When Your Body Won’t Cooperate

Here’s an accomplishment I'm not proud of: My doctor says I have one of the worst cases of frozen shoulder he’s ever seen. 

How did this happen? As best I can determine, there were two culprits: 1) perimenopause, and 2) regularly practicing handstands away from the wall where, too scared to fully go for it, I stopped myself in an under-balance position. This is more strength intensive than hitting the balance point, and it created an overuse injury. Funny how my fear is actually what hurt me. 

Being a yoga teacher who can’t do a proper down dog is a drag. So is difficulty getting dressed and handing snacks to my kids in the backseat of the car. But this experience also offers some valuable lessons. 

It's a reminder to keep a beginner’s mind. So much of what’s wrong in our world today stems from the inability to be humble, to recognize and learn from our mistakes. And some of the worst yoga and fitness classes I've ever taken have been with seemingly superhuman teachers who didn't understand what it feels like to have physical limitations. 

I am learning to move my body more mindfully and in different ways. I am biking again (fun fact: I was once a spinning instructor), and my husband and I are training for NYC's Five Boro Bike Tour in May. 

I am reminded to be grateful for what I can do rather than what I can’t. As some of you know, I enjoy climbing with my son Paxton. For months I have only been able to watch him. Now, after three shoulder manipulation procedures, I’m able to do some of the climbing gym’s easiest courses again.

I'm training for the long haul. My goals have changed. Being strong, functional and free from pain is so much more important than doing impressive-looking poses.  

I'm taking more mini-movement breaks. I'm supposed to stretch my shoulder at least three times a day -- this really requires me to practice the microdose concept I preach! It is remarkable how just two or three minutes of getting up to move changes my energy. I'm committed to continuing to provide content that helps you to do the same... see below for some of my latest movement break ideas. And check out this recent study on the health benefits of "exercise snacks."

Throughout the frozen shoulder ordeal, I have turned often to my mom's Healing Ball of Light meditation (available for free to my newsletter subscribers). I love the visualization of healing coming from within. But also: Our bodies are temporary. They amaze and disappoint us. We all hurt and try to feel better. 

If you are injured or ill, you aren't alone.

Love,
Sara

Snack on these exercises

- A lovely mid-back release. 
- Hip therapy in a minute. 
- A single move to wake up your whole body.
- For the tightest hips, don't start here. 

But if you're exhausted: Take a relaxation break instead.