There is a world of difference between compassion and pity. Compassion acknowledges the struggle in being human, without in any way denying the inherent strength we humans have to overcome, if not physically, then spiritually, just about every curveball life throws our way.

Thundershyne is a hoopdancer who is both blind and deaf. She is remarkable, not only for her resilience and fortitude in fighting her brain tumor and her wacky sense of humor, but also because she is a damn fine hoopdancer. She has been for many of us an incredible inspiration and even a wonder. When I struggle with the hoop, complain about my stiff joints or my inability to hoop to some impossible standard that I arbitrarily set for myself (but interestingly enough, for no one else), I have to say I feel a bit of shame in my whining, when I consider the challenges that other people overcome. And folks like Thundershyne do it with a lot more grace and humor than I would. I would have died of self pity long ago, but this woman has persevered despite almost unthinkable odds.

Thundershyne was going to attend one of our HoopPath Retreats and speak to us. Her videos and her story have been such an inspiration to our community. She had to cancel shortly before the Retreat because of severe pain. Her most recent video, posted tonight, reveals how difficult her journey has been since then.

If you are interested in Thundershyne's story, you can check out her youtube channel and get a glimpse of her beauty, her hoopdancing, her story that she tells both with her voice and with sign language. Did I mention her wacky sense of humor? If you feel inclined, a note on her page might mean a lot to her. I think her husband, Keith, will make sure she receives messages. Sometimes the best way we can thank a person who has touched us is by, in some small way, making a gesture back.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ThunderShyne

http://www.youtube.com/user/ThunderShyne

Tags: HoopPath, Thundershyne

Views: 1

Replies to This Discussion

Thank you for posting this, Beth. I made sure to share her latest video on my Facebook, via your link. I feel the same way in regards to my complaints -- NOTHING I complain or struggle with is anywhere near what she is going through and has had to overcome in the last couple of years.

Much love to you for alerting us to Thundershyne's latest update.
thank you so much for this info....just shows how we take things for granted ....

Appreciation and gratitude is so important..... todays affirmation 'Appreciation and gratitude for what I already have brings more prosperity into my life'

I take off my hat for these people ....and value their effort...

thank you
Yes, Toni is inspirational, but she's also suffered badly. You end up thinking "how much more must she go through".

But in a typed message last night she said she is now free of the terrible pain she was in and as such she's off the horribly strong medication and so recovery can commence.

I really hope she can get to a Hoop Path retreat at some stage. Hoop Path is so in tune with inner strength, something she has in abundance. And as we all know, some of the best hooping experiences come with the blindfold on so just think what she might achieve.
She's an amzing soul isnt she Beth! So strong and positive... I think we are all a lot stronger then we give our selves credit for, there seems to be reserves of energy and positivenness in us humans that we only seem to be able to get at in dire need, if only we could channel that every day!
Xxx
What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing the video... it's inspirational.
Wow she is amazing! She even mentions Safire in her introduction video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amHmuTJQD9g
thank you, beth. i am emailing her now.

love to you.
I found Toni around the time I first started hooping and she completely blew me away. I was sad that she had to miss HP3 last year, but you aren't lying about her strength! The woman is made of forward momentum. Thanks for giving her such a fantastic write-up. :)

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