Spiritual Awakenings - How a crises can be the best thing that ever happened to you...With Dave the Blind Poet
The Neurodiversity Fairy
Deep Dive
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and how did it affect Dave the Blind Poet?
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary disease that causes progressive vision loss. It starts with night blindness, followed by the loss of peripheral vision, and eventually central vision. Dave was diagnosed with RP in 2014, which left him severely sight impaired. He lost his peripheral vision within the first eight months and is now losing his central vision, with no useful vision in his left eye and limited vision in his right eye.
How did Dave the Blind Poet transition from losing his sight to becoming a successful poet?
Dave transitioned from losing his sight to becoming a successful poet by channeling his pain into creativity. After being diagnosed with RP and losing his job, he struggled with depression and anxiety. A turning point came when he was invited to a support group and performed a rewritten version of 'Stand By Me' that resonated with the audience. This experience gave him a sense of purpose, and he began writing poetry to help others and himself cope with his condition.
What is the significance of the 'Dark Night of the Soul' in Dave's journey?
The 'Dark Night of the Soul' refers to a period of profound crisis and transformation. For Dave, it was the period after his diagnosis with RP, where he faced losing his sight, job, and independence. This crisis forced him to choose between falling into victimhood or rising to become victorious. He chose the latter, using his pain to fuel his creativity and advocacy, ultimately leading to his success as a poet and advocate for the blind.
What advice does Dave give to people going through a major life crisis?
Dave advises people going through a major life crisis to remember that bad days are temporary and to avoid being too hard on themselves. He emphasizes that feeling anxiety, depression, or other emotions during tough times is normal and human. He also encourages people to see these challenges as tools that prepare them for future obstacles, and to channel their pain into something creative or meaningful.
How does Dave the Blind Poet use his poetry to help others?
Dave uses his poetry to help others by sharing his personal experiences with vision loss and mental health struggles. His poems resonate with people, making them feel less alone and helping them understand their own challenges. He also uses his poetry to educate and raise awareness about low vision and blindness, breaking down misconceptions and stereotypes. His work has reached a global audience, providing comfort and inspiration to many.
What is the message behind Dave's poem 'The Secret'?
Dave's poem 'The Secret' addresses the emotional struggle of telling his daughter, Ellie, about the possibility of inheriting RP. The poem reflects his guilt and fear of burdening her with this knowledge while she is still young. It also conveys his hope that she will understand his actions and find strength in the legacy he is creating through his poetry, rather than focusing on the potential genetic inheritance.
What are Dave's future plans and projects?
Dave's future plans include continuing to speak at events, writing more books, and advocating for inclusion. He is working on the second book in his 'Austin's Amazing Adventures' series, which will feature characters representing children with various additional needs, including his late nephew Josh, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dave also aims to normalize disability and additional needs through his work, helping children see themselves represented in literature.
- Diagnosed with RP in 2014, leading to severe sight impairment.
- Initial emotional and financial difficulties following diagnosis.
- Found purpose and healing through writing and performing poetry about his experiences.
- His work resonated with others facing similar challenges, providing comfort and understanding.
Shownotes Transcript