The Sweaty Hands Poem
Poem of the week: "La La's" Sweaty Hands Poem. There are so many ways to view our sweaty palms...thanks to La La for showing us the poetic side of hyperhidrosis.
BTW, La La, for sweaty hands and feet on yoga mats, try putting a small towel at the head of your mat. That's what I do, and it holds my hands in place during downward dog. To keep my feet dry, I step on it or dry off my feet during a sitting pose. I've seen others doing the same as well. Or you can just go to a hot yoga or ashtanga yoga class, where everyone will be sweating their ***es off. I no longer care if the others see my sweat. Once a teacher asked another student to remove the towel, and she said "It's better if I use it--my hands and feet get sweaty." No shame or embarassment. All the teacher could do is say 'fine' and move on.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Loving your sweaty hands and feet
Is it possible to love the sweat that causes us so much pain? As a teenager, that seemed impossible. But a series of events has allowed me to shift my perspective. First, a boyfriend of many years held my hand and told me that he loved my sweaty palms. He had to say it over and over again before I could believe him. Once I let it sink in, I could release much of the pain I felt over my hyperhidrosis. I had built a wall around my pain to protect myself, but such walls hinder your ability to let yourself fully enjoy the love of another person.
Later, as part of my meditation practice, I began doing the lovingkindness meditation, a Buddhist practice in which you consciously direct loving thoughts to yourself and others, including people whom you find difficult. After much practice, I was able to direct love and compassion to my sweaty hands and feet.
I don't love my sweaty hands and feet all the time, but little by little, I am learning the art of lovingkindness.
If you are interested in lovingkindness meditation, you might try Sharon Salzberg's excellent CDs on the subject.
Now I'm going to love myself even more and log off the computer so I can relax! (-:
Love,
Tiara
P.S. Let's keep the people of Burma in our thoughts and prayers. Here's how to help.
Is it possible to love the sweat that causes us so much pain? As a teenager, that seemed impossible. But a series of events has allowed me to shift my perspective. First, a boyfriend of many years held my hand and told me that he loved my sweaty palms. He had to say it over and over again before I could believe him. Once I let it sink in, I could release much of the pain I felt over my hyperhidrosis. I had built a wall around my pain to protect myself, but such walls hinder your ability to let yourself fully enjoy the love of another person.
Later, as part of my meditation practice, I began doing the lovingkindness meditation, a Buddhist practice in which you consciously direct loving thoughts to yourself and others, including people whom you find difficult. After much practice, I was able to direct love and compassion to my sweaty hands and feet.
I don't love my sweaty hands and feet all the time, but little by little, I am learning the art of lovingkindness.
If you are interested in lovingkindness meditation, you might try Sharon Salzberg's excellent CDs on the subject.
Now I'm going to love myself even more and log off the computer so I can relax! (-:
Love,
Tiara
P.S. Let's keep the people of Burma in our thoughts and prayers. Here's how to help.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The remains of my hyperhidrosis
A plea to high school and college students: Get help and stop hiding
Though I'm no longer as fearful of 'exposure' of my sweating as I used to be, I still avoid doing presentations and situations where I would have to shake hands. This is hurting me at work. They gave me a high-profile assignment last year, and I was told I did a good job. However, my boss decided that I don't have leadership qualities and am not an "influencer." She gave me a lower-rank title, telling me "not everyone can be a leader." All those years sitting on the sidelines are hurting me now. I suspect that I have mannerisms that project my inner anxiety, and I come across as less confident and unsure of myself. I tried to fight her decision, but she said she thinks I will be happier this way. Maybe more comfortable, but not happier.
I'm going to fight this one--take public speaking class or whatever it takes. It's harder now because I have am now a married and have a young child, so I have little free time. I limited myself for such a long time, and I will not have others limit me now.
High school and collage are the best, though not the only, times to build your confidence as a leader and a public speaker. That's why it pains me so much to see high school students agonizing over their hyperhidrosis when there is medical treatment that works. Don't sit on the sidelines like I did. Get the medical help you need, then try drama, student council, debate team...whatever interests you. Once you're comfortable, step up and take a leadership role. Your opinions count as much as others'. Realize that everyone is just as insecure as you are...some, however, are better hiding it than others. The more people with HH who are leaders, the better the world will be for others with HH.
Love,
Tiara
A plea to high school and college students: Get help and stop hiding
Though I'm no longer as fearful of 'exposure' of my sweating as I used to be, I still avoid doing presentations and situations where I would have to shake hands. This is hurting me at work. They gave me a high-profile assignment last year, and I was told I did a good job. However, my boss decided that I don't have leadership qualities and am not an "influencer." She gave me a lower-rank title, telling me "not everyone can be a leader." All those years sitting on the sidelines are hurting me now. I suspect that I have mannerisms that project my inner anxiety, and I come across as less confident and unsure of myself. I tried to fight her decision, but she said she thinks I will be happier this way. Maybe more comfortable, but not happier.
I'm going to fight this one--take public speaking class or whatever it takes. It's harder now because I have am now a married and have a young child, so I have little free time. I limited myself for such a long time, and I will not have others limit me now.
High school and collage are the best, though not the only, times to build your confidence as a leader and a public speaker. That's why it pains me so much to see high school students agonizing over their hyperhidrosis when there is medical treatment that works. Don't sit on the sidelines like I did. Get the medical help you need, then try drama, student council, debate team...whatever interests you. Once you're comfortable, step up and take a leadership role. Your opinions count as much as others'. Realize that everyone is just as insecure as you are...some, however, are better hiding it than others. The more people with HH who are leaders, the better the world will be for others with HH.
Love,
Tiara
P.S. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16
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