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Newsletter, September 2004

This Month's Winner:

Congratulations to Kathleen McMurray. She is September's winner of a Free Massage Gift Certificate.

Past winners include Karen Close of Yinward Bound, Shelly Vida, Marie Dick, Jim Csek of Dot Com Media, Scott Simpson, Sher Alcock of Sunshine Farms, Kelly Christiansen, Bev Banks, Lynn Engelsjord, Pat Kimmitt of Kimmitt and Company, Helga Smith, Paula Morrison, Kara Sandercott and Laveryne Green of Apples and Angels B&B.

*Remember if you've entered our draw, your name will be included every month. There is no need to enter more than once. If you haven't entered, please click here.

September's Health Tip - Learn to Live

With the little ones going back to school this month, I thought I'd turn my attention to the ongoing process of learning and what it means in terms of our health. Learning is an integral part of being human. Children love to learn. I am reminded of this daily as I watch my grandchildren grow. Dylan, my youngest grandchild is under a year old. He has learned and will continue to learn a phenomenal amount in the next few years of his life. At his young age, the learning process is totally self-motivated, natural and integrated with who he is.

Then comes school and a potentially more difficult period of learning in a child's life. It's interesting to note that the word "school" comes from the Greek word "skole" which means "leisure" and implied the leisurely pursuit of knowledge. In an ideal world, the joy of learning and a child's love of learning would be recognised as precious. It would be carefully nurtured and encouraged to flourish. Unfortunately the reality of school life in our modern environment is often a far cry from this ideal.

"...'school' comes from the Greek
'skole', and means 'leisure'..."

"...going back to school in the fall
may have elicited mixed feelings..."

As children, going back to school in the fall of each year, may have elicited mixed feelings in all of us. A sense of anticipation and excitement may have mixed with anxiety and sadness. Our overall experience of school in the past has probably greatly coloured our attitude towards learning in the present. While we all like to encourage our children to learn, resistance to our own pursuit of knowledge tends to set in, as we get older.

Resistance to learning can be challenged and should be overcome. Ongoing learning is not only possible at any age, it's also a path to both a more meaningful life and a healthier mind. More and more studies are showing that an active, positive, open mind and a receptive attitude towards learning has beneficial consequences to our mental health and overall well being. The benefits last well into old age.

"... learning is possible at any age..."

"...the brain is a dynamic, biochemical
organ, pulsating with life..."

The experience of learning is chiefly a function of our brain. The brain is a dynamic, biochemical organ pulsating with electrical energy. From my limited understanding of the way it functions, it appears that the modern saying of "use it or lose it" totally applies. The brain loves activity, communication and connectivity. The vast, complicated neural network that makes up the brain, throbs with life and grows with use. The more we use our brain the more the network's branches expand and grow. Likewise, the less we use it, the more likely it is to stagnate and atrophy.

It should be made clear, that there are many ways of learning. Intelligence takes many forms. While intellectual and academic intelligence is emphasised in our culture, there is also a need to acknowledge what I would call "emotional", "intuitive" and "body" intelligence. As a woman, my way of learning may differ from the way my husband learns. An older person may learn differently than a younger person. Some are visual learners, others are audio learners and still others are tactile learners. Some learn through books and others through action. What is important, is to appreciate and respect all modes of learning. Be open to accessing and incorporating as many modes as possible. Life loves diversity, balance and inclusiveness.

"...there are many ways of learning..."

Whatever our doorway to knowledge may be, learning will always provide us with many of life's most positive experiences and rewards. A willingness to learn, can give us the edge we need to take charge of life's circumstances and overcome life's challenges. A vital, active, learning mind is a strong antidote to boredom, depression, lethargy and apathy. There is a joy and a pleasure in learning. It offers us great potential for personal power. It can often lead to increased prosperity and to stimulating relationships. Learning, like breathing, is a vital part of life. Learn in order to experience life more fully. Learn in order to get the most out of life. Learn to live!

A Reminder:

Do not forget that while you can read my health tips directly on my web site, I have written a book entitled Inner Care, which is a compilation of ten of my health tips revised and expanded. Inner Care sells for $15 and makes a wonderful gift for anyone interested in optimum health. Inner Care is available by contacting me directly or can be purchased by credit card using our PayPal shopping cart. Visit our Products' Web Site - Inner Guidance Page by clicking here.

Did you find this health tip useful? Do you have a personal story or anecdote to share? We'd love to hear from you. Your response may be posted (with permission) in a future issue.

health tip    quotes    let's go    client feedback    net gems    past issues

Lifestyle Choice:

There are many things that a person can learn in a lifetime. No one can learn everything. We make choices as to where we will direct our focus and invest our energy. Many of us are comfortable allowing others to tend after the various machines, gadgets and devices that we come to own. Giving our car mechanic complete confidence and responsibility for its care is not an unusual thing to do. When it comes to our bodies, however, we may want to take a more pro-active approach. Learning and becoming knowledgeable about our health and our bodies is one of the most relevant pursuits life has to offer. While our various medical services (mainstream and alternative) do the best they can to provide us with proper care, no one can be expected to be responsible for our personal well being. Learning all we can about our health and the health of those we love is a lifestyle choice well worth making.

Teach your children well,
Their father's hell did slowly go by,
And feed them on your dreams
The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,
So just look at them and sigh
and know they love you.

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls.
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

Let's Go:      

This section features suggestions for places to go in the Kelowna area where you can "let go" and have a bit of fun. Its purpose is to encourage your support of "local" Kelowna area events and enterprises.

Mission Hill Family Estate

If you haven't visited Mission Hill Family Estate since the completion of its spectacular transformation, then you are in for a pleasant surprise. There is nothing in the Okanagan Valley that quite compares to the imposing architectural presence that has been achieved here. From the stunning welcome Arches (held together by a single "keystone") to the grandiose (twelve story) Bell Tower, a visit to Mission Hill Family Estate is sure to leave you breathless.

Bring your out of town guests and proudly share with them the delightful experience of visiting this incredible Okanagan landmark. Take a wine tasting tour, enjoy the scenery and shop for wines, gifts and accessories. You can also take advantage of a wide variety of wine related workshops and seminars being offered. Make sure not to miss the many events being hosted for the Okanagan Wine Festival this October.
Visit their web site for details and for a complete overview of all that Mission Hill Family Estate has to offer.

Contact Information for Mission Hill:

1730 Mission Hill Road
Westbank, BC
V4T 2E4
click for directions here

(250) 768-6448

Web Site: www.missionhillwinery.com

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