My little story, I titled it: I’m shaking so I’m…
My name is Louise, but those who know me well call me resilient Lou.
Here’s my story… if I can, in this month dedicated to Parkinson’s disease, bring a little smile from the corner of your mouth or give you more confidence, hope and strength, then this will make your day and mine will be filled with sunshine.
I come from an ordinary family, I had an ordinary childhood, school, high school sports, college arts. The job market started early, at the time we wanted our independence very early. I have always been a great sportswoman (artistic gymnastics, swimming, hiking, water skiing, cross-country skiing, etc).
I experienced yoga about 15 years ago when I was in a difficult couple situation, soon after the arrival of my first child (born in 1998 in the middle of an ice storm). After the arrival of my second son, born in June 1999, it was a succession of problems: health, bereavement, separation, depression, car accident, and a still difficult relationship…
Early signs of the disease
This space-time… and my life was taking a hit. It was in 2013 that I felt the first warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. I had been working in the dental field for 32 years and was still in a position in a dental practice. Fatigue was becoming more and more present, stress was overwhelming me, and I was no longer able to concentrate. In short, it was the beginning of the end. I had to face the fact that my abilities were diminishing. But none of this ever stopped me from practicing yoga and meditation.
It was in 2014 that I experienced more significant symptoms. Many people know the rest… Medical examinations, blood tests, all kinds of tests, scans, magnetic resonance etc…
Re – action to the diagnosis
Diagnosed in March 2015 with Parkinson’s disease. I had a decision to make.
Plan A): I live with Parkinson’s.
Plan B): He lives with me.
Well I opted for the second plan!
That’s when yoga and meditation became meaningful. The more I practiced, the more my body was asking for it. So I decided to take action by enrolling in an online Hatha yoga certification course. I then enrolled in training in Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy. I watered and nourished myself with all this information, I practiced yoga and meditation on a daily basis. I reaped enormous benefits. My path was well marked out.
I therefore decided to embark entirely on this adventure and to dive headfirst into a 200-hour Ashtanga yoga certification training, a chair yoga training, a second training on yoga of the nervous system (training accredited by the Fédération Francophone de Yoga). In addition, I completed another 200-hour Hatha yoga certification course, this time in a centre.
It’s not the accumulation of my diplomas that made me the person I am today, it’s resilience.
June 2019, new stage in my life: separation, moving into a condo with my sister (in life transition), diagnosis of permanent disability and loss of employment. I never stopped practicing yoga and meditation during this period. This is what allowed me to go through all these trials and come out of them stronger and with more energy.
On February 16, 2019, it is with great pride and eagerness to pass on even a little bit of my knowledge to others that I received my diploma as a Yoga Alliance Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher.
My name is Louise Savard, I am 58 years old, Parkinson’s has been living with me since 2015. I am a yoga teacher, I hardly shake anymore, I am ……………a fighter.