Stories

Falling in Love

Falling in love involves an unconscious as well as physical and chemical response to another person, which is much more compelling than simply finding someone to be attractive and compatible. Often, when we fall in love, we get a feeling of wholeness because we have met someone who carries qualities we lack in an irresistible way.

For example, a practical, rational man falls in love with a spiritual or emotional woman, even though most women of that type annoy him. Or a strong, assertive woman falls in love with a sensitive, artistic man, even though she finds most such men to be weak.

The conscious mind seeks similarity and is repelled by the opposite. The unconscious, however, seeks balance, and is drawn to the qualities one needs most, but only when they are expressed in an acceptable and appealing way.

Being in love creates an anticipation of fulfillment because the unconscious senses the possibility of becoming whole, if only we could integrate those unfamiliar qualities that reside... (more)

Spring is a time for new beginnings and there is no better place to renew your body, mind and spirit than in Sun Valley, Idaho this Memorial Day weekend, at the 15th annual Sun Valley Wellness Festival, known as one of the premier festivals of its kind in the US. The five day celebration, held at the famous Sun Valley Resort May 24-29, will focus on the theme “Own Your Energy”, and will include more than 50 presentations and workshops addressing various modalities of body, mind, spirit and environmental wellness, and a Next Generation Wellnesseducational tract just for children.

Leading off the long list of impressive, nationally-renowned speakers is keynoter Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, neuroanatomist and bestselling author of My Stroke of Insight.    Other top speakers include the popular inspirational author Alan Cohen, anti-aging expert and author Dr. Uzzi Reiss,  “Spirit Junkie” Gabrielle Bernstein,  forgiveness teacher and expert Mary Hayes Greico, Oneness guide and monk from Oneness... (more)

The snow is melting and the tulips will soon be showing their colors….sure signs spring has sprung! The warmer temperatures have an energizing effect on us all.

However, in order to enjoy all the hiking, biking, and the like your heart desires, you’ll want to take certain steps to ensure your health and energy levels are at their best. Spring is the perfect time to do some cleaning, not just inside your house, but inside your body as well. Not only will you have more energy, but if you suffer from allergies, doing a cleanse can dramatically reduce your symptoms.

Here are my two top tips for ensuring your health is at its best this spring:

#1- Spring is a great time to do a Body Cleanse. You can’t see them but toxins are ubiquitous in today’s world and thus accumulate inside your body as well. Be they in the water, the sky, or the land, toxins are there. They aren't just outside either. Inside your home they are found in cleaners; vapors leaching from chemicals such as fire retardants in furniture and carpets; and... (more)

Generally, people experience a parent as either too involved or not involved enough. In the first case, the parent may seem controlling, overwhelming, or hovering. In the second case, a parent may seem indifferent, abandoning, or not present.

It is normal to develop mild defense mechanisms even with good parenting. These defenses are healthy when used consciously. However, they limit our choices when we react unconsciously or in an extreme way.

A child can develop defense mechanisms to the under-involved parent. Abandonment includes not only the indifference of the parent, but also environmental insufficiency, for instance, poverty, prejudice, or a wartime childhood.

Children tend to engage in magical thinking, which says to them that the world around them is a message about them.” If my mother neglects me, or I am poor and never have enough food, I must be unworthy and bad.” There are four typical responses to a sense of lack, the first two of which involve internalizing poor self-esteem.*

1. Self-sabbotage:... (more)

Hundreds of Wood River Valley residents will be receiving the results to their cholesterol level test this week, which was offered recently through St. Luke’s Heart of the Matter event. Whether that includes you or not, if you have high cholesterol, taking a cholesterol-lowering drug is often the first and only advice given. Although in some cases a drug might be needed, you have additional options.

There are several natural and healthy ways to lower your cholesterol. Before accepting a prescription for a cholesterol lowering drug…from which you could suffer the side effects of muscle pain and damage, memory loss, liver damage, increased risk of diabetes, and more… be sure to first discuss the following list of healthy options with your doctor.

• Exercise! Exercise is one of the few ways to not only lower your bad cholesterol (LDL), but it can raise your good cholesterol (HDL) as well. 

• Eat more vegetables: Increasing vegetables in your diet will greatly increase your fiber intake. Fiber binds cholesterol...

Musical Gems by Mimi Stuart ©

Generally, people experience their parents as either too engulfing or indifferent. Depending on their personality, children of a strong parent who is engulfing/controlling/hovering tend to develop one of the following belief systems:

1. The compliant person believes “I should be sweet, self-sacrificing, and saintly.”

2. The aggressive person says “I should be powerful, recognized, and a winner.”

3. The withdrawing person believes “I should be independent, aloof, and perfect.”

1. Compliance: While accommodation is sometimes appropriate, it is not okay when it becomes reflexive and automatic. An emotional chameleon ceases to have personal integrity. In extreme cases, compliant people feel they have no will of their own. They become totally dependent on... (more)

"In the Loop" - Furyk by Mimi Stuart ©

Is it healthier to have stress or no stress in your life?

It depends. As you would expect, longevity and well-being tend to be greater for those with less stress in their lives rather than more stress but no control over it. Studies found clear signs of accelerated aging in those who reported the least control over their lives.

Surprisingly, however, you tend to live the longest, feel happiest, and have the strongest immune system when you DO have stress if it is under your control rather than if you have practically no stress at all. Stress causes cortisol, and having too little cortisol can be just as unhealthy as having too much. Active participation in directing your life with its inherent difficulties turns out to be better than passive acceptance of an easy life or helplessness in face of a difficult life.

Life is rarely stress-free because it requires us to deal with the unknown. However, the more practice we get in handling the unknown, the more confidently... (more)

St. Luke’s Wood River is once again offering its “Heart of the Matter” cholesterol testing. Screening includes a blood cholesterol test for HDL and LDL, triglyderides and glucose level, and blood pressure check for a $10.00 fee (cash or check preferred). A prostate cancer screening for men will be available at no additional charge.  All participants must fast for at least 8 hours prior to testing. Please drink lots of water! Heart healthy breakfast snacks will be served after your blood tests.

Thursday, April 12^th, 2012, 7:00 – 10:00am, Community Campus, Hailey

OR

Saturday, April 21^st, 2012, 7:00 – 10:00am, Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood (new venue!), Ketchum

For more information, call 727-8733.

"Snubhubbub" by Mimi Stuart ©

1. You don’t let your friend establish his or her own impression and identity. You taint the new relationship and their rapport with prejudice and expectation rather than allowing it to evolve in a more interesting and natural way.

2. Ironically, you reduce your friends to their accomplishments. The character and essence of a person are more important and intangible than a checklist of accomplishments.

3. You imply that you primarily appreciate your friends for their accomplishments and may not appreciate the nuances and mystery of who they really are.

4. You give the impression that you are trying to boost your own self-esteem by boasting about being connected to someone “important,” “smart,” or “talented.” This says more about you than your friend.

5. Blatant flattery puts friends in the position of either being... (more)

As part of its ongoing series of wellness programs and events, the Sun Valley Wellness Institute is presenting “The Pharmacy of Flowers & Contemplative Aromatherapy Workshop” with  world-renowned master herbalist David Crow of Floracopeia on April 27-29, 2012 at All Things Sacred, The Galleria in Ketchum, ID.

David Crow is one of the world’s foremost experts and leading speakers in the field of botanical medicine and grassroots healthcare. He is a master herbalist; aromatherapist and acupuncturist with over 30 years experience and is an expert in the Ayurvedic and Chinese medical systems. David is a renowned author, a poet, and is the founding director of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures and MedicineCrow.com.

The workshop schedule is:  FRIDAY, APRIL 27: 7pm - 9pm: Introduction: The Pharmacy of Flowers, SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 9am - 6pm: The Pharmacy of Flowers and SUNDAY, APRIL 29:  9am – 6pm:  Contemplative Aromatherapy

Participants can choose to sign up for the entire... (more)

"Two Tunes" by Mimi Stuart ©

How often have you heard people say, “I still love him/her, but I’m not in love anymore”? Very often this loss of passion is the result of falling into a “positive bonding pattern” through countless decisions to hide true opinions and feelings to appease the other person.

“Positive bonding patterns,” which feel good at first because they are comfortable and safe, are ironically detrimental for the long-term health of a relationship. Each person puts on an attitude of agreement to placate the other and to avoid bringing up painful points of view or differing opinions. Each accommodates the other beyond the point of reasonable compromise.

Positive bonding patterns usually occur because we don’t want to rock the boat. Anxious to avoid upsetting the other person, we keep difficult thoughts and feelings to ourselves and put on a happy face.

However, thoughts and feelings that are hidden in a relationship will grow and fester. Eventually, the positive bonding pattern will lead to... (more)

Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research held its 16th Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium March 7-11 in Sun Valley Resort.

The top breast cancer researchers and physicians in the nation gathered last week at the Sun Valley Resort to discuss current and forthcoming breast cancer research and their efforts to find a cure. The four-day event marked Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research’s 16th Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium titled “The Metastatic Process and Novel Opportunities for Breast Cancer Therapy.”

The Symposium, held under the guidance of Marc Lippman, M.D. and Angela DeMichele, M.D., M.S.C.E., is an invitation-only conference that encourages the free exchange of current breast cancer research and ideas. Attendees include basic scientists, clinical investigators and practicing clinicians.

"I think this year's EI symposium was our most successful. Not only were the presentations outstanding, but a series of collaborative interactions... (more)

If the road to success is paved with good intentions, I'll wager that a good 75 percent of that pavement is poured from the intent to eat right and get in shape. While people don't set out to purposefully sabotage their efforts, an awful lot of derailment goes on, nonetheless. Sometimes it's because we're just not thinking; sometimes it's because we're over thinking. Well, here are 5 of the most common pitfalls to avoid:

#1) Failing to plan. Rome wasn't built in a day, and those sketchy eating habits you'd like to change weren't either. Changing habits can be hard work, so thinking you can turn yourself into a healthier eater without a game plan is guaranteed to leave you spinning your wheels. If you don't have a plan, you will slip into "default mode" (aka your old habits) time and time again. "I want to eat healthier" is vague. "I will bring fresh fruit to work for snacks instead of hitting the vending machine" is a plan. Have a plan & make it specific...but keep the bar low at first, and slowly raise it over... (more)

"Passion — Eclipse 500" by Mimi Stuart ©

Facebook time is increasingly contributing to the erosion of real-life loving relationships. Here are two primary ways in which such technological devotion can insidiously take a toll on existing relationships with loved ones:

1. Facebook Overload

There is nothing wrong with keeping in touch with friends and enjoying the entertainment value of Facebook and other social media. Friendship, camaraderie, community, entertainment, and laughter are very healthy human pursuits. For some people, who might be shy, housebound, or isolated from friends, social media provides a wonderful opportunity to communicate with friends and to participate in community. Many people enjoy getting in touch with a variety of people they might not otherwise stay in touch with, sharing photos and status... (more)

Sustaining a fulfilling, long-term relationship is tricky because it requires several essential qualities that may seem contradictory. Most problems in relationships occur because one of these crucial elements is missing or they are out of balance. All five of the following elements are critical in all fulfilling relationships, and particularly in long-term passionate, love relationships.

1. Respect — Show Respect

Frequent irritability, criticism, or contempt destroys the connection and love in a relationship. John Gottman’s research shows that unless respect is shown at least 80% of the time, the relationship will spiral downward toward misery and divorce.

Most of us occasionally get short with a loved one, and should quickly apologize for any rudeness. It is essential that we show that we value, respect, and appreciate our loved one on a daily basis.

2. Self-respect — Respect Yourself

Frequent self-criticism or an unwillingness to stop disrespectful behavior from others invites disrespect. The fear of... (more)

The Forum, titled “Novel Opportunities for Breast Cancer Therapy,” will be held in conjunction with the 16^th Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium.

The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research will hold its 16th Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium Open Forum in the Continental Room at the Sun Valley Inn on Thursday, March 8, from 5-7 p.m. St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation is sponsoring this year’s Forum.

The Open Forum, titled “Novel Opportunities for Breast Cancer Therapy,” is open to the public and free. Expedition Inspiration is proud to offer the public an opportunity to hear the latest in breast cancer therapy and to have breast cancer related questions answered.

“Though the researchers specialize in breast cancer, the Open Forum has relevance for all individuals effected by cancer, regardless of the specific kind of cancer they are surviving,” said Expedition Inspiration Board of Directors Chair and breast cancer survivor Suzanne Pere-Mulenos. “The progress investigators... (more)

Any resorts, Yoga studios, or athletic clubs wanting to hire the BEST instructor ever from Scottsdale AZ, here she is!    Masters degree, several certifications , and 15+ years experience in the field.  Call her 4802314470, Juarezfoxboy@aol.com

When most people hear the word 'detox,' they think of someone coming off drugs or alcohol. But in today's over-dependence on synthetic chemicals used in food production, 'cleaning' products, house wares and almost every other industry, there isn't a single person in America living without chemicals in their body, resultantly taking a toll on the health of your body…whether you notice it, yet, or not.

You can’t see them but toxins are ubiquitous in today’s world. Be it in the water, the sky, or the land, toxins are there. If unfiltered, drinking water can be full of chlorine or residues from plastic bottles. Many of America’s rivers and lakes are too polluted for swimming or aquatic life. The air can be full of emissions from cars and factory smoke stacks, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. All of these end up in your lungs, and in the soil where your food grows.

Toxins aren't just outside either. The EPA states that American homes are 70 times more polluted than outdoor air due to household cleaners, and vapors... (more)

Ketchum, ID - Tranquility Teahouse is now offering delicious lunch items as part of its new menu featuring savory dishes and gluten free bakery items. The new menu consists of home-made soups, comfort food casserole, three kinds of Panini, appetizers, gluten-free bakery and 30 kinds of teas (or espresso for the die-hards). All foods are made from scratch in the Tranquility kitchen and offered at affordable prices.

The new emphasis on food offerings makes Tranquility a fresh alternative for lunch. Food Curator, Tobin Jutte believes a good meal of healthy foods can also taste good, and has prepared his dishes with this thought in mind. All food items are also available on a to-go basis. The “Tranquility In A Box” menu features most of the items on the regular menu and can be ordered daily by calling 208 726-0095. The lunch menu is offered Monday- Saturday until 5PM.

The teahouse continues to provide a special tea tasting every Saturday from 2 - 4 PM, although customers are able to sample any warm tea on hand at the... (more)

“A NIGHT OF HAPPINESS CELEBRATES WORLD HAPPY DAY ON FEBRUARY 11 WITH FREE YOGA CLASS AND FILM SCREENING OF AWARD-WINNING FILM, HAPPY “

As part of the global event, World Happy Day, being celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2012, the Sun Valley Wellness Institute (SVWI)and lululemon athletic have teamed up to host “A Night of Happiness” from 5:30-8pm at All Things Sacred in the Galleria in Ketchum.  The evening will feature a free yoga class from 5:30-6:30pm led by Cathie Caccia, owner of Hailey Yoga Center, SVWI board member and lululemon athletica Ambassador, followed by a free film screening at 7pm of the award-winning movie HAPPY, complete with healthy popcorn bar and refreshments.  The public is invited to attend both the yoga class and movie, or either one, as their schedules permit.

The movie HAPPY combines cutting-edge science from the new field of “positive psychology” with real-life stories of people from around the world whose lives illustrate these findings.... (more)

Most of us have been taught to believe that good nutrition is simply a function of eating the right food and taking the right supplements. Of course, this is true, but there’s more to the equation. What we eat is only half the story of good nutrition. The other half of the story is who we are as eaters. That is, what we think, feel, believe our levels of stress, relaxation, pleasure, awareness, and the inner stories that we live out all have a real, powerful, and scientific effect on nutritional metabolism.

Recent advances in the mind-body sciences have been proving what ancient wisdom traditions have been saying for eons – that the mind and body exist on an exquisite continuum, and profoundly impact one another.

So the good news is simply this: you can powerfully change your health and your nutritional status without changing anything you eat, but by changing you, the eater. Enjoy reading the following simple principles of eating psychology...

1.  Stress can put weight on – relaxation... (more)

Don't miss Theresa Elliott this Saturday!

Skill in Vinyasa

Saturday, February 11, 12:00 — 5:00pm 

WORKSHOP RATE: $115

 Develop skills to move from pose to pose (vinyasa), focusing on transition as an asana in itself.  Information in this workshop is applicable to all forms of yoga and will include “trouble shooting” of common and uncommon vinyasa patterns.

All levels are welcome, including teachers of any tradition, and all who wish greater depth in their understanding of how to move in yoga. YA-CEU credits available for Registered Teachers.

Contact Yvette at 208-725-0595x141 or via email at yhubbard@thunderspring.com to reserve yourspot today.

Theresa Elliott’s fascination with the human body began with children’s sports, made its way through music and dance, and then to yoga in 1987. Core work, unique movement patterns and humor form the heart of her teaching. “Why?” and “what are we doing?” are continual themes in class as students come to understand the language of the body.  Certified... (more)

Website provides nutrition tips and wellness ideas geared for kids

Are you looking for delicious, healthy recipes that your kids will eat?  Looking for inspiration for making meal-preparation simpler and easier?  Are you curious about the latest news in nutrition and wellness?  If you are interested in exploring the answers to the above questions and many more, you may want to join a new local on-line community--the Healthy Kids Ideas Exchange.

What is it?  the Healthy Kids Ideas Exchange includes a monthly electronic newsletter that explores topics related to nutrition for children.  Recent topics include wholesome whole grains, managing sugar consumption, and the new dietary guidelines by the government, called MyPlate.  Numerous blogs on the site, authored by Registered Dieticians and home chefs, provide plentiful recipes, grouped as “Delicious and Nutritious”, “Green and Plenty”, and “Wholesome Heart”.  Another recipe section on the site provides recipes based on... (more)

Choosing a Yoga Teacher

By Theresa Elliott

Director of Taj Yoga, Co-Director of Pacific Yoga Teacher Training

Copyright July 2008

Yoga has exploded in Seattle as in much of the country. For every coffee stand, there is at least one yoga studio lurking nearby. With so many places offering yoga, how do you decide who would be the best teacher for you?  I have encountered many individuals whose primary consideration is location.  This makes sense as yoga is ubiquitous. Why not just walk down to the neighborhood gym and pick up a class?  Yoga is different than a typical exercise class, and the potential for stress and strain is far beyond what you could do to yourself in aerobics at the gym. As yoga has proliferated, so have yoga injuries Part of the intrigue is also what makes it risky: Increased flexibility is helpful for everyday living, and the ability to stretch can produce breathtaking forms. However, uncontrolled flexibility can result in muscle strains—or worse. For example, overstretched ligaments... (more)

It’s that time of year again…the time where many make New Year’s resolutions. Do you know that less than 10% of people accomplish their resolutions? Sounds like we need a new approach. So whether you’ve made them or not, here are some tips for making 2012 a fantastic year:

Make an appointment with yourself. Most people spend more time planning a vacation to get away from their life, than planning how they want to live their very own life! So pick a time and write it in your calendar, like any other important appointment. Spend that time becoming clear on what it would take to make 2012 a phenomenal year.

Become clear on your intentions, such as more joy, more happiness, more peace, more relaxation, more love…Begin with the end in mind of how you want to feel, and work backwards from there. Set your intentions first; action steps second.

Come up with specific actions that are in alignment with your intention…see a funny movie once a month, schedule a date with a friend once per week, meditate 20 min every morning,... (more)