Laugh with others, laugh at the world, and laugh at yourself. Laughter goes hand in hand with courage and laughter heals bodies and minds.

Marilyn first understood this when her mother became very ill and Marilyn, a child herself, assumed a great deal of the care for her siblings. It was during this time that Marilyn saw how humour and laughter helped the family through its many challenges.

In early June 1991 Marilyn turned 40 and separated from her husband. Shortly after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Rheumatoid Arthritis. She was now a single mother with three children and a disease that was about to change her life. The initial prognosis was that within 12 months Marilyn would at best need a walking frame and at worst a wheelchair.

As a young dancer Marilyn had begun the practise of yoga and meditation. Dance and yoga had developed her awareness of the physical aspects and capabilities of her body. This awareness together with meditation and determination enabled her to live a happy and productive life in spite of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Marilyn saw the disease as enabling not disabling and set about to prove that to herself and those around her.

Marilyn studied spiritual development under the auspices of Peter Mason. The Balanced Life Course evolved from notes taken from these studies and from Marilyn’s responses to her own life experiences.