The Day Parkinson’s Disease Left the Room

“… [T]he power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” –Eckhart Tolle

Rock Steady Boxing is not just about boxing, sweating, moving, and exercise. More than once, the classes have allowed me to recapture a part of my former self from before my Parkinson’s disease’s (PD) onset. In the past, this has always been very personal and unique to me. In a recent class, I observed the other participants experiencing something similar in their own way. It was a sight to behold, truly an empowering feeling of joy shared by all.

Living in the moment

“If you aren’t in the moment, you are either looking forward to uncertainty, or back to pain and regret.” –Jim Carrey

The class was united for a few moments — I truly believed none of us thought about PD. During our warmup, Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” started playing. Spontaneously, we all started singing the lyrics. There were smiles all around and one of the boxers took out his harmonica and played along. The feeling was palpable. For those moments in time, none of the participants had PD. We were fellow athletes having fun, singing along to the music (yes, even I sang despite being unable to hold a tune), and living in the moment. The feelings I experienced in that class still resonated with me days later.

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Click here for a video clip of the magic moments. Thank you, Sensei Michelle and assistant coaches Rita and Michael, for giving the boxers a respite from our troubles that day.

We shouldn’t underestimate the power of music and the camaraderie fostered by Rock Steady Boxing. What happened in class that day could not be scripted. We were all caught up in the moment, oblivious to any burdens we walked into the room with.

Who are we?

Rock Steady Boxing is a community of people — coaches, patients, and volunteers — who share collective experiences. We are all united in fighting back against an incurable and progressive disease. The moments like those experienced in that particular class keep me coming back. This is what makes Rock Steady Boxing such a healing and unique experience.

“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.” –Helen Keller

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.