COVID-19

The world seems to be holding its breath as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. I admit that I initially doubted the gravity of the situation. After all, this is not the first life-threatening viral outbreak that humans have encountered. There is, however, concern for not having preexisting immunity or treatment for this virus. Consequently, I am doing my part to slow its spread as scientists race to find answers. I am also educating myself about cause and prevention of the rising threat of infectious disease, which I plan to share in the next post. Until then, I encourage everyone to take sanitary precautions to protect not only yourself, but others at higher risk; your decisions and sacrifices are much bigger than just you.

 
 

Like the rest of the country, Portland is currently operating under a stay-at-home order. The perception of time has slowed since the closing of businesses and schools. A vibrant spring season is arriving, yet the city resembles a ghost town. Individuals only emerge when necessary (i.e., groceries, exercise). Apart from those employed in supermarkets, healthcare and law enforcement, the rest of the workforce is either working from home or has been laid off. In this way, we've found ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times. Trapped by physical isolation, feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and depression are sweeping the nation. Furthermore, the media, conflicting news reports and the likelihood of an economic recession have instilled widespread panic and fear. I recommend staying informed through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 
 

As the bleak reality of the situation first sank in, I felt weighed down by lows level of energy and motivation. It was a tough cycle to break out of, complicated by the inability to look forward to upcoming trips and events—an unforgiving reminder that we are not in control. Yet I am managing to find my stride through virtual yoga and daily walks, which help me to focus on the silver linings. For example, can we use this time to slow down? Maybe learn to simply be with ourselves instead of do? Or perhaps invent creative ways to connect socially from afar? Many of us are lost without our routines, but I encourage you to view this opportunity as a blank slate to create new routines. If nothing else, let us never again take for granted the gift of freedom. In this moment, I also feel gratitude for my job in the pharmacy. Despite my ups and downs with the profession and our healthcare system, I appreciate that pharmaceuticals can be life-saving in acute circumstances. Though working on the front lines of this medical war comes with risk, I am more empowered to serve the ill than remain sequestered at home. Working at OHSU will continue to shape my perspective as we move forward in this state of emergency. So far, the hospital has been eerily quiet as we make room and prepare for the anticipated surge over the next few weeks.

I will close with a touch of optimism by sharing my thoughts on how to stay healthy. The main idea is to boost the immune system by optimizing the microbiome lining the gut. The best way to do this is by eating whole, unprocessed, fibrous plant foods. Also try to move your body, get outside in nature, lean on your social circle for support and consider professional guidance. Finally, maintain a strong and positive mind; when you put yourself in a high vibration state, good things start to happen.

Family is everything

I sympathize with those around the world that are experiencing extreme suffering. May we all find a calming sense of light, peace and hope in this moment of crisis.

 

 

Cherry Blossoms

Do not underestimate the power of jet lag! After close to 35 hours of travel from Nepal and an 18-hour time change, it took over a week to adjust back to PST. The first 24 hours were especially challenging. Extra time was also needed to combat reverse culture shock, catch up with life, and reconcile new habits with old routines. Patience and self-kindness.






















But I was excited to be home--and just in time for spring! One of my favorite seasons seemed to arrive early with a warm and dry March (aside from a freak "snow storm"). The days gradually grew longer as the birds and daffodils returned.

 

Cherry blossoms have a short season in Portland. Peak bloom depends on weather, but is typically between late March and early April. The Japanese American Historical Plaza at Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a convenient location for blossom viewing. The 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the waterfront were gifted by the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990.

March 17th, 2020

 

With planting season just around the corner, my dream of becoming a gardener was set into motion with the receipt of a plot in the Colonel Summers Community Garden. Having been on the waitlist since moving to Portland, I was thrilled to earn a spot in the nearby garden. I have much to learn--another test of my patience--but I have been met with a genuine sense of camaraderie and warmth from the community. My goal is to enjoy my new hobby rather than let it become a chore. After all, the simple act of being outside feeds my soul. Additionally, while I hope to yield all manner of fruits, vegetables and flowers, I would be wise to accept the possibility that nothing will grow my first season.

 

On the theme of healthy living, a night off from work allowed me to listen to Dr. Neal Barnard speak at Powell's Bookstore. Nutrition researcher and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Barnard explained how food affects our hormones and health, as evidenced in his new book, Your Body in Balance. He inspired the attentive audience with his charisma and easy-to-digest material. A signed copy of his book is now the fourth in my collection of works written by my plant-based heroes.

 

In terms of physical activity, another unexpected curve ball has been thrown my way. March 9th was the third anniversary of "Survivor's Day"--a traumatic skiing accident that broke my knee and changed the trajectory of my life. Fully recovered, though never quite the same, I have not had any new issues with my knees until now; I likely tore my meniscus due to overuse in my yoga program. While yoga can heal the body, mind and spirit, it is possible to overdo it (i.e., a month of intense yoga training). Unlike the original trauma, I am remaining calm in rehabbing my knees under the guidance of my skilled physical therapist at Pedal PT. We are optimistic that the tear will heal on its own as I strengthen the muscles supporting my knees. Relying on low-impact exercises, I have delicately put on hold my 2020 goal to train for triathlons. Instead, I am focusing on light swimming and cycling, in addition to modified yoga at nearby studio Love Hive.

 

Finally, the last piece of news that I have to report on is Portland Dining Month. Every March, the city's top restaurants offer three-course meals for $33. This is a great opportunity to test out new foodie spots. Tom and I were not disappointed with East Burnside's Hey Love, a trendy vegan-friendly lounge. We also added Stormbreaker Brewing to my local brew list (#32).

Himalayan Yoga Academy

My true purpose in Nepal was to study yoga, to which I dedicate this post. Himalayan Yoga Academy uses a holistic and authentic approach to teach ashtanga yoga. It also serves as a retreat sanctuary, offering various spa and healing therapies (ie., massage, oil, reiki, singing bowls). Located outside central Katmandu’s pollution, the beautiful new facility is surrounded by Nagarjun jungle; the background hum includes morning roosters and soaring hawks, distant chanting, children playing, dogs barking, and cars honking. Dr. Subodh, master of yoga and reiki (energy healing), founded the academy in 2007. His wife and three children create a family-oriented atmosphere.

The 200-hour YTT is a rigorous 26-day program. Dr. Subodh—the guru—was our main guide. Other instructors included Ramhari and Erika. Close family friend and neighbor, Erika’s recent devotion to yoga has supported her spiritual journey in her shift from film to social work. According to the guru, the YTT schedule is not truly ethical, as yoga instructors typically study for at least a year. However, the course aims to train students with a basic understanding of teaching others; those serious about instructing can subsequently complete a 300-hour advanced training. Nevertheless, I attempted to stay focused and absorb as much as possible.

Yogi Schedule

6:30a - 7:00a: nasal cleansing, herbal tea

7:00a - 9:00a: warm-up exercises, sun salutation

9:00a - 10:00a: breakfast, herbal tea

10:00a - 11:00a: break/study 

11:00a - 1:00p: theory session

1:00p - 2:00p:  lunch, herbal tea

2:00p - 3:30p: break/study

3:30p - 5:00p: practical session 

5:00p - 5:30p: herbal tea

5:30p - 7:00p: meditation

7:00p - 8:00p: dinner, herbal tea

8:00p - 9:00p: discussion, concentrated gaze

 

Almost immediately, I recognized that traditional eastern yoga poses a stark contrast to the western-style approach that I was accustomed to. I would like to take this opportunity to share the major take-aways. Yoga began thousands of years ago in the Indian/Himalayan belt. Though this was before religion developed, the Hindu god, Shiva, was said to be the first yogi and guru. He passed his knowledge onto seven sages, one of which, Maharshi Patanjali, documented the ancient knowledge in the first yogic text—Yoga Sutras. The ancient Sanskrit language shares an alphabet with Hindi and Nepali. The English translation of the Sanskrit word yoga means "union." Thus, yoga has become a means to prepare and unite the body and mind for the ultimate goal of meditation (ie., self-realization) by awakening the Kundalini energy centers (chakras). Over the years, yoga philosophy has spread and transformed. Patanjali’s work described that of astanga yoga, which is inclusive of all types. The eight-fold path combines external (hatha) and internal (raja) yoga. Regarding the physical aspect of the practice, hatha yoga is a disciplined approach that focuses on flexibility and strength vs. cardiovascular endurance; ethically, yoga increases energy whereas aerobic exercise decreases it. The practice is usually structured as follows: chanting prayers (mantras), subtle and dynamic warm-up exercises, static postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranyama), meditation (dhyana).

   

After the first few days of training, every muscle in my body felt sore. This feeling continued throughout the month as my joints opened and body strengthened. The guru’s wife, Kopila (or "Mami Ji"), kept us fueled with fresh, colorful plant-based dishes; oatmeal and seasonal fruit for breakfast, dal bhat tarkari (rice, lentils and curried vegetables) and saag (leafy greens) for lunch, and rotating plates for dinner—often stir-fried rice/noodles, momos (dumplings) or various types of roti (flour tortilla). And of course, herbal tea throughout the day; ginger tea with honey was my favorite!

 

 

Not only was my physical body challenged during the program, but my mind also. I strived to be open to change, new experiences and a relative lack of control/freedom given the nature of the YTT. Still, much of my discomfort stemmed from cultural nuances. At home, for example, I am used to a specific standard of communication, instruction/guidance and professionalism. My experience in Nepal, in contrast, contained relatively less communication with an underlying disorganization. I almost never knew what was going on until it was already happening. This pushed me to be present, patient and flexible. 

The immersion was intensified by the fact that Samjhana and I were the only students in the program (i.e., low season and coronavrius qualms). A sweet, young woman from west Nepal, Samjhana shared my interest in lifestyle medicine. Though I valued her companionship as we helped each other learn our native languages, I imagined at least a few other international students in the class. Fortunately, however, foreign guests periodically passed through the academy for varying lengths of time, which offered a sense of familiarity and connection. These friendships included Mike from New York, Kathi and Geoff from Canada, and Fabienne from Switzerland.

A special send off for Mike, Kathi and Geoff

Despite the highs and lows, the program ended on a positive note with a cultural dinner and special graduation. The Vedic fire ceremony is an ancient ritual that is traditionally performed by a priest at precise times based on celestial events. The sacred fire, coupled with gifts and prayerful intention, removes fear, spreads joy, burns karma, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity. It is among the most powerful spiritual practices because fire (agni) is one of the five basic elements of creation—in its highest expression, it is the source of self-discipline, purification and transformation.

 

Gayatri mantra

Sanskrit:

ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः
तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्

English translation:

Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ

Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ

Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi

Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt

Meaning:

We meditate on that most adored Supreme Lord, the creator, whose divine light illuminates all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illuminate our intellect.