Aches in my joints, muscles burning…..
It’s been 6 long months since I’ve felt a pair pedals beneath my soles, ran a horse across an open field, or even attempted a downward dog. Sounds like a bad country song, I know.
This past year I experienced two significant injuries back -to- back. Mind you, I have endured a few injuries before. They stem from an adventurous & active life of passion on the edge (my edge). But never have I experienced such a stalemate like this.
When life throws you a challenge, injury or other, it grabs your attention – a wake up call to possibly evaluate how you live your life, to make changes, encourage growth or to act as a catalyst, in which old habits & methods are given permission to die, to allow a rebirth of the new.
A fast paced life dialed down in an instant.
The common line that I heard for months was, “When are you going to slow down? You are getting older, maybe you shouldn’t be taking these risks.”
I respectfully disagree.
There is something about putting one self out on a limb. Wanting to feel alive on the edge, whatever that edge may be (what others may consider the worst possible scenario), great teachings are always offered.
Perhaps, having more “experience” gives me greater insight into defining the truth.
Do you think we cease to to challenge ourselves with our passions ? Do we eventually deny the sweet nectar that fills our heart and soul, awakens us to who we are, to what we are made of ? I think not!
We invite life in with every breath. To deny our truth is to lead our last exhalations asking the question, “Why didn’t I?’
My injuries left me feeling defeated, at first. Impatience revealed itself many times, taking me away from being present to the sensations in my body. Turning the situation around, I made a commitment to savor, & therefore be present in my recovery. Extreme contemplation and meditation have helped fulfill this resolve.
I have since learned that with injury and time away from an adventurous lifestyle, one may receive a deeper appreciation as to the whims and nuances of the body, and to the subtle tones that speak softly. When you savor the experience, whether it be joy or pain, that is to LIVE in the pulse of LIFE.
I’m on my last leg of my recovery now. Not ready to slow down, but ready to listen more, contemplate more, and keep sipping the sweet nectar of life.
