Background/Diagnosis:

Original diagnosis of OsteoArthritis in 2016 by family doctor (family medicine/general practitioner). There had been ongoing pain and symptoms for years. Original medications prescribed were Indomethacin and Ibuprofen (prescription). Subsequent diagnosis of -Inflammatory PolyArthritis – as of 2017. Cymbalta started in Spring 2018. Ibuprofen is still being taken.

Treatment:

Began meditation in early 2017. It started as focusing on breathing when pain was really bad and progressed to a daily routine of focused meditation (including real-time and video guided meditation) – not just when pain set in – a regular time set aside to reduce stress, relieve stress and become centered. Physical activity in the form of a daily walk that is also meditative has also helped with the mental aspect of pain relief as well as physical.

Maintenance:

Being mindful and deliberate about meditation makes a world of difference. I am able to meditate naturally and on purpose. Taking rest days from the daily walk is important as well. Giving my body time to bounce back and not overdoing is just as important maintaining the daily physical/mental activity.

Quality of Life:

The stiffness and decreased mobility was beginning to a toll on my emotional state as normal way of life. Running the nonprofit I began in 2011 was becoming difficult. There were many days of lateness and difficulty walking and providing services for clients. Daily meditation has made it easier to move around early in the morning before work. Being focused helps in better decision-making. This led to changing operations hours to make serving clients feasible and effective. Personal relationships have grown deeper as a result of a clearer mind and the ability to participate in socialization.  

My daily walks that are in the evening are great setting for meditation

Meditation in the office is a part of daily meditation. Turning the lights down low and having a guided meditation video and/or music helps set the tone and the atmosphere.

A photo of me participating in a 7-day meditation challenge. We had to get grounded – no shoes – reflect on how we felt taking off barriers in nature.