Gentle Exercise for Those of Us Who Have Not Embraced the Idea of Exercise in Our Lives

I purchased two more DVDs at the same time as the Yoga DVD and they arrived yesterday.  I watched both of these from the comfort of my sofa and found myself inching to the edge of the seat so I could "practice" the moves while still seated (don't want to get too commited as yet to the program I have prescribed for myself) just trying to e..a..s..e into this exercise thing. I watched "Tai Chi for balance & mobility" with Scott Cole, first and found myself thinking "I can really see myself doing this!".  The lady who demonstrates the routines with Scott is probably in her 80's...this is TaiChi for beginners, older adults and the physically challenged; the workout is designed to help prevent falls by improving balance, strength, flexibility and mobility.  This actually looks like FUN.  The second DVD that I watched is "Qi Gong for Beginners," with 8 easy to follow routines called Eight Pieces of Brocade.  The program is set in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of a river with the sounds of nature and very quieting music in the background.  This is a very gentle and meditative practice, but I am anxious to incorporate this series of routines into my morning rituals. Qi Gong is designed to increase energy and vitality and reduce stress and aims to be transformational.  Chris Pei took me on the most relaxing, disciplined whole-body meditational journey and I loved every moment of it...just wish I'd found this long ago.   I want this to be a way of life for me!

Yoga for Movement Disorders

My latest find is this DVD  designed to be a companion to the book by Renee Le Verrier (although I am using it alone).   Renee is a certified Yoga instructor and Parkinson's patient who specializes in adapting traditional poses for people with movement disorder.  This two-hour video includes: warm-up series; morning, afternoon and evening flows; sun salutation.  There are standing and seated versions of each, as well as tips concerning balance, posture, and tremor.  I am excited to begin a journey with yoga as a daily practice to improve my balance and flexibility and to help rebuid strength. I believe it will be $14.95 well spent.

The Challenges of Care Partnering

This post title is taken directly from Anne Cutter Mikkelsen's book Take Charge of Parkinson's Disease: Dynamic Lifestyle Changes to put You in the Driver's Seat .  The mailman just delivered my copy of Anne's book and I have spent much of the afternoon reading some of the chapters and purusing the recipes. The chapter titled, When a Spouse Becomes a Caregiver, by Nanette J. Davis, Ph.D. lists nine positive aspects of care partnering; she refers to these as "gifts", and they are:
     1. Having an open heart.
     2. Connecting with the generations.
     3. Expanding your coping abilities.
     4. Willingness to experience role reversal.
     5. Reinvigorating family relationships.
     6. Strengthening bonds with the community.
     7. Giving back to others.
     8. Expressing our spiritual values.
     9. The importance of self-care.

As I read about each of these I came to know how they truely are gifts to me as I face my own journey with Parkinson's.  I am reminded of the miraculous blessing it is to have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves me enough to have helped me open each of these gifts as I have cared for Don and our son, Scott, so that I would have these "present" in my life as I confront the  challenges of Parkinson's in a very personal way.  The suggestions for reducing caregiver stress are also, "gifts" I can give to myself (and Don) to bless and sustain us in the coming days.  They are:
                                   1. Start a regular and realistic exercise program.
                                   2. Strengthen your social network (know your neighbors)
                                   3. Follow a well-balanced diet (fruit/veggies/grains)
                                   4. Avoid eating or drinking too much.
                                   5. Breathe deeply throughout the day.
                                   6. Quiet your mind with meditation, yoga, reading or prayer.
                                   7. Be impassioned about your life.

My favorite "gift" is number six.  My favorite scripture is "Be still and know that I am God."  I am, after all, one of his children and he loves me and he walks with me daily.  My role is not to ask "Why?", but to ask "What do you want me to learn or teach through this experience?" Don has been a great teacher for me and we are blessed to have each other as true "care partners"...I love that phrase.