Gratitude

04/19/2022

I took a header today. It was at the start of yoga. I was feeling great and looking forward to a strong practice. I begin with chair pushups. At the end of 44 strong reps, I had the thought to position my butt forward on the cushion. Bad idea!! Changing the plan on the fly goes against the careful planning I know I need to keep me safe. I realized this mid-maneuver, lost my balance and pitched forward taking the brunt of the landing on my forehead. I skidded a little before I came to rest.

I have been in this situation many more times than I care to count. As is my routine in these situations, I do a quick triage of my body… nothing appears to be broken, blood not flowing therefore no stitches, move my neck around, little stiff and no apparent new paresthesia's. This assessment is followed by a wave of gratitude. Other than cosmetics, nothing will interfere with today’s practice or tomorrow’s meeting. I wait patiently on the floor until security comes to lift me back into my chair. Then I proceed to have a meaningful and restorative practice.

Gratitude is defined as “having a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world". I am typically grateful for many things most people take for granted, but especially on days like this when my journey faces an unexpected challenge. Another example of a Hidden Blessing that ALS has bestowed on me.