Yoga means "Union," and throughout my yoga practice (and current teacher training program at Vital Yoga Highlands), we are often discussing the deep meaning of this and how it relates to our everyday lives. In yoga practice, our constant, conscious effort to stay present in our bodies during our classes is what brings about the long-term changes and benefits to our lives. It is bridging the gap, or making union of physical body, conscious mind, and ethereal soul. It is about making the unfamiliar aspects of ourselves more familiar. It is about "checking in" with ourselves, noticing the tight spots, the painful parts, the parts that work perfectly, and the parts that are a little more challenging. The beauty of exploring ourselves more deeply is that we get to enrich our experience of life on a daily basis. From a chiropractic perspective, I always want people to feel better when they come into my office. But just as important, I want them to feel MORE. Our culture has ingrained into our collective minds the idea that less pain = better life. Therefore, we spend inordinate amounts of time trying to avoid pain and suffering.
Many times if we actually give voice to our symptoms, our pain, our fears, and we listen intently to what our body-minds are telling us, we can learn useful, timely, and beautiful lessons about ourselves and our lives. Many times it is not in avoiding or stopping the pain that we truly heal, but in becoming aware of our pain, acknowledging it, and accepting it as a real part of us. Then, instead of seeking freedom OF our pain, we find freedom THROUGH our pain. We can use the pain as a catalyst for positive change, reorganization, and increased health and well-being.
Symptoms are never welcomed, and are rarely pleasant. But they are our allies; they give us information about how we are living, how we are using our bodies inefficiently, how our lifestyle choices are affecting the vitality of our cells, our organs, and our minds. In short, they tell us when we are moving away from our innate state of perfect health. If we listen, they help us get back on track by seeking partners in healthcare, and by making lifestyle choices that serve us in a positive manner.
The next time you are suffering from an unwanted symptom, instead of reaching for the ibuprofen or the whiskey, I invite you to sit back and ask yourself for more. See if you can hear and feel the clues your body is giving you about what needs to change in your life, and what positive steps you can take to bring your body, mind, and life back into balance.
As a Network Care Practitioner and holistic Chiropractor, it is my goal to help you have an "In-Body Experience!" As you gain flexibility and range of motion in your spine, joints, and muscles, you automatically gain flexibility and range of Emotion in your life. I don't know anyone who wouldn't benefit from that!
As the numbers of spring songbirds continue to increase, so may the richness with which you experience your body and your life on a daily basis.
Cheers!
Dr. Jared
