15th Anniversary Reunion Plans
Whole Life Network Release
The
year was 1988 and Ronald Reagan in the Whitehouse and Pink Floyd, the touring
band, shared the headlines. Becky Lindsay was in the process of rallying
like-minded friends and allies to create an organization to promote holistic
values. The outcome of this grassroots effort was the birth of a new
non-profit. They chose the perfect name for this new group, The Whole Life
Network. Fifteen years have passed and, while the record of accomplishments
speaks volumes, it is time to celebrate this unique network and its heritage.
Let's have a 15th Anniversary Gala, a banquet to honor the fifteen years of
service to the Western Slope of Colorado. This festive occasion is planned to
take place at The Red Arrow Best Western Conference Center on Saturday, October
23rd. The fun will begin at 6:00 pm with a social hour, an opportunity to
reconnect with many of our members, past members and future members.
David
and Tamara Hauze, our Lifetime Honorary members, will provide entertainment.
Following an invocation by Reverend Kay Spinden of The Center of Religious
Science, there will be a complete Chinese dinner served by Grandview Palace.
After dinner we will be addressed by members of the original Board of
Directors. There will door prizes and a silent auction as well. Everyone is
invited. Be a part of this memorable scene by obtaining your tickets now for
$15.00($17.50 at the door). Order by mail now by sending your check or money
order to: Whole Life Network, P.O. Box 85, Montrose, CO. 81402. You can call
Kim at 252-1815 for further details.
Back
to Top
Wednesday Night Wisdom
Whole Life Network Release
The
Wednesday Night Wisdom speaker series sponsored by The Whole Life Network gets
better and better with time and this Fall is no exception. Here are the
featured presenters and their topics for September:
At Wind Spirit Gifts - 525 E. Main St., Montrose
Wednesday - September 8th at 6:00 P.M. Laurel Ann Browne - The Cosmic Clock
The tutelage of
Cosmic Hierarchies, the supreme teachers of mankind, work through the Ascended
Masters to teach the way to overcome your testings and karma that you may make
your ascension in the light and fulfill your destiny. You will learn your
destiny, Karma and fulfillment. What line of the clock are you on?
What Master Teacher is working with you? Where are you in your
evolution. Be sure to attend this free introduction.
At Wind Spirit Gifts - 525 E. Main St., Montrose
Wednesday - September 15th at 6:00 P.M. Dr. Neal Cooper - Between Heaven and Earth; Buddhist-Taoist Spiritual
and Energetic Healing Practices."
Dr. Neil
Cooper is a Master Teacher & 4th Degree Lineage Holder (Presenter at the
2000 ISSEEM Conference) of an ancient Spiritual Practice that traces it's
Lineage back to the Monks in Northern India some 2500 yrs. ago. This Spiritual
Practice is a Direct Transmission System of Mandala Walks that immediately
Opens all Chakras simultaneously, thereby Empowering others & allowing them
to work with this Life-Force Energy to Heal their lives at all levels
At Wind Spirit Gifts - 525 E. Main St., Montrose
Wednesday - September 22nd at 6:00 P.M. Dr. Alexander Gilmore - Your Immune System
At Total
Family Wellness in Cedaredge, Dr Gilmore is an eclectic kind of doctor. "I
think there is more to the human body than most of us realize," he says,
"there is an amazing capacity for self-healing and regeneration deep within
that just needs to be awakened for people to experience vibrant health. This is
how miracles happen." Dr. Alexander Gilmore will discuss the
key to the immune system and how well your life style is working for you.
October Attraction !!
At Wind Spirit Gifts - 525 E. Main St., Montrose
Wednesday - October 27th at
6:00-8:00 Carla Blowey
- Dreams: A Blessing in Disguise
Carla Blowey, bereaved mother and author of Dreaming Kevin: The Path To Healing
shares her inspiring testimony of the healing power of dreams in
reconciling the death of her five-year-old son, Kevin. In her program, Dreams: A Blessing in Disguise, Carla
invites anyone grieving the death of a loved one to recognize their dreams as a
valuable tool for healing. Dreams often mirror our grief journeys with symbols,
metaphors, and memories pointing to issues and hidden agendas blocking the path
to reconciliation. In the first hour of the program, Carla will share excerpts
from her book to illustrate the guidance, wisdom, and healing offered to her by
the Holy Spirit. There will be ample time in the second hour for questions,
sharing, and insights.
In an
attempt to make our free presentations available
to more and more individuals, we have changed the night of the presentations
from Friday to Wednesday, thus it is Wednesday Night Wisdom. As
usual, these programs are held at Wind Spirit Gifts. A new policy will be
in effect for all of the events. We are asking that all attendees at
Wednesday Night Wisdom bring a donation of a non-perishable food. Your
donation will be forwarded to Mission Charities of Montrose. For the
Wednesday night programs, we have scheduled a great lineup of subjects for you
to explore with our volunteer presenters. Bring a neighbor or friend. Come
early and browse among the bamboo plants, fountains, crystals, candles and wind
chimes. Visit with your friends and fellow members of The Whole Life Network.
In this network, you won't be a stranger for long.
Do you have
a subject on which you want to be heard? We plan to schedule one of these
free-to-the-public presentations every other week all year long. To have your
"Forum" reserved for you, just call Jody at 240-0234. For a great
evening out, come to the Wednesday Night
Wisdom series.
Back
to Top
Meditations: Soapbox of the President
by Kim E. Davis
Wednesday Night Wisdom's are off to
a wonderful start! Not only did we have a great first Wednesday night turn out
on August 11th, but our guest speaker Rosemerry Trommer was simply amazing. Not
only is she an accomplished poet herself, but she took the poetry of others and
it was the way she spoke the words with such passion that truly made the poems
come alive. We all could almost see with the mind's eye the visual that she was
speaking. She also had us do our own poems entitled "I wish to speak to".
It was truly enlightening and if any of us were not fans of poetry, we were
certainly intrigued when we left. My sincere thanks to Rosemerry for a
wonderful evening.
As most of you already know The
Whole Life Network is planning a 15th anniversary party on October 23rd. I
would like to personally invite everyone to join us in this wonderful event. We
have many things planned and are in the process of finalizing it all. You will
be getting an invitation so mark your calendars for this special evening.
Back
to Top
Montrose Canine Carnival
Morningstar Veterinary Clinic Release
Dog lovers from throughout the Uncompahgre valley are
invited to attend and participate in the 2nd Annual Montrose Canine
Carnival. The Canine Carnival will be held at the Rotary Park, South
12th Street, in Montrose, Colorado, on Saturday September 18th, beginning at
9:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm. The festivities begin with a Walk or a
Run. Registration for the Walk/Run will cost $18 for which you'll receive
a T-shirt for the human, a bandana for the dog, a doggie pick-up bag, tickets
for a drink and a food item and a ticket for the hourly drawing. Other
events and competitions include: Canine Good Citizen testing and certification,
best trick, most tail wags, longest ears, shortest legs, tallest dog, best dog
costume, relays, puppy push-ups, Canine Congeniality Award, service dog
demonstrations and hourly drawings. Sound like fun for both the master
and the dog? You bet your buttons. The best part is that the
proceeds will benefit the Montrose Animal Protection Agency, Ridgway's Second
Chance Animal Shelter and Montrose Animal Shelter Expansion Project.
Everyone can join in the fun because there will be prizes for collecting pledge
dollars and for signing up Walk/Run participants. Call Dr. Bettye Hooley
at 249-8022 for information or pick up registration and pledge forms at
Morningstar Veterinary Clinic, 717 N. Cascade in Montrose.
Back
to Top
A Woman’s Right to Write
by Jill Burkey
I glanced in
the rearview mirror and was startled not to see them, panicking for a moment.
Alone! My first trip away from Brooke, eight months, and Parker age 3. They
would be in good hands with their dad, and it would be good for him to spend a
few days in my stay-at-home-mom shoes.
The last
time I took to the road by myself with my own agenda was six years ago, a
single career woman traveling the country on sales calls. I felt myself trying
to become that outwardly confident woman who said things like, "I don't
need a man to check my oil or change a flat." The serenity of the road
almost persuaded me to keep going, to cater only to me, to lose it and be
irresponsible, but I exited at Glenwood Springs and found my way to the grand
stone retreat house.
I arrived
mid-afternoon on Friday, June 4th, about the same time the other ten women did.
We had a few minutes to find our spacious rooms, unpack, and explore our
beautiful surroundings before our first meeting. Sandra Dorr, our writing
instructor, outlined the retreat's agenda for the weekend, which was to be a
balance of workshops, free time, communal meals, and individual meetings.
The retreat
was rich and full of firsts for me. St. Benedict's Monastery, Mount Sopris,
vespers, organic meals, new friends, centered prayer; it was all new, not to
mention that it was my first writing retreat. It was not my first encounter
with Sandy, though, and as usual, she came prepared with stacks of books,
handouts, and writing exercises that inspired. She gave us each unwavering
focus, met us where we were, and prompted us to move forward.
Perhaps the
best thing Sandy did for us was to remind us we all have something important to
say, that women's lives and stories have gone relatively untold, and though we
were only together a short while, we shared deeply. We tapped into the
sisterhood that is always there among women.
Carol, a
participant, quoted John Tarrant's The Light Inside the Dark:
"In Dante's Purgatorio, the souls carry great stones around the mountain
paths and Dante, accompanying them, bends over in sympathy. But they hoist
their loads joyfully, are glad of burdens and tasks because burdens and tasks
will transform them... The stones on our backs educate us through the dumb
force of matter. The weight, the rough edges scoring our skin, the sweat
running into our eyes, all these are the taste of life."
A woman's
life has many stones, and I went home and gladly bore them.
Jill Burkey
can be contacted at burkey@frontier.net
Back
to Top
Remembering Aztlán
a column of poetry, culture & spirit
by Art Goodtimes
APOGAEA … That’s the
neuter plural of a Late Latin word, coming from the Attic Greek, meaning
“[things] far from earth” – a play on Colorado’s high altitude climes, but also
a reference to the event’s “out of this world” cultural niche. As the website (www.apogaea.com) explains, “In the spirit of
the Burning Man event, Apogaea in Dreamtime
establishes a temporary autonomous zone where radical self-expression,
inclusiveness, and self-reliance are the hallmarks of its participants” … And
the weekend event on an 80-acre site on Stucker Mesa outside Paonia this past
July lived up to its names. It was other-worldly, a sea of gaunt snags plunging
down a gully into the North Fork Valley of the Gunnison. Where hundreds of
wildly attired folks from around the state pitched camp on the mesa edge of a
giant piñon-juniper burn -- to dance, take workshops, and stroll the various
theme camps that dotted the slopes – the Casbah. Dome on the Range, Shambala,
Heebeegeebee’s, People’s Republic and Kids’ Camp. Or wander Radiance Loop,
Lotus Pond Way and TranscenDance Avenue to see the many art installations,
included the Grotto of AvoiDance, Spirits Rising, Electric Lasso Boogaloo,
Iktomi the Dreamcatcher and La Grauda de Los Santos … I did a Talking Gourds
circle in the Oracle Tipi Sunday afternoon, while other workshops included
Middle Eastern Dance, Chanting, Toltec Dreaming, Sacred Sexuality and Flame
Throwing … Telluride’s Grassolean guru, Charris Ford, billed here as “The
Granola Ayatollah of Canola”, wove a web of hip-hop rhymes to educate about
sustainable fuels, and KVNF’s mellifluous-tongued DJ, Celeste Labadie, followed
with her delicious goddess poetry …I met lots of friends there, and people I’d
seen, at the Rainbow Gathering in California, who turned up at Dreamtime as
well. Not surprising, as the event had a sweet and loving air about it.
Anastasia brought a huge basket of cherries to pass out free. And there were
lots of giveaways – just like Rainbow … But no free food kitchens. Participants
had to be responsible for their own everything – meals, water, shelter,
transportation. And there was a fee to get in -- $40 for three full days and
nights. And, in that, it was more like Burning Man than Rainbow. Still the
energy was sweet and loving among most everyone … There was a wonderful main
stage, with a large carpeted dance floor in a natural bowl that sloped up for
lounging on several sides. And the music was non-stop. Xeno Volcano and Bhakti
Rasa led off the “way late” schedule on Friday night, and Saturday the music
lasted until the dawn’s rosy fingers climbed over Lamborn. There were all kinds
of bands – electric, acoustic, dance-oriented, fusion and fun – with names like
Tribal Electra, Fractalia, Floodvessel, The Last Bus, Dusty Onyx and the
Rainbow Ramblers, and Ymas … Michelle Shocked was the surprise headliner, but
she cancelled, which wasn’t much of a blip, as a wonderful North Texas
assemblage of talented young musicians did more then fill in. One of the big
hits of Saturday night, Spoonfed Tribe rocked on Sunday as well, serving up a
feast of psychedelic percussion and melodic mood meanderings. Which is to say,
they were great to dance to. Funk, punk, soul, kaleidoscopic rock & world
beat fused into a musical lollapalooza worthy of any good Dead show. Egg Nebula
knocked my socks off. But they were all impressive – Gouffahtts, Jerome57,
Kabooom, P.Green36, and ShoNuff. A wild bunch. Maybe they’ll find their way to
Telluride before too long … One thing’s for sure. Apogaea in Dreamtime is on my
calendar already for next year!
CALENDARS … The boon and
bane of a busy life … Imagine, for a moment, having no expectation as to what
might happen to you at 11 a.m. on Sunday, the 19th of September? …
As if you could step out of time. Let things just be. And become … Rather than
knowing what to expect. Where you should be. What should be commanding your
attention. For what, one day, will be the very last moment of your life.
MONTHLY QUOTA … “Any clod
can have the facts, but having opinion is an art.” –Charles McCabe
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSOCIATION OF
PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES … It was friend David Lenderts,
long a stalwart Norwood landowner (and a first-time dad to a young boy named
Ben just last month), who published a perceptive essay in MAPS magazine, Volume XIII, Number 1
(Spring 2003): “Language and Reality – Our Choices of Words Affect How
Psychoactive Substances Are Perceived” … Lenderts argues against the
persistence of the term “hallucinogen” and its derivatives, which he defines as
“the perception of something that does not exist in objective reality”. As he
notes, “As a practicing physician in Emergency Medicine, I have certainly seen
many people hallucinating”. But he thinks the consciousness-enhancing effects
of psychoactive substances should more properly be called “vision-inducing.” …
As Lenderts concludes, “My substantial experience with at least one combination
of these sacred plants, hoasca, is that these substances can give us a clearer
vision of reality, and thus are not hallucinogenic, despite their capacity to
produce profound visual alterations in what we may normally perceive.”
CRAIG … Traditionally,
an industry-dominated promotion and lobbying group for the Western Slope, Club
20 is changing. Under the leadership of Director Reeves Brown, new seats have
been found at the table for environmental groups and liberal politicians (an
endangered species in Colorado generally, let alone on this side of the
divide). As San Miguel County’s rep to that board, I’ve participated in this
eco-thaw, and tried to help it along by forming a progressive caucus with
sympathetic neighbors like Pitkin and Ouray, and individuals from several other
counties … But after a series of subcommittee meetings at the Power Station in
Craig recently, I’m not so sure that one step forward doesn’t entail two steps
back. A resolution brought by David Gann of The Nature Conservancy to recognize
that even alternative energy development will have negative impacts on habitat fragmentation
and biodiversity was voted down. A mining rep called “habitat fragmentation”
more of a buzzword than a scientific concept (Excuse me, are we still in the
eco-Dark Ages?). And one oil & gas rep there found himself in the
indefensible position of arguing that noise and scenic blight were the only
impacts from energy development that Club 20 had to date recognized, and by god
it ought to stay that way … It was sobering. Clearly, Western Slope business
interests have not yet learned the lessons of Third World counties and continue
to forge ahead tearing up world class scenery for quick buck energy schemes …
There was a resolution that passed 15 to 4 (I had a few other enviro
sympathizers at this meeting at least) calling for the delisting of gray wolves
and opposing wolf reintroduction in Colorado … But just when I as about to
throw in the towel and go find a Sierra Club chapter meeting to regain my
sanity, one committee came up with a very reasonable middle ground position on
river rafting … In Colorado that’s a problem as private folks often own under a
river, and refuse to allow rafting across their property. State law favors
private rights over public ones, and it’s a real sticking point. So, Club 20 is
promoting basin-wide plans that develop ways to pay private owners for public
river access – a market approach that may break the current impasse between
rafters and property advocates … Club 20 has a long ways to go in shaping a
table where all voices are heard. But that is what’s happening. It’s just that,
right now, progressive voices are still a minority on the Back Range of
Colorado.
Back
to Top
ReConnections: A Look Back
The heritage of The Whole Life Network from the pages of Connections.
One Year Ago **"As
announced last month, The Whole Life Network has arranged a weekend intensive,
bringing to our community The Work of Byron
Katie presented by Tricia McKenzie and Adam Lewis."
**Dr.
Judith Boice discussed working conditions, "Healthy people require a
healthy environment for living and working. You cannot breath toxic fumes,
drink polluted water, work all day under florescent lights and still expect to
maintain good health."
Five Years Ago **"Noted
speaker and physician, Barry Berns, MD, will be in Montrose September 17 18 to
discuss his latest work on healing body and mind.
**Tom
Farnham from an article, The Enneagram and
Karma, “The personality is the clever ego trying to hold us back.
The attainment of any level of spiritual enlightenment does not relieve one of
this burden. In fact, the imbalance of the personality will eventually overcome
the benefits of the spiritual journey, if not dealt with."
Ten Years Ago **The Whole
Life Network's fourth annual Symposium, scheduled for October 7 and 8, is now
just a month away. This year's presenter is Kenneth Ring, Ph.D., an expert on
the phenomenon of near-death experiences."
**From
the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting, "Edith (Gallenbeck)
proposed WLN sponsorship of a Health and Wellness Fair to be held in January,
1995. WLN would sell booth space: admission would be free. Friendship Hall will
be booked for Saturday, January 28, 1995."
Back
to Top
Dea's Kitchen: Cucumber is not a vegetable
by Dea Jacobson
September is a transition month, summer's heat giving way to
fall rains, the hunters preparing for the hunt, and the gathers
gathering...their work cut out for them as they put up food for the long winter
months. Still, we have some warm days ahead. Western Colorado is
legendary for its Indian Summers, great for those of us who have a hard time
letting go of warn weather. Now the days are shortening and the evening’s
cooler, like fall is here, even as I write this in mid-August.
This month, I am focusing on cucumbers which, as I do my
research, I discover is a fruit, not a vegetable. Yes, like its cousins,
the melons, cucumber is a "vine fruit". And the more I read
about it, the more convinced I am that nature has provided for us, in the
seasonal produce of the land, everything we need for perfect health.
Ninety percent water, it is slim on nutrients, but does contain silicon,
necessary for the absorption of calcium and generally lacking in the modern
diet. An ideal food for hot weather, it is cooling, a diuretic that
relieves edema. And, it has great cosmetic value. Grated cucumber,
placed in a gauze pack, will soothe irritated skin or the eyes. It can
also treat sunburned skin, and its ground, dried seeds, according to Paul
Pitchford, will expel tapeworms!
Our recipes for this month include a "Raita", a
type of condiment from India, where the cucumber is originally from, and, of
course, pickles. The Raita recipe is from Maya Tiwari.
Cucumber Raita with Yogurt and Dill
*2 cucumbers
*1/2 cup plain organic yogurt
*1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
*2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
*one pinch each of salt and black pepper
Wash
and peel the cucumbers and slice them lengthwise. Remove the seeds by
running a spoon along the center of the cucumbers. Slice them crosswise,
very thinly. In a bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add
the cucumbers, toss and serve immediately.
Next,
here is a refrigerator pickle recipe inspired by Rebecca Wood.
Refrigerator Dill Chips
*2 2-1/2 cups sliced very fresh cucumbers, about 1/4"
thick
*2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (never use table salt - it makes the brine cloudy)
*2 sprigs fresh dill about 6" long, or 1 tablespoon dry dill seed or 1
head of fresh dill
*2 cloves garlic
*1/2 cup each of distilled vinegar and water
Combine the sliced cucumbers and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the
salt. Cover with cold water and let stand for 2 to 3 hours.
Drain. In a clean, hot, wide mouth jar, put the dill, garlic, and
remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Add the cucumber slices, push down and
firmly pack. Combine vinegar and water and bring to a boil. Pour
over cucumbers. Insert a plastic knife or spatula down the sides of the
jar and gently push contents to the center to release air bubbles. Make
sure the solution gets between the slices, and add more solution if
necessary. Leave 1/2 inch of headspace between the rim and its
contents. Put the clean lid and screw band in place and refrigerate for
six weeks before eating. For quicker pickles, use a larger jar and
multiply the recipe by 2 or 4 times. Leave out on the counter for 3 to 5
days, uncapped. Make sure however, that the contents is submerged in the
brine by placing a clean rock or small jar filled with water on the
cukes. Place it on a plate to catch any seepage. They're done when
the color changes so they look "cooked" and have a tang.
Refrigerated, these will keep for a month. You can use cauliflower
florets, carrot chunks, daikon, radishes, turnips, or any other plentiful
vegetable to make a pickled medley. Keep some around and...enjoy!
Back
to Top
Peaceful
Contributions for the Soul
By
Kathy Gates
The time of the harvest, the time when
all earth's children prepare to give their harvest back to the earth
mother. It is during this time that the seeds from most plants fall back
into the earth in preparation for the seasons that will come.
It is during this time of life that
people who have been given a vision know themselves well enough to be ready to
share the lessons of their vision.
(Do not drive while meditating)
Take a few deep breaths and become
relaxed, letting go from your toes to your head. Let go of the daily tasks and
busy thoughts whirling in your head. Become quiet, become silent.
Feel yourself connecting with the
energies of both earth and sky.
Think about the different times of the
day. They are here for you every day. A gift from Creator.
First the beautiful sunrise, as it
illuminates the earth and brings us a new beginning.
The full sun of the day as it sheds its
great light upon us so that we may see clearly our world.
The sunset as it brings us to the closing
of each day, a day that will never return again. Just passing gently enough to
let us know this day is over.
The moon shows up as we rest our weary bodies, glowing
with a soft light in the darkness, dancing across the night sky as we
sleep, until the morning comes once again.
Imagine yourself walking towards a beautiful meadow. As you walk you see
bright flowers, little butterflies, bugs and a big blue sky. There in the
distance you notice a well.
As you move closer you see your name
written on it's front. Notice the color of the writing, notice the style of
writing.
When you arrive up close look into the
well, is the water clear?
Does it have enough water for you to
share with others?
Dip your hands in the well of water and
get a drink. Notice how much you take for yourself.
Take some time to reflect on this.
When you are finished walk back through the meadow, enjoying the scents and
focus on your hearing. What sounds are around you?
Return to your normal
consciousness. Gently stretch and be sure you are totally back in normal
awareness.
Write down and record as much as you can
remember. There are lots of messages here for you, look within to find
your harvest. In the sacred silence the messages are clear.
Peace and Blessings to all living
beings Kathy Gates (Women's Spirit Retreat, 20212 High Park Road,
Cedaredge, CO). Call 970-856-7665.
Back
to Top
Herbs For Vitality
© Anne Calzada Herbalist
Most of us
are interested in retaining our health and beauty. I know that I am, who isn't?
Using herbs and foods we are able to strengthen our chi. In the East,
"chi" represents the body's energy reserve. Aging is a natural process
that is accelerated by many sources. Stress, stimulants, depressants, refined
foods, and even physical trauma contribute to depletion of vitality and old
age. Growing older doesn't means sickness contrary to some belief systems. In
TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are said to house the chi. The
adrenals are said to be the seat of physical power. If they are weak then
fatigue sets in. Food sources that are energizing are nuts, seeds, yogurt,
fruits, vegetables, fresh juice, nutritional yeast, bee pollen and spirulina.
Herbs help to prevent and lessen the process of aging.
Gingko
increases oxygenation to the brain. It enhances neural synapses, making your
thinking clearer. It helps to clear dizziness and ringing in the ears. It is so
effective in oxygenating the brain that I recommend it for high altitude
sickness. It increases peripheral circulation. Gingko also thins the blood, so
be aware if you are using pharmaceutical medicines.
Nettles is
my favorite herb. It lends its properties to nourish the adrenals, kidneys ands
the blood. It is rich in chlorophyll and minerals. Drink a nettle infusion and
you won't need your mineral supplement. The body recognizes plants as food
anyhow over laboratory creations. Drinking nettle tea will make you strong!
Fo ti or Ho
Shou Wu is known as the "herb of youth" in the East. It nourishes the
liver, kidneys and the blood. It helps to retain the color of the hair. Ho Shou
Wu means "Mr Wu's hair stays black". It promotes virility in men.
Supports the endocrine system and lowers hypertension. It strengthens the
body's energy.
Hawthorne is
herb premier for the cardiovascular system. It dilates the blood vessels,
helping to increase blood supply to the heart. It strengthens and balances the
heart, making it good for high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, and
circulatory problems. It is rich in bioflavinoids, which are great for the eyes
and the veins as well.
Siberian
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it tones the body and helps to
minimize the effects of stress. It supports the adrenal glands, builds immunity
and brain function. It counters fatigue. Be aware if you have high blood
pressure that Siberian ginseng may raise it.
Milk Thistle
is the herb for the liver. A supreme antioxidant. It protects and regenerates
the liver cells. Used for jaundice, exposure to chemicals and metals,
environmental pollution, pharmaceutical or street drugs. It rebuilds and
cleanses.
Oatstraw and
Oats are nourishing. They are rich in silica and other minerals. They support
the nervous system. They help to lower cholesterol and contribute to colon
health, via their fiber if you eat them. If you drink oat straw tea, be
prepared for an abundance of minerals, beautiful hair and nails. They support
the endocrine system and the reproductive system. Have you sowed your wild oats
lately?
Here's to
our health and the health of this planet!!
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).
Back
to Top
WANDERINGS: (a record of recent and projected saunterings &
savorings)
Part Two of a Series by Earl Sires
A Mourning Dove cooing in the cool, clear
morning. Raindrops falling on my rooftop keeping time with the rolling thunder.
Humidity at 100% and the perspiration running down my neck. The wind in my face
as I speed along on my bike. Wild Turkeys in every state I've visited.
Something I've seldom seen. The look of faces and sound of voices of those I've
not seen for a while. The joy of renewed friendships. The Global Nomad (my van)
working well in all its parts. Morning coffee. Two cups. Sugar. No cream. Sitting
and savoring it. Eagles, antelope, deer, elk, great Blue Heron, buffalo, skunk,
fish so thick you could walk across their backs, but no Moose in the North
Country. My Granddaughter gracefully sitting a horse at riding school. Cicadas
on their 17-year visit in Cincinnati. Sailing over the deep blue sea on The
Appledore IV. Rolling prairie and the bluestem grasslands of Kansas. Rivers:
The Wabash, Missouri, Mississippi, Neosha and the Cottonwood on the banks of
which I have camped for four days, with more to come; the Arkansas, Colorado,
Uncompaghre and the Rio Grand. The stiff winds of the great prairie. The
indefinable aroma of the wilds and the distinct smell of sage.
EVENT OF IMMENSE IMPORTANCE: JUNE 1,
2004 on the banks of Mineral Creek in Colorado.
While sitting in the van just now
with the door open I had a visitor. A hummingbird flew in, thrumming as he
investigated, looking for something sweet to eat. Hovering about the dashboard
he examined Sam's picture, the golden Buddha and the brown clay Groundhog (made
by grandson Kevin for my birthday) both of which sit proudly on my dashboard,
the clown, my traveling companion who sits in the cup holder, and other odds
and ends. Overlooking the bag of candy and satisfied that there was nothing
here for her/him, she/he flew away without so much as a thank you or goodbye.
He/she need not have thanked me or saluted me, for his/her visit was enough
thrill for the day.
GOSHEN ROAD REST STOP
It was eventide
when I pulled into Goshen Road Rest Stop. The sun had already slid down below
the horizon and night was falling. Having had a bad experience, what with a
blowout and the trouble ensuing trying to get it repaired and having to pay $
450 plus, I was feeling a little down and a prime subject for good news. It
came in the form of a lovely rest area provided by the Illinois Department of
Transport.
Getting out of the van, I went to the
comfort building, spying as I approached a gently arched bridge at the rear of
the building and what looked like a trail. Finishing my business in the rest
room I walked out to examine what I thought might be a nice opportunity for a
hike and discovered a trail that circled around through the woods, across
another arched bridge along a little pond and back to the parking area. Walking
this at dusk made it all the more enjoyable, as I breathed in the earthy scent
of a forest wetland tinged with the sweet and very familiar smell of honey
suckle, which always reminds me of my childhood in Savannah and the honeysuckle
vine on our back fence. I walked on, sauntering in order to appreciate the more
the sight of bright blue Iris growing at the edge of the pond along with a
colony of Rose Mallow, and stands here and there of Red Canary Grass, Stout
Wood Reed and various sedges in the margins. I admired two huge Silver Maple
that stood proudly in the middle of a little forest composed primarily of that
species, Pin Oak, Shingle Oak and Slippery Elm. I caught sight of a medium
sized rabbit munching a dinner of grass and two unidentified birds, perhaps
Robins, who flew and hopped along ahead of me like small children do when they
want to be adventurous but haven't yet got up the courage and must run ahead,
stop and look back to make sure adults are coming along.
Inside the building a plaque told of how in
1818, at the time Illinois became a state there were over 8.2 million acres of
forest wetland, an ecosystem that holds value for wildlife habitat, flood
control, water quality improvement, ground water recharge, and recreation. I t
also pointed out that over 91% of that has been lost, is still dwindling,
leaving only .7 million acres. Such numbers are readily duplicated in every
area of the country, testimony to the depletion and degradation of our natural
home, and a reminder that we need to recover our sense of unity with Earth,
show respect and reverence and take better care or what really is the rest of
ourselves.
This little forest wetland, consisting of
two acres, with its short quarter mile long trail, will remain in my memory as
a little haven on a busy highway, even as it serves many another weary and
frazzled traveler as a place of personal restoration and reminds all who stop
and take notice of the restoration and renewal that we humans must hallow the
earth and all life.
(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 as a permanent resident, but he continues his
influence in our community with frequent visits. Please refer to the March 2004
issue of Connections and the
article, Earl Sires Marks His 75th, for more detail on his life and travels.)
Back
to Top
Know What You Want!
by Jerry Overton
"If
you don't know what you want, how will you know when you get
it?"—Anonymous Ned
Good
point, Ned, but what about all of us who have grown up thinking that we were
supposed to wait on somebody else, say our Mother, to tell us what we wanted?
What about those of us who have been too afraid to actually know what we wanted for fear of being
disappointed when we didn't get it? And what about those who, even if they did
know what they really wanted, were told that to seek it out would be
impractical or even selfish?
Good
questions, all. But let me ask you this: Do you actually know what you really want? Are you clear as crystal
about it? And are you on the path to getting it?
Or
do you just have sort of a vague idea about it? Or if you do know, do you
continually find ways not to have it—as you continue to make excuses, blame
others, or act dumb on the subject?
Now
lest you think I'm being a real pain in the neck here, I must confess, I know
the subject well. I've lived it out, and have spent more than a few years
wondering why my life wasn't more exciting, stimulating, and fulfilling.
The
fact was that for much of my life I was responding to a great deal of adaptive
behavior. I was doing what I thought others wanted me to do. I was settling for
what I thought they wanted me to have. I was living my life as if I had no
ideas of my own (which too often was true!). And my life, in many respects, was
one huge toleration!
It
was as if I was living out a pre-programmed existence. There seemed to be very
little consciousness about it. And I was not a very happy camper!
What
made such a miserable existence so easy was that I was not alone! In fact, now
as I think about it, most people I knew were doing the same thing—living out
the unconscious script. And the best we could do was to get together
occasionally and grumble about how hard life was (no wonder "support groups"
flourished!).
Now
I'd like to think that folks are doing much better these days—considering all
the resources available. But dare I say it, I'm not seeing a whole lot of
progress in many quarters!
I'm still seeing folks stay in careers that have long
since served their purposes. I'm seeing them stay in relationships that offer
little support, nurture, and encouragement. I'm seeing them perpetuate family
systems where they're expected to take care of everybody in the world but
themselves. I'm seeing folks who don't seem to know that it's even possible for
them to know, much less have, what they want in life. And some of them would
actually feel guilty if they did!
Does
any of this fit for you? If so, then hear this: You can know what you want. What's more, it's your birthright!
And
if you can't figure it out on your own, then seek out someone who can help you.
Find a trusted friend, a counselor, a coach, a minister, or someone who cares
about you enough to support you in your quest.
Then
don't stop until you know exactly what you want. And make sure it really fits
you—that it has integrity for the unique person that you are. Never settle for
someone else's notion.
Once
you're clear, then pursue it with all the gusto you can muster. And never give
up!
You
health, your happiness, and perhaps even your life may well depend on it! And
so do those of us who know and love you.
Copyright
2004 Dr. Jerry D. Overton All Rights Reserved
Jerry
is a personal coach, counselor, and Director of The Center for Personal and
Spiritual Growth. He can be reached at 252-9311.
Back
to Top
Rejuvenation: You Can Relax and Renew
Stone Forest Retreat Release
Where
do you plan to be during September 22nd to the 26th? If you feel the need
for rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit, you should plan to escape this
material world and attend the Rocky Mountain Rejuvenation Retreat. This
unique, five day opportunity to relax and renew can be the best thing to happen
to you in a long time. This retreat will be held in Cedaredge at the
beautiful sanctuary known as Stone Forest Retreat. David and Elizabeth
Koos, after years of personal quest and a love of learning, have created this
retreat center as a place where people can gather in self discovery and connect
with the nurturing energy of Mother Earth. During the Rocky Mountain
Rejuvenation Retreat, facilitators from many disciplines will be available for
personal healing sessions including (but not limited to): Dea Jacobson, Yoga,
Nancy Baker, massage therapy, Polly Cady, handwriting analysis, Josh Hayward,
astrology, Carlo Godel, star gazing and Elizabeth Koos, Tai Chi. At press
time it was revealed that a medical intuitive would be attending.
Facilities include dorm-style platform tents or camping sites, a spa quality
bathhouse with a steam room, and a geodesic dome meeting center. Each day will
wrap up with social gathering and dinner. Want to learn more? Call
Nancy 856-6539, www.stoneforestretreat.com or Dea 856-4905, www.blueheronyoga.com.
Back
to Top
Business Member Profile
Food For Thought - Herbs + Supplements + Books
Whole Life Network Release
As
the Whole Life Network prepares to celebrate our 15th Anniversary, another
milestone celebration is taking place in Ridgway. Patty Painter, owner of
Food For Thought, proudly announces the completion of her 10th year in
business. And guess what? Food For Thought has been a Business
member of The Whole Life Network for the same ten years. You can't do any
better than 100%. Our network also owes Patty Painter a huge "thank
you" for the years that she housed and administered our library in her
shop. And the record wouldn't be complete without acknowledging all of
the occasions in which she handled, without compensation, book sales at our
events. It is well known in Ridgway that Food For Thought is a place
where you can get information and products for healing SELF, society and
planet. The entire shopping experience inspires hope and positive change.
Recently
some additional retail space became available to Patty at her location, 540
Sherman Street in Ridgway. Not being an individual to rest on her ten
years of progress and accomplishment, Patty has opened a meeting place for
locals called Sereni-Tea. Even though Sereni-Tea is adjacent to Food For
Thought, it has none of the retail energy. As Patty jokingly says,
"Sereni-Tea is c.c.c. free or, in other words, no coffee, no computers,
and no cell-phones". Patty has sought to create a space where one
can withdraw from over-stimulation, slow down, and take time to feel
gratitude. Visitors to Sereni-Tea can be by themselves or meet with other
people. A class in Course in Miracles,
and a group of Co-Creators have already met in this peaceful
setting. Why Tea? It's a popular beverage, but it also has a
history of harmony and peace. Patty told us that the Chinese character
for tea is wood on the bottom, flowers and grass on the top and man/woman in
between. The symbolism suggests that tea can bring we humans into balance
with nature. There's more to the story. Sereni-Tea is a showcase
for local artists. Featured right now are earth paintings by former Whole
Life Network President, Maggie Remington, and earth art by Amro Umrani.
Free literature abounds, featuring, of course, the latest issues of Connections. There are puzzles and
games for the children and a CD player for the mature.
There
will be a good variety and tea available and weekly specials, such as Ceylon
Black Tea, will be offered. All tea is strictly self-service and
donations on the honor system are requested. Waste is minimized by the
use of compostible cups and napkins. Serini-Tea is an experiment in
honesty, trust and responsibility. All like minded parties are encouraged
to call Patty to make this scene available for groups. It gets even
better. Patty's long range vision for Sereni-Tea is to turn over all
profits to a charity involved in wildlife habitat preservation. As Patty
told us, "It's something I felt that I needed to do".
Back
to Top
