Movement Nourishes the Soul

/My father was tentatively diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a little over ten years ago. I say tentatively because PD is not a disease that can be determined by a blood test, but rather a series of symptoms that must run a course that can sometimes take years. It is hard to figure out a direct plan of action when something is undetermined. Years can go by, and everyone is in denial about how bad something is or how things aren't as bad as they seem. It's frustrating and ongoing and, more often than not, detrimental.I can't say if we held off too long to implement methods for my Dad and all of us to take on. My Dad's interests in being active and having hobbies helped him physically and mentally along the way while we all figured out if this was the real deal. Even today, we all (my Dad included) have waves of - "Is this temporary?" roll over us at random moments.One thing that has been consistent from the get-go from all of the experts is to keep exercising.I hate to preach, and I want everyone to make up their own minds, BUT witnessing in person how movement and exercise can heal, progress, support, and change a situation makes it hard for me to not pull out a soapbox, climb on and start screaming at the top of my lungs that we have the power at our fingertips.However, beyond patriarchy, marketing, and misogyny, corrupting how we personally view fitness, there is the incredibly valid perspective of lack of accessibility. I can do all the screaming and preaching I want about exercise and its benefits, but the REALITY is that coordinated movement in safe spaces with certified experts is not broadly accessible. Especially for those who have movement restrictions.Beyond sharing what I know in my classes, I’m on a mission to make and keep movement accessible for all. In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the exercises inlcuded in this issue are designed for those who wish to and must remain seated.