Sudha Meiyappan, founder of Parivarthan, shares Mr. Sagarmal Dugar's conscious approach to Parkinson's and to his life. Parivarthan is a community support group in Chennai that provides a safe platform to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disorder.
There are few people who are so inspiring that each interaction with them leaves one with a feeling of lightness and hope. Mr. Sagarmal Dugar (holding the mike in the picture above) approached us in early 2016 wanting to be part of our yoga therapy program, he was then 62 years old and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disorder (PD). He was a regular in attending the sessions and also with his practice at home. Āsanas and pranayama gave him a renewed sense of confidence that he was no longer accompanied by his son. While his benefits were encouraging and validated the therapy, it pales in comparison to what he has to offer on his approach to life.
Healthy and Disciplined
A shrewd businessman that Mr. Dugar is, he understands maximization of returns, specially with time and energy spent. He wakes up at 4:00 am, sits in silence for one hour, goes for a walk and then practices āsanas and pranayama before listening to spiritual discourses. His eating habits are healthy and mindful. Mr. Dugar continues to take care of his business along with his son and usually heads home by 6:00pm.
His evening routine is the cherry on top of an already disciplined day. No phone or TV, and minimal human interaction after 7pm – retires into a room with some inspirational / motivating book – lights off at 9pm! He says calming the mind is the best way to get a good night’s sleep and less excitement after sun down does the trick. Hard to disagree and harder to follow.
Conscious Change
The most astonishing aspect is Mr. Dugar wasn’t always like this. He mentioned that at a younger age he was prone to bursts of temper, was stubborn and wasn’t an easy person to live with. These days there is no trace of that person and he admits that the change was conscious and that if he could change, so can others.
The Body Is A Temporary Abode
At our meetings these days Mr. Dugar constantly reminds us that we think we are the body and fret much over it, when in fact it is merely a temporary abode that our souls occupy. Parkinson’s is something that has happened to him, he does not define himself or consider himself limited by it. How do we not be inspired by him?
