Fifteen years ago, my life took a turn I never could have predicted. Diagnosed with lupus, I found myself navigating an unpredictable and often painful journey. There were moments when I felt at a disadvantage, as though life had placed obstacles in my path that I hadn’t asked for. But with the grace of the universe, I have healed—not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. Today, I no longer see lupus as a curse but as a profound teacher, one that has deepened my understanding of suffering and resilience.
At its core, lupus is not just a physical disease. It carries an emotional component, a lesson that took me years to fully grasp. Every symptom, every setback, forced me to pause and listen. Rather than fighting against it, I have learned to see my condition as a messenger, guiding me toward a deeper understanding of myself and how I can support others. Through my journey, I have met countless individuals—students, friends, and strangers—who carry their own pain, whether it be chronic illness, mental health struggles, or the trauma of war and displacement. My own suffering has given me the ability to hold space for them, to understand their pain in a way that words often cannot express.
I believe in the power of the universe, in the presence of life, love, and abundance that exists within all of us. To me, this is not an abstract concept but a tangible force woven into the fabric of existence. It is present in nature, in the rhythm of our breath, in the beating of our hearts—proof that we are supported, even in our darkest moments. The universe does not abandon us; rather, it provides opportunities for growth, even when they arrive in the form of suffering.
There was a time when I could barely walk due to a blood clot caused by lupus. Leaving the house felt like an insurmountable challenge, and isolation threatened to consume me. Yet, my students remained by my side. Even when I could only sit in a chair and teach, they showed up. Their presence became a source of strength, reminding me that healing is not a solitary journey.
Yoga became my salvation. After my first blood clot, I struggled with mobility and felt disconnected from my body. But when I attended my first yoga class as a student, something shifted. I discovered a practice that not only helped me physically but also transformed my mindset. Yoga, meditation, and mantra became the pillars of my resilience, allowing me to reframe my experience with lupus from one of victimhood to one of empowerment.
It was this realisation that led me to become a yoga instructor. Leaving behind my job in brand management, I explored different paths—working with disabled children, supporting victims of crime and abuse—but it was yoga that truly called to me. Teaching my first class, I felt an undeniable sense of purpose. This was what I was meant to do.
Starting over was not easy. At the same time that I was building my career as a yoga teacher, I was also going through a divorce. The emotional weight of both transitions was immense, but life supported me through it. Looking back, I see how each experience, no matter how painful, shaped the person I am today.
Now, 15 years later, I teach yoga worldwide, sharing not only the physical practice but the philosophy that has sustained me through my hardest days. Recently, I led a workshop on Ayurveda and Mental Health in Spain, where I met individuals going through their own struggles. Seeing their transformation—the empowerment, the recognition of their own strength—was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
Writing this now, as the moon sets on the auspicious placement of Pashyami (the healing star), I realise just how much I have healed. I never expected this reflection to bring up so much emotion, but it has reminded me of the journey I have taken. Lupus has been my greatest teacher, guiding me toward a path of service, resilience, and deep gratitude.
Would I have chosen this path if given the option? Probably not. But can I imagine being who I am today without it? I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that I am at peace. I have learned to embrace life as it unfolds, to trust in the wisdom of the universe, and to believe in the limitless capacity for healing—both within myself and in those around me.
And for that, I am profoundly grateful.
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