Using the Mind to Heal the Body
by Harold McCoy, Founder
and Director - Ozark Research Institute
In just a few years, a change has
occurred, and ever-increasing numbers of people now find they have the ability
to do healing over long distances, to communicate with nature spirits, to grow
healthier plants, to relocate insects and other pests from the house or garden,
to “program” thought-forms around homes and businesses for some desired
results…. And, yes, “bend spoons.” The
possibilities are limitless.
If thoughts actually have the power to
bend spoons, divert streams of water hundreds or thousands of miles away, and
cause spiritual healing to take place because someone intends with thought for
that healing to happen…no matter what the distance, then we must realize that
our life will never be the same. It will
be vastly better!
It was on the basis that I could do some
of these things, coupled with my observation that an increasing number of
others could, too, that I decided to focus my time and efforts in this
area. What are we dealing with? How effective is it? How does it work? What is the best way to teach it? These are just a few of a great many questions. The answers can be enormously beneficial to
humankind. Finding the answers to these
questions motivated me to establish the Ozark Research Institute, Inc.
(O.R.I.). We are chartered to research
all manner of mind phenomena; to discover power of thought techniques
that may benefit humankind, as well as to investigate and research the healing
technique of “laying on of hands.”
I am pleased that I will be in Montrose on
February 11, 12 and 13 to teach my 2-day workshop: "Techniques of Healing
with Love, Compassion and the Power of the Focused Mind." A free
introductory lecture will be conducted for the public on Friday evening, the
11th of February at the Cimarron Creek Golf Community Center, 901 65.30 Rd. in
Montrose. The Friday lecture will begin at 7:00 pm. The workshop will be at the
same location on the following Saturday and Sunday, February 12 and 13. The
hours of the workshop will be 10:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 1 and ½ hour lunch break.
I am also scheduling individual private sessions on Friday the 11th
and Monday the 14th. Please call Larry Lemser at 240-0234 or
lemser@montrose.net for more information, to register or to schedule
appointments. During this 2-day workshop, I will share my theories on the
connection between emotional distress and the appearance of illnesses in the
body, and that by clearing emotional issues we can frequently bring about
physical healing. Included will be the meditation and visualization techniques
used to aid the healing process. Techniques for bringing prosperity to a
business or individual and connecting with one's higher source will also be
given. In my workshops I teach with
stories of my successes and in so doing, hope to inspire others to try their
hand at healing. Every person can do this! We all have the ability to heal. We
can make a difference and it is my mission to teach as many as are interested
in the techniques I have been given.
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Pavilion Site of 2005 Expo!
Whole Life Network
Release
What is the Whole Life and Learning Expo?
As the sub-title suggests, it is a "Journey into Conscious Living."
The Whole Life Network is celebrating the return of the Expo to the Montrose
Pavilion for 2005. When you attend, be
prepared to see with your eyes and feel with your heart the very best in
alternative healing and goods and services for mind, body and spirit connection
on the Western Slope. If you are experiencing a physical ailment or an
emotional issue, we are confident you will find your source of relief at the
Expo. There will be opportunities to collect a wealth of information,
resources, products and services. You will be able to experience different
types of massage, a reflexology treatment, a chiropractic adjustment, and Reiki
energy work. You'll find nutritional supplements, skin care products, books,
essential oils, herbs, jewelry and homeopathics as well.
Space does not permit us to describe all
of the resources and providers who have already reserved booth space at the
Expo, but here are some early highlights. For the second year in a row, the
first one to register for booth space was Noaloni Terry , Whole Life
Indexing and Energy Works. Noaloni will be discussing and demonstrating her
knowledge of Polarity. Kim Davis, owner and manager of, Wind Spirit
Gifts, 525 E. Main St. in Montrose, invites you to come to the Expo to see
her latest assortment of candles, crystals, bamboo and fountains. Past
President of The Whole Life Network, Maggie Remington, will be
displaying the awesome sculptured art paintings for which she is well known.
Want to find out about the perfect local setting for a retreat or meeting or
just a relaxing get-away? David and Betsy Koos of Stone Forest Retreat near
Cedaredge will be on hand to review the advantages of their new
facilities.
David
and Tamara Hauze will provide a wonderful environment of
live music again. We are indebted to these musicians for their loyal support of
Whole Life Network events. Hungry? No need to fret, as food and drink will be
sold in the Pavilion and you can listen to the great live music of David and
Tamara as you dine. To top it off, you will have opportunities to win numerous
door prizes provided by our vendors. You won't want to miss a single moment of
the Expo.
Vendors
and practitioners, not registered yet? Booth space is still available, but
going fast. Fill out the registration form on Page 2 and return it as soon as
possible. For more information contact Larry Lemser at 240-0234 or
lemser@montrose.net.
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Remembering Aztlán:
a column of poetry,
culture & spirit by Art Goodtimes
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, Day
TOOK A WHILE
… Government moves slow. It’s only in my 8th year of being in office
in San Miguel County that I was able to convince a board of commissioners to
anoint Martin Luther King, Jr.’s national holiday as a county holiday .. Since
before I came to county government, it’s been the policy of the board to allow
county employees to vote on the holidays they want to celebrate -- from a list
circulated by the staff. Majority rules, and the highest vote-getters got the
board’s nod (usually some 10 holidays a year). That’s a fine system, and an
admirable benevolence. In the private sector, the boss usually decides the
holidays (or at least that’s what one CEO told me, and he only gave employees 8
instead of the county’s generous 10) … The first year in office I objected when
Columbus Day was chosen, and questioned why King’s holiday was omitted.
“Policy,” I was told. “Well, let’s change policy,” I responded. But no luck.
Old systems are hard to change. Or mixing metaphors, as the old adage should
go, “If it isn’t broken, don’t stir things up.” I was on the losing end of a
2-1 vote . Thereafter, a compromise staff suggestion that the October 12th
holiday (popular with employees) become known as Indigenous People’s Day was
something I could live with … But successive attempts to push for celebrating
King’s day gained no purchase. Until, finally, this year Commissioner Ebert
wanted us to celebrate Veteran’s Day, which the county staff had not chosen.
“Sure,” I suggested, “we’ll celebrate Veteran’s Day and Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s Day as county holidays, and let the staff decide the other 8” … One
reason I felt so strongly, having lived through the Civil Rights era, was a
desire to honor the struggle of African-Americans to achieve equality in this
country, which is what the King holiday represents to me. And even in rural
Colorado, we need to honor that and remember the genocidal tragedy of the slave
trade … So it took a while but it finally happened. And in many ways, it’s good
for government to move so slowly, maddening as it can be for doers and
activists of all stripes. Public decisions deserve a thorough review, because
there’s more at stake than merely the bottom line. The very fabric of a
community is up for grabs. And so, in politics one must remember to keep
pushing, gently, appropriately, usually civilly, but persistent always.
WEEKLY QUOTA
… "That millions of people share the same form of mental pathology does
not make those people sane." –Erich Fromm
FLUORIDE ALERT
… At the urging of Telluride dentists and doctors, led by Dr. David Homer, the
town of Telluride recently stopped fluoridating their water. The more one reads
about fluoride, and how it became a “miracle” cure for disease-free teeth (did
you know that fluoride, like uranium, was one of the essential elements in
creating the atom bomb?) … Anyway, here’s some late-breaking news on the
subject. If your town fluoridates, I’d buy bottled water … “Caries experience
may be associated with income,” reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
(CDC). Low income, not fluoridation deficiency, appears to be the best gauge
for tracking the increased incidence of dental problems in youngsters … For
instance, despite a 60% fluoridation rate, Arkansas has the highest number of
third-graders suffering from tooth decay (72%) and the highest number of poor
children (45%) … Oklahoma third-graders endure the second worst cavity rate
(69%) even though 75% of the state is fluoridated. But in the Sooner State 41%
of third-graders are poor … Some 89% of South Dakota third-graders are
fluoridated via their water, but it has the third worst decay rate (68%) and
41% are poor … Let’s look at the other end of the chart … Massachusetts, Maine
and Vermont third-graders have the least decay (49%, 45%, and 44%
respectively), and the smallest amount of poor children (26%, 32%, and 31%). Fluoridation
rates: 63%, 75%, and 54% … Additionally, the CDC reports, “Healthy people have
healthy teeth. Ten of the twelve least healthiest states as reported by the
United Health Foundation have the most toothless populations when compared to
CDC statistics, even though most of those state are heavily fluoridated. In
fact, in Ohio, where 96% of the water supplies are fluoridated, too many
children’s teeth rot to the gumline, not from lack of fluoride but because of
rotten diets … In the United Kingdom, where only 10% drink fluoridated water,
tooth decay rates are equal to or better than those of the U.S. and have
declined over the last ten years … In non-water fluoridated Finland, Sweden and
Holland, too decay has declined by 92%, 82% and 72% respectively over the past
20 years. However, dental care is free in those countries up to age 18 or 20 …
In contrast, U.S. cavity rates increased along with fluoride overdose symptoms,
prompting some researchers to suggest that water fluoridation be stopped … By
neglecting the poor, organized dentistry in this county has helped create an
oral health epidemic. But promoting
fluoridation may do less to help prevent decay and more to deflect the federal
and state government policies that provide for poor children to receive little
to no dental care at all.
ART ALERT
… Lisa Taunton of the Colorado Center for Community Development in Grand
Junction is trying to put together a directory of artists, poets, writers, and
such from the Norwood, Naturita-Nucla, Gateway area … Please send her contact
info for all such humanities types you know in that region … Her email:
ltonered@aol.com
© 2004 Art Goodtimes
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Dea's Kitchen: Loving Your Roots
by Dea Jacobson
Some foods take you 'way back. As a
youngster, whenever I could grab the time from helping mom with my seven
siblings' needs, I'd burrow myself in a big chair with a book and...a carrot. A
bag of long, skinny orange carrot sticks was my favorite homework energy
booster. And, these days, a whole carrot or two is a staple in my day pack as I
take a hike. So, this month, I offer you, for consideration, the humble but
powerful carrot.
First off, I avoid the so called
"baby" carrots, which are more likely to be full grown and sculpted
into miniatures, the fragments of which wind up in called soups or TV dinners.
Since the nutrients of carrots are concentrated near the skins, these are
pretty, but without the nutrients carrots so freely offer. I use carrots
unpeeled, and of course, organic. These are available now even in small grocery
chains.
Carrots are native to Afghanistan. The
New Whole Foods Encyclopedia offers that the Greek word for carrot was
"philon", derived from the word for "love", and was once
considered to be an aphrodesiac. So, that's why carrot cake would be a great choice
for Valentines Day! Carrots have lots of vitamin A, carotinoids and sugar,
second only to beets in sweetness. They support the lung, spleen, pancreas and
liver and tonify the kidneys. They are diuretic, support the elimination of
waste, prevent constipation , relieve PMS and menstrual pain, as well as
improve night vision and skin health. Little did I know as a kid, but I'm glad
now that I picked a truly healthy snack. Add to that, B vitamins, phosphorous,
iodine and calcium and the phenol coumarin, a natural blood thinner, and you
get one powerful vegetable! Because carrots are so high in sugar, carrot juice
raises blood sugar, so dilute when giving it to kids. For a great energy boost,
as well as a liver cleanser, try a mixture of carrot, apple and ginger next
time you order or make a fresh juice.
Carrots keep better without their tops,
which can dry out and take flavor away. Store in plastic bags and use within
the week of purchase. The tops can go in soups as a stronger-than -parsley
seasoning. And, speaking of soup, how about this month's recipe?
Carrot Ginger Soup
2 T. Olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 2
chopped garlic cloves
8 cups thin sliced carrots
Saute these vegetables together for 3-4
minutes. Add 5 cups water, stock or chicken broth. Simmer 30-40 minutes. Remove
from heat and blend or mash the carrots until smooth and return to stove. Add
juice of half a lemon and 3 tablespoons of ginger juice squeezed
from freshly grated ginger. Or finely grate 2 tablespoons of ginger and put
directly in the soup. Simmer 10 minutes more. Remove from heat and garnish with
fresh parsley. Season with a little salt and pepper. Serve immediately!
Yum!
Share this with someone you love. Enjoy,
and be happy!
Dea Jacobson is the owner of Blue Heron
Yoga and Fitness and teaches in Mesa and Delta Counties. She is a graduate of
Naturally Grand Cooking School, and is a licensed Religious Science
Practitioner. She can be reached at www.blueheronyoga.com or at Box 95,
Cedaredge, Co. 81413 and at 970 856-4905.
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No More Makeup
by Jill Burkey
The other day after dropping my son off at
pre-school, my one-year-old daughter and I did a little grocery shopping. As I
was unloading my shopping cart, a woman stopped at my car and introduced
herself. She said I had caught her eye in line, that she sold Mary Kay, and
wondered if I might be interested in trying some products. I politely told her
I wasn't interested, but it got me thinking. Do I really look that bad?
I should back up by saying I don't wear makeup most days, especially pre-school
days when everybody needs to be bathed, dressed, fed, and out of the house by
8:30 a.m. which takes me at least two hours. I usually put on a little lipstick
and I'm good to go.
Later that week, I read in an article
about New Year's resolutions that one woman's resolution was to wear makeup. I
did a double take to make sure I read it right. I thought maybe she resolved not
to wear makeup, but no, she resolved to wear makeup. I started to wonder
if I had fallen behind the times, if there was something terribly flawed with
my thinking and approach to life. Or is it that we've become too consumed with
our looks? It's easy to see how it can happen when we're bombarded by extreme
makeover shows and approached in the parking lot to buy makeup, but I for one
am not going to succumb to the temptation.
On the TV show, "Survivor," none
of the women have the luxury of wearing makeup, yet it is the number one rated
reality show, proving the audience doesn't mind seeing women's real faces. I
also find when the show is over and the participants are back home doing
interviews, the women look overdone with all that makeup on. Many women say
they want their makeup to look natural. If that's the case, why wear any at
all? I honestly don't think my husband notices a difference and prefers me to
be on time than to wait on me while I slave away in front of the bathroom
mirror.
Men don't have to waste their time with
makeup, so why should women? We seem to be able to accept men, and we're
supposed to be the fairer sex, so why can't they accept us? Or is it that we
don't give them the chance. I'm not saying to be slovenly. It's good to take
care of yourself and have a neat appearance. I'm just proposing we take it down
a notch and be real.
What if we all stopped wearing makeup?
Maybe the standards would return to normal, and we could all spend our time and
money on what's behind our faces: ourselves.
Jill
Burkey is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mother of 2 young children She has a B.S. in English, Business, and
Secondary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and provides professional
writing services through Word Wise, Ink.
She can be reached at 255-7348 or at burkey@frontier.net.
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Peaceful Contributions for the Soul
by Kathy Gates
The time of winter is a time for
resting. During the winter everything
appears to slow down and appears to be sleeping. Yet within this apparent dormancy some of the deepest growth is
occurring. In the winter when seeds lie
frozen within the earth they take into themselves all of the earths energy that
allows them to grow in the season that fallow.
This time is also a good time for humans to do physical healing, by
giving thanks for any healing that has occurred and to ask for healing that is
needed both for ourselves and for others.
We can choose the type of healing, weather
it is for our physical body or healing of the way in which we relate to the
world around us. The power of patience
that allows all things to grow in their proper way. Accepting life in all its
fullness, accepting death in its many forms and acceptance of the necessity of
sharing all that has been given to each of us.
Open up your Heart
Start by giving thanks and gratitude for
your life and all the people who have shared and have been a part of your life,
and then give thanks for their lives too.
Put some thought in all that has been
given to you. The air you breathe, the water that quenches your thirst, the
earth to walk upon that shares so much with us all. The sun with all its warmth
and light. Have gratitude for the roof over your head, the foods that fill our
bellies, and for all the plants that give their lives to us so we can eat. Our
animal friends, our pets for their unconditional love and companionship.
When we truly open our eyes to all that is
ours freely and see all that has been given to us, it is our responsibility to
have gratitude but also to give something back, and leave room for more to
come. It is a good time to clear out your closets, give away the things you no
longer need. Write thank you notes to special people who have made a difference
in your life, write down some wonderful experiences you have had and then share
it with any who made it possible. Share your knowledge of life with someone.
Wash your spirit clean. Leave birdseed or cornmeal outside, giving back to all
the animals and birds who share their songs and beauty with us each and every
day. Enjoy the winter snows for even the snows give water to us all.
Life is Love in action. What a great
experience it is to be alive. Share the Love that you are, make a difference.
Peace and blessings to all, Kathy
(970-856-7665)
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An Aromatic Valentine
© Anne Calzada Herbalist
Ah, the month of February, also known as
the month of love! I wonder how many roses and chocolates that sweethearts will
share with each other? Valentine's day is the holiday of lover's and even if
you don't have one perhaps some alluring magic from the plants may help or you
may treat yourself to luxury! An aphrodisiac is defined as a substance,
experience or condition that arouses sexual desire. The word
"Aphrodisiac" is derived from the Greek Goddess
Aphrodite, the keeper of love and beauty,
and to the Romans she is known as Venus. Elixirs of love have long been used
through out our history and time. Famous lovers such as Don Juan, Casanova,
Cleopatra, the Queen of Sheba and others. History has it that these lovers and
others took part in the practice of aphrodisiacs.
Health contributes to romance in more ways
than one.
- Diet: Proper nourishment. Receiving
vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
- Exercise: Key to vitality.
- Positivity: Centered mind and emotions,
confidence is very sexy.
- Pharmaceuticals: Drugs, alcohol,
prescription drugs can lower libido. A small amount of alcohol can induce the
desire initially, but too much can hinder performance.
Many foods inspire romance and are well
known for doing so. In the Doctrine of Signatures, any food that bears
resemblance to the reproductive organs carries the energy of desire. Such as
but not limited to oysters, asparagus, bananas or strawberries. Chocolate is a
famous Valentine's gift, but perhaps it is the release of phenylethylamine that
stimulates the brain to release seratonin, producing a feeling of content and
well being that is so enticing!
Herbs play their part in many forms to
inspire the mood, as do essential oils. Damiana is a most well known
aphrodisiac as is the rose. Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca), hence the
suggestive Latin name here. Grown in Mexico and South America. It enhances and
strengthens the male and female reproductive systems, tones the urinary system
and has diuretic properties. It is warming and stimulating, bringing blood
circulation to the pelvic region. It tones the nerves and helps to releive
hormonal imbalances. It strengthens
both the ovaries and sperm count. This herb is not for long-term use though,
use respectfully.
Inspiring the atmosphere for love is a
pleasure, getting the home prepared or decorated for romance.Candles, music and
scent lend to the senses. Rose petals carefully placed out or leading a trail
to? Luscious foods displayed or maybe you can be the dessert! A sensuous bath
together is oh so sweet and romantic! Maybe an aromatic massage or you can
anoint each other with precious oils!
Sharing a tea, cordial or glass of wine
together makes the day special. Making love heals us, as we are happier and
healthier for doing so. In the famous words of The Beatles "All you need
is Love"! Here are a few blends to share and enjoy. Blessings of love
abound!
Sensuality Tea
1 part Damiana
1 part Sarsaparilla
1 part Rose
¼ part Cinnamon
Use 1 tsp. per 1 cup of water. Brew,
strain, sweeten and enjoy!
Aromatic Whipped
Cream
Add 2 drops of Rose absolute, cinnamon
essential oil or lavender essential oil to a ½ pint of whipped cream and
sweeten to taste.
You can also try flavored extracts such as
vanilla, almond, chocolate or cinnamon.
Beauty and the
Bath
1 cup Epsom salts
¼ cup Rose petals
1 tsp. of Rose absolute
Mix up and jar. Add desired amount to the
bath.
Oil of Love
¼ cup of Almond oil, Hemp oil or other.
20 drops of essential oil
Here are some essential oil combo blends
to try. Sandalwood/Jasmine, Orange/Cedarwood, Patchouli/Ylang.
Anne Calzada is a Certified Herbalist and
founder of Healing Heart Herbs. Her products can be found at Food For Thought
in Ridgway and at other fine natural health outlets. For consultations or
classes she may be reached at 626-5663 or by email annecalzada@aol.com).
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Camping on Mineral Creek
Part
Six of a Series by Earl Sires
Not far from Silverton, three miles north
on Rt. 550, a beautiful campground is provided by the Forest Service where one
can camp with beauty all around, and that for free. There are limits on how
long you can stay – fourteen days - then you must move to another location at
least fourteen miles distant. I have been here since Monday. The first several
nights I camped right on Mineral Creek. To the east of me was a small copse
with a fireplace someone had built. I used it for sitting and reading. I washed
each morning in the freezing cold stream, cooked mostly outdoors, read, mused,
hiked, wrote and meditated. It has been
a productive seven days. The camp consists of a large open space in the middle
with groves of trees scattered round the edges and in the middle. The open
space is mostly rocky creek bottom enriched, I think, by gravel fill. Campsites
are scattered here and there among the trees giving each site a fair amount of
privacy. Some large rigs just parked out in the open. There is an area on the
east side, down river that is very private and offers strips of beach, latticed
with runs that were dry when I arrived, but later filled from run off from
storms in the high country. The area is surrounded by typical San Juan
mountains, soaring peaks still snow covered, reddish rock, wonderful stands of
Engleman Spruce standing tall and thin almost pencil like with very pointed
tops, like candles some would say. Interspersed with these are quaking aspen
newly leafed out in lime green which will darken as the summer passes and turn
to a rich golden yellow in the fall, then show their white bark stark against
the evergreens in winter.
Some of the delights of being here have
been: visits by humming birds who display the deepest carmine, almost purple
breast marking, one of which came right into the Global Nomad (my van) and out
again, another, or the same, which inspected me so closely I thought he was
going to stick his beak in my ear and start dredging. The little beast actually
touched my ear lobe. Also a yellow butterfly has hung around capturing my
attention and reminding me of the metamorphic task that is given to all
creation. Then there is the many faceted water in the creek that does a dance
so varied and yet so steadily repetitious, so lively yet so calm, so smooth yet
so rough, and sings a song of many voices, from the deep clunk of a sizable
rock being turned over, to the tiny tinkle of the spray and the mellow notes of
the gurgle. So lovely to hear both in the night and in the morning, the
mountains in their steady presence, the sky so blue yet filled with the down
soft whites and grays of thundershowers. All this and more, but most of all the
silence and solitude that is most present when there are few around as there
are now, and the cool evenings to sleep so well in.
I feel with my reading and my reflection,
including my writing, I have harvested much from this stay here. I have drawn
much closer to the Universe in its local expression and learned much, much more
about the way it functions and how absolutely amazing, stunning is the whole
being of Universe and its history.
(Editor's note: These are excerpts from
the journaling of Earl Sires, former Board Member of The Whole Life
Network. Earl Sires has removed himself
from our valley to relocate in sunny Arizona, but he continues his influence in
our community with frequent visits. To mark his 75th birthday, Earl resolved to spend a full year in visiting natural, remote areas in our country.)
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ReConnections: A Look Back
The heritage of The Whole Life Network from the pages of Connections.
One Year Ago **
”The Holiday recess is over and The Whole Life Network is proud to announce a
new schedule of Friday Night Forum presentations starting Feb.13.”
**Dea Jacobson has this advice for staying
warm, “To be practical, serve and eat warm, well-cooked foods, especially rice,
oats, heavier protein foods, beans, hot teas, honey and warm milk”.
Five Years Ago **”One
hundred and sixteen people attended the labyrinth walk on New Year’s eve. Data is being assembled to explore the
viability of the Whole Life Network purchasing or creating its own moveable
labyrinth.”
**Don Bailey rehashed the Board retreat
(first of the new millennium), “I most enjoyed our going around the circle –
each person sharing their intent for the day, each sharing their life’s
essence, what brought them to this point in time, their study and life
experience”.
Ten Years Ago **”Coming
on Saturday, February 4, is the annual Whole Life Network Retreat…..The Annual
WLN Retreat is a tradition dating back to the inception of the organization in
1988”.
**”John Unger spoke about his St.
Patrick’s Day plans, “I decided to take my fiddle down to a nursing home or
similar facility and play some Irish jigs and reels for the residents.”
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Why not?
Thoughts from Ali Sharif
Why not have a
sustainable future? Why not have a rich, full life in a beautiful, safe and
supportive environment? Why not have meaningful work that leaves time for a
variety of other activities? Why not have a rich social life with lots of fun?
Why not make our cities into a collection of villages, decent places to live?
Why not grow healthy food? Why not have gardens of Eden? Why not have
industrial plants that can recycle everything we use in our lives? Why not
share with the people around you?
Why not...in the end it
is up to us...
Ali Sharif is an
authority on tropical food forest systems and has been a pioneer in this work
in Central & South America since 1989. He is currently coordinating the
formation of the Permaculture Network of Brazil, and works with Permacultura
America Latina.
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The Missing Link
by Dr. Jerry Overton
Last Fall, a friend in Dallas put me onto
an amazing peace-giving tool. It's called Emotional Freedom Techniques, and is
offered as a universal aid to healing. Its thesis is that "the cause of
all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system."
It traces its roots back some 5000 years,
and has to do with how energy flows through the various meridian points
throughout our bodies. In more recent times, various individuals have
rediscovered this tool, including Dr. John Diamond, one of the first
psychiatrists to use and write about these subtle energies, and Dr. Roger
Callahan who was the first to bring these techniques to the public in a
substantial way, despite open hostility from his own profession. I've become
acquainted with the techniques from two teacher-practitioners, Gary Craig and
Adrienne Fowlie, who have developed an extensive set of training materials in
hopes of making this tool available to everyone.
The process involves making use of a
series of procedures which include tapping, humming, counting, and rolling of
the eyes. And it can be used effectively on anything from Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome, to physical ailments, to chronic pain, to improving ones golf game.
And the amazing thing about this process is that it often takes only one or two
one-minute routines to resolve the problem-with lasting results.
In one of the training videos, Gary and
Adrienne were invited to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles to
work with Vietnam vets who had been in-patients suffering from Post Traumatic
Stress Syndrome since the war. Daily these men re-lived the catastrophes of
war, including being forced to shoot innocent children, seeing their buddies being
blown to bits, and the constant sounds of screams, gunfire, and bombs
ricocheting in their heads day and night. They had headaches, anxiety attacks,
fears and phobias, and were terrified to go to sleep at night. They had been in
therapy for years with little or no relief. Only strong medications could give
them any respite.
As I watched the videos, I was amazed to
see how quickly the men responded to even one or two one-minute sequence. And
yet another amazing thing happened. While they could still remember a
particular event that had previously brought great emotional pain for them,
after the sequence they were able to see and tell the story from a different
perspective, with no emotional pain whatsoever. And the results for these men
have been lasting.
After seeing several of these training
videos in which the sequence was used for a variety of purposes, I was struck by the fact that this
tool was the missing link in what I've been trying to accomplish with myself
and others for the last 30 years-and that is, to relieve the emotional block
that keeps us stuck. It's one thing to know that we are stuck (which in itself
is a huge leap for many folks) and try to "think" ourselves to a
solution. It's another thing altogether to have a quick and easy tool that
eliminates the emotional block and reestablishes the healthy flow of energy
that makes peace possible.
It even works with chronic and
life-threatening diseases. And I look forward to going to a workshop with Gary
and Adrienne in April in which they will work with people with various
diagnosed diseases to bring about healing for them.
I'm very excited about the prospects for
myself and for all those who will choose to avail themselves of this healing
tool. For I'm finding that it really does work, both for myself and for those
who have been willing to try it with me. And it's so very quick and easy!
Think of the possibilities-healing, peace,
contentment, happiness, abundance, better performance in work and life-all
accomplished quickly, painlessly, without medication, surgery, or years and
years of intense therapy. So what are we waiting for?
Copyright 2005 Dr. Jerry D. Overton
Jerry is a therapist, life coach, Director
of The Center for Personal and Spiritual Growth, and practitioner of Emotional
Freedom Techniques. He can be reached at 970-252-9311 and he welcomes your
call!
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