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Greetings Clients, Colleagues and Community…
My posts have been few and far between these days, though I have been working on some exciting new projects! I just begun writing a column on holistic health for the Seattle Examiner! This is pretty much the perfect gig for me in terms of flexibility and topic of content, and I’m looking forward to who and what I can share with the Seattle community.
So Seattlites, I’d love to pick your brain a bit… I feel like the Pacific Northwest is one of the most forward-thinking and open-minded places in the country, possibly the world, so…
What does holistic health mean to you?
What types of practitioners do you have on your health care team?
What do you experience in your life that you consider a holistic approach?
What do you think we are fortunate enough to have here in Seattle that many other places around the world are lacking?
I am pretty thrilled with the opportunity to research and write a column on a topic I am so passionate about. Please feel free to contact me if you, or someone you know, has a local event or some relevant, holistic information to share! I hope you will stop by regularly to see what’s going on in Seattle’s world of holistic health!
Cheers,
Guinevere I. Amadeo, LMP. –
Seattle Holistic Health Examiner
Happy Monday, and welcome to the first full week of 2009!
If you’re anything like me (and 90% of well-intentioned Americans), you are ready to start putting into place some new, healthier habits and rid yourself of others that are no longer serving you. Where I prefer to differ from much of our “New year’s Resolution” making culture, is that I like to think of my new beginnings as setting goals rather than resolving past behaviors. The word resolution in itself suggests bringing the past into the present moment and carrying with us our failed attempts and judgments. Setting goals provides us a clean slate to work from in our new lifestyle ambitions.
As I reflect on the highs and lows of these incredible times we are living in, many highlights come to mind. From the exciting election that reinvigorated our democracy and culminates this month with the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, to the fear felt in every home and business in the country as the economy seems to be melting down around us.
Following are a number of goals that resonate for me to set forth this new year, and inspire my loved ones and community (ie. YOU) to take a gander at as well.
Get Involved!
As appose to thinking about being the person who makes a difference, get involved and take action on the issues that matter to you. There are a number or organizations that gather monthly to breath life into community issues and seek volunteers for action items as well. Some ideas include Sustainable Wallingford, Seattle Children’s hospital, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and various art museums and public schools. Check out Volunteer Match!
Easy ways to go green- and save some while you’re at it!
The Green movement is now household language (especially if you’re a Seattlite), and our actions should begin there as well! Here are a few easy tips to save energy during your every day life and reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
-Say no to plastic water bottles!
Refilling your Klean Kanteen with fresh, filtered water is a much better way to go!
-Bring your own stainless steel, spill proof cup to get your morning latte
You can usually even purchase these at your local coffee shop.
-Unplug it!
According to Treehugger.com, switched off devices account for 40% of energy consumed by electronics in an average home. Unplug before you go! especially phone and Ipod chargers.
-Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
75% less energy lasting 10x’s as long. This is a no-brainer.
-Recycle
Get into it! Find out your local ordinances around recycling and make sure you are doing your part to recycle everything possible.
-Compost
You can now put compost in your yard waste bins if you don’t have a personal garden! These leaves food scraps etc. will be composted and used for local parks and pea patches! I love it!
-Save your rain water
Hydrate your garden with recycled water! We sure have enough of it!
-Grow a small garden
I read a fascinating article recently that said something like 65% of food eaten during the great depression was grown in small personal gardens. It’s easier than you think. I was pleasantly surprised the first year I grew lettuce in a window box how simple and fruitful my tiny garden was. I am also a firm believer in “you get out of your food the energy you put into it” so expect, energizing, delicious food in just a few minutes a day! It will also help you to cook at home more. Double bonus!
Get Real about your finances
In these challenging economic times it can be beneficial to become a bit more conscious about spending. Track your cash flow for at least 2 weeks, chances are you are spending more that you thought on at least on item.
Shop Local
Or put your money where your home is. Support local farmers markets (Ballard is year round) and co-ops like PCC rather than large national chains. This can mean everything from clothing to pet supplies. Let’s keep our local economy strong lest the charm of our small business communities may not be around when the economy bounces back.
Get organized and educated
-Learn something new- knitting, sign language, yoga
-Clean out a closet
-Get a new wallet
-Get a haircut
-Make your bed
-Read a book- in fact go to the library and peruse a new subject you’ve never checked out before
-Have a “naked lady” party and swap clothes with your friends
Keep Your health
I suppose I couldn’t engage in a new year’s post without the mention of healthy lifestyle changes on a physical level. Mine include drinking even more water, cooking at home at least 5 days a week, and come spring eating at least 60% of my food out of my garden! Others for you (otherwise known as a few of the top 10 new years resolutions) may include quitting smoking or drinking, starting a work out regiment, loosing weight etc.
Well, there it is! Goal setting for 2009! More in part 2!
To Health and Happiness,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
I am a big fan of celebrating the cycles of life, and these first couple of days of a brand new year have found me in a wonderful time of reflection. 2008- The memories, the lessons, the great times and the challenging. So here is my 2008 wrap-up! Some of my favorite quotes, some things I have discovered about myself and the world around me, and some photos for those experiences that simply can not be put into words!
1) I still like my french press morning brew better than the fancy coffee house latte.
2) I am a writer. I am not ‘going to be a writer when I grow up.’ I am a writer right now!
3) A candle looses nothing by lighting another candle.
4) One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to listen to each other’s sroies.
5) In order to experience everyday spirituality, we need to remember that we are spiritual beings spending time in a human body.
6) The universe will always reward you for taking a risk on her behalf.
7) My very favorite thing is to laugh so hard I go into silent laugh mode and almost fall out of my chair, but don’t.
Even as a native Californian, snow does lose it’s nostalgia after 15 inches and 9 days of missing work!
9) “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” Hunter S. Thompson- true story!
10) Sitting in a place where you have never sat before can be inspiring.
11) THANKSGIVING IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!!!!
12) Even when it involves gutting a turkey!
13) Especially when it involves gutting a turkey! Damn that was goooood!
14) It is always the simple that produces that marvelous.
15) In order to get anything meaningful out of your life, you have to be ruthless about what you let into it.
16) Dancing on the edge, you can see with clarity many things that you cannot from the center.
17) “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to succeeding before they gave up.” Thomas Edison.
18) Be nice to people on the way up because you meet them again on your way down.
19) We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
20) If you think you’re too small to make an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito!
21) There was never a night that had no morning.
22) The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away.
23) I get up, I walk, I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing.
24) Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace within it.
25) People are just sexier covered in dust!
26) I heart FIRE!!
27) Sunrise in the desert is on of the most beautiful places on earth!
28) There’s nothing like a fantastic group of random people working towards a common goal.
29) Don’t try to manage anyone else’s expectations until you’ve got a firm grip on your own.
30) Three things cannot be hidden. The sun, the moon and the truth.
31) Random acts of kindness happen far more often than you have your eyes open to see them.
32) Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed.
33) Just when you think your dreams are shattered, new, beautiful, unexpected ones appear.
34) Do not do what you would undo if caught.
35) “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
36) Blessed are the flexible, for we shall not get bent out of shape.
37) Your greatness is not what you have, but what you give.
38) The shortest distance between you and regular exercise is a youngish dog.
39) I like me some guns!
40) There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going
41) Your greatness is not measured by what you have, but what you give.
42) Working is easy, focusing is hard.
43) Have a plan, but make it a loose one.
44) It’ sbetter to be a lion for one day than a sheep all your life.
45) Let’s dare to be ourselves, for we do that better than anyone else can!
46) Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
47) No matter where I run, I meet myself there.
48) Who we are never changes, who we think we are does.
49) You don’t need endless time and perfect conditions. Do it now. Do it today. Do it for 20 minutes and watch your heart start beating.
50) It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.
So, farewell 2008!!! Cheers, adios, bon voyage, Ciao, peace, so long, tata, hasta la vista!!
Well, it has been awhile since my last post, and these past few weeks have been a true test of staying balanced during trying times. A man very dear to my heart has been in the hospital for the past three weeks, and it has been a challenge on every level to stay positive. When faced with these helpless circumstances, I have really learned to focus on self care. In an earlier post entitled Stress Management: How to Prevent, Reduce and Cope with Stress, I listed ways to manage stress and remain balanced in challenging times. Here is a list of further ideas to be good to yourself!
1) Soak in a bathtub.
2) Ride a motorcycle.
3) Go to the mountains.
4) Exercise/do yoga.
5) Meditate.
6) Eat a good meal.
7) Recycle old items.
Go to a movie in the middle of the week.
9) Paint.
10) PLay a game.
11) Dress up and look nice.
12) LAUGH- just because (just start laughing, really… it works!)
13) light candles
14) Get a massage
15) Go horseback riding
16) Wander around a bookstore for an entire afternoon.
17) Write a letter.
18) Go to a museum.
19) Sing around the house.
20) Go bowling.
21) Dance!
22) play with your pet.
23) Go to a play or concert.
24) Take photographs.
25) Go for a bike ride.
26) Rearrange your furniture.
27) Visit a national park.
28) Listen to music- Pandora.com is great for this one.
29) Watch children play.
30) Day dream.
31) Write in a journal.
32) Eat chocolate (this may be the only one you need!)
33) Play a musical instrument.
34) Send a card to someone you care about.
35) Garden- or plan your garden!
36) Plan a party.
37) Take a nap.
38) Go on a date.
39) buy flowers.
40) Talk to your plants- seriously. You should see my jungle of an apartment. They love it!
41) Meet new people.
42) Read a humor book.
43) Go swimming.
44) Doodle.
45) Fly a kite.
46) Remember the words and deeds of good people.
47) Repair things.
48) Walk or jog.
49) Remember beautiful scenery.
50) Collect shells.
51) Plan your career.
What are some of the things you do that you do to take care of yourself? What makes your body a spirit lift from trying times? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Yours in health,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
“You and you alone are responsible for the imbalance between what you dream your life is meant to be and the daily habits that drain the life from what you dream.” – DANE
I recently read this on a friend’s personal blog and was inspired to share it. As I am rounding day 10 of my ‘30 day habit-forming salute,’ I’m starting to feel a good flow with my daily writing practice. And having begun the path to a new habit, it really magnifies the other daily activities that rule my world; those things I do on auto pilot that make up the greater whole. I have my little vices like everyone else, but what may be the ones that drain the life from what I dream of? Sometimes the caffeine seems like it adds a little boost to my drive, but the negative long term effects are well documented. And what about staying up late to work on deadlines? Seems again, like fueling the dream, yet disassociating from our body’s best interest to pursue career or education goals is a clearly out of balance, and will certainly catch up sooner or later. It seems that so many goals come at the cost of our health and well-being. It is regarded as great work ethic if you are at the office way past working hours, taking meetings through lunch, and scheduling weekend conference calls to ‘close the deal.’ All of this stress and imbalance has hugely negative effects on our body before we even become aware of any physical discomfort or mental fatigue.
And then there is taking responsibility. I work with many people who seem bewildered when their bodies let them down after years of this treatment. They don’t understand why a skillful practitioner can not simply “fix” them and send them back to the rat race. Unfortunately, our culture doesn’t help matters either. If you are not willing to extend to whatever lengths necessary, they is some younger, more resilient person waiting to step in and show that it can be done. We are given 2 weeks of vacation a year (if we’re lucky), a handful of sick days (maybe), and impossible ideals to live up to. It’s exhausting just to think about! No wonder we are among the most unhealthy in the world!
So yes, our system is messed up, which leaves the ball in your court. It is up to you to take responsibility for yourself, your life and your dreams. Set comfortable boundaries and live the way you would hope your children will. Give yourself ample leisure time, take a vacation, TURN OFF YOUR TELEVISION, in fact, get rid of your television, play a game, go outside, read, get a massage, tell a story, walk your dog (or cat), be silly and ENJOY this precious life that you’ve been given.
Easier said than done sometimes, but if we create the expectation that this is what we need to continue thriving in a happy and healthy life, perhaps it will give others the permission to do the same. What a better place this would be! It is all part of creating the habits that breath life into your dreams!
In good Health,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
The room was bright and open, filled with the smiling faces of various healthcare providers, artists and professionals alike. The vibrant and abstract oil on canvas paintings by Zalman Berkowitz adorned the walls with color, brilliance and depth, offering nuggets of wisdom and perspective in the descriptions of each piece of work. The artist’s reception and pre-holiday wine tasting took place Saturday, November 8th, during the monthly Ballard Artwalk at the Center of the Universe, Network Care treatment space. A fantastic gathering of enthusiasts laughed and mingled the night away with the host; painter, poet and self-proclaimed “casual wine geek.”
Zalman’s art has been compared to the Pattern and Decoration movement of the 1970’s by the Toledo Museum of Art. He describes that some of the basic themes of his work include heroism, wisdom, enlightenment, desire, fulfillment, struggle, hope, love, appreciation and gratitude, joy and pain.
“For me, Art is that place where feeling inspires the transformation of an experiential medium. A successful work of art will resonate with the quality that inspired it. My goal with art is to balance the emotion that inspires a work with the discipline of the medium chosen to carry its expression.” states Zalman.
So why paint? “I paint to feel worthy of the beauty I perceive. I paint to express my highest aspirations, and the joy and pain of my life. I paint to feel rich. I paint because sometimes there’s an image I have to see. I paint to discover who I am, when I am, free.”
Zalman is an active member of the Seattle Art Museum’s Contemporary Art Council executive committee, and a recent participant of the Artist Trust’s Edge Professional Development program. Having worked in the wine trade as an independent consultant, Sommelier and wine educator in New York City, and Arizona, he hosts a number of receptions and informational wine-tasting events throughout the greater Seattle area. His art has been shown in several solo exhibitions as well as group collaboration projects at alternative art and local community venues. Zalman also performs original spoken word poetry.
Visit his Website at www.zalmania.com
Others in attendence at the opening were: Victoria Bjorklund- photographer (photo credit) -www.VictoriaBjorklund.com; Jasson Zurilgen, C.E.C., N.A.S.M. & Titus Kahoutek, BS, C.E.C., N.A.S.M.- Corrective Exercise Specilists- Founders of Heroics Training Syatems; Steven Stanfield, C.E.C., LMP & Monica Donald, C.E.C., LMP.- Founders of Studio 122; Kiwani Lowansa, LMP. Glow Natural Health Center; Katie Brinker, Nutritional Psychologist; Michael Brinker- artist- Prolifik Inc.; Julia Lowther- metal worker, jewelry artist- Flying Fox Jewelry; Guinevere Amadeo, LMP. Integrative Therapeutics
I once heard a friend tell a story about making decisions based on love, not fear. It has always stuck with me and I’ve found myself reciting this little nugget of wisdom in a multitude of difficult situations. There are so many ways to perceive the circumstances of life and it is a choice to focus on the positive or negative in any given moment.
Whether it’s beginning a new healthcare regiment, changing your career path, ending a toxic relationship or releasing an unhealthy behavior, making love the platform from which you move forward can have tremendous positive effects on the task at hand.
I find this especially powerful working in sensitive or painful areas of the body. As a massage therapist, I work on deep physical and energetic levels to promote healing and balance in my clients. There can be huge amounts of fear surrounding the healing process, yet if the focus is love- for yourself, your body, family and future goals- the fear doesn’t have to be quite so impacting. Knowledge and understanding are the keys to overcoming fear. If you make it a goal to learn about that which evokes fear for you, it can be an immensely powerful tool in facing the situation head on.
For me, writing and especially performing (open mic Poetry slam style) are the grounds for some deep-rooted fear-based thoughts. My feet literally feel cold and my belly is more active than the butterfly gardens at the Pacific Science Center.
Is there an area in your body that you experience fear, perhaps a sensitive place that you avoid exploring? A decision you know needs to be made, but the outcome may be frightening? I encourage you to externalize it, stare it in the face and exude love and gratitude for it. Like attracts like, so let the love flow!
Peace and happiness,
guinevere
At this, the dawn of a bright new day for our country, our culture and our communities, I continue to pursue my goal of attracting and reflecting the change I wish to see for our world. I feel that the most effective way a leader can make significant progress on the mass scale, is to empower and inspire others to take responsibility, hold one another accountable and use the positive energy around us to work for good. Being generally sensitive to the energies around me, the magnitude of the new president elect and the wave of feelings shared around the world, was enough to spark a great sense of pride and hope in me. This is an important time in history and it speaks volumes to the possibilities and the great opportunities we have in this life.
A fascinating essay by Scott Young explains that out of 11,000 signals from our senses, our brain only consciously processes 40. This speaks to the gravity of the habits we engage in-good or bad- as a majority of our being is automated by these forces. It is also said that it takes at least 30 consecutive days to solidify a specific behavior as a new habit.
So, in the spirit of great change, also NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and to get my writing juices flowing, I am beginning my own 30 day salute to cultivating creative expression in my life. I will commit to writing every day for the next 30 days and see where it can take me. I will explore writing different styles of pieces, use a trigger to motivate the ritual of writing, and focus on the conditioning checkpoints along the way; consistency and simplicity.
This may be a good time to think about the change you would like to see for our world, and a habit that you wish to cultivate or release from your life. Comment here; write it down, make a public statement (well sort of), and take a positive step towards a change in your life, and the lives of those you touch.
In Health & Happiness,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
