During the start of YTT, many students discovered and practised Yoga due to their past
injuries. I was so glad I did not have any physical injury that may impede my YTT training. I
wish I did not jinx myself that day.
Just two weekends in, I joined my family for a fun day out at Sentosa for HydroDash – where
all can climb, slide, leap and bounce at the floating Aqua Park. I might have overestimated
myself and ended up falling face down and heard a ‘tuk’ on my right shoulder.
I PANICKED. Did I dislocate my arm? No. However, it hurt so bad when I tried raising my
right arm above my shoulder and I could not muster the strength to push/pull myself over the
bouncy floats. I most probably have over-strained or pulled my muscles.
I was so upset with myself. I just recovered from a cough/flu in Feb 2021 and this shoulder
injury might pull me back from giving my 100% for my upcoming YTT. I know I will recover in
the next 2-3 weeks, but I become frustrated that I might fall behind.
While dealing with my frustrations, I thought back of the 8 limbs of yoga, which was just
covered during YTT. The eight steps were said to act as guide on how to live a meaningful
and purposeful life. They serve as a moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; turn our
attention towards our health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our
nature.
One of 8 limbs of Yoga lingered in my mind – Niyama, Santosha (contentment, embracing
the moment for what it is, whether difficult or enjoyable) and Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to
the divine). It took me a few days, but I accepted the fact that getting injured was out of my
hands. I may not be able to do many of the poses coming weekend or the next; but isn’t that
the point of yoga?
I remembered the many reasons why the students joined YTT. Yoga helped many of them to
recover from their old injuries and they are still doing the sports that they love. The incident
made me appreciate yoga more and I felt more at ease stepping back to heal first, rather
than over-push myself.
Grace
200 Hour YTT Feb-May’21
