A Meditative Approach to Rehabilitation

A Meditative Approach to Rehabilitation: Balance, Reflection, Action

By Greg Pastore

Incorporating intent into routine towards a goal makes life meaningful. An indispensable bit of wisdom I learned from Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu was to consider opposing interests with equality. I immediately think of shopping: spend too much and you are bankrupt; spend too little and living gets challenging. I integrated a similar unity in recovery: too little rehabilitation and recovery is not possible; too much and progress is inhibited. In the yin-yang symbol, the white orderly serpent divides the black chaotic serpent. A balance of opposing ideas lies on the line between the chaotic and orderly serpents. “Walking” this line has not been easy, and I frequently stumble off the path into undisciplined immaturity or absurdly rigid routines. Asking questions puts me back on the path (or a path) toward clarity.

Nothing is ever certain, but engaging in internal dialogue reveals answers. Dialogue can occur with your conscience if you are unsure of a direction to head in. Is recovery possible? Do I want to live a life free of disability? How much time do I devote to rehabilitation? Will my time be better utilized if I freed space for other activities? Will these activities make life “whole” and reduce suffering? If I choose to recover, why not go all-out and push my body beyond its limit? As I think about my answers to these questions, I consider what a “whole” life means to me: a life balancing purpose, responsibility, and presence.

I did not want to live a life inhibited by a freak accident. What good experiences I had, I wanted to replicate. A favorable prognosis came with a caveat: recovery from a stroke was possible if I worked hard in therapy and exercised. Choosing this option mitigated anxiety and depression, while inaction flooded my mind with negativity. I had a small chance of survival, so I want to live with purpose and productivity.

To have a role in my family is fulfilling, but it is evident that the care I require demands immoderate attention. I am aware of their responsibilities and by gaining independence, our relationships can thrive. My plan of becoming a chemist is fading because of my limited mobility. Therefore, a new achievement, where I can be of service to others is gratifying.

An aggressive approach to rehabilitation disregards my needs for rest and safety. I cannot dedicate every second to rehabilitation. If every day is devoted to one narrow aim, the thrill of living is muddled. During the pandemic-lockdown, my “all-in” approach proved to be ineffective. Being tired constantly from exercise lowered my awareness. I rushed onto a treadmill and fell off, fracturing my back. Being held up for a few months compounded my misery and delayed recovery.

What is likely to enable healing with minimal negative consequence? It is better for me to seek the guidance of an establishment working to help disabled clients live well, safely. The adversity I face is accommodated and minimized with professional support. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to improve my life under the care of SLG: I have gained awareness about what I can and cannot do; I have developed meaningful friendships; and I am collaborating with professionals in areas of interest like, writing, art, and science.

To consider opposing interests with equality requires honest introspection and patience. If you are like me and you find yourself off the path, this may help you get back on. With balance, reflection, and action new possibilities will unfold.

Drawing by GP in marker on paper.