Dancers, like athletes, face injuries all the time. Most often these injuries take a long time to heal, as the dancer does not get enough rest.
An injury often happens unexpectedly, sometimes unnoticed, but it is always devastating. “I can’t stretch my leg,” “My toes are numb,” “What happened to my arm?” And worst of all, “It hurts, it is so painful.”
Yes, the pain and these nagging questions keep you up all night. “Why? What did I do wrong for this to happen? I had warmed up before I began my dance lesson. I did all the right things. I take class daily. Why me, why in the world did it happen to me?” Most importantly, this endless agonising pain numbs the dancers’ rational thinking. Having gone through all this many a time, I learned that it is necessary to create a dialogue with pain (I call it Miss. P).
It is important to understand the patterns of pain and avoid undesirable moves, which eventually allow it to grow from a hurricane into a tropical storm. I also understood that the relationship with pain is private, almost intimate, and is best dealt with alone.
I discovered that pain is stubborn and has a powerful, relentless grip. Dealing with it is a rough, humbling and a very tiring experience.
Further, over the years of dancing, I also realised it is our human tendency to tighten up around our pain, almost protecting or trying to own it. We may require an aggressive approach to get rid of this habit, which often necessitates outside interference or assistance. In other words, it calls for help.
Meanwhile, when a relative calm finally descends after an injury, the mind starts surveying the damage, evaluating and rebuilding options. A new control panel establishes itself within the thinking apparatus, pushing away sentimentality and self-pity.
What amazed me the most in the healing process is the understanding. The profound understanding, that the process of healing is not just about rebuilding control and strength, but also about a new perception of the body’s potentials and possibilities.
A dancer must perceive the body as a friend. The body serves you whenever you need it to, but its nature is to change. Whether you are injured or not, it is wise to constantly listen to your friend and develop a gentle patience to the rise and fall of its performance.
Remember, healing is an on going process. Use the task of maintaining your health wisely.
The beauty of healing is in understanding your body and listening to it.
Meditation helps to relax a heavy worked out body.
Do not cry over the injury, instead try to heal it in every possible way.
Do not hold onto the pain, let it dissipate, and find newness in your body.