More independence
January 30, 2010 5:15 pm SCI RecoveryToday I think is a significant date. Today, for the first time, I went to the Y for my workout, and used the locker room. There are a couple of things I did differently today from the past. I went to the Y using my canes, and not my walker. I have done this before, but always with Suzanne, In the past, she would take my coat, etc., to the locker room, and I would walk up the stairs (1 floor) to the TechnoGym, work out, and then walk down 1 floor to meet her to go home together. I simply did not use the locker room. Otherwise, I use my walker to carry my knapsack, and take the elevator to go up to the TechnoGym.
Today, I went to the Y alone (which I have done in the past using my walker, and the elevator) walked down the stairs to the locker room (1 floor), changed into my shorts and running shoes (which I have never done before), then walked upstairs to the TechnoGym (2 floors), did my workout (about an hour), then walked back down to the locker room (2 floors), got undressed, took a sauna (aaaah!), then a shower (another aaah!), then got dressed in my street clothes, and walked up the stairs (1 floor) to wait my transport to take me back home. I should add that all this walking up and down the stairs was done wearing my backpack, containing my shoes, and so on.
At home, I am walking around more and more without using any canes at all.I think my ability to do all this is a testament to the exercising I have been doing, part of which is to build up my endurance. Also of significance is the fact that I did not feel totally exhausted! So I think my body is still continuing to improve.
admin :
Date: January 31, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
Maria,
You ask, What is my secret? I really do not feel I have a secret — I just do what I have to do, relying on God: ‘Abdu’l-Baha says, “the bounties of God never cease to flow upon man. If viewed from one perspective they seem to decrease, but from another they are full and complete. Man is under all conditions immersed in a sea of God’s blessings”.
maria chouchtari :
Date: January 31, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
Dear Julien,
I would love for you to share your secret. What is going on in your mind when attempting all these super human feats? I would like you to rename your Blog “Julien’s secret” because most of us still don’t know how you did it.
A well guarded secret indeed!
The power of the mind over matter?
Almost psychic and supernatural!
But we know that nothing can come about just by wanting it. So do us all a favor so that we can progress from our own slow pace to the true journey of the soul in this outstanding discipline of overcoming difficulties and achieving victory upon victory.
Will C. van den Hoonaard :
Date: January 31, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
Am glad you decided to put your street clothes back on after your shower. One would not want to distract the gaze from your wonderful walking-and-moving-around accomplishments.
with love and admiration
Maury Miloff :
Date: January 31, 2010 @ 4:48 am
Just caught up with your news. Loved your poster boy picture! You looked great! And, of course, delighted with the marriage of Jonathan and Tara. We’ll be looking at the pictures shortly. Gaining greater physical independence certainly must be empowering. Just take it gradually, ok? Helen and I always land up hurting ourselves when we up our exercise regimes. Enjoy a gradual victory. Your battle cry — “Remember the Turtle!’ Of course, you may also use ‘The Turtle and I are One’. While working out, you may say under your breath only (‘Screw the Hare!’).
Jim D. :
Date: January 31, 2010 @ 1:31 am
Your progress, so slowly but substantially, over these last few years is truly remarkable. I always look forward to your posts of progress.