Inside Parkinson's

Today, I decided to go for a swim at the YMCA.  It’s a new part of my exercise plan.  I was at the gym by 8 am.  Swimming felt good, everything about it felt wonderful. My arms and legs gliding through the crystal blue water. I was aware of how my body moved through the water.  How high to keep my legs up, which way to breathe.  It was quiet. A peaceful quiet.  At that moment in time, I was free.  Free to think, free to feel.  Free from Parkinson’s, free from any troubles or worries. Just me and the water.  Gliding through the watery space.  

When I was swimming I thought about the Olympic athletes.  Each swimmer moving their arms and legs, pumping, pulling, moving at their top speed.  Each person striving for Gold.  I pretended I was an Olympic swimmer, hoping to win the gold. I don’t know if I swam faster, but it felt amazing.  I imagined that I was driving my body, racing toward the finish line. Of course, I won the Gold!

When I went home, I did have to take a short nap.  I find a 20-30 minute repose is all I need to restore my energy.  Swimming wore me out, but it was gratifying.  I woke up refreshed and was ready for the rest of the day. 

That night I experienced a deep sleep, unlike any other night. I slept about 7 hours and had a very deep night’s sleep. HALLELUJAH!  I  only woke up once and slept for several more hours.  This experience causes me to believe that I need to work out intensely and with intention every day.  This will give me the sleep I need at night.  It’s a bit of a bummer because there are days, I do not want to work out, or I am simply tired. I am discovering that exercise is the key to everything.