Intent

It seems that movement from one place to another is becoming more challenging, regardless of the circumstances. So many actions were taken for granted and were never really given a second thought. Moving from the chair to the refrigerator to retrieve a chilled glass of water is not an issue for most folks. For this possessor of Parkinson’s that movement has become fraught with challenges. Without framing the quest for that journey solidly in my mind’s eye, this simple task could become an action wherein a generous hug of the floor replaces the cool glass of water. The first action to be taken is the actual understanding and acknowledgement that there is a result desired (water) that must be approached differently than in the past. Rising from the chair becomes the first action. In so many years past, when this inhibitor called Parkinson’s was not a resident to be reckoned with, the action from the chair, to standing upright and walking smoothly to the refrigerator and retrieving the water that quinches the thirst, then returning to the chair to continue the action of the project previously engaged would have been a relative “non-event”. Now, however, every movement must be given attention with intent of movement even before the movement is initiated. After reaching the upright position, the foot taking the lead (right or left) must be intentionally lifted, followed by the intentional lifting of the other until the pattern of steps is achieved. Otherwise, the simple act of walking turns into a previously unimaginable dancing shuffle of the feet in an effort to maintain balance. Once the walk has been achieved, less attention has to be given to it until a turn is desired, right or left. If so, the turn must be attended to with the same intensity as the steps in the beginning. The invasion of the malady known as Parkinson’s has given me pause to recognize the intention of all the movements I make. Utilizing my lap-top computer, messaging on my cell phone, preparing a meal, preparing for and then taking a shower, are but a few of the things that in the past seemed to require the degree of attention called for now. These actions have always required the same degree of movement as they do now, but they have not required the degree of attention to units of detail that is now required. Actions now are best accomplished when the intention for that action is understood, acknowledged to self, and attended to during every action to accomplish the goal. I have discovered that quenching a thirst must engage numerous intentions. The discovery of understanding and engaging “intent” opens the door to a greater recognition of the blessings we can uncover as we nurture the thriving heart!