EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, I’m joined by Andy McLellan, a haiku poet and trainee Zen priest living in Canterbury, UK. Nearly 25 years ago, when Andy was in the midst of obtaining his PhD, he began experiencing symptoms he assumed were associated with stress. Shortly after graduating, however, he came down with glandular fever and collapsed, never fully recovering.

Over the next 20 years, Andy would receive a diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and navigate an entirely new learning curve: how to organize his life in a way that would allow him to balance his chronic illness and start a family.
Despite knowing the signs and symptoms and understanding that he would need to slow down and take care of himself, he experienced a drastic increase of his symptoms 4 years ago which has caused him to spend almost all of his time in bed.

Andy reflects on finding joy in the simple things: squirrels right outside his bedroom door, knitting, and writing beautiful haiku poetry. It’s evident throughout our chat that, even in the midst of so much challenge, Andy still leans in to his own sense of wonder and connectedness in the world. His belief is that fulfillment is only possible when we are in community with one another.

I felt a powerful connection to Andy, and we were both reminded just how impactful it can be to sit with people who just get it. As individuals navigating our chronic illnesses, we can connect with each other without having to over-explain, or judge. We just take these illnesses for what they are and support one another as we “climb the mountain” of chronic illness.

This conversation with Andy proved a testament to resilience. He is both an insightful and humorous guest, and I experienced him to be a beacon of wisdom on the power of human connection. I hope our conversation sparks some of your own sense of connectedness to yourself, your strength, and the people who walk with you on the path.

“I would say to anyone listening to this who's recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness, you’ll be OKAY. It might not be okay in the way you think it's going to be, things are going to change, but some great things will come in.”
— ANDY MCLELLAN

Highlights

During our discussion today, Andy shared insight on his experiences and what he’s learned along the way that makes his life so vibrant. Some of my favorite points in our discussion included:

Andy’s ability to see the good and the “treasures” in all of the difficult times.

Change and acceptance as a part of the process.

The push and pull of feeling in control with your health challenges.
Why self-care is even more important for those of us in this community.
The value of having friends who just get it, and being able to just sit together.

LINKS

ANDY MCLELLAN

Andy’s Haiku Website: yearinhaiku.wordpress.com

Andy’s Blog, “Living With Narwhals”: ayearinzen.home.blog

Andy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/andymclellan70

Andy’s Sangha, Treeleaf Zendo: www.treeleaf.org

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Byron Katie, Author: https://thework.com/

Professor Ron Davis of Stanford University: https://profiles.stanford.edu/ronald-davis

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