Pain in the Back

I have been dealing with SERIOUS pain in my low back since a week ago Sunday... I have these "bouts" with my low back, due to a condition called "degenerative disc disorder", and when something gets "tweaked" it can seem unbearable.  I couldn't turn over in bed, it even hurt to sneeze or cough.  There is nothing that can be done besides resting it, and giving it time.  This time around was bad; at times my legs would give out and I thought I'd hit the floor just trying to walk... but I think I'm on the upswing.
I was nervous to do yoga, as I worried that I would make things worse - but just the opposite happened.  The instructors at Shanti Yoga are so good at approaching folks to ask whether anyone has any aches and pains, they then often tailor their instruction to help folks.  In fact, the past three times I went to class, I wondered if they were thinking of me as they called out poses and instructions because they all HELPED my back in ways that were so blissful.  I felt so much relief after class, but sadly, within an hour, the spasm would return.  If I listen to what my body is telling me(another Shanti instruction) I realize that yoga is helping, and that my body is not getting enough stretching and movement.
When I ask people if they've considered a yoga class, I often hear; "Oh I've got a bad knee, shoulder, back, etc."  Today is the day that you should listen to what your body is telling you and NURTURE it through slow, intentional stretching, and peaceful movement.  The instructors at Shanti are always saying that what we do in class should feel like dessert, like medicine for your body.  Everyone is more than encouraged to go at their own pace, and listen to their own body.  If you live in the Portland-Vancouver area, call or email me today, and we'll set up a time to take a class together.  If you live elsewhere, find a yoga studio that you can call home.  I promise you, it will be the best thing you can do for yourself in this busy season.  So what are you waiting for???