My Fibromyalgia started like it does for many women experiencing symptoms that have no explanation . Pain everywhere, every day; fatigue, bloating, heartburn, sensitivity to light, non-restorative sleep. After countless doctors visits, nights spent in A&E & one very long-awaited appointment with an arthritis specialist, I was told 'It’s probably Fibromyalgia...& there’s nothing else I can do'
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I remember having to tick a box on my first day at college asking me “Are you from a broken home?”- Yes. After a childhood of fear, neglect, constant chronic stress because I was always frightened, lonely, bullied & emotionally abused. I asked my parent if they would choose me or their partner. They chose their partner. So I left
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At 19 I received that diagnosis. I was in university experiencing a devastating break up that led to drinking & poor lifestyle choices. Losing my mind through anxiety, depression, immense loneliness & extreme self-loathing
Then came my introduction to Yoga when I first visited India in 2015. I was blown away by medically trained Doctors & PhDs talking about how Yoga HEALS. It turns out Pharmaceutical companies don’t fund studies that prove we can heal ourselves
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My yoga practice began with stretches which relieved muscle cramping. Then opened up to pranayama, meditation & philosophy, all of which help to relieve flareups, anxiety, burnouts & cultivate a new loving relationship with myself & Self
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Everything finally came together. As if I suddenly awoke to my life purpose. I can heal myself from Fibromyalgia, & I will help others to heal themselves too
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I now understand clearly that my body loves me. It creates these symptoms as a form of communication. When I stop suppressing them, concealing them, yelling at them & numbing them using pill after pill ... & finally begin to LISTEN - my innate guidance system switches back on & guides me back to health
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When we love ourselves, we choose things, thoughts, words, foods, relationships, jobs, habits & practices that serve and heal us. Yoga itself is an act of self-love 🙏
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