Like many of those diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, my symptoms started at a very young age. It was not until my late 20s that I received my diagnosis of hEDS. This diagnosis was more than validating. It provided me with clarity on how to care for my body and gave me direction on how to pursue my passion for working with the body and mind.
Exercise (or what I like to call movement) is an intimidating word when you experience chronic pain. There have been many times I have given up on working out altogether because it was simply too difficult.
After seven months without any exercise/movement practice, my body became deconditioned and my pain increased dramatically. Determined to create a better life, I began studying the body and different types of movement. In 2020 I became a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher with Online Yoga School - a Registered Yoga Alliance School. My certification has served as foundational knowledge of the body and movement. Although I knew my work was far from over, this accomplishment motivated me and made me want to dig deeper.
As a hypermobile zebra, many standard yoga poses did not compliment my body and had to be tailored to my needs. I began practicing TaiChi and quickly realized the power of dynamic movement. I began combing dynamic movement into my yoga practice. I also eliminated any poses that required me to bind or overextend the body. My practice naturally transformed into a combination of light stretches, massages, and flowing movements. I finally was building muscle and protecting my body at the same time!
I continued to develop my practice and built a strong connection between the body and mind. This new connection has helped me to regulate the body, calm my nervous system, and release tension. This deeper connection with the mind is something I never would have pursued without my EDS diagnosis and for that I am thankful.
I document my journey through my blog. I use this platform as a resource to raise EDS awareness, provide insight, and share what works, as well as what does not work when it comes to managing chronic pain. This is truly my passion project.
I recently was accepted into the Ehlers Danlos Society's ECHO Project Fundamentals of Integral Movement hosted by Jeannie Di Bon. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to further develop my understanding of movement and the EDS body in this program.
I feel my diagnosis has guided me to a greater purpose. I now help women rebuild a positive connection with their body and mind through gentle movements, breathwork, and mindfulness. Playing a role in helping others find their inner power is beyond gratifying. My clients motivate me to continue my research, education, and passion in this field.
My hope is that someone will read my story and realize their potential. You are capable of absolutely anything you put your mind to, regardless of your chronic condition or disability. I believe everyone has their own individual purpose, and everyone has the power to share that purpose with the world.