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2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 1
2011
We’ve Teamed Together under ONE roof, with ONE goal:
TO BRING YOU VIBRANT HEALTH! Natural High Wellness Center and Spirit of Health offer ONE Stop Shopping for all your Cleansing Services, Naturopathic Care, and Wellness Products We offer: ♦ Colon Hydrotherapy ♦ Herbal and Supplemental Colonic Implants ♦ Hair Mineral Analysis ♦ Far Infrared Sauna ♦ Ion Cleanse Detoxing Footbaths ♦ Therapeutic Massage ♦ Lymph Drainage Therapy ♦ Homeopathic Formulas including HCG
WE NOW OFFER BioMeridian Testing!! BIOMERIDIAN TESTING: assesses the state of your bodily systems, determines health weaknesses, and suggests supplements/treatments that will best assist you in your healing efforts HEALTH STORE: features supplements as close to the way God created them as possible... we carry products straight from nature, NO GMO, and 100 organic or wild-crafted bulk herbs. Stop sifting through junk to find your treasure; have confidence in everything you find at Spirit of Health! WEEKLY CLASSES: we hold classes on a wide range of health topics. Check out our websites for dates and times.
Where else in Kansas City can you find all of these unique services under one roof ? Why wait to feel better? Call or stop by today.
Natural High Wellness Center 913.901.8699 www.naturalhighwellness.com
Spirit of Health 913.901.0277 www.spiritofhealthkc.com
9341 W 75th St. Overland Park, KS 66204
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE 10%DOFF2 ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE 2011 E W VOLVING
ELLNESS
IRECTORY
publisher’s letter
Welcome to the EVOLVING annual Wellness Directory. They say it takes a village, and in the case of publishing this directory, it is definitely true. As we worked on this massive project, wellness was at the forefront of my mind. A close friend of mine passed away suddenly, as did Account Executive Connie “Crash” Humiston’s father. Death brings wellness to the forefront of many peoples’ consciousness. It causes us to reevaluate what healthy and not-so-healthy choices we make on a daily basis—and provides the opportunity to change these patterns if necessary. During this period of transitions, our team worked diligently to put together this wellness directory. We are all so pleased with the effort and response. In addition to being inserted into the March issue of EVOLVING, this wealth of resources will be distributed year-round at health fairs, festivals and various wellness events. Luckily, Kansas City contains a plethora of wellness professionals, all ready to offer their services and aid in helping each of us create healthier, happier life choices.
contents Alternative Healing At the Healing Place Healing Journeys with Kaya Maya’s Oasis, Maya Zahira Terry Hug
12 8 8 13
Animal/Pet Support Animal Reiki Divine Arbor Creek Animal Hospital Kaw Valley Natural Pet Care N2Paws Guardian Pet Care and Massage Rolling Acres Pet Crematory
12 12 11 11 12 13
Art Avis Garrett Baptist NDK’s Boutique/Natosha Keefer Pamela Hawkins Sandy Jorgensen
8 8 8 8
Business Marketing Optin Local Marketing, Kenton Cowdry
12
Jill Dutton Church
Publisher Jill Dutton 913-944-1298 Editorial Assistant Judy Kirkpatrick Ad Design Maitreya Zohar Advertising Connie “Crash” Humiston 816-591-3378 or Karen Cowdry 913-636-9502 www.evolvingmagazine.com EVOLVING© 2011 all rights reserved. The opinions expressed are those of the authors. The articles in EVOLVING are not meant to represent any form of medical or psychiatric care. No portion of the publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. Distribution by PDS, Inc.
Unity Temple on the Plaza
10
Counseling/Psychiatry/Social Work Barb Hoffman Somatic Wellness, Candy Smith C. Shaffia Laue Elizabeth Hunter-Blank Jay Peters Karen Harrison Shelly Stelmach
13 6 8 7 11 7 11
ON THE COVER: “Balance Within” by Tammy "Phoenix" Barton was inspired by the infinite nature of how we are all inner-connected. The infinity symbol throughout the body signifies the body’s natural ability to find balance within. And the earth and sun symbolize the incredible energy we have around us. The choices you make create harmony and balance within your mind, body and soul. Tammy's artwork is available for gallery showings and for purchase. Contact Tammy at 816-415-2607 or by email: tbarton@atthehealingplace.com. You can also visit her website: atthehealingplace.com
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 3
contents Education Holos University Energy Healing Jeri Birdsall Kim Meisinger Mimi Mateos/Blue Moon Yoga & Wellness Nancy Lankston Nancy Steele Feng Shui Liz Brown Ronda Reinke Food/Nutrition Café Gratitude, Natalie George Tasteful Olive Tracie Walker The Little Muddy Farm Holistic Health The Baucom Institute Bras/ Breast Research Awareness & Support Chiropractic Healing Center Combined Healthcare Professionals Dr. Connie’s Chiropractic Care Center Dr Michael Ulm Evergreen Wellness Center, Dr. Gau Jeremy Baptist Lighthouse Dental Restore Health Naturally, Lynda Gammel Luci Enyart NorthStar Wellness Your Wellness Connection Hypnotherapy Carol Henderson Kelly Murphy
10
11 7 12 8 8
8 8
8 5 11 8
Living Well Tom Anderson/Live a Mythic Life
10
ChristiElla Foxfire Herbals Golden Aromatherapy/ MCKS Pranic Healing
10 12 9
Healthy GLO, Janet Everett Teri Higbee, Radiant Living Expert
8 6
Maitreya Zohar
6
Meditation KC Meditation
7
Psychic Arachne Jackie Mullinax Karen Elise
12 11 12
Shamanic Counseling & Healing Daniel Baxley Diane Davis Reed
6 11
5 9
Shopping Aquarius Books Eklectik Bliss
6 6
12 16
Mystic Treasures Stone Spirit Lodge Thompson Jewelry White Light Bookstore
11 5 9 7
Travel Ambassador Travel
12
Wellness Center i-Ground Wellness Elements
13
Land of OM Like a Day at the Beach Natural High Wellness/Spirit of Health
13 11 2
Yoga Gloria Yoga Center Plaza Wellspring The Yoga School of Therapeutics
12 11 8
13 9 7 8 6 12 7 7 7
12 11
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 4
“Age Is Only A Number Not How We Live Our Lives” Our Services Include: ♀ Male and Female Bio Available Hormone Therapy ♂ Thyroid Problems ♂ Detoxification, Gerd, - Food Allergy Problems ♀ Organic Treatment of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis ♂ Neurotransmitter Support/Anxiety/Depression Treatment Wednesday night seminars No Charge RSVP Please to: 913-341-8605 7010 W. 107th Street, Suite 120 Overland Park, KS 66212 (435 & Metcalf) www.Baucominstitute.com
Dr. Karan Y. Baucom M.D. FACOG, FAARM Medical Director Board Certified Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
Come and taste the difference… FRESH Olive Oils from around the world AGED Balsamic Vinegars flavored naturally For centuries, health benefits of olive oil have been widely known and stood the test of time. FRESH is best when it comes to olive oil. Our balsamic vinegars are aged in wooden barrels in Italy then natural fruit, herb or spice has been added. Balsamics are also healthy, rich, sweet, thick and soothing. Visit the store to sample over 40 oils and vinegars, pastas, olives, pestos, tapenades, bruschettas, spice blends, and sea salts.
In Historic Downtown Overland Park 7945 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, Kansas
913 649-7900 www.thetastefulolive.com
info@thetastefulolive.com 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 5
Come to Aquarius for Healing of Body, Mind, and Spirit Aromatherapy Oils ▪ Candles ▪ Incense Meditation Zafus ▪ Healing and Stress Relief Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowls & Bells Books ▪ CD’s & DVD’s for Meditation 3936 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111 816/931-6303 www.aquariusbooks.com
Love Wisdom Wellness ♦ Somatic Experiencing is a Gentle, Compassionate, and Effective approach to Healing Trauma and reducing stress. ♦ A Neuro-Biological trauma treatment approach. ♦ Somatic Experiencing works to restore self-regulation and helps a person return to a sense of aliveness, relaxation, and wholeness. ♦ A Holistic Approach to working with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Somatic Complaints, and all categories of Trauma Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Candy Smith, M.S., L.C.P.C, R.P.T., S.E.P (913) 232-1960 11111 Nall Rd., Suite 200, Leawood, KS 66211
Take the time to make real changes in the way you think about yourself and experience your life! I use energy psychology and gentle, natural therapies to support you in Radiant Living.
Proven techniques help you: Manage stress Create success Gain confidence
Deepen relationships Attract prosperity Explore your purpose
Lose weight Improve sleep Discover joy
Teri Higbee, Radiant Living Expert www.LoveWisdomWellness.com ~ 913-219-6788
Shamanic Pathways at White Deer Lodge Daniel Baxley THOTH Endorsed Teacher in The Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Offering: Shamanic Healing and Teachings, Spiritual Counseling, Sacred Stone Massage, Reiki, Craniosacral, Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge, and Workshops 816816-769769-7343 email: rainbowspiritstar@yahoo.com Website: www.shamanicpathways.net
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 6
Luci Enyart RN, Clairvoyant, Energy Healer, Personal Life Coach and Mentor BALANCES
WHITE LIGHT BOOKSTORE & CRYSTALS
Specialties: Colonics, Nutrition Massage, Biokinetics, Energy Work Digestive Enzyme Therapy 816-721-3216
awesomelightbearer@yahoo.com
Your Guide thru the health care maze.
Books, Meditation CD’s, Statues, Crystals, Stones, Incense, Candles, Bells, Drums, Singing Bowls, Wiccan Altar Items, Spiritual Guidance, Classes Galore, See Web Site www.whitelightbookstore.com 1607 W. 39th St., KCMO
Elizabeth Hunter-Blank Licensed Clinical Social Worker in MO and KS
Helping Individuals, Couples & Families cope with: Grief and Loss Chronic and Serious Illnesses Relationship Issues Depression and Anxiety 4104 Central, Kansas City, MO Call (816) 582-3877
816.931.0116
Karen Harrison, Ed.S. Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Reiki Master Teacher Usui Tibetan, Karuna & Kundalini Reiki
REIKI
•REIKI SESSIONS •REIKI CLASSES • CEU’S FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS COUNSELING •SEXUAL ISSUES •RELATIONSHIP/FAMILY •CHILD/ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR •SPIRITUAL CONCERNS •MANY INSURANCE PLANS COVER TANTRA • CLASSES & SESSIONS
816-523-4440 www.KarenHarrison.net Karen@KarenHarrison.net 8301 State Line Road, Ste 216 Kansas City, MO 64114 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 7
Treat the
Healthy GLO
Art Therapist,
Causes of Allergies
Achieve a red carpet glow with the all-natural Bronze Bilogic spray tan. Professionally applied in five minutes.
Dr. Avis Garrett Garrett--Baptist,
Jeremy Baptist
50% off your first tan.
M.D. Ph.D.
workshops of health and healing. Information for yourself or groups:
jmeverett1017@yahoo.com 913-485-5850
www.allergy-link.com
www.avisgarrett.com
Relax - Heal - Evolve
Healing Journeys with Kaya 25 modalities for Body, Mind & Spirit. 25 yrs experience
Mission, KS
913-839-6309 www.KayaHewitt.com Nancy Lankston, RN, CST
The Little Muddy Farm Robert Jones www.thelittlemuddyfarm.com
Saturdays 10 a.m.-Noon at the Lee’s Summit Farmer’s Market through December Year-Round CSA—local, seasonal food!
CranioSacral Flow Energetic Flow Heart Flow
Produce and Egg Delivery Nov.-March!
913-206-4531
Shop Online: http://shop.thelittlemuddyfarm.com
www.heartofhealing.com
816.225.7344
Jin Shin Jyutsu®
C. Shaffia Laue, M.D.
a physio-philosophy
Holistic Psychiatry
Harmonize your energy through gentle touch.
Nancy Steele Practitioner and Self-Help Instructor www.nans88.com nans88@gmail.com 913-244-9551 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 8
Board Certified Holistic Medicine Individual ▪ Adult Child ▪ Family Therapy
785-841-1243 1025 Kentucky St. Lawrence KS 66044
By Appointment Only www.prairiearth.org
NEED CASH QUICK?
We buy gold, silver, precious metals, unwanted and broken jewelry. We also buy coins & vintage watches. Turn your stash into cash! Call or visit John today! Top $$$$ for Gold & Silver Jewelry Custom make a new piece of jewelry with your old gold. Watch Batteries
$5 installed
Thompson’s Custom Jewelry & Repair Not just a jewelry story… Your local custom jewelry store.
6642 Nieman Rd—913.766.8875 Shawnee, KS
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GOLDEN AROMATHERAPY
Regain your healthy lifestyle through a Systematic Energy Analysis
MCKS Pranic Healing
(Also see Ongoing event listings in this issue.) ~ Long Distance Healings ~ Clairvoyant Readings ~ Financial and Relationship Healing ~ Pranic Energetic Facelift ~ Feng Shui for love, health and prosperity—home, office, or business ~ Space Clearing—helps disintegrate stress energies and residue from the past, relieves sports injuries, backaches, headaches
Dr. Michael Ulm, D. Min., CCI Certified Counseling Intuitive Certified Holistic Practitioner and Instructor Hanna Kroeger system of holistic health
Pranic Healing Class
March 19—20 ~ Unity Village ~ Class Fee: $325.00
Utilizing the Hannah Kroeger Procedure, Dr Ulm: • Analyzes the energy around your body • Recommends herbs, homeopathies, and flower essences • Restores balance or homeostasis
Pranic Healing Clinic & Meditation
Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Unity Village Fellowship Lounge ~ Love Offering Experience the sensation of essential oils!
~ Purify home and office of negative energies, viruses and bacteria ~ Essential oils for love, healing, prosperity, clairvoyance ~ Beauty Creams, Soaps, Candles, Incense
For a phone consultation contact (941) 932-3673 DrMichaelUlm@yahoo.com HolisticHealthbyMichaelUlm.com
Learn to heal yourself and others. Rocky Patel rcky1120@aol.com ~ 816.916.1823 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 9
“Rejuvenate & Revitalize” ChristiElla Crystal Energy Grids with Channeled meditations Crystal Foot Massages Flower Essences Archangel Attunements ionCleanse sessions
Usui Reiki Master
True North
913-742-1149 happynewnow@gmail.com
Overland Park, KS
http://www.HolosUniversity.org
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 10
Enhancing the Bond between People & Animals
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__________________________________________________________________
Behavior & Wellness support from a holistic practitioner CAP2, CPDT, VA Whole Pet Positive Training
XÇxÜzxà|v tÇw f{tÅtÇ|v [xtÄ|Çz TÜàá ]xÜ| U|ÜwátÄÄ
Come, Sit, Stay & Relax with Doga! Shamanic Breathwork Reiki Resonance Repatterning Attunement Craniosacral Therapy Synergia
TTouch® Reiki Alpha-Stim Private Lessons Workshops Specialty Classes (like Doga)
www.N2paws.com ~ 816-522-7005
4020 State Line, KC, KS 913-908-7248 jcambird@gmail.com www.heartsongpathways.com
Finding wellness in balance through natural solutions. Strengthening pets through acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, nutrition, energy work and massage. We offer Companion Therapy Laser® System: a drug free, surgery free alternative to your pet's pain. Laser therapy treats a variety of disorders.
Dr. Cathy King, 514 E. 9th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-749-2637 kawvalleypetcare@sunflower.com
When Angels Speak
Westport Growth Center Shelley Stelmach MS, LPC
Jackie Mullinax
Providing professional support for adults & children experiencing…. Anxiety Depression Trauma & Grief Loneliness Relationship & Intimacy Issues Difficulty with Bonding/ Attachment Disorder
816-753-1110 4104 Central Kansas City, MO 64111
Jay Peters M.S., D.MIN
For a consultation call: (913) 339-9591 • Licensed Professional Counselor • Licensed Marriage & Family
Therapist • Certified Hypnotherapist • Addiction Specialist • Spiritual Counseling
8700 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 220 Overland Park, KS 66210 www.drjaypeters.com
• • Deep listening for your deepest Self Shamanic counseling & healing Guiding access to inner wisdom Companioning life transitions
• •
Spiritual Psychic Medium
Channeled Readings Reiki Treatments
913-206-1294 Diane Davis Reed 816-741-0820 pathfinder@kc.rr.com
whenangelsspeak5@aol.com whenangelsspeaktous.com
MYSTIC TREASURES 7711 N Oak Trfwy Kansas City, MO 64118 BOOK STORE AND GIFT SHOP Spiritual Goods, Readers, Events, Reiki and Energy Work Room available for your classes/event or private sessions
816.420.0820 mystictreasureskc@yahoo.com Find us on Facebook! In the Northland 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 11
Relax “Hands-Free Massage” Like an automated “hot stone” massage? Jade Thermal Massage is relaxing Bodywork for a fraction of the cost. In 96 Office Park at 96th & Antioch 8666 W 96th St., Overland Park, KS 66212
913-327-3938 www.LikeaDayattheBeach.com
Simply Raw Lifestyle LLC Tracie Walker
•Certified Raw Food
Chef & Teacher •Weekly Classes •Special Event
Catering •Live
Demonstrations Phone: (816) 210-8318 tracie.walker@hotmail.com www.simplyrawlifestyle.com
Animal Reiki Divine
Camille Pukay Animal Reiki Practitioner & Teacher Animal Communicator Monthly Reiki Classes 816-453-9542 Camille@AnimalReikiDivine.com www.AnimalReikiDivine.com “I help animals and their people too!”
At the
Arachne Psychic Counselor
Private Readings by Appt. Phone Readings & Parties Worked Available Thru Website
www.arachne8.com 913-831-2268 before 10pm
Healing Place Mention this ad and receive a one-hour session for only$45.00 Massage ~ Cranio Sacral Therapy Reiki ~ Past Life Regression Astrology ~ Tarot ~ Chan Ri Intuitive/Channeled Readings Tammy Barton & Sheri Woxland Schedule your appointment today!!
816-415-2607 www.atthehealingplace.com
Blue Moon Yoga & Wellness At your doorstep. Yoga, Reiki, Chakra & Energywork Bringing classes and workshops to you, your business, group or event ! SE HABLA ESPANOL !
Mimi Mateos, RYT, RMT www.bluemoonwellness.net 913.221.1967 Find us on Facebook.
Karen Elise www.KarenElise.com
Tarot Readings In person or by phone
Parties & Events Dream Interpretation Intuitive Counseling Life Path Coaching Akashic Readings
Dr. Andy Harding & Dr. Scott Loew
New Patients: Complimentary consultation, exam, x-rays
Certified Hypnotist
Due to Federal laws, Medicare patients are not eligible for complimentary offers.
Gift Certificates
913-636-9502
8437 State Avenue STE A, KCK www.chckc.net ~ (913) 299-0276
karen@karenelise.com
Restore Health Naturally Your full service travel planners
• Identify the cause of symptoms
Now specializing in Holistic Travel 2 Locations to serve you
• Enzyme Therapy
Helping Local Business Attract Great Customers
• Colon Hydrotherapy
816-322-6336
FREE WEEKLY TIPS NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER
Dr. Lynda Gammal, Ph.D. Loomis Digestive Health Specialist Colon Hydrotherapist
www.optinlocal.com
Raymore, MO
or Call (913) 871-0678
785-566-8334
www.ambassadortvl.com
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
816-554-2300 Lee's Summit, MO
Custom Websites / CMS Design / Logos Social Media & Opt-in Mobile Campaigns Google Local Search Optimization
2859 Four Wheel Dr, Lawrence, KS www.restorehealthnaturally.com
GLORIA’S YOGA CENTER Gloria J. Donohue-Little, Minister in the Kriya Tradition
Gentle Yoga & Meditation Call 913-638-3906 for class schedules
www.gloriasyogacenter.com 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 12
Guardian Pet Care & Massage Equine Sports Massage Canine Massage Dog Walking Pet Sitting
913913-538538-1548 PetPet-Guardians.com
Dr. Connie's Chiropractic Center CHIROPRACTIC, MYOFASCIAL, ACUPUNCTURE Now treating lower back and hip pain with innovative and successful treatments that are especially helpful for women with experience of rape, incest, or pregnancy. 6005 Martway, Mission, KS 913-384-5423 ~ www.drconnies.com
THANK YOU
BARB HOFFMAN, MA Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Integrative Massage Therapy and creative classes in
“The Gathering Room” 5775 NW 64th Terrace Suite 101 Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 587-5400 www.igroundwellnesselements.com
Peace
to all who participated in this year’s
● Depression ● Loneliness ● Anxiety ● Addictions ● Trauma & Grief ● Relationship Issues ● Serious Illness ● Guided Imagery
EVOLVING Wellness Directory
Individual Couples Family Counseling
Find a distribution location near you:
Westport Growth Center 4104 Central, KCMO 64111 (816)561-1116
www.evolvingmagazine.com
Terry Hug Health Coach HOW CAN LYMPHATIC ACTIVATION
HELP YOU?
The lymphatic system is the body's sewage system for dumping dead cells, viruses, bacteria and foreign debris the body produces each day. The body has lymph vessels through the entire body that carry this debris to the lymph nodes in the inguinal area, armpits, breast, face, stomach and smaller lymph nodes. The debris then dumps into the intestines. When the body develops illness, constipation, diarrhea or trauma, this impedes elimination, as do various medications. Headaches, sinus or gallbladder problems, pain in the legs or arms and many other ailments could just be a blocked system. If your doctor cannot find a problem and you know something is just not right, give Terry a call!
www.terryhug.com 816.914.8599 Holistic Nutritionist ~ Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Body Work ~ Lymphatic Drainage Specialist by the Upledger Institute ~ Visceral Therapist by the Barral Institute 2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 13
Wellness: A Psychiatric Perspective By James L. Fleming, M.D.
T
rue wellness is holistic, encompassing well-being and balance on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It doesn't imply a state of perfection. If it did, that would exclude all but the few saints among us! Nor does it mean we are free of aches and pains, personality quirks or major challenges in our lives. But true wellness does require one very important feature: a sense of inner balance and a conviction to keep moving in a positive direction, the direction of personal growth. And, as human beings, this is not a solo journey—we move forward not only with others around us whom we care about (or even our community); but ultimately our own evolution is intimately connected with our world environment. Life is full of stressors and losses: we lose function as we age, we lose friends and family to separation and death; and we are exposed to a constant barrage of negative news in the media. Amidst all of this we need to be in touch with a core of peace and stability within ourselves in order to maintain our balance. Ironically we often gain the greatest inspiration from individuals who have maintained serenity in extreme situations and come out stronger from traumatic experiences. One of the best examples is Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl, who's best selling book, Man’s Search for Meaning describes his philosophy and system of existential psychotherapy known as Logotherapy. Despite his many painful experiences in Nazi concentration camps, he is able to state:
To maintain a positive, growth-oriented attitude in the face of difficult or even traumatic circumstances requires a spiritual connection. "Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." To maintain a positive, growthoriented attitude in the face of difficult or even traumatic circumstances requires a spiritual connection. Psychiatrist James Gordon, founder and director of the Center for Mind Body Medicine describes the spiritual in his new book,
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 14
Unstuck as “something larger than ourselves that touches and transforms” our lives. Once that connection is made, the process of which is itself part of the spiritual journey, we begin to realize that we are connected to that larger, transforming reality at the deepest part of ourselves, the “kingdom of heaven within” in Christian terminology. Even though psychiatry literally means "healing of the spirit," modern psychiatry with its discovery of many
new medications for various disorders seems even more distant than in the past from a spiritual orientation. This is not to say that some of us might not benefit from a particular psychiatric medication, just as we may from medication for a physical condition such as high blood pressure. But to be truly “well”, everyone needs to make a spiritual connection and doing so will help reduce our dependence on treatments which have potential for adverse effects. Meditation in various forms from contemplative to mindfulness to expressive (i.e. using movement and dance) is widely recognized as a fundamental ingredient for any spiritual journey and scientific research continues to document the mental and physical health benefits of regular meditation practice. Meditation is best learned through personal instruction from a qualified meditation teacher; but here are two simple techniques which anyone can start incorporating into their daily routine:
1.
Knowing that, if given a chance, the mind will settle down to quieter levels, simply take a few minutes out of our busy day, close the eyes and with one or both hands gently placed across the abdomen, allow your attention to be on the breath, noticing that as you naturally breathe in this hand will move outward and as you exhale it will retract inward. During this time of quiet don’t mind thoughts as they come: let them come and let them go. Even a few minutes of this process can help center our awareness so that we are less focused on the outer environment, allowing us to be in “present time” rather than thinking about or regretting something from the past, or worrying about something in the future. This movement of the abdomen and the gentle relaxed attitude we associate with it is what Dr Gordon calls “soft belly meditation.” The outward movement is due to the dome-like diaphragm muscle flattening and moving downward on inhalation and back upward on exhalation. This action, as compared with the chest breathing which tends to maintain activity of sympathetic or “flight or fight”, instead increases parasympathetic activity by activating the vagus
nerve allowing for physical relaxation and peace on mental and emotional levels.
2.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling restless or nervous, sitting quietly may not be something you want to do right away. In this case something physical will be necessary before doing any type of meditation. Taking a brief walk, moving to some enjoyable music even for a few minutes can be very relaxing and will be a great investment in the service of keeping your inner balance. Another option is to find a fairly private space to stretch, using some form of yoga or just
bending forward and allowing your arms to hang down, touching the shins or even the feet or floor if comfortable can “smash stress” and bring the awareness back to present time. Whatever particular method or methods we use to recharge our physical, emotional and spiritual batteries (and most of us will need more than one), commit to using it daily or preferably two or more times per day. You’ll be doing it for yourself first. But your friends, family and the rest of us will benefit too! And by the way: please don’t delay, start today.
Dr Fleming has been a practicing psychiatrist since 1979. He incorporates a wide variety of complementary and alternative strategies into his practice and just recently completed advanced training for professionals with the Center for Mind Body Medicine in Washington, D. C. (www.cmbm.org) He can be reached at 816-213-1885 or at: jflemingmd@yahoo.com
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 15
2011 EVOLVING WELLNESS DIRECTORY 16