THE INTERSECTION OF YAX AND YOU
The following quotes were pulled together by YAX Board Member, Susan Scarlett. They demonstrate the impact of storytelling and improv with Yes, And … eXercise
as told by People with Parkinson’s in their own words.
"A year ago, I became concerned that some worsening of Parkinson's was getting in the way of my completing a novel. I came across Robert Cochrane's Yes And exercise program and I began to take some Improv classes. I knew that this Improv program would help with my symptoms. What I didn't know that the Cinema Therapy part of the program would not only help with my symptoms, but I learned so much about writing and storytelling that I am now well on my way to finishing the novel." -- Tom Honig
"I wrote Yes, and … on a purple card and asked my nurse if I could take it into the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery I was having that day. He put the card inside the tunnel a few inches above me, and every time I opened my eyes during the operation, I smiled." -- Susan Scarlett
"One of the most valuable things I’ve learned on this journey is that I don’t have to do it alone. It takes a village, and I have one. So much of what I’ve learned came from the Day One dancers, my fellow escapees. Their presence and support give me strength. I am much better prepared to stare down fear and get on with my life, changed though it may be. Because one can either “get busy living or get busy dying.” I am choosing life."
-- Venetia Bradfield
"Yes, And … eXercise is such fun: we dance to inspiring music, we play improv games, and we laugh a lot. We even have a starring role in our own PD Hero’s Journey. Imagine my surprise when this fun Day One writing class also compelled me to find the courage to give voice to the pent-up indignities and frustrations of 12 years of life with PD in a protest-sized, powerful, and passionate declaration: I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!" -- Doris Martin
"When I found YAX I was looking for therapy. I had no idea I had found a goldmine of emotional support. I feel like I won the lottery! Through the improv and writing programs, Robert and the YAX community have helped me find my PD voice and helped me to feel whole again. -- Amy
"Hope died. Acceptance grows. Love flickers. Life is redefined. But how did the monkeys get here?" -- Stacy Anko
"Jam for Joy helped me develop an emotional vocabulary." -- Jaki
"I am thankful for each and every person I’ve had the privilege of meeting this year through Yes And Exercises. Thank you Robert for making it all possible! -- Terri VanBibber
"I went from just telling my story to having confidence that my story makes a difference and that it matters. It has added energy to my advocacy and has taught me new ways to reach people, broaden my perspective and experience joy in areas where it didn’t exist. The alleviation of perceived challenges and turning them into victories has made more of an impact than any medicine or other therapy. I has bolstered all other things I am currently doing in my personal treatment plan." -- BJ Bement
"Diagnosed 8 years ago, depression and anxiety were my closest pals. Then I found YES, and...eXercise, where laughter and connection become the result of the improv games. We get to be playful and creative in an environment that is supportive and full of many possibilities. I look forward to YAX every week for my dose of joy!" -- Alinda I Ramos
"I was at the bottom of a deep dark hole of PD negativity and trauma. Robert, Susan and the rest of the team taught me how to believe in myself again. Yes, and to believe it’s never too late to make my dreams come true. Fielding my long lost innervision out of the darkness and into the light with a whole lot of love and patience." -- Karen Patterson AKA The Voice of Mother Nature
"The YAX program has provided a safe non-judgmental environment for people affected by Parkinson’s to learn and practice coping skills. I am in my 10th year since diagnosis and this is one of the best programs I have discovered. Hallelujah." -- Wayne Rich
"By the way, my Parkinson’s disease seems like less of a burden on days that I have found ways to interact with people as though we lived together in a small community. Finding ways to share a smile is a key ingredient. I can see how the Hero's Journey is for anyone and everyone facing health challenges, a loss, or wanting to just look within themselves for better understanding. Having to look so deep into what scares me, and then put it into a story has also brought me revelations. Or is that realizations? -- Jaki
“WHO are you talking to?” asked my family as they passed by me curled in the overwhelmed and obviously depressed fetal position. “Oh … it is just me talking to me ... playing a sort of coping game called "WHAT IS NOT WRONG WITH MY LIFE?" It’s one of the many treasures I've been gifted from Robert Cochranes's JAM FOR JOY. -- Jaki
Jam for Joy has the secret sauce that makes everything else ok. - Reena U.
YOUR HOME for IMPROV (JAM for JOY) and STORYTELLING (CINEMA THERAPY)
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