Have you ever faced the daunting challenge of Learning To Walk Again after a broken leg, hip surgery, or a prolonged hospital stay? Perhaps you’ve experienced the profound impact of reduced mobility firsthand. Many of us, as we age, may encounter moments where our bodies feel less reliable, and the simple act of walking becomes a source of anxiety, filled with worries about stumbling or falling.
It might surprise you to learn that the most significant risk factor for falls is actually the FEAR of falling itself. This is understandable when considering the statistics: an older adult seeks emergency room treatment for a fall every 11 seconds. The fear of losing our ability to move freely is deeply intertwined with this fear of falling, impacting our confidence and quality of life.
Unpacking Our Deepest Fears About Mobility Loss
Beyond the immediate embarrassment of a fall in public, what are the deeper fears associated with losing mobility?
For many, it’s the desire to maintain independence and freedom. The ability to go where we want, when we want, is a cherished aspect of life. Whether it’s a walk in nature or attending a family gathering on uneven terrain, these simple pleasures represent our autonomy. The thought of losing this freedom is unsettling.
Weight gain due to reduced activity is another significant concern, adding to feelings of frustration and depression. The prospect of having to leave a long-time home due to mobility limitations is heartbreaking for many. And, of course, the serious health consequences of a bad fall, with the most severe being fatal injuries, are always in the back of our minds.
The underlying truth is, we don’t want to lose our mobility. We are driven by a desire to engage with the world around us, whether that’s on our own two feet, with the help of walking aids, or even using a wheelchair. The goal is to move, to participate, to live actively – not to be confined and immobile.
The Unspoken Shame Surrounding Mobility Challenges
It’s challenging enough to cope with the physical limitations of reduced mobility. However, there’s often an additional layer of difficulty: shame. This emotional burden can be just as, if not more, debilitating than the physical limitations themselves.
There’s a societal stigma attached to using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs in public. Negative stereotypes of older adults being frail, isolated, or losing their cognitive abilities contribute to this shame. These images can be deeply ingrained and fear-inducing.
It’s worth remembering that societal perceptions can change dramatically over time. Not long ago, wearing eyeglasses was considered a mark of disability, leading to teasing and negative labels. Today, glasses are widely accepted, even fashionable, with many people owning multiple pairs as style accessories.
We can envision a future where mobility devices are viewed with the same acceptance and even admiration. Imagine a world where pride replaces shame, where individuals showcase stylish and functional canes or walkers as symbols of resilience and self-care. Prioritizing safety and mobility should be celebrated, not stigmatized. For inspiration, resources like “How to Accept an Assistive Device” offer valuable insights into embracing mobility aids with confidence.
Mindful Approaches to Learning to Walk Again
While physical therapy is a crucial and effective method for regaining mobility after various challenges, there are complementary approaches that can significantly enhance the recovery journey. Mindful walking and cultivating a positive mindset played pivotal roles in the author’s personal experience of overcoming mobility limitations and transitioning from wheelchair use to walking independently.
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in her mid-twenties, walking became an unpredictable and demanding task, often described as feeling like “a circus act on a high wire.” Over the past fifty years, the author has had to learn to walk again repeatedly as MS presents fluctuating and often unseen challenges to mobility.
The most impactful factor in regaining stability wasn’t solely the expertise of physical therapists, although their support was invaluable. Nor was it simply faith or miracles, though spirituality was a significant part of the journey. Instead, the core element of successful rehabilitation was a combination of a positive mindset and acceptance of reality – the understanding that change is constant.
As a natural optimist, the author embraced an “I can” attitude. However, it’s important to acknowledge that discouragement was a part of the process. Recognizing the powerful connection between a positive mindset and body chemistry, similar to the effects of medication, a conscious effort was made to cultivate a more positive outlook.
This involved significant inner work to achieve “equanimity,” a sense of mental calmness and emotional balance needed to navigate doubts and fears about lasting change. Guidance from spiritual teachers and psychotherapists was instrumental in this process.
It’s important to recognize that even with dedicated effort, mobility challenges may persist, and using a wheelchair might be the most practical and beneficial choice. Wheelchairs can be seen as tools of freedom and continued engagement with life, offering mobility when walking is not consistently possible.
Embracing Mindful Walking for Enhanced Mobility
Mindfulness, particularly mindful walking, emerged as another powerful practice in the journey of learning to walk again. For those interested in exploring this further, consider resources like MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) programs.
Mindful walking, as taught by Thich Nhat Hahn, involves bringing focused attention to the sensation of walking. A brief 2-minute video demonstrating mindful walking techniques can provide a practical introduction.
After retiring due to MS, and following a month-long rehabilitation program, the author found herself at home, relying on a wheelchair and walker. At that stage, the goal wasn’t ambitious hikes, but rather regaining the ability to participate in everyday life and activities that brought joy and vitality.
Finding Hope and Light in Challenging Times
Returning home from the rehabilitation hospital, the author faced the reality of limited mobility, relying heavily on a walker. Contemplating the challenges ahead, a moment of insight emerged during a period of reflection.
While reciting the 23rd Psalm, the phrase “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” sparked a realization: “You can’t have shadows without light!” This simple yet profound thought marked a turning point, shifting the focus towards seeking light and hope even in difficult circumstances.
This realization led to the practice of mindful walking within the confines of her home. Using a 30-foot stretch of open space, the author began a journey of slow, deliberate steps, concentrating on each small movement in her legs and feet. This became a daily practice, walking back and forth, gradually increasing distance – 30 feet, 60 feet, 90 feet, and so on.
That was twelve years ago. Today, the author walks largely without assistance. Nearly fifty years after first using a walker, and after naming her wheelchair “Hell-on Wheels,” it now rests unused in the garage.
Gratitude is expressed for these alternative paths to regaining mobility and independence. The practice of mindfulness, particularly mindful walking, has been a valuable tool in this journey.
This personal story is shared with the hope of inspiring courage and offering practical ideas for navigating mobility challenges. It’s an encouragement to seek the light even in moments of darkness and to keep moving forward, in whatever way possible, despite the shadows.
Ardis Mayo
Ardis Mayo is a Soul Care Advocate dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best lives in all circumstances. Connect with her on Twitter – ardismayowriter.
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