Dr Chris Waite is a GP who suffered a lower back injury in 2011 that changed this outlook on life. The injury caused some sciatica and an MRI also located a cyst pushing on his spinal chord. He had a spinal fusion which eased some of the pain but after a while the pain returned. He trialled many different types of pain medications but eventually the pain began to impact on his daily abilities and he was forced to reduce his working hours. He used his medical knowledge and was relentless in pursuing options and solutions. But eventually after finding the pain unbearable, he sought help from a psychologist. After unloading some of the emotional burden of living with pain, the specialist suggested Chris look into mindfulness. This lead him to Breathworks. He completed an online course then became an accredited Breathworks instructor. He now leads Mindfulness for Health courses and has further explored his interest in mindfulness by studying Buddhism.

Chris believes that his searching for answers helped him understand his pain but he found greater relief from practicing mindfulness and self compassion. He also believes the fix-it model of healthcare pushes people to grasp onto a dream of becoming pain free. For some people, this is just not possible and the realisation of pain being there forever can be a big discovery and turning point.

You can get in touch with Chris at

www.breathworks-sa.com.au

or via email on: [email protected]

Chris has an upcoming Breathworks Mindfulness for Health Course starting soon. Mondays: 27/7/15 to 14/9/15 (1 - 3.30pm) **MT GAMBIER** The details of these can be found on his website.