Finally, humour – that balm for the soul – that elixir that exhilarates – is provided by Grannymar, Kathrin, Casper and S. Emerson on more than a few posts – you’ll just have to go back to find them!
You’ll recognize him by his royal blue t-shirt, his full head of hair and his tungsten wrist guards. You’ll also learn that he uses humour as way to live with this serious disease. Leading by example, he helps others understand what this disease can do to the body, but not the spirit.
In addition to following him on Twitter and his blog, you can participate in his book club. He’s also the chief instigator of a creative new art project, to which you may wish to contribute: Show Us Your Hands! RA Guy shows us that he is all heart in his hands!
Years ago, I worked with someone whose mother was sent for diagnostic medical tests. Since she didn’t hear back from her doctor’s office, she assumed that her tests were negative.
Sadly, a simple clerical error, and the assumption that “no news is good news” cost her life.
I’ve never forgotten that story. In fact, I repeat it often, especially when I hear people say that the doctor hasn’t yet called them back regarding their test results.
I feel that as the owner operator of your body, no one has more of an interest in keeping it working well than yourself.
Mistakes happen. Files get placed in the wrong slot. A simple phone call or follow-up appointment will put you back in the driver’s seat – giving you more control over what often seems like an uncontrollable situation.
Are you singing that song, yet? You know, the one by The Police?
Singing, by the way, is an excellent way to practise breathing properly. Before you break out into song, I have a question for you.
Do you have a lot of neck and shoulder pain?
Yes, it can be caused by the ravaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also be that you may be doing a lot of chest breathing.
When the stress response is elicited, a number of physiological changes occur, including a change in respiration. This prehistoric programming is designed to help you fight or flee. However, what you perceive as stress today is very different from that of your forebears. Without techniques in place to recognize and redirect, you could be inadvertently and unconsciously retraining your system to go into flight or fight mode. I know I was. I also know that I have far less neck and shoulder pain now that my diaphragm is doing the work. Those poor muscles of the chest, neck and shoulders aren’t meant to be doing that job full-time.
Here’s an exercise that I give to my clients before we begin working together.
Place your hand on your chest. Take a few normal breaths. What do you notice about your chest and shoulders? Is there a lot of movement in upper body as you breathe? (If there is, you are likely chest breathing, rather than breathing with your diaphragm.)
This time, sit up straight in your chair. Shoulders back and down, spine straight – as if someone were pulling you up from a string out of the top of your head. Lower lightly pressed against the back of the chair
Exhale slowly for the count of 5 or 6.
As you inhale for the count of 5 or 6, feel a slight pressure in your lower back against the chair.
Repeat. Practise for a minute, gradually increasing the time so that this becomes your new normal – the natural way to breathe.
of a creative new art project, to which you may wish to contribute: Show Us Your Hands! RA Guy shows us that he is all heart in his hands!
Readers’ Roundup of Resources 2
I think that it’s about time to review some of the comments that my readers have made over the last few months.
Stephanie L reminds us of the importance of keeping hydrated when getting blood drawn or having an IV done on A Hard “Start”.
On Sitting Still Stiffens Self, WovenSongs mentioned an electric sit-to-stand desk for work. She also offers some valuable advice re. hoops on Hoopin’ It Up.
When You’ve Gotta Go and the seats are too low, Ki shares a link.
Kathrin, Maarten, Raul, Grannymar and S. Emerson provide written support on Not How I Planned to Spend My Monday.
Slip, Sliding Away is backed up by some research, courtesy of Dorlee M. Check out the link she provided on Marianna’s Law as Applied to Exercise.
“It’s the heart,” reminds Robert Hruzek on Mini Tree and Me.
On Big Hill? Just Ess It!, Casper McFadden provides some information about trekking poles.
Think about the closure suggests Dorlee M. on Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
Grannymar shares another use for that long-handled shoe horn on These Boots are Made for Removin’.
On Why 365 Tips?, Nancy Glover shares the wisdom in Dr. Seuss.
Finally, humour – that balm for the soul – that elixir that exhilarates – is provided by Grannymar, Kathrin, Casper and S. Emerson on more than a few posts – you’ll just have to go back to find them!
You may also be interested in the first Readers’ Roundup of Resources.
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