Skip to main content

Life is Tetris

 With each day that passes, I come to terms with the fact the life is a game of Tetris and my disability does not fit. 

Fourteen years ago I began a concerted campaign to build my inner self so no matter how disabled my outside body may be I will never be broken.

Using lessons learnt from the Catholic Bible, Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Jack Kornfield, and the 14th Dalai Lama I laid the foundation for a calm yet strong approach to life. 

I have now added to this bedrock the wisdom and lessons I have gained from the writings of Ryan Holiday. In particular from his books: The Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy, Lives of the Stoics, Stillness is the Key, and the brand new masterpiece Courage is Calling. 

Most importantly from all my research I now know how to live my life in an optimal way. 

It is important to breathe, to detach from outcomes, take a universal perspective, and do not judge yourself or others. 

I also believe it is more important than ever to deal with what is in front of you; just do the work. 

My new system has been stress tested quite a lot thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent interactions with medical professionals. 

For example when I was being transported via ambulance to a hospital in my local area, the ambulance was told the hospital could not accept me because "they're not sure if they have a doctor who would be willing to take responsibility for such a severe case of cerebral palsy!". At which point the ambulance was forced to turn around to take me to the already full public hospital. 

I have experienced discrimination in subtle ways before but this was the first time within my memory specifically because of my cerebral palsy. 

As things about my cerebral palsy become increasingly difficult and my support systems change, I have to admit for the first time my disability is getting old. 

It is true that life is Tetris and with my philosophical and spiritual armour in place I know even if I don't fit I can always write a poem. 



Life is Tetris


In the Tetris of life I don’t fit.
My wheelchair is an inconvenient shape; 
Disability is a truth the world wants to escape.
You ask me to quit. 
No matter which way they turn me.
I don’t fit.


My physical disability forces me to watch the waiting time.
I ask for help and wait without reason or rhyme
Clock ticks away the hour.
I’m physically retarded but filled with inner power.


As a boy I cried each time my disability was denied.
When I called, why did the doctor hide?
I no longer dress to impress.
I calmly stay in the waiting time; 
I don’t fit in this game of Tetris. 


Chris Van Ingen | 15 October 2021



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

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

Day One

 Another year has begun, I am determined to make it a 22 caliber year. I plan to do this by going back to my first principles.  Educate, motivate, protect, and lead with courage.  Over the past years, I believe I have been making things too complicated. When I have been my most successful is when I have followed these first principles.  I am going back to day one with my acting where my goal is simply to be the best student of acting there has ever been. By doing this I hope to achieve my remaining acting goals within the next five years.  I am going back to day one with my speaking and disability advocacy as I have recognised while many people consider me a leader in this area, I know myself that I’m still not the best I can be and I am determined to join my voice to the many brothers and sisters with a disability who are trying to make a difference for our community.  I am going back to day one with my poetry. I am going to join as many poetry groups as I...
1 comment
Read more