An Axis from Upon which to Hang
Your Spine, Gravity and Complex Chronic Illness::
Over the last few decades, I've had my hands on thousands of individuals dealing with complex systemic issues.
I've had the question of why these people ringing through my mind long enough to have sought education from some of the most unique thinkers on the topic.
I've had to dig to find resources and the quest hasn't always been easy. And I've been guided. I've had excellent teachers, a superb education and resources continue to reveal a way forward.
I genuinely believe I can help you cultivate the resources to recover from whatever challenges you are dealing with in your journey to health.
I see the body as a collection of relationships.
It's not very scientific to describe it as such, and sometimes we need a little bit of distance to gain perspective on how the whole functions.
To that end, I launch these writings with the desire for us to stand shoulder to shoulder and view a landscape with some similarity.
No easy task.
Let's begin in the abstract and further on from there.
The following describes your body’s spine under the influence of Gravity.
I trust you can see yourself in its words and wonder at the story of your spines traumatic life, from the falls in the shower and braces to whiplash events.
In time this will all make sense, and for now, a fable to tempt you, and your desire to know more.
An Axis from Upon which to Hang
In a garden of wonders, a peculiar sculpture stood: a plump grapefruit balanced atop a slender toothpick. Nearby, two triangles rested, one inverted atop the other, with lustrous pearls strung between them on an elastic string.
The garden's caretaker, Gravity, swept through daily. The grapefruit-toothpick structure swayed gently, its pearls shifting slightly while the triangular forms flexed. This delicate dance kept the structure upright and functional.
One day, a mischievous squirrel scampered by, knocking into the sculpture. The grapefruit tilted, the pearls shifted uncomfortably, and the triangles lost their symmetry. Delicate vines entwining the structure began to pulse erratically, and a network of fireflies surrounding it flickered in disarray.
As time passed, the garden's harmony faltered. Flowers wilted prematurely, fruits grew misshapen, and the once-vibrant ecosystem fell into disarray. The gardener, concerned by these changes, decided to investigate.
She noticed that the water flow through the garden's intricate irrigation system had become irregular. Some areas were parched while others were oversaturated. The garden's temperature regulation seemed off-kilter, with certain spots unusually warm and others oddly cool.
The gardener observed that the bees, vital for pollination, appeared disoriented. They buzzed erratically, often missing the flowers they were meant to visit. Butterflies, once abundant, were now scarce, their delicate wings no longer gracing the petals of the garden's blooms.
Even the soil seemed affected. In some areas, it had become compacted and lifeless, while in others, it was too loose to hold roots effectively. The earthworms, usually abundant and active, were fewer in number and less vigorous in their soil-enriching activities.
The garden's once-melodious birdsong had changed too. Some birds chirped too loudly, others barely at all, creating a cacophony that replaced the former harmony. The garden's small mammals behaved oddly as well, some hyperactive, others lethargic.
Fungal networks beneath the soil, which once facilitated communication between plants, appeared disrupted. This led to a breakdown in the plant community's ability to share resources and warnings about pests or diseases.
The gardener noticed that the garden's ability to heal itself had diminished. Pruned branches were slow to regrow, and areas damaged by storms or pests struggled to recover. The garden's resilience, once a point of pride, had waned significantly.
Even the air in the garden felt different. The usual fresh, invigorating scent had been replaced by a subtle but persistent staleness. The gardener found herself less energized and more fatigued after spending time among the plants.
As she pondered these changes, the gardener's gaze returned to the grapefruit-toothpick sculpture. She realized that its misalignment seemed to mirror the garden's myriad issues. The once-perfect balance had been disturbed, and the effects rippled through every aspect of the ecosystem.
With careful hands, she gently adjusted the sculpture, aligning the grapefruit more precisely over the toothpick. She straightened the triangles and realigned the pearls. As she worked, she noticed the vines pulsing more steadily and the fireflies regaining their synchronized glow.
Over the following days, the garden began to show signs of recovery. The irrigation balanced, temperatures normalized, and the soil regained its vitality. Bees and butterflies returned to their crucial work, and birdsong once again became melodious.
The gardener learned a valuable lesson: in this intricate ecosystem, every element was connected. The balance of one central structure influenced the health and harmony of the entire garden. She vowed to pay closer attention to this delicate equilibrium, understanding that small adjustments could have far-reaching effects on the garden's overall well-being.
As seasons passed, the garden flourished once more, its vibrant life a testament to the importance of balance, alignment, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Many Blessings,
Ramesh