“A year ago I felt like I was getting prematurely old. I had just recovered from spinal fractures from osteoporosis, one leg hurt too much to jog or go for long walks, and my legs were swelling noticeably. I’ve always been able to work my way back to reasonable health, including from cancer & heart problems, but it seemed like the number of problems was getting out of hand. Frustrated, I looked for help.
For many, many years, Lea has always been the person I know who focused most on how to integrate physical, mental, and spiritual wellness in her own life, and on helping others do the same. I also knew she has done a lot of work with people in chronic pain. Lea is smart, empathetic, and a careful listener. Without making me feel bad about any of my complaints, she put together a program for me. Over our sessions, she gave me small-to-medium-sized suggestions, techniques, exercises, and ways of thinking. It was a mix of practical physical stuff, and ways to think about how long-term frustrations in the rest of my life might be affecting my body and well-being. Not all of it stuck, but a number of things did.
For many months now, my new morning routine of light exercises has made me stronger, more flexible, and has given me better balance. Just as important, it leaves me calmer, better able to face the demands of the day. I can jog. I don’t feel as old, and I have more enthusiasm for what life holds in my remaining years. I have a few techniques for better dealing with the tough spots in the day, and my family has noticed. I’m grateful to Lea for the help. ~ Steve Doubleday, software architect