Tuesday, June 9, 2009

No pain is big gain...

I did something totally out of character today. I practiced yoga in the park (in preparation for CanDo Yoga which starts this weekend!) and then I walked into a day spa and had a massage. Yup. I've only had one full massage once before in my life, and today just seemed like a good day for it. I've been a bit run down and not sleeping well and I just decided that I should try something different.

Well, I can tell you that I walked out of that 50 minute massage a different person than the gal who walked in. I suddenly and dramatically didn't have any pain in my shoulder and neck. None. I didn't even realize how long I've been living in pain until it was gone. I could turn my neck left and right without guarding or wincing. HOORAY! So it wasn't a total fix as I'm still pretty sore tonight, but to have even a glimpse into that pain-free world was a joy.

The bigger eye-opener for me was realizing just how oblivious I was about my own body... again. I spend each class exhorting my students to listen to their bodies, make wise choices, and be in the moment. Uh, hello? I didn't even consciously think that I was having neck and back trouble. I just thought I slept a little funny last night. The massage therapist told me that I had a huge amount of inflammation on my left side. Really makes you wonder doesn't it?

So am I alone in this regard? What really obvious thing are you missing in your life that could be fairly easily remedied? Just curious.

So grateful to be a little more open in my posting,

Jan

7 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I LOVE massages! I have a gift certificate for one I need to use.

bodaat said...

oh gosh, what a FANTASTIC question! i'm going to have to really think about it.

love that you got a much needed massage! we sometimes go to a local massage school and they offer pretty good massages for a fraction of the cost. might be an idea for you?

Jan Holt said...

Kristina, Your blog often gives me a good internal massage... makes my belly jiggle like a bowl full of jelly with laughter!

K,

What a great idea. And I have good connections at the local massage school. THANK YOU!

Hugs,

Jan

Deanna said...

Have you ever tried aromatherapy? My friend gifted me with a session after my dad passed away and I'll have to say it was even better than a massage.

I have Lupus and I'll admit I often ignore a lot of the pain. It is a survival technique.

Jan Holt said...

Deanna,

Another great idea. I hope you are taking good care of yourself and not ignoring anything that can be helped.
I totally understand the coping strategy though.

Warmest,

Jan

Jan Holt said...

Deanna,

Another great idea. I hope you are taking good care of yourself and not ignoring anything that can be helped.
I totally understand the coping strategy though.

Warmest,

Jan

Sarah said...

I learn more useful guidance through what my body has to say about my life than my mind has ever said to me. Massage is about my favorite body work. Keep listening to your body, Jan. It's always tells where you can go, like a compass.