Evan this is an amazing story, wonderfully written and truly taught me to also never take things for granted, even when things can go
wrong in life looking at life in a positive outlook can truly make a drastic difference in our lives. I hope you are doing well, and what I took away the most is that their is hope .
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@Jenn G. Thank you so much for your comment. I so appreciate it. Yes, there is always, always HOPE. xx
Thank you for sharing your story! As a fellow struggler with catastrophizing, I can relate so well. I'm so glad you found solutions that work for you and I wish you all the best with your memoir.
@Angie Gibbons Thank you so very much!
What a story - thanks so much, Evan, for sharing! Through my own health challenges and general life experiences, Yoga has helped me in many mind and body ways. Please keep writing!!
@BC thank YOU for commenting and supporting!!
Congratulations on your article publication, writing so well about your experience, and your healing. All are encouraging me to attempt the same with Marion Roach Smith's help. Way to go, Evan!
Merrie
@Merrie Skaggs thank you so much for reading and commenting. Yes, go write!!
I love how the very attribute of perseverance and determination that could be at times too much, was an attribute that paved a way for healing. I'm so glad that in your desperation you explored alternative recovery methods and that it worked!
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What exquisite writing, and kudos for the courage to describe the trauma of your youth, along with the saving grace of yoga. Can't wait to read your memoir!
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Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to your memoir. Wonderful writing!
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A touching piece by a talented writer that is clearly in tune with her inner landscape! I will be eagerly looking forward to reading her full memoir when it comes out.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and doing it so well! It is heartening to hear again about non-medical activities that can help our bodies. And may I say, you have given us a glimpse in to a powerful story - your memoir sounds like it will be fantastic.
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If this is a typical example of Evan Cooper's writing, I am looking forward to reading her memoir. Well done.
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Excellent!
@Viney thank you so much!!
Reading this on what would have been my mother’s 82nd birthday. My parents also divorced, my senior year of high school. She fell apart as her 3 girls left home. The guilt of doing the normal things of life—college, marrying, starting a career and becoming a mother myself—left me conflicted with guilt.
I discovered yoga about 12 years ago, and I love how it centers me.
Excellent piece. Keep writing!
@Kathy thank you so much!!!
Beautifully written story illustrating how emotional pain manifests as physical. The healing of the physical and emotional also correlates. I'm so glad to read that your past debilitation is improving. Congrats on so much, and I look forward to seeing your memoir.
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To put some perspective on the efficacy of yoga (diet, excercise etc) on any condition that tends to come and ago (like optic neuritis and also MS), I remind the author and the commenters below of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes (the father of the great jurist) axiom: "The doctor's job is to amuse the patient while nature takes it's course", which is exactly what the ophthalmologist described here did.
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To be able to share a story like this requires so much bravery. This was so beautifully written and clearly has much passion behind it. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey.
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Yes, Kapala-bhati (Breath of Fire) is a powerful pranayam used widely in many Kundalini Yoga kriyas (yoga sets) . As a teacher of KY it is one of the first things I inform my students about. Even though we have our eyes open all day long, the optic nerve gets very little stimulation. One exercise I was taught, is to gaze at one point on the wall or the ceiling, with the eyes open, not blinking or winking, just gazing while practicing Breath of Fire. It is said to prevent headaches and certain degenerative eye diseases.
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This is absolutely beautiful. I have goose bumps.
Such a beautiful expression of the importance of being kind to ourselves, and of taking a moment to stop so we can keep going later. Thank you for sharing!
Taking time for the breath and being slow and decisive is not what our culture is about. The book would be great-another thing to get people to health earlier. Too often people only start yoga after something bad has happened.
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