Barrier Free Manitoba

Disability and the Sacred Teachings

As posted on on February 23, 2012 by deescribingmythoughts

I spent most of my life learning to live with Ankylosing Spondylitis (arthritis of the spine). Two years ago I took time for myself, with the full support of my husband and son, to rest and heal from various complications of this disease. When I started to feel stronger and my physically, mental, emotional, and spiritual health had improved greatly, I became more involved in social media. Soon I was feeling well enough to get involved with community events and issues that I cared about. I realized I had come a long way and I had done a lot to improve my overall health. I researched to find something that would be inspirational for me based on my experience living with arthritis but could not find anything that fit how I was feeling.

I had been involved with a project several years ago that had a profound impact on me. It was called “Wings of Change” and it incorporated the Seven Sacred Teachings. The project was focused on worker health and safety and I was involved for two years.

After much personal reflection over the course of two years, I realized I had to decide what was most important in my life. I looked closely at the Seven Sacred Teachings on-line and I reflected on what they meant to me.

The following is an adaptation of the Seven Sacred Teachings based on my experience of what I live with on a daily basis. I believe disability is personal and each persons experience is different.

I acknowledge that at times, I feel like I can go no further, yet, some how I do. Regardless, I do my best to be in a positive relationship with my disability.

This is how I know I am an Ankylosing Spondylitis Survivor.

Truth

It is important to me to find out exactly what my health issues are so that I can learn what to do about them. I talk to people I trust and feel comfortable with and I do my own research to learn more.

Learning about my disability helps me to:

• Find ways to deal with my health issues and pain;
• Identify what my strengths are;
• Identify what my limits are;
• Improve my quality of life;
• Be empowered;
• Find the supports I need to help me cope;
• Dispel myths when I share information about my disability with others.

Honesty

Living with a disability is a constant learning experience. Being completely honest with myself and others about my health has helped me to:

• Find ways to deal with illness and pain before they get worse;
• Express more clearly what I am feeling and experiencing;
• Find the resources I need to help me cope with daily challenges, pain and illness;
• Take responsibility for my disability
• To set priorities in my life, especially those that include the most important people in my life.

Humility

Accepting myself just the way I am helps others to accept me just the way I am.

I recognize that am not more special than anyone else because I live with a disability and may do some things differently than others.

I recognize and respect my limits so that I do not overtire myself and make myself sick. I take time to think of the priorities in my life and what I can do based on the energy I have.

I try to make the best decision based on staying healthy.

I let people know as soon as I can if I cannot follow through with a commitment because that is the unpredictable nature of my disability. I accept the fact that not everyone may understand.

I believe everyone has skills and abilities we contribute to our homes, families and communities.

I can rely on others to help me when I need it. I can help others when I can.

I do what I can when I can to keep active.

Respect

Having to live with a disability, I am constantly learning new things about my life. I respect and honor the new things I learn so that I can make them work in a positive way for me.

The more I learn and reach out in a positive way, the more I realize I am not alone in living with chronic pain and illness. Disability does not recognize sex, creed, color or religion.

I share what I learn with others so they may have an improved quality of life and in doing so I recognize that people have different styles and ways of learning and absorbing information.

Love

I recognize that I have limitations and differences when I compare myself to others. This is what makes me unique and that is okay.

Being able to love myself makes it easier for me to love others. I accept myself the way I am and I know there will be times when it will be difficult to do so.

I appreciate and honor myself for facing my daily challenges because I am able to do it with acceptance that I live with a disability and it is a life long relationship.

Courage

Because of my disability, I have to take risks every day.

I have the desire to find ways to overcome my limitations and the courage to accept those limitations I cannot overcome.

There are many things that I have the ability to change in my life and as well, there are things I have to accept just the way they are. This is part of the relationship I have with my disability.

Wisdom

Living with a disability helps me to develop a wealth of knowledge I may not have otherwise had.

My experiences are unique to me and my disability.

Sharing my experiences with others and helping them to find answers to questions they may have, helps me to value my disability.

I recognize that there is always more to learn and that every day is a new learning experience.

It is not easy to live with chronic pain and illness due to an autoimmune disease. I look perfectly fine most days and have even been doubted as to whether I have a disability. I can either let it get me down or I can do something about it. I choose to continue to educate myself and open my heart to others while doing so.

Diane Scribe Niiganii

February 22, 2012