This is going to be a long post. There’s not really a way to shorten it and include the interwoven aspects of yoga so thank you for taking the time to read it.
This past Tuesday I used the gifts that yoga has given me to face one of my fears. I try to regularly do something that scares me. I have long had a fear of having blood drawn. Blood banks across the country have been dangerously low so I knew it was time to conquer this fear. Yoga has given me the coping mechanisms to deal with fear and anxiety to the extent that I have done things over the last few years that I would have only dreamed about prior to my yoga practice.
So I went to the gym on Tuesday and they were hosting a blood drive. Perfect! I worked out and then began the process of donating blood. I was nervous, but the staff was great and I used my yoga training to breathe through my anxiety and release my fears. I did it! I gave blood. I was given some juice and sent on my way. I took the pretzels and fruit snacks home with me. I called my dad and my brother on the way home because I was so proud that I was able to do this seva (service).
Once I got home, I proceeded with my usual routine of letting the dogs out. When you have a German Shepherd puppy, you make sure that dog takes advantage of every opportunity to play outside and exercise. We went out to play fetch and I noticed myself not feeling well. It was incredibly hot out and I figured it was just the heat. I decided I needed to get inside into the AC and lay down for a bit.
Unfortunately, as I stepped inside, I fainted. I woke up about 2/3rds of the way down the steps to the basement. If you’ve never fainted before, you may not be aware of how unnerving it is to wake up in the midst of something, let alone something so terrifying and dangerous. I finally reached the bottom and made my way back up to take care of the dogs and myself.
Needless to say, I am covered in bruises. I have a pretty nasty gash on the top of my foot. I’ve had a headache for awhile now and my whole body basically hurts. Having a regular yoga practice has given me the gift of health so I am really not used to feeling so lousy. I am very lucky though. It could have been so much worse. And that’s another thing about yoga- it gives you the gifts of gratitude and self examination and awareness.
I did not eat enough before or immediately after giving blood. That is abundantly clear. I will take care of myself and heal from this experience. I will give blood again. And if you are able to, I would encourage you to give blood too. Just please make sure you eat enough before and immediately after!!
Dhanyo’ hum. Dhanyo’ hum. Dhayno’ hum. Aham dhanyaha.
Grateful I am. Grateful I am. Grateful I am. I am grateful.
Fostered Wellness 