THE PURSUIT OF BALANCE
As I sit and prepare for my next yoga class, I’m reminded of how balance is essential in our lives, yet can feel so hard to find at times. Especially when living with MS. Some days life flows effortlessly, like a well-planned yoga sequence. On other days, it feels like I’m trying to balance in tree pose during a sudden gust of wind with my eyes closed. Just as the yoga mat reveals our strengths and struggles, so does this journey with MS.
A Lesson in Acceptance
I don’t know about you, but MS disrupted everything I thought I knew about balance. In the beginning, I felt like I was teetering on one leg, desperately trying to keep my footing while the world spun beneath me. My body, once my most reliable ally, became unpredictable, and uncertainty wrapped around me like the MS hug does so effortlessly. Yoga has been instrumental in helping me understand that balance isn’t about perfection, although my inner perfectionist would disagree wholeheartedly. Balance is about acceptance and honoring where we are right now in this very moment.
Practical Tips for Finding Your Balance
Tune In: Before each class or session, take a moment to assess how your body feels.
Be Flexible: Honor your limits. If a pose feels unobtainable, find a modification that works for you.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your community for support.
Applying Balance Off the Mat
The principles of yoga can enhance our lives outside of a yoga class, especially for those of us living with MS. Here are ways to integrate these lessons:
Mindful Decision-Making: Before reacting to daily challenges, take a moment to breathe and assess your needs.
Create Routines with Flexibility: Establish a daily structure but stay open to adapting it based on how you feel.
Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on small wins. This shifts your focus toward positivity.
Establish Grounding Techniques: Incorporate deep breathing or mindfulness exercises into daily moments to maintain your balance.
Seek Support and Connection: Surround yourself with uplifting people.
Living with MS can be isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Let’s support each other as we pursue balance, one breath at a time.