R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Yep, that’s me, sitting with my legs up and iced typing this.  I had to suspend blogging memories of my travels to tell you this:  You may feel as though you are 35 in your head, but your body commands respect, I mean Aretha R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  What?!!

I recently told you I am on a weight-loss journey, which I am enjoying.  An integral part of it is exercise.  For me, that means walking, marching in front of the TV, Turbo Jam, Taebo, and now I am embarking upon cultivating a serious Yoga practice. I have the best Yoga instructor/coach, Charlene Carter, who demonstrates how to invoke the energy, strength, and flexibility that each of my muscles needs.  She exercises caution, and I look forward to my sessions. 

Here’s the first thing:  I have no cartilage in my knees.  In order to do certain poses, I had to get on my knees to be able to learn them. The second thing is that Charlene offered pads for my knees; I said “Nooo;” Yoga bricks, rugs, “No.”  I just stay on my no-cartilage knees until they begin to hurt and I have to roll off of them.  Did you know I’m a good student?  I practiced what I was learning at Charlene’s at home, on them knees again. What?!!

Y’all!  I been living with these knees for over 20 years.  I know how to treat them – no high impact, rubber sole shoes, bend at the knee, with swelling, knees up, and number one, DO NOT KNEEL FOR EXTENDED PERIODS!!  Needless to say, I kicked the dog – not the Downward Dog; I injured my knees.  OK.  I know how to handle this – hot and cold compresses, legs up for at least a day, Osteo Bioflex (given to me by Mr. K.) for strengthening, and Ibuprofen for pain. 

Speaking of dogs, after a two-day rest, I decide to walk my visiting granddog, Henry.  Three blocks in, my left leg begins to hurt.  Suddenly, I’m limping and can barely make the remaining block to my home.  Then, I could not put weight on my left leg and I had to try walking with a cane. I was in pain on a cane!  Long story, short, I dissed my knees, and they showed me that they command respect, as does the rest of my 71-year-old body.  What to do?

I spoke with Charlene, who was sympathetic and really nurtured my spirit by assuring me that rest and time can heal all wounds, and I was blessed to have Charlene’s sister, Deborah Carter, ND, a Naturopath, pay me a home visit.  She felt I had a torn ligament and did sound therapy, which helped me to walk. She also advised me to double up on the Bioflex, apply cold compresses, and use knee braces.  My kids kicked in:  Miles looked after me, and Camille brought me tennis balls for massaging my legs.  While I know it will take some time to completely heal, I am giving myself a couple of weeks to see a shift.  If not significant enough, I will see a Bone & Joint MD.

“A word to the wise should be sufficient.“ RESPECT is the word.  Our older bodies need the care that sustains them; that enables health and wholeness.  We don’t have to prove anything to anyone.   Sometimes we have to get somewhere and sit down. What?!

Joy Juice

Now that we’re a bit past the onslaught of COVID, we are feeling ourselves and want to do more.  Doing more includes listening to our minds and bodies.  Our souls command what our spirits need, and we hear both. Ase’.

 “Only a fool tests the depth of a river with no feet.” African Proverb

“For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” 2Timothy 1:7ESV

“Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence.” – Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 216.

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

© 2021 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.

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 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our differences.