Billy Connolly was on the Today show yesterday. He was talking about having Parkinson's disease and how he manages it. It was such an inspirational interview.
His story really resonated with me as I have experience of living with someone with both disability and brain injury.
He was so open and honest about his condition,
"I'm clumsy and I lose my balance. I'm out of balance a lot and I fall. I'm fed up with it".
He said he now struggles with memory loss and had sometimes forgotten the name of my dog while out for a walk.
"It's really awkward when you're shouting," he explained. "You have to say, 'Hey doggy doggy', which is terrible. I felt embarrassed for the dog. You could tell it knew."
He has kept his humour though which is fantastic. Towards the end of the interview he shares a joke which apparently he learnt from the Rolling Stone's Keith Richards.
"What do Stetsons and Hemorrhoids have in common? Answer "Eventually every arse hole gets one!"
I've obviously no grudges to bear with any Cowboys, but it did make me laugh!
This reminded me of another great Scot who is Yoga teacher, Stewart Gillchrist, who I've attended several workshops and classes over the years. He used to run workshops about making 'An Arse of Yourself' in yoga.
This was a bit tongue in cheek because not only was he suggesting we be humble when practicing yoga in going outside your comfort zone, falling, etc. But I believe he was also making a reference to those who refer to Asana (poses) as Ass anna when the correct pronunciation is Arse anna.
When I did my teacher training over a period of 3 and a half years, my tutor Dave Charlton was big into all this. We had to practice chanting and learning everything from authentic sources, which included correct pronunciation.
That doesn't mean we have to take everything too seriously though and it's ok to make an 'arse' of yourself.
This idea sits alongside some of the more 'unusual' flow patterns I've been exploring recently. Going outside our comfort zone, maybe even falling, I feel is an important part of the journey to explore reaching your potential. It's not only good for your body but your mind as well.
These skills we learn on the yoga mat can help too when life throws a curve ball and we have to navigate a different path.
I hope to see some of you for some 'falling on your bum' action soon?
Namaste
I heard that interview too with Billy Connolly and it was simultaneously humbling and hilarious. It reminded me of what happens to us all in the end and the importance of meeting life's challenges with grace and humour (if that's possible). Thanks for sharing! x