TGFY Print
Written by Gayle Nobel   
Saturday, 29 June 2013 17:23
I was beyond my edge when I pulled out of the driveway at 10:20 AM for yoga class today. The edge can be defined as that fine line of just enough challenge but not too much challenge. It is a state of being or circumstance which is just enough to create some uncertainty and maybe a small bit of stress but not enough to create too much uncertainty or stress. Going a little beyond one's edge can be a place of growth and learning. Going far beyond the edge is a place of discomfort and stress where thoughts and actions can't be trusted.   I would estimate myself to be at an Edge plus 4 or 5 this morning.

 REWIND....

 1- Monday evening my husband was in extreme pain. In protecting his privacy, I will say it was potentially serious, but also something that can be fixed.

 2- I was up with him during the night. I called Tammy early in the morning on an emergency basis for her to come get Kyle ready for his program so I could tend to my husband. Thank goodness she could. Later that day I took him to the emergency room.

 3- I was there for my husband in the ER as comfort, support and a second voice when communicating with doctors. He was later admitted to the hospital. I'm so grateful for the excellent support of Kyle's team who had him covered for as long as I needed them. I had two offers to stay with him overnight however I decided to come home to sleep.

 4- Long days at the hospital by my husband's side. Two poor sleep nights stacked up on the first one. Grateful that Kyle was in a good place.

5- My husband came home on Thursday (hurray!) and on that same day Kyle clicked into another partial cycle only a week after the previous one ended. This is number 3 in the last few weeks.

 6- A candle was left burning in Kyle's room last night. Fortunately, I think it burned out before he got his hands on it. Healing scented wax was dried on his hands, feet, and the laminate wood floor all over his room when I showed up to check on him this morning. The candle was under the bed. He did not set his room on fire. Thank goodness. Always something to be grateful for. And now the room will smell really good for a long time. I'm aware that some people get to start their morning brushing their teeth, meditating, and sipping a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps while reading the paper. I go for excitement. :-)

 7- By the time Tammy arrived at 9:30 AM to help with Kyle, I was tipped far past my edge  even though Neil stepped up to clean Kyle's waxy room. Kyle was a handful all morning. I had not found my equilibrium from the hospital stuff and scare about my husband and I was feeling even further off balance by Kyle. Not just the actual moment to moment, but trying to figure out what our next step should be with this drastic change in his health.

 Yoga is my salvation. Seriously, I don't know how I would or could maintain my sanity without it. Just walking into the studio from the 117 degree parking lot, (no exaggeration, this is Phoenix), and immediately, my stress level began to drop. Moving through the postures, working at my edge but not beyond, listening to my body, focusing on my breath, I healed myself one centimeter at a time. Ninety minutes later, a different person emerged from the studio. This was one of the most dramatic shifts I've ever experienced in my 21 years of yoga practice.

 When I arrived home, Kyle had not changed. However, I certainly did.

 TGFY: Thank Goodness For Yoga

PS I had another article in Autism OZ this month and just realized I never posted it. Click on the magazine cover below to view....

Child's pose plus five deep breaths is awesome especially if you have limited time and low energy.

Last Updated on Saturday, 29 June 2013 23:54