In May, I injured my lower back. My lower back is the usual place in my body that seizes up, usually due to stress. But it been over 10 years since I felt this amount of pain.

My normal movements were limited, even walking had to be done very carefully. This became a blessing in disguise because my physical discomfort required me to be fully present as I stepped onto my mat each morning. On my mat, in the white calming light of AYV, was the only space during my day where I felt I could truly love, listen, and nourish my body. With the guidance of Fiona and Maria, I rediscovered my body and my breath. I found new ways to create space in the parts of my body that hold stress and fear. I discovered peace within myself. And I learned to surrender to the fact that the best way I could heal my body was to listen, to breathe, to bring full presence to my practice, and to ask for help.

On the outside, I look to be almost back to the same practice before the injury. But on the inside my practice feels slower. I am more focused and more gentle with myself. Through my injury and the slowing down I feel filled with a deeper sense of understanding and acceptance for myself, my body, and the Ashtanga practice.