In this issue:
Director's Reflections - by Jan Adrian, MSW |
Dear Friends,
I appreciate how many of you supported and encouraged my following my heart and taking a vacation in Kauai. I looked forward to it for so long, and it seemed like it was so short. You know what they say — time flies when you're having fun. I've been back in the office a couple of days now and am struggling not to let my time in Hawaii become just a distant memory. How can I hold onto some of what nourished me while I was there?
On vacation, it was easy to do the things that I know are nourishing for me. I walked at least two miles on the beach every day, ate delicious local foods, read a couple of books, watched some movies, and got my daily quota of Vitamin D from the sun.
Now that I'm home again, my challenge is to bring some of the fun and self-care that was so easy in Hawaii into my daily life. I need nourishment on a daily basis. A friend suggested that rather than making a major effort to change my habits or patterns, I experiment. I've discovered that it's easier to try something new if I call it an experiment.
In one of my Daily Om emails last week, it said:
"When we allow ourselves the freedom to do whatever brings us pleasure, five minutes out of 14 wakeful hours can brighten our lives immeasurably.
It is often when we have the least free time or energy to devote to joy that we need to unwind and enjoy ourselves the most. Making happiness a priority will help you find five minutes every day to indulge in the things that inspire elation within you. Eventually, your happiness breaks will become an established part of your routine."
I'm going to experiment with this idea — 5 minutes a day (minimum) for a happiness break. It doesn't seem like much, but it's something. Today I sat in the sun for 20 minutes while I ate lunch.
Leave a comment, or read comments left by others.
In the spirit of healing,
Jan Adrian, MSW
Founder and Executive Director
www.healingjourneys.org
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- Jan's Virtual Birthday Party is in full swing! Many have sent donations, posted a personal greeting, and are planning events in honor of Jan and her vision of Healing Journeys. We are all connected because of Jan and we celebrate her special day! Come one and
all . . . join the party here!
- Our annual postal newsletter was mailed last month and is now available online. It's full of good articles and stories that inform and inspire. Send a copy to your friends and family. Access the newsletter here.
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Note: Katherine Everett is a human resources consultant. She lives, works, and knits in Oakland, CA with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
She is married to Jeff Everett, a system engineer, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Why Wait?
by Katherine Everett
"Kath, it's kidney cancer." Jeff was on the Dumbarton Bridge, returning to work after his CT scan. His urine had developed a brownish tinge that was not going away, so the doctor had ordered the imaging. "They say the tumor is the size of a grapefruit. It has to come out. They have scheduled me for surgery in a week and a half."
The idea had lurked in the back of our minds, but we just said no, it can't be cancer. Jeff swam with the South End Rowing Club, braving the chilly San Francisco Bay—without a wet suit—every weekend. . . . Read Full Story
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Note: Gerald Green was reborn in 1995 as a cancer survivor at the age of 46.
He converted his focus from work to home and volunteerism, and to writing his memoir, LIFE CONSTRICTED: To Love, Hugs and Laughter, which was published in 2010.
To learn more about Gerald and his book, visit www.lifeconstricted.com.
Smile Again
by Gerald Green
Timeless childhood play until the end,
I want those years returned.
Give them back to me,
So I may smile again.
Cancer stole my smile and years away,
When will my smile return?
No not today,
Pain's hide and seek blocks the way.
. . . Read Full Poem
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Love, Judy Letters of Hope and Healing for Women With Breast Cancer
by Judy Hart
Reviewed by Nancy McKay
My copy of this book is inscribed: To Nancy, who is engaged in her own healing journey. I wish you whatever you most need to help you keep finding your own way. Love, Judy
Judy Hart practiced a way of being aware and healing called Focusing. She contemplated sensations and signals from her body, both emotional and physical. In a non-judgmental way she listened to the wisdom and healing residing within her. We are privy to those conversations with the healing power within her. There is much to learn here.
She waited for a shift. She honored whatever happened and experienced her body and spirit working together.
Judy Hart loved wacky hats, belly laughs, and the juice of being alive. She lives on in the words John Denver sings, via CD, at every Cancer as a Turning Point Conference™. "All this joy, all this sorrow, . . . such is life." Such was her life. Love to you, Judy.
Additional information:
- If you purchase Love, Judy we'd so appreciate it if you would buy it from Amazon, by clicking here. You may also use our Amazon Associate link, below, or in the bottom left navigation on our website.
Your price will be the same, and Healing Journeys will receive a small
percentage of the sale. Every bit helps! Whenever you are buying anything from Amazon (books, CDs, even TVs and appliances), we benefit if you first go to www.healingjourneys.org, click on the Amazon link, and make your purchase.
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Cancer-Fighting Kitchen DVDs
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen recorded March 19, 2010
at Santa Cruz, CA Workshop,
with Jeanne Wallace
& Rebecca Katz.
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen
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