This blog is different. No medical reports contradicting each other, no unanswered questions, no darkness. This blog is about light, friendship and support.
Having been ill since the age of 18 with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), I've finally reached the point in my life where everything seems to have levelled out for me, and I'm finally moving forward. I discovered last year, through means I will discuss in this blog, that I had been living in absolute fear for years... fear of what my parents thought, fear of what my friends thought, fear of the future, fear of the past...you name it, I probably dwelled on it more often than I should've done.
I know how terrible CFS, so I know that it's not as easy as saying, "Get over it". Believe me, lots of people have thought this comment would snap me out of it over the years! I also know it's not as easy as saying, the 'fear'-based thing worked for me, therefore it'll work for you too. My aims with the website are to introduce a few ideas, topics and people that I have found inspiring. I would like to:
* Reassure you that even in the darkest depths of what you're going through you are not alone
* Create a community a people who can spring ideas and feelings off each other in a supportive, beautiful way (this was something I had no access to when I was ill)
* Although touching on medical stuff, we will explore alternative tricks which may help you in your journey
* Introduce the concept of Energy Medicine, which for me, really changed my life and health
* Share with you some amazing guys, gals, books and organisations that I am forever grateful too for bringing me to where I am today
I hope you find just one thing on this blog that resonates with you and brings a little light to your day.
Please feel free to contact me at conqueringfearspiritually@gmail.com
With deep gratitude and love,
Katie xxx
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Yoga and CFS- Getting the Balance right
Over the years I have developed a love of yoga and feel the benefits straight after class. I'm one of those people who goes to yoga for the spiritual benefits, rather than for getting fit and toned, although those are great reasons too. I particularly love hot yoga, but please be advised, this is not for everyone, especially in the early/transition stages of yoga. I've really had to learn to listen to my body and not go crazy doing too many classes at once.
Yoga and having CFS has been a bit of a rough journey for me. At first, I was absolutely delighted to even make it through a class. Then, I would convince myself on the journey home that I would probably get ill in the morning, that I'd put my body under too much pressure. Low and behold the morning after, I was achey and berating myself for even trying (there's that mind-body communication again!) I'm currently living in Sydney where everyone gets up really early to go running and surfing, and people are generally super fit and healthy So, why couldn't I do more than one yoga class a month?! I'd gone from being happy with one class a month, to beating myself up for not doing 4 classes a week!
The key to yoga is taking to slowly. There's a bit jump between being bed-ridden and trying to do some 'easy' yoga stretches! It's a lot harder than it looks! Here are a few tips to help you along the way (again, I'm by no means an expert, so please listen to your body and do some further research):
* Investigate studios near your house, so you don't have to worry about travelling to and from class, or being exhausted after it and having a long commute.
* Research different yoga types- I absolutely love Ying Yoga and could quite happily do every class on the schedule! Yoga Nidra is also very relaxing and focusses a lot on breath work and meditation. Yoga Nidra is thought to aid sleep and actually translates as 'yogic sleep'.
* Make sure you phone or email a studio you are interested to ask if they feel they can cater to your needs or if there is a specific instructor in mind who could help you.
* Before attending your first class, make sure the instructor knows that you have been ill and are still recovering. Also, be sure to tell them about any muscle pain or difficulties you have. You're probably not the only one experiencing some form of physical pain or discomfort, so don't feel that you're alone in needing adjustments!
* If you are in class and feel the exercises are too difficult, there is no shame is recovering by going into Child's Pose. This has been one of the biggest challenges for me, as I always want to push myself and seem to compare myself to others quite a lot.
* Make sure you drink lots of water before and after class, and also prepare yourself a lovely nourishing meal afterwards. Many people recommend not eating 2 hours before class, but ask the studio to see what they recommend.
* If in any doubt, check with your doctor before attempting classes and if you don't feel strong enough, don't go!
Image found here
Yoga is meant to be relaxing and pleasurable, so remember not to push yourself or put to much pressure on yourself. Classes are supposed to be fun, not torturous!
Namaste!
Love, Katie
Yoga and having CFS has been a bit of a rough journey for me. At first, I was absolutely delighted to even make it through a class. Then, I would convince myself on the journey home that I would probably get ill in the morning, that I'd put my body under too much pressure. Low and behold the morning after, I was achey and berating myself for even trying (there's that mind-body communication again!) I'm currently living in Sydney where everyone gets up really early to go running and surfing, and people are generally super fit and healthy So, why couldn't I do more than one yoga class a month?! I'd gone from being happy with one class a month, to beating myself up for not doing 4 classes a week!
The key to yoga is taking to slowly. There's a bit jump between being bed-ridden and trying to do some 'easy' yoga stretches! It's a lot harder than it looks! Here are a few tips to help you along the way (again, I'm by no means an expert, so please listen to your body and do some further research):
* Investigate studios near your house, so you don't have to worry about travelling to and from class, or being exhausted after it and having a long commute.
* Research different yoga types- I absolutely love Ying Yoga and could quite happily do every class on the schedule! Yoga Nidra is also very relaxing and focusses a lot on breath work and meditation. Yoga Nidra is thought to aid sleep and actually translates as 'yogic sleep'.
* Make sure you phone or email a studio you are interested to ask if they feel they can cater to your needs or if there is a specific instructor in mind who could help you.
* Before attending your first class, make sure the instructor knows that you have been ill and are still recovering. Also, be sure to tell them about any muscle pain or difficulties you have. You're probably not the only one experiencing some form of physical pain or discomfort, so don't feel that you're alone in needing adjustments!
* If you are in class and feel the exercises are too difficult, there is no shame is recovering by going into Child's Pose. This has been one of the biggest challenges for me, as I always want to push myself and seem to compare myself to others quite a lot.
* Make sure you drink lots of water before and after class, and also prepare yourself a lovely nourishing meal afterwards. Many people recommend not eating 2 hours before class, but ask the studio to see what they recommend.
* If in any doubt, check with your doctor before attempting classes and if you don't feel strong enough, don't go!
Yoga is meant to be relaxing and pleasurable, so remember not to push yourself or put to much pressure on yourself. Classes are supposed to be fun, not torturous!
Namaste!
Love, Katie
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Stepping up to the challenges of 2013
I don't think I'm the only one who thinks that 2012 has quite possibly been the quickest in recent years- blink and you'll miss it ups and downs, thrills and spills. I have to admit this year has been more about the bad than the good, but that's the reason why I'm looking forward to 2013 so much. It's not a case of, "2012 was so bad that 2013 must be better"- this year was fabulous. I got engaged, upgraded my living space, and most importantly, discovered after all these years that my passion is the key to my future happiness. For these things and for the experiences brought to me in 2012, I am truly grateful. This only means however that 2013 is going to be even better, which seems unfathomable given the year we're just about to draw to a close.
Unfathomable, because it's going to require action and blind faith on my part. I'm going to be out of my comfort zone every day, and to be honest, I'm absolutely petrified. I know there'll be some days when I want to play safe and hide away, but it's not an option. It can't be an option.
What are you looking forward to about 2013? What are you absolutely terrified of? Love or fear?
Sending love and healing energy your way,
Katie
Photo taken from here
Unfathomable, because it's going to require action and blind faith on my part. I'm going to be out of my comfort zone every day, and to be honest, I'm absolutely petrified. I know there'll be some days when I want to play safe and hide away, but it's not an option. It can't be an option.
What are you looking forward to about 2013? What are you absolutely terrified of? Love or fear?
Sending love and healing energy your way,
Katie
Photo taken from here
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