3/11/11
I had my first Chi Kung (aka Quigong) class today at the Lohan School of Shaolin. It seems to be a form of energy (chi) manipulation and meditation. We covered posture, breathing and did a creative visualization meditation.
I have, honestly, never really studied this form of meditation. There will be five classes in this series and we are expected to practice the techniques and learn the material. So, I will be studying and practicing.
On another note, I think this instructor will be teaching me tai chi. I am glad to finally find an instructor, since I have already been rejected by two different instructors. I’m still note sure why I am having such a hard time finding someone to teach me tai chi.
I believe that having this as a foundation will help me to understand Chinese martial arts a little better. Most of them have something to do with using chi. If it also helps my condition, even better.
3/18/11
Class number two went well. We moved more in the class, which was a little difficult. The movements weren’t difficult, it was difficult trying to focus on the energy protocol and then add the hand and arm movements to it. I didn’t really feel that the hand motions were helping move my energy, but we already know that specific movements aren’t my friends.
I was interested in how movement could enhance meditation. I have been meditating for over 20 years, and have never used any kind of movement. I think I might have to practice the movements until they are comfortable and then add them to the meditation. So, for now, I am trying to copy the instructor and try not to look like a complete dork.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Getting Back to Exercise
3/5/11
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Slow Progress
3/1/11
I am making progress with my migraines. The frequency of the migraines has decreased, at least in connection with the neck pain. I am down to one neck pain related migraine every three months (I am averaging).
That’s great… isn’t it?
So, now that I have been working on my neck issues I am having more pain. That is good and bad at the same time. It’s bad because I am having more pain, but it’s good because I am fixing the alignment problem. Slowly, but surely, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am on medications, doing exercises every day and making progress.
Okay, I am not going to lie. This is frustrating and limiting. I want to run, I want to work out, I want to continue training in martial arts. The medications have terrible side effects and I get a bit cranky about taking them. Yes, the meds work, but I just don’t want to take daily medication.
Every morning I do a physical therapy/ yoga fusion routine. I am pleased that it is working and I have about two hours of no pain afterwards. My range of motion has increased. Of course, as an exercise addict, I want to be able to use exercise to fix whatever ails me.
Even though I’m impatient with myself, I can see the progress.
I am making progress with my migraines. The frequency of the migraines has decreased, at least in connection with the neck pain. I am down to one neck pain related migraine every three months (I am averaging).
That’s great… isn’t it?
So, now that I have been working on my neck issues I am having more pain. That is good and bad at the same time. It’s bad because I am having more pain, but it’s good because I am fixing the alignment problem. Slowly, but surely, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am on medications, doing exercises every day and making progress.
Okay, I am not going to lie. This is frustrating and limiting. I want to run, I want to work out, I want to continue training in martial arts. The medications have terrible side effects and I get a bit cranky about taking them. Yes, the meds work, but I just don’t want to take daily medication.
Every morning I do a physical therapy/ yoga fusion routine. I am pleased that it is working and I have about two hours of no pain afterwards. My range of motion has increased. Of course, as an exercise addict, I want to be able to use exercise to fix whatever ails me.
Even though I’m impatient with myself, I can see the progress.
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