Sometimes love hurts.

After more than 2 years of carefully avoiding large gatherings, limiting travel, sanitizing hands, getting vaccinated (and boostered!), I finally received my inevitable introduction to Covid. It has not been pleasant, but also not a lot worse than a really bad cold. I treated the symptoms--lack of energy, congestion, cough, fever, body aches--as naturally as I could using essential oils, neti, wholesome natural foods and teas, and lots of rest. I will admit to succumbing to the lure of NyQuil for a couple of nights of sleep. Today I am 5 days in and beginning to feel better. This morning I finally felt the deep yearning for my yoga practice that has kept me sane and healthy for the last 8 years!

I won't lie. It wasn't easy. All started out well with some gentle stretches and seated twists. Sun salutations were a little sloppy as my stiff joints and sleepy muscles began to complain. But I reminded myself that my yoga practice was my way of showing love to my body by keeping it strong and flexible. And sometime love hurts. Just a little. But the rewards came quickly. After an hour of following my breath, moving slowly and intentionally, I could feel my body and my spirit begin to revive from 4 days of illness. My energy is returning and my breath is coming easily. For the next few days I will continue to take it easy, get plenty of rest, and eat well. And take time for yoga. I know that tomorrow the love will hurt a little less.