Yesterday I participated in an all-day evaluation for Parkinson's disease at the Struthers Parkinson Disease Center in Golden Valley, MN. It was immensely informative, overwhelming, and a long day. I saw a neurologist, OT, PT, speech therapist, social worker, and nurse.
In Parkinson's, there is no longer enough dopamine in the brain to send messages to the muscles so they can do what they're supposed to do. This causes restriction, and movements are smaller. The disease is incurable and progressive, and one's individual journey is unknown. But there are lots of things one can keep doing to try and stay as mobile and healthy as long as possible, including making Big movements and Big sounds.
It is easy to live in fear. I just read a wonderful book, "Chants of a Lifetime" by Krishna Das, who has been called, "the chant master of American yoga." I was moved by many things he said, as he described his not-so-easy journey into more ease and surrender. "...to be submersed in the Loving Presence is called surrender...it happens as we ripen in love...a place free from fear or expectation." (p. 170) We don't need to hold on to love, because love is everywhere--within and without--we are that love.
Can I remember these simple, but profound truths as I journey on?
I needed this today mom, thanks.
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