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Yoga by Accident 

11/14/2015

26 Comments

 
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Here’s what I know about clichés.

They can be silly, overused and sometimes even nonsensical.  But nearly all of these one-sentence thoughts contain at least a grain of truth—which is probably why so many of them remain part of our everyday language.  

I also think that a lot of us identify with at least one of these old timey sayings. 

Mine is this:  Every cloud has a silver lining.

(For those not skilled in metaphors, the phrase means that even when life’s circumstances appear overwhelming and hopeless, something positive, sooner or later, will eventually emerge from the experience.)

But to arrive at my happy ending to the sentence, it’s important, first, to write about the cloud that hit me, literally, 13 years ago this month.

My daughter was four years old, and I was a widow who had relocated us five months earlier from Los Angeles.  Driving home, I decided to pull into a favorite produce stand right off the two-lane blacktop that connected my new address to the bigger city a few miles away.  My little girl was nodding off behind me, safe and snug in a plush car seat.

I stopped, waiting to make a left turn. 

That’s when another car—zooming at 65 miles per hour behind mine—slammed into me.    

Most folks in bad car accidents remember that the seconds during and after impact slow down, and I was no exception.
 
Taking it all in herky-jerky, stop action movements, I remember seeing the vehicle that had just badly rear ended my car fly over me, then spin and come to rest upside down. 

By this time, I was calling my child’s name and kept calling until she answered.  But it was only after I unhooked my seat belt to get to her that I noticed that neither my hands nor arms would move. 

Both were clutching the steering wheel, but scarily, I also couldn’t feel them.  It was around then that a young girl (later, l learned she was a new, 16-year-old driver) emerged from the wrecked car in front of mine.  She had cut a finger.  That was it.  Her only words to me were these: “I didn’t see you until I hit you.”  Within minutes, more cars had stopped, and other bystanders magically appeared from both sides of the road to also help.

I thought I was fine, but upon the urging of medical personnel, I allowed myself to be taken to a hospital.  Because my child was beside me, I pretended that I wasn’t all that scared, and that everything would very soon be all right.

Indeed, after looking me over, I was released that night.
 
Yup, I was pretty shaken up and I was pretty sore.  The car was totaled, too.  But my daughter was fine.  All in all, I thought we had dodged a pretty big bullet.

Then, not very long after, the pain began.

Excruciating and unyielding, it traveled from my neck to my back and shoulders, and next made its way up again.  Prescription pills took the edge off, but they never entirely kept the immense aching at bay.  My hands and fingers were now also weak, and would drop things without warning.  And although it sounds funny, one elbow began to hurt—a lot.  This was when I discovered that elbows are used constantly, from opening doors and washing dishes, to working on computers and preparing meals.

I wasn’t about to submit to surgery (which offered no guarantees anyway), and while massages and acupuncture helped, those treatments clearly weren’t enough.  So it was that after an MRI revealed a nasty case of whiplash, my physician suggested physical therapy.

I had a different idea. 

Yoga.

I wasn’t a complete stranger to this ancient practice that, while not a religion, teaches one to experience inner peace via a series of imaginative, stationary poses.  Simple meditation and breathing techniques are also part of being “on the mat.”
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Indeed, I’d taken a class here and there in Southern California, but found myself dreadfully out of place because the focus was on maintaining a skinny body, as well as encouraging competition with other classmates.  The element of breathing, which I later learned is so much of what yoga is about, was barely mentioned. 
   
But necessity is the mother of invention (another cliché!), and besides, I had now done some research on this healing technique, which some believe began about 10,000 years ago.   
 
These days, it turns out that there’s a whole lot of science behind yoga and pain management.

One study, detailed in a Harvard Medical School publication, concludes that when it comes to back pain, yoga can be successfully substituted, often with better results, for traditional Western stretching and therapy.  The fact that yoga is a relatively low cost option (often under $10 per class) , and is also offered in so many places—aside from yoga centers, it’s everywhere from churches and mobile home parks, to park and recreation centers and even on the beach—makes the practice appealing as well.    

Another Harvard article says that yoga alleviates stress and anxiety, two emotions I was feeling a lot more acutely after the accident.  Specifically, yoga can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and ease respiration.  There’s also evidence that a consistent yoga practice can help increase heart rate variability, an indicator of the body’s ability to respond to stress in a healthier way. 
    
This all sounded pretty darn good to me.

So, armed with a new knowledge and a new attitude, I reentered yoga with a gentle class twice a week. 

But unlike the perfect bodies of Los Angeles, I was now with a group of women, some older than me, who joked about being “the walking wounded.”  A few had been in accidents like me; some had fibromyalgia, and others were simply feeling the aches and pains of age. 

Every class began in folding chairs, and always, there were props.  Blankets, straps, and hard rubber blocks helped make the asanas—the physical movements, or poses, in yoga—that much easier. 

I especially liked what our teacher said when I first began.   “Yoga is not supposed to hurt,” she said.  “If you’re hurting, stop.  We’ll find another way.”

It didn’t happen overnight, but slowly, the daily throbbing began to dissipate.  

Today, while my hands still occasionally let go of whatever I’m holding, and my neck is not all that strong, I’m no longer in pain.
     
Of course, some of the healing had to do with giving my body permission to mend in its own way, and too, in its own time. 
But I’m also positive that the lessening of my pain was accelerated by a consistent yoga practice. 

In fact, I know this is true because whenever I’ve missed a couple of weeks of class, my back and elbow start letting me know that they need a little attention.   
   
I practice at a studio closer to home now, and sometimes, even feel confident enough to participate in a strong beginner level class.  This venue also offers restorative yoga, a type of yoga that envelopes one in a profoundly deep state of relaxation that I’ve been unable to duplicate any other way.  Lately, I’ve also attended a monthly event that adds essential oils and light massage to that already heavenly experience.   

I don’t know if my body will ever be as strong as it was prior to the car crash.

But I’m also certain that if I had never gotten into that horrific wreck, I also never would have found my way to a healthy yoga practice… which has not only brought new friends to my world, but also introduced me to a way of moving that fuels my entire being.

And that, I know, makes this silver lining A Very Good Thing. 

How about you?  Whether it’s about clichés and yoga, or a life experience that came to mind with this post, I’d love to hear your stories!  
​
ps. If you haven’t yet seen this astonishing yoga transformation video (it has more than 12 million hits), check it out here, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448.   
26 Comments
Susan Jordan
11/14/2015 05:42:25 pm

Well, this comes on the perfect day, Hilary! I have been sleeping and lying down most of the day today, in deep fatigue and body-wide pain, due either to a fibromyalgia flare, undiagnosed Lyme, or a recurring issue I've had about 10 days before my cycle for many years now. Even sleep brings little relief. This is the state I'm in this very moment, and it's zero fun. I know other people who swear by yoga, and I've watched that video of that man who was essentially crippled all over improve the quality of his health (and therefore life) with yoga. How would I go about finding a GOOD yoga place that focuses on the things you've mentioned, instead of getting stuck in a Barbie's Yoga Parlor? This pain and fatigue are really getting to me, and making me think my life will (and maybe should) end soon. It's not good. Any suggestions about how to choose well? I need to do something; that's for sure. (((Hilary))) Thanks for posting!

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Cynthia McCabe link
11/14/2015 08:16:01 pm

There is an awesome place in Santa Monica called YogaGlo. It is an online yoga streaming community so they are always looking for bodies to join their FREE classes. What's cool about YogaGlo besides being free is that it attracts some of the top teachers who live or use to live in the LA area. It might be worth a try to find out which of their classes are for beginners but it would be a great way to meet people who are either great teachers and willing to do some privates with you or suggest a class, and also to meet other students that may also have resources. Some of their teachers are literally some of the best in the industry. Good luck! You won't regret it!

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Hilary
11/14/2015 08:19:01 pm

Hi Cynthia, I had a feeling that you would have connections here! :) Thanks so much for this info!

Susan Jordan
11/14/2015 05:43:24 pm

P.S. I'm glad you found something that works so well!

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Hilary
11/14/2015 05:47:07 pm

I would start with your local parks and recreation department. You can also Google something like "senior yoga classes Santa Monica" or "gentle yoga classes Santa Monica." Senior centers might also be able to help. Please let me know... my teacher has some contacts down south and might be able to give a referral as well. Namaste! :)

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Hilary
11/14/2015 05:48:29 pm

ps. Yes, yoga works on soooo many levels. In my opinion, physical relief is just ONE of its many benefits.

Jackie
11/15/2015 07:23:43 am

My local gym just closed their doors. I'm going to inquire at the local senior center, where classes are $10.00 each. A little pricey to go each week, but sure that it's worth it. Be careful of the yoga classes offered, at places where it is low cost, such as the public library. I did one session at mine; loved it, but awoke with excrutiating back pain. The instructor should have walked around, making sure that we were in proper body alignment. Just to be on the safe side, watch your poses in a mirror. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation to join a class this week!

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Hilary
11/15/2015 10:36:29 am

Your yoga library class story is one reason I won't do yoga at home using a tape. I need a teacher right there to correct my alignment and, also, if a pose hurts, to give me a modification. If you like the senior center, you might inquire to see if there is some sort of package deal where you can save a bit of money. :)

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Jerry Lazar link
11/15/2015 11:26:12 am

Once again I salute you for having successfully rebounded from a horrific episode -- most become permanently entrenched in their damaged bodies and psyches, decorating their foxholes... You've not only actively recovered from misfortunes thrust upon you, but indeed have built upon them to reach new plateaus!... Bravo!... I once vigorously practice yoga --90 minute sessions, 5 days a week -- and derived tremendous physical and mental benefits from it... Alas the demands of family and career took precedence and latently it tapered off, ironically at a time when I needed it most... I highly recommend yoga (and those cleansing breathing exercises) to one and all, with the caveat that a top-notch instructor and center make all the difference -- worth investigating and splurging a bit for a teacher who really knows her stuff, and how to convey it... Now go have fun and stay out of trouble!...

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Hilary
11/15/2015 01:04:40 pm

Thanks for this. In my mind, I didn't have any choice but to KEEP going, but I know that many others choose a different, and much more negative route, than what I did. If you're ever up this way, you'll have to check out the yoga center I call home these days. Amazing teachers all around! http://centralcoastbodytherapy.massagetherapy.com/home

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Tracy
11/15/2015 11:29:42 am

I am always fascinated by people's stories of why they began practicing yoga, how they found yoga or how yoga found them!

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Hilary
11/15/2015 01:05:27 pm

Oh, I'll have to ask you about that next time I see you! :)

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Larry Grant
11/15/2015 05:09:28 pm

This a very meaningful testimonial. I'm privileged to see the difference yoga makes in your life.

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Hilary
11/15/2015 05:22:01 pm

Thank you. xoxo

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leslie spoon
11/15/2015 08:27:48 pm

Hilary Thank you for taking me to a yoga class 6 yrs ago when my husband died. It opened up a new world for me. The benefits are great and restorative yoga is the only thing that really relaxes me. It has really changed my life in so many positive ways.

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Hilary
11/15/2015 08:43:30 pm

You were also open to going. :) The practice has worked out so well for both of us!

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George link
11/19/2015 06:59:18 am

another good article Hilary.

One of my favorite cliches is
"all's well that ends well"
Kind of like, if I make it through an ordeal and I'm alright, then forget about it and move on.

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Hilary
11/19/2015 07:09:11 pm

Ha! I do this ALL OF THE TIME with a teenager!
Yoga also helps me relax, breathe... and MOVE ON. :)

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Kari Schultz
11/24/2015 07:12:56 pm

Another beautiful story of a part of your life I did not know. Silver linings are great as is God who always has a plan. You have encouraged me to start thinking about Yoga. Thank you. I need to learn how to breath and stop my hurting body.

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Hilary
11/24/2015 07:20:14 pm

I go to the most amazing yoga class. Tapes are just...not...the... same. A real, in-person yoga instructor was exactly what I needed and still need! As for you... just let me know when! :)

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kerri
12/1/2015 08:03:45 pm

I am impressed with anyone that does yoga... good stuff, and I wish I were better at it. Plus the commitment involved in going regularly. I bet it would help with my arthritis... maybe I should join you one of these days! Thanks for the great post. And, I am so glad you and Katie survived that horrific accident!

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Hilary
12/1/2015 10:00:48 pm

Oh, but here's the thing: with yoga, it's not about being "better"--unless you're going to the kind of classes I went to in LA. It's about you, and you alone, on the mat. Here's an article from Johns Hopkins about the benefits of yoga when one has arthritis. :) http://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/yoga-for-arthritis/

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Brandon link
11/3/2017 03:45:08 am

Nice Post

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Hilary
11/3/2017 10:06:15 am

Thank you!

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komus link
3/8/2018 06:18:33 am

maintaining health is important, nice post

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Hilary
3/8/2018 09:59:39 am

Always!

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    Hilary Roberts Grant

    Journalist, editor, filmmaker, foodie--and a clown! 
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