On Healing
Last fall my left shoulder was tweaked to the point of pain. Instead of paying attention to the message from my body, which is actually quite wise about communicating its needs, I “pushed through” and ultimately—you know where this is going, I injured myself. It is frustrating to have to back off of our beloved regular exercise routines. Exercise helps us stay focused, and reduces stress. This injury occurred in the midst of my father dying, so I sure needed some stress reduction. Initially, I was so discouraged my response was to stop working out altogether. I ate like a teenage athlete. My prayer life suffered. None of that served me well.
Hesitantly, I returned to the exercise classes that I love at the YMCA. Walking into my first class, I was received like a rockstar back on tour. My trusted teacher/coach helped me adapt routines to support safe healing. A classmate who has been nursing a similar injury for nearly a year went out of her way to encourage me and share her hard-won wisdom. The PT I have been seeing coaches me to stay true to our plan.
Even with all of this support, I found myself frustrated with my progress and went back to my orthopedist to request a steroid shot. After performing a brief exam he said, “I hate to tell you this, but you are doing way too well for me to give you a shot. You are right where I want you to be. Shoulders take time.” Hearing I was on the right path, a hope-filled switch flipped in me.
Boosted by the encouragement of this stellar team around me, I am the same me, doing the same exercises, but with so much more confidence and joy. I’m paying better attention to my exercise, nutrition, and even my prayer routines. Folks, we all need encouragement. Let’s spread some around!
If you or someone in your circle is impacted by cancer—whether as a patient caregiver, or cancer thriver—I encourage you to consider joining the supportive community Marie Blair is creating through her Mindful Yoga for Cancer series. Please know that if cost is a barrier to participation, we offer reduced or waived registration fees for all of our programs.
Growing and connecting together,
Mary Bea
