At the age of 21, I was a physical wreck.
Despite 12 years of constant training in surf life saving and other childhood
sports, a car accident at
19 stopped me dead in my tracks and eventually spun my health completely out
of control. Whilst at the time I described my injuries as minor—a few scratches,
whiplash—the following years my health gradually deteriorated to the point
where I was unable to participate in any sport, and barely able to hold onto
my job…and mind.
Symptoms such as constant fatigue of my body, hypoglycaemic head rushes, pain
everywhere, pins and needles throughout my nervous system—extending up
and down my arms, legs and neck, no energy, falling asleep at 10am after 12
hours sleep, and so on. I couldn't even stand in a pub for longer than 15 minutes
without feeling absolutely worn out.
Perhaps a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would have given a name to my
condition back then…but I doubt it would have helped me. So, I set out
on my own journey to "fix" the problem and explored my options.
When I took up Aikido, a Japanese martial art that involves flowing movement, I had begun exploring a whole different world of personal development, that was a more integrating method...using body and mind. The next on my list was Yoga and Tai Chi.
The important conclusion I can now draw is that all these practitioners played a role in my recovery and education...except that each of their methods was a temporary specific fix. The learning from naturopathy was invaluable and the 3 months I spent religiously following a diet plan has remained with me.
I was still looking for answers...
One day I heard Glenn Swift, an AT teacher, being interviewed on RTRFM in Perth.
He had a completely different perspective. His description of the AT as: "a
way to stop doing the things that cause the problems…", clicked with
me. If it was in fact ME that was helping to cause the problems...then it could
be ME that could stop doing whatever it was...! In other words, I didn't have
to learn something NEW to do, just adjust the HOW of what I was already doing.
I also didn't want to have to give up sport for life either...I mean, why should
I?!!
THIS was the turning point. I turned over a new leaf in my predicament. Although the process that the teacher used was completely foreign and somewhat confusing to me, I was astounded at the changes. No new exercises, but gentle guidance in self-observation and movements which gradually showed me ways of using my self that were simpler, easier and more natural.
After about 3 months of weekly lessons, things began to shift in my body. My
awareness of my self was heightening also, with a new sense of independence
from pain. The change in my emotional composure was also quite a miracle, as
I was no longer at the mercy of an unexplainable problem...I was gradually gaining
control of my life again. By the 6 month mark, I was a new person. If anyone
had told me that it would only take this long to recover from such a debilitating
condition...AND that I had learned the way myself...I would have not believed
them. This kind of condition I naturally assumed in the past, would need to
be "fixed" by a specialist.
The greatest part of this recovery to me, was that as I had learned so much
about myself in the process...and over a gradual time period, it was ingrained
in me. Therefore, I didn't need the regular checkups, adjustments, treatments
etc. I had learned and embodied a tool to constantly apply to any and every
daily activity with ever greater efficiency as I perfected its use. (and my
own use!)
This convinced me of the need to become qualified and help others who are looking
for answers.
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