About this Blog
As my blog progresses, I will touch on the following topics, in both an exploratory-discussion and hands-on-guidance kind of way:
1. Physical Dance as a Tool for Healing Chronic Pain
For years, chronic pain caused me to avoid dancing. But after re-conceptualizing dance as something other than leaps, twirls, and fancy footwork, I began to “dance” at my edge — even if it meant just moving my arms around gently, in synch with music.
As I engaged in this form of dance, I was astonished to find my edge moving out farther and farther — until I reclaimed movement I thought I’d lost forever.
2. Spiritual Dance as a Tool for Coping with Distress from Pain
As I physically danced with pain, I discovered spiritual dance as an effective tool for coping with the frustration, anger, and sadness associated with my pain. Rather than rail against my feelings and limitations, I discovered how to move with them in a metaphoric dance.
To this end, I choreographed a series of set “dance steps” to take when I was in the depths of chronic pain hell (whether meditating, taking a hot bath, calling a pre-arranged support network, writing appreciations, or going out to nature) — thus preventing my descent into despair.
3. Energetic Dance as a Tool for “Recycling” Pain
By re-conceptualizing pain as a wellspring of raw energy, and by entering into a deep energetic dance with my pain (akin to a deep meditation state), I became able to transform the pain energy into healing energy. I then became able to send that healing back into the source of pain - in effect “recycling” pain to heal itself.
4. The Mechanics Behind Dancing with Pain
What Eastern and Western medical research can explain the mind-body mechanics behind my personal discoveries? What is going on with my nervous system, muscles, Qi, seratonin levels, and so on, as I engage in the various forms of dance? What is at play in creating the immediate, magical transformation and relief I feel in my body?
To answer these questions, I will draw on interviews with leading health care professionals who specialize in a cross-section of methodologies — including neurology, physical therapy, meditation, sports medicine, tai chi, and psychology.
5. The Spirituality and Psychology of Suffering
Oh yes, everything happens for a reason — usually a stupid one. Among other things, this blog will share my pontifications on fate, luck, and other questionable forces of the universe.
Through personal narrative, I will dive into the underbelly of the human quest for meaning: From blaming a victim to extolling the virtues of a horrific experience, I will examine common responses to suffering — probing into the latent fear of uncertainty often behind them.
Recounting the (frequently absurd) ways these responses impact those suffering, and from the perspective of one gal who has been through the wringer of pain and disability, anger and despair, faith and triumph, I will share some possible answers to the ultimate question, What’s it all about?