Let me jog your memory back to the beginning of the story when I was young and injured my back. Well, that injury left me with some issues in my SI joint. Generally, a dull achy pain along the right side of my low back was present and a STRONG PAIN would land on me sporadically. An episode of my back “going out” would be surprising, debilitating and last a few days here or a week there. I have had many of these episodes over the years. I learned the basics of back care and how to work with my SI joint in 2012 with my yoga teachers: Eddie and Nicki. This work served me well and gave me a solid foundation to care for my back on a daily basis and in acute situations.

In 2019, unbeknownst to me, I herniated two discs in my back. I didn’t have an event or injury, but one summer day I felt sensation in my sciatic nerve and that quickly turned into a very strong pain that settled into my body. I wondered if this was the same back injury that had become worse? Or was it different? It felt as awful as it ever did but I had a new pain in my right leg that was unforgiving. I was out of ideas, as the usual back care yoga things I was doing weren’t working. Weeks turned into months and I finally had to seek medical help because I was no longer able to sleep due to unrelenting nerve pain in my leg. I took the help available: medications prescribed, MRI ordered, looking for relief strategies all while opting for conservative care (I really didn’t want my spine operated on unless absolutely necessary). I felt I had a few ways to cope and endure the pain, but I was highly motivated to get well. The pain medication and my eternal optimism made me think I was improving and that things were getting better. Months went by and my progress was very slow. I needed help and I wanted a yoga teacher who could guide me through this back injury safely. Because everything hurt all the time, I didn’t know which way to go or how to practice. So, I carried on as best I could with the guidance of physio, massage, chiro, osteopathy, acupuncture, etc. These things helped with pain management as well as care of my physical and emotional body, but nothing produced substantial improvements in pain reduction or mobility.

In March 2020, when the world was shutting down due to a global pandemic, I was offered my very best chance at healing. I grabbed it with both hands, pulled it close to me and haven’t let go since. Teachers. Online. Everyday. Eddie Modestini and Kristin Bosteels (Yoga On The Inside) started to teach daily and I jumped on board because I needed the help. I knew that Eddie had endured this same injury years before and used yoga to heal himself. This imprint in consciousness gave me a way forward with absolute trust in the method and the teacher. I surrendered to the process and committed to showing up everyday to do the work to strengthen my back and heal my spine. Deliberate and specific therapeutic yoga was the only thing that truly gave me relief. This work has asked more out of me than anything in my life. To touch the pain everyday and go towards discomfort without overwhelming my nervous system, has been great training in sensitivity, compassion and perseverance.

After only a few weeks of daily practice with my teachers, I started to experience some relief in my physical body. Less than two months later, I began decreased my medications and started to experience relief in my mental and emotional body as I finally believed that I wasn’t going to be in pain for the rest of my life. With guidance and education from Kristin and Eddie, I learned several strategies to care for my back that have helped with my pain. In the last few years, I have completed 400 hours of yoga teacher training, 40 hours of restorative yoga training, over 50 hours studying pranayama (breath) and attended daily classes as a dedicated student of Yoga On The Inside. I have learned so much about myself and the human body in relationship to yoga asana (postures) . Through my experience, interest and continuing education with anatomy and physiology, I have been inspired to work one on one with clients to help in situations of physical injury, chronic conditions and emotional imbalances. I am also able to create a safe and supportive environment for anyone who might feel hesitant about trying yoga in a group setting or for those who may have tried yoga in the past, but not had such a great experience. I am here for you!

Does my story spark some hope or inspiration for you?

If so, you’re ready!