brain scans of people with fibromyalgia and those without. Very Interesting! http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diagnosis/brainpain.html

My Husband's Unusual Journey at 19

I've heard this story so many times, but there's nothing like reading it. The beauty he demonstrates in his writing is so fresh. I could go on and on, but really, there's nothing like reading it. So here it is! http://jeffwhelan.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/greyhound/

MLK and Yoga

My son had a project over the weekend that required him to develop a poster of The Bill of Rights and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On the poster, he showed how MLK fought (non-violently, of course) to create equality among all people, all races, and maintaining dignity while standing up for civil rights. He had to show (using pictures) the right way for people to stand up for their civil rights, and how, even though protests were peaceful, their civil rights were violated.

This made me think, was MLK a yogi? I would have to say yes! He was able to promote non-violence, and access his soul's desire beautifully. Anyone who hasn't seen Dr. MLK's "I Have a Dream Speech", needs to rectify this immediately. I cannot watch this without crying and feeling enlightened. The beauty in his voice could only be expressed by accessing his soul and breathing in light and inspiration. Today, let's live in equanimity and light. Namaste.

My Husband's Blog

For those of you interested in science fiction, check out my husband, Jeff Whelan's, blog: http://jeffwhelan.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/a-short-story-long/

Choosing the Right Yoga for the Right Time

I struggle with how much or how well I do yoga at any given time. This past weekend I was sick and couldn't muster the strength I needed to do yoga. At times like these I feel guilty for at least not trying. If my friend were sick, I'd tell her to take it easy and be good to herself--I would tell her to rest because that's what her body needs. Why, then, is it so hard to heed my own advice? I could either interpret that to mean that I am stronger and need to be better than the other or I'm just uncaring when it comes to my own body and health.

Neither of those choices ring true for me, so why DO I make myself feel guilty. Is it my upbringing? I needed to be responsible always so that transends into my yoga practice? hmmm...can't figure that one out.

I did, however, listen to my body this morning and did a very slow vinyasa flow yoga with a few regenerative poses to get the aches and pains in my muscles to release. Although I'm still under the weather, I went to work today and actually got quite a bit accomplished--I think I may be making up for my lack of yoga this weekend.

Just for today, I will be gentle with myself and allow my body to dictate what it needs. Namaste.

Speaking From the Heart

Ever have one of those moments where you take a chance and shared what is in your heart? Maybe it's something that makes you look childish?

Well, I did that this morning with my hubby. I became very insecure about a situation and told him how I felt. I didn't understand the rational reason for the way I was feeling. I could feel that deep inside was the answer to the insecurity, but it just wouldn't seem to surface.

After a bit of frustration, and yeah, some tears, the reason popped out! I was amazed! It was basically a fear of loss! Such a base human emotion. Funny, I sometimes feel that I'm above this very visceral emotion, but BAM! it just goes to show that we all are really, truly human right down to the core. You know what felt good tho'? The release! And, of course, having a wonderfully compassionate husband who allows me to be a childish tantruming child when I need to and still loves me unconditionally. I am truly blessed.

New Year, New Yoga

I received the February 2012 edition of Yoga Journal about a week ago. In one of the articles it talked about different styles of yoga and cardiovascular workout. It is a general belief that yoga does not fit into the realm of cardo. A few of the views expressed agree with this, but others challenge that yoga can be really intense.

I agree! Starting today with my morning yoga, I added 10 minutes of cardio exercises (mostly done via sun salutations), and found that I had sweat more and had more energy than I've had in a while. My goal is to incorporate 10 minutes of cardo for at least 4 days a week. I do hope that I find my energy continues to increase and my well being to be sunny and light. Namaste!

Maintaining Control? Yeah, Right!

The end of the year is a terrific time to evaluate all that has happened during the year. The times spent mourning what I don't have rather than being grateful for what I do have seems to be precious time wasted. Hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? I would love to say that I will be grateful for every experience that is thrown my way, good or bad, but I know that I will unfortunately slip into the mourning phase yet again. How do I know I've slipped into this phase? I start picking away at my budget, trying to eke out one last dollar to cover expenses, I try to fix my friends or students' problems--basically focusing on other things rather than myself. See? I'm trying to maintain control over my life. Ha!

My plan of action, I've decided, is to witness and be aware of when this happens. I will then take stock of all that I have to be grateful for: two beautiful boys, a wonderfully supportive husband, A JOB! (Not all can say that, for sure!) a fulfilling and sustaining yoga practice, an old, but functional home (built in 1895), 4 fluffy cats--one who's ornery, two Toyotas (one of them a Prius), and of course, food and clothing.

I'm sure there are many that would trade their woes for what we have, and I need to make sure that I do not fall into complacency. I need to allow life to happen and welcome the difficult, because truthfully, that is what really makes us grow. Happy New Year to all! Namaste.

Yoga and Fibromyalgia

I started doing yoga to relieve my pain due to fibromyalgia. It has helped greatly, but not completely. I recently visited a new rheumatologist last week who I found to be highly informed and compassionate.

I told him I did not like the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FMS) because it seemed like it was a catch-all diagnosis or a diagnosis of exclusion. He stated that they have actually done brain scans on people with FMS and pain vs. people with pain due to other factors. The scans showed that people with FMS had differences in their brains than the other group. He also explained that people with FMS have more nerve activity than other people. When we (people with FMS) do normal activities, we ache all over. When other people without FMS do the same thing, they are fine.

My goal after retirement is to become a certified yoga instructor and work with people who have chronic pain. Who better to teach them than someone who has experienced chronic pain?!

I have included this link for further information on FMS: Symptoms of FMS. But remember, it is important to stay active and NOT let FMS rule your life. You will be in pain whether you stay home or not. But I guarantee that you will feel better after exercise; but please make sure you check with your doctor about the most appropriate exercise for you.  Happy holidays, everyone!!!

Neti Pot Recipe for Killing Amoebas!

Hi All,
With the recent scare of the infected solutions using Neti pots, I thought I'd post a recipe that should kill those darned amoebas.

1 cup distilled water
1/4 tsp each of sugar, baking soda, salt
Stir and nuke for 2 minutes.

Let sit on counter for about one hour then use. It should still be a bit warm. Enjoy! Remember: The neti pot needs to be cleaned as well!