My journal entry about Robert Schuller's book "You Can Become The Person You Want To Be"
On the front cover there is a picture of Robert Schuller. He is welcoming me to join him on this journey. He is there to guide and support me. Pointing out the way. Gesturing politely to walk past him and go ahead. The look of joy on his face says he is happy to see me, he is saying 'glad you made it'. He is instilling confidence, peace, serenity - a sense of ease. 'Let's continue the journey' - doesn't feel like the beginning, more like 1/2 way through the walk. He is joining me as an invited guest. I don't even stop. He just joins in. Falls easily into step beside me - like someone joining a jogger midway through their run. Easy. Feels right. Comfortably in the right place at the right time. Willingness, excitement, bubbling with joy. Joyful bubbles reaching every cell of my body. Strength, empowering. Looking forward to the learning and releasing. The choice of the color green for the cover speaks healing to me.
The words 'Make Every Hour Your Hour of Power' invites me to strive for more. To pack more punch into every hour. The words are a recipe for success. I have a choice - I can dilute the recipe or I can spice it up. One way to get more power into the hour is to dump the garbage. Lighten the load. Do some personal house cleaning. We only move twice in this lifetime, once into this physical body, then at the time of death, out of this physical body. We accumulate a lot of 'stuff' between moves. The 'stuff' accumulates between lives and carries over to the next life. That's lots of potential garbage.
The name, Robert, translates to correct, proper, the right way. Not Bob or Rob, but Robert. H. for herd. Schuller - shoo, is a gentle nudging sound.
Now, for the title - 'You Can Become The Person You Want To Be'
YOU - Who? Me.
CAN - 'You Can' Empowering affirmation. A statement of fact. There is always a way.
BECOME - What a glorious invitation. Permission granted. Not 'BE', but 'BECOME'. A possibility, a journey, involves action from the 'YOU'.
THE - encompasses everything. All. Nothing is impossible. 'THE', all encompassing. That's it, nothing more. 'THE' is everything.
PERSON - Focusing on something specific. More powerful. Focusing increases the energy. Defines which person, 'THE' person. Leaves no question - not wishy washy - very specific.
YOU - puts the responsibility back where it belongs, on my shoulders. I am the one who has to do it. The one responsible. The one 'its' up to. My choice.
WANT - Want, desire, strive for, purpose. What we work towards our whole life. 'WANT' breaks down barriers. 'WANT' finds a way. 'WANT' keeps us going - keeps us motivated. 'WANT' is bigger than the problems.
TO - Statement of truth, fact. 'TO' puts a period on the statement. Adds punch. Musical sounding statement. Rhythmic, flowing, easy.
BE - be, not do. 'BE'. Instruction how. Key is to 'BE'. That's the answer. Just 'BE'.
Emphasizing different words of the title each time I say it, gives the sentence a different meaning even though it is the same sentence.
Well, that covers the front cover.
Now for the first page. START DREAMING! Step 1 'START'. Answers the question. Start, is an action. Yes, yes, yes. Puts me in a positive frame of mind. Start what? 'DREAMING'! Dreaming is the key to succeeding. Another gentle noodge. START DREAMING!
March 1999.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
We Are All Links In A Chain
This is my way of sharing with you a seemingly insignificant moment in time. It was that moment that I first met Sheri. No, this isn't a story about 'love at first sight'. It's a story about a chance meeting that starte a chain of connections that brought joy to others. Others not even connected to this part of the chain.
It all starte one morning at the end of the Vancouver Cancer Clinic's Relaxation Group when I spoke to Sheri for the first time. As well as dealing with her own husbands cancer treatments, Sheri's sister in laws father, Charlie, was upstairs in the clinic in a coma.
Later, in the clinic's cafeteria, Sheri introduced a couple of us to her sister in law, Jane and Janes mother Mary. Sheri had told them about the Relaxation Group. To make a long story short, I made a connection with Mary and she accepted my offer of Therapeutic Touch. I left her resting on the extra bed in her husbands room. The next morning when I went to visit Mary, I was excited to see that Charlie had come out of his coma. When Mary introduced me to her husband, he stuck out his hand and said 'hello'. Just then his nurse came in so Mary and I went to the chapel in the clinic. We had a wonderful talk. Back at Charlie's room, I left saying I would drop by later.
I went on to the Relaxation Group where I ran into Sheri and her husband. They were pleased to hear that Charlie was awake. When I went back to Charlie's room later, Mary had gone home. I asked Charlie if there was anything I could do for him before I left and he pointed to me and said 'sing me a song'. That's when I offered to go find Katherine, the clinics Music Therapist. I found Katherine in her office and told her my story. She happened to be on her way to that floor and said she would drop in on Charlie. I went back to tell Charlie that the Music Therapist would be by shortly. Then I ran into Sheri in the cafeteria and told her about the 'sing me a song' request. She offered me a ride home, so we both went back up to Charlie's room where Sheri was meeting her husband. When we arrived, everyone was singing along with Katherine and her guitar. It was one of those beautiful magical moments and I was grateful to be part of it.
This is a story I have told many times to others that will probably never get to meet the 'links' in this part of the chain. I continue to relive the joy long after the moment has past when sharing the story touches the hearts of those who hear this inspiring tale of serendipity at work. And then there are the other 'links' down the chain that I may never get to meet, that will be touched in some way by one of the 'links' who heard my story.
So, to all the Sheri's out there in the world - that means you - you do make a difference. You may mean more than you may ever know, to people you may never meet. You are a 'link' in the chain.
April 8, 1998
It all starte one morning at the end of the Vancouver Cancer Clinic's Relaxation Group when I spoke to Sheri for the first time. As well as dealing with her own husbands cancer treatments, Sheri's sister in laws father, Charlie, was upstairs in the clinic in a coma.
Later, in the clinic's cafeteria, Sheri introduced a couple of us to her sister in law, Jane and Janes mother Mary. Sheri had told them about the Relaxation Group. To make a long story short, I made a connection with Mary and she accepted my offer of Therapeutic Touch. I left her resting on the extra bed in her husbands room. The next morning when I went to visit Mary, I was excited to see that Charlie had come out of his coma. When Mary introduced me to her husband, he stuck out his hand and said 'hello'. Just then his nurse came in so Mary and I went to the chapel in the clinic. We had a wonderful talk. Back at Charlie's room, I left saying I would drop by later.
I went on to the Relaxation Group where I ran into Sheri and her husband. They were pleased to hear that Charlie was awake. When I went back to Charlie's room later, Mary had gone home. I asked Charlie if there was anything I could do for him before I left and he pointed to me and said 'sing me a song'. That's when I offered to go find Katherine, the clinics Music Therapist. I found Katherine in her office and told her my story. She happened to be on her way to that floor and said she would drop in on Charlie. I went back to tell Charlie that the Music Therapist would be by shortly. Then I ran into Sheri in the cafeteria and told her about the 'sing me a song' request. She offered me a ride home, so we both went back up to Charlie's room where Sheri was meeting her husband. When we arrived, everyone was singing along with Katherine and her guitar. It was one of those beautiful magical moments and I was grateful to be part of it.
This is a story I have told many times to others that will probably never get to meet the 'links' in this part of the chain. I continue to relive the joy long after the moment has past when sharing the story touches the hearts of those who hear this inspiring tale of serendipity at work. And then there are the other 'links' down the chain that I may never get to meet, that will be touched in some way by one of the 'links' who heard my story.
So, to all the Sheri's out there in the world - that means you - you do make a difference. You may mean more than you may ever know, to people you may never meet. You are a 'link' in the chain.
April 8, 1998
Richmond Hospice Training - Eulogy
Lynn was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She attended Kensington Road Elementary and Queen Elizabeth Jr/Sr High School. She earned many badges in Brownies. In high school she enjoyed being in the curling club and also curled with her parents in the credit union league. As a teenager, she enjoyed baby-sitting and volunteering as a candy striper at an old age home. Summer and weekend jobs included a shampoo girl in a beauty salon, a car hop at the local A&W and a cashier at a swimming pool.
Over the years, Lynn worked at various jobs such as at a bakery, a Tastee Freez, printing shop and bank data centers. Most of her working career was spent in the Market Research business as a supervisor/office manager both in Vancouver and Toronto.
She had many fond memories of tobogganing down the North Hill and being pulled on the toboggan behind the family car on the ice of Chestermere Lake east of Calgary. Vacations were spent camping, first in a tent, then in a tent trailer.
Around 6 years old, their little red wagon full of belongings, off they went down the back alley to help the family move from 3rd Ave. N.W. to the other end of the block on 1st Ave. where she got her own bedroom. The family took in borders, two of which were from Holland which explains where the wooden shoes came from.
One summer holiday while visiting her good friend Donalee in Cochrane, who is now a nurse, (and who had the measles at the time) Lynn twisted her ankle in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee rubbed her swollen ankle with horse liniment every hour. Three months later an x-ray showed a broken bone which was later operated on.
At the end of high school, Donalee and Lynn moved to Banff together and worked in a bakery. They sure enjoyed the 'care packages' Lynn's parents brought with them when they came to visit. From Banff, the 2 of them headed to Vancouver - hitch hiking. They made it in 2 rides. The second ride was with a traveling salesman who took them on his route around B.C.'s interior with him. Five days later they arrived in Vancouver. Then a train ride back home to Calgary for Christmas with Andy in tow (a guy Lynn met in Vancouver). The Keeling household was always open to wandering souls. Donalee ended up staying in Calgary. Lynn left for Vancouver again in the New Year where she found a job at a printing company. Between living in Toronto, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary and Quesnel, she always migrated back to Vancouver.
Her marriage to Walter in 1970 lasted 2 years. Friendships that lasted from that relationship knew her for 13 years as Lynn and Alan. And then along with friendships from that relationship, finally as Lynn and Ralph.
With Ralph came his 3 adult children Todd, Ted and Trudy with her husband Rob and grandson Justin. And many wonderful memories of camping with Ralph's 2 brothers and their wives. In 1997 the three couples in three camping vehicles started out on an across Canada adventure together. Following Route 66 back across the U.S., six months later Ralph and Lynn arrived back home.
Travel being a priority, Lynn and Ralph enjoyed many cruises that included the Panama Canal, Alaska and Caribbean. They enjoyed their Thousand Trails camping membership. Life with Ralph included belonging to the Unity Church where she also volunteered.
Lynn's life was a journey of personal growth searching for and finding the purpose she came to earth for. Over the years Lynn's interest in holistic health lead her to many workshops and groups. In 1992 a cervical cancer diagnosis lead her to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic. It was her dream come true, a medical institution which taught and used complementary therapies. She benefited greatly from the Music and Art Therapy sessions and the relaxation group. Lynn eventually started volunteering at the clinics relaxation groups and took the Therapeutic Touch workshops. She also had training in reflexology, craniosacral therapy and reiki. By 1998, she was participating in the Holistic Night groups and was involved in various Hospice groups. Lynn facilitated various relaxation groups and healing retreats. Always willing to learn, she especially enjoyed the weekly Mask Making workshops she attended.
In her early 50's, Lynn wrote many best selling books including the popular 'How To' series where she shares her life story. She traveled extensively giving seminars and workshops around the world. She made many appearances on talk shows such as Oprah. She was a regular radio personality on Vancouver's first Holistic Healing Radio Station.
Always walking her talk, she was an incredible example of a human being. Lynn pasted away peaceful in her sleep at the age of 94. Lynn, you are missed.
There is one last request - Lynn wants to clear up one last lie. Donalee and Chuck, she wants you to know that - yes, she did help spread honey and cracker crumbs around your room on your wedding night. She is sorry she lied to you, but she sure had fun doing it.
April 7, 1999
Over the years, Lynn worked at various jobs such as at a bakery, a Tastee Freez, printing shop and bank data centers. Most of her working career was spent in the Market Research business as a supervisor/office manager both in Vancouver and Toronto.
She had many fond memories of tobogganing down the North Hill and being pulled on the toboggan behind the family car on the ice of Chestermere Lake east of Calgary. Vacations were spent camping, first in a tent, then in a tent trailer.
Around 6 years old, their little red wagon full of belongings, off they went down the back alley to help the family move from 3rd Ave. N.W. to the other end of the block on 1st Ave. where she got her own bedroom. The family took in borders, two of which were from Holland which explains where the wooden shoes came from.
One summer holiday while visiting her good friend Donalee in Cochrane, who is now a nurse, (and who had the measles at the time) Lynn twisted her ankle in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee rubbed her swollen ankle with horse liniment every hour. Three months later an x-ray showed a broken bone which was later operated on.
At the end of high school, Donalee and Lynn moved to Banff together and worked in a bakery. They sure enjoyed the 'care packages' Lynn's parents brought with them when they came to visit. From Banff, the 2 of them headed to Vancouver - hitch hiking. They made it in 2 rides. The second ride was with a traveling salesman who took them on his route around B.C.'s interior with him. Five days later they arrived in Vancouver. Then a train ride back home to Calgary for Christmas with Andy in tow (a guy Lynn met in Vancouver). The Keeling household was always open to wandering souls. Donalee ended up staying in Calgary. Lynn left for Vancouver again in the New Year where she found a job at a printing company. Between living in Toronto, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary and Quesnel, she always migrated back to Vancouver.
Her marriage to Walter in 1970 lasted 2 years. Friendships that lasted from that relationship knew her for 13 years as Lynn and Alan. And then along with friendships from that relationship, finally as Lynn and Ralph.
With Ralph came his 3 adult children Todd, Ted and Trudy with her husband Rob and grandson Justin. And many wonderful memories of camping with Ralph's 2 brothers and their wives. In 1997 the three couples in three camping vehicles started out on an across Canada adventure together. Following Route 66 back across the U.S., six months later Ralph and Lynn arrived back home.
Travel being a priority, Lynn and Ralph enjoyed many cruises that included the Panama Canal, Alaska and Caribbean. They enjoyed their Thousand Trails camping membership. Life with Ralph included belonging to the Unity Church where she also volunteered.
Lynn's life was a journey of personal growth searching for and finding the purpose she came to earth for. Over the years Lynn's interest in holistic health lead her to many workshops and groups. In 1992 a cervical cancer diagnosis lead her to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic. It was her dream come true, a medical institution which taught and used complementary therapies. She benefited greatly from the Music and Art Therapy sessions and the relaxation group. Lynn eventually started volunteering at the clinics relaxation groups and took the Therapeutic Touch workshops. She also had training in reflexology, craniosacral therapy and reiki. By 1998, she was participating in the Holistic Night groups and was involved in various Hospice groups. Lynn facilitated various relaxation groups and healing retreats. Always willing to learn, she especially enjoyed the weekly Mask Making workshops she attended.
In her early 50's, Lynn wrote many best selling books including the popular 'How To' series where she shares her life story. She traveled extensively giving seminars and workshops around the world. She made many appearances on talk shows such as Oprah. She was a regular radio personality on Vancouver's first Holistic Healing Radio Station.
Always walking her talk, she was an incredible example of a human being. Lynn pasted away peaceful in her sleep at the age of 94. Lynn, you are missed.
There is one last request - Lynn wants to clear up one last lie. Donalee and Chuck, she wants you to know that - yes, she did help spread honey and cracker crumbs around your room on your wedding night. She is sorry she lied to you, but she sure had fun doing it.
April 7, 1999
Relaxation Program - My Story
Relaxation, meditation, Therapeutic Touch, are all useful tools.
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hips and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. something can be done.
2. the sooner I did something, the better.
3. many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body/energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn't have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T. to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as 'foot stroking' to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T. I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to lifes situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on it's own anytime and anywhere. Store line ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc. are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life's journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journalling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
July 8, 1999
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hips and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. something can be done.
2. the sooner I did something, the better.
3. many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body/energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn't have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T. to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as 'foot stroking' to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T. I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to lifes situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on it's own anytime and anywhere. Store line ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc. are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life's journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journalling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
July 8, 1999
Love Letter To Myself
I love you. I just want to like you. I want to like the things you do. I want to like the way you are. I want to be consumed by your passion for me and you consumed by my passion. My passion that bubbles below the surface waiting for your every touch. Your every look. Like a book melting us together on the pages of love. I want to express my love to you. Eloquently. Graciously. With joy and abandonment. Consuming you, consuming me till we become one. Harolding from the roof tops, every mountain, every valley my love for you. Growing and expanding with each breath. Connecting one with another and that connection reaching out into the universe. Deep down into mother earth herself. Cleansing and healing. Recycling the past wounds. Healing as no other has been healed before. Clever, cagey - still reaching. Seeing the dream - reaching, seeing - stretching. Falling with love, not 'in' it. Taking part in your growth as you take part in mine. Hand in hand. At arms length. Giving each other room to grow. At times even letting go. Letting go. Caring enough to just let go. Let go and watch me soar. To the sky, to the shore, to the stars above. Heaven help us when I come back and it's your time to soar. I will need the strength and courage it took you to let me go. I will know you will be there even when it's your time to soar. And I will be rejoicing and cheering you on. Seeing you go higher and farther. Reaching your star. And in that moment I will love you even more. Sweet is each moment of each day as I grow fonder and closer and pray for your well being as well as my own. I own these feelings of true pure love, my darling. And I am joyous in my sharing them with you. For you see my love, you care. You see me as I really am. My faults are beauty in your eyes. My world has a different perspective from your eyes. I am labeled differently in your world. I reflect from a different light. I see me and the beauty of me in your face. You give me parts of me I knew not before. I drinketh in the sweetness I am, for you shower me with praise and your love. I charish the touch of you. Your hugs, that special twinkle in your eye. Hold me dear one so I can let you go.
1995
1995
Surrey Hospice Training Homework - Eulogy
Lynn's life journey began in Calgary, Alberta with parents Madeleine and George Keeling. Brother, Gerry, arrived 1 1/2 years later. When 6, the family made their only move - to a bigger house 2 blocks away - with the kids helpfully hauling belongings down the alley in their little red wagon. Lynn attended Kensington Road Elementary school for grades 1 - 8. There she was in the school choir - as a needed body, but told not to let any sound out of her mouth. She went to Brownies where she earned many badges and went on camping trips and had rabbit stew. A week after starting grades 9 - 12 at Queen Elizabeth Jr/Sr High School, she was home sick with Chicken Pox for 3 weeks. During these years, Lynn joined the girls curling club at school and was a member of the credit unions curling team with her parents. On a sleep over in Cochrane, at her friend Donalee's (who had the measles at the time) Lynn tripped in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee, the future nurse, rubbed her swollen ankle every hour with 'horse linament'. Three months later, x-rays confirmed there was a broken bone in the ankle, which was eventually operated on.
After high school, Lynn and Donalee ventured out together. First moving to Banff where they worked in the bakery and were grateful for the 'care packages' from home. October found them hitchhiking to Vancouver. December found them back home for Christmas. Then, on her own, Lynn returned to Vancouver, the city she would return to again and again throughout her lifetime.
Lynn has lived in Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, Toronto, Vancouver, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary, Toronto, Quesnel and Vancouver. A far cry from her childhood life. Her journey included working at many jobs, finally leading her to Market Research work.
In 1970, she became Mrs. Walter Sobistiansky for 2 years. It was during this time that she met couples like Fred & Joan and Ron & Natasha. Over the years they would find Lynn reappearing in their lives as Lynn & Alan and finally as Lynn & Ralph.
Willingness to learn and grow led Lynn to many classes, workshops, courses, groups - as either the student or as the facilitator. Among them were reflexology, psychic healing, leatherwork, macrame, exercise, yoga, meditation, Unity, co-dependency, Tai Chi, exercise and most resently Therapeutic Touch and Cranialsacral Therapy.
September 1992, the journey led to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for radiation treatment. There, Lynn found the clinics relaxation support group, art and music therapists and Therapeutic Touch workshops. Her dream come true - alternative therapies in a medical institute. Lynn spent many years helping with the relaxation group, touching and being touched by the lives of many people. Over the years she facilitated workshops in communities around the country on relaxation groups and Therapeutic Touch. Many of these while she was traveling and camping with Ralph.
Lynn died peacefully at home in her sleep of old age after a long and fruitful life. She will be missed by the many friends she left behind and welcomed by all those that went on before her.
March 1997
After high school, Lynn and Donalee ventured out together. First moving to Banff where they worked in the bakery and were grateful for the 'care packages' from home. October found them hitchhiking to Vancouver. December found them back home for Christmas. Then, on her own, Lynn returned to Vancouver, the city she would return to again and again throughout her lifetime.
Lynn has lived in Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, Toronto, Vancouver, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary, Toronto, Quesnel and Vancouver. A far cry from her childhood life. Her journey included working at many jobs, finally leading her to Market Research work.
In 1970, she became Mrs. Walter Sobistiansky for 2 years. It was during this time that she met couples like Fred & Joan and Ron & Natasha. Over the years they would find Lynn reappearing in their lives as Lynn & Alan and finally as Lynn & Ralph.
Willingness to learn and grow led Lynn to many classes, workshops, courses, groups - as either the student or as the facilitator. Among them were reflexology, psychic healing, leatherwork, macrame, exercise, yoga, meditation, Unity, co-dependency, Tai Chi, exercise and most resently Therapeutic Touch and Cranialsacral Therapy.
September 1992, the journey led to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for radiation treatment. There, Lynn found the clinics relaxation support group, art and music therapists and Therapeutic Touch workshops. Her dream come true - alternative therapies in a medical institute. Lynn spent many years helping with the relaxation group, touching and being touched by the lives of many people. Over the years she facilitated workshops in communities around the country on relaxation groups and Therapeutic Touch. Many of these while she was traveling and camping with Ralph.
Lynn died peacefully at home in her sleep of old age after a long and fruitful life. She will be missed by the many friends she left behind and welcomed by all those that went on before her.
March 1997
Remembering Wondering Moments
Hi there.
I am remembering so many "Wondering Moments", aka "God Moments" that I am using this moment to start recording them in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
1. Setting up the lynnshealing group site I had to choose a category. I tried healing, wellness, support and a few other choices. Nothing fit. Then I thought of 'prayer'. It fit. I followed the rest of the steps and successfully created the site. While looking at the home page for the first time, I noticed the Sponsored By section at the bottom of the page. There were 3 ads. The 1st one being Unityonline.org. These ads change. I usually ignore the ads. I truly felt like I was in the right place at the right moment. This is truly amazing when as some of you know, the Unity Church is the one we go to. I have been meaning to get around to phoning our local church and the Silent Unity prayer line. So, I clicked on the link and clicked the 'requested a prayer' button. They pray 24/7 for 30 days.
2. My beautiful 'haircut' story. The simple act of waking up to awareness and choosing to release and let go of control / manipulation and choosing to trust the bigger picture led to a magical experience that was far beyond anything I had imagined. Again being in the right place at the right time, in the hands of an angel hairdresser. Even the detail of the man that was supposed to be next, asking to wait for the other hairdresser is a miracle within the miracle. And how easy it was to find a picture of a hairdo that we both loved. One of the 1st we looked at. Life is so easy and spectacular when we just remember to get out of our way. I am truly blessed.
3. I am now thinking of all the building blocks I have put into place over the years. All a strong foundation for me now. The relaxation group, a wonderful group that reflects back my words to me just when I need to hear them. Reminders like "This is a new day" / "to lighten up" (Angels can fly cause they take themselves lightly) / "to practice what I preach". A flexible group that generously opens to experiencing whatever I am wanting to play with in the moment - which at this time is my drum.
4. My drum. Ralph bought it at a Thrift store for $15. I had it for a few months just sitting there unused. I wasn't sure how to play it or how to take care of it. Then I went to my friends Kathy and Harry's workshop, Shaman Inside. We were invited to bring our drums. Marvelling at the timing here - I had a drum. I learned about my drum and have begun a relationship with it. It feels like being in a love affair. It is healing me and I am healing the drum. Sound is becoming a big part of my healing journey. I am learning to use my voice and the drumming facilitates that. And the relaxation group gives me a safe place and space to explore and play.
5. I first started playing with energies years ago, by asking for an easy parking space when I got in the car. Try it, it works. Then one day, I had to drive around the block 3 times before finding a parking space. As I got into the elevator I met the person that I needed to see and had hoped to magically run into. AH HA !!! I was too early - that's why there was no parking space.
2004
I am remembering so many "Wondering Moments", aka "God Moments" that I am using this moment to start recording them in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
1. Setting up the lynnshealing group site I had to choose a category. I tried healing, wellness, support and a few other choices. Nothing fit. Then I thought of 'prayer'. It fit. I followed the rest of the steps and successfully created the site. While looking at the home page for the first time, I noticed the Sponsored By section at the bottom of the page. There were 3 ads. The 1st one being
2. My beautiful 'haircut' story. The simple act of waking up to awareness and choosing to release and let go of control / manipulation and choosing to trust the bigger picture led to a magical experience that was far beyond anything I had imagined. Again being in the right place at the right time, in the hands of an angel hairdresser. Even the detail of the man that was supposed to be next, asking to wait for the other hairdresser is a miracle within the miracle. And how easy it was to find a picture of a hairdo that we both loved. One of the 1st we looked at. Life is so easy and spectacular when we just remember to get out of our way. I am truly blessed.
3. I am now thinking of all the building blocks I have put into place over the years. All a strong foundation for me now. The relaxation group, a wonderful group that reflects back my words to me just when I need to hear them. Reminders like "This is a new day" / "to lighten up" (Angels can fly cause they take themselves lightly) / "to practice what I preach". A flexible group that generously opens to experiencing whatever I am wanting to play with in the moment - which at this time is my drum.
4. My drum. Ralph bought it at a Thrift store for $15. I had it for a few months just sitting there unused. I wasn't sure how to play it or how to take care of it. Then I went to my friends Kathy and Harry's workshop, Shaman Inside. We were invited to bring our drums. Marvelling at the timing here - I had a drum. I learned about my drum and have begun a relationship with it. It feels like being in a love affair. It is healing me and I am healing the drum. Sound is becoming a big part of my healing journey. I am learning to use my voice and the drumming facilitates that. And the relaxation group gives me a safe place and space to explore and play.
5. I first started playing with energies years ago, by asking for an easy parking space when I got in the car. Try it, it works. Then one day, I had to drive around the block 3 times before finding a parking space. As I got into the elevator I met the person that I needed to see and had hoped to magically run into. AH HA !!! I was too early - that's why there was no parking space.
2004
Learning and Growing
Looking back, I can see that I have been learning and growing ever since I can remember. In the beginning this learning and growing was about adapting to my surroundings. Survival techniques that served me well at the time. Survival techniques that were getting in my way in this present day moment. Time to let go and release what needed to be let go of and released, so I could continue learning and growing as a spiritual human being.
The journey has been a process of 'learning' something (intellectual level) and then 'getting' it (spiritual level). 'Learning' it, is a process of waking up, becoming aware, of hearing what I am ready to hear. Processing. 'Getting' it, is a process of waking up spiritually. 'Getting' it, is simply being. Connecting with the universal (God) flow, my knowing self. Getting in tune. Fine tuning. Being quiet and hearing. Learning to connect. Making the connection. Listening. Listening to my intuition. My knowing self. Trusting that knowing part of me. Valuing that wise knowing self of me. Hearing that wise wonderful part of me that is connected to the universe (God). That part of me that is connected to all that is. My connection to the oneness of the universe. That part of me that knows all the answers, that knows all the questions. That effortless part of me that is in the flow, connected - that knowledgeable part of me that just needs me to listen - slow down and listen. That part of me that will be heard when I am ready to hear it. When the time is right in the process (journey).
I have a sense that I saw things clearly as a very young child and was bewildered that others didn't see things I saw. I turned off, shut down. The emotional hurt and frustrations were too much. I was sensitive and didn't know how to handle it all. I chose to turn the switches off - disconnect. A survival technique that I needed at the time. Disconnecting a bit at a time. Many switches turned off over the years. A journey of finding the switches and turning them off throughout my life. Then awakening and reversing the process - now a journey of finding the switches and turning them back on. Reconnecting the circuits. [a good definition of awakening - awareness] Shutting down and then powering back up process. [definition of life, journey] Meditation = key to waking up - awareness, making the connection, reconnecting, strengthening the connection.
Process of allowing - allowing the creativity to flow. Allowing others to 'be'. Allowing ourselves to 'be'. Allowing ourselves and others to 'be' where we are in our journeys. To be thankful for all our experiences. No judgment. All experiences are 'good' because we learn from them. There is no 'bad'. It is all relative - dependent on whose eyes are seeing the experience. Gratitude. Being grateful for the experience, the lesson. Grateful to everyone that contracted with me to be part of the experience. Awareness of the great love involved for the sacrifices to be made. Being grateful for my part of the experience. Grateful for the process (journey) of learning and growing.
July 8, 1999
The journey has been a process of 'learning' something (intellectual level) and then 'getting' it (spiritual level). 'Learning' it, is a process of waking up, becoming aware, of hearing what I am ready to hear. Processing. 'Getting' it, is a process of waking up spiritually. 'Getting' it, is simply being. Connecting with the universal (God) flow, my knowing self. Getting in tune. Fine tuning. Being quiet and hearing. Learning to connect. Making the connection. Listening. Listening to my intuition. My knowing self. Trusting that knowing part of me. Valuing that wise knowing self of me. Hearing that wise wonderful part of me that is connected to the universe (God). That part of me that is connected to all that is. My connection to the oneness of the universe. That part of me that knows all the answers, that knows all the questions. That effortless part of me that is in the flow, connected - that knowledgeable part of me that just needs me to listen - slow down and listen. That part of me that will be heard when I am ready to hear it. When the time is right in the process (journey).
I have a sense that I saw things clearly as a very young child and was bewildered that others didn't see things I saw. I turned off, shut down. The emotional hurt and frustrations were too much. I was sensitive and didn't know how to handle it all. I chose to turn the switches off - disconnect. A survival technique that I needed at the time. Disconnecting a bit at a time. Many switches turned off over the years. A journey of finding the switches and turning them off throughout my life. Then awakening and reversing the process - now a journey of finding the switches and turning them back on. Reconnecting the circuits. [a good definition of awakening - awareness] Shutting down and then powering back up process. [definition of life, journey] Meditation = key to waking up - awareness, making the connection, reconnecting, strengthening the connection.
Process of allowing - allowing the creativity to flow. Allowing others to 'be'. Allowing ourselves to 'be'. Allowing ourselves and others to 'be' where we are in our journeys. To be thankful for all our experiences. No judgment. All experiences are 'good' because we learn from them. There is no 'bad'. It is all relative - dependent on whose eyes are seeing the experience. Gratitude. Being grateful for the experience, the lesson. Grateful to everyone that contracted with me to be part of the experience. Awareness of the great love involved for the sacrifices to be made. Being grateful for my part of the experience. Grateful for the process (journey) of learning and growing.
July 8, 1999
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Landscape of Wellness
by Lynn Keeling Nov 2008
Let’s take a look at the landscape of the Monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics.
You are welcome to join us at the monthly Wellness Clinics, where practitioners gather to offer a variety of wellness services to the public.
There is a team of retired nurses taking blood pressures and answering your medical questions.
You can make an appointment for a manicure / pedicure at a cost of $10 / $15.
Explore the experience of energy work for a suggested $8.00 donation.
There is Reflexology, an ancient therapy that involves finger and thumb pressure on the feet, hands and sometimes, ears. The feet, in particular, provide a map of the entire body, with different parts of the sole connecting to various organs, glands and limbs. The pressure stimulates the flow of energy through the body so that healing can take place naturally. Reflexology is used to treat many conditions and illnesses, including digestive and circulatory disorders, migraine, back pain and stress related diseases.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a safe, gentle holistic practice that balances the energy field of the body to support the natural healing process. Scientific studies show that it increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, lowers high temperatures, and reduces restlessness. It has been found particularly effective in treating circulatory, lymphatic, muscular-skeletal, and some mental disorders, while alleviating stress in the central nervous system.
There are many other options that may be available, such as Reiki, Healing Touch, Integrated Healing, Massage and facials to name a few. We are one of 8 monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics in Richmond.
Treat yourself to a relaxing experience while supporting this wonderful program.
Let’s take a look at the landscape of the Monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics.
You are welcome to join us at the monthly Wellness Clinics, where practitioners gather to offer a variety of wellness services to the public.
There is a team of retired nurses taking blood pressures and answering your medical questions.
You can make an appointment for a manicure / pedicure at a cost of $10 / $15.
Explore the experience of energy work for a suggested $8.00 donation.
There is Reflexology, an ancient therapy that involves finger and thumb pressure on the feet, hands and sometimes, ears. The feet, in particular, provide a map of the entire body, with different parts of the sole connecting to various organs, glands and limbs. The pressure stimulates the flow of energy through the body so that healing can take place naturally. Reflexology is used to treat many conditions and illnesses, including digestive and circulatory disorders, migraine, back pain and stress related diseases.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a safe, gentle holistic practice that balances the energy field of the body to support the natural healing process. Scientific studies show that it increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, lowers high temperatures, and reduces restlessness. It has been found particularly effective in treating circulatory, lymphatic, muscular-skeletal, and some mental disorders, while alleviating stress in the central nervous system.
There are many other options that may be available, such as Reiki, Healing Touch, Integrated Healing, Massage and facials to name a few. We are one of 8 monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics in Richmond.
Treat yourself to a relaxing experience while supporting this wonderful program.
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