I’ve struggled with sciatica for a number of years now. I have to do various things to counter back pain and weakness in my left leg. This includes back exercises, mobility work, not sitting too long, not standing too long, the list goes on.
Last year I realised that my impatience to fix this thing was actually a major hindrance to resolve the issue on a more permanent basis. I was expecting quick results. I wanted to be done with this irritating condition. I was often not receptive to aches and pains. And, I wasn’t gentle enough with my body.
The irony of my impatience is not lost on me. I’ve written a bunch of posts about rushing, and how presence is more important than progress. But for some reason I did not apply this principle to healing my back. This was partly because I was afraid that the back situation would not resolve. That fear made me forceful. That fear wanted evidence that things could get better. But if we can dispense with the fear and realise that we are moving in a good direction, well then, there is no reason to rush. This approach has worked. On a month to month basis I can see my sciatica symptoms lessen.
Our relationship to things—projects, work, or goals—changes when we bring patience to the process. When we are impatient, we bring a sort of forceful, restless energy to whatever it is that we are working on, or hoping to achieve. But if we can be patient and let things unfold at a more natural pace, our energy of gentle and receptive presence aids the thing that we are working on.