Stroke: When luck runs amuck

(Photo by Ken Wieland)

Even the luck of perpetual teenagers can eventually run out.  However, Dick Clark did not necessarily see it that way.  Although he seemed down for the count in 2004, by 2005 he was once again up for the countdown.

Within a Los Angeles Times article, Rene Lynch reported the following:  “It was assumed that Clark would have to step down from his iconic ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ duties” after his 2004 stroke.  However, Clark went on to not

only usher in a Rockin’ 2005, but also a Rockin’ 2006 through 2012.  Because “all too often, stroke victims – particularly celebrities – shrink back from life and become isolated,” Clark’s refusal to retreat in such a manner became “a symbol of hope” to the millions who are also struggling with stroke-related difficulties.

One of these millions is a man known to spiritual seekers the world over as Ram Dass.  Ram Dass, author of such classics as Be Here Now and How Can I Help?, experienced a “benevolent” stroke in 1997.  This stroke resulted in an inability to move his right arm and leg, and a difficulty with verbally expressing concepts.  There has also been “plenty of pain” since. 

Ram Dass reported to  David Jay Brown that all this suffering is bringing him “closer to God.”  He says that before the stroke, he used to “do, do, do” [and help, help, help] all the time.”  Now he is in the position of not being able to do much of what he used to (i.e., play the cello, golf, drive sports cars, etc.).  He also needs help “going to the bathroom, eating, going anywhere.”  Ram Dass says that all of this “powerlessness” has increased his “humanness,” and has gotten him “deeper into karma yoga.”

    

Resources

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-dick-clark-dies-hero-to-stroke-victims-20120419,0,3175012.story

http://www.mavericksofthemind.com/ram2-int.htm

Copyright April 21, 2012 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved