Before attending the first yoga class, I thought that yoga would be too easy. I quickly changed my mind. Yoga can be amazingly effective to improve strength, flexibility, balance even though it can be challenging.

Overcoming fear

I remember one particular episode. That day I was hesitant to go to yoga because I had no sensation in my left leg. It “worked” normally but I couldn’t feel the sole of my left foot. However, I so enjoyed this class that I decided to give it a try despite the symptoms. Everything went better than expected until our Yoga teacher invited us to do the position of the half moon, in which the body is supported by one leg and one arm. I fell. But not only when doing the balancing pose on the left leg. I had the same problem on the right leg. I was too frustrated, too scattered to balance on any side. This was one of my first lessons in the Body-Mind connection!

Reconnecting with the body

Gradually, over the years, I learned to use the breath to calm my emotions and hold the postures. Yoga helped me reconnect with my body and to some extent, to become friends again. It also helped me relax, step back, and enjoy the present moment. I also learned to recognise the postures and breathing techniques that could alleviate some physical symptoms. I also observed how different postures and breathing practices influence my emotional state. I identified those that give me a sense of comfort or boost my energy.

Beyond physical benefits

However, the impact Yoga had on my life goes beyond the therapeutic effects of the asanas. It also encouraged me to change my lifestyle. Before starting yoga, I was addicted to the gym, spending hours each week doing aerobics, step aerobics, spinning… but still smoking 25 Gauloises blondes a day. I could see no reason why I should quit smoking since I was doing fine in the gym! But once I started yoga, I was driven towards a healthier way of life, as if my body was eager to “detox”. 

The natural healing life force

I now believe that yoga triggered the natural healing force in me, the force that Hippocrates described as: “The natural healing force within each of us [that] is the greatest force in getting well”. In 2001, I had been prescribed interferon to delay the progression of MS but I stopped in 2003, and decided instead to opt for an alternative holistic way focusing on yoga but also diet, acupuncture, relaxation and meditation. In 2012, I discovered the Overcoming MS Programme and have followed it since then.

Personally, I am convinced that my new lifestyle has helped me to slow down the progression of MS. The MRI scan I did in 2012 shows less lesions than the first one I did in 2001. My neurologist argues that it is not a proof. Maybe he is right, maybe I am just extremely lucky but I do believe and feel that I am healthier and stronger now thanks to yoga.

Learning a lot

I´ve learned a lot thanks to MS and yoga, especially about myself. I see MS – my walrus – as a guide constantly pushing me to change, improve, and learn. So many questions come up when you live with MS: what are your biggest fears? What do you expect from others? How do you see yourself? What is most important in your life? These questions also come up naturally when one digs deeper into yoga…

Embracing challenges

MS throws challenges at you. So does life. So in a way, MS prepares us to embrace other challenges. I also have to admit that I like challenges in general… for me they are opportunities to grow and improve.

Feeling strong & healthy

I have no doubt that yoga helped me to live better with MS and feel stronger and healthier. My personal experience motivated me to train as a yoga teacher, and later in yoga therapy. Yoga can help us move our bodies, free our minds and transform our lives! The toolbox offered by yoga is indeed fabulous. More recently, I also discovered the power of Breathwork. It is possible to use the tools offered by yoga and Breathwork to better manage our lives – with or without MS-, and to navigate the ups and downs of daily living.
This is what I want to share with you.