High Mesa Happenings & Heartstrings

A Soothing, Summer Voyage into the Fantastic: a Must See

Summer is here! In past times, the car was loaded for a Summer vacation. Maybe not this year. We are watching that gas tank. Here is a proposal:

* secure a comfortable position in front of your screen

* rest your mind in knowing this trip will not add to pollution, road rage or stressors

* take a deep breath of anticipation

*  click Download FantasticTrip.pps, wait a couple of seconds,  enjoy!

(... and maybe you just get a still screen after clicking "open" in the dialog box; breath in; go to your taskbar, all the way down of your screen, to the right side and surf over the icons; click on the one that says: slideshow)

It's awsome!

Posted by NWH

DoSomething.org

 Barbara and friends of HMHC  support and encourage young people  (Peace Village) and causes which promote health today  and into future generations. Please take the time to read about Chad Bullock, a young Anti-Tobacco activist of North Carolina.  He took a leading part in making Durham Bulls Athletic Park a smoke-free park. Not a small feat in tobacco country !

"Chad Bullock, the 2006 South Regional Youth Advocate of the Year Award Winner, is currently one of the nine finalists in the Do Something Awards which will be presented as part of the FOX Teen Choice Awards show scheduled to air on August 5th. This contest honors amazing young people who have tackled a problem they saw in the world. Each finalist has been awarded $10,000 and the winner will receive an additional $100,000, all going to their favorite cause.

Chad has been nominated for his work as an Anti-tobacco activist and his youth advocacy work. He has trained 15,000 teens nationwide in developing an action plan, has led activists to make Durham Bulls Athletic Park smoke-free, and petitioned the Attorney General to sue cigarette companies targeting children.

But Chad needs our help to win. The winner is decided by an online vote. Voting is only open to 13-19 year olds so please ask your kids, neighbors, and other teens you know to vote for Chad. They can vote once each day. If Chad wins, his $100,000 prize will go to an organization working against Big Tobacco, making Chad’s win not only a great achievement for himself, but also a win for the lives it will help save. "

Click Do Something to hear Chad and the news media speak of the project.

Voting is only open to 13-19 year olds so please ask your kids, neighbors, and other teens you know to vote for Chad. Please go get the teenagers you to know and ask them to VOTE NOW for Chad!

Thank you for sharing the news, links and clicks for a smoke-free choice!

Posted by NWH

Heal the Healers: a Retreat at HMHC

On May 31st, staff from H.E.A.L. spent the day at HMHC for a “Heal the Healers” retreat. Barbara Mader, RN, CHRP and Director of HMHC, and Misty McArthur presented a program of stress relieving techniques and exploration. 

“The day was a most wonderful gift to our small group of six who enjoyed the center's positive energies,” writes Danietta Owens, Office Manager.“Thank you Barbara and Misty! We appreciate all the time and work you put into this wonderful and insightful day." 

 

 

 

Posted by NWH

 

Precise and Swift Moves: Recognizing Signs of Stroke

A while back, HMHC Happenings & Heartstrings posted a video about The Singin' Scientist , a woman narrating what she felt physically and spiritually during her own stroke.

Several friends of HMHC have forwarded news on how to recognize signs of a stroke during an event. Thank you, friends!

Here is what to remember and how to proceed:

STROKE: a first thought If you witness a person becoming suddenly ill, or falling or such, immediately think  S-T-R. STROKE IDENTIFICATION:  a story During a BBQ,  Ingrid stumbled and took a little fall. She assured everyone that she was fine, declining a call to the paramedics. She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.  All cleaned up and with a new plate of food, Ingrid appeared a bit shaken up, but went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital.  That evening,  Ingrid passed away.  She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.  Knowing  how to identify signs of a stroke, perhaps would have saved Ingrid ‘s life, or in another case would avoid someone to  live on in a helpless, hopeless condition. A neurologist reports that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke, - totally . The trick is to recognize signs of stroke and get medical care within the next 3 hours. RECOGNIZING A STROKE: what to remember Remember the '3' steps to take, S-T-R,  in asking the following three questions: S - Ask the individual to SMILE. T - Ask the person to SPEAK and SAY a simple sentence (it is sunny out today).Verify that the statement is coherent. R - Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS. If the individual has trouble with ANY of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. ADDITIONAL SIGN OF A STROKE:  the tongue Ask the person to 'stick' out the tongue. A crooked tongue or a tongue going to one side or the other of the mouth, is also an indication of a stroke.  So here it is, dear readers, how one can, in a modest way, help another in distress. Being aware, remembering and caring.   Posted by NWH

Solstice Moon Illusion

Whether you’ve seen it on June 18^th of this year or not, the picture below is true to the awe filled eyes we get when looking at a Solstice Moon Illusion.

 

The full Moon beams through trees in Manchester, Maryland. Credit: Edmund E. Kasaitis. Copyright 2008; all rights reserved

Pretty amazing view, uh? It is said that we humans are the only ones to see the Moon blown up, (and likely other deformed stuff, too.) There are oodles of scientific, cultural, spiritual and more explanations. In fact, it is an optical illusion, like the Ponzo Illusion .

 Wait a minute, what fact and says who? Beauty, or in this case the unusual or the peculiar, lies in the eyes of beholder, doesn’t it? What if….

Here is another optical illusion, created by humans, for fun…

Elevator in Hong-Kong

Posted by NWH

No More Plastic!

Enough plastic bags!  Or at least, lets use and re-use them with safe disposal in mind.

Barbara and friends of HMHC are concerned about how plastic bags are carelessly spread around the world, killing and damaging with a magnitude difficult to imagine from kitchens or grocery stores.

I remember when i lived in Europe several years back, I used to get a few free plastic bags from the supermarket to bag a whole lotof stuff. Stuff was overflowing and bags breaking well before arriving to the car. Then when people asked for more plastic bags at the check-out counters, markets started to charge for them. People grunted. Finally, i remember one day they were not available anymore, and my stuff went un-bagged from the cart into the trunk. Most markets at that time cut them off not so much out of environmental concern but mostly to reduce costs. No matter. It did help the environment. Most important however is that my stuff made it home safe without being wrapped, and wrapped and re-wrapped in plastic. It did not bother me that my stuff came unwrapped. But then, i did grow up in a country where people carried  bread under their armpit! Well. There is a middle ground between over-wrapping stuff and carrying food under the armpit: and that is, -drum roll, please, a re-usable bag. Let's do it! Please click Download Plastic_Bags.pdf to view what plastic bags do to the planet and join those who are responsible shoppers and environment conscious citizens. Thank you.

The picture is from reusablebags.com which has a counter running, showing how many plastic bags are consumed this year. Wow!

 

 

 

 

Posted by NWH

 

 

 

New ITP Group Forming

New Group Forming …

 

"Whatever your age, your upbringing, your education; what you are made of is mostly unused potential."

- G. Leonard

 

A new, local group interested in personal development, community involvement and establishing a long-term practice will be accepting new members for a minimum six month commitment at High Mesa Healing Center (HMHC). We are looking for interested participants eager to commit to a fun, working group that will start on July 14th, 2008 and grow into a close knit community. As of June 16th, you may drop- in to our current group and learn more about our ITP practice and how it will benefit your life.

The practice is based upon Michael Murphy's (Esalen Institute cofounder) and George Leonard's (human potential explorer and author) development of an Integral Transformative Practice (ITP).

 

What is Integral Transformative Practice (ITP)? 

 

ITP is a long-term program initiated at Esalen Institute for realizing greater success, health, and fulfillment in our lives and for realizing the full potential of body, mind, heart and soul in the life we are given.

The practice is INTEGRAL in that it deals with the body (through exercise and eating habits), the mind (by reading and discussing books and articles concerning human potential), the heart (through group process and community activities, and the soul (via meditation and imaging).

The practice is TRANSFORMATIVE in that it is aimed at measurable, positive individual change in body and being.

It is a PRACTICE in that it involves long-term, regular, disciplined actions which are of value to the individual irrespective of any specific short-term external rewards. In other words, these actions and activities are of intrinsic value and demonstrate improved quality of life and nurture tangible human growth.

 

What we need from you:

 

Early participation! If you are looking to make a desired change, enrich your personal life or become more community oriented, pick up a copy of THE LIFE WE ARE GIVEN by M. Murphy and G. Leonard (ISBN# 0-87477-792-5) and join our discussion now. We are meeting every week on Monday evenings from 6-8PM. You can get more details by contacting VILLAGE WELLNESS at 258-2258.

 

 

"Body and mind reflect and influence each other with amazing fidelity." - G. Leonard

 

 

A cairn or (Irish carn) is an artificial pile of stones, often in a conical form. They are usually found in  uplands, on moorlands,  on mountaintops or near waterways. (Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by NWH

 

 

A Global Wave: One World, One Circle, One Cause

We all live on the same planet. We all are connected the same. We all long for the same.

Thank you Ginny and Kate for sharing this opportunity. Please watch the video below, then let's do it, on June the 18th at 7:00pm !

 "Such an easy thing to do. Send love and joy and healing to the earth and all living things at 7:00pm in whatever time zone you're in."

Posted by NWH

CFL Safety: Another Step after Saving Energy and Money

We're pretty sure you've heard by now:  Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is a great way to save energy and money. But your environmental responsibility doesn't end there. CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, a neurotoxin,so it's important to dispose of them properly. (To put the amount into perspective, consider that one CFL bulb contains between 2 and 5 milligrams of mercury, whereas the nation's coal-fired power plants spew out about 50 tons of mercury per year.) Some manufacturers have already implemented strategies to reduce mercury content in CFLs. While they're working on that, you can do your part by keeping CFLs out of landfills.

Don't throw CLFs in the trash. Some manufacturers, like Osram Sylvania accept returned CFLs for recycling. Retailers, like IKEA, also have take-back programs. Find your nearest CFL recycling center at RecycleABulb.com, or consult the EPA’s directory of recycling facilities. If a bulb breaks, the EPA recommends opening a window and leaving the room for at least 15 minutes. Keep children and pets away from the broken bulb, and follow these steps  for safe clean up and removal.

                                     

             From the Green Life, Sierra Club

 

 

 

 

Posted by NWH

New Beginner Pilates Class!

New Beginner Pilates Class

Vanessa Amstrong, Massage Therapist and Pilates Instructor, co-owner of Village Wellness, has been teaching Pilates classes at HMHC for several seasons. Below she describes her new class. Ouch, but it feels sooooo good! Her classes are wonderful!

"This beginner Pilates class will introduce the "Basic Seven" pilates exercises. Participants will learn a short, but very effective, routine that can be performed in about 25 minutes, once learned. Imagine that, 25 minutes to a stronger, more streamlined "CORE" which includes the Abdominals & Lower back. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat if you have one."

Tuesday Evenings - 5:30-6:30pm

June 17th thru July 15 - 5 weeks

Cost: $45.00

Call Village Wellness @ 575-258-2258 to register.

Photo by Marguerite Ogle, 2006

Posted by NWH

On Peace

Jane B-Y sent us words on Peace by Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdamez, known as Monsenor Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador. Witnessing ongoing violations of human rights in his country, he started a group speaking on behalf of the poor and victims during the civil war in El Salvador. He was assassinated in 1980 during a sermon, by a death squad. The movie Salvador by Oliver Stone renders the political stage around the life of Monsenor Romero and on the Civil War of El Salvador.

"Peace  is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism,
Peace is generosity,
It is right and it is duty."

Among others, Jane has included this photo (Bakersfield, CA,) titled "The Day when God dropped the Paintbox".

Sometimes, looking at beautiful colors of nature helps me to gratefully be still.

NWH 

Kids, We hear you !

Here is good news!  We hear you, Kids!   (See preceding blog post:The Girl Who Silenced the World for 5 Minutes)

Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, writes to HMHC: 

"Celebrate our Arctic Victory! I'm thrilled to report that we just won an important interim victory in our long-term campaign to block Big Oil from drilling in Alaska's spectacular Western Arctic Reserve, one of NRDC's endangered BioGems.

 Thanks to your support, most of the Teshekpuk Lake region -- one of the most important tundra-wetland ecosystems left on our planet -- will not be opened to oil and gas development for at least 10 years.

 This victory is particularly sweet because we fended off the Bush Administration's plan to hand over this natural treasure to Big Oil before it leaves office next January.

Next, we will focus our campaign on Congress, in support of legislation to permanently protect this world-class wildlife habitat."

Visit the NRDC BioGems to find out how and where NRDC works to Save Endangered Wild Places and/or contact Frances Beinecke at biogemsdefenders@savebiogems.org .

Photos from http://www.savebiogems.org/westernarctic/

 

Posted by NWH

The Girl Who Silenced the World for 5 Minutes

Yes, it could be considered  a "trend" nowadays: kids speaking to adults on how we are destroying Mother Earth. These messages and other alike pleas have come via emails, videos, music, etc. Actually, it's not really a "new thing."  Every generation in its youth has been calling for a change or another. What's different about today's calls, then? Your answer is as good as mine.

My answer is that I hear the underlying fear. I hear the anxiety of loosing life as we know it, as it is supposed to be. Life ending for good. No future left. A cry for help. What to do? I can't bring back as the girl says in the video, species or forests that have disappeared. But I can take a child in my arms, listen, acknowledge, and nurture strength to face with compassion change and accept things the way they are. I can show that I heard the message and that I care in choosing a behavior which will honor all and everything as it is. I can show and teach skills to cope.

The Peace Village Camp is the opportunity for Teen Counselors, Teachers, Camp Staff and HMHC Staff to hear worries and change them into strength in demonstrating and encouraging peaceful life practices.

Watch and hear:

Posted by NWH

No, Kate Winner is NOT Leaving Us!

here's an announcement from Barbara . . .

Kate is just changing her role at High Mesa Healing Center to one that works best for her.  We are grateful she will continue to be available as a friend, coach, consultant and the Omni Crone.

Kate's organizational skills and her computer skills have done wonders around here at High Mesa for the past 2 years.  We continue getting positive feedback about our web site and for that we must add Kate’s partner, Joel Carothers, into this loop of gratitude.  What a team they are working together!

We could not allow the ‘Kate transition’ to take place without some sort of recognition and celebration . . . but what’s the best way to honor a person who is the best of friends, has passion and compassion in her heart and soul, and has incredible vision and drive?  A few weeks ago a group of about 30 folks gathered to express their love and appreciation to Kate; and what a celebration it turned out to be as folks gathered to share experiences, joys and food.  We were fed on so many levels.

As a continuing celebration of Kate we decided to plant some shrubs at HMHC.  So here we go, Kate and I, shopping for the right plants to put into our planters at the entrance of the Center.  We picked a great day . . . we had so much fun slopping around in the rain and stopping at all our favorite nurseries until we found just the right shrubs, a couple of Russian Purple Sages that will bring bees and butterflies to our entrance.

Let me introduce . . . Paula Allen (a.k.a. The Paula Person) who brings new energy and uniqueness to us.  She’s a self-described 'people person' and 'Curious George' and is eager to assist the HMHC Team, our Colleagues, and our Customers as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Center's general operations.

posted by PJA

Age of the Millenials

Young adults coddled by their parents to the point of being ill prepared for a demanding workplace?

 

If you missed the report from the May 25 CBS 60 Minutes on the generation called “Millenials” by Morley Safer, click on the link that follows.

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4126233n

 

posted by PJA

We're Ready: a One Minute Shift Video

Barbara invites us all adults to take time to view the great message the kids in the video below want to share. Thank you for taking the time.

This video, produced by 13-year-old Shannon Leonard and his friends, expresses a heartfelt call from youth who are ready to make the change to living more sustainably. They pointedly ask if we’re ready to do the same.

 

Posted by NWH

Good News from the 7 Rays Ranch!

HMHC is very happy to announce that Kelly, Boyd and family have found a new place to live. Please read their letter of thanks below.

Good Morning,
Kelly and I and Squeeky boy wish to thank all of you for the prayers and great energy sent on our behalf to find a new place to live. We will be moving between now and the 21st to 1444 High Mesa Dr. It is at the very end of High Mesa Dr past the High Mesa Healing Center a couple of miles. No accident we were guided to a 444, thank you Angels. We will be leasing for the summer months until the end of August.
At that time we will decide on a course of action aligned with the 7 Rays Ranch project. 
The Ranch will continue to be our priority in each moment. Our executive board member, Jon Benedetto, has also been guided to move here from Sedona to assist us in the Ranch project.
Jon has also had a vision for community and a spiritual sanctuary for many years. We look forward to
introducing Jon to all of you. 
Thanks again for your help in so many ways. We send our love to all of you,

Boyd, Kelly, Squeeky Boy (on the right Incognito) and Jon

May 16, 2008

Posted by NWH      

Amazing Striped Icebergs

I like Nature. I spent most of my 3 first years of my life outside, almost all day long and well into a night a lot of times. Don't ask, it's my story.  After these former years, it often has been a challenge to be drawn into cultures where nature seems to have become a stage backdrop or a prey to satisfy personal needs. I can't do it. I have to live with Nature: feel, see, touch, smell, nurture with it. Doing so allows me to practice awe,  respect and gratitude in my life. I like that.

Thank you Jane B-Y for sharing the below wonder of Nature.

Amazing striped icebergs

Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by layers of snow that react to different conditions. Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with melted water and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form. When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a green stripe. Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the sea.

To see more colored and shaped icebergs, go to

Australian Antarctic Division.

Enjoy.

Posted by NWH

Soul Sisters by Linda

Linda has sent us several of her poems, some of  which have appeared in the HMHC Newsletter and others on this blog, the High Mesa Happenings & Heartstrings.

I like these poems of precisely chosen words, yet of a diaphanous quality inviting readers to give them a unique interpretation. Thank you Linda for sharing.

Soul Sisters

Silent sentinels of light

Holding me up

With higher frequencies

When I sway

In the breezes of life

With stormy skies

Dark, cold days

Indecision ice

That encases my heart

With morbid fingers

That stab and plunge

Me into fright

Anger and judgment

Their quiet warmth

Thaws my core

Cracks the abandoned

Aloneness of my prison

Through kindness and love

Opening the padlock

I have placed on my heart

As I perceive the harmony

Of life encircle my being

Rhythm of intention

Blossoms with breath

Perceptive, accepting

That I am growing