Who are the experts?

The art of healing has been my saving grace.Being labeled as mentally ill ( bipolar) by those who are anything but experts when it comes to ones mental health ,has been a heavy burden.

The psychiatrists and other so called professionals pushed their snake oil of a bio medical model, elixirs of pyschotropic poison, and a narrow understanding of mental health to the point of death.

After years of struggling with their philosophy of what was wrong with me and how to correct it,I have come full circle. A liberation of mind, body,and soul began with my art. The beginning of a more holistic approach to my well being.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) is in itself flawed and dangerous.The theory that mental illness is but a chemical imbalance of the brain,corrected by pills is again flawed. There is no scientific proof to this theory or a test that can prove this theory.Pychiatry in itself is not a science,in it's 150 year history, the evolution of this narrow view has been transformed in most part from the financial backing of the pharmaceutical corporatons.A bio medical approach to mental health has, and continues to be the crux of pain,misery, and the death of countless people. This pychotropic panacea is poison, to the mind,body,and soul.

A more holistic approach to well being is the path I have chosen. To have come to the realization that what ailed me was not segmented into, the brain,without including the body and spirit has been an amazing transformation. That I am the culmination of all my life experiences is in itself the answer to many of the struggles I endured. A bio,pyscho,social,spiritual philosophy is the new age lingo.A gift from the indigenous people I have come to respect and admire. My art was the beginning of my long journey back.While inside several pychiatric facilities across this land,the only thing that allowed me to hold onto life was my abilty to express in artform. To allow the anger,pain,fear,and madness to evolve on canvas was and is my saving grace.With the mental health delivery system entrenched in our society, art was not encouraged in most communities.Just take your pills Wallace,life is better Wallace, the meds do not affect your creativity Wallace, the only thing that will help Wallace is more pills...BULLSHIT

! A need to be in charge of my wellness did not come easily.There are many wonderful,amazing people in the helping profession.Albeit that most are misdirected and misinformed is quite evident in how the lack of non-medical services are implemented in assisting those that struggle with mental health issues. I have worked hard the last several years to use not only my art,but horticultural, cognitive behavourial, and many other forms of therapy to bring about change in my life That I had to seek these alternative approaches to my wellness is one of the reasons I write this.

To have the empowerment of deciding the direction I follow has been a difficult and most rewarding journey.I have not progressed without the help and encouragement of many in my life.That most did not understand why I chose to be so proactive in my well being did not sway me from my goal of a quality of life. Most believed that all I needed was to find the right medication and all would be well. I have proven otherwise to myself and to those who worship the medical model. The shrinks that said I would have to take meds the rest of my life,and that I would have to live in a semi-independant environment could not have been more wrong. I had for years struggled with medications,some were so horrific,paralyzing, the side effects worse than the illness.So two years ago I discontinued my meds,and began using other means for my wellness.It has been a truly amazing transformation,at times so difficult, with many still wanting me to fail,to be put back on meds,even to be once again committed under the mental health act. Well,again, I have proven them wrong.

I do not encourage people to quit their medications.I do strongly encourage them to be well informed,and to have a say in how they are treated by both professionals, family and loved ones. To have not only a voice,but agency in our community.I encourage others to question the status quo,to question the validity of the school of pychiatry, to question whether the meds are the answer,or a small part of having a quality of life. Some individuals are helped by medications,yet the majority are misled in what their options are. or that the meds are more harmful than helpful.

I speak from not only experience,but with some knowledge of how the general public continues being directed in an understanding of menatl health. A misunderstanding that is perpetuated by the same people who profess to be not only helpful,but experts.If one looks up the definition of expert,it means of experience.Well I do not see much life experience in those that teach,work, and inplement mental health services in our community. That it has been proven time and again that having people with life experience as part of the solution, it is still being denied,or at best used haphazardly .

So I will continue my journey with a little help from my friends.I will create,express, evolve and put forth a different perspective to "Mental Illness." Many will be upset with my approach and delivery,yet just as many will agree.So, I have come from a darkness that many do not fathom,where I again and again tried to take my own life,to a place of wonderous joy.Where I embrace life and encourage others to do so.Art is my medicine, my passion, my vehicle of movement forward. A liberation of mnd,body,& spirit. Be well my friends. Wallace

Digging through my writings...

March 17,2008 I am as you would term as being bipolar, this does not define who I am. I am a child, I am a man, I am masculine, I am feminine I am young, I am old. I am strong and I am weak. I am fearful and fearless. I carry darkness, but I am the light. I have danced with the devil and have torn down the gates of hell. An unquiet mind has been my guide, a heart that has eluded the arrow of a cupid, that has a wound longing to heal.

I have bathed in selfishness, self-pity, self-hatred, a loathing of life, fear and pain are my lovers, my torment, my beloved muses. I have tasted blood, suffered, and caused suffering. I am the evolution of what will be and the digression of what is. My journey has been a road traveled by many, yet known by few. I know and know not what. I have embraced death, beckoned and sang for the reaper. I have drowned in my tears, wept silently inside, screamed where others could not hear, held out my hands to touch in the dark where you could not see me. Wanted to speak, but silence thundered my words.

My chains drugs, booze, anger, rage, my muzzle shame, guilt, innocence lost, secrets, twisted dreams. I am all of you. I am none of you.

These are fractions of whom I am, a fresh memory that diminishes, then creeps back.

I am becoming, evolving, aspiring, to extinguish the madness, unleash the genius, the fool, the child, the lover, the troubadour of life’s realities and possibilities. To discard the mask, to begin to heal.

To embrace life, see the beauty, to be touched, caressed, to weep, and to roar with laughter. A voice that will be heard, a mind that will listen, a heart that will taste love, a spirit and light that will blossom. I will learn to be still, to understand, to sigh, to lift the weariness, and dance.

I will no longer be a human being, instead, to being human.

Do you see me, do you hear me, feel me, understand me, want me, touch me, hold me, do you, should you, would you, could you love me, love me?

Love me do . .

In Your Eyes

Well it has been an interesting day.I was asked by a teenager today what was the best advice anyone had ever given me.My response was," Do not let others put limitations on you."

You see, not that long ago,I was sitting in a boardroom in a physciatric facility.I had been there several months. At the table were two physciatrist,a physciatric nurse,a social worker,and occupational therapist, in a lone chair,without representation, was myself. They stated that I would never be able to function independantly in society and that I would have to live in a semi-independant living environment for the rest of my life.

Already depressed and at times suicidal, this was the final blow.

I was distraught,the end of my existence was apparent. I quietly left and returned to my room,alone. As I sat on the edge of my bed a voice from my past resonated through my being," Do not let others put limitations on you."

I rushed out of my room,running towards the doors where they had delivered my fate. I burst through the doors, this startled all present. Fear was in there eyes.I stood directly in the middle of the room and loudly said," No, you are not gods,you do not have the power to predict and decide my life.Your words are shit!"

I then began my journey to wellness.A rage burned inside of me,it had always been there,now I had direction for it.I would spend the next several years struggling,persevering, wandering the land in search of a stillness,of a home, of others who would accept me for who I am.I have found that home,I have found that acceptance.

I have learned what some of my limitations are, not by others or by fear or misgivings on my part.But by being active in my recovery and having support from many in my community.

I am proud of who I am,and I encourage others to also be proud.It is alright to be different,unique, after all, we are.

Heaven and Hell by Wallace Malay

Tell me there’s a heaven, a state of grace where I can learn to be still. A place where warmth and beauty are an abundance from within. A healing that leaves no scar, where I can breathe. A thousand pieces found and a place for each. To see that which is unveiled to the innocent, no shame or need to hide my tears. To silence the screams, no need to whisper, no more demons in my head.
Tell me there’s a hell no more, the grinding of hate, anger, fear and loathing shattered and but a brief thought that passes my dreams. To grieve that lost and put to rest my past, a faded glimpse of madness.
Oh I know madness well, a bedfellow who sneers and beckons me in both the darkness and the light. Days turn to years of walking hand in hand with a secret that gnaws at my core. To let loose the secret, a taboo that would bring certain death, his voice and breath wafts past my nostrils. I sleep with eyes wide open, the sound of my own hair growing a white noise that intensifies, with a heat that sears all.
The heaviness of a childhood secret that lingers in the shadows of those days of innocence lost. A blindness that brings about the horror, the pain, those things that cannot be described.
Tell me there’s a heaven, a thousand beautiful songs, a thousand beautiful things, your shining face in the crowd. The words blend into my unquiet mind and the stillness begins.

Stigma

Crazy, lunatic, insane, pyscho, madman...these are but a few of the words that are spoken or thought by many in regards to people with mental health issues.

Stigma is also the way those who are providng health services treated me,and many others.There are some who are such arrogant and narrow disciples of the religion of pyschopharmocology. To believe that they are the experts is not only naieve, but for me a death sentence. The only authority on my health is me. It is comforting to see that the medical model is not only being challenged, but is also being discarded by many consumers & health care providers.

The time for a more holistic approach to mental health is now, a bio/pyscho/social/spiritual model. A gift from my aboriginal friends,mind,body,heart, and spirit.

The need to have people with life experience involved in the research of mental illness is crucial to advancement. The time to be active in ensuring that people with mental health issues to have a voice has come.

A poem that I found by Antwone Fisher

Who will cry for the little boy, lost and all alone?
Who will cry for the little boy,abandoned without his own.
Who will cry for the little boy? He cried himself to sleep.
Who will cry for the little boy? He never had for keeps.
Who will cry for the little boy? He walked the burning sands.
Who will cry for the little boy?The boy inside the man.
Who will cry for the little boy?Who knows well hurt and pain.
Who will cry for the little boy?He died and died again.
Who will cry for the little boy?A good boy he tried to be.
Who will cry for the little boy,who cries inside of me?

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste. & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud & aggressive persons. They are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater or lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be Careful. Strive to be happy.

The Have and Have Nots'

The gaps between “the have and have nots” in our society grows wider with each passing year. The daily struggles to overcome poverty become more difficult all the time. Those who are raised in the lower socioeconomic segment of our society best understand the struggle individuals and families face in trying to succeed. To reverse the problems of poverty at times seem insurmountable. This said, there are several effects of poverty that are apparent in our society that need immediate address.

One effect caused by poverty is that of homelessness. In most communities across Canada there are unfortunates that live on the streets, vying for a bed at shelters. With the increasing cost of living and the stagnant, slow moves to increase such things as affordable housing, or raising the minimum wage, people are caught between a rock and a hard place. The disproportion of families living only a paycheck or two away from being homeless, is an added stress that affects the quality of life for many.

Another area that is affected by poverty is that of substance abuse, such as alcohol and drugs. The number of people who live on low income with stress related difficulties, creates the environment where substance abuse thrives. This, in many instances, becomes a multi-generational problem, with the dysfunctions of abuse and neglect being thrust upon the children who are likely to grow up to repeat the pattern.

Most important, with poverty, the children suffer most of all. They are robbed of the joy of just being kids. Their environment is chaotic and unpleasant to say the least. It is difficult to go without that which many take for granted, such as food, clothing, and a safe environment in which to live. In many circumstances the end result is abuse, lack of education, crime, and a cycle that tend to be repeated from generation to generation,

Poverty is in many ways the worst form of violence in our society today. Our society, as a whole, neglects the responsibility for those who suffer the effects of poverty. For our community to grow and improve, it needs to take those less fortunate and place them first. Society may do well to remember the First Nations saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

V-Day

The cast from, " A Memory.a Monologue,a Rant, and a Prayer. Part of the V-Day Movement to end violence against women and children.Both this play and the Vagina Monolgues were performed this weekend at Malaspina Theatre on campus at Vancouver Island University.Not only helping the global movement,but also that the event raised money for the Nanaimo Women's Resource Society.A great organization helping women in our community.

Well what an exciting and intense weekend.Such amazing people joining together to make a difference.I am proud to have been a part of what is essential in ending violence,becoming an ally with women to make this world a better place.

The cast were magnificent,such emotions were both healing and enlightening. This is not only a women's issue,but the responsibility of all, a call for men to join in the movement that is a logical step in the process of change.

I look forward to next year.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Please share- A different look at mental health

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/another-way-of-thinking-20110905-1ju4q.html

Monday, February 13, 2012

FW: Please pass info along...

From: SWILSON@sd68.bc.ca
Subject: FW: Please pass info along...
Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:35:47 +0000
To:

Update from Pat!

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing" ~ Helen Keller

Shannon Wilson

Community School Coordinator

John Barsby Community School

550 - 7th Street

Nanaimo, BC V9R 3Z2

c: 250.616.7984

e: swilson@sd68.bc.ca

w: www.myjohnbarsby.ca

ü Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Pat Simpson [mailto:psimpson@cvims.org]
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 2:14 PM
To: Shannon Wilson
Subject: RE: Please pass info along...

Please note…in the body of the email, event reads, March 23^rd. This is not correct. Should read the date of the poster Feb 23^rd , 2012. Sorry for the confusion.

Pat Simpson, Volunteer and Event Coordinator

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Nanaimo, BC

Tel: (250) 753-6911 Ext 114

www.cvims.org

Subject: Please pass info along...

Hello All;

We are having our very first Volunteer Fair here at the Immigrant Welcome Centre on Thursday, FEB 23^rd 9:00 – 12:00 noon; There will be 16 exhibitors coming here to talk about the volunteer opportunities that they have. It will be a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in volunteering in the community to meet actual people that are affiliated with each organization .

See poster for more info and I hope to see you here.

Pat Simpson, Volunteer and Event Coordinator

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Nanaimo, BC

Tel: (250) 753-6911 Ext 114

www.cvims.org

Saturday, February 11, 2012

FW: Stop Policing Poverty (Feb 16, 6:30)

> Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:32:54 -0800
> To:
> From: eternity@islandnet.com
> Subject: Stop Policing Poverty (Feb 16, 6:30)
>
> From: research@vipirg.ca
>
> > please forward <
>
> The Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG) recently
> produced research showing that the practice of social profiling by
> the Victoria police is creating an unsafe environment for people in
> the street community. Findings showed that targeted policing of the
> street community results in disproportionate ticketing for minor
> offenses and frequent police harassment. The police themselves admit
> that they don't have training or skills needed to deal with the
> social issues prevalent among populations of urban poor people and
> yet they spend an enormous amount of time patrolling the 900 block of
> Pandora street,wasting millions of dollars in public money to hand
> out fines for loitering, trespassing and other non-criminal offenses.
> This is ridiculous!
>
> Its time for us to set things straight and make this a safer
> community for everyone.
>
> ================================================
> End Policing of Poverty - Campaign Launch
> 6:30, Thursday Feb. 16
> Central Library Meeting Room, 735 Broughton St.
> Bus tickets, food and child care will be provided.
> ================================================
> VIPIRG needs your help to build this campaign! Join us for a
> discussion with panelists Hilary Marks, Gordon O'Connor, Mark
> Willson, and Ben Isitt, followed by a facilitated campaign strategy
> session to share ideas on how to eliminate discriminatory bylaws and
> promote social programs instead of more police violence.
>
> See you there.
>
>

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

FW: please place these posters where they will be seen

From: judy.graves@vancouver.ca
To: shenry@firstunited.ca; bkmorris59@hotmail.com; rosemary@whuc.net; Dorothy_Cumming@bcit.ca; hales_jc@yahoo.ca; Jennifer_Sydenham@can.salvationarmy.org; amandagibbs@telus.net; amarjotj@sfu.ca; advocacy@stpaulsanglican.bc.ca; askalice@shaw.ca; andrew@sauve-nolan.com; almckay@telus.net; atysick@gmail.com; ruth.martin@familymed.ubc.ca; ruth_herman@shaw.ca; davidchudnovsky@gmail.com; dswan4432@gmail.com; mdavis@drpeter.org; ladams2@telus.net; bob_and_anne_swann@hotmail.com; rgeralddoll@shaw.ca; bpauly@uvic.ca; wanderingwallace@hotmail.com; bijan91@gmail.com; Murray.Bilida@leg.bc.ca; barbara.levesque@jhsnok.ca; beasley@bernardpartners.com; constance.barnes@gmail.com; charles@downtownvancouver.net; chume@mentalhealthcommission.ca; dweiss@ugm.ca; dlamb@telus.net; ddiewertt@shaw.ca; directordtesnh@gmail.com; daviel@parl.gc.ca; don@themosaic.org; deddy@vnhs.ca; dsikstrom@harbourlightbc.com; drbillca@gmail.com; ggreening@ugm.ca; david@davidewart.ca; stan.lanyon@arboffices.com; ggayman@harbourlightbc.com; Brennan.Nearing@gov.bc.ca; Dianne.Elliott@gov.bc.ca; Dave.Jagpal@gov.bc.ca; daveb@lookoutsociety.ca; dave@infocusconsulting.ca; Craig.Phillips@nursing.ubc.ca; evan.adams@familymed.ubc.ca; eileenmosca@telus.net; executivedirector@vafcs.org; rector@stpaulsanglican.bc.ca; gfranklin@telus.net; Gerry.Bradley2@vch.ca; harvey@covenanthousebc.org; hluke@ethosstrategygroup.com; vfineday@telus.net; info@southgranville.org; info@cnnbackpackers.com; jproudfoot@gmail.com; jwhite-msw-c@hotmail.com; jadams@circleofeagles.com; jsands@sparc.bc.ca; karen@cglf.ca; kathi.thompson@fraserhealth.ca; lyotier@telus.net; Kingsley.Okyere@metrovancouver.org; kmfomi@yahoo.ca; seeingeye@telus.net; lzille@fsgv.ca; LHanson@PCRS.CA; lawrencejho@hotmail.com; outreach@headlinestheatre.com; Lani.johnson@bobics.org; mmmacdougall@shaw.ca; miles.xpisti@gmail.com; micheal@bccla.org; stmarks.campusministry@gmail.com; maryanne@nightshiftministries.org; mattgranlund@gmail.com; njmclaren1@gmail.com; newmann@douglas.bc.ca; nkeough@thekettle.ca; neighbourhoodministry@gmail.com; chiavario@shaw.ca; ostry@uvic.ca; outreachvrc@hotmail.com; petergreenwell@telus.net; pennylrogers@hotmail.com; phonehome@shaw.ca; programming@gachet.org; pbpotter@live.ca; pastor@plc-abby.org; rthompson@ugm.ca; Roger_Hardy@worldvision.ca; rvanwyk@mccbc.com; Roberta.fraser@telus.net; raebi@fsgv.ca; ruth.martin@familymed.ubc.ca; Shefali.Raja@fraserhealth.ca; ssmall@rcav.org; steve.bourne@hedyfry.com; blyth2008@gmail.com; sspear@raincityhousing.org; seppelt@acrss.org; terrybrennen@telus.net; thetenbears@telus.net; tshymka@sjcss.com; tim@gcbchurch.ca; timlouis@timlouislaw.com; vancouvermovingtheatre@shaw.ca; Peter.Vlahos@vch.ca; vstrehlau@brain.ubc.ca; valerieevelevitt@gmail.com; ethel.whitty@vancouver.ca; wendycitn@gmail.com; sean@megaphonemagazine.com; seang@simplycove.ca; wishdropincentre@telus.net; e.d.ccs@shaw.ca
Subject: please place these posters where they will be seen
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:56:11 +0000

Please address all questions and concerns to Candace Parker, cpparker@shaw.ca

From: Candace Parker [mailto:cpparker@shaw.ca]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 4:30 PM
To: Graves, Judy
Subject:

Hi Judy,

I was going to email you some posters, see attached. Hope you are well! Cheers, Candace

Candace Parker, Barrister and Solicitor

1484 Draycott Rd.

North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3N8

Tel: 604 998 0203 (office)

604 838 4435 (cell)

Fax: 604 998 0204

Email: cpparker@shaw.ca

This email is for the intended recipient only and may contain confidential or privileged information. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received it in error, please advise the sender immediately (by e-reply or telephone) and delete the original email.

FW: cfax poll question and response

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:08:24 -0800
To: cfax.talk@chumradio.com
From: eternity@islandnet.com
Subject: cfax poll question and response

cfax poll question and response

hi - i received notice of your poll question about raising welfare rates from a friend of mine. his email follows my response.

i didn't vote, because the question is far too simplistic and misleading. if you had asked something about re-directing lottery revenue, or putting a cap on mla pensions, responsibly redistributing wealth so that everyone in our province can live with a degree of dignity, pay their rent, and with the extra participate in stimulating the local economy, i'd have voted. and i might listen to your station now and then, too.

is this really the best you can do? come on. it's 2012. millions of people around the world have taken to the streets demanding creative solutions to the many challenges we all face on this planet today. surely you've got the intelligence to analyze the situation with more depth, and offer up some more reasonable alternative than merely asking individuals if they'd be willing to further contribute to a corrupt and paternalistic government.

namaste,

janine bandcroft

founder, victoria street newz

From: jack etkin <jetkino@yahoo.ca>

HERE is CFAX radio's 'poll question' for today: As a taxpayer, would you be willing to pay more to increase welfare from its current rate of $610 per month?

That is the question because of the story of the NDP MLA who is trying to survive for one month on the below poverty welfare rate for a single person.

The current vote is 60% to 40% saying NO, we do not want our taxes raised to support a higher welfare rate...

BUT, the funny thing is ... you can only vote NO. I've tried for 3 hours to vote yes, tried several times, and the poll will not take my vote; but when I tried to vote NO, it took my vote right away.

I contacted CFAX an hour ago (10:30AM) and they said they 'would look into it'.

But this misleading poll is still up there, giving a completely incorrect picture of how people feel.

And in my opinion, this is exactly what CFAX is all about; misleading us on behalf of their corporate owners (Bell Media), and not just today but 24 /7, and 365 days a year...

http://www.cfax1070.com/

Monday, January 30, 2012

FW: yoga does...

Mental health and well being come in many forms. I live a holistic approach to mental health, and encourage others to do so.

Please share.

Be well my friends.

Wallace

--------

Namaste

Alice G. Walton, Contributor
I cover health, medicine, psychology, and neuroscience.
+ Follow on Forbes

ForbesWoman

|

6/16/2011 @ 12:37PM |47,421 views

Penetrating Postures: The Science of Yoga

+ Comment now

Image via Wikipedia
This is the first of a two-part series on yoga: the second, "The Psychology of Yoga," looks at the psychological changes that yoga has been shown to bring about.
Judging from the number of yoga mats I've seen toted around Manhattan in the last 15 years, I'm pretty sure I was the last person on the island to try it. My relationship with the practice started about six months ago, and I must admit, I fell for it – and hard. I was amazed at the changes it was effecting in my body, and even better, my mind. But the science nerd/Western medicine part of me wondered how, exactly, it was doing this. I could wager some guesses based on what I know about the body, but wanted to talk to some people who actually study this stuff for a living.
Stephen Cope is a therapist and director of the Institute for Extraordinary Living at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts. He heads a program at the Center entitled "Yoga and the Brain," in which researchers are studying yoga's effect on the brain with MRI and other clever techniques. Cope explains that yoga brings about measurable changes in the body's sympathetic nervous system – the one charged with propelling us into action during the "fight or flight" response to stress. However, because our lives today include business emails at 10 o'clock at night and loud cell conversations at the next table, our stress response often lingers in the "on" position at times it shouldn't. Yoga helps dampen the body's stress response by reducing levels of the hormone cortisol, which not only fuels our split-second stress reactions, but it can wreak havoc on the body when one is chronically stressed. So reducing the body's cortisol level is generally considered a good thing.
Yoga also boosts levels of the feel-good brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of relaxation and contentedness, and the way the brain processes rewards. All three neurotransmitters are the targets of various mood medications like antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs. The fact that yoga is linked to improved levels of these coveted chemicals is nothing to sneeze at.
Yoga has another bonus, says Sarah Dolgonos, MD, who has taught at the Yoga Society of New York's Ananda Ashram. She points out that in addition to suppressing the stress response, yoga actually stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms us down and restores balance after a major stressor is over. When the parasympathetic nervous system switches on, "blood is directed toward endocrine glands, digestive organs, and lymphatic circulation, while the heart rate and blood pressure are lowered," says Dolgonos. With the parasympathetic nervous system in gear, "our bodies can better extract nutrients from the food we eat, and more effectively eliminate toxins because circulation is enhanced. With parasympathetic activation, the body enters into a state of restoration and healing."
There is also consensus that yoga boosts immune function, says Dolgonos. This benefit is probably due to the reduction of cortisol, mentioned earlier: too much of the pesky hormone can dampen the effectiveness of the immune system "by immobilizing certain white blood cells." Reducing circulating cortisol "removes a barrier to effective immune function," so yoga could help prevent illness by boosting immunity.
So let's zoom in on yoga's effects on the body even more (bear with me, this is really interesting). Researchers have discovered that yoga improves health in part by reducing a major adversary of the body: inflammation. Chronic inflammation, even low grade, is responsible for a litany of health problems from heart disease to diabetes to depression.
Paula R. Pullen, PhD, Research Instructor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, studies yoga's effects on inflammation by looking at what's happening in the bodies of heart failure patients who enroll in yoga classes. She has shown that after being randomly assigned to yoga or to standard medical care, patients taking yoga have significantly improved levels of biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). If your eyes just glazed over, these findings are quite remarkable because they illustrate that yoga can actually affect the tiniest molecules, the ones that are widely known to predict risk for serious disease. Pullen underlines that reducing the body's level of inflammation is incredibly important from a preventative standpoint. And yoga can help with this. "Yoga balances the body, the hormonal system, and the stress response. People tend to think of yoga as being all about flexibility – it's not. It's about rebalancing and healing the body."
Though it's been around for thousands of years, Western science is just beginning to understand how yoga exerts its effects. It will certainly be interesting to follow the research as it continues to reveal just what yoga is doing in the body and brain. Stay tuned for Part II of the yoga series!

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4103 - Release Date: 12/24/11 19:34:00

Monday, January 16, 2012

FW: Smart Meter Film: trailer is up!

Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:27:29 -0800
To:
From: eternity@islandnet.com
Subject: Smart Meter Film: trailer is up!

Smart Meter Film: trailer is up!

From: Sibylle Zilker <sibylle@vsip.ca>

Our trailer's out! Stop Smart Meters: The Film

After two months in development, and logging more than 25 interviews throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, I'm very glad to release our trailer / short film, Stop Smart Meters: The Film. I felt compelled to initiate this project because BC citizens are not being told the truth about this issue. Not by the media, and certainly not by the rogue BC government.

The trailer lays out all of the major issues with the "smart meter" program... and why we need to take advantage of this opportunity to rise up and take back our power. It is designed to be shared with everyone, as a mind-opener and an encouragement. I want to thank Ronnie Novak for his excellent videography, and our editor Jocelyne Chaput for her wonderful editing work.

Watch the 6-minute trailer here: http://SmartMeterFilm.com

We're making a difference

As this is a community-funded project, with a huge amount of gratitude, we now ask for funding contributions. We need to raise $7,500 to help cover the expenses so far, and to complete the feature-length film. Every amount helps, no matter how larger or small, towards a smart-meter-free BC... this is our mission. With the importance of the human rights issues so clearly at stake, we've felt compelled to put days and weeks into the mission of this film. If you find value in this work, please take a moment to make your secure contribution here:

http://indiegogo.com/SmartMeterfilm

There is much indication that we're starting to win the public opinion battle in the smart meter arena. Real change ALWAYS starts with a shift in awareness. Tens of thousands throughout BC are pissed off, and this film can reach the mainstream with the necessary encouragement and solutions for their homes, communities and together as a province. Let's create a big impact together. Please donate what you can - with our deep appreciation.

And let's help the trailer go viral! Share it with your email contacts, Facebook, Twitter, letters and comments to online media... share the IndieGoGo page... or any other way you feel inspired.

All I have left to give at this time is a sincere Thank You.

With love and blessings for a year full of Joy and Light,

Josh del Söl

604-762-4347

josh@thebigpitcher.org

facebook.com/josh.del.sol

Josh on the web:

www.SmartMeterFilm.com ~ www.Beeswax-Candles.ca ~ www.TheBigPitcher.org

--

sent from the country formerly known as "nice."

Monday, December 12, 2011

FW: DAUGHTER OF CHAOS- PR RELEASE

Heather Owen

Promotions & Community Relations Coordinator

Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society

PO Box 1118, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E7
P 250 753 2495 Toll-free 1 877 753 2495
F 250 753 2475

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

From: helani [mailto:helani@shaw.ca]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:26 PM
To: Heather Owen
Subject: DAUGHTER OF CHAOS- PR RELEASE

P R E S S R E L E A S E

DAUGHTER OF CHAOS

Helani Davison

Helani Davison describes Daughter of Chaos as a creative compilation of her life as a woman addict put to narrative. A life of trauma and drama is cleverly described in her original poems and prose. “My autobiographical reading is full of real-life depictions of a life-time of addiction and a struggle to find my stability.” Davison describes her delivery as raucous and ribald but also deeply sensitive. Each individual vignette is put forth with fiery passion and compelling detail. “Mental health and addiction are such serious issues but they are rarely personally attested to or put into a form of entertainment. I am challenging that,” says Davison. “Dry academic deliveries about mental health with a bunch of stats fall flat. People zone out.” Bold, forthright and hard-hitting true accounts by Davison tell it like it is in a performance of original works.

Davison's delivery is a grabber. It takes people through all the twists and turns of the life of a woman with multiple addictions and an eating disorder who was raised by a mother who suffered from a painful mental illness called Paranoid Schizophrenia. “It's sad, it's bad. It's sexy. It's up-lifting and it’s true!” says Davison, who is a living testament of recovery.

In provocative poems like “Main and Hastings” Davison speaks of her encounters with street people. “I see broken people. Broken deeper than bones.” In an anecdotal poem about her relationship with a transient lover, Davison writes, “You Rode Me Like a Motorcycle” and goes on to say, “ours was the Harley Davidson of the love-set, honey. That great flash of silver bike, under a 14 karat sky.”

Davison's professional career as a Certified Addiction Counsellor grounds her presentation. As a Public Relations Consultant for numerous addiction treatment centres, Davison proves her commitment to raising awareness on important social issues.

This performance speaks loudly to anyone struggling with addiction or mental health problems and their loved ones. Anyone will benefit from the rawness and honesty of this delivery. “My story is not all that I am, but it is all that I have,” Davison confirms. A compelling story of 'riches to rags and the struggle to come back' offers compassionate understanding, tapping the greatest of all power sources – hope.

This performance, sponsored by Island Fit life in Victoria is held at Burnside Gorge Activity Centre 471 Cecilia Road, Victoria, Thursday, December 15th. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $15 at the door. Contact helani@shaw.ca.

FW: Fw DAUGHTER OF CHAOS -AD ATTACHED

FYI

Heather Owen

Promotions & Community Relations Coordinator

Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society

PO Box 1118, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E7
P 250 753 2495 Toll-free 1 877 753 2495
F 250 753 2475

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

From: helani [mailto:helani@shaw.ca]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:22 PM
To: Heather Owen
Subject: Fw DAUGHTER OF CHAOS -AD ATTACHED
Importance: High

Hi Helani,

As promised, here is the high resolution version of your ad for you to
use for posters, etc.

Erin
Erin Jory
Advertising Representative | Gulf Islands Driftwood
One of Canada's Best Newspapers - CCNA 2008 & 2009
328 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V3
Ph: 250.537.9933 ext 211
Cell: 250-537-7365
Fax: 250-537-2613
Toll Free: 1-877-537-9934
www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com
www.facebook.com/gulfislandsdriftwood

FW: A generous offer for low income children... glasses

From: SWILSON@sd68.bc.ca
Subject: FW: A generous offer for low income children... glasses
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:42:23 +0000
To:

Pearle Vision has contacted Marc Fellows. They wish to provide free prescription glasses to any low income child who needs them. The child needs to take a prescription from an optometrist to Pearle Vision and they will provide lenses and frames for free.

The contact people at Pearle Vision are Todd Simonson or Sarah. Phone number is 250 746-4322.

Deadline is December 13, 2011

Please forward to any agency/person that you think would be interested in this information.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

FW: Every Step Counts

Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:24:38 -0800
To:
From: eternity@islandnet.com
Subject: Fwd: Every Step Counts

Fwd: Every Step Counts

From: Patricia Fitzgerald <grandmas@saltspring.com>

In case you know people who would like to take part.

Patricia

Hello

My name is Gillie Easdon and I run Every Step Counts, a walking and running program for individuals who self identify with challenges with mental health, addiction, poverty, social isolation and other barriers.

For a few years now there has been two very successful co-ed groups running out of the Downtown Activity Centre.

However, this week, we launched a women's only Every Step Counts out of Sandy Merriman House on Tuesday at Friday at 10am. We go out for a walk, return, stretch and have a delicious healthy snack.

Women are given gently used running shoes to start. It is great to know they are coming so I can make sure to have the right size. At 5 sessions there is a water bottle. At 10 there is a running shirt and certificate – at 15 we get brand new shoes for the participant – and there are more milestones – up to 200 runs now!

Participants are encouraged to "leave your stuff at the door" and just enjoy some time outside; not talking about what is going on in your life, just getting outside with good people.

Also – participants do not have to commit twice a week so they are welcome to just come and see if it is a fit! This is non-competitive, very inclusive and positive and fun.

Attached please find a poster – that if you could put it up or circulate it, that would be great. If you would like me to come by to talk about the program, I would be happy to.

My cell is 882-5261, although it is mainly for voicemail as I rarely answer it.

Thanks so much – please let me know if you have any questions!

We are still accepting new participants for the Tues/Thurs 3-430 and Weds/Fri 330-5 groups out of the DCAC (755 Pandora) but they are co-ed (fyi)

Gillie

Gillie Easdon

Every Step Counts Coordinator

REES Network Outreach

823 Broughton Street

Victoria, BC V8W 1E5

T: 250-595-8619

F: 250-595-8629

C:250-882-5261

geasdon@CoolAid.org

--

occupy your language ... celebrate linguistic diversity ... what can we do besides "occupy"?

Monday, December 5, 2011

FW: CBC refuses to let low-income people enter their building

Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:53:57 -0800
To:
From: eternity@islandnet.com
Subject: CBC refuses to let low-income people enter their building

CBC refuses to let low-income people enter their building

For immediate release

December 2, 2011

CBC refuses to let low income people enter their building

Downtown Eastside residents went to the CBC foodbank day today with two messages: We want Justice so we don't need Charity, and we want the CBC to spend more time covering ways to end poverty and so we don't have to spend so much time alleviating it.

"We hope the food bank raises lots of money today," said Roland Clarke, the event's MC. "If they raise half a million dollars that would be good. That would work out to about $2.78 for every person on welfare and disability in BC. The problem is: People in poverty need more than $2.78 worth of food each year. We need justice."

After skits and speeches a small delegation from the group went into the CBC to present a donation and a giant thank you card on air. The card said: "Justice Now to End the Need for Charity." "Thank you CBC. Now make an even bigger difference by providing more coverage on a poverty reduction plan and higher welfare rates." This is when security guards prevented the six people in the delegation from entering the main room where other members of the public were participating in the radio show.

Before the delegation tried to enter the CBC with its message of "justice so we don't need charity," Tina the Charity Turkey also made an appearance, calling for a new group, Turkeys United for Justice so we don't need Charity. "Welfare is too low," said Tina, "It needs to be at least $1300 a month so people can pay rent, buy groceries and take transit to look for a job."

People who donate to the food bank need to do more, said the Turkey. "They can tell the Premier to raise welfare rates so people can buy me with their own money, or preferably buy ham."

Over and over speakers said that the $610 a month welfare rate for rent, utilities, food, transit, clothes, cleaning supplies, phone and other necessities is not enough to live on.

"Most of what they give you at the foodbank, cans and packaged goods, are past expired, sometimes a year or more," said Richard Cunningham.

"You have to spend hours in line and then if you live in a SRO and you don't have a kitchen, you can't use half of what they give you," explained another food bank user, Laura Shaver.

Aiyanas Ormond of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users added, "Anyone who's used a food bank knows that the process is often frustrating, undignified and even humiliating. As a stopgap measure it's bad enough, but when this becomes institutionalized it becomes another part of the grinding violence of poverty that struggling individuals and families have to endure."

"It's the indignity of standing for hours in line for help and then not even being able to use the food they give you," said Brian Miles. I know I'm in a tough situation, but at times at the foodbank, I've felt really humiliated."

While outside, the group handed out bandaid shaped leaflets asking everyone to email premier@gov.bc.ca urging the Premier to raise welfare rates to $1300 a month. They also asked passers-by to fill out a budget for living on $610 per month for all expenses including looking for work.

Contact: Aiyanas Ormond: 604-315-8766

Dave Diewert: 778 708-5006

--

occupy your language ... celebrate linguistic diversity ... what can we do besides "occupy"?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

FW: Change for a dollar

Sometimes, it does not take a lot, to be of help....

Change for a dollar

http://www.flickspire.com/m/Share_This/changeforadollar?lsid=161f9da9b7692b6854ca64548e80ab61

Be well my friends.

Wallace

__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 6646 (20111120) __________

The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.

http://www.eset.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Please read and share

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=070e022b-6102-4ac2-b2c5-d8285f8610c3

Have a good day my friends, please VOTE.

Wallace

Saturday, November 12, 2011

FROM MY HEART...

Wallace

Subject: wanderingwallace sent you a video: "Midnight Walker"
From: noreply@youtube.com
To: wanderingwallace@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:41:16 -0800

wanderingwallace sent you a video: "Midnight Walker"

	help center \| e-mail options \| report spam
wanderingwallace has shared a video with you on YouTube: Midnight Walker Music-"Midnight Walker" Davy Spillane. Dedicated to the people experiencing homelessness in our communities.
© 2011 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

Please read and share

Be well my friends

Wallace

http://simpsonhousing.wordpress.com/2009/01/28/10-ways-to-help-a-person-experiencing-homelessness/

Friday, November 11, 2011

FW: "Counselling Men Effectively" and "Exploring Male Sexuality" Workshops

From: theo@nanaimomen.com
To: theo@nanaimomen.com
Subject: Re: "Counselling Men Effectively" and "Exploring Male Sexuality" Workshops
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:48:05 -0800

We have two workshops, "Counselling Men Effectively" and "Exploring Male Sexuality" being sponsored by the Nanaimo Men's Resource Centre later this month. These workshops will be held in Nanaimo, BC and registration is limited, but spaces are still available. Posters are attached!

On Thursday, November 24 and Friday morning, November 25, we are bringing in Dr. Wray Pascoe from Winnipeg to facilitate a workshop on "Counselling Men Effectively".

On Saturday , November 26, Dr. Pascoe will be facilitating a workshop on "Exploring Male Sexuality".

See attached posters or below for more information:

Dr. Wray Pascoe has worked with men in a variety of settings; private practice with professional men, a federal prison, unskilled labourers and men with addictions and/or issues with depression. In addition Dr. Pascoe has worked with survivors of the Residential School System and has presented this workshop throughout the United States and Canada. Dr. Pascoe has served on the Editorial Board Journal of Couples Therapy and is an ad hoc reviewer for other journals.

The objectives of Counselling Men Effectively are to help participants to:

 Engage and keep male clients from opting out of therapy too early

 Maximize the impact of the initial session

 Learn to deal with the clients' anger and tears

 Address overt and covert addictions

 Help the client rediscover the wounded "little boy"

 Deal with deficits and advantages of being a male or female counsellor

 Become comfortable with uncomfortable subjects

 Work with suicidal clients

 Understand their role in counselling men effectively

 Day two will provide clinical examples & intensive discussion of the difficult client (grandiose narcissistic professional male, power /control)

 Develop creative & innovative strategies to apply in their practice

EXPLORING MALE SEXUALITY

This is for you if the following are meaningful for you:

 Masculinity is NOT a pathological CONDITION

 DOES YOUR PENIS HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN?

 Do you confuse SEX and L O V E?

 Do you understand the needs of your partner?

 Sexuality as a dimension of personality

 What about pornography?

About the Presenter:

Dr. Wray Pascoe is a psychotherapist and sex therapist who has presented workshops throughout Canada, U.S., Mexico and the U.K. Dr. Pascoe has taught human sexuality at various medical schools and universities. In Dr. Pascoe's practice, he specializes in working with men and their issues.

My apologies to anyone who has received this email in duplicate!

Theo

Theo J. Boere

Executive Director

Nanaimo Men's Resource Centre

418D Fitzwilliam St.

Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A7

Phone: 250.716.1551

Fax: 250.716.1557

theo@nanaimomen.com

www.nanaimomen.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

New story online about lobbying candidates

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=248d5a5a-f8bb-4658-80b0-afe42570a7d5

Some may be aware that the CCN group opposed to...

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:27:09 -0800
To: 112340092206683@groups.facebook.com
From: notification+oe=ee6if@facebookmail.com
Subject: [Elect Gordon Fuller to Nanaimo Council] Some may be aware that the CCN group opposed to...

Facebook

Gord Fuller posted in Elect Gordon Fuller to Nanaimo Council.

Gord Fuller

11:27am Nov 10

Some may be aware that the CCN group opposed to Low Barrier Housing are running a slate of candidates they want people to vote for.

I have just found out that the group puttting this out, http://whatswrongwiththispicture.ca/sites/default/files/ccn-poster.pdf is in violation of the Community Charter because they have not filed as a Campaign Organization.

As such a Campaign Organizer is subject to financial management, reporting and disclosure rules like candidates and elector organizations. Pretty hard to do when one does not know who is behind the CCN.

http://whatswrongwiththispicture.ca/sites/default/files/ccn-poster.pdf

whatswrongwiththispicture.ca

View Post on Facebook · Edit Email Settings · Reply to this email to add a comment.

One in Five

Unsuffer Me

Life is most beautiful at times.

Please watch

Who are the experts?

Who are the experts?

My Medicine

Helpful links

My Sweet Jana

Walk a Mile

Digging through my writings...

In Your Eyes

Heaven and Hell by Wallace Malay

On stage at the Port Theatre

Donny Brook

It's OK To Be Me

Stigma

A Touch of Madness

GRASSROOTS

Creative Maladjusted

Creative Awareness

Weeping Man by Wallace Malay

A poem that I found by Antwone Fisher

My Artistic Expression

The Art of Healing

The Have and Have Nots'

Salvation Army Protest Video

Halt

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN PROTEST

Penny protest against Salvation Army

CHLY Homelessness Radio Marathon 2010

Food For Thought

Protest against Salvation Army

Radio interview-May 27 2010-Salvation Army

Salvation Army Protest, Nanaimo,British Columbia-YOUTUBE VIDEO

Letter To The Editor

Creative Awareness Collective begins...

V-Day Movement 2010

V-Day

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

|

6/16/2011 @ 12:37PM |47,421 views

Penetrating Postures: The Science of Yoga

Monday, January 16, 2012

Monday, December 12, 2011

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Blog Archive

Followers

About Me

Pages

CanadianPlanet

My love...