April 8, 2009
During spin class the other day, the instructor grinned as she relayed that regular aerobic exercise can increase our metabolisms by thirty percent. Spin two or three times a week, she said, and we’ll burn more calories even while we’re asleep. NO! I already wake up to a growling stomach at 3:00 am, I thought. The music pulsed and I kept rhythm with my feet, circling at a quick pace. My mind, however, was caught up in the whether I’d be able to keep up that ridiculous cadence without passing out from hunger. Some nights, I go to bed with a little twinge telling me that dinner was too long ago. Besides, once I’ve brushed my teeth; that’s it. I’m not going deal with flossing a second time in one night. As the beat slowed – the signal for an uphill – I stood in the pedals. The teacher was […]
February 16, 2009
When my publisher let me know that companies in France and Italy are interested in translations of Yoga for Movement Disorders, I had mixed reactions. I smiled and thought, Magnifique! Bellisimo! At the same time, I grimaced knowing that differences in culture and language prove no barrier for Parkinson’s. It need not pass through customs despite what it brings into the country. If there is any positive that spans the continent, any gift associated with this disease that takes so much, is in the proverbial glass. Whether it contains champagne or Chianti, it is certainly not half full. But, neither is it empty. In it are the warm personalities of people whom I’ve met due to our commonality. This haiku is for you. Pebbles, sea glass, shells, Tumbling, twirling together Riding the same wave
February 11, 2009
If I’m to listen to my body, as any seasoned yogi would, which part do I heed? Various shrieks from my hamstring tendon shout, “Injury here, don’t move.” At the same time, the rest of my anatomy hollers out over the pain. “Be strong,” it says. “With PD, if you stop moving, you might stop moving.” I feel as though I’m stuck between two radio frequencies, drifting between them depending on where I’m standing in the room. As the spasms in the back of that leg ease up a bit, I’m tuned in to a classical station, and can head for the gym without too much clamor. When the heavy metal band takes over, I’m back to the freezer for another ice pack, overwhelmed by the throbbing beat. You overdid it, I’d say, all but wagging a finger at myself for my mishap. Until the next time the soft violins […]