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Stories from illuminating people

Carolyn Gervais

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Carolyn Gervais of “Life Before Life: How Soul Agreements Direct our Destiny” 

What force sets life events in motion and puts us on our soul’s destined course? Are lives preordained for specific outcomes; are we just along for the ride?
How do we participate in our true destinies without blocking our own way?

In “Life Before Life: How Soul Agreements Direct our Destiny” you will be able to examine these and other important questions through illustrations taken from what I consider to be my very significant mystical journey, as well as real examples of my client resolutions.

COME SEE AND HEAR ALL THE SHOWS CAROLYN HAS DONE WITH US HERE.

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IG18-36 “Ignite into Your Soul Ascension” with Carolyn Gervais

www.awakeningyou.com

facebook.com/carolyn.gervais58

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Success & Inspiration Tuesday

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Success by Dianne Shaver

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

I had an entirely different blog planned for today.  It all changed when I heard about the mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida.  We are hearing about this way too often.  It got me thinking.  It’s clear we have a government that is not acting.  So, good news, bad news its up to us.  What’s good about it is, it makes individuals take more responsibility and it makes us act together for a greater good.

There are two courses of action that come from this kind of prevailing violence –

1) get your guns and barricade yourself, or 2) Be aware of your neighbors and when someone needs help get together with others and help.  Most shooters are isolated and feel alone and persecuted. But if neighbors notice someone who is isolating and can offer help, support and caring there can be a very different outcome.  We are a very isolated culture.  We each are focused on our family or ourselves.  We don’t ask for help.  We don’t offer help for the most part.

We are the only country in the free world that has this problem.

Dr. Gary Slutkin, a medical doctor who worked on disease epidemics in India, Africa and other countries came up with the brilliant analysis that violence is this country is also an epidemic and can be effectively treated just as medical epidemics can.  He has successfully used this model in some neighborhoods in Chicago, New York, New Orleans.

Info on the Cure Violence model: 

“The Cure Violence Health Model uses epidemic control method to reduce violence. We train carefully selected members of the community — trusted insiders — to anticipate where violence may occur and intervene before it erupts. And we engage the entire community to change behavior and norms.

Just as we have now discovered that it is more effective and cost saving to treat drug addiction as a health issue than to punish it, it likewise makes more sense to prevent events, provide treatment for people at high risk, and change social norms. Like all potentially harmful behaviors – drug addiction, smoking, eating too much, exercising too little, risky sexual behavior and other behaviors – violent behavior can be understood, diagnosed, and treated through a health lens.

Essential Elements

The Cure Violence Health Model adapts methods used to stop the transmission of some of the most deadly diseases, including AIDS, cholera, and tuberculosis. These disease control methods work by 1) interrupting transmission of the disease, 2) reducing the risk of the highest risk, and 3) changing community norms.

Implementation

The Cure Violence Health Model has been successfully replicated dozens of times around the world – in places like New York City, Chicago, and New Orleans as well as San Pedro Sula, Honduras; Cape Town, South Africa; and Juarez, Mexico. And even in some smaller cities – like Yonkers, NY. If you are in a community with serious violence, you should consider the Cure Violence Health Model.

Who Should Implement the Cure Violence Health Model?

Any community that has a problem with violence should consider implementing the Cure Violence Health Model.  In order to start implementing the Cure Violence health model, someone from the community needs to step up and champion the cause.  This can be anyone from the community – a health department, an elected official, a pastor, a community organization or even a concerned citizen.

Whomever initiates the process, our team can help guide you through this process.  You can start by participating in one of our monthly webinars for new communities.

Path to implementing Cure Violence health approach:

  1. Assess violence problem and community
  2. Engage communities leaders
  3. Identify appropriate community partners
  4. Identify appropriate hospital response partners
  5. Re-examine the data
  6. Hire and train credible workers
  7. Implement program with technical assistance

The Cure Violence Health Model has been implemented in cities everywhere.  In big cities such as New York City, Chicago, Baltimore, San Antonio and New Orleans.  In smaller cities like Kansas City, Syracuse and Albany.   And all over the world – from San Pedro Sula, Honduras to Cape Town, South Africa.

In order for the model to be effective, the program must be implemented correctly. The Cure Violence organization can help to ensure fidelity to the model through our technical assistance and training program. If you are interested in implementing the Cure Violence Health Model in your community, please participate in one of our monthly webinars for new communities.

Implementing the Cure Violence model:

 Trained credible messengers detect potentially violent events and interrupt them to prevent violence.

TO HEAR DIANNE’S SHOW HERE ON SELF DISCOVERY RADIO TV GO HERE

Manifesting in Today’s World Retreat

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Do you Feel overwhelmed?

Do you Feel like you can never get ahead?

Do you Feel like you never have enough…..of anything?

Do you Feel conflict in your Relationships?

Ready for Something Different?

Would you like to know how to create anything you want in your life?

Would you like to master the Science of Manifesting and finally understand what REALLY works and what doesn’t?

Would you like to know Why the Law of Attraction Really Doesn’t work and discover a different more powerful path to Mastery?

Would you like to live a life filled with making choices from Inspiration instead of Desperation?

JOIN ESATEYS ON THIS RETREAT, RESERVE HERE 

FOR SHOWS WITH ESATEYS ON SELF DISCOVERY RADIO

GO HERE

Remembering To Find Yourself

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Remembering To Find Yourself

When was the last time you allowed yourself some quality relaxation time to clear your mind and recharge yourself? By enjoying some meditation or other self-discovery activity, your memory can be maintained, even into advancing years. A study carried out by researchers from the University of California showed that 14% to 22% of those studied had memory issues. Although, another study – also conducted by the University of California – revealed a more positive finding; the results showed that mindfulness exercises carried out regularly improved both working memory and focus. It was thought that the reduction in stress levels and improved attention span were the results of activities such as Mindfulness and Meditation. Read on to learn more.

The cogs of the mind

The cognitive functioning of your brain, which can be enhanced by Mindfulness Meditation, is responsible for your performance as it supports important mental processes such as learning and memory.  The process of working memory is vital in the workplace as it enables information to be held on to long enough to use, thereby enhancing decision making and the completion of tasks.  During Mindfulness therapy you will focus on the present and live in the moment rather than worrying about the past or the future.  With this open level of attention, you will notice great improvements in your memory and the ability to complete tasks successfully. Also, factors such as diet, enough sleep and techniques to boost memory, have all been found beneficial.  Some popular techniques are recalling information regularly, visualization and association which is memorizing something along with a mental image, and brain exercises like Sudoku or word searches.

Nutrition to improve memory

When improving your nutrition, focus on including essential fatty acids (EFAs) which can be found in oily fish, like salmon and sardines or vegetarian options such as flaxseed, soy and walnuts. EFAs have been linked to improved general health, especially cardiovascular, as well as brain function. Furthermore, the increased level of nutrition will make your mind and body more receptive to your alternative therapy sessions too, enabling you to find ‘a better you’, i.e. become the best version of yourself.

Whole Grains are another source of better nutrition, with a low GI they are helpful as they produce a steady supply of energy to the body and brain.  The consumption of antioxidant-rich food is also important for brain health, so eat brightly coloured fruit and vegetables containing anthocyanin e.g. blueberries, and tomatoes which contain lycopene. All antioxidants have been shown to protect against free radical damage to cells, which is important for general health, but in the case of brain cells, this will impact on memory and brain function.  Foods rich in B vitamins, for example, eggs, fish, chicken, have also been shown to improve brain health by reducing levels of a compound called homocysteine.

Holistic health, best for mind and body

By taking the holistic approach, which means focusing on the whole body and mind including connecting with the environment, great results can be achieved.  Perhaps try taking part in alternative therapy, such as meditation, alongside improving diet and practising some memory techniques. There’s a lot to be gained from a fitter mind, including improved confidence, better social connections, possible progression in the workplace and a generally good sense of well being.  Make this your way to go for a better quality of life, even into senior years.

By Sally Writes 

British Columbia Lung Association on Asthma with Sara Troy

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast
Meet Sara, who loves life by knowing her limits

July 27th, 2018

Sara Troy, who lives with asthma

Meet Sara Troy, a podcaster and producer on Self Discovery Radio/Video from the UK who now lives in Esquimalt, BC. Sara has lived with asthma for her whole life and spoke with BC Lung Patient Advocate Darcy Murdoch about how she’s learned to know her limits and take care of herself by enforcing her boundaries. (Editor’s note: Sara refers to an “asthma pump,” which is the UK term for a puffer.) 

Where do you live, what do you do, and what is your age?

I’m 63 young, I live in Esquimalt on Vancouver Island, and I own and operate a podcast video network. I interview people who are making a difference in the world, in the lives of others. So, people all over the world, who have embraced their journey, their struggles, and who decided to embrace life and now be of service to others by sharing that knowledge and wisdom that they’ve learned.

What lung disease do you live with?  

I’ve been an asthmatic since the age of 2 when Asian flu went around England and I ended up with asthma. I was a very healthy, plump happy baby before then. It apparently came from my father’s side. Everybody obviously thinks you out-grow it, but I never did. So I’ve been an asthmatic for 61 years.

How does that impact your daily life? 

I had to live my life with limitations — the things I can and cannot do — you know, avoid hills, I can’t run, certainly, air is going to have an effect on me. Walking past The Body Shop for one, and all the fumes coming from there. But it’s just knowing your limitations and it can be frustrating, but at the same time, if you don’t and you get into an asthma attack, that is more frustrating.

Are you on medication of any kind? 

I’m on Ventolin and I have been since I was 14. Ventolin only, because I know how to monitor myself with it. Before I do a show, I always take a puff to make sure my lungs have got extra power, but I can still run out of air during a show. Always before  I go to bed, and I always carry one around with me incase — I know when I am reacting to something, so I can take it and use it as a preventative as well as when I get into an attack.

Were you ever on oxygen? 

Yes, when I would go into hospitals and things like that, they’d have me on oxygen. Not at home though.

That’s a good thing. I was on oxygen for 3 and a half years while I was waiting for my transplant, not 24-hours a day, but whenever I was walking or exercising I had to be on it, and it saved my skin. It took me a while to get used to it because there’s a stigma that goes along with it. I’d walk outside with my nose plugs, and people would stop and stare. I remember one day, a woman came up to me and said, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I’m going to go to my church group and we’re going to pray for you.” I’d never met her before. I certainly got a lot of looks, that’s for sure. 

And they kind of knew something was wrong with you, whereas with me, I’d say, “I can’t do…” and people will look at me and say, “Well, why not? You look perfectly healthy.”

It’s hidden. 

I’d say, “This is my limitation,” and they’d say, “Well, push yourself through it!” I know my limitations. I’ve been with my body a long time. I know what I can and cannot do, and I also know what price I’m willing to pay.

It sounds like there was a little bit of bullying going on there, back in the day? 

Oh yes, and it still happens. People still expect you to do, and it’s, “Sorry, I can’t. Sorry, I won’t.” That’s it.

Do you feel you have adequate care from your doctor and the health system? 

Yes. I mean, they tried to put me on the generic pump, but that didn’t work for me — it literally didn’t work. I think I’ve been on Ventolin for far too long, 40 years now, but I think it’s because I’m just so used to being on it.

I’ll tell you one thing that really did help was that I found an allergist, that is, looking at biorhythms and resetting your body, and she did a whole complete cleanse of things I was allergic to. I used to not be able to be in a house with a cat, I’d be wheezing and getting to a point where I wouldn’t be able to breathe, but after working with the allergist, I think it boosted my immune system. So now I can be around cats and dogs, and that really was a godsend. I didn’t realize the impact of it — there’s so much more I can be subject to now without a reaction.

What about other things? Are you allergic to pollen, and dander and dust? 

Dust? Yes. Certain pollens and dander – the seasonal stuff. I would actually say, my skin reacts more than my asthma. Certain chemicals and things. You have to be careful.

What about last year when the forest fires were taking over the province, with the particulate in the air? 

Yeah, the smoke definitely was a problem. I was in Port Coquitlam, and you could really start feeling it there. I tried to avoid going out and took my pump if I did, making sure I was being preventative. It’s not worth jeopardizing your health.

It’s true – people don’t realize that the smoke actually has those fine particles of wood and it can get into your lungs and give you a problem. Do you have any advice for others living with asthma, on how to deal with it and lead a normal life? 

I would say, go get tested with your allergies, because if they can help clear some up for you. I’ve done the prick test several times but this other way with the allergist I found to be more effective. It’s helped a lot because a lot of the problem with asthma is that I’m so sensitive to so many things that it aggravated asthma. So if you take away some of those other sensitivities, it helps to let you just look after the asthma.

The other thing is knowing your limits – don’t push yourself beyond what you know you can do. Never leave home, anytime, anywhere without your apparatus. I have 3 – one by my desk, one by my bed, and even if I’m just going out for five minutes, that pump has to be with me. It takes only one attack.

I don’t go anywhere without it — even when my kids were young, they knew that if mum started having an asthma attack, to run to the bedroom to get the asthma pump.

Are you able to exercise at all? 

Again, my limitations. I go for walks, as long as it’s flat — no hills — and I watch the air quality. No running, obviously. Biking, again, as long as it’s flat. Swimming, I love. Swimming is really good for me because I find it opens up the lungs and I can do way more in the water.

Do you feel there’s anything missing in BC’s health care system for asthma sufferers? 

I would love to see more prevention. I wish they would look to other alternative ways of healing, like with the allergies, and not stick to the same old thing.

I think it’s being open, not just being restricted to one channel — being open to alternatives and things like acupuncture, anything that can help relax the body, because as you know, anytime you get tense, it tightens the body.

Sleeping better, relaxing better. It’s not always looking to drugs, because there are other alternatives that can be so much more sustainable and longer lasting than just a drug. That’s a problem with the medical system — it’s always treating the symptom, rather than realizing that there’s a whole body, rather than just the lungs, and rather than just putting a band-aid on, there are many reasons for something and we need to go deeper and treat the whole body.

Have you seen a respirologist here in BC? 

No, actually, I don’t. If I’m having a bad bout, my doctor has an ongoing prescription with him for my pumps, and though I’ve seen lung specialists, but my asthma is pretty well under control because I don’t put myself in environments or do things that I know will aggravate it. I know to stop and rest, and rejuvenate, and pace myself.

It sounds like you’re a perfect example of someone who manages to live with asthma because you know your limitations. 

Knowing your limitations, understanding that everyone has health challenges along the way, it’s not letting it define you – I am not asthma. I happen to have asthma, and yet I can still live a very productive life. I’ve just got to know my triggers, my limitations, and live within those parameters. I can’t go at the same speed as other people, I can’t do what other people do, but that’s their journey and this is mine.

It doesn’t mean I’m crippled by it. I am limited. But I can still go and do things that I can enjoy in life. I seek to do things more abundantly in some areas that I am lacking in other areas. So you learn to pace yourself, to live within your limitations, and you can still have a very good life, but it won’t be defined by my labels of health. Those are just my challenges in life. If I live and I honour my body and my parameters in life, then I still can get out and be productive. Most of my productivity is online, not physical, but I still consider it very productive.

I can see that you have a very positive attitude as well, which goes a long way. 

Why not? I know my limitations, but I can still live abundantly in other areas. I still get those times where you feel, “Why now?” Those down days, especially if you’re in pain, but I think that’s just the time for love and nurture for yourself and to honour your body and do what it needs to rejuvenate.

Find something that you love to do. For me, it’s music: listening to music is very calming and soothing for me, switching off from the world, and finding that something that takes you to that centre space where you can re-group.

Is there anything else in life that you embrace? 

I love to dance, though I don’t know – because I’m 63 with fibromyalgia, which has become another health issue, the asthma is just another thing that there, I’d say I’m more limited now by the fibromyalgia than the asthma, but I love to dance. I love to really get out and enjoy life. Sometimes it’s frustrating when I cannot do as much as I used to do, and that is aggravating.

I want to get out and do things, but I can’t because my batteries run out too quickly, but I think again, it’s knowing your triggers: pollen, scents, don’t get over-stressed, because those exacerbate the asthma.

Watch your anxiety, your stress level, do activities that calm you, even if it means switching off from the rest of the world. That’s something that others are just going to have to understand, and if they don’t, I’m afraid that that’s their problem. Don’t let it be yours. You can still get out and enjoy life while you know your triggers

You’ll have good days where you can do a lot more than you thought you could, and you’ll really enjoy it! But that might means that the next couple of days you’ll need a bit more downtime, in order to regroup. Just go with that flow.

What does the future hold for you, and your condition? 

Since the allergy testing, it’s been better. The fibromyalgia is my nemesis at the moment, and there are things that I’m trying to deal with it. But my lungs are all right now, and if I maintain this level as I get older, then I’m in control and I don’t let it control me.

I hope it doesn’t get worse because in fact, it has got better in the last few years. I still get triggers, still get out of breath, but it’s knowing when to push yourself. You can still have a very productive life, you’ve just got to know those limitations, those triggers, and how to honour your body.

Sara Troy of Self Discovery Radio

Interviewed By Darcy Murdoch who was interviewed by Sara on his double lung transplant. new-lungs-gives-singer-bobby-bacchus-a-new-life