Living with chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis – can bring many challenges but can also bring great insight to life. The ‘slowing down’ may cause inner conflict to crisis point yet will open up wonderful opportunities at the same time – if you let it.

Having always been an energetic, fit, happy person – my struggle begins with reduced mobility – though the pain is not much fun either. However if I become careless and do not pay attention to my thoughts – making sure they remain light and uplifting – it can leave me fatigued, depressed and anxious as well.   I can get down and stay down (not a favorable position). Or I can be grateful for the lessons – tests are designed to check if I am passing or not.  This is always a good time to re-centre, an opportunity to remind myself to practice positive thinking, a great time to check my breathing and a perfect time to share with others what I have learned so far …

Here’s some Food for Thought —

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disorder, in simple terms – the body’s defence system mistakenly turns on its own tissues and rather than protect the body from foreign pathogens, they attack it instead … If the body animates what the mind is thinking, then the body is merely acting on the instructions of our thoughts – thoughts we may be unconsciously feeding over a long period of time!!!

For example; for years I used to ‘beat myself up’. I was so extremely hard on myself due to unconsciously believing that I was ‘not good enough’. I carried irrational guilt and shame which manifested in an addiction to work and to pleasing others. I didn’t realise that I was beating up on myself.  Now this kind of behavior can cost you dearly – you lose power and compromise your health  …

Understanding and appreciating my own value, I have stopped ‘attacking’ myself.  However I do need to remain vigilant, as old habits lurk around waiting to pounce at a moment of weakness 🙂  These moments of weakness have lead me twice (slow learner) down a path dotted with prescribed medication. First there was Sulfasalazine  which sent my health on a downward spiral lasting several months. The second time, same story but different medication – Lefno 20,Leflunomide – has confirmed for me to stick to natural alternatives. Natural remedies may take a bit longer to take effect but there are no side affects that almost certainly aggravate the pain …  After all, this is why I went into Natural Therapies in the first place.

Working in aged care and disability services for many years, I remember the mercy I used to feel for the person who’s shaky hand accepted the little rainbow of colored pills that spilled out of a plastic cup. Or those being given a spoon full of crushed pills mixed with jam or chocolate sauce to disguise the ‘bitterness’ of pill popping. I’m not saying that modern medicine has no place, but for me I’d rather practice patience 🙂

Accepting the consequences of my previously limiting actions (allowing myself to burn out, then following the dictates of others against my better knowing) frees me to once again step enthusiastically towards a natural way.   A combination of Raja Yoga Meditation; regular, gentle exercise & stretches like Tai Qi; vegetarian diet and positive outlook in life is a healthy, simple way to create a wonderful tapestry of healing.   I am in control and able to make rational,  conscious choices … Remaining true to my self in this way lets me see the value in  others – I appreciate my part in the drama of life and I see others in the same light.  Life flows smoothly and easily.

Lesson? …  Never say ‘yes’ when you really want to say ‘no’.  Never feel shame because your body may not be cooperating.  Always listen to your intuition – your intellect is trying to communicate with you – ‘Attention here, now please’. And always be grateful for the little things.

Action: Try smiling or singing – very few things in life are still FREE!  Besides, it’s difficult to be angry or sad when you keep yourself busy with smiling and singing 🙂