Physical, occupational, speech, massage...therapies are all important aspects of an overall PD-managed plan. However for a working person with PD like me, trying to find or make the time for these therapies can be quite challenging. On the upside, I can afford the high costs of medical treatment because I have an excellent insurance plan with my employer but what about those people with PD who are retired or unemployed that cannot afford these therapies? Have you consider another kind of therapy that is free, fun and rewarding? Yes, I am referring to Art Therapy. This Art Therapy can be in the form of writing, dancing, singing, painting, learning to play an instrument like a piano, sewing, cooking, gardening, woodworking or refurbishing old stuff.......the list goes on. Art Therapy can perhaps rejuvenate our brains, enhances/stimulates our creativity, feeds our need to be productive, and an outlet for our inequities. It is a stress reducer and it can provide a platform to express your strengths/talents and genuineness. Making art also activates the whole brain and can foster integration of cognitive, emotional and sensory processes. It is also found that emotions and art are closely connected; making art can aid in uplifting one's moods. Also, through viewing one's own creation, one can improve the skill of self-observation and exploration. Best of all, it is free and fun. Personally, I love to write poems, songs and blogs. Writing provides an outlet for me in living with PD. It allows me to vent and release my pinned-up frustrations and emotions of living with a disease I have no control over. Also with my poems, songs and blogs, I hope to inspire and encourage someone who is going through the same storm as I am. That was the very reason I was inspired to write my first song I Will Choose (turn off music on top left first before watching this youtube video). It started off as a simple poem and I was later prompted to turn it into a song. I wrote those words in the middle of a night when I was trying to foresee my future with PD, and was in tears & fear as I know what my outcome looks like. This song became my "fight song" and I know many who have been positively affected by the song. I have 2 more songs in production and I hope to share it with you all soon. Below, you will see another poem I wrote recently and I am also going to showcase some works that my friends with PD have done as their art therapy. C'mon, discover your own art therapy. I promise you will not regret it.
The Beast in Me
My life was forever changed
When the beast came into my life.
In my private hell,
I must now learn to survive.
Parkinson's disease is like
A beast unleashing his wrath.
Devouring anything, anyone
Who dares to cross his path.
Hands reaching up,
Out of the fire.
Destroying my life,
Is now his desire.
Heavy ball and chain,
Tied around my feet.
Shuffle-drag-shuffle,
I now walk in defeat.
Tormenting my mind,
Filling it up with lies.
He whispers words of hopelessness,
To watch my spirit die.
Continuous tremble
Like an earthquake.
Unsteady movements
Along with tremors and shakes.
Stumble, fumble, fall.
He brings me to my knees.
Sway left, sway right...
"Are you drunk?" he teased.
He tortures me day & night;
My body, spirit & head.
"You're worth nothing, my dear.
Just give up & stay in bed!"
To fight this beast
I look heaven bound.
A peace that transcends understanding,
By God's grace, I found.
Life is a choice
On how we face adversities.
Never give up, keep living
Amidst harsh realities.
On my knees I pray,
To rid of this beast.
To find a cure fast
For this horrific disease.
By
Dora Leonard
Here are some forms of Art Therapy you can try. (Turn off music box on top left before watching)
The Art of Video Production and Design (by my friend, Erika)
The Art of Song writing (by my friend, Arlon)
Here are some woodworking and refurbished projects by my dear friend, Erika Snider-Jimison who simply love to use her hands to create. This is one art form I am not very good at but I do enjoy painting. 2 years ago I painted over 20+ ceramic christmas ornaments for the staff at my school, and I was surprised I did a great job. It was very therapeutic and surprisingly, relaxing.
May it be writing, singing, painting or learning to play the piano for the very first time, find something to do. Join your church choir, buy a canvas and start painting, try writing simple poems or simply journal daily. You may discover you love your art therapy and it may also be used to encourage and change the life of someone around you. Mine did!!
**Be sure to check out Gimme a Break, Motivations 101 and others**
