A Body Synchronized



Bodies in Motion



Synchronize: to cause to go on, move, operate, work, etc., at the same rate and exactly together.  Yes, this is what I want my legs to do; walk in step at the same time.  I want to hold my husband's hand with my daughter on the other side of me and stroll carelessly along the shore; no thought given to the footsteps left in the sand. I want to become the 'monkey in the middle'. I smile with this memory recalling the moments of swinging Emily when she was young high up towards the heavens, in a synchronized fashion with a count of 1, 2, and then 3 as she was propelled into the air.  Perhaps this leisurely stroll won't happen this birthday, but it will happen.

Do we take for granted the harmonization that our bodies require while in motion? I sure did; never gave it a second thought.  Now, I have to integrate the motion of walking by simulating it while peddling on a stationary bike.  Two small weights in each hand sway back and forth opposite to the knee pressing the pedal forward.  This movement reorganizes and reprograms the brain to shift the body's weight while walking. Aiding the process of restoration and healing are countless isometric exercises designed for balance and coordination. Yep, it doesn't take long to lose function when the body has been immobilized for almost a year in a wheelchair.  But now I can stand and place all my weight—which is more than before all this took place—on both ankles that underwent reconstructive foot and ankle surgery to restore my foundation.  X-rays taken yesterday reveal complete fusion in both ankles and toes.  Now the pain I have from time to time is just when I've been moving around my house with my push walker.  It's hard not to overdo it when I desire freedom of movement so much.

Last night's weight training left me invigorated.  I had great energy when I awoke this morning.  For the first time, I used a walker to get to each of the nine machines that I train on.  And I thank my daughter who has become my trainer for having patience with this important and critical activity.  God's plan was at work when he provided her the opportunity to work at a personal training and physical therapy center in our neighborhood.  Her work benefit allows for one family member to train on rehab equipment that, otherwise, would have been very expensive to commit to for the long journey ahead that I have. 

The notion of having a body synchronized fills me with thrilling, and, sometimes, elusive prospects of a body in agreement with movement and affected by life around me: A body that can respond, react, and adjust to what is in front, behind, and beside me; a body in harmony and in sync with itself.

A friend reminded me how blessed I am and, yes, we all come to periods in our life when we need and want more than what is currently in front of us. She told me that in the spiritual realm the prayer of faith works "immediately," and that I must speak healing into my body and life into my legs.  It didn’t take much pondering about her prescription on how faith unites us with a synchronized self.  And there is no doubt by following this prescription, my investment of time and sweat equity will rebuild and restore function to my body longing for its new found synchronization.