Interview With Shona Curley From Red Kite Meditations on Lyme Disease, meditation and chronic illness, relationships and chronic illness, and of course the cost of being sick in America.
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What is your disorder? *

Lyme disease

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

40

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

A busy mom of two little kids, a self employed Pilates studio owner and teacher, a rock climber, runner and ex modern dancer.

What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *

I would be working more at my Pilates studio! I'd be running, rock climbing and going out dancing more often. I'd be generally out and about more, seeing friends, eating dinners out (that perhaps contained grains or sugar). I can't wait to get all my energy back and live fully again like this.

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

My meditation practice has been my saving grace. It has given me something productive to do with my mind when regular life is not an option. It has helped me learn about my history, my emotions, my body and my patterns, and has given me a way to affect change for the better even when feeling unwell.

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

If health insurance covered Lyme treatment, and if doctors recognized the disease. I have had to spend buckets of money from savings on treatment in order to recover.

Do you have any life hacks? *

A billion! Meditation first of all, visualization in particular. Movement. Watching and guiding my thought patterns so they support my health. Processing old trauma patterns. Paleo diet, herbs. Stress reduction!!

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

A ton from family. Because of family support I have been able to take time off work, get treatment, rest as much as I have needed to. Friends have been more difficult, because I have been too tired to invest while I am busy healing.

Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *

Not because of my appearance, but just because doctors don't believe chronic Lyme exists.

How has your invisible illness affected your relationships? *

It has probably made my marriage better over time, due to my own increased humility and compassion. It has been hard on my friendships, because I have needed so much time alone resting.

Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *

Not really, though I do think it is important to talk about how unprocessed trauma can lead to chronic stress, which can make you more susceptible to chronic illness.

Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *

No, because I ditched all asshole conventional doctors and only see my naturopath LLMD

What is your best coping mechanism? *

Meditation.

What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *

Remission!! I want to get there!! I feel it in my future!!

What is your favorite swear word?

Good question. I like them all.

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

Definitely my meditation / visualization practice, and The Cells' Breath, my album of guided visualizations for peeps with chronic lyme, available through Red Kite Meditations my site, and iTunes.

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

To value every single moment of feeling happy, joyous and well. To lean in to happiness!! And that perfect health is a fantasy that can be oppressive.

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

Well, I personally spent a whole lot more than 100. making it, but my album of meditations saved my butt, and it's only $14.99 for others.

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