Going In

As I write this blog, I am sitting all zipped up at Chandler Hovey Park, better known as Lighthouse Park.  It is a beautiful place where I usually ride my bicycle to, but today, I am writing, sitting with Tammie and enjoying the sunny day and brisk breeze.  What an abrupt change from the 80+ degree mugginess a few days ago.

As the Fall approaches, I often think of years past when I would feel a sense of doom and gloom.  Back 30 years ago, SAD was not even thought about, never-mind  treated.  Over the past few years, however, I embrace this season more openly, enjoying the darker evenings when I can light my candle, relax (well sometimes I still work too late!) and take this time for reflection, going into the dark.

I think of some of the spiritual aspects of the changing seasons and I find it interesting as a culture, we often fear the dark, think of it as bad and yet, without the dark, there can be no light.  Looking to the wisdom of the earth, this is all too well a known fact.

Advent, which does not come until November-December, is another reminder of this time of going deep within, to reflect on the blessings we have and to prepare for the celebration of life.

It would not be complete without sharing what else I do in order to face the darkness.  Yes, energy is lower and mood can be less vibrant as well, thus I use a UV light each morning and increase fish oils and vitamin D.  I generally ask my patients to have a lab test done before increasing D too much.  An ideal level is 50-80.  Increasing omega threes can be done with eating fatty fish, walnuts and leafy greens that have been lightly cooked with some acid and oil such as lemon juice and olive oil.  My blog would not feel complete without these pearls of nutritional wisdom!

May you embrace this change of season with gratitude and an open heart.

With love

Julie

"Oh What A Night" - Or Something Like That!

Here I am in San Luis Obispo, CA, waiting at Whole Foods until my flight leaves to return to San Francisco.

It has been quite a week - a truly amazing one at that.  Last Saturday, Lindsay and Scott were married in Marblehead, overlooking the ocean and we celebrated with family and a few close friends.  What an amazing event.  They are truly a couple who is not only in love, but are two people who shine as individuals as well.

On Monday morning, Ashley and I boarded for a 3-day grad school trip, to scope out colleges for holistic psychology.  The apples surely have not fallen far from this tree!  We spent a spectacular day in Boulder, CO, riding cycles from campus to campus and into town.  My kinda travel.  The air and surroundings were so crisp and clean.

The next day, we flew into San Francisco and visited another school - fabulous program, but in the center of the big city - neither of our favorite surroundings.  We drove to the highest point in San Fran for the overlook - what a view!

Third day was "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" - remember that song?  Visited our final school, then strolled into the shopping area abutting silicon valley.  Had a great lunch, viewed the area than headed back to San Fran for the "rice-a-roni" ride.  How thrilling!  We hung on the outside moving straight up and down the streets of San Fran.  What was more thrilling (or shall I say, fearful!) was the ride up and down the road in the car.  At one point, we could not even see over the top of the car.

Next morning, Ashley boarded for Boston and I, SLO.  I've been checking out like-minded communities with a relocation consideration and I must say, the environment is more open than in Boston.  I have met some wonderful people who truly subscribe to functional and integrative medicine and tomorrow, I see three more communities for comparison.  In the end, I will still be available for my clients, whether I am on the east coast or the west and in fact, have one client who recently moved from Boston to San Fran.  My other dear student is back in Japan.

Life is certainly interesting, full of opportunities for growth, self-introspection and appreciation for the many gifts.  My message to you is to embrace what life has to offer.

With love,
Julie

Birthday Reminiscents of Mom

As Sunday, August 14 approached, I was all too aware of feeling some longing and sadness that Mom is no longer here.  In some ways, it feels harder, not easier, but I also have "my process" to blame or better yet, to thank for feeling my feelings.

I've talked about my processing style in former blogs, but a quick review lets you into how I've learned to cope, which has also allowed me to sit, be and process with other wounded clients and friends when in my presence.

Many of us have experienced PTSD and I, for one, denied that term for years, not acknowledging the reality for myself.  From my diligent work with a therapist and a few amazing energy workers, I have finally been able to get past some of the blocks, knowing that my fears and reactions, and yes, disease, has been rooted in past events and exposures (some people and some environmental).  I used to muscle up both physical and mental energy, energy that I often no longer have, in order to get through difficulties, never feeling the effects.

I truly believe that this is why I was drawn into assisting the complicated cases - what is not seen and is buried beneath, often showing up as "just fine".  I learned at a young age to pull it together, to be fine, in order to protect my Mom.  She was an amazingly talented woman who made my clothes, my coats, and beautiful items for my girls.  She kept a neat and organized home and balanced the checkbook to the penny.  And this was long before computers and Quickbooks!  She brought be on the bus to chorus lessons and I accompanied her to the weekly banking, post office and other chores.

My Mom's Mom, Grammie Lillian, died when Mom was just 10.  Mom remembers most of life being in and out of hospitals and it was during the final illness that Mom was brought away for a summer to be with cousins on the cape.  When she came home, her Mom was close to death.  My mother developed serious asthma that year and I recall her telling me how she would be hung out over the railing on the porch to gasp for air.  Mom was gasping for life and her anxiety over the years took root in many ways.

As I sat at the cemetary yesterday, I was able to really feel my Mom's energy, knowing that she is in peace at this time and that truly felt like a gift.  I was also able to more easily separate out my experiences from hers, thanking her for the life she gave me and putting to rest her own suffering.

I gathered a few acorns, pine needles and a stick - items that I will use later this month as offerings in my shamanic session.  We have American Indian in our background and Mom was very proud of this fact.  I will think of her as I thank God for these simple gifts from nature.

Amen

How Low Is Too low

Message of the week has been educating patients on the effects of having too low a cholesterol level and how to navigate traditional thinking – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – or shall we say, change it.

With the recent concerns over statin medications, it may be a good thing to begin lowering dosages of medications or considering trials without, of course with close monitoring based on individual circumstances.

In my practice, many clients come wanting to avoid or discontinue medications and I will never tell someone to stop taking something, but will address the pros and cons so that they are more informed about the choices they wish to discuss with their PCP or specialist.

For years now, total cholesterol levels above 200 have been called “high” and if the LDL, or “bad” cholesterol is also elevated above 130, medications are often being discussed.  More recently, there have been studies supporting that these somewhat higher levels may not be harmful and in fact, may be brain protective. 

The nerves in the brain require cholesterol and good quality saturated fats such as organic, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, virgin red palm oil and shea butter.  These waxy fats create the myelin sheath, likened to the rubber encasing wires for protection.

When total cholesterol levels start to dip less than 165-170, there is concern over having inadequate levels of these fats for the production of this important substance.

Bottom line is that it is always important to ask for copies of the lab work, not just the letter with check marks stating you are fine.  Knowing your numbers and learning to interpret them is key in personalizing your healthcare.  I am happy to help!

In sickness and in health,

Julie

Try this delicious  Crepe recipe from my cookbook, Sweets n’ Treats.  It uses coconut wraps, full fat coconut or greek yogurt and dark chocolate chip, all good sources of saturated fat.

Coconut Wrap Crepes

Berry:

1 paleo coconut wrap*

1/3 cup frozen mixed berries, thawed

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tbl almond butter

2 tbl plain coconut yogurt or greek yogurt

1 tsp mini chocolate chips

                Mix berries and cornstarch, heating over medium stirring until thickened and translucent

                Remove from heat and lay on coconut wrap.  Roll and fold ends under

                Mix together almond butter with yogurt until creamy and smooth

                Top crepe with yogurt topping and sprinkle with chocolate chips

Cherry:

Same as above using frozen dark, pitted cherries

Apple:

Coconut wrap

½ apple, chopped, sprinkled with cinnamon and 1 tsp lemon juice, baked 20 minutes at 350

1 tbl sunbutter, almond butter or walnut butter

2 tbl plain coconut yogurt or greek yogurt

1 tsp crushed nuts dusted with cinnamon

                Follow instructions as above

*www.julianbakery.com – coconut wraps

To Be An Inspiration and To Inspire

I often ponder words and meanings, especially when thinking of my intention for yoga class.  I chose inspiration and inspire for a few reasons.

I've been told throughout the years that I am an inspiration to others, and while I am honored to hear this, I also take this responsibility quite seriously.  I truly believe that one of God's gifts to me has been to be an inspiration to others, especially when things seem bleak.  I often envision a bright light in the center of my heart, connecting to others.  I like to use visualization to assist in this process.

As I began to think of the word inspire, the thought arising from the deep breathing required in yoga, I recognized on a different level, how this inspiration is for me and my continued healing on multiple levels.  Breath of life or Prana, is basic for all to live, grow and renew.

What is the lesson in all of this - in order to be an inspiration to others, the process begins within.  Start by loving yourself unconditionally, be the light to yourself in order to become a light to the world.

With love,
Julie

Happy Birthday Dear Ashley

My youngest has now officially turned 21 – where did the time go!  It has been a birthday month for her, beginning with our trip to Kripalu to see Bruce Lipton.  This was life affirming for us both, as we travel this path of “off the beaten path” mind-body-spirit medicine together.  On her day, she met with a colleague of mine to have an astrological assessment done, another fascinating affirmation that there are no coincidences in life and that all in this universe is connected – the fun and not so fun, the easy and the not so easy!  For both of us, this provides a framework in which to understand ourselves in relation to the world.

Last evening, we had the annual family dinner prepared by Moi – I’m honored to have my girls and Scott, request a favorite meal and dessert on their special day.  Ashley requested crusted chicken, pesto, oven roast potato, tomato basil mozzarella and broccolini with garlic bread.  All gluten free and balanced in nutrients, of course!  It was a delightful dinner on the porch by candlelight and then she, Lindsay and Scott (Lindsay’s fiancé) were off to a rooftop setting and a dance club.  From the few photos and snapchats that I saw, the evening was delightful, fun and safe at the same time.

I am so proud of my family and their responsible, yet fun nature when it comes to drinking.  I’ve given them opportunities over the years to enjoy alcohol and while I’ve heard of some of the common experimental times that they have had, both have weathered the peer pressure pretty well.  It is not easy to be “normal” yet “not normal” at the same time and I use these terms to elaborate some fine points about how we view the various “forbidden fruits” in this country. 

When I am talking with young adults in my office or with my girls (unfortunately Lindsay being older got the stricter version of me!), I emphasize safety first, then begin to explore what is the person looking for – acceptance, anxiety reduction, to truly enjoy the experience with self-respect.  These are the most important aspects to entertain within ourselves and with our children.

I truly look forward to many more adult years with my girls and continue to marvel at each stage of development.

May you be blessed,

Julie

Happy Anniversary – An Interesting Perspective

Anniversary of what.  Of my descent into acute illness that brought me to Newton Wellesley Hospital, followed by surgery, chemotherapy and a whopping reaction to chemo.  That was two years ago.

I’ve always been sensitive to anniversaries of any kind – weddings, deaths, other happy or sad occasions, but this one marks a time of reflection of my emotional style, my way of coping with continued movement in a forward direction.

I’ve also recently learned more acutely that I intellectualize rather than feel.  Part of this I recognize being a Virgo!  The other part is how I lived in my family – one which looked ideal on the outside while there was a lot of chaos on the inside.  Being an only child, I leaned on my best friend and to this day, she brings me to my senses about what life was really like.  Intellectualizing and seeing both sides has certain benefits, but when it comes to processing, this style can inhibit moving through in order to come to a place of balance.

I am just feeling the reality of how crazy things were two years ago.  I not only needed to sell my home due to finances from being ill, but my Mom died, I moved to a place where I’ve always wanted to be, but needed to re-establish my practice.  Within three months, I was in the hospital, sick, out of work and now faced with figuring it out once again as a single parent.

My coping style was to re-vamp my website, to do yoga every day in the hospital, to begin my blog, to write for the newspaper, to learn how to use skype and forge ahead.  While this has been wonderful in so many ways, I did not allow myself time to feel sad, mad and afraid.  Nope, not my style!

What is interesting is that I am a solid support for my family, friends and clients, allowing them to feel held and heard in my presence.  I now realize that I also need this and sometimes do not allow it into my life for fear of being “weak”.  I had been feeling apprehensive about this two year anniversary, reliving the moments leading up to it, but today, I feel that I have broken the chains that bound me.  I am moving ahead in a more balanced fashion and it feels so good!

May you always learn about who you are with curiosity and self-love.

Julie