Wisdom + wit + warmth is so wonderful isn’t it?
My new life has brought about wonderful life experiences as a gallery co-director (magnificent title for such little physical input isn’t it?!).
One immense privilege and pleasure is being able to curate and sell the artwork of some of our most incredible Australian artists… like Michael Leunig.
While you read this, I’m in total bliss under full anaesthetic having my spinal stim implanted and my sacral stim (which fizzed) removed.
I’ve popped this poem in my head, and now yours too in the hope that Brain Plasticity, in all its madness as clarified so perfectly in Michael’s poem and illustration, works its nonsense on me.
(Hi babe, I’ll be out soon!)
I’ll report as soon as I can about my latest spin adventures. Meanwhile, send me some crazy vibes and let’s see what happens!
Brain plasticity
Brain plasticity: what is that?!
My lovely brain is going flat!
Like a battery that’s exhausted.
No lively spark. What has caused it?
This fading of lucidity?
Is it mass stupidity
And the grinding ugliness,
The silly, noisy, man-made mess
To which we find ourselves exposed?
The pathways of the brain get closed.
The mind begins to warp and shrink.
It’s getting very hard to think
With so much nonsense going on.
Where’s the joyful thinking gone?
The lovely eccentricity?
Help me brain plasticity!
About Michael Leunig
For non Australians, Michael Leunig was declared a national living treasure by the National Trust and awarded honorary degrees from La Trobe and Griffith universities and the Australian Catholic University for his unique contribution to Australian culture in 1999.
Michale fled in disgrace from formal education and pursued a successful career as a factory labourer and meatworker where he nurtured his art and philosophy before beginning work as a political cartoonist for a daily newspaper in Melbourne in 1969.
I applaud you for your bravery. We are very similar in thinking. I too chose work over a disability paycheck. It has been a stressful 5 years for my family. Everyone around me impacted from this ugly predicament. My greatest resource being morning and evening meditation to heal my brain and keep my nervous system calm. Understanding how to live with the obnoxious feelings from the pudendal nerve by accepting the nerve as my friend not foe. Sounds strange but works. This nerve created so much havoc I ended up with two herniated discs. My pain is minimal now and I am off medication. I worked with a physiotherapist , Pilates reformer trainer, and now a physical therapist this past year. My brain forgot how to use my muscles and I had to relearn simple moves. I have categorized each area of sensitivity and use a nerve flossing exercise for relief. Finding the right medical professionals is crucial. I was diagnosed with joint hypermobility by my physiatrist. I now use an SI Joint belt for stability while strengthening my core. I hope my story helps others find relief.
Thank you Sue. Sounds like you deserve applause also! I believe there are many more ways people living with chronic illnesses can work but it’s hard finding people who can help them find that work. Not to mention the support it takes from family – we’ve had alot of financial help. The support is all key in getting people back into their lives and from there we can also pace up. Sadly insurance companies and government lack this insight. Great to hear you’re managing and have found your team. Thanks for your support and comment x