The pain started three or four years ago.  It was a dull ache in my right shoulder, the result of doing yoga after being away from my practice for several years.  I knew something was wrong after just the second plank. The chiropractor said my bursa was inflamed.  It was very tender and sore when he worked on the area.

The pain came and went over the following years.  I could pretty much count on its arrival when I drove just a little more than usual.  It was predictable.  I couldn’t find a fix, so I grew accustomed to it. Over time, the pain became like an old friend to me.  She came and went, providing a comfortable familiarity, never staying too long.  Little did I know that very soon we would part ways forever.

On December 15th I rented a sporty red Mazda CX  5 and headed for Boulder, Colorado, following my longtime dream of visiting this enlightened city.  Many things opened up for me on the trip, beginning on that very first day.

I drove 1500 miles round trip. There was no shoulder pain.

I thought it must just be the amazing automobile I had rented that made the miraculous difference.  I’ve been home from Colorado for almost a week now, driving my trusty Escape all over town.  Still no pain.

I have known for a long time the connection between mind and body.   I look at life and health in a holistic way, but I never knew it applied to my shoulder.  I am not exactly sure what message my shoulder pain was trying to bring me, or what I was holding onto that was presenting itself in such a way.  That information may present itself in time, but I’m not concerned with the whys at this point.   What I do know, however, is that whatever I was holding onto melted away as soon as I sat down behind the wheel of that sporty red car and set on the road to live out my dream.

Tomorrow, Sunday, I will have been home a week.  My old friend has not paid me a visit. She served her role, whatever that may have been, and has moved on with her life, just as I am moving on with mine.

Each day, with each new experience, I grow to appreciate the magic in life a little bit more.  Each step renews my faith and reveals the mystery of life.

Sending out wishes to you ~ may you pursue your dreams and say goodbye to any old familiar friends who are ready to move on.

Namaste.