"The Joy of Learning" by Amanda Hanks

I felt it after my sixth session with sINgSPIRE. I was reflecting on the exercises learned that day and how to incorporate them into my daily routine. I suddenly had the realization that something felt different, but not necessarily in a physical way. It dawned on me there was a feeling of happiness and subtle joy that had not been experienced in a long time. I've never been particularly adept at self awareness so this understanding was surprising and enlightening.  I describe the difference between happiness and joy as the instant gratification I feel when watching my grandchildren playing at a park versus the joy I feel in my heart at night when I reminisce about the memories of watching them play over the years. 

With more reflection, it occured to me that participating in these sessions from my home provided me a point of external connection that had been missing since I became mostly housebound in 2020 due to severe decline in health and extremely low immune system.  Prior to starting in this program I had apprehension and anxiety because I could barely sit up for 30 minutes and coughing contributed to my insecurities about participating. Relief occurred within the first 5 minutes of the initial session as the instructor, Betty Merkle, listened to explanations about my current health status and fear of not being about to complete the lessons.

Betty reassured me that the lessons would be tailored to fit my capabilities and I could let her know before each session how I was feeling that day. I was amazed to make it through the first one and achieved 30 minutes of sitting up while doing some simple breathing exercises. Over the course of the next 6 weeks I was able to practice twice a day the techniques learned from her patient instruction.  At the conclusion of Session 26, I am now able to sit up for almost 2 hours and can perform twice daily nebulizer treatments, along with twice daily aerobika and  breathing exercises taught in the sINgSPIRE program.  

In addition to the increase in breathing capacity achieved by practicing the exercises taught each week, I have noticed a decrease in anxiety by performing nighttime routines that were created by Betty to calm my breathing, which helps to relax my body and mind. Another benefit that I've acknowledged is an increase in positive mood and lessening of depression that occurs when I have recurring infections and setbacks in my health conditions. I've experienced a positive physical, mental and emotional journey each week as my instructor has introduced new techniques, explained new breathing concepts, listened to me describe physical limitations, and continually encouraged me even when progress seemed minuscule.  This journey has been the inspiration for this article titled "The Joy of Learning" because I've always derived an immense amount of joy by learning, but current health conditions limit my ability to participate in most forms of activities where I can learn and share the experience with others.  

More about me:

Amanda Ellen Hanks is 56 years old with Cystic Fibrosis, homozygous delF508, that was diagnosed in 1970 and is pancreatic insufficient with CFRD and other comorbidities. Amanda graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from West Virginia University in 1993, obtained a Florida Professional Engineer's license in 1999, and worked full time in Construction and Forensic Engineering from 1994-2013 and 2017-2020.  She was also the Owner of Treasure Coast Engineering For Kids from 2014-2016, which was a franchise business that provided STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs for children ages 4-14 with hands-on problem solving projects focused on different types of engineering, robotics, 3-D printing, and computer programming. Amanda is married and has 2 stepsons, 2 step granddaughters and 1 step grandson.