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From the issue: April 2009 Quarterly
 My name is Barbara Mostafavinassab, and I will be 72 years old in March. I am the Active, Adult Coordinator, and SilverSneakers Exercise Instructor for the Dale Turner Family YMCA in Shoreline, Washington.I have not always been fit and healthy. In fact, up until ten years ago my life consisted of physical disability, enormous pain, and a crippling medical debt. That was, until alternative healing methods changed my life.
In 1987,while training for a triathlon,I was in a bike accident. I suffered serious bone damage to my neck, left shoulder, arm and hand, and compressed several vertebra. After the accident, there were multiple surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, shots and medications.For the next 12 years my ONLY identity became increasing limitations, and excruciating pain. The medical problems multiplied into osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, costochronditis, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, TMJ, Asthma,hypo-thyroid,interstitial cystitis,irritable bowel,diverticulitis,shingles, calcium deposits on heart and arteries, and a benign lump on my left breast.
As if that wasn't enough, I needed a cane or walker for support, and I weighed 198 pounds. Unable to feel part of society, I became increasingly angry, depressed and isolated. It was my firm belief that if yesterday's pain was bad and today's is horrible, tomorrow will be unbearable. This agonizing, internal dialog of fear and pain were a formidable foe; I wanted to die.Well, you should always be careful for what you wish for, because I soon developed blood clots after a knee surgery.While I was in surgery to remove the clots, I flat lined.
During the surgery, I was awake from the hips up and it felt strange to feel warm liquid run down my leg. At the same time, I saw my deceased sister-inlaw standing in front of me wearing a Hawaiian muumuu, and holding a fruity drink with one of those cute little umbrellas.The place we were standing in was peaceful beyond words.I had a strong desire to go with her. "Let's go shopping, " I said. "No, you cannot come with me, you have things to do, " was her reply. "What the *&# can I possibly do? I am just a rotten pile of black pain, and serving no purpose. Pain and fear are my only realities. Please take me with you. "Again she implored, "You have things to do. "Next thing I knew, I was back in the operating room. Needless to say, I was livid (especially with God).
I was now extremely deep in debt, due to medical costs, and I had lost most of my physicians.They had informed me that they would no longer see Medicaid patients.What I thought would be the end of me, the loss of my physicians, became an incredible blessing in disguise! I found a doctor that believed in both allopathic, and alternative healing methods. He planted seeds of healing, and still is the foundation behind my health and wellness.
My first grandchild,Scheherazade, was born, and I was needed to help care for her. This beautiful child taught me that caring for someone, or something outside of self, opens the spirit.
One morning I had an epiphany: What I have been doing and thinking is not working. Sitting on the pity-pot I had created, only increased misery. Perhaps being pro-active could be the healing methods I needed.Deepak Chopra influenced me, "The mind and the body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the mental universe leaves its tracks in the physical one. " In other words,we are made up of what we think about most, what we eat, and what we do in our lives.
I took my granddaughter to the Mukilteo YMCA for baby swimming lessons, which gave me the courage to swim too. I eventually put down my cane and used the treadmill, increasing my workouts by 3-5 minutes every day. Before long, I was walking without the use of a walker or cane. I was soon lifting weights, and taking SilverSneakers and AOA classes. Eventually, I would be teaching these same classes.I went back to school to better understand healthy practices, and a balanced lifestyle. I graduated as an Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner, and Pancha Karma Technician.
All my ailments did not miraculously evaporate, and some of them will always be part of me, but their power is diminished. I am no longer a victim of pain. Suffering and restrictions are no longer the focal point of life; Joy is! I've learned that there are so many more important things to do and think about. To be healthy, one must change negative thoughts, emotions, and habits. In turn, their reality begins to change. Instead of looking at a disease with fear, try to embrace it and love it for being a part of who you are.
Guardian angels come in many forms. Mine were an enlightened physician, a departed sister in law, and the birth of a grandchild, the YMCA,and many more. Can you recognize yours?
I hope this has helped to enlighten you about the possibilities of alternative therapies. As a result of my experiences, I am a healthy and happy product that emerged from an incredibly unhealthy past. My passion is to reach out to those lost in the dark, helping them find a balanced life style, attitude, and purpose. Barbara
For more information please visit www.daleturnerymca.org
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