 Back in the States and watching some television, I've noticed the incredible number of commercials for meds to cure serious illnesses. I am saddened by the prevalence of these illnesses. Yet, I now realize that the path leading to these serious afflictions is a long, albeit rather covert one. We do not walk through a door labeled "Experience Addiction" or "Experience Depression" or "Experience Cancer" or "Experience Rage". These conditions sneak up on us, little by little, over periods of prolonged use and abuse. We don't choose to cross the line into disease and addiction; it happens quite unknowingly. We ignore the many small signs pointing to problems, that our bodies give us. Along the path, with each and every sign we ignore, we think "No worries, I've got this, or I'll deal with it later." While we are busy deluding ourselves about the situation, the body continues to degenerate. Our lifestyles do matter. Simple things have strong impact - our food and drink choices - whether we allow time for relaxation after stressing our mind and bodies - the way we breathe - even what movies and music we select. Often we ignore the signs, as I did, with a seemingly small annoyance. I didn't think it was a big deal that my toenail wouldn't heal after an initial running injury that eventually resulted in the presence of fungus - I've had this 'sign' for many years. I tried every over the counter product there was and some unconventional suggestions from friends, like Vicks vap-o-rub and rubbing alcohol. The nail was easily covered up with weekly coats of nail polish, showing myself and the world a false 'healthy toe'. Couple that with cracked skin on my feet, joint cracking and difficulty sleeping, plus a host of other "annoyances", as I called them - "typical problems we all have to deal with as we get older" - I thought! I learned when I was young that older people wouldn't heal well and with age we should expect to have signs of degeneration. While it is true that our bodies age and change over time, I have experienced a different truth since I began my journey of yoga and Ayurveda. Changing a lifetime of habits and effects on the body does not happen overnight. And I continue to daily work on some of my issues. BUT I am proof that degeneration is NOT a given with aging. I've had elimination of issues and regrowth of healthy tissues and skin. Strength, vitality and a high quality of life is possible at any age. I truly believe that and have proved to myself What's Possible? after consistent lifestyle changes in food, drink and relaxation and a dedicated yoga practice that involved spirituality in my daily life. I share before and after photos and the many stories from a year long study I undertook. I lived at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas, incorporating a yogic lifestyle and following principles of Ayurveda, while guided by a doctor of Ayurveda and expert in herbalism, KP Khalsa. Together, KP and I authored a book titled What's Possible? that I hope you will read and share with others. My often humorous situations, complicated by my typical American response to life, may provide you with food for thought and a glimpse into a completely foreign approach to life. At least it was once foreign to me. I invite you to read the reviews on Amazon and check out What's Possible? My entire journey began with a single email from a friend, and life will never be the same again - in a very good way! Namaste Loving Life and Living Love, Mary If you haven't signed up for the blog posts, please do. I welcome you to leave a comment below or post one on my BestYOU Facebook page. Sharing your thoughts is a gift to all of us! Comments are closed.
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