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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Positive Attitude

Keeping a positive attitude is always easy when you're feeling well mentally, emotionally, and physically. However, when you you're having a couple of days when you're not feeling well it can be difficult.  Last week I had a couple of days where I was waking up in pain.  Everything hurt.  My muscles felt tense and I felt the pain in my shoulder blades, shoulders, my neck, and even my teeth where hurting.  (I must have been very tense in my sleep and was tensing my jaw too hard.)

I was feeling depressed thinking that my last treatment isn't lasting as long as they usually do.  I like to go as long as I can in-between treatments, for the fear of my body getting used to them.  As I sat on the couch with my head on the pillow, I thought to myself that I could sit here all day and hope that the pain just goes away or I can start exercising and loosen up the muscles.

That day I felt the difference in my body, and noticed that I wasn't as tight the next morning when I woke up.  I instantly felt happier and healthier.  Sometimes working out doesn't always work, especially when you're in a lot of pain, but the best thing is to change your mind set and do something about it.  Whether it's today or tomorrow, you have to plan on taking time out to loosen up your muscles and make yourself feel better.  This Dystonia is never going away, and I don't want the Botox to be the only form of treatment for me.  I'm finding that by exercising every day and making it a part of my daily routine, I won't look at it as something I only do for my Dystonia when I'm in pain.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Meditation

I was invited to sit through a yoga class that my friend teaches at a near by university.  She was having a guest join her class to teach everyone about/and how to meditate, and she knew I would be very interested.  I've been meditating in my yoga classes, before and after, but I wanted to learn more about meditating so I can meditate longer at home.

I've learned from him that meditating is learning to relax your body and mind by coming back to your center whenever you find your thoughts drifting.  It helps you stay focused and calm.  It is nearly impossible for anyone to clear their mind completely...otherwise you would be sleeping!  As I concentrated on my breathing and paying attention to the feel and needs of my body, I found myself completely unaware of everyone around me.  When we were asked to take three long breaths and open our eyes, I found myself in complete calmness.  

Today I practiced meditation at home before I started my yoga routine.  I have certain candles that I light when I do my yoga, so I thought I should have a separate candle to set the mood for my meditation. No one needs candles for yoga or meditation, but it creates a calming atmosphere for me and gets me through the routines.  Whatever works, right?  I meditated for about 20 minutes and I felt that it made a difference as to the length of time I was able to hold my yoga poses afterwards.  I'm going to try and make this a daily ritual for myself, and see how it changes the way I feel and even think through out my days.  I may even start a journal! 

Monday, April 2, 2012

An Uplifting Psalm For Those Who May Need It At This Very Moment

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

There are times when we all need an uplifting prayer, praise, or song to make us feel better.  This one is for all of you who need a hug today.