Editorial
Volume 10 Issue 6 — March/April
2005
by Melva Armstrong
For the last two months I have been busy packing, cleaning,
and getting ready to move into a new suite starting March
1st. Searching for new accommodation during winter has been
less than ideal. Although moving is a time of upheaval and
stress, I keep reminding myself that it is also a time of
change and growth, as well as adventure. It is about opening
myself to new opportunities and knowing that I am being guided
to the next step in my life journey and to let go and let
my guides lead the way. Throughout this time I have been
grateful for the wonderful support I have had from friends,
colleagues, clients, and WHOLifE readers. I send warm thanks
to each and every one of you for sending me your positive
energy, love, and good wishes. Everything has worked and
given me the support I have needed.
In the midst of packing I have also put together this issue,
which has once again been a pleasure to do. In our feature
story, Mandalas: Universal
Symbols of Potential and Transformation, Saskatoon
author and artist Margaret Bremner explains that, “The
mandala is an image that suits me well, due to life-long
interests in other cultures and spirituality, and to a more
recent interest in symbolism.” Mandala is a Sanskrit
word which simply translated means “circle”,
and according to Margaret “it is symbolic of the interdependence
and unity of everything in creation: all the disparate parts
are associated by virtue of their relationship to the centre.” She
also explains that mandalas are not only pieces of artwork,
they are also found in nature in such well-known things as
Stonehenge, a daisy, a sunflower, a snowflake, or even in
the structure of atoms. After reading this article you could
have a whole new way of looking at nature the next time you
are out for your walk or riding your bicycle. Also thanks
to Margaret for the front cover mandala artwork.
As we welcome the return of Spring, with all its beauty
and glory, this is a reminder to you that April is Earth
Month and April 22 is Earth Day. In honour of Earth Month
and Earth Day we are pleased to present you with an article
on Wildcrafting, the
art of harvesting plants from a native wild environment,
by Saskatoon writer, eco-herbalist, and ethical wildcrafter,
Kahlee Keane (Root Woman). According to Kahlee, “Wildcrafting
is the most direct way of getting in touch with the healing
power of nature.” She emphasizes that it is extremely
important to distinguish between ethical wildcrafting and
commercial harvesting and that the latter has resulted in
the decline of many wild plant populations. In order to save
what is left of our native wild plants Kahlee would like
to see more research done on what is actually happening to
them and to somehow have protective regulations implemented.
Her article will hopefully remind you of our unique interconnectedness
with the plant kingdom and that as we appreciate, respect,
and protect the gifts of Mother Earth, these wild plants
will be available for us to use as natural medicine. Happy
Earth Month and Earth Day to everyone!
I was pleased when Martin Krátky contacted
me and introduced me to the story of a Saskatchewan-born
woman, Maurine Stuart, who left our fair province many years
ago to study music overseas and along her life journey she
also became an influential and well-loved Zen teacher. In
his article, Seeds of Zen
in the Prairies , Martin briefly introduces us to
this remarkable woman and then he asks, “What can Stuart-Roshi
offer us, here, abiding on these vast plains that she left
behind?” Then he answers the question with Stuart-Roshi’s
own words, taken from the book, Subtle
Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maureen Stuart. Then,
from Martin’s own experience of practicing Zen, he
explains that meditation practice “is profound, and
difficult at times, yet its fruits - equanimity, large-heartedness,
a confidence resting in humility - may well be crucial ingredients
for the health of our world at large.”
Learn more about Chinese Wisdom Qi Gong in Laura Burkhart’s
article, The Healing Power
of Zhong Guo Hui Gong Therapy. This therapy involves
full body movement that activates and moves qi by rolling,
which Laura describes using interesting personal experiences.
In Doug De Long’s article, The
Brain and the Mind, he explains how these two aspects
of being human are separate, yet connected. This is fascinating
information.
May the blossoms of Spring bring a smile to your face and
warmth to your heart! Until next issue, blessed be!
Namaste!
(I honour the Spirit in you!)
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