The Mind-Body Disconnect
When I have to retell the story of how I injured myself they all cringed but laughed with me. I was training at Club Sport in the Power Spartan class. We were doing box jumping obstacle. I jumped on top of the box, lost my balance, fell backwards and dislocated the elbow bone. My arm looked very deformed. It was bad enough to call the ambulance to the gym and took me to the ER. I arrived at the hospital and my condition worsen. I couldn't move my fingers and it was turning black. They had to act fast because there were no circulation to my fingers. Without hesitation the doctor and nurse took a hold of my arm and snapped the bone back in the socket. Immediately, my condition improved! They didn't have time to sedate me so I was awake when they performed that procedure. I didn't even cry but I'm not gonna lie -- it was extremely painful!
I think it is funny that I blog about the time I did the Spartan Sprint Race without any training and jumped down from the 12 feet wall not breaking any bone. I'm still proud of it but look at me now, it was ironic how I got injured from jumping on a 3 feet box! I can't go back to the gym to train anytime soon so I won't be ready for the Spartan Beast Race in September. I'm so bummed. I learned a lesson not to feel invincible and tough when physically I'm not. Maybe I was too ambitious and cocky thinking I'm so super I could do anything by taking the Power Spartan class. The class was hard like CrossFit. I got injured. My mind should have listen to my body to train by taking it slow.
I can't do physical practices like yoga, running, weight training, practices designed to enhance the mind-body connection. These mind-body based exercises are an opportunity to become more embodied. I have been disembodiment for a long time this is the best time to learn about embodied.
So, how do I become more embodied?
These are the steps I'm taking. I have to bring awareness to my body. I tried to practice noticing sensations and feelings in my body. Notice how my thoughts and emotions affect my physical being. Get in touch with my breath. I always forget to breathe sometimes. Breathing is the number one way to start becoming more aware of my body, how it feels, how it regulates energy, and how it increase capacity to cope and manage stress. I need to pay attention to myself to make sure breathing correctly. I learn about move your body to move your mind. I started to think all the ways I can move my body outside of exercise and physical activity; maintain good posture, talking, standing, sitting, blinking, breathing, etc. If I am stuck emotionally, I urge myself to consider how moving my body can literally move my thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Having said that, let me pray for healing.
- -
Dear Heavenly Father,
- -
Dear Heavenly Father,
I hurt my arm when I was training at the gym. My Lord, I am very grateful my situation is only temporary and that I know others are not always so lucky. Thank you Father God, I had progressed well, I thought I was cleared already when walking around the house without the sling then my arm started hurting and feeling sore. I’m back wearing the sling to be safe not to dislocate my arm again. I’m so anxious to heal then, my God, I stopped and thought about you. My healings is in your hand. I hear you telling me to be patience. If I’m not careful and let the enemy overcome me, I can hurt myself again by being reckless forcing my recovery. I could be on the verge of being sent down a dark, surgical path with extensive rehab but no that never happen because I’m lucky I didn’t broke my bone. I’m praying for you to heal my arm and thank you for your everlasting blessings.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
