Facing the Future Fearlessly

Dear Yoga Friends,

I am inspired again and again by the beautiful teachings in Light on Life by BKS Iyengar. In Chapter 3, there is a section on the topic of stress. Mr. Iyengar writes:

“When we have done all that can be done, we are ready to face the future fearlessly, and we are able to handle whatever it may bring.”

I do feel that I have “done all that can be done” to prepare for this surgery and recovery. I feel calm and optimistic. Thank you so much for your hugs, good wishes, prayers, and kindness. I am so grateful.

I have been working with guided imagery by Belleruth Naparstek to prepare for surgery. One of the images is to picture all my loved ones, friends and supporters surrounding me. I see this magical band of allies smiling, rooting for me and sending their love. This image is very tangible and clear for me. I feel the love! Thank you!

We had a very positive appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Wei Chen, and I am happy to share some good news. Based on the condition and size of my leg, Dr. Chen thinks that it is unlikely that he will need to do any skin removal. He will decide in the OR, but he feels that it probably won’t be needed. That is a relief.

The other good news is that I will be able to be a bit more mobile than I thought. I am allowed to go on walks for ten minutes at a time. I can lie down and put my legs up the wall. I can stand on my vibration plate. I can sit with my legs hip height and do arm actions and even some light weights.

This is very meaningful to me! Having at least some permitted physical activity, and being able to go outdoors, will support my physical comfort and mental well-being a great deal! In any of these activities, I do have to take care not to increase my blood pressure or heart rate, or to get out of breath.

I feel so fortunate to have the teachings of Iyengar Yoga to guide me through a period when I won’t be able to do vigorous movement. I am so accustomed to being physically active every day with yoga, swimming, walking, rebounding and weight lifting. It is a big change to let go of those activities for a whole month. Yet yoga practice continues, whatever our circumstances. This is such a beautiful aspect of our practice and the breadth and depth of the Iyengars’ teachings. There is always a way to practice, since the foundation of all yoga practice is awareness. So it will be a month of subtle movement, sensitive actions, pranayama, and deep relaxation. Sounds good!

When meeting with the doctor, Cliff and I were impressed by his attitude and demeanor. He is utterly confident and relaxed. He is not arrogant, but he knows what he is capable of. He has assured me that this surgery is routine for him and his team, and that their success rate is 100%. He has put me completely at ease.

It is likely that this liposuction procedure will help not only the upper leg that is being directly treated but the lower leg as well. I look forward to a summer when I can practice, swim, walk and travel with more comfort and freedom than I have had in a few years.

I feel confident, calm and peaceful. These next couple days are my opportunity to keep practicing standing poses and inversions while I still can, and to continue with deep relaxation, imagery and affirmations.

I am so lucky to have the support of my wonderful husband Cliff who will be at my side every step of the way. I have a beautiful group of friends organized to bring meals for a couple weeks.

I am guessing I will be out of it for a few days after the surgery, so you can expect another update on Thursday or Friday of next week.

With love and appreciation,

Karen