Chapter 73. The trip of a lifetime.
October 15, 2014
Because our problems are often painful and disturbing, our natural tendency is to try to avoid them; we seek ways to get out of difficult situations, or to go around the obstacles we encounter. But our problems are like clouds: though they appear to obscure the serenity of a clear sky, they contain life-giving moisture that nourishes growth. When we face our problems directly and go through them, we discover new ways of being.
— Tarthang Tulku
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If you had the opportunity to travel anywhere, anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Would you choose the familiarity and security of a locale you’ve been before, assuring yourself of an experience you’d be comfortable with and you already know, or would you be adventurous and venture off in an uncharted direction willing to discover things as you go?
What if I told you that there exists a place that is the most magnificent place in the world. A magical place where you can find peace and tranquility, love and compassion and most miraculously of all, it holds restorative powers that can heal you.
Would you go?
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The idea of learning how to completely heal myself, or at the very least, play a significant part in my own healing, is definitely something that intrigues me. And I use the word “learning” with hesitation because I think when it comes to our spirituality or our sense of being, there really isn’t anything to learn—it’s more a matter of remembering what you already know—reawakening the knowledge of ones self, so that you can work on your own behalf instead of against yourself. Within each one of us is the energy and power to contribute significantly to our own health, or do it damage just as easily.
My first taste of self-healing came almost immediately after I was informed I had Parkinson’s disease. At that very instant of having a diagnosis, I had a choice: I could choose to adopt a positive attitude, or I could choose to wallow in fear and despair. I chose moving forward. I even recall my very first words, It could have been a lot worse. And with that, my attitude had started the healing process. But I have to be honest and say I was lucky. I was lucky that something in me unconsciously brought that attitude up in me, because it certainly wasn’t something I had been planning for. Now if it were today, and I was facing a new challenge, it would be a completely different story because I realize the power that exists in positivity. I would not hesitate to start with a positive thought.
The next came with my enrollment in the Michael J. Fox Foundations PPMI study. By doing so I empowered myself in two very significant ways: First, I was taking a proactive role in the management of my disease physically and psychologically. I was going to lead my own charge to fight this disease right away, rather than sitting back and taking cover to wait for the enemy to attack. If I was going to help myself I felt it was prudent to work alongside the best and be where the research was taking place. Additionally, enrolling empowered my spirit. I’m a firm believer that a big part of our role in life is to help others, show compassion, love and empathy, and as such, whenever we are given the opportunity to help others, we have to do so. My having Parkinson’s gave me that opportunity. Being part of a clinical study or donating your service in any way, helps others. It was the right thing to do for my spirit, and that in turn nourished my soul.
Next, was finding the ability within myself to be thankful. Gratitude has turned out to be my own source of dopamine. I’ve adopted a daily routine of giving thanks not only for what I have today but for all the blessings still to come. My expectation every day is for an even better tomorrow and with that mindset it only enhances my attitude and outlook.
Once those foundations for healing were in place, I met my spiritual guide and massage therapist, Staci Oien. With Staci I’ve found a way to nourish my spirit and help it grow. But to do that required that I be willing to look within myself. To go deep within my soul. Ironically, into the darkest areas of my soul to discover where the light in me resides. The light being an understanding of my true purpose. When we discover that for ourselves, our lives shine brighter with an inner happiness and sense of contentment. But too often, for many, their true sense of purpose is hidden away and never discovered, either because of their own fears, or because they’ve lived a life of others defining who they should be. Self discovery is just that. It’s an opportunity to discover who you are. It’s an opportunity to realize your life’s purpose and to begin to live your own truth. That is incredibly healing.
I would never consider abandoning my involvement in clinical trials nor turn away from the incredible knowledge base and research being done by the medical community. No, I most definitely appreciate everything my doctors are doing for me. But even Dr. Simuni would agree with me whole-heartedly that a patient who is involved in their own healing, through exercise of the body, mind and spirit will fair far better than the patient who is not.
Over these past two and a half years I’ve discovered the most magnificent and magical place to travel to, is within myself. There I have begun a journey which has helped me discover not only a sense of peace with my self and with my life, but it has also opened my eyes and my heart to a purpose. And best of all, it’s healing me. I feel better today, then the day I was diagnosed.
I’m taking the trip of a lifetime and loving every minute of it.
More to come.
To start your Trip of a Lifetime contact Staci Page Oien at http://www.TakeSanctuary.com
Tremors in the Universe is now available in paperback and hardcover through Balboa Press @ http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Products/SKU-000956591/Tremors-in-the-Universe.aspx
or at http://www.tremorsintheuniverse.com
A portion of the authors proceeds are being donated to the National Parkinson Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Tremors in the Universe Copyright © 2014 by Robert Baittie
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