Honor. Your. Body.

I recently took a trip to Portland and studied with my yoga teacher.  It was my first time in Portland and it was glorious.  Besides getting to and from the airport, I only walked for transportation, even in the pouring rain.  Living in LA that is pretty major.  I used very minimal technology.  It felt good.  For several weeks, I unconsciously stayed away from my computer when I got back to LA.

However, once I received permission from my Aunt and her husband Nick to share their story, I was grateful to get back to my computer and start typing.

I believe we all learn through story.  Dr. Oz often says, “If we just learned from hearing the right information, we’d all be happy with our health, wealth, and relationships.”

My Uncle Nick is one of the coolest and most eclectic people I know.  He is a lover of technology, travel, nature, and good wine.  He also loves riding his motor cycle on the open road.

At age 61, Nick was still riding his motor cycle.  About 3 moths ago, on a clear beautiful Ohio summer day, Nick decided to ride his motorcycle to work.  After a long workday Nick headed back home.  When he was fifteen minutes from home Nick was was cut off by a go cart (which should have not been on the road in the first place).

Nick’s scull was cracked open and he was airlifted to a hospital that specializes in brain trauma.  You probably want to know if Nick was wearing a helmet.  No, he was not. Unfortunately Nick did not like wearing a helmet.  He had been really lucky for a long time.

Three months later, I am thrilled to announce that my uncle Nick is miraculously recovering at a fast pace.  The doctors are amazed at his progress.  My Aunt say Nick has a very positive attitude.  He is also starting to believe he is getting better.  We all know the mind is powerful!

Nick’s close friends and family have been wonderful.  Some have visited everyday since his accident.  There has been a good deal of joking around.  Laughter has been scientifically proven to increase happiness, strengthen the immune system, boost energy, and diminish pain.  Don’t worry, I am not going to start incorporating laughing yoga into my classes.  Just don’t take yourself so seriously!

Nick has also been receiving alternative healing methods including reiki, foot and leg reflexology, massage, aroma therapy and Chinese herbs.

Nick is clearly a fighter.   You have to be a fighter to learn how to walk again.  He has been such an inspiration to me these last few months.  His courage and determination are extraordinary.  Nick is even back to using Skype and Facebook (probably more than me).

I was compelled to share this personal story with you for two reasons.  One, we must take precaution to protect ourselves.  I know several of my friends who still do not wear helmets while riding their bikes and motorcycles.  Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, when life throws us curve ball, our decisions and how we choose to react are crucial.  Especially in the beginning phases of healing, we can be extremely vulnerable.

At times, I certainly had to catch myself.  Whether it be negative thought patterns.  Or feeling greedy and trying to force an advanced yoga pose.  I have to ask myself, how is this really serving me?

It’s never too late, even if something traumatic has happened, to put your best foot forward.  My Uncle Nick is a PERFECT example.  If you are still breathing, you have the power of choice.

Nick is hoping to be home by his 62nd birthday on Nov. 9th.  Go Uncle Nicky!  At the rate he is going, I am sure he will be home to celebrate his special day.  Oh yeah, Nick also has resigned to no beer and wine for a year or two:)  Whatever it takes to improve your quality of life, right?

Happy Monday,

Cindi E. Lee