Effects of stress

“It is more easy to be wise for others than for ourselves.”

― François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

It's one of those things that you don't really expect. I got a call from my OBGYN yesterday that my pap smear test came back with Atypical cells, and I will need to the test again for the 3rd time. She insisted that they do not appear to be pre-cancerous. She went through a list of questions.... and the last one was, are you under any stress? Hum. A little. Ok.

I have clearly underestimated how the circumstances of our lives most assuredly effect our bodies. I can see the symptoms on the outside at times: dark circles (with lack of sleep), acne (agh!), cold sores, weight gain or loss, and grey hair really does come from having children! As a driven (pitta) woman, I often ignore symptoms both physical and psychological.

We talk about in yoga how the breath, movement, and meditation effects the body positively and how it can reduce the impact of a stressful life and help us learn how to cope with the ebbs and flows to achieve balance. I have often thought about how my yoga practice and teaching has shaped my life in so many positive ways. But, just getting on the mat isn't enough. Infusing the principals and allowing myself to integrate what I'm learning is... everything. My theme in class this week came from teacher, Misha Laird, that I was privileged to take a beautiful heat building flow from at the Texas Yoga Conference. Are you getting a nourishing amount of activity and rest in your week? So simple. But, am I really?