Discipline

Let us break this down. . .

Sometimes we are disciplined when we've sinned. But sometimes we are disciplined to prepare.

Ever notice that 'discipline' has the same root as 'disciple'?

When i was a musician i practiced daily. Because i was a drummer, i suffered blisters, bruised fingers, dislocations, nails ripped off, muscle pain and even broken bones. I continued because i loved music and through that persistence i got better and later was able to teach.

You know what... i have another example. In the words of my physical therapist/chiropractor, "Dancers are crazy with what they do to their bodies!"

We have a certain discipline to maintain health as a dancer, however that comes with some pain. Injuries that dancers are prone to may include: Achilles tendinitis: the tendons at the back of the ankles can sometimes be strained and in bad cases even snap; Blisters, Bunions, Bunionette: a bone deformity usually in the dancers little toe; Bursitis, Bruises, Bruised toenails, Calluses, Contusions, Corns, Cuts between the toes; Dancer's heel (Plantar fasciitis), Dermatitis, Dorsal exostosis, Extensor tendinitis, Fungus nails, Hallux limitus and rigidus, Hammer toes: when the toes bend up permanently at the middle joint; Heel bruises, Heel spurs, Ingrown toenails, Jammed big toes, Muscle tears, Neuromas, Plantar warts, Sesamoiditis, Sprained ankles, Stress fractures... and that is just the feet!

Our bodies are our instruments so we discipline our bodies so that we may be able to create beautiful works of art.

I was reminded today by my elder that this pain i have now is just that, a discipline to create a strong instrument. A strong disciple of God.

C.S. Lewis said, "I could write a great sermon on victory over pain if i could just get over this headache", and of course he was being a bit facetious. Victory over pain does not come after, but during that pain. We continue through that pain as faithful servants, in chains because we love Christ because He first loved us.

2 Corinthians 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

1 Corinthians 9:26-27
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Disabled Parking

Sometimes the best intentions lack some insight. Like asking someone who is blind, "What are you looking for?"
Spending a few months in a mobility device helped me to see how hard it is to really put yourself in someone else's shoes. Little mistakes that make me laugh.

'twas a Mere Nothing

Here is my first go at my new hobby. Enjoy!

Still Waiting!

Really. Still waiting. It would be easier to have a positive outlook if i knew what i was dealing with here. Daily i find myself conjecturing, determining what i would do in either case. With all the extra time on my hands with nothing to do and (because of gas prices) nowhere to go, i end up feeling dejected. I took the summer off because my doctors told me i needed brain surgery - not necessarily the best time to start a new quarter of classes. Regardless, i am glad i've had the time off to collect myself through the pain.

As for the pain, i have been doing better. I am getting stronger and most days the pain is more random than constant. Not having constant pain has been a blessing and a much needed break. However, the random nerve shocks suck. I cannot get used to them because they surprise me. Nerve pain is probably the most uncomfortable and there is no warning. Sometimes it is local to one spot like my ankle - not so harsh. Sometimes it runs from my abdomen down the back of my leg through the bottom of my foot - little more harsh. And sometimes it runs from my neck through my face and eyes - that sucks. Involuntary spasms usually accompany these shocks so the double surprise makes for not so much fun. However, i have been dancing a bit and tonight i actually took a walk! I am trying to dwell on these things as i await my doctor appointment, which hopefully will be in September.

I definitely have had plenty opportunities to be patient! But isn't that what doctor's patient means? Patience for patients.

Acupuncture is the Bomb-diggity! Part 2

Today i went to my acupuncturist. I've only seen her three times before today but she seemed excited to see me. I started going to her because she takes Medi-Cal with a $10 co-pay (acupuncturists usually only take cash). Today she told me not to pay so i asked if my insurance was covering it. The insurance is only paying $5.71! "Don't worry about it, i just want to help you. Come in anytime you have pain."

She is sacrificing a lot of time and money and seems happy about it!

Bearing the Burden: part 2

With pain in general, a primary injury will cause you to be less focused on, or even forget about a secondary injury.
When my heart hurts for someone else's struggle, my pain is less.

Bearing the Burden

It is impossible to bear some burdens on your own. That is why there is community.
Today i learned that bearing the burdens of others makes my burden lighter. I realize that that makes no sense whatsoever, but here is my theory:
By sharing burdens, we not only distribute the weight but it can also give a much due break from thinking only of yourself. Also, a little empathy goes a long way.