How I Transformed My Life with Mindfulness, Natural Living, and Determination
by Samphire Hayes …Six years ago, with my world consumed with pain, despair, and a sense of isolation, I bought a mobility scooter. Walking had become an excruciating struggle, and as a result, I was missing out on the joy of taking my children on outings. While their father filled the role of the adventure companion, I sat at home, increasingly frustrated and depressed. The relentless pain in my body not only hindered my ability to live the life I desired but also prevented me from being the mother I longed to be. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease delivered a crushing blow, with doctors proclaiming that I would endure a lifetime of pain. However, fueled by a determination to redefine my reality, I embarked on a path of acceptance and sought ways to regain control over my life.
Every day felt like a prison sentence. I woke up, instantly consumed by the pain that awaited me. Simple tasks, such as walking to the bathroom or taking a shower, became monumental challenges. Despite the pain, I soldiered on, getting my children ready and driving them to school while I struggled to keep my agony hidden. The school playground, where parents gathered, became an emotional minefield for me. I desperately avoided eye contact, fearing that any interaction would prolong my time on my feet when all I longed for was to retreat to the comfort of my home. The desire to connect with other school mums simmered within me, but it was easier to withdraw, keep my head down, and only engage when absolutely necessary.
Back at home, I spent my days on the sofa, seeking solace in the television, using it as a temporary escape from my own reality. But the pain persisted, and guilt consumed me as I often had to send my children off to entertain themselves with electronic devices due to my inability to play with them. My misery grew, further exacerbated by the disorderly state of our home, leading to arguments with my husband, who failed to comprehend the depths of my pain. To the outside world, I appeared fine, concealing the invisible battle I fought daily.
Seeking relief, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of solutions. Medications such as antidepressants, anti-seizure tablets, and potent painkillers. I consulted physiotherapists, rheumatologists, and neurosurgeons, yet their efforts fell short. Frustration grew as I found myself lost within the medical system, with fragmented care and no communication between my doctors. The fatigue of battling chronic pain wore me down, and I grew disillusioned with the healthcare system. Determined not to accept their prognosis of a lifelong struggle, I sought a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Embarking on sessions with a compassionate counsellor and openly discussing my challenges marked a promising beginning, and I began to learn more about mindfulness.
One evening, during my children’s bedtime routine, the pain overwhelmed me. Collapsing on the floor in tears, I found solace in an unexpected source of support. My three-year-old son had absorbed the mindfulness techniques we had learned together and urged me to focus on my breath, guiding me through deep inhalations and exhalations. In that moment, I realised the immense power of mindfulness and the breath. His reminder to breathe became the catalyst for my journey to recovery.
Inspired by the impact of mindfulness and the breath, I began prioritising its practice in my life. Gradually, I ventured outdoors for short walks in the nearby meadows, allowing the beauty of nature to soothe my soul. Though initially cautious due to fear of flare-ups, I persisted, taking one step at a time. Seeking to share the healing power of therapy, I decided to train as a counsellor, drawing from my own experiences. The journey of becoming a counsellor proved transformative, unveiling the realisation that my identity had become synonymous with pain, overshadowing my ability to offer compassion to myself and others. The training enabled me to develop empathy and use my own struggles to support those navigating similar paths.
Seeking to further improve my well-being, I delved into the realm of evolutionary health. Collaborating with renowned natural lifestyle coach Tony Riddle, I engaged in natural movement sessions and adopted practices such as barefoot walking and sitting on the floor instead of my sofa. Though initially challenging, these adjustments brought surprising benefits. My hips opened up, lower back pain began to ease, and within months, I progressed to longer walks and even started running again. Immersing myself in nature and incorporating cold water therapy, I continued to witness improvements in both body and mind. Along the way, I embraced Tony’s mantra, “Playing with the edges of discomfort,” allowing me to transcend fear and push past self-imposed limitations. Additionally, I explored the impact of nutrition on pain and inflammation, making dietary changes that further reduced flare-ups. Miraculously, just under a year after first transitioning to ground sitting, I walked the London Marathon.
Now, as I reflect on my journey, the progress I have made feels nothing short of miraculous. Friends and family are amazed by my transformation. I have since trained as a natural lifestyle coach, integrating counselling, mindfulness, nutrition, nature therapy, breathwork and movement to empower others on their paths to thriving. I wholeheartedly believe that true healing encompasses both the body and mind, and by addressing both aspects, we can unlock our full potential. Embracing a life without chairs and fully immersing myself in natural living has not only transformed my physical well-being but has also allowed me to break free from the limitations imposed by chronic pain and its impact on my mental health.
Today, I guide and support individuals, empowering them to make the changes they feel capable of and to realise their full potential. I acknowledge that my path may not be suitable for everyone, and some may find it socially unconventional. However, I speak from personal experience—once dependent on crutches and a mobility scooter, I now walk marathons due to the lifestyle changes I have embraced. The smallest steps can lead to remarkable transformations, and a life once burdened by misery and pain can be reborn with newfound freedom and joy. Through embracing a natural lifestyle coupled with an unwavering determination, I have transcended the limitations imposed by chronic pain. Today, I live a life driven by purpose, sharing my experiences, knowledge, and compassion to guide others toward their own paths of transformation. My story serves as a reminder that even in the depths of despair, hope can be found, and a future full of possibilities can be reclaimed.
