Here Are 5 Ways Yoga Healed Me

Here Are 5 Ways Yoga Healed Me

I was awakened in the early spring of 2009 by a sharp pain in my right breast. As I shifted around, trying to relieve the pain, I had a piercing thought seemingly out of nowhere: “Could this be breast cancer”?

Although I eventually got back to sleep, the internal voice lingered.  Finally, after a series of tests, I sat before a doctor who confirmed my inner voice.

I felt like I was in a dream as I heard the words: “I am sorry, but you have breast cancer.”

In that instant, my whole world changed. There was no medical explanation for the pain I felt that night. Messages are indeed delivered in many forms.

But, I was glad I had been aware and open enough to hear my inner knowing, a deep intuition that guided me through the darkest times. It was this inner knowing that led me to yoga, and it was this inner knowing that reassured me that I was on the right path to healing.

My focus turned to attending doctor’s appointments and trying to be strong. Some days, it worked, and others, I would crawl inside my closet, close the door, and cry my eyes out.

Nevertheless, I somehow made it through the all-encompassing days and months of my treatment.

And then, as I finally saw my way forward, I received the news that my mother’s health was failing. I went to Tennessee and stayed by her side for the next few weeks until she took her last breath.

As I moved deeper into my practice and heart, there were times when I practiced through the tears rolling down my face as the layers of “holding” began to dissolve.

I began to heal both in body and mind.

My life and health started to change in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

On my journey, I learned that yoga is a practice of self-inquiry. It’s not just about how far you can go in a pose, but about understanding yourself on a deeper level. This emphasis on self-inquiry made me more introspective and contemplative, leading to profound personal growth.

The key to yoga for healing is to establish a regular and sincere practice, respect your body and where you are, and start from there. 

Here are five ways yoga healed me:

Finding My Breath

As a type “A” person, I was constantly stressed and running full speed ahead. I developed a shallow breathing pattern, which exacerbated my stress levels. Through yoga, I became aware of my altered breathing patterns and relearned how to breathe deeply and easefully. This discovery brought a profound sense of relief and comfort. Here is a short video focused on deep breathing.

Improved Balance

When I started my practice, it was hard to balance on two feet. I had severe balance problems that landed me in and out of the hospital and eventually into vestibular rehabilitation therapy with no results. However, once I started practicing yoga, my balance improved dramatically!

Reduced Pain

Before yoga, I held on so tight to myself that my body was stiff, and my chest was locked down. In yoga, we often talk about ‘holding’ patterns, which are areas of tension or tightness in the body. Over time, I began to ‘”let go'” of some of these holding patterns, especially in my chest. As a result, my joints didn’t hurt as much, and I no longer felt uncomfortably rigid.

 Better Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the main reasons I finally landed in a yoga class. I was not sleeping, and it was taking a toll on me. After several months of committed practice, I began to sleep better.

 Increased Strength & Resiliency in Body and Mind

 

As I continued to practice, I became stronger, not only in my body but also in my mind. I became more resilient, and as a result, I could handle whatever came my way with more ease. This newfound strength and resilience empowered me and inspired me to face life’s challenges head-on.

As a yoga student, I learned that my inner world mattered. I began to view life from the inside out rather than from the outside in, and as a result, my life began to change off the mat.

I started living life more fully and in a more present state. I felt more compassionate and more peaceful.

I found my calling, passion, and purpose through my healing journey. There was no question that I would dive deep, become a teacher, and offer others the opportunity to find themselves and to heal, one practice at a time!

About the Author

Hope Knosher is the founder of Healthy Living With Hope and Hope’s Yoga. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she is a Certified E-RYT500 Yoga Teacher, Certified Health & Wellness Coach & Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Hope and her work have been featured in numerous publications, including Reader’s Choice “Best Of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine, one of Atlanta’s “Over 40 & Fabulous” by Best Self Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for her work with cancer survivors, MindBodyGreen, Noteworthy, Mantra Yoga & Health and cover features with Northside Woman and Yoga Magazine.

Hope’s weekly yoga classes are open to everyone in Johns Creek, Georgia, and the surrounding area. She also offers corporate yoga & meditation, wellness coaching, and workshops.  Hope is also a regular guest speaker on Yoga, Mindfulness, and Health & Wellness topics.  Learn more about Hope.  Contact Hope here or subscribe to future posts here.