A long time ago I wrote about this topic. About life being a series of letting go steps if we are to attain any degree of serenity and peace.
As we do, I forgot about this great philosophy for a while.
Struggling.
And letting go is ceasing to struggle. Verily.
And it was brought home to me by a friend on Thursday. As he talked of letting go of who he was, his balding head reminds him, his lack of flexibility, his achy back, his paunch.
As I climb on my new-to-me gift of a treadmill every day I let go of dreams of another Tely 10, road racing, snazzy running gear, nimble legs, endless energy. And have I mentioned I've always hated treadmills with a passion? Not anymore, for this may save my life.
I was cold, cold is a brand new thing to me, and I put on an Aran sweater over the tights and tee-shirt, threw on a sweatband. And laughed as I realized after an excruciating 15 minutes that there was no sweat and I wasn't warm enough to remove the sweater.
It's a huge process for us elders and for others physically challenged out of the blue or after an accident to confront an altered life, while trying not to sentimentalize or glorify the past. I hadn't realized I was engaging in this magical thinking. Until my friend B talked of it.
And self-smack to the side of the head.
I better embrace the changes, work with them and yes, celebrate them.
Even if it's only for those who can't, ever again.
Brilliant machines but it is good to be out in the fresh air walking, I always think!
ReplyDeleteMaggie x
Lovely to be out in the fresh air Maggie but the ice and snow makes it hazardous this time of the year for this challenged elder. 😏
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I guess I am lucky that I live in a place where it is possible to get outside and walk for most of the year, except sometimes in July and August when it's so hot and steamy that an indoor treadmill would be good. Getting into the habit is hard, indoors or out.
DeleteAgreed Diane. Change and letting go of old ways is difficult but not impossible 😀
DeleteI'm hoping to get outdoors soon but I am nervous of bring halted and rooted by the pain.
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I was thinking to send you a copy of my "old lady" routine for the treadmill that I used with such success. Did not know if you already have one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rose. At this stage I'm climbing on board and trying to meditate through the pain. I'm confident it will get easier. At least I persuade myself of this. 😀
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good for you and meditating through pain is sometimes the only way to get through the day. I hope it gets better as you go on.
ReplyDeleteI believe I'm too involved in the pain to try and distract with anything else. I'll see how it goes. Thanks for your kind thoughts E. 💕
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I'm with you in spirit, m'dear, all the way. Persevere, keep on, etc, all the stuff that Al Green and Bruce and Neil Young have been telling us.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
mike
Thank you Mike for all your support on my journey and the best backatcha in your travsils which can't be easy.
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Fortunately I have no serious old-age afflictions as yet, but no doubt they're on the cards. Especially as my mum is still alive and kicking at 94, so I could have a good few years ahead of me. I hope the treadmill does you some good.
ReplyDeleteLucky you!
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audio books!!
ReplyDeleteI do 15 minutes on my elliptical machine every mornng, then free weights then tai chi. Tai chi has really really helped me and you meet a great group of people.
I did Tai Chi in Toronto and loved it. You have an admirable routine there Sharyn!
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my comments no longer coming through
ReplyDeleteanother probem...
I wonder what's up?
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I prefer to walk outside, but I do love my treadmill. I can set the speed and elevation so it keeps me moving at a consistent pace. If I walk outside I tend to get distracted by neighbors or the beauty of nature can slow me down. Getting older definitely has its challenges!
ReplyDeleteYou said it SS. There's no end to the surprises!
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Glad to know you're into your new regime. I found, when into one of my trials a while back, that not attempting to do too much at first was essential. I managed to strain my knee one time, then my ankle. I guess it depends how fit, or unfit, one is at the start. I had become, leg-wise, very unfit after a few years in the USA where walking is something of a peculiarity, after 60+ years in the UK walking just about everywhere!
ReplyDeleteDo be gentle with yourself! :-)
Yes the car culture has a detrimental effect on our sorry bods, lol. I had kept up a fair regime up to my fall and then.....
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One has to slowly build up to really strenuous stuff and along the way there will also be days when one just lets go of the routine too!
ReplyDeleteI'm no friend to discipline Ramana unless I have a specific goal in mind. I'm still trying to get one. Maybe non-death?
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Oh,
ReplyDeleteIf only that old adage, "If it don't hurt it don't work." were true. Because I find everything hurts, whether it's working or not! But *very* slow and steady wins out over trying to reach some goal. I've read, don't know if it's true, that three days of exercise and a day of rest is best when you are older. Resting gives the muscles recovery time, and you come back stronger. If you're looking at PAD there are medical studies which show that adding soya Lecithin to the diet can clear plaque from the arteries. I can send links to the studies PubMed if you are interested. I have a disorder which often affects the heart so I have to have annual cardiac and arterial scans, and the cardiologist always remarks that he's never seen anyone else my age without *any* plaque in their arteries. I'm 71 and have taken Lecithin since I was in my 20s, most of the time. Once about 10 years ago I just got sick of taking pills and stopped taking it, but my cholesterol went up enough that my doctor wanted to start me on a statin drug. I declined and started taking Lecithin again, and I've not had a high reading since. At any rate I wish you some real comfort and know that there are many out here who wish you well
Duly noted, Deb, thank you for the tip. I have it on my list. I had not heard of this which surprises me :)I'm no on statins but am on Lodalis for cholesterol.
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Slow but sure .... gradual .... often the best way.
ReplyDeleteCold climates are hell on the body. But cancer is worse. I have no energy at all.
ReplyDeleteIf the treadmill lets you be active when it's icy outside, that's to the good. But yes, they can be boring.
ReplyDeleteAn aside, I bought an Aran cardigan when I was in Galway and I adore it - that this is so warm!
Its very important to warm up with gentle stretches before using the treadmill Do a comfortable walking pace listen to music or read while on the machine cuz this helps to keep boredom in its place. One needs to keep the joints loose and the leg muscles active and oxygenated thus keeping the wheel chair at bay. Good luck my friend!
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