“Healing is a coming to terms with things as they are, rather than struggling to force them to be as they once were, or as we would like them to be, to feel secure or to have what we sometimes think of as our own way.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
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Decades ago, a yoga teacher wisely told me two things:
Injuries happen, and healing truly begins only when you fully accept you're injured. He was spot on.
Sometimes we push too hard and hurt ourselves. Other times, life simply throws an injury, disease, or "ism" our way. Sickness and injury are never part of the plan, yet they seem inevitable for even “the best” of us, those who do everything “right”.
The answer?
Acceptance. Fully embracing what is — the plot twist in your plan. It’s about non-resistance, zero frustration, and no struggle against your new reality. No shaking your fist at the sky, yelling "Why me?!" No comparing or "shoulding." Just be with this new thing.
This journey of acceptance is one you need to make as quickly as possible so physical healing can truly begin.
Just three weeks before my first 50-mile race, my tendons became sore, swollen, and aching. Of course, I ran on them. They weren’t that bad, and besides, I “couldn't not”. The race was only four weeks away, and I “couldn't afford to be injured”. The plan said run, so I stuck to the plan. Consistency, regardless of how you feel, is a strength, right? But every strength, taken too far, becomes a weakness.
When I finally stopped to allow healing, I realised how truly hurt I was. My body had done a sterling job trying to keep up, but once I stopped, it really showed me the extent of the injuries and niggles, everywhere. Now that I fully accept this change in plan, my body can heal.
I'm lucky. I constantly speak with people who've searched for answers to their syndromes for decades, finding none. They have to manage and live with it, keeping hope alive while fully accepting they aren't in control. But what the message is in anything of this nature is that it’s the layer of frustration and resistance that makes everything worse.
There’s the dis-ease, and then there’s our relationship to it. The beautiful thing is, you can immediately choose what you bring to that relationship. And ditching the resistance and struggle for acceptance? You’ll find a lighter, clearer space. No more piling mental and emotional 'dis-ease' on top of the original ache, you see?
So, don’t lose hope. But gain acceptance. Embrace the facts of your current reality. It is what it is. Be mindful of the story you build around it, as it so often leads to suffering.
My mother-in-law lived with cancer for many years. She was exceptional because when things got bad, she met it with gratitude. She constantly said, “Well done, body, you’re doing the best job you can. Well done”.
Zero fight. Just as much gratitude for what was happening as possible.
That's where I find myself now. The plan's out the window. I don’t know when I’ll be back to serious training, but I know I'm not in charge. I’m supporting my body, mostly by taking the pressure right off. Recovery is a fine art, but the main piece is pressure-less, fully free-falling, without looking at the calendar.
I’m discovering gratitude too. I’ve had more sleep-ins in the last week than in the previous three months – which feels like a glorious luxury. This morning, I gently pedalled on the bike, breathing a little quicker. It brought such aliveness and joy. Approval – I can still move!
Maybe I won’t be in tip-top shape for the race, but maybe I will make it in some shape and not break down for future races. I wanted an adventure first and foremost, and it looks like I have one. I just forgot the event always begins well before the start line. Here we go!
Anyways, I hope that helps you out. Let me know!
Go well,
Arjuna
PS.
Ascension has been a lifesaver through all this. For recovery and rest, I’m going deep. Going beyond the mind allows the body to seriously rest, heal, and get back on track. It helps me be present, staying where my feet are, with "what is," rather than "what my mind thinks should be."
It means I'm acutely aware of any frustration and negative stories, so I can get out fast before they build momentum. It means I can find things to approve of, to enjoy, to be grateful for. The world is still beautiful, regardless of altered plans.
It means I know I'm more than enough in myself. I truly want to do things, but I don't need to. I don't need to prove myself; I'm full. There's nothing I need to complete myself. That doesn't mean I don't want an adventure—and I have one.
So yes, it’s been an incredible tool for escaping negativity, resistance, and limitation. It’s allowing so much more into my life.
If you want some of that, the next course is coming soon: July 4-6 (starts 7 pm).
Let me know if you want details or to resit (always free). If you're interested, let’s chat on the phone to see if this is truly for you.
Talk soon!