Wow! First of all you reach into some of the greatest minds and the more unknown to paint a picture of exactly what are communicating. Super impressed! Well read. It reminds me of a Rabbi who speaks of the world and ethics. He is very famous, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former chief Rabbi of England. Like you, his thoughts are accompanied by quotes and stories are from people in all works of life. Highly recommend him for you. Read his book on ethics.
My hands have developed arthritis. I have learned the best activity I can do is using my hands for everything. I am working through the pain or just ignore it. It is forcing me to look at what I haven’t yet accomplished or tried. Time can run out on any part of our body. I must hasten the practical sense of that thought and begin. Thank you for reminding me to take care of myself and take advantage of what I have.
You place me in esteemed company, Ellen. I will continue to write so as to deserve this honor. Using our hands is the best remedy. I get used to the discomfort, sometimes only recognizing it when I run them under warm water. That often brings a surprise moment of comfort.
My aunt ( age 90) had a stroke and lost the use of her left hand. The right one can barely hold a cup. As you so beautifully pointed out, we all need to stop and wonder at the power of our hands. Thank you for this moving article. Your words make a difference.
My ex husband had the same thing happen to him turning on central heating radiator. Snap. He was going on holiday so didn’t do anything till he came,too late for repair so metal
Pin and bent finger. Couldn’t use it at all. We don’t take of what is precious, just hope body parts will carry on.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh no, I am sorry to hear he couldn't get it fixed in time. I was extremely lucky that I called the Dr so quickly, not knowing that time was of the essence.
as someone who broke their wrist and just recently fractured my elbow (3 months of recuperating) on my dominant hand, this is so relevant and I would echo "me, too" to your reactions. my wrist wasn't too bad during the recuperation (was able to do handwork and think it helped to get back to use more quickly) but the elbow was the worst in terms of getting back to being able to do stuff with that arm. one doesn't realize how much they use their elbows in their life.
the ironic aspect is that I was working on some beadwork, went to take my dog for a walk, and stepped up on the curb and face-planted. I then spent the next 3 hours in the emergency room-- there was no avoiding it. but after surgery, 6 weeks of a brace, and 6 weeks of therapy, somewhat back to my use. handwork has really helped oddly.
I feel your pains, Kirsten, both physically and emotionally. In March 2023, I had rotator cuff repair and was bound in a metal sling for far too long. The PT was grueling, but I was determined to get back to using it ASAP. I certainly hope you are mostly, if not entirely back to normal use of your arm.
I am fully back to use of my arm but for the occasional twinge of aching as I am still dealing with inflammation that may take a year before gone. Those elbows get so much use!!! I think the hardest part for anyone who breaks a bone is that we really aren't prepared for it. Scheduled surgery-- we know is coming and can somewhat prepare although we usually can't do as much as we think we might be able to. Even moving we can prepare for and figure how we can be creative during that time.
DEAR Lesley! You always write the most excellent essays, but this one really was UP THERE! It certainly gave me pause (paws!!!!!). It made me think of touching the cheek of a loved one with my open palm...expressing my affection to them with that touch. Thank you always for the gift that you give us all through what you do and writing about it.
Excellent article, as always. You bring us along on life’s journey pointing out ways to appreciate what we know and what our bodies can do. It’s a lovely gift you offer your reader. Thank you.
My only comment comes from a lifetime of being a massage therapist. For me, the hands are an extension of the heart chakra. Being able to touch and offer an energy of healing and love. I am also an artist and feel my heart energy moving down my arms into my creation as it comes together. Humans are amazing. The hands link us to all that we think is outside of us. We learn through our hands how connected we truly are.
I’m happy your hands are healing from your surgeries.♥️
Thanks for your words of support and encouragement, Susie. And thank you for using your healing hands to make others feel good. There's more to massage than working on muscles, right?
I am writing again, Lesley. I just posted a slew of great 'hand' photos on my Facebook page. If anyone wants to see what I did (because of you!), go to the page of Lynne Haussler Oakes and Day # 1517.
I love your writing... I've said this before in other words: I admire you tremendously for so many reasons. For all that you've been able to accomplish and give to others during your "one precious life" thus far...with so many more years to go!
I'm starting to experience arthritis in my hands, especially my right thumb, and yesterday I had the scary thought. "what if I can't create/make?!!!" That fear took my breath away! Thank you for this piece .... you created with your mind and hands! 💓🥰
My thumbs are a painful problem, too. While getting the carpal tunnel surgery he gave me cortisone shots in the thumbs. It has helped lessen the pain, especially if I'm not overdoing the use of them. Good luck with your thumbs, hands, and creating.
Thought provoking essay! I do remember my father's hands so well; strong and gentle. As I grow older, I'm finding gratitude for body parts is a useful and mindful practice. This week I'll be grateful for my hands and what they are still able to accomplish!
Hey Lesley, I enjoyed your story about your hands. Our hands are our tools, and as artists we count on them to bring our creations to "life". I was a jeweler for 27 years, so they really took a beating. My hands sure don't look like they did when I was young, with arthritis as the sculptor, but they are still plenty strong. I'm more mindful of them now, if there is an actual tool made to do some of the hard work instead of my hands I'll use it; like a jar opener. Very good conversation going on here. Thanks.
What a wonderful expression of how we use our hands and how to appreciate them. I make fidget quilts for friends whose loved ones have dementia or alzheimer's. They tend to fidget and my lap quilts give their hands purpose.
Thank you for this. I have a huge appreciation for my hands now. It’s the little things… love you. ❤️👏🏻
They're MOST important, right? 👍🏻
Wow! First of all you reach into some of the greatest minds and the more unknown to paint a picture of exactly what are communicating. Super impressed! Well read. It reminds me of a Rabbi who speaks of the world and ethics. He is very famous, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former chief Rabbi of England. Like you, his thoughts are accompanied by quotes and stories are from people in all works of life. Highly recommend him for you. Read his book on ethics.
My hands have developed arthritis. I have learned the best activity I can do is using my hands for everything. I am working through the pain or just ignore it. It is forcing me to look at what I haven’t yet accomplished or tried. Time can run out on any part of our body. I must hasten the practical sense of that thought and begin. Thank you for reminding me to take care of myself and take advantage of what I have.
You place me in esteemed company, Ellen. I will continue to write so as to deserve this honor. Using our hands is the best remedy. I get used to the discomfort, sometimes only recognizing it when I run them under warm water. That often brings a surprise moment of comfort.
Everything you write makes me think.
The hands article in particular hits home.
My aunt ( age 90) had a stroke and lost the use of her left hand. The right one can barely hold a cup. As you so beautifully pointed out, we all need to stop and wonder at the power of our hands. Thank you for this moving article. Your words make a difference.
Thank you Diane. I will try to keep you thinking as I aim to try to make a positive difference in our lives.
My ex husband had the same thing happen to him turning on central heating radiator. Snap. He was going on holiday so didn’t do anything till he came,too late for repair so metal
Pin and bent finger. Couldn’t use it at all. We don’t take of what is precious, just hope body parts will carry on.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh no, I am sorry to hear he couldn't get it fixed in time. I was extremely lucky that I called the Dr so quickly, not knowing that time was of the essence.
as someone who broke their wrist and just recently fractured my elbow (3 months of recuperating) on my dominant hand, this is so relevant and I would echo "me, too" to your reactions. my wrist wasn't too bad during the recuperation (was able to do handwork and think it helped to get back to use more quickly) but the elbow was the worst in terms of getting back to being able to do stuff with that arm. one doesn't realize how much they use their elbows in their life.
the ironic aspect is that I was working on some beadwork, went to take my dog for a walk, and stepped up on the curb and face-planted. I then spent the next 3 hours in the emergency room-- there was no avoiding it. but after surgery, 6 weeks of a brace, and 6 weeks of therapy, somewhat back to my use. handwork has really helped oddly.
I appreciate being able to create again!!!
I feel your pains, Kirsten, both physically and emotionally. In March 2023, I had rotator cuff repair and was bound in a metal sling for far too long. The PT was grueling, but I was determined to get back to using it ASAP. I certainly hope you are mostly, if not entirely back to normal use of your arm.
I am fully back to use of my arm but for the occasional twinge of aching as I am still dealing with inflammation that may take a year before gone. Those elbows get so much use!!! I think the hardest part for anyone who breaks a bone is that we really aren't prepared for it. Scheduled surgery-- we know is coming and can somewhat prepare although we usually can't do as much as we think we might be able to. Even moving we can prepare for and figure how we can be creative during that time.
DEAR Lesley! You always write the most excellent essays, but this one really was UP THERE! It certainly gave me pause (paws!!!!!). It made me think of touching the cheek of a loved one with my open palm...expressing my affection to them with that touch. Thank you always for the gift that you give us all through what you do and writing about it.
Thank you, Lynne. That one gesture you mentioned is definitely one of the most beautiful.
Excellent article, as always. You bring us along on life’s journey pointing out ways to appreciate what we know and what our bodies can do. It’s a lovely gift you offer your reader. Thank you.
My only comment comes from a lifetime of being a massage therapist. For me, the hands are an extension of the heart chakra. Being able to touch and offer an energy of healing and love. I am also an artist and feel my heart energy moving down my arms into my creation as it comes together. Humans are amazing. The hands link us to all that we think is outside of us. We learn through our hands how connected we truly are.
I’m happy your hands are healing from your surgeries.♥️
Thanks for your words of support and encouragement, Susie. And thank you for using your healing hands to make others feel good. There's more to massage than working on muscles, right?
I am writing again, Lesley. I just posted a slew of great 'hand' photos on my Facebook page. If anyone wants to see what I did (because of you!), go to the page of Lynne Haussler Oakes and Day # 1517.
Thanks!
I love your writing... I've said this before in other words: I admire you tremendously for so many reasons. For all that you've been able to accomplish and give to others during your "one precious life" thus far...with so many more years to go!
Sara, I love how we are still connected after all these years and miles apart. Thank you for your spirit boosting words.
I'm starting to experience arthritis in my hands, especially my right thumb, and yesterday I had the scary thought. "what if I can't create/make?!!!" That fear took my breath away! Thank you for this piece .... you created with your mind and hands! 💓🥰
My thumbs are a painful problem, too. While getting the carpal tunnel surgery he gave me cortisone shots in the thumbs. It has helped lessen the pain, especially if I'm not overdoing the use of them. Good luck with your thumbs, hands, and creating.
Thank you, Lesley. . . an instant favorite! 🤗
☺️
Thought provoking essay! I do remember my father's hands so well; strong and gentle. As I grow older, I'm finding gratitude for body parts is a useful and mindful practice. This week I'll be grateful for my hands and what they are still able to accomplish!
Thanks, Jan. You reminded me of a photo I took of my dad's hands in his last days. Something the cherish. Thank you.
Hey Lesley, I enjoyed your story about your hands. Our hands are our tools, and as artists we count on them to bring our creations to "life". I was a jeweler for 27 years, so they really took a beating. My hands sure don't look like they did when I was young, with arthritis as the sculptor, but they are still plenty strong. I'm more mindful of them now, if there is an actual tool made to do some of the hard work instead of my hands I'll use it; like a jar opener. Very good conversation going on here. Thanks.
Hi Donalee. How wonderful that your hands are still strong and you're using them to create beautiful things. Thanks for reading.
This is a good one Lesley. We take the simple things for granted don’t we?
Happy hand happy heart!
Thanks, Anne
What a wonderful expression of how we use our hands and how to appreciate them. I make fidget quilts for friends whose loved ones have dementia or alzheimer's. They tend to fidget and my lap quilts give their hands purpose.
How wonderful of you to make the fidget quilts. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.