patience takes practice

“Once I get out of the water, for me the race is over.” Michael Weintraub experienced years of panic attacks when he swam in triathlons, but the people he met in the community kept him coming back. Today we talk about breath, the ways the Universe keeps us learning, and Mike’s business as a certified chi run/walk instructor. The trait of persistence or “stick-to-itiveness” is something that fascinates me; Michael is a great case study. He says he wasn’t particularly well-behaved as a child, but he learned over time that his high level of effort as an athlete and his ability to stand up for his classmates made him stand out. Mike opens up in this conversation about his latest learning curve: caregiving for his wife in her journey with late stage frontotemporal dementia, a rare type of dementia. Some health care providers are now learning from him. How is it that some people move through intense physical demands and complex grief with a smile on their face? Mike alludes to his spiritual strength when he touches on the centrality of the Olam Chesed Yibaneh, a Hebrew prayer that translates to “I will build this world with kindness.” The YouTube link offered above is a beautiful version recorded by Rabbi Marc Philippe with an intergenerational congregation. Michael offers workshops and training out of his studio Tri Chi Walk & Run in Brookline, Massachusetts. He and I will meet up in person soon: if you’re in our area keep an eye out here or on our social media accounts for future adventures! Find Mike’s Instagram here. Next week we’ll be live and making/mending art together 12:00-1:00 PM ET! You’re invited to make space in your day for creativity as a form of community healing. Monday Morning Muse thrives when you deep dive! Thanks for your attention - it is a form of love. Think about subscribing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mondaymorningmuse.substack.com/subscribe