You are currently browsing the daily archive for February 9, 2011.
By Raymonde S.
I attended a recent Mind, Body Healing with Spirit Retreat. I was a first-timer. And I wasn’t alone with this newness.
Retreats are something I have avoided for such a long time. I just didn’t want to go to one. I suppose I suspected that they would be far too touchy-feely for me. But at some point in recent months I have realized this quite intense shift in what I consider to be “normal”.
I took notes. Rather than attempt to edit them thickly, I have simply decided to share them.
The disclaimer to all this thinking and feeling and recording of those thoughts and feelings is “consider the source”. No, that’s not it. . . well sort of. . . Rephrased it should read. . . “consider the impact”. Because participating in a retreat has an impact; a profound impact.
I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it.
The Retreat Theme: From Fear to Courage
Friday
Oh, the relaxation. The permission to be myself, to feel who I am, where I am, who I think I am.
Oh, the FOOD. Thank you Cindy and Kim for being the most amazing you. I rest with a full belly and a brain full of anticipation.
Saturday
There seems to be some copy-catting going on here. Following the lead, perhaps. Wow, that is so judgmental. I am wrong because those feelings are real. And who am I to judge/say what another feels, what is inside another’s guts – those horrible experiences that some have more than others.
This is really all about the pain of others taken into me.
My pain is nothing: the guilt I feel for feeling I have pain is wrenching. The emotion of others, I realize, are what scares me. They are brave. I am not.
I think I have a desperate need to be acknowledged; to have the attention of a thousand kings. The natural need to be heard. To avoid isolation. We are all isolated inside ourselves.
There is no touching. The only response I have is to touch. It’s all I know. But the touch is about me not them. Why is it always about me? I don’t have anger. I feel good to the core. So there. I am so there. So there, take that.
I learn more: All physical issues are the result of an emotional issue.
I love the chanting. It is breathtakingly subtle.
“I am one and you are one and we are all together one. In the spirit. In the heart. We are all together one.”
Chanting is like entering another world alone and with others. It explores the crazy joy of movement without moving. The simple act of singing, reverberating in unison, in harmony, each with our own unique voice.
Rita and Kaia have such smiling voices.
The melodic strumming of the harp is like no other sound. Mesmerizingly authentic. Richly robust. I want to smile when Kaia plays, but is smiling permitted during meditation? They say there are no rules but I feel that there must be. Some boundaries at least.
Today I cried. It was my turn, I suppose.
Sunday
Father Jack adds something special to the mix of humans reaching past their frailties. His serene presence is uplifting, steady.
The quest for spirituality? It is about my quest to reach or catch up to the spirit. My spirit.
By Mike Nickerson
There is a thrill that comes from eating food that one has watched grow; from seeing the sunrise on a winters day and knowing that it will provide all one’s heating needs while it shines, and a quantum gain to be enjoyed when chores become pass-times by sharing them in community.
The Lanark Eco-Village project is looking to create ecologically founded communities in Eastern Ontario.
In these changing times, another perspective of Eco-Villages is the role they can play in resolving issues of energy, climate, food security and alienation. If you are inclined to address such issues and would like to manifest adventure and purpose in your life, helping to pioneer such a settlement model may be what you are looking for.
If this interests you (or anyone you know) join us:
Sat, February 12
7:00 pm
166 B Drummond St.
Ottawa
Drummond is a couple of streets toward the canal, in behind the Green Door restaurant on Main.
Some topics to share around:
- Introductions
- Visions of what an Eco-Village might be
- What might you offer to make it happen?
- Steps we can take now in that direction
- How close are we to making such life choices?
- Possible loans to secure the property
Bring other topics with you.
For the Grandchildren.
Yours, Mike Nickerson
“In cold climates, it has long been the custom to build homes with a heating system. A home without such a system would be seen as incomplete. I’m suspecting, as transport fuels become expensive in the years to come, that a home built without a local food supply will be considered incomplete. Such domestic ecosystems can be built for individual homes, for villages, or perhaps even cities. All would benefit from secure local food production.”
More on this Eco-Village effort at:
www.superaje.com/~sustain5/letter.html
Contact:
613-482-1208
Instructor: Amber Young, Registered Massage Therapist
Location: Carp Ridge Natural Health Clinic
2386 Thomas Dolan Parkway, Carp
Date: Monday, March 7, 2011
Time: 6 – 7 pm
Breast health is a vital part of a woman’s overall health. Breasts need to be cared for and learning more about the specific needs of our breasts is a way to start this process.
Come to the Carp Ridge Natural Health Clinic and meet our new Registered Massage Therapist, Amber Young.
Amber’s invites you to learn more about the needs of your breasts. Her presentation includes various ways to care for this very important part of your body.
In addition, learn more about Amber’s Breast Health Program, Breast Health Workshops, and Relaxation Group for Women.
In an earlier newsletter, we welcomed Amber Young to our Carp Ridge Natural Health Clinic team ~ she’ll be accepting clients starting in March 2011.
Amber completed her training of 3000 hours as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2004 at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC. She brings a diverse range of techniques and clinical experience to her practice, gained through her work in treating a variety of conditions. She has continued her education in an area she is very passionate about — cancer care and massage.
In addition to her private practice, Amber has experience providing massage and Reiki with organizations such as the Victoria Hospice, the BC Cancer Agency, Sunrise Assisted Seniors Living, and the Wellspring Cancer Support Centre in Toronto. She is also on the board of advisors for the Victoria Cancer Resource Centre. Her experience working in palliative care and with chronic illness has allowed her to understand the deep impact and importance touch can have in the healing of an individual.
Amber has worked quite closely with many women providing prenatal massage. She enjoys facilitating women’s relaxation groups, combining different techniques to empower individuals to become more active in their own stress management and self care. She also works to educate women on breast health and breast massage.
Amber has a profound interest in the link between the body, mind, and emotion. She is presently furthering her education by completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences, as well as deepening her training in Cranialsacral Therapy.
Amber takes a holistic approach to your health combining the science and art of therapeutic massage, supporting the bodies’ natural ability to heal itself. She is excited to work with you on your path to wellness.
Dear friends and colleagues,
It is with sadness and excitement that I share the following news with you. Even though my intention was to return to Carp Ridge after maternity leave in April my plans have changed. Now that we have two little ones, we are really feeling the distance from family more than ever. Therefore, we have made the bittersweet decision to move back stateside so that our children can grow up knowing family better, and we can have that “village” support in raising them.
This decision is exciting and difficult at the same time. Carp is where I began my naturopathic career path and you have been the wise teachers that have guided me along the first few bends. I will never forget the lessons. It has been my true pleasure to work with each of you, and I thank you from my heart for sharing your lives with me. What a privilege.
Carp Ridge boasts a very talented staff of practitioners. Kealy Mann, ND has been seeing patients in my absence and I have full confidence in her ability to foster your healing journey. Martha Ahmadi, ND has been at Carp Ridge for several years and would also be an excellent choice. Seth Yates, ND is at Carp one night per week for those with tight daytime schedules. Katherine Willow, ND is not taking new patients at this time, but as our veteran ND she had always made herself available to consult on difficult cases.
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with each of you. I will very much miss seeing each of you and watching you and your families grow. I wish each of you fulfillment, wellness and much joy in 2011. Thank you for all you have taught me along the way.
Yours in health,
Rebecca R. Word ND
(Read an updated post here.)
‘Life in Transition’ Heart Circles
with Lise Lillian
(Arrival time 9:30 – 9:45am)
Potluck lunch (Please see list of things to bring, further down this page)
$40 (Fee payable to Lise Lillian Nickerson by cash or cheque.)
More info: email Lise at earthwyselise@yahoo.com.
About Heart Circles:
Heart Intelligence heightens our awareness, so we can manifest in our lives from a fully conscious place, without the effects of our sabotaging strategies. We practice and develop emotional literacy that puts our hearts in charge as masters. Our minds then become the servants, to do the job they are meant to do as problem solvers. We take inspired action which is connected to our higher purpose. Our action is motivated and fueled by our longing and not by our conditioning.
Heart Circles create a safe container, a vortex of energy to help us experience an opening of our hearts, to feel safe enough to consider what we want, given what we are feeling. Then we can connect with the inspired action that we will take to move forward. We are expanding our awareness together, giving each other feedback and helping each other to go deeper into what is really true and authentic for us. We can move through difficulties and transitions with more ease and effectiveness.
As part of the Life in Transition Heart Circles we use meditation, physical movement, emotional processing, mental focus and spiritual awareness along with a creative component to balance masculine and feminine energies. This process prepares us for the ‘ritual performance’ of walking through the ‘Initiation Gates’ in each seasonal direction to embody our experience. We travel together around the medicine wheel in the four directions for healing, growth, and to honour our path towards completion and integration.
This journey around the ‘Wheel of Life’ is done in Community to enrich what we do personally in our lives. What we can do together is so much quicker and effective than what we can do alone. It is like having broadband internet instead of dial-up. But it is also more real than our virtual experience, as we are connecting to nature and to each other.
_________________________________
Spring has sprung and we look forward to the more active and growing cycle of the year. At Carp Ridge, we have birthed a ‘Heart Circle’ with our recent Spring Meditation Day which will continue to grow as a regenerative community event. The Life in Transition Heart Circle is a sacred space and inner journey, where we can be supported in community through guided meditations and group processes, including movement, sharing, and outdoor connection to nature.
At the Spring Heart Circle we will be focussing on cleansing on all levels as it is a good time to do some Spring cleaning. It is also an active time of year, so we will look at what is growing or what we are building in our lives and what action steps we are taking to strengthen this growing manifesting process.
Please bring:
- appropriate clothing for nature walk and painting (creative process)
- personal water bottle
- journal writing materials
- blanket for the floor (pillow optional)
- healthy food for potluck lunch of your choice
- meaningful item for altar or decoration for a tree
_________________________
From March 19th Meditation Day: The last of winter hibernating urges are winding down and the ‘spring sap’ in our veins is rejuvenating us and preparing for the more active spring time.
It is time to organize and make plans for manifesting our dreams for the growing season. This is not just about gardens, but also about any project or change in our life. Feel the sun strengthening outside and take time to go inside yourself, to see what is strengthening within you. Feel the strength of your intentions and connect with your creative source.
Find your passions stirring as we access the stillness of meditation. We will share inspiration in community and enjoy a potluck lunch together. There will be guided meditation, gentle movement, dance,art and a nature walk to connect to the outside and appreciate the beauty of the forest here at Carp Ridge. Being in a group will give you support for any transition you are moving through, as we help each other to affirm our personal intentions.
By Kealy Mann ND
Somewhere between the months of October to April it happens; you start out with a little cough, maybe a runny nose and a headache. By the next day you feel awful, body aches, can’t breathe through your nose and your voice sounds like some nasally version of your normal self. You must have a cold, or could it be the flu that’s been going around the office, spread with every handshake?
First, the basics. The common cold, less commonly known as rhinovirus, actually has more than 100 different strains which is why we can get one or two, or a few of these things a year. It is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat and voice box) and can be contracted by touching contaminated objects or in the air. Because it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in its treatment. If the sore throat is determined to be strep throat then antibiotics may be necessary as it is bacterial in nature.
Influenza, or the flu is another virus that almost all of us have to contend with on an annual basis. This virus has the habit of mutating which is why we don’t tend to have immunity to it from year to year. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, especially in those with compromised immune systems or infants and the elderly.
| Signs & Symptoms | Influenza | Cold |
| Fever | Usually present | Rare |
| Aches | Usual, often severe | Slight |
| Chills | Fairly common | Uncommon |
| Tiredness | Moderate to severe | Mild |
| Symptom onset | Symptoms can appear within 3-6 hours | Symptoms appear gradually |
| Coughing | Dry, unproductive cough | Hacking, productive cough |
| Sneezing | Uncommon | Common |
| Stuffy nose | Uncommon | Common |
| Sore throat | Uncommon | Common |
| Chest discomfort | Often severe | Mild to moderate |
| Headache | Common | Uncommon |
So What Can I do?
Prevention is the key and there are a few things that you can do to avoid getting a cold or flu this season:
- Wash your hands: this is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of germs. Avoid shaking hands if possible. Did you know that shaking hands spreads more germs than kissing?!
- Eat well: Making sure that you get a balance of healthy foods including colourful fruits and vegetables will keep your immune system strong, so even if you are exposed to a virus you may not become sick. Sugar in particular has a very detrimental impact on our immune system and makes it weaker when exposed to bacteria and viruses. Avoid sugar as much as possible in cold and flu season, and especially if you do get sick.
- Homeopathics: There are several options for homeopathics for flu and cold prevention. A favourite of mine is called ‘mucococcinum’ which is available from your naturopathic doctor. It has been shown in double blind studies to be about 90% effective at preventing the flu.
- Vitamins: a good multi vitamin can help to keep your immune system ticking along this winter. Vitamin C is also a great preventative, although more recent evidence is showing that it is not all that effective in the treatment of the cold or flu once you are actually sick. Vitamin D, which is produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight (meaning that just about all Canadians are deficient in winter) seems to help us fair better against getting the seasonal flu.
- Probiotics: Did you know that about 70% of our immune system is in the gut? Keeping a healthy gut by taking healthy bacteria can help to keep your immune system working properly throughout the winter months (and all the other months too).
If you do get sick there are some basic things that you can do at home and a few things to have on hand before you do get sick. . . just in case.
Of course, you should discuss the use of any natural remedies with your naturopathic doctor first as some may not be safe with certain medical conditions and medications.
- Herbs: While there aren’t many options for anti-viral drugs that can be taken beyond the first few hours of the flu, there are quite a few effective anti-viral herbs. Elderberry is one that is commonly known as an anti-flu herb and can shorten the duration of the flu by about 4 days. A blessing when you’ve been glued to the couch all week. Andrographis is a less commonly known herb that is particularly effective at fighting upper respiratory infections.
- Homeopathy: There are individual homeopathic remedies that can be chosen based on your symptoms to help you treat the flu. Gelsemium and bryonia are classic examples of flu remedies for a flu that comes on slowly with aching head pain and the person does not want to move. Oscillococcinum is a favourite combination remedy of mine to have on hand in case anyone in your family does get the flu this season. It is easy to take and you don’t have to try to distinguish your symptoms to choose the right remedy. In my experience it can be the difference between having the flu for a few days instead of a week or two.
- Hydrotherapy: Warming socks is a treatment that most patients don’t love to do, but can be very effective at clearing congestion and reducing a fever. It is a treatment that I use on my toddler every time she comes down with a fever. Kids don’t mind it and it actually helps them sleep better when they aren’t feeling well.
Warming socks:
You need 1 pair of thin cotton socks, 1 pair of thick wool (natural fiber) socks. After ensuring your feet are warm, soak the cotton socks in cold water and wring out as much as possible. Put those socks on your feet and cover with dry wool socks. Go to bed and your feet should have dried the socks by morning. If in 4 hours the socks are still wet, simply remove the socks and dry your feet.
