Days of Gratitude (23)
As life has become busier here- and pain has gone on and on- the thing that has fallen by the wayside has been my workout time. And boy, I miss it. Now that I am getting into a routine and know what to expect, I am starting to strategize. Because I need my cardio and strength workouts (in addition to Yoga practice) for my peace of mind.
Today, I took 20 minutes before Clara’s bathtime to get on the treadmill and walk as fast I could on an 8% incline. 20 minutes isn’t that long, but I felt like a new woman when I got off that treadmill. I got Clara into the tub and practiced some Yoga and some abdominal exercises while Clara supervised from the bath…
I think I am particularly grateful for the energy to move my body- the ongoing nature of the pain I experience means that I am very aware of what I DO have (there are lots and LOTS of people who live with a lot more pain than I do, for sure). Today was a relatively pain-free day, and it feels good to take advantage of that… so while I was on the treadmill, I offered up that feeling of relative ease to all those who might be suffering ongoing pain- giving away the gift I wish most for, so to speak.
And I will leave you with another lovely quote on living a life of gratitude~
“Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don’t.”
–Unknown
June 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
When my dad — who lived with severe chronic pain most of his life — was still alive, I often dedicated my practice to him, and it helped me so much to work through my own pain and realize that in the grand scheme of things, my pain is minor.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts!
June 11th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Perfect timing on the quote. So true, so true. I hope you have more pain free days. Thanks for your positive posts.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Hey, 20 minutes is 20 minutes. Good for you!
June 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I used to really hate my digestive system for “acting up.” It’s much better since starting my integrative nutrition counseling but I did have a flare up the other day, and found myself thankful for the message my body was sending, that it didn’t like some of the things I was doing.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:38 am
I have only just started reading your posts but I do empathise with the chronic pain. I have fibromyalgia and scoliosis — good days bad days. Nothing brings you closer to an acceptance of it all like yoga though eh?