Showing Up

I have decided to show up. So often, we ask for what we can have, but rarely do we contemplate what we can give. I ask for healing, I ask for energy, I ask for prosperity, but rarely show up to give something in return.

Workout routines last weeks, diets come and go. Discipline is short lived and when results are not immediate, we give up showing up. Since I know that the only thing I have control over with kidney disease is showing up, than that is what I will do. Here’s how I have chosen to give back to my body…



Breathing, Shaking and Writing
In the book, The Writing Warrior by Laraine Herring, she introduces a process of breathing, shaking and writing to get in touch with your inner voice. The breathing comes first and is designed to teach you how to breathe from your diaphragm, something we rarely do. The first minute is spent with your hand on your bellybutton feeling your belly rise with each in-breath and fall with each out-breath. The next minute, the hands are placed in each rib cage as you watch your breath fill your belly and then expand your ribs. The hands move up to the collarbone for the third minute as you observe air come in and fill up your belly, ribs and lungs as water would fill a vase. The last two minutes are continued deep breathing as you retrain yourself to allow life in and relax.

Shaking, ahh the shaking. Laraine suggests 5 minutes of shaking your body all over with focus coming out from your core. Yes, it feels ODD, silly and is something I only do behind closed doors. The process releases all sorts of things. I have found that as I shake up my body, my emotions have shaken up as well. It feels like I am working through deep subconscious issues without using thought to do it, coming to that place from a deep level of release. I don’t know if this has made any difference in my health, but it is said to aid each system of the body with cleansing and moving more efficiently. Shaking in silence was a bit too quite. I listen to music to set the mood and allow myself to be less self-conscious.

Lastly is 5 minutes of writing. I write about anything that comes up. Just keep the pen moving and see what flows out. I have gotten some small insights and an outlet to explore my feelings of healing, discipline and what it means to truly care for your body. It has been nice to give myself a daily platform to say what is yearning to be heard.

Workout 4x per Week
The routine is fairly straight forward. It had been a while since I diligently worked out, so I am easing back in.

Monday – 10 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of free weights and 5 more minutes on the elliptical.

Thursday - 10 minutes on the elliptical, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of leg strengthening and 5 more minutes on the elliptical.

Saturday – A workout DVD. I vary this up to keep it interesting. Program lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The last workout of the week is something active. A dance class, hiking or walking the dogs. Last weekend, my husband, Phillip and I played in the snow. It is so easy to forget that working out just means moving your body. The more enjoyable it is the more likely you are to stick to it.

Drink at Least 6 Glasses of Water per Day
This turned out to be harder than I thought it would. I know that water is VITAL to make your body work and heal the way it naturally is inclined to. Remembering to sip and refill, sip and refill to stay hydrated is key.

Less Sugar, Less Fat and 100% Vegan at Home
I have been vegetarian for 3+ years now. That being said, my diet could still use some improvement. My primary care doctor mentioned that becoming vegan would be a good idea. Protein restriction is one of the only known preventative treatments for the progression of kidney disease. That means no dairy and no eggs. No cheese is painful…it is just so good. My ease in with this one is to limit cheese to eating out which I have been faithful to. I am contemplating the next leap to full vegan; I will keep you posted on that.

I rarely eat dessert and use agave nectar in place of sugar as a sweetener, the occasional cheat of a decaf latte or cupcake could stand to go. I gave up caffeine (again) 3 weeks ago. Painkillers are a no-no with kidney disease, so the 4 day headache was a nice initiation into my renewed healthy lifestyle.

Zero Unintentional TV
There are a few shows that Phillip, and I enjoy together, and those I will continue to record and enjoy. What I can do without is the afternoon of getting sucked into a show that zaps my energy and motivation away. I quick nap is better to renew vitality than to “relax” to 2-hours of zoning out.

Daily Affirmations
Of course I am big on affirmations. This is in here as a reminder to include one on health which I had not focused on in a few years. I adore this affirmation which was passed down to me from a family member:

“I am renewed and restored to perfect health, mind, body and soul.”

It has been knows to garner good results. I say it several times throughout the day, especially a few times each evening before I close my eyes in bed.

Interrupt Negativity with Breathing
Yes, I sometimes have negative thoughts. My intention is to interrupt and replace them. Noticing comes first, recognizing when fear has taken over.

At that moment, I take a deep breath in so that my belly rises. I focus all of my attention with my breath and then I say “I am healthy.” Because at this moment, for all I know and all I feel, I am healthy.

Showing up keeps me feeling connected to my power, my ability to give back in an even exchange for health.

Return from Showing Up to Holistic Healing