Skip to main content

Swap a Steel Spine for a Bamboo Spine

Due to surgery I literally have metal in my spine but each day I mentally replace it with bamboo so I can be more flexible if something goes wrong.

Having a disability means that a lot of things are physically out of my control. This gives me a unique perspective in times of crisis. This is what I have learnt.

When I need to stay calm, I visualise myself travelling a dirt road with Jesus, Seneca, and a Zen monk because they say modelling behaviour is what you become.

The green reed which bends with the wind is stronger than the mighty oak that breaks in the storm.
~ Confucius

For me, even the simplest task can be a cause of frustration but instead of breaking and giving up I will stop, become one with the moment, breathe, and try again. This method has led to a simple success like opening my front door and my greatest success of opening night of a play.

I have learnt these methods through an amalgamation of Christian, Stoic, and Zen traditions.

If you are interested in following the same journey, I would recommend reading the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Moral Letters of Seneca, anything by Alan Watts, and 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday.

Many people have said I do my best work under pressure. If this is true, it is only because I go with the flow.

Bamboo is a symbol of virtue, strength, perseverance, flexibility, humility, renewal, and respect. All traits we could use in our current time.

So next time you find yourself stressed to the max, turn your spine to bamboo; bend and do not break.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Circle of Life or Circle of Tech

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lent Confirmation

 This blog post was going to be a long piece about my Lenten journey but it simply comes down to this, reconfirming that I am Christian which literally translates to follower of Christ.  Follow When life feels increasingly hollow; I make the sign of the cross and remember to follow. He cleanses me without a single drop of soap; I am born in a baptism of hope.  On Good Friday I venerate the cross with a mixture of joy and sorrow; Then I lift my head and follow. Each Lent I reflect on God's love everlasting; Through prayer, alms giving, and fasting. When Satan tempts me with a lie he thinks I will swallow; I take Christ's hand and continue to follow. When life sends me careening towards a wall of bricks; I give thanks and reach for my crucifix.  When I follow the lessons He taught; There is no need for an earthly court. He took my pain along with every sin; I pick up the cross and follow my King. Chris Van Ingen | 18 April 2025
Post a Comment
Read more