This past month, after several doctor visits and blood tests we discovered that I have an Autoimmune disease.  I knew I wasn't feeling well lately, I have had several symptoms come up, and something was wrong.  We don't have a clear diagnosis (some people never do) but I tested positive for an Antinuclear Antibody Test.  This basically means that the healthy cells of my body are attacking the nucleus of my other healthy cells.  After a few days of shock and disbelief I decided to come up with a game plan.  I will be implementing an autoimmune diet, receiving acupuncture more frequently, and studying up on all the actions I can take to ease the pain, prevent the symptoms from attacking me, and go on loving my life.  I am working with Naturopathic, Eastern, and Western Medical Doctors to figure out what is going on with my Immune System.  I also have several follow-up appointments and a visit with a Rheumatologist later on in October.  

Next I began thinking about my beloved Vinyasa yoga practice that feeds my soul and gives me an outlet.  I was a dancer for most of my life and now I'm a vinyasa and yin yoga teacher and very avid practioner of yoga & the healing art of Reiki.   After all these years of practicing advanced postures in Anusara, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Acro, and Hatha Yoga disciplines I will need to tone it down a bit.  Time to "yield to the Yin" so they say.  

As our bodies change the yoga practice can also change to support us.  I will still be able to practice yoga but it's going to be different.  Lately when I push myself I end up exhausted and we don't practice yoga to deplete ourselves.  The practice is designed to replenish us, in body, mind, and spirit.  It is up to us to know our limits.  So my limits are changing and so is my practice.  For now.  I see a possibility of building myself back up to 100% by cultivating more light, and by becoming the healthiest version of myself through this increase in awareness.  The results of the tests are knowledge and knowledge is power.  

I spoke with several of my favorite yoga teacher friends about all of this and the general consensus is that practicing to about 50% capacity is one way to conserve Prana (energy/lifeforce).  So that means I can hold back and soften more.  I will become stronger by only utilizing the energy that is absolutely necessary........that which is Quinntessential.

I plan on sharing my findings and key elements of my healing protocol on this blog.  

Stay tuned.   

Julie Quinn 

Quinntessentials