#78: Like Falling Through a Cloud with Eugenia Zukerman
For 25 years, Eugenia Zukerman served as the CBS Sunday Morning arts correspondent — and she’s been playing her flute around the world for far longer than that. Eugenia has also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, but despite her “death sentence,” she remains incredibly positive and calm. And she’s spreading that positivity to others as she’s teaching folks how to face their own adversities.
Eugenia is also the author of several books, most recently Like Falling Through a Cloud: A Lyrical Memoir of Coping With Forgetfulness, Confusion, and a Dreaded Diagnosis, a lyrical memoir and collection of poems about her experience with Alzheimer’s. These stories are a testament to the creative spirit and how starting anything difficult starts with having the right mindset.
She shares a handful of her poems in this episode. Plus we’re also talking about the comfort of playing music to animals, why getting outside is essential to our well-being, and why you should always bring tomatoes with you whenever you go to a party.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Eugenia reads the first poem from her book, the eponymous “Like Falling Through a Cloud.” (4:25)
How Eugenia used writing as a way to tell herself not to be afraid, and her advice letting your words flow out of you. Plus, what an “other” is and why it’s important to find yours. (6:34)
Why it’s so rewarding to play music for animals. (10:55)
How you can tap into your creative self and Eugenia’s top tip for getting over feeling down. (13:05)
Ways to stay social even if you’re living alone (or, you know, staying inside thanks to the pandemic). (17:46)
The different reactions you can have to getting a “death sentence” like having Alzheimer’s Disease. (21:02)
The importance of having a morning routine — and the joys (or terrors) of having dog alarm clocks. (25:10)
Eugenia shares one of her favorite pieces of music and if she’s ever had a truly terrible gig. (26:57)
The enjoyment Eugenia gets from reading for and sharing her message with the Alzheimer’s Association members. (28:54)
The songs that make Eugenia the happiest. (32:50)
Eugenia discusses her home’s overabundance of tomatoes and why they’re worth bringing to any gathering. (36:43)
Where to find Eugenia Zukerman:
Check out Like Falling Through a Cloud on Amazon.
Learn more about Eugenia here.
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