I’ve unfortunately gotten out of my yoga routine over the past couple weeks. Not because I’ve been lazy, but because of the unforeseen circumstances over this past month. When I started having tenderness in my breast, I noticed that some of the poses seemed to aggravate that tenderness. Because I wasn’t sure what was causing it and I didn’t want to make it worse, I eased off some of my more intense yoga workouts, at least until the doctor visits were done.

After I discovered the tenderness was nothing serious, I tried to ease back into yoga, but I was still tender and sore. I was trying to take it easy and keep an eye on the swelling and discomfort. I kept my yoga routines to simple stretching. Unfortunately, I found that when I got out of the routine that I was so proudly keeping up with, the laziness kicked in. My stretching yoga routines turned into about a minute long exercise and I called it good.

Then, we went out of town, and nothing screws up good routines like going out of town. My yoga practice was basically nonexistent at this point, and then Aunt Flo reared her ugly head and made her grand entrance with a vengeance. I spent most of Labor Day doubled over in pain from the cramps, stuck in a car on the long journey home. By the time we got home and returned the rental car, it was late, and I wanted nothing more than to take an Aleve and crash into bed.

I have noticed the effects that no yoga practice has had on my body. My shoulders have been extra tense, and my back has been sore. My whole body aches, and is crying out for some stretches. Although still not full energy today, I took some time to do some stretches and a simple routine that is good during menstruation. It is amazing the difference I feel. I feel more relaxed, open, and free.

Although not completely gone, the tenderness and swelling has gone down in my breast. I will continue to watch it, and I will be sure to resume my yoga practice tomorrow morning, even if it isn’t at full speed. I will gently ease my body back into it.

I have missed yoga. I’m even typing this sitting cross legged on my yoga mat. Hopefully I can make up for lost time this week.