Sunday, 29 January 2012

Nature's Gift: Homeopathic Miracles

Tranquility by Linda & Lawrence (LL Photography)



It’s been a tough week.  Lately I find it even harder to read the newspaper than usual.  A few days ago, I flipped through the headlines of the Irish Examiner and was frustrated reading about the upcoming exodus of midwives from maternity hospitals, which will result in putting both mothers' and babies' lives at risk. Three newborns recently died at a hospital in Belfast.  Health-care, while essential, is lacking here.  I think society ought to protect the vulnerable.  The Irish government, however, has placed this sector of society at higher risk through recent budget cuts.

Feeling disheartened, I put my paper down and sipped my lattĂ©. I had just finished teaching a class and was at the cafĂ© below the dance studio. A local artist I know passed by my table, and we began to chat about the depressing state of affairs in Ireland at the moment. She doesn’t read the paper anymore because it makes her feel too disempowered. We spoke about the need for more Positive News coverage. Good things are happening in the world, believe it or not!

This week I want to share a positive story with my readers.   Are you ready?

My daughter developed mosaic warts when she was 4 years old. We ignored them, assuming they would eventually go away. Over time they multiplied and grew larger and larger. Shortly after her 6th birthday, they spread from her hands- which were covered with nearly 30 warts- to her beautiful face. Although they didn’t hurt, she began to worry about being different. Other children no longer wanted to hold her hands or touch her because they feared catching the warts. She’s a shy child and internalizes her feelings, but I suspected the warts were beginning to have a negative impact on her self-esteem.

We went back to our GP. Previously I’d been advised to try wrapping my daughter's fingers in duct tape.  It didn't work.  Her dad tried chemicals with no luck.  My friend recalled an old Irish wives' tale, which involved rubbing the warts with a potato and burying it in the garden.  When everything failed, my GP said the warts would eventually disappear on their own, although it could take years before that happened.

On our last trip to the doctor's, she tried to freeze the warts off.  Nothing happened.  Finally we were referred to a dermatologist in the city. Our GP explained that my daughter might need to have the warts surgically removed. They would have to put her under general anesthetic because the process would be painful. She explained that there would possibly be scarring, and the warts could grow back. I was distressed by the news, but what was the alternative? Clearly something needed to be done!

I spoke to my mom on the phone and made a comment about homeopathy; I wished I could afford a consultation. Before money became so tight, we used to go to our local homeopath regularly. My mom generously offered to help out on this occasion, so I booked my daughter the next available appointment.

Homeopathy utilizes natural medicine and is based on the principal that like cures like. Rather than treating the symptoms- like conventional medicine does- the whole person is treated, based on their unique temperament. Therefore two people suffering from the same ailment will often need different remedies.

First aid kits and courses are available for common sicknesses, which can be treated at home. Remedies can easily be purchased at health food stores. They are much safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Miranda Castro’s Complete Homeopathy Handbook has proven to be a great resource for me over the years. However, a visit to a qualified homeopath is necessary to heal more serious conditions.

As we entered the Harbour View Clinic, I hoped we would be helped. West Cork is blessed with a true healer; Angela Kearney has been practicing homeopathy for over 20 years and is dedicated to serving others. I first went to her in 1999 after my baby was hospitalized for asthma. She has helped my family many times. I have grown to trust and greatly appreciate her wisdom! She is a homeopath with a heart and genuinely cares about every patient.

Angela spent a lot of time with us that December afternoon. After the session I gave my daughter 3 doses of the prescribed remedy. Almost immediately her nose began to run. She had been congested, but now the goop flowed freely out of her body. This continued for nearly 3 days and was part of the healing process. A week after her first dose of Calc.Carb., the warts shrivelled up. Two weeks later they completely disappeared! We called it our Christmas Miracle. Unfortunately I didn’t take pictures.

Not long afterward, my middle child started to grow mosaic warts on his hands... yikes! It turns out they're a family problem. Again we ignored the warts, since they weren’t bothering him. Last fall a large wart developed inside of his nose though, which  was uncomfortable and sometimes bled.  By now his hands were getting worse, but not as bad as his sister's had been. I decided to book another homeopathy appointment in November.

Before: Warts- Nov. '11
Halfway Cured- Dec.'11
My son’s experience was different, not so dramatic. This time Angela prescribed Sulfur. A month later we returned to her office.  The warts were 50% smaller. They were softening and changing color. She gave me more of the remedy, but advised me to only give a dose if the healing slowed down. I’m ashamed to say I completely forgot about the warts during the holidays...

It was only when my phone alerted me that we had another appointment this week, that I remembered to check. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at my son’s hands and the warts were gone! The painful one inside his nose? Gone.

Homeopathy cured both of my children!  Conventional medicine could only offer an invasive procedure, whereas homeopathy provided a gentle and effective alternative. It was the best money I’ve ever spent!

After: Cured! Jan.'12
If my story has piqued your curiosity, why not try homeopathy for yourself? A typical consultation might last a whole hour. Prices vary, but a first visit could cost up to €70. Follow up appointments are usually necessary, but are generally shorter and less expensive. Some insurance companies now cover homeopathy, so it’s worth checking out. A directory of practicing homeopaths can be found on the Irish Society of Homeopaths’ website. If you’re living in the USA check out the North American Society of Homeopaths.

In closing, I’d like to share a quote:

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.
- Anne Frank

I couldn’t agree more. Nature brings many gifts, and healing is among them. Wishing you good health and inspiration!

Big hugs,


Sunday, 22 January 2012

Homage To The Sea- #365Altars


Seaweed wraps, curvaceous shells, and lapping waves cure all...




*Photograph taken at Inchydoney Island Spa

Whispers From My Mantlepiece- #365Altars


My Boy 

Not lost

          But forever framed 

                            As he was

And is yet to be...


This post was inspired by #365Altars Project from @whollyjeanne.

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Goodbye #Reverb11 & Hello #Cultivate12!

Happy New Year!!!

At the beginning of December I signed up for #Reverb11, an annual project which aims to reflect on the previous year and manifest the next.  I planned to blog daily, but as the prompts flooded my inbox, I began to feel overwhelmed.  The holidays are always stressful, but this year I had extra preparations.  Family commitments, the demands of self-employment, and social engagements with friends consumed my time.  In the end, I decided to journal privately so I could explore the prompts more deeply.  I’ve also allowed the process to overflow into January.  It’s such a wonderful opportunity to reflect.  Rushing would be pointless!

Though I was unable to keep up the momentum of writing posts, reading & commenting on other blogs, I'm grateful that I discovered inspiring people along the way.  Following are a list of blogs I have found through #Reverb11.  The authors are such creative and talented individuals!  I admire their honesty and willingness to share.  Blogging- at its best- is a way of forming community.  It is a blessing to be a part of theirs!



There were many, many interesting blogs participating in #Reverb11.  I’ve only named a few I frequented, but hope to discover more in the coming year.  

An exciting new project has also come to my attention this week.  #Cultivate2012 was launched by Meredith Shadwill on the first of January.  She describes it as thus:

“Cultivate is about growing as an individual and pursuing that which brings us happiness. It’s about taking the time to care for ourselves, our loved ones, and our environment (on both a micro and macro scale). Cultivate will consist of monthly prompts that involve checking in with ourselves and our intentions, as well as planning ahead. Cultivate will culminate in a month-long evaluation and planning phase each December, incorporating prompts and suggestions. There’s no pressure to complete each prompt, and there aren’t any rules — except to have fun and be kind to ourselves.”

If you would like to receive Meredith’s prompts, check The Prose of An Electrate Mind for more details.  

In closing, I’d like to thank those who have shown support since I started posting last spring.  I’m grateful that you have taken the time to read my words, and have shared your own, whether through commenting or blogging.  Wishing you the very best in 2012!

Big hugs,

Robin

Sunday, 11 December 2011

#Reverb11 Prompt: Day 10- Beauty


Beauty
Describe a moment of beauty that you witnessed this year.

Yesterday my mom remarked that she’s never thought of me as an only-child because I have so many “sisters”.  She rattled off a list of names from my childhood, conjuring up memories of sleepovers, cheerleading, gymnastics, bike riding and long jogs together.  My sisters and I have passionately laughed, cried, gossiped, fought, and loved one another for over 25 years.  

Vanessa even drove me to the hospital and photographed the birth of my first child.  We roomed together all through college, and I was her matron of honor when she married her high-school sweetheart.  She has been among my oldest and truest friends for as long as I can remember.

Though I have many girlfriends I love to bits, there are three I shared particularly poignant moments of beauty with last summer.  In their presence, I can completely relax, knowing I’ll never be judged or written off.  

Maureen and I were neighbors and walked to school together.  She has a big family of origin, with four siblings, including a twin brother.   When we were young, I enjoyed the bustle of her busy house, which was different from mine in many ways.  On summer nights, she and I would often rock on her porch swing, dreaming of the future, the families we hoped to someday create.

While I was visiting Ohio last summer, Vanessa and her family drove up from their home in North Carolina.  Our daughters share the same name, and it was beautiful watching them play!  As they scaled steps on the riverfront, I watched nervously, hoping they wouldn’t fall.  Then they began to jump, arms outstretched, confident and fully aware of their small bodies.  I caught a glimmer of the energetic girls Vanessa and I once were.  Our carefree children were full of trust and at ease with one another.  One word came to mind: Grace.

That same week Maureen and I brought our kids for ice-cream in our parents’ neighborhood.  When we were teens, we’d walk the same path on hot nights.  The trip to Dairy Queen became a ritual for us; it was special including our kids and sharing stories about our history.  Both of us were touched watching our sons hold hands as we walked.  Maureen’s boisterous three year old looked up to my “big boy”, and my son instinctively felt protective of him.  They are both chatterboxes and it was hilarious listening to them!  Their sense of wonder and curiosity, as they moved along together, made me smile.

My kids and I were fortunate to also be invited to a very special 18th birthday celebration while we were in town.  It was a family party, and I was pleased that my sister Jodie asked us to come.  I remember helping to plan her baby shower when we were 18.  It was a shock realizing her son is the same age we were back then!  Jodie was the first to become a mother in my circle of friends, and I have always admired her strength and commitment.  Her son has become a wonderful young man and is off to college now.  I’m so proud of them for their achievements.

Witnessing these moments of connection were the most beautiful gifts of 2011.  What were yours?

I’d like to close with a blessing from John O’Donohue’s book Beauty: The Invisible Embrace.


A Beauty Blessing

As stillness in stone to silence is wed
May your heart be somewhere a God might dwell.

As a river flows in ideal sequence
May your soul discover time is presence.

As the moon absolves the dark of distance
May thought-light console your mind with brightness.

As the breath of light awakens colour
May the dawn anoint your eyes with wonder.

As spring rain softens the earth with surprise
May your winter places be kissed by light.

As the ocean dreams to the joy of dance
May the grace of change bring you elegance.

As clay anchors a tree in light and wind
May your outer life grow from peace within.

As twilight fills night with bright horizons
May Beauty await you at home beyond.

Big hugs,
Robin

#Reverb11 Prompt: Day 9- What Matters?

What Matters Now? (Inspired by Seth Godin)

Think about the here and now. What matters most to you right now? How are you going to nurture what matters during 2012?

Ella's Rudolph- Dec.'11




In 2012 I’ll continue trying to preserve my children’s innocence despite the custody battle I’m fighting. 

*Prompt taken from Meredith's list.  Many thanks!

Thursday, 8 December 2011

#Reverb11 Prompt: Day 8- Safe

Safe
Where did you feel safest this year? Describe the person, place or thing that made you feel safe in 2011.

I risk sounding childish admitting that I felt safest in bed, at my mother’s house in America last summer.  

I love everything about her old Victorian home and have fond memories of living there.  The creaky pine floors, stained glass windows, and marble fireplaces create an old world charm.  Even though it needs constant repairs, there’s something solid about the house.  It continues to withstand age.  It has outlasted my favorite Oak tree, which was struck by lightening and succumbed to disease a few years ago.  

Being home-away-from-home for a month’s respite was wonderful, and I specifically felt safe in bed.  To me, there is no better place!  In my Irish home, I have a good mattress, fluffy pillows, 100% cotton sheets, a goose-down duvet (despite my allergies), and a gorgeous handmade , colorful Indian quilt, which I splurged on at Pottery Barn (though it isn’t the one pictured).  My mom, however, isn’t into such extravagance.

What, then,  was so special about the bed at her house, you ask?  

I slept in the room beside her, while we wandered through dreamscapes alone, but still together...
I was safe.


* Today's prompt was taken from Meredith's Daily Angst.  She and Sarah Rosemary are a fantastic Reverb11 duo!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...