Me, yoga and My meaning of life!

In February 1998 following a MRI scan I received the dismal diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis(MS); now at least I knew my enemy. I had feared I was being a hypochondriac.

I was feeling desperately anxious. I feared I could NOT achieve any of my goals or dreams, perhaps I would NOT be able to look after my children. I was deeply upset and unsettled in my “dark diagnosis year”. I then positively decided to devote my energies to help the Croydon Branch of the MS Society.

Some of my many symptoms included extreme fatigue, my weightloss as a result of the legathy . Optic Neuritis (an inflamed optic nerve affected and blurred my vision). I was really unstable on my legs, with extreme sensations in both my arms and legs. Either numb or surging shocking sensations passing though my limbs. I have problems with swallowing and choking and at the other end I suffered with a lack of bladder and bowel control. These are not all the symptoms, but I feel do give a fair illustration of the symptoms I experience with my MS

In 2003, as well as starting medical treatments to stabilise my condition, I discovered yoga. I truly believe that my practice of yoga has reversed some of my symptoms. The warrior pose gives strength to my legs, the tree pose improved my balance, the downward facing dog invigorates and energises, while shoulder stands aids core stability and improves thyroid function. In summary countless Sun Salutations with numerous specific yoga asanas ensure increased strength, balance, calm and energised as it completely enhances my quality of life.

This initial fundraising coincided with my company’s launch of it's charitable foundation and I was asked to manage their charity initiatiative as their Charity representative. It was an honour to do this and help many charities in their missions. Through this I was able to help the the MS Society www.mssociety.org.uk/

The MS Society society and especially their Croydon branch helped my survive my devastating news and still help me with the ongoing emotional, physical and practical problems since diagnosis in 1998. I feel I have the support of a family that truly understands my issues and the multitude of numerous problems and the associated various MS symptoms.

Even though too ill to work, I can confidently state that yoga helps me to survive this stressful period and even though not fit enough to return to work, it ensures that at least I have some quality and peace in my life.

Initially I struggled with poses and found the balancing asanas nearly impossible, though being blessed with natural flexibility helped. Sheer perseverance with my yoga practise allowed me to see the incredible benefits of yoga. I have regained stability and strength in my legs and helped my balance. To deal with pain, I use pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. By cultivating these practices I feel better equipped to manage the on-going pain caused by MS.

I used the increased energy from practising yoga to train and finish the London Marathon in 2007. Yoga has helped me to remain present with my training and combined with a nutritious vegetarian diet always makes me acutely aware of how I am treating my body. I completed the marathon in an excruciating 13 hours, stretching to loosen my muscles as the pain intensified and breathing to help the pain pass. http://karenfundraising.googlepages.com/

Unfortunately, since August 07 my health dictated I have not been able to return to work. This was after working for the Yorkshire Building Society for 17 years. However, I can confidently state that yoga has helped me survive this stressful period and gives me some quality and peace in my life, even though unable to work.

For the last 4 years I have been attending the annual Yoga Show held at Olympia. This year, I was given an amazing opportunity to partake in Yoga Aid to complete 108 sun salutations for a charitable cause. I have choose to support the Special Yoga Centre.

By finding the Special Yoga Center and Yoga Aid my two passions have come together, yoga and helping others. Upon visiting the centre based in north west London it was like I had arrived home. I was welcomed like family into the peaceful center. I soon felt peaceful and calm in this serene location. www.justgiving.com/smiliekarenellen At the end of 3 hours and 108 Sun Salutations I was brought to the front when it was announced that the costs of yoga teaacher training would be covered.

I stunned, amazed and incredibly shocked that my dream would now be a reality. As I sit in the center of the group photograph taken after we had completed 3 hours and 108 Sun Salutations and a spokesperson for http://yogaaid.co.uk/ promised that my dream would soon become my reality.

To follow me on my Yoga Teacher Training journey http://inspirationalsmiles.blogspot.com/


The Special Yoga Centre is open to all regardless of economic status, religion, physical and mental disabilities or age. There are classes gor those with MS and held in conjunction with Scope, classes for the deaf community and disabilities to name a few, as well as many regular classes offered on a donation-basis. For more information go to www.specialyoga.org.uk/

Since my initial involvement with the Special Yoga Centre and I have accepted the honour to become an Ambassador for them. I look forward to upcoming opportunities to make a difference in the world I truly which is the reason why I have started my fundraising page www.justgiving.com/karenellen

My friend and my former yoga instructor has supplied a referee which perhaps captures the essence of me, Karen Ellen Mascoll , a yoga addict: ______________________________________________________________________ Thendara Kida, my former yoga instructor and close friend.

Karen is an inspiring spirit, dwho’s positive outlook in the face of adversity and challenge have provided many a life lesson for all those around her. Karen's determination and zealous attitude towards living and her kind hearted ability to share and assist others who face life's sometimes crippling obstacles means Karen has taught both me and everyone she touches. It is an honour to have met and taught Karen and a blessing to have been taught by Karen!