At age 60, Bob Kuhn decided to tackle the 50cc Quest, driving his motorcycle 3800 km from San Diego, Calif. to Jacksonville, Fla. in just over two days. In a recent TEDx Talk, the lawyer, who lives with the neurodegenerative movement disorder called Parkinson’s, explained why he decided to take the grueling challenge to cross the United States in 50 hours or less. “In one word: Adventure," he … [Read more...]
Yesterday, I had my first neurologist’s appointment of 2018. After eight years of living with the diagnosis of the neurological movement disorder dystonia, it amazes me just how far I have come. From countless falls every time I tried to walk each day and needing to use wheelchairs and scooters in public, I now find myself able to get through a thorough neurological exam under fluorescent lights … [Read more...]
One of the greatest gifts we can give to both our fellow human beings–and to ourselves–is to volunteer our time in service to others. Greek philosopher Aristotle is quoted as stating that the essence of life is “to serve others and do good.” Not only does serving others through volunteer work seem to imbue our lives with extra meaning, purpose and direction; it also fosters optimism and greater … [Read more...]
Is it just me...or do any of you still get a little nervous in the moments before a first class taught by a new-to-you teacher? Perhaps living with chronic pain and a neurological movement disorder makes me especially wary of being led in a movement practice by someone unknown. Or maybe I've just gotten so comfy guiding my own practice at home. Yet I know a crucial facet of being an impactful … [Read more...]
Every January, I share a piece of writing meant to imbue myself and others with curiosity, hope, enthusiasm and wonder for the great potential that lies in the days, weeks and months of the new year ahead. I've found inspiration for the upcoming year by reflecting on my accomplishments for the meaningful changes I made the previous year; the focus on gratitude has been key. I've written about … [Read more...]
Getting through seemingly simple, everyday tasks can feel downright impossible when facing flare-ups of disease affecting the central nervous system. Battling the bottomless pit of fatigue, it might take an hour just to drag yourself from of the warm womb of your bedsheets. When balance is questionable at best, it might be your greatest accomplishment of the day to move from the bed to the couch. … [Read more...]
On Monday, August 21, a solar eclipse will fully cross the United States, from coast to coast, for the first time in almost a century. Qigong master Mingtong Gu writes that a total solar eclipse has alchemical–or transformative–energy and symbolizes "the direct earthly experience of cosmic and celestial energy -- pure potential and power -- for good or bad." As whatever we hold in our … [Read more...]
When dystonia dares to once again rear its twisted head after an extended remission of all but the most benign symptoms, it can sometimes feel like a personal failing on my healing journey. I chastise myself for the lapses in judgment that led to making unwise choices. I berate myself for knowing better than to behave in such foolish ways: I shouldn’t have had a cheat day (or three) of so many … [Read more...]
You might be surprised to learn that lung cancer takes the lives of more men and women than any other cancer in this country each year. In fact, it’s been the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States since 1987, but you would hardly know it if you merely looked at the media attention, research and fundraising efforts earmarked for cancer awareness in women. However, the … [Read more...]
This is a guest post by Danielle Emig, originally written for Health Perch: In a perfect world, we would all wake up naturally with the sun, refreshed, awake, and ready to tackle the day. However, if you aren’t naturally an early riser, being a morning person is a struggle, no matter what ringtone the alarm is set to. Many of us intend to wake up early to check items off the to-do list, but end … [Read more...]