Local Chapter for Chronic Pain Conducts Zoom Roundtable

Many meet-up groups found themselves out of operation when their free public meeting locations were closed due to COVID-19 rules. Lester Zaleski Cofacilitator of the Newton Chapter of the American Chronic Pain Association was given the opportunity for free virtual meetings in its place. His daughter is Marina Zaleski- Montana Yoga Therapy. She has donated her virtual time resources to Zoom host every Tuesday at 10 a.m. starting June 23rd. Reservations will be made through the chapter by calling 973-383-5189.

These free zoom meetings are connecting this chapter again with a two-part virtual meeting/workshop that begins with the benefits of therapeutic yoga followed by roundtable discussions. The roundtable part will be led by different members that will discuss areas of body pain and results of current personal therapies and how they affect our perpetual permanent pain.

Local Charters of the American Chronic Pain Association ACPA provide a concerto of diverse people for a secure roundtable of discussions, knowledge exchanges and shared personal wisdom to overcome one common large hurdle - living with chronic pain. Those of us with chronic pain are frequently the “people pleasers.” We find it difficult to express our needs as vital requirements that should be respected. When these requirements remain unmet tension is increased, and our pain seems worse. The ACPA professes a very forthright motto – We who endure Chronic Pain have the same basic rights that are granted to others. The pledge for these basic rights is:

• Act in a way that promotes dignity and self-respect.
• Be treated with respect.
• Make mistakes.
• Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.
• Change your mind.
• Ask for what you want.
• Take time to slow down and think before you act.
• Ask for information.
• Ask for help or assistance.
• Feel good about yourself.
• Disagree.
• Not have to explain everything you do and think.
• Say “no” and not feel guilty.
• Ask why.
• Be listened to and taken seriously when expressing your feelings.
• Read and reread these rights so that you not only know them by heart, but so that they become part of your daily life.

Marina Zaleski recently hosted a free Zoom meeting of three simple, gentle chair yoga demonstrations for a few chapter participants that were one hour long that included breathing exercises and meditation. Montana Yoga Therapy is a private practice that specializes in the development of a home practice and a trauma sensitive approach to chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Yoga therapy is the adaptation and application of yoga techniques and practices to optimize health and well-being.

This new Zoom conference is the chapter’s premiere of an interactive format that simulates in person meet ups, that have been on hold for approximately three months. The Tuesday 10 am weekly meeting is an invite to existing participants but also to new members as well. To get connected to this Chronic Pain roundtable of the Newton Chapter only takes a call 973-383-5189. Individuals can also sign up to be a national member ($25 donation) and learn more of what this national organization is doing https://www.theacpa.org/ For 40 years they have provided education and support for people with pain.