Archive for the ‘Natural Healing’ Category

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Three Factors That Enable a Woman To Thrive

GUEST POST BY RHONDA SMITH OF BREAST CANCER PARTNER

It seems as though over the past few months a common theme I’ve heard from women is centered on the feeling that they’re Breast Cancer Partner Headerin ”transition.”  Honestly, I think the whole world is in transition right now.

The women I have encountered talk about discovering that they’ve reached a point in their lives where they recognize that the choices and decisions they made many years ago that led them to where they are today don’t seem to be working for them anymore and are feeling unfulfilled. They have a strong desire to create a different life for themselves.

I find that some are clear on how to go about making this change, some seem “stuck,” some don’t know how to move forward and some are fearful even about the thought of abandoning the life and career they have known up to this point to pursue their passion and true purpose, even though they may be undoubtedly unhappy with their current existence.

Whatever the case may be, I think that there is some sort of transitioning happening among women.  In my personal network I see women taking charge and making changes in their lives, careers, their consumerism, their investments, and their activism.

Breast Cancer Partner Header 2I am happy to say that through my own personal journey I have discovered what I believe is my passion and purpose in life – to educate, enlighten and empower not only breast cancer survivors, but women in general to become their own health and wellness advocate. This discovery was born out of my breast cancer experience and desire to make the necessary changes in my life to put my health and wellness first after realizing what a difference doing this has made in my vitality and overall quality of life.

I have since created a business, Breast Cancer Partner that focuses on breast cancer recovery through health and wellness and taking a more integrative approach to recovery. However, in the process of getting Breast Cancer Partner off the ground, I have realized that women in general can also greatly benefit from putting their health and wellness first, becoming their own health and wellness advocate, and adopting the Recover Restore Reenergize© Philosophy.

Through my work, I have also realized how much we as women give of ourselves every single day to love, take care of and nurture everything and everyone we’re responsible for in our lives, saving ourselves for last.  I recognize how exhausting that can be whether we acknowledge it or not.

Based on my observation, I believe that the three equal factors that enable a woman to “thrive” and live a life full of vitality with grace, elegance and energy is her ability to Recover, Restore and Reenergize herself and her life on an ongoing basis.

And really, it doesn’t matter if you’re a woman recovering from breast cancer, a woman who is enduring the challenges of everyday life, or a woman living out your passion and purpose in the world – all of us need to be more mindful about how we live, work and play everyday. Most important, we must be sure to schedule the time to nurture and love ourselves each and everyday, putting our health and wellness first. That’s the way we can Recover, Restore and Reenergize ourselves each and everyday and be a better, bolder, brighter transmitter of light, love and energy to the world!

Rhonda SmithRhonda M. Smith is the Founder of Breast Cancer Partner, an organization that focuses on breast cancer recovery through health and wellness and taking a more integrative and holistic approach to recovery. Breast Cancer Partner provides tools, resources and information to help breast cancer survivors (and their families) who are nearing the end of or have completed treatment, on their journey to recovery, and those who are now living cancer free.

Ultimately, Rhonda wants to create a world in which each and every breast cancer survivor lives a life that is full of vitality, cancer-free and without fear, so that recovery is a life-enhancing rather than a life-limiting event.

To see Rhonda’s Recover Restore Reenergize© T-shirt, visit the Breast Cancer Partner website here.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Get Ready To Laugh!

You have probably heard how good laughing is for you ….how it boosts the immune system, healing cancer through laughterlowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes muscles, and improves mood.

When is the last time you laughed? Have you made laughter a priority in your life? If not, we want to help you laugh more starting today.

Here are a few websites we’ve found that always seem to get us laughing. Do you have any others that you like? If yes, please share them! Post a comment with a link to the website.

Hyperbole and a Half
This is a particularly funny blog entry…you’ll be rolling on the floor laughing. We promise!

FML (F*** My Life)
Please forgive us for the crudeness here…..but, this site really is hysterical. With one sentence you can tell the world what was the one thing that ruined your day. Of course you get to read everybody else’s problems, some of which are completely hilarious and give you a fresh perspective on your own troubles.

The Oatmeal
Offers comics and quizzes to make you laugh.

Stand Up Comedy
These women are great – great ready to crack up!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Affirmations for Peace

We’ve all heard about the power of positive thinking. Whether we believe it or not is another thing entirely. Some people find the idea of repeating affirmations to be too contrived and disingenuous, while others experience great comfort when repeating soothing, empowering statements. How do you feel about affirmations? Could they be a useful tool in helping you manage your experience while experiencing radiation side effects, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or more?

Sit back in your chair, take a deep breath and press play on the video below. At the very least, it will be a nice calm time out to your day.

Affirmations from Janet Doucette on Vimeo.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Supporting Our Immune Systems

Anyone who is trying to heal will probably want to support his or her immune system in every way possible. In addition to lowering stress, getting plenty of rest, and drinking lots of water, we can give our immune systems a boost by increasing the natural, whole foods in our diet.

For example, the good bacteria in yogurt can increase the body’s white blood cell count. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-parasitic properties and contains antioxidants and anti-tumor components. Broccoli, bell peppers and berries have very high levels of Vitamin C. Asparagus, beets and carrots offer lots of beta-carotene; and, chard, spinach and sunflower seeds can provide the Vitamin E our bodies need to destroy germs and cancer cells. Foods such as oysters, red meat and poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy products provide zinc, which helps increase the production of white blood cells while helping them to fight infections and disease more effectively. Then there are vital minerals like selenium (found in tuna, egg yolks and brown rice) and omega fatty acids such as those in fatty fish oils and flax seeds, which act as white blood cell boosters.

When we increase any one of these foods in our diets, we benefit. But when we begin taking in a variety of fresh colorful vegetables, whole grains and healthy sources of protein and essential fatty acids, the nutrients begin to work together synergistically and fortify our immune systems greatly.

During the winter months is an especially important time to make sure we’re eating well. If you’re undergoing radiation therapy or are trying to heal from eczema, psoriasis or other conditions, then proper nutrition is non-negotiable.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Kimberly Fowler Beat Brain Cancer

Kimberly Fowler has forged her own path, completely recovering from severe accidents and beating inoperable brain cancer at age 24. She believes in herself and in her own power to a degree that is astounding. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she had few treatment options. While in the hospital, she got really clear on what was the right way for her to proceed and it led to a major life transition and many years of helping others. She continues to inspire so many.

Click here for the short video of Kimberly.

Kimberly Fowler

Friday, October 1, 2010

Awesome Mother Nature

There are less than 2900 breeding pairs of the threatened Cape Vulture still alive today. Two paragliders in South Africa decided to fly with them, and the beauty of the world from their view is absolutely breathtaking. We hope you find this video as magnificent as we did, and perhaps it’s a good reminder for all of us to go outside—as often as we can—and rest ourselves in the healing power and tranquility of Mother Nature.

Flying with Vultures – Path into the Future from African Renaissance Productions on Vimeo.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Your Liquid Body

You hear it all the time: drink six-eight glasses of water a day. But do you really understand why this is so important? We’re Waternot going to lecture you here…just try to help you get a sense for the connection you already have with water. Your body right now is almost two-thirds water. That means you are more liquid than solid!

You know what happens to still water, right? It grows algae and bacteria and becomes dangerous to drink. Well, if the water in your body stays still like that, it can become toxic as well. When you drink a lot of fresh, clean water, you help to flush out the old water and keep the liquid of your organ and tissue cells from becoming stagnant, toxic and contributing to ill-health. If you are serious about your healing process and truly want to help your body, you absolutely must drink at least six-eight glasses a day. It’s not an option. This is what your body needs.

Try it – just start with doing it for three days. Try drinking the recommended amount of water. See how you feel.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

What’s Your Idea of the Best Lazy Summer Day?

The verdict has been in for a while. Rest and relaxation is important to our health. So, with a whole summer ahead of you, Feet Up for Healinghow do you plan to kick back and enjoy the sunshine? What is your idea of the most wonderful way to spend a lazy summer day? Maybe you’d go to the beach or relax under a favorite old tree. Perhaps you would spend time with a loved one or delight in much needed solitude. Let your mind wander….and tell us: What’s your idea of the best lazy summer day?

Here are a couple answers from some of our staff:

1. I’d take my dogs and sit by the water with a great book. I’d bring a picnic basket of my favorite foods and a sweater for later so we wouldn’t have to leave until after I napped in the early evening sun.

2. My day would be focused around getting pampered. I’d get a spa treatment, followed by a little shopping, and then have a wonderful dinner with someone special.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

6 Most Important Things To Help You Heal

We did some research. We wanted to know: What gives the body the best shot at healing and staying well? There seem to be six main tips the experts keep giving over and over for help in keeping our immune systems at their best. These tips may come as no surprise and hopefully reading them here all together will remind us to make them a priority:

1.    Drink lots of water. Sodas, coffee and wine don’t count. Pure water helps remove toxins and wastes from our system, and helps transport oxygen and nutrients throughout our body.

2.    Get plenty of rest. This means sleeping a solid 6-8 hours a night, taking naps when we’re tired, and taking off our superhero cape from time to time.Healing

3.    Move your body. Circulation in our blood and lymph system are vital to good oxygenation and fighting disease. Working some exercise and movement into our weekly schedules is a must.

4.    Stay connected. Feeling the support and connection with others holds tremendous value in our outlook and ability to face the challenges that come our way. Love for and from others can help us feel our best.

5.    Cultivate inner peace. An angry or resentful heart or a fearful, troubled mind causes stress and can be harmful to our health. Do what you can to make peace with your life so that your body can begin reflecting your inner state of balance and calm.

Healing Apple6.    Nourish yourself well. Every body is different, but the general rule is to eat a balanced diet with lots of whole foods like whole grains and vegetables. A diet rich in varied vitamins and minerals gives our body a better array of supportive nutrients with which to draw from.

Try an honest evaluation to see if you are weaker in certain areas over others. Today could be a great day to start giving your body the most basic things it needs in order to heal.

Here’s to your health!

Note: This is not an attempt to give medical advice. Make sure to speak with your physician about any specific medical protocols you might need.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Healing Touch

“Touch is one of the most essential elements of human development, a profound method of communication, a critical healing hands touchingcomponent of health and growth… and a powerful healing force” (Zur, 2004).

Safe, positive human touch can relieve tension and help you feel connected, safe and utterly loveable. It can ease anxiety, generate hope and help you heal.

Ask a loved one to scratch your head, play with your hair, rub your feet or just hold your hand. Get a massage—do a massage “trade” with a friend if you can’t afford to pay someone. At the very least, start by caressing your own arms or massaging your own neck and shoulders.

Your body craves touch. So, especially if you’re in a healing process, try making it more of a priority in your life.