#chronicpain — Public Fediverse posts

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117226345444356892

18 came in! Can anyone match!?

1 means new beginnings and rebirth
8 means, among other things, inner strenth and financial reward!

https://chuffed.org/project/blessks

vnm: skillingmesoftly
pypl: kshernandezinc

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

A very short, restless night of sleep in this house, again.

I can't lose hope tho, I've come too far to lose now.

If you also have hope, please be kind and help close this out!

Chuffed.org/project/blessks (deets and tally)
vnm: skillingmesoftly
pypl: kshernandezinc

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Can anyone spot me a few e-gift cards for groceries? it would help me out a lot.

On my wishlist. https://throne.com/kswriteshere

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Can anyone spot me a few e-gift cards for groceries? it would help me out a lot.

On my wishlist. https://throne.com/kswriteshere

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Can anyone spot me a few e-gift cards for groceries? it would help me out a lot.

On my wishlist. https://throne.com/kswriteshere

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Can anyone spot me a few e-gift cards for groceries? it would help me out a lot.

On my wishlist. https://throne.com/kswriteshere

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Can anyone spot me a few e-gift cards for groceries? it would help me out a lot.

On my wishlist. https://throne.com/kswriteshere

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

You won't believe this. I did 2 minutes of yoga this morning and it completely cured my genetic joint problems and restored my mental health!

Ok. Not really. I'm actually just stuck on the floor and tooting this while I figure out how to get up.

#Exercise #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #ShitPost

You won't believe this. I did 2 minutes of yoga this morning and it completely cured my genetic joint problems and restored my mental health!

Ok. Not really. I'm actually just stuck on the floor and tooting this while I figure out how to get up.

#Exercise #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #ShitPost

You won't believe this. I did 2 minutes of yoga this morning and it completely cured my genetic joint problems and restored my mental health!

Ok. Not really. I'm actually just stuck on the floor and tooting this while I figure out how to get up.

#Exercise #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #ShitPost

You won't believe this. I did 2 minutes of yoga this morning and it completely cured my genetic joint problems and restored my mental health!

Ok. Not really. I'm actually just stuck on the floor and tooting this while I figure out how to get up.

#Exercise #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #ShitPost

You won't believe this. I did 2 minutes of yoga this morning and it completely cured my genetic joint problems and restored my mental health!

Ok. Not really. I'm actually just stuck on the floor and tooting this while I figure out how to get up.

#Exercise #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #ShitPost

Ok, cute tie-in!

Thanks, #TubiThursday friends.

Please uplift my ask for #urgent move?

I appreciate you all.

https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Ok, cute tie-in!

Thanks, #TubiThursday friends.

Please uplift my ask for #urgent move?

I appreciate you all.

https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Ok, cute tie-in!

Thanks, #TubiThursday friends.

Please uplift my ask for #urgent move?

I appreciate you all.

https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Ok, cute tie-in!

Thanks, #TubiThursday friends.

Please uplift my ask for #urgent move?

I appreciate you all.

https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

If I had misspelled kitties as tiddies, I wonder if anyone would've matched this 35 by now... tiddies.

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

If I had misspelled kitties as tiddies, I wonder if anyone would've matched this 35 by now... tiddies.

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

If I had misspelled kitties as tiddies, I wonder if anyone would've matched this 35 by now... tiddies.

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

If I had misspelled kitties as tiddies, I wonder if anyone would've matched this 35 by now... tiddies.

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

RE: https://me.dm/@kshernandez/117205123370324265

If I had misspelled kitties as tiddies, I wonder if anyone would've matched this 35 by now... tiddies.

#mutualaid #directaid #disabled #artist #queer #lgbtq #poverty @[email protected] @[email protected] @disabledvoices @[email protected] @[email protected] @creativearts @povertyandinequality #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicillness @spoonie @queer

Stumbling Block

It seems I have always been stumbling, tripping over the unintended in a fog of wandering wonder.

The mist has been ever around me, my cloud by day. I am enveloped by mystery.

You do indeed love to surprise me, O God;

two girls find shiny stones in a fountain and their joy chases away the despair at not finding a loved one,

the hospitality of friends lightens the weight upon a heavy chest from a returning to what was and the traveler can breathe again into what will be,

a mother’s words and the night breeze dries a daughter’s tears and she can smile at the deep thrum of a bullfrog,

lovers lie for a moment in the morning and the frustrations of yesterday fade into the quiet beginnings of another day.

It is time then.

I rise up into the bone crackling morning, my body protesting, my spirit already stretching out along the places I will see.

Inside, I find I am ready for more stumbling.

July 29, 2022

The One-Handed Bow and Shaolin Salute

A Symbolic Gesture Bridging Buddhism, Martial Arts, and Philosophy

Among the many ritual gestures in martial arts and Buddhist practice, few are as rich in symbolism as the one-handed bow and the Shaolin salute. These simple movements embody centuries of cultural synthesis, spanning Buddhist devotion, Confucian ethics, and Taoist philosophy. Though often performed without conscious reflection, these gestures are living links to profound stories of sacrifice, humility, and moral discipline.

It is also important to distinguish between “bowing toward” someone and “bowing down to” them. In Buddhist and martial traditions, a bow is not a sign of subjugation or inferiority, but rather a gesture of mutual respect, recognition, and presence. To bow toward someone is to acknowledge their humanity, their role as teacher or peer, or their shared path. In contrast, bowing down to someone implies surrender, hierarchy, or submission, a dynamic not typically encouraged in authentic Chan or martial teachings, which emphasize non-attachment, humility, and equality of spirit (Suzuki, 1956; Shahar, 2008). The gesture is not about worship, but about mindful reverence for the moment and the relationship.

The Story of Huike and the One-Handed Bow

The origins of the one-handed bow can be traced to a pivotal moment in Chan (Zen)Buddhist history. In the 5th or 6th century CE, the Indian monk Bodhidharma (Damo) traveled to China, bringing the profound teachings of Dhyana (meditation) Buddhism. According to legend, Bodhidharma secluded himself in a cave near the Shaolin Temple, meditating in silence for nine years (Suzuki, 1959).

During this time, a Chinese monk named Huike sought to become his disciple. Initially rejected, Huike demonstrated his unwavering determination by standing outside Bodhidharma’s cave through a snowstorm. To further prove his sincerity, Huike cut off his own hand and presented it to Bodhidharma. Moved by this act of sacrifice, Bodhidharma finally accepted him as a student (Cleary, 1999).

The one-handed bow evolved partly from this story. In Chan circles, bowing with one hand came to symbolize total devotion, humility, and the willingness to transcend ego and attachment. The gesture visually echoes Huike’s sacrifice, representing a commitment to the Dharma that goes beyond the physical form.

Practical Monastic Roots

Beyond its symbolic meaning, the one-handed bow also has practical origins. Buddhist monks traditionally carried alms bowls or staffs, often leaving one hand occupied. The gesture of bowing with the free hand thus became a mindful adaptation, embodying presence and respect even in simple actions (Strong, 2001).

In Shaolin monastic life, where martial training intertwined with Buddhist practice, this gesture naturally merged with martial etiquette. Over time, it evolved into the more formalized Shaolin salute, now widely recognized across martial arts traditions.

The Shaolin Salute (Fist Wrapped in Palm)

The Shaolin salute, performed with the left open palm wrapping over the right closed fist encapsulates a deep philosophical message:

• The left palm symbolizes wisdom, virtue, and restraint.
• The right fist represents martial strength and discipline.
• Together, they convey the ideal that strength must serve wisdom, and that martial power should always be governed by moral integrity (Henning, 1999).

The gesture is performed at the start and end of training, as a sign of respect toward teachers, fellow practitioners, and the lineage itself.

Northern vs. Southern Shaolin Variations

Northern Shaolin

• Gesture held closer to the chest, with a more upright posture.
• Strong emphasis on Chan Buddhist origins, honoring the story of Huike and Bodhidharma.
• Used as a reminder that martial arts is a spiritual path, not merely a physical practice.

Southern Shaolin

• Gesture held lower, sometimes with a deeper bow.
• Greater incorporation of Confucian and Taoist elements:
  • The left palm represents civil virtue (wen).
  • The right fist represents martial courage (wu).
• Symbolizes the ideal of the “complete person” where one who balances civil ethics with martial prowess.

Across both traditions, the salute serves as a bridge between physical mastery and spiritual cultivation, reminding practitioners to walk the martial path with awareness, humility, and virtue.

Philosophical Layers of the Salute

These layers reflect the syncretic nature of Chinese culture, where Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism enriched one another and deeply influenced the martial arts (Shahar, 2008).

The Gesture Today

In modern martial arts, the Shaolin salute is used worldwide. Yet, many practitioners are unaware of its spiritual and historical dimensions. The story of Huike’s sacrifice, the practicality of the one-handed bow, and the layered meaning of the salute all remind us that external movements can carry profound internal significance.

Every time a martial artist performs this gesture, they are participating in a lineage that spans centuries of wisdom, discipline, and moral cultivation. In a world often dominated by superficial strength, the Shaolin salute offers a timeless reminder:
True power lies in restraint, and the greatest warrior is one whose actions serve a higher wisdom.

Conclusion

The evolution of the one-handed bow and Shaolin salute exemplifies the essence of holistic practice, integrating the body, mind, and spirit. These gestures are not mere formalities; they are expressions of a worldview where humility tempers strength, and discipline serves compassion.

As we move through modern life, whether in the dojo, temple, or daily interactions, this simple bow invites us to embody presence, respect, and the pursuit of wisdom in every action.

References:

Cleary, T. (1999). Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang. Shambhala Publications.

Henning, S. E. (1981). The Chinese martial arts in historical perspective. In Military Affairs (Issue 4, pp. 173–179). Society for Military History. https://themartialscholar.yolasite.com/resources/henning.pdf

Shahar, M. (2008). The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts. University of Hawaii Press. The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts on JSTOR

Strong, J. S. (2001). The Experience of Buddhism: Sources and Interpretations (2nd ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7785420M/The_Experience_of_Buddhism

Suzuki, D. T. (1959). Zen Buddhism and Its Influence on Japanese Culture. Princeton University Press. https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16794

My last three days have sucked. Big pain days due to a dislocated rib, and I can't get to physio for another two weeks. I think I coaxed the rib back into place, but the muscles on my shoulder and neck are freaking out now. Why do bodies do this shit? #InvisibleDisability #ChronicPain

P2X receptors are ATP-gated #IonChannels that are targets for treating #ChronicPain & #cough. The #cryoEM structure of the human #P2X3 receptor in complex with the negative allosteric modulator sivopixant reveals how it stabilizes inhibitory conformations of P2X3 @PLOSBiology https://plos.io/4vMWCvy

Quiet moment of #PleinAir while getting in-person references for #wips.

I've been dealing with another health emergency that has made my need for mobility aids urgent.

Sales and tips thru my ko-fi shop would help a lot:
http://www.ko-fi.com/bydhiyanah/shop

Thank you for any boosts or buys 💚

#SupportArtists #chronicPain #DisabledArtists #sketch #sketchbook #art #artists #landscape

#mecfs @mecfs #longcovid @longcovid #pots @pots #chronicillness

#chroniclife

#ChronicPain

#Spoonielife

#hiddenillness

#invisibleillness

#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll

#ChronicIllnessMemes

#chronicillness

#chroniclife

#ChronicPain

#Spoonielife

#hiddenillness

#invisibleillness

#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll

#ChronicIllnessMemes

#chronicillness
#chroniclife
#ChronicPain
#Spoonielife
#hiddenillness
#invisibleillness
#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll
#ChronicIllnessMemes
#Disabled
#Disability

I saw this posted to a private FB group but I'm not sure who the creator was?

Hashtags:
#neisvoid
#chronicillness
#chroniclife
#ChronicPain
#Spoonielife
#hiddenillness
#invisibleillness
#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll
#ChronicIllnessMemes
@mecfs
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME @longcovid
#LongCovid #POTS @pots

@chronicillness
@spoonies
@mecfs
#MEcfs @longcovid
#LongCovid #chronicillness
#chroniclife
#ChronicPain
#Spoonielife
#hiddenillness
#invisibleillness
#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll
#ChronicIllnessMemes

Did you know that 0 on the pain scale is supposed to mean, “no pain at all?” And that that is the normal amount of pain to be in?

It’s surprisingly common to underrate the severity of pain we experience! Take a look at the Mankoski Pain Scale, and especially look at the relative effectiveness of pain medication for different levels.

I bring a copy to appointments, and more than one practitioner has made copies to use with patients.

#PainScale #ChronicPain #ChronicPainMemes

https://youtube.com/shorts/mi7cS5z2cJY?feature=shared

ENG: Observational study on medical #cannabis use for 300 people over 50 proves medical #weed effectiveness. Patients favor high CBD low THC oral dosing ( balanced 1:1), to reduce arthritic/chronic pain and help sleep without having to chain smoke/vape. If CBD dominantes there is almost no psychotropic effect.

ESP: Ciencia moderna confirma que #marijuana medicinal alivia dolor crónico, artrítis y sueño. Estudio con 300 personas de más de 50 años revela que pacientes prefieren gotas o comestibles altos en CBD y bajos en THC. Extracto 1:1 de flor resulta aún más efectivo y evita tener que fumar/vapear para sostener efectos analgésicos/ansiolíticos. De dominar el CBD el efecto psicotropico es nulo o mínimo.

#memercredi #viernesdememes #humour #funny #humor #salud #regenerativemedicine #humornegro
#HumourNoir #science #health
#chronicillness #ChronicPainMemes
#chronicpain #thc #cbd #cbn #thca
#sleep #arthritis #cannabinoids
#cannabismedicinal #cannabismedical

ALT-TXT: Monochrome photo of old indigenous woman holding a huge joint between her swollen fingers. Text: SIGNS OF AGING: Swollen Joints

@chronicillness
@spoonies
#chronicillness
#chroniclife
#ChronicPain
#Spoonielife
#hiddenillness
#invisibleillness
#ChronicIllnesses
#Spoonies
#Spoonie
#ChronicallyIll
#ChronicIllnessMemes
@mecfs
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME @longcovid
#LongCovid @fibromyalgia
#Fibromyalgia #Fibro #FMS #FM

RPA hospital closes HIV psychiatry clinic with 200 patients after staff resignations

Exclusive: Former staff tell Guardian Australia some HIV patients have since required acute mental health care, as hospital also loses specialist pain and eating disorder support staff

The resignation of psychiatrists from Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital has led to the closure of a HIV psychiatry clinic with 200 patients, as well as a loss of specialist psychiatrist services for patients in the pain clinic and the most unwell eating disorder patients.

#NSW #NSWPol #health #Australia #psychology #psychiatry #MentalHealth #pain #ChronicPain #EatingDisorder

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/02/rpa-hospital-closes-hiv-psychiatry-clinic-with-200-patients-after-staff-resignations?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Please help me cover gas & toiletries, as I wait for #alj decision on #ssdi for #disability

$63/week

https://linktr.ee/toadlyturtle

#cptsd #autistic #adhd #chronicpain #narcolepsy #mutualaid #mutualaidrequest #poverty #mentalhealth #chronicillness #seasonalaffectivedisorder #panicdisorder #majordepressivedisorder #fibromyalgia #chronicfatigue #neurodivergent

#introductions No.2 - Searchable post of hashtags I am about, for the purposes of making new connections on here :moji14:​

#DisabilityJustice #ACAB #NEISvoid #RaiseTheRate #DeepEcology #LandBack #TreatyNow #DisabledJoy #ChronicPain #NeuroSpicy #Neurodivergent #Poetry #houseplants #SnailMail #PenPal #PaperCraft #BlackLivesMatter #Hypermobility #TransRights #Queer #QueerJoy #nonbinary #CatParent #TraumaInformed #Permaculture #BrainFog #Writers #PlantBasedRecipes #FatJoy #FatEmpowerment #FatAcceptance #ProChoice #mspec #ChildrensRights #FatLiberation #ChildrensLiberation #DisabledQueer #DisabledLiberation #MelbourneQueer #ArtsAndCulture

I’m new here and I like to talk about #mentalhealth #mentalillness #chronicillness #fibromyalgia #chronicpain #chronicfatigue #jointhypermobilitysyndrome #eds #traineetherapist #therapist #MentalHealthSupport #mentalhealthawareness #wellbeing #selfcare #student #CognitiveBehaviouralTherapy #therapy #publicsector #keyworker #healthcare #health #NEISvoid #advocates #currentevents #lgbt #twittermigration #millennial #millennialmh #mill3nnialmh #keeptalkingmh #itsoknottobeok #spoonie #spoonies 💓

Time for a bit of begging…or self
promotion, really depends on your philosophical bent. Please could you visit my blog and have a look around? I'd really appreciate it if you did. I restarted it, pretty much from scratch, at the beginning of May, and I've poured everything I have into it - leaving me in a fibromyalgia flare again 🥴. I'm not expecting to make any money from it, but I would love more readers…and I think it's pretty good and people would enjoy it (getting me to like my own stuff is usually pretty much impossible, so hopefully it's not terrible!), if they gave it a go! Oh and sign up for my mailing list? No spam, I swear.

Plus I've been playing on @canva for hours to make this pretty picture just for you!

Thank you, Jan

#blogger #blog #bloggerlife #bloggers #blogpost #canva #bloggerstyle
#bloggergirl #bloggerslife #bloggervibes
#bloggerlove #bloggersgetsocial
#bookblogger #bookblogs #strangerthings4
#strangerthings #fibromyalgia #chronicpain