Welcome to the August/September 2008 edition of Tips and Notes. I know. It is really September but I have been working on this issue for a couple of weeks so I consider it both months.  Happy September!

I would like to invite you to visit my website at www.dallacor.com and browse through the variety of pages there if you haven’t done that recently. For example you may wish to visit the blog. I began a new use of the blog when the July Tips and Notes brought a lot of positive feedback. The power of our thoughts is certainly a topic appreciated by many. I decided to further the discussion of that theme on my blog. I will do the same for the topic of this issue. Maybe you would like to add “check Marie’s blog site” to your weekly to do list.

In this issue, I will be writing more about the power of your thoughts with attention to visualization and imagery. I hope you find it useful as you move into your fall activity planning. When you go to the blog at a later date, you will see further developments on the theme. You can also send comments of your own. It will be interesting to hear from you.

I am pleased that you have chosen to subscribe to Tips and Notes and I hope you will continue to forward them to friends and colleagues who may enjoy reading them. They can easily also subscribe by going to the subscribe page on my web site. www.dallacor.com

Before sharing my Fall message, I will briefly refer to what I am offering over the next three months. There are several workshops and a retreat at Memory Gardens Retreat. Janice Chamberlain and I are partnering for all my fall group activities in terms of location, marketing, food and other things. Jan and I have crossed paths several times over our career lives but we have not been in situations to work together before and are enjoying the collaboration. We are excited about what we have to offer you. Rather than describing the details of each event here in Tips and Notes, I have listed the offerings with a link to the detailed description on my web site. Please follow the links.

1. We are offering two modules of the Mentoring Program, this fall:

• Human Energy Systems starts at 7:00 pm September 16th (to help you increase energy awareness and learn some techniques for self balancing and healing).
• Leading with Wisdom and Spirit starts at 7:00pm Nov 4th (to help you see leadership roles from a different perspective)

2. The Fall retreat planned for end of October already has 5 participants to sign up fast.

• The Inner Wisdom Retreat is offered in Owen Sound the weekend of Oct 24 to 26 at Memory Gardens Retreat

3. Jan Chamberlain has invited Annabelle Garland and me to offer a Healthy Grieving workshop dayin Owen Sound on Nov 1st. You may want to attend if you are experiencing loss of a loved one.

4. I am working with Sue Crutcher of Sutopia to offer a spring Retreat tentatively set for April 24th weekend.

• Balance Yourself; Balance Your Workplace is specifically designed to appeal to those in highly stressful leadership roles. Interested? Please contact me to let me know.

5. Several people have indicated they would like to learn Reiki and so I am offering the first level in September and the second level in November.

Margaret and Simon Christl

Maggie Christl is a renowned celtic folk singer

and her son Simon is very popular in the Toronto circuits.

You are sure to enjoy them at this Backyard concert

Sept 19, 2008

294 Park St Owen Sound.

Tickets $18 in advance only.

For more information contact Marie Knapp 519 371 1255 or email me at marieknapp@rogers.com

Marie’s Message

The Pictures You Create in Your Mind Make a Difference

What is in your mind is not always thoughts represented as words. In fact much of what is portrayed in your mind is in the form of pictures. Let me give you some examples. Suppose I were to ask you to tell me about the home you grew up in. In your mind, you can actually go to an image of your home. Imagine the outside of your home. Go in through the front door and you will have an image of what was in there. Most of you will be able to walk through each room of the house and describe it. You will surprise yourself with the detail you can give of the texture of the living room furniture or the kitchen counter top.

The picture is not only visual. Some of you will be able to smell the aroma of food, or scented candles or flowers that may have been in there. Some of you will hear music, a radio, an instrument, someone’s voice. And some of you will notice a feeling you can sense in your body, like tension, fear, frustration or love, cosiness, friendliness. This is the image in your mind and this is what we mean by imagery.

I first learned about the value of visualization or imagery in my graduate studies. I remember reading a passage in a book describing an athlete practicing for winter games as a down hill skier. The skier knew the route and was able to visualize himself going down the entire run. This practice in his mind illustrated to him that if he went too fast around a specific curve he would lose control. In his mind he practiced the curve with just the right amount of speed to allow him to maintain the control he needed. It worked.

Another example related to people learning to make shots in a basket ball net. I was impressed by the fact that those who practiced half the time in real and the other half in their minds actually did better after than those who practiced the entire time in real.

These examples, long ago as they are, stayed with me. Since that time I have always taught nursing students and others to practice in their minds.

From another perspective

If what you see in your mind is so effective in helping turn that image into reality … then what about the pictures you play over and over that are not what you want to happen. In fact these pictures may be the opposite of what you want, but rather, represent what you have come to expect.

Consciously you can use visualization to help you with presentations, speeches, chairing a meeting, athletic endeavours, playing musical instruments. What are the non-constructive images you are feeding your mind, review over and over, and bring into reality but not consciously. Let me give you some specific examples with questions:

1. You have to meet with someone to discuss a potential conflict you have with him or her. Are you, without awareness, continually visualizing the interaction going badly. Do you rehearse how you are going to react to the negative comments you expect the other is going to make? Are you all set to fight back?

2. You wish your relationship were different. Do you continue to hold an image of your partner in your mind that is not becoming of him or her. Are you feeling resentful, and disappointed? Does it affect how you interact?

3. You are heading off to a job interview and you are tense. Are you picturing yourself lacking in confidence and feeling incompetent.

If any of these are familiar to you, please know that you are not alone. The good news is that now that you are aware of this, now that you see how often you actually allow these images to continue to feed the outcomes of your life journey, you have the opportunity to change them.

Why do the above examples persist?

1. Sometimes it is part of your instinct to survive. Not necessary to survival but likely learned early in life.
2. Perhaps it relates to self protection. You would rather picture the worse and not be disappointed
3. Perhaps you just do not have a picture of what it may look like if it were to run smoothly
4. Maybe it is simply because you have always done it that way and until now have not been conscious of it.

You may find that working with a counsellor, or life coach or mentor may help you eliminate any beliefs that may be blocking growth in this area. Once you are aware, there are things that you can do to ensure that the pictures in your mind are healthy and constructive ones. I have listed below some of the steps that you can take to make this change.

1. Awareness is key. Before you can expect to make changes, you need to be aware of what pictures you hold. Simply notice the images you rehearse in your mind and notice the ones that are not pictures you really want to unfold.
2. Great work. Now that you are aware of at least one or more of these images, make a commitment to stop the picture as soon as you are aware it is there.
3. You may notice several things about the non-constructive images. For example are there some specific situations when or where these nonconstructive pictures begin to emerge?
4. Also notice how it feels inside when you go over these non constructive images. Likely you are feeling emotions such as resentment, hostility, low self worth, incompetence. Maybe you even feel hopeless, and guilty.
5. Your awareness is increasing. The next step is to STOP the image as soon as you notice it happening. Basically you are taking steps to stop feeding the set of unwanted results. While you may feel strongly that what you picture is what is likely to happen, it will only continue to happen if you continue to rehearse the same images.
6. Stopping can be easier once you have a replacement image. This is a difficult stage and may require some outside help. Different types of counselling or energy work may be helpful here.
7. When your event concerns a relationship, remember you cannot change the other person. But you can change what you bring to the situation and how you present.
8. Remember a time when you felt strong, capable, loving, or whatever emotion is necessary for the situation. With that emotion return to your image of the situation. Simply feel strong and empowered in the situation you image.
9. What kind of feeling do you want to be feeling in the next event? Consider how it feels to be strong, competent, compassionate, equal, calm, brilliant.
10. Now conjure up an image of yourself in the event with those constructive and empowered feelings. Simply rehearse the event not necessarily rehearsing specific conversations, but rather feeling your personal power in every aspect of the event. Notice it and choose it.

You can start this right now. No need to wait for tomorrow or an event to occur. Start with step one and notice. You are on the way to new beginnings and every moment is an opportunity for a new beginning.

I wish you many blessings in the season ahead. Enjoy the beauty of every moment.

Marie

Are you enjoying these messages?  I hope you will forward this one to friends and colleagues who may enjoy this newsletter too.  Later, they can easily subscribe by going to the subscribe page on my web site.  www.dallacor.com

DallaCor is offering several new events this fall.  Some appear at the end of this message and more will appear in the August message.  

Greetings from Marie

Your Thoughts Make a Difference

Negative thoughts are rampant all around us.  Thoughts about the economy, investments, jobs lost, war, accidents and violent crime.  Fear-based attitude is everywhere.  How do you manage this?

Law of attraction, power of intention, creative thought. The book shelves are filled with titles that contain aspects of these concepts. It is everywhere. Oprah Winfrey has done a magnificent job of promoting these concepts and shifting people’s thoughts to a new way of seeing things. In spite of its popularity, is it really possible to make this a way of daily living? If it was as easy as made out, we would all be wealthy, healthy, slender and have the perfect mate. Look around. Have you seen a dramatic increase in health and prosperity since “The Secret” was revealed?

Do I think that the power of positive thought is a valid concept? Absolutely! AND it takes work. The process is deep.  And by the way, positive thought is also rampant all around us.  Thoughts about love, peace, success, co-operation, collaboration, and neighbourliness. You see it all depends on what you are looking for and where you put our attention. 

Making Your Thoughts Work for You

I have put together a list of points you might consider:

1. Conscious thought represents a very small portion of the thought behind your day. Your life is more apt to be affected by your subconscious thought. And that is why you have inner work to do to. We all have inner work to do. It is called self-awareness.

2. Notice the automatic thought that “pops” into your mind in any given moment in response to the events of an ordinary day. Just noticing will heighten your awareness of what is really behind what happens.

3. Your subconscious thoughts are not necessarily formed in words. In fact, they may be better described as pictures, beliefs, perspectives that you hold – often without even realizing it.

4. Some beliefs you know you hold because you can verbalize them. These represent only a small portion of the beliefs you hold. Most are subconscious. Most were formed before you reached the age of 7.

5. Many of the subconscious beliefs are limiting. It makes sense. They often were formed at a very young age. Once aware of your beliefs, you have the ability to modify or eliminate them if you wish. It takes courage to bring them up to date. It may be life-changing and that takes courage to face. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) works on the meridian pathways where past events are held. Hypnosis has also been useful. Affirmations may be helpful. It is important to really believe what you are saying. You have to feel it in your heart and feel the shift.

6. Giving attention to what happens may bring to your awareness that your first inner response is often a negative one that requires adjustment. This awareness gives you the opportunity to STOP that thought. Why give nourishment to what you really don’t want? A negative thought may be ones that show judgement, criticism, self admonition, anger, retaliation or others. There are other ways of looking at it.

7. The next step could be to identify what belief precedes that negative thought. Have you automatically judged that family member in that way for some reason that you can’t even remember but that happened early in your life?

8. Awareness is a huge step in working with creative thought. In other words it is a huge step in learning to make things happen in a positive way. Pat yourself on the back.

9. Being aware of beliefs and deliberately releasing ones you no longer need, can really help you shift. It is my experience that you can actually feel the shift in your body when you release a belief and find a more supportive one and meaningful one to replace it.

10. Feelings and thoughts are closely linked. When you deliberately set out to make your thoughts creative, bring your awareness to your heart and feel the shift take place as you visualize the new situation you are trying to create.

11. Intentions are thoughts aimed at creating a new reality. I find that many people have difficulty creating an intention that is really focused on a new reality. They are often drawn to hold on to the old. They work on wording something to eliminate it. Instead, forget about that entirely. What is it you really want? Once you get it, you will find it very inspiring.

12. Awareness is the first key. Then stop the negative thought. Identify the underlying belief and replace it. Now create intentions based on how you want things to be and feel it as thought it already exists. Give it lots of feeling and attention.

Your Thoughts in Ordinary Time

The following are some practical applications:

1. Sometimes your day begins with an unsettled feeling. Notice this. This means you have an opportunity. Identify the uneasiness. You are likely picturing something going wrong – perhaps a difficult conversation or a project not happening as you wish. STOP yourself before you get far along in the visualization. Give your attention to what it is that you want to happen instead. Picture it and feel it in you heart. It is exciting.

2. You may catch yourself sending a message to someone and cautioning them about what you don’t want to happen. You start painting a very clear picture of exactly what you don’t want. STOP. Start picturing what you do want to happen. Picture it and describe that in the message. Feel the excitement in your heart as you watch it unfold.

3. At home perhaps you have decided to focus on healthy eating patterns. You begin a list of things to do and find yourself writing what you are not supposed to buy or eat. The list gets longer. STOP. Tear up that list and begin anew. This time list all the things you will enjoy buying, preparing and eating. Enjoy new recipes.

Some Questions to Ponder

1. How much do we need to focus on possible side effects of a medication? Knowing the side effects is Ok. But place your self in the statistical group that do not experience them.

2. Why do we let a physician to say how long a person has to live? We all know of people who have not believed the physician and lived far longer. It is important to know that you may need to be prepared for a possibly shorter life than anticipated. Again it is still important to see yourself in the percentage of people who have successful surgery, who respond well to the medication or who have an immune system strong enough to overcome the illness. I see strength in that at least as long as there is still a possibility that you can be in that group.

3. Since there has been recent research demonstrating the effect of intention, how well is that being taken into account in experimental research? To what degree does the intention of the observer researcher impact the results? Can we even know this at this point?

4. To what degree can all of this be applied to prayer? Larry Dossey has done research demonstrating the power of prayer showing positive effects even when the patient did not know he was being prayed for.

In Conclusion

I know that our thoughts are a very important factor in our day to day lives. Thoughts are not necessarily words. Self awareness is the key to using your thoughts wisely. I am interested in hearing from you. Your reflections and experiences with this topic are valuable to my continued learning also. Please send your comments to marieknapp@rogers.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

What’s Up At DallaCor

Individual Sessions

Individual Healing and Growth sessions are available. Call me to discuss how your life and/or health challenges may be helped by the methods I offer. You may wish to look at my web site to learn more about what I do in this area. It continues to change as I learn more so keep checking.

Mentoring Program: Human Energy Systems

This module of the Mentoring Program will be offered in mid-September and early October 2008 over 4 weeks. It includes three group sessions and one individual session in which you decide the focus. Materials are included.  Interested people should let me know what times work best for you and I will work on finding a time that accommodates most. (mornings, afternoons or evenings and what day of the week).

I am currently studying the second level of the Holistic Nursing Specialization course through the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association. In the module I will share information and guidance related to energy therapies and using light, colour and sound as vibrational means to work with and help balance your chakras in your own self care.

The module will be a guide through some basic learning and experiences with the energy fields, including the seven major chakras with their distinct energies. The module is meant to give you some experience with your own energy and the energy of the other participants. The focus is on self care and self healing in daily living and life challenges. Cost is $200. For more details check my website

Reiki

I have had several requests for Reiki Classes and will offer Level 1 in September and Level 2 in November. If you are interested in either or both of the above, could you let me know what time of day and what days of the week you can be available. Check my web site in August for dates and times.

Journey Though the Chakras

What an enjoyable day we had with a group of wonderful people dancing through each chakra, journaling with each one and sharing some of their insights. Mostly it was an experiential day. The participants were deeply involved in the music and the inner quiet reflections. Thank you to all of you for making that day a success.

If you are interested in hosting this workshop for at least 15 people in your community, let’s talk. Contact me marieknapp@dallacor.com or Wendy Roman at rhythwood@amtelecom.net Previous experience with Nia is not a prerequisite.

Retreats

I have offered several retreats over the past 10 years. I am considering offering a fall and spring retreat this year based on interest. Let me know if this is something you may be interested in. share this with others who you think may be interested and look for more inthe August message.

I am planning another Wellness Retreat for May 2009. More information later in the summer. Let me know if this interests you.

AND SO

I look forward to hearing from you. Please use the comments section below or email me at marieknapp@dallacor.com and I will respond.

I wish you many blessings and a healthy and wholesome summer,

Marie

I hope you will forward this to friends and colleagues who may enjoy this newsletter. People reading this as an email from a friend can easily subscribe to receive it monthly by going to the subscribe page on the web site.

Past issues of “Tips and Notes” can be viewed on my web site. Just go to www.dallacor.com.

To read what is being offered through DallaCor, please scroll to the end of this message.

June’s Message

It isn’t the weather or garden planting that has kept me from getting this newsletter out. Nor is it work related busyness. I am delighted to share with you an exciting personal event in my life. We are now the grandparents of twins. Our son and his wife, who live in Calgary with their first born son, Oliver, now 22months, June 4th delivered 2 more sons. Kyle and Russel weighed in over 7 pounds each. Amazing.

Each time I look at these little fellows, I am amazed at the capability of a woman’s body, to house and grow for 9 months two beings in what had been a small pear shaped organ not much bigger than my fist. I love holding them close and helping with their daily necessities. It is wonderful to watch our son be comfortable with all aspects of their care. I notice how he so admires the strength of his wife and how deeply he feels admiration and a little sadness for all she has had to “go through” in having the children. In some cultures, having twins would be seen as some reflection of the father’s masculinity and virility. Here our young men have a unique sense of admiration for the strength and stamina of their wives. Once again I feel blessed to live where we live.

I am also grateful for the medical care we have available to us here, even in these times of restraint. When a woman experiences risks as in birthing twins, I am aware of the numbers of families that would be going motherless because of where they live and the resources not available to them. Something that we take for granted. How often even those of us who have spent time in developing countries forget that most of the world exists at a far simpler and less resourceful way than we do.

What are our responsibilities to those with whom we share life on this planet? We have so much. How do we best share with those less fortunate? How do we offer support, without judgement or expectations, but just because we share life at this time?

Keep well by taking charge of your health.

Bridging Science and Spirituality

I have recently been inspired by the writing of Gregg Braden. His most current book called The Divine Matrix reveals interesting recent research that opens a new world of possibilities about how we are all connected and how we can affect the future. He speaks often of “the space between” summarizing new research that acknowledges the “something” that does exist between the small percentage of matter that comprises the universe. It is one of the few books that continue to expand on what is revealed in the first few chapters rather than simply repeating it in yet another way. Likely I will finish reading the book with more questions that answers. That is what makes it so inspiring. perhaps a sample of the content of the first few pages may spark your interest.

Among his many descriptions and examples of the hologram is the following”

“The elegant simplicity of the human body offers us a beautiful example of a hologram, one that’s already familiar. The DNA from any part of our bodies contains our genetic code– the entire pattern of DNA — for the rest of the body, no matter where it comes from. Whether we sample our hair, a fingernail, or our blood, the genetic pattern that makes us who we are is always there in the code … it’s always the same”p xiii

In another part of the book he writes:

“…when the focus of our lives becomes how to avoid disease rather than how to live in a healthy way, how to stay out of war rather than who to cooperate in peace, and how to create new weapons rather than how to live in a world where armed conflict has become obsolete, clearly the path we’re on has become one of survival. In such a mode, no one is truly happy — nobody really “wins.” When we find ourselves living this way, the obvious think to do would be to look for another route. And that’s precisely what this book is about and why I am sharing this story.” p8

This only touches on the real meat of this book. I would be interested in knowing your feedback on the book after you have read it.

Workplace Wellness

Last issue, I shared with you a model I use to help me find solutions to challenging situations. I find the benefits exceed what might have been had I used an either/or or a compromise solution. The model takes the shape of a three dimensional pyramid (Some say a Pyramid has four sides but I work with three at the moment) .

Using this model began a couple of decades ago when I realized that when trying to decide between one plan of action or another that often there is a third solution that is not a compromise but rather a different plan. Something that often if there are people in a polarized conflict, a third solution that is totally different ends up more pleasing to both. It seeks to understand what both “sides” really want to achieve. In so doing, a more inclusive solution results. There is a level at which everyone really wants the same result.

Last issue, I examined work-life balance using this model. I began with the premise that both organizational commitment to creating a healthy workplace culture as well as willingness of employees to take responsibility for their health are important in making a workplace wellness program work. However it came to my attention that there are still challenges with these two factors in place.

I referred to a third factor that likely contributes significantly (forming the three-pointed base of the pyramid). Perhaps there are several factors that could be the third point. I am putting forth the notion that attention to the core beliefs that are held may block achievement of the level of workplace wellness aspired to.

Some core beliefs belong to individuals at all levels in the organizations. Some beliefs may be more inherent in the organization, subtly communicated through system policies or expectations. These may be evident in how and when people are rewarded, for example. It is like inviting people to a celebration where you ask “no gifts please”. But when people bring gifts, you acknowledge them openly with enthusiasm, rather than quietly and alone.

When someone’s actions bring benefits to the organization or show commitment to a project, while the quality of their work is worthy of acknowledgement, it gives mixed messages to also reward the behaviours that might be classified as workoholic, unhealthy or out of balance.

Openly complimenting a person for staying late, working weekends, or taking on significantly greater work demands is not congruent with a workplace that highly regards health, wellness, and good work life balance. Commitment to healthy workplace, means an organization examines what is rewarded in terms of awards, letters of recognition, bonuses, and other types of acknowledgement. In such a review, attention can be given to quality of work, creativity, attention to details, depth of understanding, caring for people, and other values professed by the business or organization.

I am interested in your feedback on this and other aspects of workplace wellness.

Stress Assessment

Are you interested in examining the level of stress in your life? You might wonder why you would bother to do that. Some people have told me that to do so would simply add to their stress level. This is particularly true if the person feels there is nothing he or she can do to diminish that stress.

I would like to suggest two possible measures of stress that I have found useful. Both assessments not only reveal your areas of stress, they also point out to you your areas of strength. It is important to be aware of your strengths in terms of stress management. Your focus on them and developing them further is likely to better guide your actions to stressless living than focusing on the vulnerable areas. Give it a try. You have little to lose.

1. StressMap is a well researched stress assessment questionnaire that not only helps you evaluate the stress in your life but also guides you in ways to work effectively with your vulnerable areas. Because it also identifies your areas of strength, you may be surprised to discover qualities you have that serve you well in the area of stress management. These areas , when developed and used more consistently can actually positively impact the other areas. For more information you can go to www.stressmap.ca. I have StressMaps available from my DallaCor office. you can use them on your own or as part of a stress management program with DallaCor.
2. The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook fifth edition by Davis, Eshelman and McKay open with several questionnaires to guide your personal assessment of the stress in your life. The book devotes several chapters to different step-by-step instructions for stress management techniques. The book is available at most book stores ISBN-10 1-57224-214-0. I find the material in this bookuseful with clients either as a resource for them to use or as a resource I use in individual sessions with them.

The book described above lists 8 steps toward mastering your job stress

Step 1. Identify your symptoms of job stress

Step 2 Identify your sources of your job stress

Step 3 Identify how you respond to your specific job stressors.

Step 4 Set Goals to respond more effectively to your job stressors

Step 5 Motivate yourself

Step 6 Change your thinking

Step 7 When in conflict, Negotiate

Step 8 Pace and Balance Yourself

You may find the workbook style material on each step useful in managing your stress and building resilience. I would offer that energy work might also be useful within this process.

What’s Up At DallaCor

Individual Sessions

I plan to focus my attention on individual sessions as I complete the work on my Holistic Nursing Specialization Level 2. I love the program and the learning and application of a variety of ways of working with energy to help people enhance their well-being in illness and in health.

You may wish to look at my web site to learn more about what I do in this area. It continues to change as I learn more so keep checking. I attended the Institute part of the program end of May in Calgary and will have more to offer as I move into the practicum period of my learning.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Mentoring Program: Human Energy Systems

This module of the Mentoring Program will be offered in September and early October 2008 over 4 weeks. It includes three group sessions and one individual session in which you decide the focus. Interested people should let me know what times work best for you and I will work on finding a time that accommodates most. (mornings, afternoons or evenings and what day of the week).

I am currently studying the second level of the Holistic Nursing Specialization course through the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association. Besides energy therapies such as Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, and Healing Touch, the program includes using light, colour and sound as vibrational means to work with and help balance the chakras. The fall module of the Mentoring Program will include some of the learning from this course.

The module will be a guide through some basic learning and experiences with the energy fields, including the seven major chakras with their distinct energies. The module is meant to give you some experience with your own energy and the energy of the other participants. The focus is on self care and self healing in daily living and life challenges. For more details check my website

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Reiki

I have had several requests for Reiki Classes and will offer Level 1 in September and Level 2 in November. If you are interested in either or both of the above, could you let me know what time of day and what days of the week you can be available. Check my web site in August for dates and times.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Journey Though the Chakras
What an enjoyable day we had with a group of wonderful people dancing through each chakra, journaling with each one and sharing some of their insights. Mostly it was an experiential day. The participants were deeply involved in the music and the inner quiet reflections. Thank you to all of you for making that day a success.

If you are interested in hosting this workshop for at least 15 people in your community, let’s talk. Contact me marieknapp@dallacor.com or Wendy Roman at rhythwood@amtelecom.net Previous experience with Nia is not a prerequisite.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Retreats

I have offered several retreats over the past 10 years. I have a busy year ahead of me with several travel commitments as well as the practicum work of the second level of the Holistic Nursing Specialization course. I have decided to take a break from my usual planned retreats this year. However, I am offering my availability to lead a retreat for you if you have the people, the venue and the food. If this appeals to you and you wish to talk more about it, send me an email and we can set up a time to talk. I would be particularly interested in a retreat focused on self care using energy and the chakras as well as quiet time, reading, meditation and outdoor experiences.

I am planning another Wellness Retreat for May 2009. More information later in the summer. Let me know if this interests you.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

I look forward to hearing from you. Please use the comments section below or email me at marieknapp@dallacor.com and I will respond.

I wish you many blessings and a healthy and wholesome summer,

Marie

Welcome to the May 2008 edition of Tips and Notes. I hope you are enjoying this monthly publication. Your feedback including questions you would like answered, are valued. Please send them to marieknapp@dallacor.com.

Please feel free to forward this to friends and colleagues as you wish. I am looking forward to a continually expanding readership as more and more people engage more actively in taking responsibility for their wellness. People reading this as an email from a friend can easily subscribe to receive it monthly by going to the subscribe page on the web site.

If this is your first “Tips and Notes”, you may wish to read the March 1st issue on my web site. Being the first issue, it lays some ground work upon which the rest will be built. It is located on the web site. Just click here www.dallacor.com to see it in a different screen. It will be easy to come back here.

To discover what is being offered through DallaCor, please scroll to the end of this message.

Messages for May

Happy Spring!

My apologies for my tardiness this month. I made a decision to ignore the goal I had set to have this go out May 1st, and instead wait until I could take the time make it the best I can. The format of the newsletter is becoming clearer to me now. I appreciate your feedback on this one. A personal message from me is followed by several tips that refer to observations I have made, articles I have read, and such. I offer you links to sites that can give you more detailed information on topics. DallaCor offerings are at the bottom. You can scroll down to find them but hopefully will take your time reading the informative material related to wellness that fills the remainder of Tips and Notes.

Marie’s Musings

Spring is a time of cleaning, sorting, going through things you have had for a long time and getting rid of lots. Sometimes you get rid of old things because they no longer have meaning for you. Perhaps its usefulness is outlived because the kids have all left now, or your interest in that aspect of your life has dwindled. Perhaps it is just clutter, something unnecessary and by keeping it the other real gifts get hidden or overwhelmed. Perhaps it is actually something that holds feeling from the past — either bad or good feelings, and rather attached to you, though you want to let them go. Some is garbage … truly garbage and deserves only to be thrown out in the dump or the recycling depot. Some things you can give away to friends and family, or to a used clothing depot.

I love metaphors and see spring cleaning and de-cluttering as a perfect metaphor for what we need to do inside. By getting rid of the clutter and the garbage we hold within, we leave room for new adventures and/or let the gifts we hold become more visible and less overwhelmed by the unnecessary trash we had chosen to hang onto too long .. and now are tossing.

I wish you happy spring cleaning, both without and within.

Keep well by taking charge of your health.

Work-life Balance

Being Mental Health Week in Canada, means the media is writing articles about recent statistics describing the effects of workplace stress and lack of work-life balance on productivity, illness, and absenteeism. Interesting that this is finally getting more attention. It has been pointed out to large businesses and organizations that a healthy workplace does actually affect the bottom line for well over a decade. Is it so necessary to reach a point of crisis before people pay real attention to this phenomenon? Congratulations to those workplaces that already have workplace wellness programs in place.

I would like to share with you a model I use to help me understand how we get to a point of reaping the benefits of things coming together that far exceed what is possible with each one separately. The model takes the shape of a three dimensional pyramid (in other words not just a triangle).

Most of the time we like to think of two factors coming together to create an effect. For example in the case of work-life balance, it is more beneficial to have an organizational commitment as well as employees who are willing and able to take responsibility for their health to make a workplace wellness program work. Development of the staff as well as the managers is necessary.

My experience tells me that there is always a third factor that contributes significantly (forming the three-pointed base of the pyramid). It is worth the effort to determine what that third point may be in an effort to really effect change and positive results. The peak of the pyramid represents the effect that is far greater than the sum of the parts and transcends the challenges within them. I wonder if, in the case of work-life balance, the thrid point may be a more conscious awareness of the core beliefs we hold. These would be the subconscious thoughts that run our lives. By making them conscious, we can work at cognitively reinterpreting them to allow us to change the habits of the employees and the decision making of the organization.

Remember when we were focused on removing barriers in the workplace and talked about systemic discrimination? Perhaps there is an element of systemic beliefs about workplace productivity that need to be brought to the consciousness of the organization as well as the individuals working there. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and experience on this topic. I will continue this discussion next month.

Hand Washing correctly can help keep you well.

During my recent winter visit to Guatemala where I volunteered for a few mornings in one of the hospitals for the poor, I became very aware of the importance and lack of attention to hand washing. When I was teaching Nursing, hand washing was the first lab experience we offered the new students. When I was a nursing student in the 60s studying at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, we would chuckle when we noticed our Chief Bacteriologist enter the cafeteria through a closed door by using a piece of paper towel to turn the knob. He was protecting himself from the many germs floating all around the hospital and collecting in great numbers on the cafeteria door knob. He knew well how rapidly micro-organisms spread via our hands. The developed world works diligently to create programs to prevent a pandemic. It could be that whole hospitals, staff as well as patients, in developing and developed countries could be wiped out quickly because of lack of attention to a simple method of prevention: hand washing. Both at home and travelling we visit hospitals, airports, public transportation, schools at all levels, department stores, and grocery stores. Hands are everywhere. The microorganisms of the world are nearby. How do we protect ourselves?

Please follow this link to our local Grey Bruce Health Unit website. Review the techniques for good hand washing. Consider printing off the poster for your bathroom or your fridge to share the information with others especially your family.

Research on the effectiveness of prayer

It may be surprising for some of you to hear that there has been research done on the positive effects of prayer. In a 1993 book by Larry Dossey MD, called Healing Words: The power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine, you can find ample information on the subject. Last issue I referred you to the Wellness Workbook by Travis and Ryan. On pages 288-9 of that book, the authors refer to Dossey’s work and write:

“Over half of them [reference to studies previously conducted by others before Dossey re the efficacy of prayer] strongly indicated that prayer was a significant factor in the patient’s healing. In one of the most remarkable studies prayer was studied with heart patients in a modern hospital. The group that were prayed for, even without knowing they were being prayed for, recovered more completely and with fewer complications that the ‘un-prayed for’ control group.”

Interesting work. Travis and Ryan expand on the understanding of what prayer is in their words:

“The subject of prayer brings us into a vast domain of faith, belief, religion, and spirituality. What we are talking about here, as we consider wellness and transcendence, is the way in which our thoughts – which include our beliefs—connect us within a web of relatedness for greater than our immediate circumstances might indicate. God or Spirit or the Universal Energy are some names we assign to this vast web.”

I believe that Dossey’s research on prayer could also include what some would call “sending light and love” to others and some would call “distant healing” in energy work.

When Therapeutic Touch is most effective

As a student of Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and a Reiki Master, I pay attention to how these specific modalities can be used. The following is taken from the book written by Dolores Kreiger RN PhD in her book “Accepting Your Power to Heal”. This book is recommended reading for anyone learning Therapeutic Touch (TT). Kreiger wrote the following on pages 12 and 13 of her book. The book was written in 1993 and is still referred to today. In square brackets, I have included my personal experience with these points.

“There are several consistent and highly reliable results of the Therapeutic Touch interaction:

• Relaxation. The first response of the healee is a very rapid relaxation response, in many instances occurring in as little as two to four minutes. [I have been invited to do TT with some of the residents of a nursing home and find they often fall asleep within the first two minutes of the session]

• Pain Reduction. Clinically, there is a significant amelioration or eradication of pain. In many cases, this occurs when analgesics are no longer effective for ill persons. Many terminally ill patients, once freed from the stress of persistent pain, are able to go on to a peaceful transition into death. [TT is always offered as a complement to contemporary forms of medical and nursing care.]

• Accelerated healing process. Primarily because the relaxation response and the relief of pain have salutary effects on the healee’s immunological system, Therapeutic Touch accelerates the healing process. One of the clearest examples of this is healing bone fractures. With Therapeutic Touch, good callus formation (the precursor to bone development) can be seen in x-rays in approximately two and a half weeks, rather than the six weeks it usually takes. [I remember taking Healing Touch Level 1 and hearing the story from one of the assistants about a broken bone situation. When the person finally got to the Emergency Dept 4 hours later, the Physician could not believe that the injury occurred only 4 hours previous as the x-ray showed what would have been a 2 day old injury.]

• Alleviation of psychosomatic illness. Of the physiological systems that are sensitive to Therapeutic Touch, my choice for the most sensitive is the autonomic nervous system. Therapeutic Touch deals best with many of this system’s dysfunctions, which are at the heart of what are known as the psychosomatic illnesses, but today it is recognized that up to 70 percent of the illnesses in the world are psychosomatic in origin. This is because stress-related illnesses are pandemic, even in Third-World countries. It is the sensitivity of the autonomic nervous system to Therapeutic Touch that creates the consistent and rapid relaxation response.” [15 years after this book was written I suspect that the 70% comment has risen. Many would say that all pathology is stress-related. It is my experience that a big question often remains. Why did some people exposed to the micro-organism or receiving the genetic program not develop the health challenge? Could it be that a stress response is what triggers the actual development of the challenge or the exacerbation of the chronic illness to which a person is predisposed?]

Some references for information on plastics choices

Recently a friend of mine sent me the following web site which may be helpful in guiding your decisions. We can easily get bogged down in fear. You might find the following site useful in your decision-making. I do not know anything about the author. Within the site you will find reference to specific alternatives for example for plastic drinking bottles and baby bottles. Click here for an informative site. I am happy to share other informative sites with you as I receive them.

Recent research on ways to help reduce the risk of heart disease

According to a recent University of Toronto study, adding curcumin, a natural ingredient in the spice turmeric, to the food you prepare may reduce the chance of developing heart failure. For more information about this refer to the web site and/or the February edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

In this research the herb was given to mice with enlarged hearts. They found it could not only prevent further enlargement, it actually reversed the failure. Heart failure is the inadequate contracting of the heart muscle for a variety or reasons. It generally results in insufficient amounts of oxygenated blood feeding the rest of the body. At the same time there is a back-log of blood in the large veins leading to the heart which can cause congestion in the lungs (left sided failure) and/or congestion in the organs of the abdomen (right sided heart failure). Many people have very early stages of this form of heart disease.

The researchers in this study advise patients to wait until more clinical trials are done on humans before taking Curcumin routinely. The healing properties of turmeric or curcumin have been recommended by Naturopaths for some time. In her book The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health, Dr Sat Dharam Kaur ND advises us on Heart Disease in Women. In the section on Prevention and Treatment, pg 448, she recommends the following:

“Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
Use several cups of organic green tea, 2 tsp or more of tumeric, an onion a day and fresh gingerroot to decrease inflammation and supply antioxidants.”

As a nurse I remind you that you can also reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering your blood pressure, practicing heart healthy eating programs, exercising and managing your weight. Managing your stress by progressive relaxation exercises, guided imagery, hypnosis and energy work has been effective for many in reducing blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

What’s Up At DallaCor

Mentoring Program: Human Energy Systems

This module of the Mentoring Program will be offered in September and early October 2008 over 4 weeks. It includes three group sessions and one individual session in which you decide the focus. Interested people should let me know what times work best for you and I will work on finding a time that accommodates most. (mornings, afternoons or evenings and what day of the week).

The modules will be a guide through some basic learning and experiences with the energy fields, including the seven major chakras with their distinct energies. The module is meant to give you some experience with your own energy and the energy of the other participants. The focus is on self care and self healing in daily living and life challenges. For more details check my website

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Reiki

I have had several requests for Reiki Classes and will offer Level 1 in September and Level 2 in November. If you are interested in either or both of the above, could you let me know what time of day and what days of the week you can be available.

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Journey Though the Chakras
What an enjoyable day we had with a group of wonderful people dancing through each chakra, journaling with each one and sharing some of their insights. Mostly it was an experiential day. The participants were deeply involved in the music and the inner quiet reflections. Thank you to all of you for making that day a success.

If you are interested in hosting this workshop for at least 15 people in your community, let’s talk. Contact me marieknapp@dallacor.com or Wendy Roman at rhythwood@amtelecom.net Previous experience with Nia is not a prerequisite.

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Retreats

I have offered several retreats over the past 10 years. I have a busy year ahead of me with several travel commitments as well as the practicum work of the second level of the Holistic Nursing Specialization course. I have decided to take a break from my usual planned retreats this year. However, I am offering my availability to lead a retreat for you if you have the people, the venue and the food. If this appeals to you and you wish to talk more about it, send me an email and we can set up a time to talk themes, numbers, dates and my fee. I am planning another Wellness Retreat for May 2009. More information later in the summer. Let me know if this interests you.

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Individual Sessions

I plan to focus my attention on individual sessions as I complete the work on my Holistic Nursing Specialization Level 2. I love the program and the learning and application of a variety of ways of working with energy to help people enhance their wellbeing in illness and in health.

You may wish to look at my web site to learn more about what I do in this area. It continues to change as I learn more so keep checking. I will be attending the Institute part of the program end of May and will have more to offer after that as I move into the practicum period of my learning.

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Now that we are in April, can we expect to have spring?  Every year there are some who fear spring won’t happen. Yet I can tell you for sure that every year so far, we have had spring.

Those of you who may be reading this from another country where spring has a different meaning, have patience with us please. We Canadians talk about the weather all the time. It plays a very significant role in our lives and on a daily, if not hourly basis, we choose to comment about it. For us it is not trivial.

Catching Up

If this is your first “Tips and Notes”, you may wish to read the March 1st issue.   Being the first issue, it lays some ground work upon which the rest will be built.  It is located on the web site. Just click here www.dallacor.com  to see it in a different screen. It will be easy to come back here.

Q & A from the last issue 

Is it alright to share the email I receive with the staff in my workplace?

Yes please feel free to forward the email you receive to staff in your workplace, to your wellness committee members, to friends, to students or to whomever you feel will enjoy reading it.  You might wish to invite them to subscribe if they want to receive it monthly. They also have the option to unsubscribe if it doesn’t suit them. My preference is that only people who want to receive it receive it.

Is it OK to print it and copy it for people?

Certainly! As long as you indicate where it came from and the author. I also ask that you print it in its entirety and not break it up or eliminate portions.

One reader wrote about the suggestion to be present with loved ones: 

“Ah, yes, to be present, completely so, is difficult. Recently, overcome by a family crisis I meditated, holding the dear ones to me, focusing my thoughts on how precious they were and how grateful I was to have them in my life. Still, in spite of the urgency in my heart to envelop them, the invasive thoughts intruded. The tax to pay, the grocery list, the meeting to come, the rewrites to attend to, on and on, as I attempted to be present for those I loved. It was a revelation as I saw the thoughts come and go. How difficult to pay attention even in the most important of times. Thank you for your message. Listening to my inner message will be my challenge.”

Yes. Some of that likely has to do with habits. The location, the conversation, the feelings, have all been there before so our mind which is the playground for the ego, decides to take us to other places. I know that experience well.  None of us is perfect. What often helps most is to acknowledge the things about ourselves that do not please us, and love ourself anyways.  Thank you so much for your authentic and thought-provoking comment.

April’s Message

This month I have put together a series of short tips and notes about different topics that fall within the wellness theme.  They are not really connected.  Just different tidbits of thought-provoking reflections and information.

“How are you?” “I am really well thank you. And you?”

What is that greeting all about? For decades we have discussed the irrelevance of this greeting. We have laughed at ourselves for our trivial responses. Sometimes to ourselves we may wonder if the other really cares about our well being or how we are.

Let’s look at this from another perspective.

What if…
• Every time someone says “How are you?” we take a moment to check out how we are in that moment.  No need to share it with the other. You could give the same response you always give — “fine”.  But you have done a quick scan and are aware of what you are really feeling.

• You remember the importance of how you are. It is a question about “being” rather than “doing”.  It is better than asking “What is your long list of tasks for today?” Consider it a question about how you are being. 

• Asking how you are is really meant to say something like “I care about you and I hope that life is going well for you” and when you respond “I’m fine” you are really saying “Thank you so much for caring. Already my day is improving”

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Wellness, food and exercise

BORING!!! Wellness is more than talking about what you eat and how much exercise you get. While obesity and lack of fitness are two very important aspects of wellness, in fact wellness is far more complex than that.

Many people oversimplify the relationship between food and exercise. Regarding only the balance between caloric intake and output trivializes the concept of making healthy choices. Food intake is about eating nutritionally according to your energy and nutrient needs. Exercise is about cardiopulmonary fitness and health. Both eating and exercising are also opportunities for fun, adventure and socializing. Eating and exercise also bring with them emotional baggage, as well as a set of subconscious beliefs that influence the quality of both. While working on weight management, fitness, and general nutrition, remember to work holistically.

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Physical ailments and their causes

We are learning more about the causes of health challenges. Research has increased in the area of examining the many factors involved in disease. The more we learn, the more we find out there is much we still do not know.

My recent trip to Guatemala reminded me of the importance of some of the very basic ways that we can prevent disease. The earth is really its own time warp.   Life in the Western world in the privileged nations has reached a point of sophisticated scientific research to the degree that we can see beyond it to the more extenuating circumstances that set the conditions for disease in the first place – like stress for example. Yet basic good hand washing techniques and prevention of the spread of communicable diseases by the cleansing of toys and cribs after use by one child and before another uses it is still not known or understood in many countries.  It must not only be taught but strictly monitored. 

 In our country we are very sterile to the point that perhaps we are reducing our built in capabilities to fight infections. On the same planet we have care facilities that are still learning the basics of care. 

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Quick Fixes

Perhaps we will always have supposed quick fixes available and maybe it is because inherently that is exactly what we want.  Being well from a holistic point of view is a daily practice .. maybe an hourly practice.  Besides the need for treatment of acute problems, there is the overlying need for a change in life style that supports wisdom, healthy choices and taking the time to make all aspects of your life well. That is not quickly done.

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Head Knowing

Learning to do what is best means reading and listening.  Head knowing is what I call it when we know what is the wisest thing to do.  As we know these wellness steps in our mind, we begin to articulate them.  We talk to friends, share them with our families and perhaps write them in a journal. To really bring these pieces of wisdom into action in our life, we must bring them to our heart and get emotionally connected to them.

Once we get excited emotionally about our idea in our hearts, we begin to move them into the physical world we live in — into our sense of identity and our creative expression.  They become part of who we are.

Ever wonder why you can write your personal strategic wellness plan and know there is wisdom in it but that is as far as it gets?  Next time, be sure to take it from the stage of head knowing and planning into your expressive articulation and then into your heart where you become emotionally connected with it.  Action will follow.

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 The Chakras

Perhaps you recognize the chakras in the above piece. I enjoy reading Carolyn Myss’ books and today listened again to one of her CDs. She reminded me that “Ideas are a dime a dozen”.   She is very clear about the wealth of ideas that come into our minds.   It is bringing them into the Throat and then the Heart chakra that takes them into the physical form of the lower chakras.   I enjoy learning more about the chakras.  You will notice them mentioned below in What’s Up at DallaCor

What’s Up at DallaCor

 Journey Though the Chakras

This coming Saturday April 5th I am excited about co-leading a workshop with Wendy Roman called Journey Though the Chakras.  I have had the pleasure or going to Wendy’s Nia classes for perhpas 2 years now and thoroughly enjoy them. If you haven’t experienced Wendy, … well you will just love her.

Wendy had already put together a half day workshop called Dancing the Chakras and was looking for a way to expand it when I expressed an interest in expanding the chakras information and experience if we were to work together. It has just fallen into place so beautifully.

If you have never done Nia, don’t worry. I have seen many newcomers join Wendy’s classes and they just blend in naturally. Wendy’s has a special way. You will see.

Location: St George’s Hall, Owen Sound
When: Saturday April 5th, 10am to 4 pm.
Bring your own lunch and we will supply light snacks.

Cost is $55 in advance and $65 at the door.

For more information click here 

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 Mentoring Program: Soulful Facilitation 

I am finding a great sense of fulfillment leading the Mentoring Program. For me it has been an opportunity to share my learning in a way that allows the others to use what they want and to ask for guidance when needed. It is not a course. It is a time of sharing and focusing on being fully authentic in everything you do.

Soulful Facilitation is the next Module and begins April 8th. 1 to 3 pm. There are 3 afternoon sessions plus one individual session. For more details go to my web site. Feel free to contact me to discuss it further.

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 Individual Sessions.

After I joined the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association a couple of years ago, I enrolled in Level one of the Holistic Nursing Specialization Program. I found it very interesting and useful in terms of how Holistic Practice is different as a nursing practice. It took a while before the Level 2 program was available at a time when I could take it. I have now been a student in Level 2 since January and am very stimulated by this learning.

The individual sessions I hold with clients most represents this learning. It is based on understanding humans as an energy system —  a unitary human being . Remember the metaphor of the orchestra?  It is about enhancing the exquisite performance of that orchestra using vibrations: energy modalities, relaxation therapies, guided imagery, colour, light, sound and more. It is about patterns of being and about keeping all parts of the orchestra in fine tuning.  From more information, click here. 

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 Reading Suggestions

A few months ago I came across a book called Wellness Workbook: How to Achieve Enduring Health and Vitality by Travis and Ryan. It is the closest thing I have found that translates what I have been learning on a theoretical and experiential level into an easy to read and well referenced guide.  It is divided into short information pieces on a variety of topics. I recommend it as a book you can easily reference and leave out for family reading.

Spirit Circle

Once a month a group of like minded people gather on a Saturday morning to express their sense of spiritual growth in different ways – always in a safe and caring space.  This past week I picked a card from the Thich Nhat Hanh deck about living in the moment.  It struck a chord with me.  Sometimes I feel shaken by world events, by life and travel experiences, by what I hear from others.  Recently I came to realize that what is important is that we raise the vibrations in our own world, thereby helping raise the vibration of the world.  The bell in this blessing is the vibration we send out

Listening to the Bell  by Thich Nhat Hanh 
May the sound f the bell penetrate deeply into the cosmos.
Even in the darkest places,  may living beings hear it clearly
So that understanding may light up their hearts and, without hardship,
they may transcend the realms of birth and death.”

Many the chimes of the bells you ring fill every corner of the universe with light and love, 

Marie

Welcome to the first edition of DallaCor “Tips and Notes”. I am so pleased to be connecting with you. Thank you for being among the first to subscribe to this monthly publication.

I am just returning from Guatemala and soon to experience the last part of winter in Ontario. March is a “looking forward month” and one in which I usually look fervently for every possible sign of spring … only to be disappointed because everyone who lives in Ontario knows that we can expect snow falls up to the second week in April and that there are still lots of opportunities for skiing in March.

This month, I am going to make a conscious effort to remain in the present, enjoying the snow as long as we have it and just being with whatever weather we have. You will understand where I am coming from after you read my article below about balancing and being in the moment.

The New Web Site Design

I hope you enjoy reading Tips and Notes. I am excited about this new part to the web site. It is a good example of how we have to give up some things in order to leave space for new things. I enjoyed creating my own web site design for a few years but all of a sudden it came to me that by hanging on to that design piece, I was limiting myself and keeping out other opportunities. Ryan has been great to work with and as we explore new ways of using the site, I get to use his expertise to create what I dream up. That feels wonderful!

I hope you will also check through the site, read the blog, and send responses as you see fit.

About Tips and Notes

Likely over time, Tips and Notes will begin to take on a regular format but I feel it is too early to lock myself into that yet. Your responses are going to help me know what you enjoy reading most and what else you would like to read about. Keep me informed.

I will always include “What’s Up at DallaCor”. I see the new web site as an opportunity to extend beyond Grey and Bruce counties and invite people from a distance to attend what I offer. Word of mouth has already brought several people from across southern Ontario to my retreats. Grey Bruce is a wonderful part of the province to experience nature and a relaxing setting. It is a perfect fit.

I will also always include This Month’s Message that will include notes related to Holistic Wellness and followed by some Tips for you to keep in mind over the next month. These will be opportunities for you to reflect on what is written and perhaps write some comments about your experiences or ask questions.

Since I am writing this from Guatemala I hope you will excuse any typos or spelling errors. While they have excellent facilities for internet use here, I miss some of the opportunities I have at home like checking over what I have written in hard copy.

In most of my monthly messages, I will tell you about a book I have found interesting and/or useful. You can watch for that next month.

Pass This On

If you are enjoying reading this, I hope you will pass it on and invite others to sign up. Tips and Notes will be sent out to you once a month and will also be archived on the website if you wish to read back issues. Remember anyone can subscribe. You can also unsubscribe when you need a break.

What’s Up At DallaCor?

Spring is busy with several opportunities for you. I have two retreats scheduled, one in April and one in May. I am also offering another unit of the Holistic Living and Working Program called Soulful Facilitation. Wendy Roman and I have put together a Saturday workshop called Journeying Through the Chakras. Read on to read a little more and please check my website for more details. www.dallacor.com

The April Retreat is another Kimbercote retreat offering you the opportunity for time and reflection with like minded people as you explore your intentions in a way that is self empowering and inner focused. I hope you will go to the web site to learn more about this retreat.

The May Retreat is new this year. It is a wellness retreat specifically created for people in high stress positions who want a nurturing environment where you can learn ways to stay well and relieve stress, return to your own self/soul yearnings, and be comfortable with healthy food and rest on the shores of Georgian Bay. There is a lot more information on the web site so go there and have a look. Do it soon to take advantage of the early bird prices.

Soulful Facilitation: I wish I could find a better word other than facilitation, such an overworked and often misused term. In its place consider leading, mentoring, teaching, parenting, empowering. It is about how we work with others to help them be their best. You will become aware of how you can use holistic principles to guide what you do. It is not just about action or change; it is also about authenticity, integrity and love. Each time I offer this it will be different because the people will be different. It will be customized to the group. Besides the three 2-hour sessions you will have a one hour individual session with me and email communication. I think you will enjoy this process.

Journey Through the Chakras is an expansion of Wendy’s half day workshop on Nia and the Chakras. Together we have created a new experience for you that incorporates sound, colour and other chakra balancing exercises. I know it will be excellent because Wendy is superb and I simply love her Nia classes as well as anything else I have done with Wendy. I will have more details on the web site in early March. Keep checking. Come and give it a try.

Individual Sessions:
Yes I do see individuals and I will be writing more about this in the next issue. Please call if you would like to set up an appointment or just inquire about what an individual session is like.

This Month’s Message

I would like to begin at the beginning — by sharing with you some basic concepts about Holistic Wellness. I enjoy working with metaphors and find it a valuable activity in the retreats and workshops I lead. Metaphors offer you a way to examine different aspects of your life in a more abstract way. We are fortunate to have the ability to use our minds this way as it gives us the opportunity to explore possibilities and then apply them in a more concrete way in our day to day lives.

One way of describing we humans as holistic beings is through the metaphor of an orchestra. I hope you will follow me through with this metaphor and see how it offers you new ways to visualize yourself, and how you work with your own wellness plan.

Although an orchestra is comprised of many parts, an orchestra is more than the sum of its parts. While you can take any instrument and study it thoroughly, even play it at its best, when it all comes together as an orchestra it is something far grander than each individual instrument. I say this with all due respect for the incredible value of each individual piece. The instruments are much like each part of our anatomy and physiology which we hold with deep appreciation.

Notice when you listen to an orchestra how you can pick out most of the individual instruments. Yet something different is created in the coming together of all the instruments. The blending of sounds, the harmony of tones, the rhythm and fluctuations of intensity are filled with expression and reflect uniqueness and emotion. The vibrations of the orchestra create a musical masterpiece. Just like you.

The vibrations of the orchestral masterpiece resonate with all that is around them. The audience is influenced by the music and the music is influenced by the audience. There is a sense of connection which I am sure you have felt when you are moved by a particular piece you hear.

The metaphor of the orchestra is one that can be expanded in many ways. But first let me explain how and why this metaphor is so important in your consideration of holistic wellness. The concept of holistic is about the vibrations that make up our being. Just as a cardiogram picks up the wave pattern of your heart and an electroencephalogram picks up the wave pattern in your brain, so there are new ways being developed to pick up the wave patterns that exist throughout your body. The metaphor of the orchestra helps you understand how you as a unitary human being are much like an orchestra.

The metaphor I use comes to mind for me as I study the Holistic Nursing Specialization Program through the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association which is an interest group of the Canadian Nurses Association. The nursing theory of the unitary human is the basis of the work of Martha Rogers, an American PhD Nurse who was well beyond her time in her understanding of this concept.

The orchestra is influenced by more than just the audience. It is affected by many environmental factors as well. For example humidity, acoustics, space, and receptivity are all environmental factors that affect the quality of sound that arises from the orchestra. The potential of the orchestra may be far greater that the music that is actually transmitted.

I invite you to think of yourself as an orchestra, a beautiful blend of musical instruments that has the ability to be sacred music that inspires others, creates a wonderful space around you and expresses well the feeling of the music you choose to live out in your life. In the metaphor of the orchestra, you are all parts of it: the instruments, the conductor, and the music being played — the body, the mind and the spirit. The wellness of each aspect affects and is affected by the other.

As a person seeking ways to be more healthy, there are many options. Perhaps you experience a joint replacement or a triple heart by-pass, or a chiropractic adjustment, or massage therapy or acupuncture, or herbal remedies or antibiotics, or chakra balancing, or….or…. while any one of these things can be very helpful in bringing you back into balance at that moment, the essential component to staying that way is to keep all parts of who you are in balance including the environment, your lifestyle, your life situation, your emotional expression and work.. Tuning instruments is a continual process. As is working with the environment in which the orchestra plays, working with the audience, and practicing. I think you are seeing the similarities.

Holistic wellness is about how you approach the challenges you face, acknowledging and working with all aspects of whom you are. The following paragraphs are examples of how you can apply this concept in daily life.

What You Think is Important

Your thoughts are far more powerful that you may realize. Many people have been talking about the Law of Attraction and how what you think is attracting things to you. There are two important pieces to this information that I would like to clarify so that you can make better use of this concept.

First of all there may be a tendency to self blame which is not a healthy perspective. In no way is it healthy to get caught up in a martyr or victim mentality. It is an old and linear way of thinking. Let us assume that we don’t know why there are negative events in our lives. What is most important is to focus on how you can feel more empowered to make the changes you would like to make. By empowered, I mean that you feel in charge of it. I hesitate to use overused and misused words like “empowered”. Nevertheless, empowerment is an important part of wellness. Empowered is a power that comes from within and works with others in a “power with” as opposed to “power over” way of thinking.

Secondly, most of your thoughts are subconscious. It is only by becoming aware of the thoughts in your subconscious and adding thoughts to it through repetition and practice that you can actually make these changes. Then the Law of Attraction can work for you. Let me give an example of this. Most of our driving skills and our driving routes are subconscious thoughts turned into actions. Surely you have experienced driving down the highway and not remembering if you have passed a certain small town. Your conscious mind was somewhere else.

A couple of months ago I wanted to change my usual route into town because I wanted to reduce the number of traffic lights that held me up. I left my home with this consciously in mind. My mind wandered as I drove passed the first few corners but I brought it back to consciousness just before the last corner that would take me to the stop sign where I would go straight instead of my usual left turn. Then my mind wandered again and I didn’t bring it back to consciousness until I was well on my way to the first of many traffic lights on my usual route instead of making that change to go straight. Most of our actions are initiated and managed by our subconscious mind. My subconscious mind took me on its usual route.

Working with your thoughts to make changes in your life is a very valuable activity and takes practice. It is not easy. If it were, we would all be slim, healthy, wealthy and have excellent relationships with all friends and family members. That is what we want. It is the programming that exists in your subconscious that keeps you from making these things happen. It is well worth the work to attend to those thoughts and beliefs.

When you hear a musical piece being played you pick up the melody first but what really makes the piece full and well is the music that supports and harmonizes with the music, and the passion or emotions expressed by the combination of all of it. As well as being aware of the melody, notice the often subtle but very effective background music in your mind. Those are the thoughts that mean the most when we say that what you think is what you get.

Balance Body-Mind-Spirit

I recently attended a short seminar by a Buddhist Psychotherapist, Dr. Karmen Guevara, in Antigua Guatemala. There are important things to be gleaned from her explanation of balance and wholeness of body mind and spirit. I have integrated it into what you read below.

It is important to think of the healthy integration of body mind and spirit. Notice that I present them as aspects of our whole self; they are not separate parts. Keep this in mind as I describe Doctor Guavara’s noteworthy examples of how you can recognize imbalances in these aspects.

Balancing the Mind

Likely you value your mind significantly! In the busy work world of western culture, the mind is the playground for the ego. Like me, you likely spent many years developing your mind and believing that its over-activity was actually a sign of some kind of high intelligence and superiority. Overindulgence in mind work does not serve you as well as you might think. The mind is valuable but it needs to be treasured and not over extended.

You will know when you are out of balance in your mind when you can’t quiet it down. While going for a walk, entertaining guests, or even vacationing on a canoe trip, your mind can be continually bombarded with thoughts focused on the past or the future. Thoughts that are continuous and feed on each other appear as higher intelligence. Paradoxically in that situation you are out of balance. This means that your ego is dominating and your mind is not being used well. Likely your body and spirit are given little attention.

It takes practice to continually bring yourself back to the moment. That is the practice needed to help balance the mind. Being present in the moment is not only an effective form of stress management, it is also a way to be more productive with the work you do and more connected to those you love.

Balancing the Body

Your body can also be out of balance. You know when you are out of balance in your body because it tells you so; are you listening to it? What is the discomfort you are feeling? Where is it located? What is it about? The body is the holder of unprocessed emotions as well as all the other “stuff” you put into it: junk foods, noise, and visual traumas. It also holds your past memories in your cells.

Your body has the ability to heal itself. Sometimes, you get in the way. Look what happens when you cut your finger. Watch it heal. All you do is perhaps apply a little Polysporin and a Band-Aid. The body knows exactly what to do to heal but often we do not offer it the best environment to do so.

Keeping the body in balance is about treating it well in relation to what you put into it, how you encourage movement, how you offer it times for rest and relaxation to rebalance, how you deal with your emotions, how you listen to the discomfort it tells you about and how you respond to what it tells you.

Balancing the Spirit

You know that you are out of balance in spirit when you get lost in forgetfulness, with a busy busy busy life. You don’t feel you are being true to yourself, or you feel unconnected. Perhaps you forget to be in the moment. You know how some days you forget to be present with those you love. Spirit knows your life journey and encourages you on that path. You can balance your spirit by connecting with others, by experiencing love and living from your heart, by remembering to ask for guidance from whatever source of power you know exists beyond yourself. You can balance spirit by accepting your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities. You can balance Spirit by learning to live as a Human Being rather than a Human Doing.

In conclusion
Wellness is about loving all aspects of who you are. Consciously make a change in your life by paying attention. Simply notice and return to the balanced path whenever you feel the imbalance.

Tips for March

1. Make a daily commitment to yourself to pay attention to the music you are playing, the melody as well as the background music.
2. Know that you can choose the the type of music you play. You are in charge. Live the music that wants to be played.
3. Listen to your inner wisdom. It is telling you what you need most. Follow its wisdom.

It has been a pleasure connecting with you. Please feel free to comment on this issue of Tips and Notes. I would be very interested in hearing from you.

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Enjoy the beauty in all that surrounds you,

Marie