Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Practising Yoga Everyday.

“Practicing Yoga helps the integrated development of body as well as the mind.” says Yoga masters.

I took Abishek to Yoga master at Trivandrum , which is my native place. He taught Abhi around 15 Asanas to be practiced regularly. These asanas improves the suppleness of the muscles, joints etc and strengthens the spinal column in due course of time. The type of asanas reduces the stiffness in the joints especially shoulders, ankles, fingers etc.

It was advised to practice Yoga in the early morning or after sunset. We start with few minutes of deep breathing and follow with the asanas. It takes around 30-45 min every day. Some of the asanas like Makarasana, kids will enjoy doing themselves, while some others which requires more strain needs an adult help.

Bhujangasana
Artha Meru Dandasana
Yoga mudra
Padahasthasana
Pavanamukthasana
Rajjukharshanasana
Arthasalabhasana
Sasangasana
Garudasana
Makarasana
Artha Matsyendrasana
Arthakadi Chakrasana
Uthkalasana
Dhanurasana
Dola asana
Naukasana
Patmaasana
Shavasana

I also learnt yoga for my problems of wheezing and ligament problem in my knee. The effect is very good.
Yoga has to be learnt from a Guru or Master. Self learning is generally not advised.
There are websites which give information and other details on asanas.

http://www.yogasite.com/postures.html
http://www.bikrammissoula.com/postures.html
http://www.sivananda.org/

There is good book “Yoga Education for Children” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, which explains many aspects of practicing Yoga, the postures for children.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

How much should I do ?

Many times I have wondered how much should I work out with Abhi, so that I can make him better and reduce his difficulties. I have shared similar feelings with other mothers who have children with special needs. We want to give our children the best possible to make them near normal child. But in the run, the child should not be get stressed out or exhausted.

When I take my son out to park, social functions, gatherings etc, advises pour in abundance.
"I did that to my son, he got cured completely, now he is..."
"Do oil massage every day for 1 hour..."
"Send him for this and there will be difference in 15 days " and so on.

When I hear all these initially I used to get perplexed or feel guilty. Am I not doing enough for abhi. If I do that also, will it be beneficial.? But I found that I cannot do (or make him do) all these apart from his daily routines, reading/writing, school work etc etc. Worrying will only make me down and I feel dejected and irritated.

I slowly started to look in a different perspective. We are the best judge. I began to see from abhi's angle also. If he is comfortable or if he enjoys, we do that more - like cycling, paper cutting, working with clay and beads etc. Somethings I have to remind him often that it is good for him - like Physio therapy, Yoga etc.

More about Yoga, exercises and other activities in later posts...

Monday, June 11, 2007

You cant expect a miracle in one day!


When Abhi was identified with his muscular&motor problems, we took him to one of the leading pediatric orthopedic surgeon. The above statement was his words, when we asked him when abhi can walk normally.

Any parent will undergo three phases, I think, anger or guilt, depressed and acceptance, when they come to know that their child is having a problem. At that time,we were in the initial state of mind and the doctor's words hurt us very much. Now I feel we have matured and have arrived at the acceptance level and we understand the statement well.

Yes. There cant be a miracle happening overnight. But definitely I feel the presence and kindness of GOD during many occasions. We bought a house and we never knew at that time that there is a school closeby where Abhi will be studying. The goodness of teachers, my best friends, therapists, and others who support us, enhances my trust in GOD. And most of all, Abhi's classmates and friends who understand him, support him and LOVE him.!


Thursday, June 7, 2007

The Obvious difference...........

Due to the muscular spasticity, Abhi requires more effort and training for his physical movements and activities. I could see how he struggles for even a very small movement, which comes so naturanlly for any other child..! Many a times I have controlled my emotins, so that he dont see my tears and feel disappointed or discouraged.

Recently one day we were practising smooth pencil strokes for the alphabets. He had to take lot of efforts to do that...finally he asked me - Mom, Why is it so with me, I am not able to do like others? I have to give him some explanations as to convince him for the effort he has taken.

What ever said, it always pricks and pains to see my child struggle. As the days go, does the difference show more? Will he be able to overcome ...?Things I can do is to give him the support required, Make him physically and mentally strong, and as independent as possible.

Everyday my prayer to GOD is to give me the mental strength required. GOD has bestowed in Abhi, lot of self inspiration and zest for Life, which I believe is the strength for him.

Gods Precious Gift - A Prologue

Some one told that a mother's world is always revolves around her children. HOW TRUE...
I have dedicated this blog to my son and his achievements

A short introduction to us....

My son Abhi, was identified to be a child with mild cerebral palsy (CP) at the age of around 1 and a 1/2 years. He has gross and fine motor problems. Luckily (GODs grace) he have a good IQ.

I am always touched by the article of Emily Perl Kingsley "Welcome to Holland". She has described the feeling exactly - what every parent of a special need child undergoes.

After 10 years of software career, I decided to take a break from the career for the good of my son. So that I have more time for his physio, exercises and studies. Definitely I beleive it has done good. Atleast I have that satisfaction.

As of now he goes to normal stream school at Akshayah Matriculation School. The teachers and his friends are all very supportive. Abhi is very soft, helpful and a sweet child. He talks a lot. He likes to participate in school events. He like to do whatever the kids of his age does. He passed Dakshina Baratha Hindi Prachara sabha' s Hindi "Prathamic" examination. He wanted to learn and write the exam along with his friends. He showed me that he can do!

He is definitely "Gods Precious Gift" to us. God has chosen us as his trusted parents to take care of this delicate but precious gift with utmost love and care. One of his favourite teacher once told me "Abhi is so good,You are Lucky to have him as your son".