Needles out, meditation in?

In through your nose, out through your mouth. Think about breathing. Count the seconds inhaled.

Today's Denver Post seems to be full of meditative advice to help get us through the day and be just a little healthier. Most of the health section was devoted to how and why breathing can affect the whole body.

But I was a little surprised to see a full article in the Sunday Post about a man with MS who uses meditation instead of medication.

Leonard Barrett is an actor with Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League who - like the rest of us - "looks so normal." From what I read it sounds like he is a great actor who has struggled through the years with exacerbations and dealing with audience members who don't understand why he's a member of PHAMALy.

What I don't understand is why he has chosen meditation over medication. I am a firm believer in the mind-body connection, and feel it is my duty to MS to continue my therapy, exercise daily, and practice as much breathing and yoga as I can handle. But how can a person choose just one?

I know it's different for all of us. I'm doing the best I can and Leonard is doing the best he can. In the article he said the best way for him to meditate is to count 32 counts per inhale and 32 counts per exhale, for three hours per day. I don't know if I'll ever be able to dedicate that amount of time, but it's worth a shot.

My new goal: Try the tactics that seem to be working for others with MS. Who knows the Best Practices better than those with MS?

Day 1: Meditate for at least one-half-hour each day.