Yoga for Chronic Pain and Physical Limitations

I deal with serious disc bulges, sciatica, and Snapping Hip Syndrome. This means I can't do certain movements, and my recovery focuses on strengthening my lower back, glutes, and inner thighs.

I started my recovery lifting just 1kg. Today, I did an overhead press with 7.5kg in each hand and half squats with a 15kg plate. I'm fuckin' proud of myself. I kick ass.

In that moment after my workout, sweaty and out of breath, I forgot all my injuries and shortcomings. I was just grateful. The universe has been kind.

In a profession that expects physical progression, my limitations made me question everything. But I realized the sutras never said I had to do a headstand; they spoke of being at peace and accepting my circumstances.

I learned that yoga isn't about making "bloody shapes." It's about being fluid, moving in peace, and not judging myself. It's about honoring my own strengths rather than comparing myself to others.

I'm constantly teaching my body to try movements I used to be scared of because of my spine. You have to keep working to repair what's broken, without expectation, until one day your body is ready to take the next step.

Don't get tired of your own aches and pains. We have the resources to build a healthier life. One day, you're going to look at yourself and say, "Damn, I did that." Build that version of yourself.

People always ask "but why?" when they see a difficult asana. It's hard to explain the benefits in words. The closest I can get is this: practice brought me, ME.

Forget the perfect images you see online. A lot of the time, practice is just practice. It's a meeting with your mind and body, a way to let your thoughts pass and just feel alive in the present moment.