I am a spiritual being experiencing what it means to be human. This mantra alone is a vantage point allowing humor, mirth and a lighthearted approach to bodily pain, spiritual pain, mental pain or all three together, to replace a morose preoccupation with ego states of mind.

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right hip. Soon it was apparent hip surgery was in my future, but surgeons were not willing to do it immediately. Nor was I ready for such a monumental move: one who preferred to do all things naturally, homeopathically, herbally.

For once, I was in agreement with the surgeons.

My inner guidance prompted me to enact a walking program, which I endeavored to do. At first it was nearly impossible. But I persisted. The limp was so pronounced that people driving by stopped to ask if I needed a ride somewhere. I waved them on. I persisted.

Meanwhile, I researched supplements specifically to reduce the effects of aging on the physical body. I take those supplements to this day.

Additionally, I taught myself to send love to my pain. This was a way to connect with the pain, not deny it. Pain is suffering. Sending love to all parts of my body allows me to separate from the concept of pain and engage from another plane of consciousness, which is one way to root myself in this very moment, the full experience of what it means to be alive.

I had a full right hip replacement in February 2019. Now, all of my joints are intact and without pain, thanks to mixing and matching of supplements for optimal physical health. Pearl and I continue to walk 5 to 8 miles a day.

Today I received an additional adjunct to my daily regimen: a Street Strider. Pearlie and I will continue to walk our 5 to 8 to 10 miles, then as a final flourish to the vision of good health, a spin around the park we live next to.

The Street Strider is rated the best cardio workout on the market. It keeps me outdoors in the park I have grown to love. OM