In the last two weeks, we learned how to say goodbye to stress with joy and acceptance. Additionally, to assist you even further, today we will learn how to say goodbye to stress with non-resistance.
Quick review on stress and Parkinson’s symptoms
In the previous blog post, we explored the relationship between stress and Parkinson’s symptoms. However, a quick review will assist us today.
What is stress? The body and brain’s response to any demand, challenge, or threat, often known as fight to flight response. Also, it involves a release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing physical reactions such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness. Moreover, while short-term stress can boost performance or safety, chronic, long-term stress can severely harm physical and mental health.
Also, here is a review of the responses from the professionals regarding stress and Parkinson’s symptoms.
“Yes, stress significantly increases and worsens Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia (slowness), freezing of gait, and muscle stiffness.”
Additionally, “Yes, stress can directly cause Parkinson’s medications to feel less effective or not “kick in,” leading to “OFF” periods where symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness are more apparent.
Moreover, “Yes, lowering stress can significantly help manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms.”
Finally, “Yes, lowering stress can significantly improve the effectiveness of Parkinson’s medications.”
The circumstances of having Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is defined as having certain symptoms.
Also, as long as you still have Parkinson’s, by definition, you are required to have symptoms.
Additionally, when you finish your recovery from Parkinson’s, not only will you have 100% physical abilities return, but also, you will have no symptoms.
Non-resistance of the circumstances
I have heard the phrase, “What you resist persists.” Also, I looked it up this morning, and I found it attributed to Carl Jung. Additionally, here is what Dr. Jung said:
“What you resist not only persists, but will grow in size.” Moreover, in our current times, we tend to shorten things, so this statement became: “What you resist persists.”
Finally, my theory of non-resistance of life circumstances fits within this construct:
“What you do not resist not only does not persist, but will shrink in size and go away altogether.”
Also, the Parkinson’s Recipe for Recovery® is the soul, mind, and body recovery protocol that assists you in non-resistance of unpleasant life circumstances.
Saying goodbye to stress with non-resistance
Click here to watch a very good short video that helps you see the value of letting go of stress with non-resistance.
Additionally, in the video, the woman says to let go of what you are resisting. In my recovery, I realized that gratitude helped me grow into a state of non-resistance. Moreover, I realized that a simple “thank you” in place of “why did this have to happen” changed everything for the better.
Putting it all together to say goodbye to stress
Today is the third installment of saying goodbye to stress. Also, here is an example of a way to put together joy, acceptance, and non-resistance on your way to living a stress-free life.
Scenario: You wish to go to the beach on a particular. However, you look outside and it is raining.
Pre-Parkinson’s response: You can’t believe it is raining. This is no fair, why did this have to happen, you wanted to go to the beach today. Also, a grumpy mood followed.
Parkinson’s recovery response:
“I am joyful that all of nature is being watered.”
Also, you accept the circumstance: “Okay, it is raining and I will not be going to the beach today.”
Additionally, You exercise non-resistance of the circumstance with gratitude: “Thank you for the rain that is helping nature. Apparently, I am not supposed to be going to the beach today. Thank you for the opportunity to find something to do indoors.”
Finally, as you can see, with joy, acceptance, and non-resistance, the original circumstance that was being resisted shrunk and went away…NO STRESS!
This formula can be applied throughout your life and your recovery journey.
Please post a comment below and let us know how you are doing with your non-resistance gratitude helping reduce or eliminate stress.
You are worth it!!!
All my best,
Howard
Nonresistance has been a big challenge! I think it’s because, for such a long time, life rewarded me for pushing, resisting, staying strong, things like that, until, it just didn’t. I think the Recipe and changing my caffeine-based diet, to warm, healthy, vegetarian, food, and pausing to sit down to eat much more frequently and regularly than I did before (thank you to my rice cooker) — this is helping. It really is changing my mind to do things in such a different way. I’m up for this challenge, to live with non-resistance and gratitude, this is a much happier, more peaceful way of life for me, even if it seems unfamiliar. Thank you to everyone in this wonderful supportive community, especially to Howard and Sally. Wishing you all a great weekend ahead!
For me, non-resistance goes hand-in-hand with acceptance. When I am in this state, I am living my life, not “fighting Parkinson’s.” Only when symptoms appear am I brought back to circumstances that then remind me to say, “Thank you,” so I can get on with the living.
Thank you, Howard, for making these tools available to us.
Excellent point/reminder!!!! This point is easily proven by anyone who gives it a try. It’s nice to be able to verify this philosophy in your everyday life. In time it becomes a way of life – natural and rewarding with no effort needed. It can also become contagious to others around you as they observe your example.
Thank you Howard, for today’s important reminder.
Marie
They all work together: Gratitude, acceptance, non-resistance.
It helps to also take a deep breath while saying, “OK, apparently….” So simple, but it works!
Thank you Howard, for providing “how” to fight Parkinson’s in addition to
“what” needs to be done.
Thank you for this wonderful and encouraging blog regarding acceptance, gratitude and non-resistance! What a powerful and transformational combo to aid all of us in reducing and eliminating unhealthy stress and moving us slowly and steadily towards our full recovery from our Parkinson’s symptoms! We really are worth it and I am also thankful for the simplicity of saying “OKAY” to whatever life brings our way! Keep on keeping on!
Gary
Acceptance, gratitude, non-resistance – all combine together, for me, into a Smile :)
When I smile I accept, I’m grateful, I don’t resist!
It’s becoming more and more natural to smile in the face of anything and everything, and stress is beginning to shrink…
Thanks, Howard, for finding new ways to inspire us all!
Thanks, fellow travelers, for this shared journey of hope and recovery.
We are All worth it!
Dear Howard and all Fellow Stress Non-Resisters:
This morning I woke up sobbing in a puddle of joyful tears. Last night, I took my wife to see the amazing Brandi Carlile. Brandi is from the Seattle area which no longer has a great large indoor concert venue. So she came down to Portland to play at the MODA Center followed by many of her hometown fans. It was a very special show for her, and it touched us all. Her wide variety of songs ranged from simple spotlight acoustic selections, to her unique and beautiful power ballads, and also a few cathartic heavy metal pyle-drivers with lasers and lights! She also spoke candidly about her life, her career, her songs, her family, and her connection with us: her “16,000+ neighbors”. Musical Euphoria!!
Moreover, today was a very special day for me. Today, March 5th 2026, I achieved 40 years Clean and Sober in my Addiction Recovery!!! I have been practicing Faith, Acceptance, Gratitude, and Forgiveness in that recovery program for many years. I love to share my experience, strength, hope, and success, to help others.
I was immersed in Unstoppable Tears of Gratitude compounded by a Beautiful Music Hangover!
Life is so great!
Tim congratulations on your 40 years being clean and sober! My husband achieved 37 years of sobriety before his death last year. I can attest to the value of that recovery program!
Thank you Alice!
Thank you howard for sharing this point of view..I fully agree with you…
U are simply great!!!
You all are amazing and so encouraging—thank you for being exactly who you are. I’m over here having myself a little pity party these days. No more!
Acceptance, gratitude, non-resistance! Today, March 6, is a turning point for me regarding acceptance, gratitude, and non-resistance!
I’ve been having trouble sleeping for several weeks—now the numbers are very low, and granted it’s justified that I’m exhausted but my attitude about the added stress from the aggravated symptoms is not acceptable!
Starting today, I’m changing my responses with everything I do. “OK, thank you!” “Yes, thank you!” “I accept the difficulties, and appreciate my abilities!” “I’m excited that I get to do any number of things that I do during the day.” And “I’m always safe and secure no matter what.” Jack Sparrow would be proud.
I’ve got to do whatever it takes to to keep my vibration high and feeling like a victim is not on the list. Thank you, PD warriors and of course, Howard, for bringing me back to the light. You are all my heroes.
And a special shout out to Tim, congratulations!
#Temporary #Courageous #Limitless
Thanks Yvonne!
I have found non-resistance challenging! After decades of doing life a certain way it takes time to make changes, but it is so worthwhile. I loved the short video and I so appreciate all the sharing and encouraging comments from everyone!
I continue to travel down the road to recovery!
As usual, your timing of this lesson is perfect.
Sometimes I feel like I’m sabotaging me and my recovery but couldn’t put my finger on why, but this captures it.
Joy – Acceptance – Non resistance = less stress
Thank you Howard!
Acceptance is Peace. It’s a holy place where fear is not allowed to enter. Thank you, Howard, and our caring community.