My own path to healing was a bumpy one, marked by despair, pain, and, yes, terror.
I was clueless as to the identity of the surely deadly disease nesting within. I did not know where to turn. Much as my choices were often impulsive and even misguided; ultimately these very choices molded me anew. Out of the darkness I found light and out of the sorrow I chose joy.
Michael J. Fox said it before me, I am a lucky woman. I can remember reading his memoir, Lucky Man, and being blown away by his words. Who in his right mind would give gratitude for having Parkinson’s disease?
“When life takes away, something of greater value is always given in return.” ~ Michael J. Fox
Not for one moment do I wish to compare my journey to Michael’s, or, heaven forbid to that of Christopher Reeve (The former star of the first four Superman movies, left quadriplegic after a tragic spill from his horse.):
"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." ~ Christopher Reeve
What I can say, however, is simply this: my health crisis and my subsequent bumpy path to healing forever changed me. But for it, I would not be standing where I am today.
My transformation was no less than the amazing before and after pictures of someone who has shed 200 pounds. Unbelievable as it may sound, the metamorphosis revealed not only altered behaviors but changes in my core personality.
I can recall averting my gaze as I walked the paths of the kibbutz. I was uncomfortable making eye contact and did my best to keep to myself. I would walk about with a tattooed frown of sorts, trying to make myself obscure at any cost. Quite often the tone of my appearance was read as haughty rather than demure. If only they knew …
More often than not, I was reluctant to speak up and voice my thoughts. Never did it occur to me that there might be more than a casual link between “my body the bunker” and my body’s whole health.
♦ I would like to give gratitude. Together I am more.
I walked about stiff in my suit of armor. This was a battle to be won at all costs. Hardened and numbed by my refusal to acknowledge the pain, I did not realize that my unwillingness to allow the pain only served to exacerbate hostilities. On the one hand I did not want to deal with the pain, but on the other hand I was all too busy 24/7 with unsettling thoughts: “What new pain will show up today?”
Many wonderful holistic healers partnered with me. I happily embraced the gifts of Rolfing, Greenberg, Gyrotonic, Pilates, Alexander Technique, Osteopathic Medicine, N.A.E.T., Body Rolling, Chiropractic Medicine, Reflexology, Homeopathy, “Dr. Whole Foods” and Ballroom Dancing and this is just the short list…
I inherited my father’s large and heavy strides. Graceful, who me? No siree! I was never an acclaimed dancer. How did darling dearest describe my movements?: “Rigid, robotic and mechanical.”
Later my eldest daughter had this to say: “You practice (Nia) all the time at home. Aba has commented on this in the past and I, as well as everyone else, agree with him that there has been definite improvement in your movement, your grace. Without warning, however, today I saw you in a completely different light! It was like: wow! Where are those moves coming from?! I looked at you and thought there is no way that I will be able to duplicate those moves! I thoroughly enjoyed watching you move and just wanted to sit down and watch."
An integral part of my healing journey was my exposure to Nia. Nia embodies the joy of movement and is the natural synthesis of movement, nutrition and “the courage to dare” (voila, Naked Nutrition ‘n’ Nia). Nia is delightful movement set to the sounds of rich and diverse music, a fusion of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts. Nia is an authentic multi-sensory experience and a journey to self-healing and empowerment, mind, body and soul alike.
Nia has awarded me a body that is joyful to move in. From out of nowhere, random strangers began to greet me and ask: “Are you a dancer?”
It has been a challenge to accept flattery with grace and not with my autopilot awkward shrug.
♦ I would like to give gratitude. Dance radiates in and out.
Nia was one of my first stepping stones towards joy. I’ve since added a meditation practice which has “wholed up” my joy.
♦ I would like to give gratitude for the pain which kindled my journey.
Out of the darkness I found light and out of the sorrow I chose joy. May I conclude my “Lucky Woman Memoir” with a final quote from Michael J. Fox?
“Happiness is a decision.”
I have just given my talented graphic designer my eBook, "16 Powerful Tools for Taking Charge of Your Health”. I can’t wait get it off to you shortly. This eBook will be a freebie for those who choose to join me and follow my weekly blog.
If you have not yet read about the rocky part of my journey, you can read it here.
I would like to thank you for your patience in reading this post to its end.
If you liked what you read and you are not on my mailing list, you can sign up here.
Finally I would like to request that you please share my powerful animated message!
Join me: CHOOSE abundant whole health!
https://youtu.be/IeO6BfGaP68