I started this AWC program for selfish reasons... to help myself be healthy. My final research paper came out of the same inclination. For the last two months, I've been struggling with inflammation in my right knee. Ironically, it started after sitting on the floor for 2 days during my last intense Ayurveda class. The same weekend I had a strong reaction to some nasal drops administered during our Panchakarma class. This whole experience has been really humbling as I see the limits and of my body and acknowledge my predisposition for joint issues. After x-rays, blood tests, an MRI and countless doctors appointments, I'm now starting physical therapy once a week to help build strenth to support my knees. When I look for the gift or the assignment in all of this, I can see that my health issues will help me be a more compassionate and understanding counselor. Perhaps a little personal struggle helps me better relate to others. It definitely has me researching and seeking out new resources to guide my healing.
Here are a few things I've learned about inflammation and auto-immune diseases:
1. My body sometimes overreacts to perceived threats and attacks healthy tissue. Anything that can calm the body down (REST, massage, aromatherapy, chanting, pranayama) can reduce inflammation.
2. An anti-inflammatory diet is full of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
3. Sugar, gluten and alcohol can cause more inflammation.
4. Spices and herbs like garlic, tumeric and ginger have huge healing benefits.
5. My mind is my strongest healing tool and ally. I can ignite my own "placebo effect" by trusting my body's healing power and wisdom. Tapping into my natural balancing capacities will save my knee.
6. Stress causes inflammation. This research paper showed me that there is a HUGE body of knowledge and research about the benefits of yoga, meditation, pranayama and herbs.
As I move forward with Ayurveda, I learn more tricks and tips that help me stay on track and keep my body thriving. Living happy and shaking off stress seem to be the best remedy.
Everyone has been there. Your bank account is looking a little sad, and the anxiety sets in. Money is linked to so many emotions like shame, embarrassment and worry. However, money can also be empowering, especially if you learn to cultivate feelings of abundance REGARDLESS of your financial situation. This spiritual wealth can support and sustain you. You will remember that you're safe and provided for by the Universe.
Here are examples of how to cultivate gratitude even when funds are low.
Meditate and breathe. Enjoy the feeling of a full breath. Watch your body inhale and exhale this sweet air that is always available to you. As you slow down and look around, think, "Wow. What a beautiful candle. What a soft rug. What a beautiful tree outside. Look around with the eyes of a stranger, observing and appreciating the beauty that surrounds you.
As you move to the shower, don't judge your body. Instead say an affirmation like, "Thank you, body, for supporting me every day. Thank you for your strength, for digesting my food, for carrying me through the world." Feel the warm water in the shower. You do not need to buy more things. Celebrate your soap that you already own. Celebrate the smell of a clean towel. Celebrate that you get to be clean.
Move to your closet. Dress up today. Wear a bright color that brightens your face. Or a dress. Thank yourself for taking good care of this item. Put on pretty underwear. Admire yourself in the mirror and remember that you already own cute clothes. You do not need more in order to be happy right now. You are enough and you have enough.
As you head to the kitchen, remember that you are an intelligent, creative and happy person. You get to make the rules for your life, and you choose to feel the abundance. Look around at what you have. Even if you have very little, you have more than many people in the world. Make the best of whatever you have. Why not eat rice for breakfast? Add a little cinnamon and viola! breakfast of champions. Congratulate yourself for your creativity and resourcefulness. You will find ways to nourish yourself and sustain yourself through breath, patience and smart decisions.
Money will come. You have so much to offer and so much to give. Focus on the ways you can give today. If you are ready to educate yourself on smart investing and money management, watch this incredible video by Marie Forleo, Secrets for Building Serious Wealth. She addresses the feelings that surface as women become primary breadwinners in many homes. She also debunks the fantasy that a man is going to swoop in and save us financially.
As you educate yourself, make smart decisions and cultivate gratitude, you will begin to experience the richness of life. You are of the highest worth right now, regardless of your financial situation. Enjoy the abundance!
