When life brings us challenges there are many ways to face them. Now I am three months post-back operation I have learnt a few things about healing. On a positive note it is amazing to feel how much better my spine feels every week. I am totally in support of combining modern medicine and surgery with holistic methods and treatments. I have also increased my awareness of how everyday activities affect the back, just half hour sitting used to compress everything and although I can now manage an hour at my desk I am conscious of getting up to move around a lot more than I used to. Also the effect of driving has been an education. I can now drive for over an hour without pain but for the first two months post op I could not manage over half hour without pain, and a few days increased aches and stiffness. So I have learnt to limit my driving to more essential journeys, to walk those journeys to the local shop and to move more when I am having a paperwork marathon!
1) I have accepted my long-term health matters most. I am more patient and appreciative of small things. Having surgery forced me to slow down and I have kept some of that attitude as I have healed. My yoga practice is often slower and more about relaxation & the breath than strong asana (postures). This has been shown to effect the way the brain interprets pain, see here
2) 
Meditation matters, it is a cumulative effect so although you feel immediately calmer and more focused, you also build resilience and inner strength and a greater understanding of the self. Meditation results in physical changes in the mind. See here
3) I have prioritized different things on my to do list. As those who know me realise, I actually enjoy my paperwork, my study and my work. However I have prioritized more none yoga related activities, seeing more of friends and family and enjoying time in nature.
4) Talking of nature I have learnt from my river. My house looks over the river and daily I see the swans and the ducks just enjoying being, I watch the trees move through the seasons and I learn to accept the passing of time in a more natural way. Nature doesn’t rush or worry about the next season and when I am out in nature or even observing from the window I accept a more unhurried attitude. I am also intending to take more holidays and yoga retreat time just for me
5) 
I am more flexible. Yes physically my spine is, slowly, becoming more mobile. Through the months I have loved feeling the improvements but I have also learnt to accept the long weeks where there seemed to be no change at all. This has allowed me to be more accepting of other deadlines I set for myself, often unconsciously! The things I should achieve by Christmas or by next Tuesday. The number of different postures I should fit into a class plan. The writing of my blogs!! Nowadays I have accepted that obviously some deadlines matter but many are flexible and they will be met when and if I can.
6) Focusing on the now. I have noticed that as my level of pain has decreased my enjoyment of the present moment is more complete. Pain is so demoralizing and depleting that many times it would distract a moment or me from enjoying activities. I hope to never stop appreciating the lack of pain.
This healing process has changed me in so many ways. I am both more and less vulnerable that before the surgery. I am more open to life and to living without pain, yet more appreciative of every day and enjoying the small things. Its encouraged me to both do more and to do less!! To take opportunities and to enjoy the simple art of being.