Apr 27

A New Normal

A Yogi’s Journey with Parkinson’s – Volume 1

 

I was walking on the beach when I first noticed a quiver in my right hand.

A little research identified it as a “resting tremor”.

A neurologist recently confirmed: I have Parkinson’s Disease.

Welcome to my “New Normal”.

I was not surprised by the diagnosis, but, it still landed heavily. The dark side was oh so ready to embrace me with: “My brain is failing me.” “There is no cure.” & “It could get very ugly”.

I’m not going there.

Nor am I going lemming-like over the cliff of symptom-addressing drugs with “minimal short-term side effects” but guaranteed ugly endings. I am in this for the long haul. I not only intend to survive, but to continue living my life to the fullest (with some arguably overdue behavioral adjustments).

In summary: I’m OK! I have Parkinson’s. I have a plan and it includes lots of yoga (both teaching and practicing).

These blog posts are my format for sharing details, thoughts and emotions (not to mention my sometimes obscure sense of humor) that accompany my life going forward with Parkinson’s (from the potentially unique perspective of a yoga teacher). For those of you who have known me for a while, consider these blog posts a re-boot of my old Keith Chronicles. The working title is, “A Yogi’s Journey with Parkinson’s”.

“We are not human beings on a spiritual journey; we are spiritual beings on a human journey.” – Steven Covey

Of course, there is hope that my writings might help inform, inspire or at least amuse others that face similar life challenges. But this blog is admittedly, primarily for ME. I do NOT want all my conversations going forward to focus on Parkinson’s. That’s why I am doing it here. Not only will blogging free up my life to focus on living, it also gives me a chance to process, understand and share my emotions. I could say “I don’t care if no one reads this”, but I would be lying and I don’t see any reason for deception at this point.

Prior to the diagnosis, I was attempting to keep my tremors a secret for “professional” (never show vulnerability) and “personal” (insecurity) reasons. To say that was modestly successful would be an exaggeration. That time is passed. I am done “hiding” now.

I am not a doctor, nor will I pretend to be, but I have opinions, philosophies and intentions that will be part of my path going forward. You are welcome to come along for the ride and you are welcome to share your questions and/or comments (that does not mean I will post them all or respond to them). You might not agree with my choices and I might ignore your well-intended advice. You have the option to opt out of this adventure whenever you want. I don’t.

If inspired, please visit 4 Ways You Can Help or simply DONATE.

 

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this site are my opinions. My words should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical expertise. This blog is designed to chronicle my journey, share what I learn in the process, and connect with others on a similar path.