The group scheduled a rafting adventure down the Ganges. I was hoping for a guided trip with someone else paddling so I could sit back, take photographs and enjoy the sun. But, it was not to be. All arms on deck needed to be functional to paddle their way down the holy river, and that left me out for the moment. Another reason to plan a trip back. . .
No beef, no pork, no chicken, no fish, no soda, no booze and limited caffeine for the last 4-weeks. Just a bum arm—but it is temporary. Surprisingly I have not missed anything during my time here but feel a bit nervous about returning to life as I know it. Being in the presence of the cows and feeling their peaceful energy around me, makes me wonder how I can possibly eat another steak.
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| Hangin' On |
I decided to see a doctor about my arm. I was going to wait until I got home and then the light bulb went off. . . In India, surrounded by the traditional ancient medical practice of Ayurveda—a more natural approach—why wait? Transportation arrangements were made by the front desk. This early morning ride on the back of a scooter was simply going to add to the experience of being in Rishikesh, and living like a local. It is the mode of transportation here. We raced through the streets weaving in and out of people, scooters, bikes, trucks, graders, dogs, cows and monkeys—the driver was a pro. If driving was laid back here, no one would get anywhere. The horn was blaring and we managed to miss everything in our path, although sometimes it appeared doubtful. After a 20-minute ride across the bridge and through the market place, we arrived safely at the clinic. “Where did you learn to drive like that,” I asked the driver; he only smiled. A video of this incredible ride is posted on my Facebook page.
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| Good Morning |
There were 3 other people waiting outside. Dr. Das came out and greeted us, taking me as the first patient. The driver was content to read the newspaper and wait. I was escorted back to his office for a consultation, and told him that my arm was tingling, had little strength and hurt when I tried to rotate it back. “Ahhh,” he said, “the rotator cuff.” He came around the desk and tested my rotation and pressed on my arm to confirm his diagnosis, adding, “But, it’s no problem.”
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| Waiting Room |
“Surgery?” I wondered, after hearing several horror stories about rotator cuff problems from friends. He shook his head, “This is only inflammation, not a tear. If it were a tear, your shoulder would be drooping.” Whew, that was a relief! His remedy was RICE. My thought? I’m already eating it 3 times a day! Dr. Das explained further—Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, and no asanas for at least two weeks! I finally relaxed. He is an orthopedic surgeon that practices Ayurveda medicine, explaining in detail how the herbs in our individual surroundings are there to heal us. Since I am from Alaska all the herbs I need are there for me.
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| The Herbal Pack |
There are obviously no Alaska herbs in India, so he took me to another room and had his assistant mix up some local herbs and pack the warm mixture on the afflicted area of my arm, leaving it to penetrate for 10 minutes. It was delicious. They then made a sling for me and sent me on my way. The bill was 600 rupees: not even $10. And, the fact that I can’t do asanas is okay. We are going into the final week of training and it will consist of individual teaching time, not practice. The timing was perfect for rotator cuff inflammation. We returned to the scooter for the ride back to the Ashram. I could now only use one arm to hold on, but I was able to lean with the bike from side-to-side without even a flinch.
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| Sporting My Hand-Made Sling |
Dr. Das recently spent three months in Alaska researching spiders that live in the far north region surviving the extreme cold, and scientists cannot figure out how that is possible. “The XNA project, X factor stands for: we don’t know yet,” he said. He was in awe of the natural beauty of Alaska, and I am equally taken with his country. He described India perfectly to me: chaos on the outside with a deep serenity just beneath the surface.
I have adjusted to the rhythm of life here where being fearless is the norm. On our list of recommended reading is a book called: “Fearless Living, Yoga and Faith,” by Swami Rama. A must read for anyone struggling with fear issues. Most of us have at one time or another and reading this book helps put things in perspective.
I remain in awe of this magical place. The locals notice my sling and immediately ask what happened and if I am okay. They approach me from all directions—on the street, at the Ashram, in the restaurant, in the shops—they are genuinely concerned. One of the instructors offered me acupressure during class. An Panchakarma treatment would be amazing but it takes 21-days, preferably 45-days with an Ayurveda practitioner nearby administering the treatment. Next time—I must come back to India, there is so much more to see and do—after all, it is eight-times larger than Alaska and should be a continent!
A thought to ponder. . .
Prosperity:
Uncomfortably comfortable (have nots)
Comfortably uncomfortable (haves)
Namasté
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