The Rockaway Times
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
Life With Our “Artistic” Child By Kami-Leigh Agard
The Power of Sangha On Your Health Last Thursday, mid-morning, I was blindsided with an unexpected attack. An attack so ferocious that it left me in a fetal position screaming, begging for help to relieve my pain, even screeching for the Grim Reaper to end it all. Who would believe that just a few hours earlier, I was doing the “happy dance?” After a hectic week, I felt accomplished, ready to embrace all the exciting activities ahead for the weekend. Then a mere couple hours later, here I was in a hospital bed, attached to an IV, sewn down by pain and unable to move. I started cursing the universe, “Why the #$&@! now?!!!” After hours of reflection, the real question that dawned was “Who’s fault?” The answer, admittedly, “Mea culpa.” As if I was in mass, I kept beating my chest, whispering, “mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.” My mind traveled, and I recalled that first day this summer, when I invited Christine Dydzuhn, a member of the Rockaway Beach “Artistic” Families support, to a class at The Rockaway Sangha, hosted by local resident, Dr. Nancy Gahles, a holistic doctor, chiropractor and integrative healthcare expert. After reading my column, Dr. Gahles reached out and generously invited me and a group member to experience her class, Spirit of Love~The Rockaway Sangha. On our drive to the class, Christine was talking about how she was listening to these YouTube videos by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk known worldwide for his
teachings on mindfulness and peace. When we arrived, we both gasped at the beautifully tranquil environment where folks had already gathered. A world apart from my mom’s home, where I had just left with the television blaring yet another Jimmy Swaggart church service. As Dr. Gahles lightly instructed us to breathe and stay still and be mindful with our thoughts, I found myself in fright and flight mode. So… no athletic body twisting yoga movements, where I get to showcase my double-jointed prowess? I have to be still? That’s like asking a humming bird to stop flapping its wings! I found myself twitching, big toes interlocked, feeling like a thousand mosquitoes had just descended on me, mind like a highway, thinking about everything else, BUT being mindful. As people shared, I cringed, not knowing what to say when my turn was
next. Christine shared about wanting to be mindful and start caring holistically for herself, so she could be sure that she will be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy and present for her children, including her son, who is on the autism spectrum. I felt like a fish out of water. Prior to this experience, all I ever thought about was doing as much as I can with the time I have left to make sure my daughter has everything she needs to be the best she can be, despite the challenges of autism. I thought if I helped my daughter and others, my work was done. I never once thought of being healthy to be there for her in the future. In fact, I put all my health needs on the back burner, living recklessly despite my own health woes. Talk about an eye-opener. After the class, with Christine, looking as blissfully radiant as a flower in bloom, and me like a dried-up cactus in the Arizona desert, I asked Christine, why was it so useful for her to practice mindfulness as a caregiver. She answered, “For us as caregivers, mindfulness and making sure to practice breathing exercises are important because they help to release the anxiety parents take in from the everyday care of our children. If we are not centered for our children, they will not feel our energies. If we practice mindfulness, we can be more present to what is going on around us. There is more energy in our lives than the ‘typical’ family, so we have to release the unwanted energies not only for our children, but for our own well-being.”
Page 35 So, as I laid on that (God forgive me) wretched hospital bed, I made a vow to at least try to start taking care of myself, stop worrying about others’ opinions and literally live my every breath with the aim of being healthy so I can live to see the day when my daughter looks at me one day, and says, “I love you mommy.” If you are interested in joining the RBAFSG as together we practice mindfulness at the Spirit of Love~The Rockaway Sangha, email: ourartisticchild@outlook.com or check out our Facebook page. For more information about the Spirit of Love~Rockaway Sangha visit:www.drnancygahles. com/rockaway-sangha-meditation I want to thank everyone who came out to the Rockaway Beach “Artistic” Familes support group this past Thursday. (Forgive my absence, as I was in Club Med, getting some necessary libations through an IV). A very special thanks to Laura O'Connor Leonard, MS, BCBA, LBA; ABA Program Director at Challenge Early Intervention, who gave a riveting presentation on ABA therapy; Dominique Lee for catering the event with her sumptuous food, (from the reviews, it was an absolutely marvelous educational and culinary experience); and foremost to William Francis, proprietor of Willderness Yard, who supported us from the genesis of the group, and will always have our love and support as he grows in other impactful directions. I will miss hosting our groups at your place, Will. Much love!
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