RELEARN YOUR BODY: HOW YOGA HELPED ME GRIEVE AND EMBRACE MS

Yoga can mean so many different things depending on who you ask. Many equate it to a mere physical practice, but for me, it has become a profound source of healing and self-discovery while navigating life with MS. Yes, I’ve found strength and stability in the physical postures, but my journey with yoga has taught me so much more.

Discovering the Power of Yoga

Initially, I turned to yoga in grad school as a source of stress relief. After my diagnosis in 2019, and as the pandemic unfolded, I turned back to the practice and discovered yoga’s capacity to teach patience and adaptability. Learning to flow through life’s obstacles, whether they bring highs or lows, has become a guiding principle for me.

Finding Stillness Amidst the Storm

Living with MS often presents significant lows. In those moments, yoga has offered me the gift of stillness. It teaches me to sit with discomfort rather than run from it, to quiet my racing mind, and to acknowledge my feelings without judgment. Each breath I take on my mat is a step forward, even when I don’t always succeed.

Celebrating Small Victories

Yoga has also instilled in me a greater appreciation for my body. I’ve learned to recognize and celebrate the small victories that often go unnoticed in daily life. I’ve come to understand the difference between discomfort and pain, realizing that not every ache warrants retreat. Some are part of the healing process. This distinction empowers me to embrace each experience fully.

Embracing Vulnerability

As a therapist, I know the power of vulnerability. Yoga has offered me a different lens to lean into vulnerability. Until you explore your inner self, the true meaning of vulnerability remains elusive. Yoga has shown me how to allow my emotions to rise and fall, embracing them instead of pushing them away. This practice fosters strength through vulnerability, emphasizing that it's okay to not be okay.

A Sanctuary for Healing

For me, yoga is not just a physical practice. It’s a sanctuary where I can reconnect with myself and honor my grief as I navigate life with MS. As a yoga instructor, it’s my hope to share this transformative experience with others, guiding them on their own journeys of healing, resilience, self compassion, and self-acceptance.

It’s something extra special to do this for the ladies of We Are ILL. Together, let’s create a space where we can relearn our bodies and honor our stories, one breath at a time.