Thought I should update the blog, as solstice is approaching and I am reflecting on the year. I am looking forward to the return of the light, as it is getting dark here even earlier than it did in Arcata.
Kaia is a joy and a challenge, as is appropriate for her age group (thinks she’s a tween already, though still just 8.) She asked her teacher how to spell “solstice” for the holiday card she was making, and the teacher was not aware of what that is; the class she is in has talked about and made gifts and decorations for Christmas but not for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or any other holidays. (We’re not in Arcata any more.) In looking for information to send her explaining Solstice and how Christmas occurs when it does because of the old Pagan holiday, I discovered a lovely solstice meditation which I would recommend checking out: The Star in the Heart.
The current high point at work is that a colleague and I obtained a $50,000 grant to start a project to address pediatric obesity in our clinic, and I am working on a group visit model to incorporate parents and kids (we’ll start with 8-12 year olds).
And then, I should update the hiking news as well: I climbed to the crater rim on Mt. St. Helen’s a few weeks ago, and also had my first experience on snowshoes up on Mt. Hood, where we climbed up past the skiers (I won’t be making a summit attempt there for a couple months, though.)
This is me with my new sweetie, John, at the crater rim on St. Helen’s with Mt. Rainier in the background.
Here’s to peace and joy and health in the coming year, for each of us and for our nation and our planet.
Connie
{ 6 } Comments
It is always nice to read of your experiances, reflective and positive or otherwise. Although I miss your practice and your insight, you sound healthy and focused. Maybe you can turn that town you now live in around on its heels! …Not knowing about Solstice?! You and your family have some educating to do!
Dear Connie:
Good to hear that everything is going well. Congratulations on your grant. I just wanted to tell you that I just read about the meditation and it is beautiful. I will try it, so thanks for sharing. Happy New Year. Gail Sahlman
Happy New Year , Connie! How great to see your smiling, healthy, happy face.
Thanks for sharing the Star Meditaion. I will use it tonight.
Many blessing to you and your family.
Namaste, Bonnie Etz
Connie, it’s so nice to see your smiling face again. There were too many times that neither of us were smiling. I’m glad to see that you look and sound healthy and happy. It sounds like we both ended up in the same part of the world again. I’m now living in Portland…all the better for helping my mother and spending time with my daughter. All the best, and I’ll be watching for more updates from you.
Basha Richter
I talked with a friend from our old pain group the other day and she told me you had a blog on the site, which I had not been aware of before. I had been wanting to give you an update on my continued progress after group. Last summer I quit my beloved job, moved to the Salem Oregon area (my mom’s lived here for 20 years and Rachel and Ally moved up here too!!) and returned to school to finish a bachelor’s in social science and then obtain my master’s in social work. I want to eventually work with people in a medical setting, especially those suffering with pain. While in school I am volunteering with a local women’s shelter and the senior and disability services as a co-facilitator for a support group for women in domestic violence (that will always be a passion). I joined a local gym and have been working out and walking so that I can begin to go with a local hiking group this spring. I’ve lost 35# since going off all those awful meds.
Without your introduction of John Sarno I shudder to think where I would be. Thank you for having the courage to introduce such a difficult concept for people to consider.
I am so happy you are doing well, and you look fabulous by the way. Feel free to write me anytime, I’d love to hear from you.
PS Rachel got a terrific job as a veterinary technician and Ally is 7 and beautiful!
Gratefully yours,
Suzanne Evola
Hi Connie! Good to have found you on here and see that you are doing well!! I am a former patient of yours and I am very thankful for your help! Hope all stays well.
-Erik
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