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My Next Kt Shepherd Permaculture Steps

8/1/2018

6 Comments

 
Picture
Edible Garden - wheelchair style
Hello!
 
It’s been a long, long time since I have shared anything here in the hub of Kt Shepherd Permaculture.

Throughout 2017 I had increasing and rapid problems with my health, resulting in being diagnosed with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, (M.E.), in July. I had been unable to do any work, (either nursing or permaculture), since May. And once I knew what was wrong with me I needed to put all my precious energy into figuring out how I was going to survive and get better from, this new and very disabled place I found myself in.
 
I pinned notices on my website, saying I would be away from my work, until my health improved
 
I have learnt over this time about the many levels of complexity -  physically, socially, politically, emotionally, spiritually - that is the reality and experience of M.E.
 
I’m not going to use this space to focus on my illness. There is a huge amount of online information out there about these aspects of M.E.  Two of my favourite resources I can recommend to learn more, are Unrest, (a powerful, beautiful film released in the months following my own diagnosis. And, the Phoenix Rising Website.
 
Towards the end of last year, I remained very physically unwell, in bed for over twenty hours a day, (on good days). But cognitively I had improved and I had started longing for more connection with my permaculture work again. I made the decision to accept the experience of the new reality I found myself in, instead of putting 100% of my time and energy into finding a ‘cure’. All I have learnt about M.E. suggests to me that I could well live in the low functioning state I am in for many more months, maybe  years.  I want that time to be as great as possible.
 
As soon as I made the choice to design a way of returning to my permaculture work, I felt an emotional and spiritual weight lift. It felt more empowered and optimistic than I had for a long, long time.
 
So here I am.
 
Initially I’m planning on creating short, regular posts, explaining how I have used permaculture design ethics, tools and principles to ensure I thrive as much as possible while living with and healing from a chronic illness.
 
Watch this space 
6 Comments
Dave Jackson link
8/1/2018 11:07:44 am

Looking forward to reading this Katie. I find it interesting to remember when most medics thought of ME as a myth or something that was purely psychological. While I think that public understanding of it still has a long way to go I have seen how much understanding has increased over the years, at least among the medical profession. (Understanding of how it affects people that is rather than understanding that could lead to a cure.)

Good luck with your work on this!

Dave xx

Reply
Jo
8/1/2018 11:13:39 am

It’s good to see that you have identified your ‘level’ of interaction with Permaculture, the Web & your health based around your life. Hopefully 🎶 Things...can only get better 🎶😊 Best wishes Jo

Reply
James Taylor
8/1/2018 12:19:10 pm

Inspiring to read about your positive approach towards your current situation. All teh best! James

Reply
Ann Pole
8/1/2018 01:35:05 pm

Welcome back Kt. So glad you have found a niche that allows you to focus on that helps you too. I'm looking forward to reading your blogs.

Reply
Lin Rattenbury
8/1/2018 05:54:48 pm

Hi Kt as an ex OT I can highly recommend your work as amazing therapy ! Good luck ! ...look forward to your postings

Reply
Karen Noon
19/3/2018 09:06:26 pm

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis KT. Its so wonderful to hear that you are focusing on what can be done within the scope of your capabilities right now. Wishing you well and look forward to seeing you future posts.

Reply



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