ARTICLES
Spring Clutter and Cleaning on All Levels
As we move from Spring Equinox, it is apparent that big changes are happening all around us. We see the awakening of plants, bugs and animals from their winter slumber. We notice neighbours and friends getting their homes and gardens in order – spring cleaning and...
The Family Care-Giver and Burn-out
Looking through my latest journal from the Canadian Nurses Association, I was struck by a couple of comments on those caring for a family member or friend. “About 13 million Canadians are providing some type of care to a family member or friend, with age-related...
Spiritual Practices in Today’s World
Spiritual traditions and practices teach techniques to help seekers transform themselves and their lives. As the darkest days of the year approach, they invite us to be still for a moment and “go within” to discover the answers we seek. Spiritual practices are not...
Respiratory Health During Cold & Flu Season
Cold and Flu season is gaining momentum. Both conditions can be transmitted through airborne germs, which are then breathed into our nose, sinuses, mouth, throat and lungs. It is necessary for the respiratory tract to remain intact, clean and moist in order to help...
Victimization, Helplessness and Caretaking
Some people have a firmly ingrained belief that they are victims and their feelings of helplessness and misery are habitual. Victimization has been likened to wearing a grey cloak that surrounds us, both attracting that which will victimize us and causing us to...
Cycles, Seasons and Changes
Life has its cycles and seasons: waking, sleeping, working, playing, birth, death, rebirth and so on. There are daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and life-time rhythms that help us with lessons and movement in our lives. There are internal and external cycles...
Weight and Emotional Eating
Weight and emotional eating are two sides of the same coin. A few years ago, several people here at the Centre used the Dukan Diet to successfully lose weight and improve their health. But interestingly, several people now report that their weight is going up again –...
Inner Power
The world lost a great story-teller and role-model this week, when Maya Angelou died. At age 86, she still inspired folks with her optimistic and philosophical writings and recordings. Her life wasn’t always easy, having experienced racial discrimination, sexual...
What is Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphosed limestone that contains blue Lazurite. It also contains Pyrite, which adds a golden sparkle, and Calcite which shows up as white flecks. Other trace minerals may be present, too. Lapis is Latin for stone . Both the names Lazuli and...
Desiderata Revisited
On my recent vacation to Antigua, I spent many hours walking the beach, wading in the turquoise water and collecting special seashells and beach glass as souvenirs . On one particular afternoon, I found myself looking out to sea and hearing this phrase in my head: Go...
Change and Transformation
Understanding that energy cannot be destroyed, but it can be transformed, is a good place to start when one looks at transformation. Since transformation is taking what currently exists and creating something different, it is somewhat reassuring to see that nothing...
The Merits of Positive Self-Esteem
Years ago, I asked my nursing students, “If you could give a child one gift, what would it be? ” As expected, responses such as love, understanding, protection, support, health, education were listed. And while all of these are important, I challenged them to...