In This Issue:

Vive Mexico! 

As Alex says below, we are writing about our new adventures for a bit because so many of you have expressed a sincere desire to hear about our journey.  We enjoy sharing our stories, and besides, we wouldn't want to ignore the requests. :-)  Soon enough, we'll get back to writing about techniques to help ourselves, and other therapeutic and healthy stuff.

Alex shares some of the interesting and fun encounters we've had here... so far.  I have a feeling we'll have lots more.

Susan starts out talking about the rites of Spring and how much she enjoys that time of year. (Unfortunately we didn't publish the newsletter on time because we didn't have internet and we were busy crossing the Atlantic... again!).  However, the information Susan writes about - dietary cleansing/fasts is very interesting and can be done at any time of the year.  She also provides some useful and helpful tips on what to do and how to proceed.  I personally enjoy reading Susan's articles and value the information she shares with us.

Tom writes about sneezing, Kung Fu and Energy Medicine.  I don't want to say more because the way Tom ties all three together is great.  I'm sure you'll enjoy his article!

I write a bit about the wonderful place we've discovered, called Lake Chapala in Mexico and how very different our life is here.  I guarantee you that I've never gone for a walk with a cow before.  I've included some photos - sorry, no photo of the cow - I forgot my camera that night.

 
Bienvenido Mexico!
By Dr. Alexander R. Lees

As we promised our readers, we will devote a few articles to our travels, hopefully bringing you up to date by sharing a few 'adventures', as well as some observations, and then settle down to writing once again about change-work.

Our first stop in Mexico was in the city of Puebla, some two hours south of Mexico city.  We stayed in a wonderful house with David MacKay.  Then, thanks to Vera (whom we met in Spain) we went to visit two of her friends, Carolina and Enriqueta (they live about an hour and a half from Lake Chapala).  They attended to our every need (in-spite of the language barrier) and in the process spoiled us silly.  It was very hard to leave but Lake Chapala called.

On our journey to Lake Chapala, high (5,000 feet) on the central plateau of Mexico, the 'Federales' pulled us over, naturally triggering our brains to download all the horror stories we'd heard. "These people can arrest anyone, at anytime," went one story, "and then people just disappear." Anyway, after ascertaining our destination, the one officer that spoke a modicum of English simply shook my hand as he added," Welcome to Mexico, Senor," and we were on our way again.

We have now been in Mexico for some seven weeks, and although we've managed to meet a lot of expats, both from the US and Canada, (walking a dog each day is a great way to meet people here) we can't get over the warmth, generosity, and helpfulness of the Mexican people.

To cite but one example of the spirit we have come to adore, Berit and I ventured into Guadalajara by bus, planning on switching to a taxi (which are cheap!) to complete our journey.  We were told by many people not to drive in to Guadalajara because it would be a harrowing experience.  GDL (as the locals call it) is a city of ten million people and unfortunately many streets do not have street signs.  And, many streets change names a number of times en route.

We were looking for a specific pharmacy, and had only an approximate location for it - which is kind of like busing into Vancouver, and expecting a taxi driver to know where, specifically, we could find a particular drug store based on it's name alone.

As we tried explaining our dilemma to the driver who obviously spoke no English whatsoever, a man working on a nearby building wandered over, and asked, in passable English, if he could assist in some way. We explained the issue, that we needed a specific  pharmacy, and gave him the name.  After the translation in rapid fire Spanish was completed, the young man explained to us that the taxi would now take us to our destination, but we would have to pay the driver, if that was okay with us. We solemnly agreed to do so, there were immediate smiles all round, and away we went, zooming down back streets, jumping yellow lights, cutting of vehicles, and arriving more or less in one piece at our destination.

After discussing the medicine we were seeking, the doctor had said, "Si, Senor, that farmacia is the only one in Guadalajara that will have your prescription needs."   Now the clerk was telling us that it was not available.   What were we to do now?   

One clerk must have seen our concerned looks and tone of our conversation, because the next thing we knew, the clerk waved to a female walking past the building who quickly came in and joined us. Again, the conversation began with asking permission to assist. As it turned out, the lady now translating was a Doctor, and just happened to be passing the pharmacy on her way to paying some bills.

After much discussion, she reluctantly pointed out that one word on the prescription was incorrect, and therefore invalid. Before we could begin to negotiate the next obvious step, she was on her cell, and some ten minutes later, a very distinguished individual arrived. He was apparently a Doctor with even more credentials, and, after examining our prescription, simply disappeared behind the counter with it. The body language of the little group that had formed told Berit and I to remain calm and wait to see what would happen next.

The gentleman reappeared with what turned out to be a new prescription, on exactly the same type of form, this time spelled correctly, which he then handed to us. The clerk then took it from us, nodded solemnly, and proceeded to process it as if we'd entered the store with a correctly filled out prescription in the first case. It was also quite obvious that what had just occurred wasn't quite legal, but since everyone acted as if they had seen nothing to be concerned about, we simply adapted, and acted accordingly.

Interestingly, even though both Doctors that participated in this little drama had invested a considerable amount of time in doing so, each politely refused to let us compensate them for their help and time.

Once outside we found our taxi driver waiting for us, and in his true kamikaze style, which we had almost adapted to, we once again were whisked down back streets, around traffic, through "Wow that was close" light changes, and deposited once again  at our next destination. One the way home via the bus, Berit asked why the bus swayed so much, and why did the driver turn the wheel so much whilst driving?

"Well, there's only two shock absorbers on these kind of buses," I explained, "and we're them."  The elbow in my ribs told me this was not a laughing matter, so I solemnly looked out the window for the rest of the trip, and concentrated on the fact we were in the passing lane the whole time, and the bus weaving back and forth kept other drivers at a safe distance behind us.

The next day found us walking Ty along the lake shore, and deep in discussion about the fact we'd been assured our internet would be hooked up within 24 hours, which, in this case, translated into week four without it. A lady walking her dog happened to overhear some of the conversation, and the next thing we knew, we had been given the keys to her house so we could use her internet connection whenever we wished. Such is Mexico.

So do we find it different? Yes, in a variety of interesting ways. The key, we quickly learned, was to realize we were not here to change it, to criticize it, nor to shake our head in exasperation. Mexico isn't good or bad, better or inferior - it simply is different, and the old filters in our heads of how things should be were no longer useful.  The adaption necessary is to simply accept things are done differently here, and to simply observe and accept the ways of the people. Once that was accomplished, it was striking how many expats we've managed to meet with a chip on their shoulder about the differences, which is really as obvious as wearing  a neon sign decrying, "I can't adapt!" Many have, and are both mellow and relaxed by comparison.  When we ask them, "How do you like living here?" each and every one has answered, "I love it!"   Guess which group we are gravitating towards? :-)

Imagine a simple meal overlooking the town square in a pleasant village (San Antonio Tlayacapan).  As the palms shield you from the sun, some kids just left the nearby school to offer a singing performance in the square. Once done, they follow their teacher back to school, with waving hands and big smiles all round. And the meals we had a hard time finishing cost about $6 per person.  Yes, Mexico is different. Different in a mostly pleasant way, we are finding, and indeed a most enjoyable place to kick off one's shoes, relax and heal.

Oh, I almost forgot. One of the trips to Guadalajara was to see a ear/nose/throat specialist regarding a checkup on my throat. (As many of you know, I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx back in Canada.) She was extremely excited and pleased to say the cancer was gone, and only pink skin remained.   She continued with further good news - the nerve damage from the radiation treatments should only last another two months, and then prescribed a natural Vitamin C tablet for my throat that will help my voice.

With that good news ringing in our ears, we hopped into a taxi heading for the bus depot for another memorable bus ride and our journey home.

Quite an amazing country indeed!

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Berit, Carolina, Enriqueta and Alex  

 

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Contributing Columnist Susan Stone is a licensed acupuncturist, certified in Eden Energy Medicine and Eden Energy Medicine for Women. In addition she is a Registered Bach Flower practitioner, an Acutonics practitioner, with a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and has been in private practice since 1977. Susan's other interests include a passion for dressage, mountain climbing, and life. Contact Susan at her clinic in the Boston, MA area. www.stonehealthcenter.com

Cleanse Your Body & Your Mind
By Susan Stone

Hurrah!  Spring is here.  I may be pushing it a bit because our temperatures are only hovering in the 40s and when we have precipitation it could still be in the form of snow, but I can't help my self.  My little snow drop flowers have poked their heads up, and one of my patients showed me a picture of a forsythia bush in bloom.  I took my first long walk in months.  No snow banks to negotiate, ice to walk cautiously on, bitter cold temperatures to contend with.  I can actually stay outside for as long as I want without wondering if my face will become frostbitten.  For all of you readers in a southern climate, well I don't expect you to understand. :-)

One of the benefits of seasons that are felt so deeply is that the birth of Spring brings forth this incredible sense of initiative.  You feel motivated, you want to take action, do something now.  I wonder how it feels if you live in an area where the temperature varies so little.... 

What I want to share this month is the topic of dietary cleansing.  Fasting or cleansing diets have been around for thousands of years.  Historically they were done for religious purposes.  Nowadays, cleansing is purported to help you lose weight and help your body heal more rapidly.  Spring is a great time to initiate a cleanse and put your personal healthcare plan into action mode. 

There are many different kinds of cleanses and they are done for different reasons.  One of the most popular cleanses is juice fasting.  This diet would consist of fresh vegetable and fruit juices that are freshly squeezed or juiced without being pasteurized.  Some juice fasting programs incorporate small amounts of food; others do not.  Depending upon your state of health and your level of activity can help you decide what is best for you.  A program of this sort usually lasts for a week.  If you incorporate healthy foods into your diet you can extend your cleansing program. 

What is a common theme in all cleanses is the elimination of caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol and artificial sweeteners from your diet.   Eliminating these foods makes a huge difference in how you feel.  When you give up caffeine you may experience a miserable detoxification reaction, but after a few days you will realize that you don't need caffeine in order to have energy.  Your adrenal glands will thank you for giving up caffeine.  Sugar is in so many foods and is a strong addiction.  Your mind will come up with so many excuses in trying to convince you that you need to eat some sugary food.  What I've found from experience is that the healthier the food that you're consuming the easier it is to give up sugar.  Your pancreas will be thrilled if you give up sugar.  You'll be able to lose weight more easily and you will have more energy and your energy will stay at a more even keel when you eliminate sugar.

I don't like to speak negatively about any foods, but I've never energy tested any person whose body wasn't weakened by artificial sweeteners.  Our body is designed to eat real food, not fake man-made food.  The less our food is adulterated the healthier we will be.  Unfortunately, some of our food supply has been genetically altered so that our body finds it to be less than desirable.  This seems to be the case with wheat and other grains.  Because of this alteration our bodies may not be able to digest these grains efficiently and we may actually have a mild immune reaction to them.

Dairy is a food that we may not realize that our body has a hard time digesting.  Try eliminating dairy and see if your body feels better.  Cleanses usually recommend the elimination of all animal foods.  If protein needs to be consumed, the choice of protein is usually the incorporation of certain legumes, rice, sprouted seeds and nuts and the use of whey protein (whey protein is from dairy but most people don't have an adverse reaction to it). 

When considering any type of cleanse make sure that it feels doable, is flexible enough for your lifestyle and talk with a professional healthcare provider who can help guide you. 

How many of you have thought about starting a springtime diet or cleansing program before?  Hummm, it sounds like a good idea.  So what's stopping you?  I think that our human nature doesn't like change and we like our comfort zone of established eating habits. 

Here are some tips to help you:

Bach Flower Essences: 

Walnut:  for transition and change, making a break from the past.  It also protects you from negative outside influences.

Hornbeam:  for procrastination and feeling that you don't have the strength to initiate something new.

Larch:  for fear of failure and not wanting to try something for the fear that you may fail.

Elm:  for feeling overwhelmed.  Often we don't take care of ourselves because we feel so overwhelmed with the rest of our life.

EFT:   Try some EFT around food issues.  One of my favorite phrases is:

Even though I feel I need sugar for energy and emotional comfort I     choose to know that I have all the energy I need by eating healthfully.

Eden Energy Medicine:

Strengthen Spleen with tapping the Spleen Neurolymphatic area.  This area is about one rib below each breast.  Thump vigorously.  Spleen helps with metabolism and will energize you.

Calm Triple Warmer - Triple Warmer Smoothie:

Start with your hands at your temples.  Take a nice deep breath.  On the exhale move your hands over to your ears, run them behind your ears on your scalp and then down to the tops of your shoulders.  On your next deep breath squeeze your shoulders with your hands and release on your exhale and then cross your hands to your opposite shoulders and on your next exhale run your hands down your arms and off of your ring finger.  You just traced triple warmer meridian backwards.  This will calm you down naturally!

Enjoy Spring and your new beginnings!!!

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Chapala Malecon (Boardwalk)

Berit's Corner
 

The best laid plans...

So much has happened since our last newsletter that I could write a book about all our adventures, but not today.  Maybe one day. :-)  Meanwhile, the reason for the delay in sending out the newsletter...

We had not planned on travelling and moving again, or being without the internet for a month.  But, that's what happened.   Unfortunately, being in Spain wasn't the right place for us, at this time in our lives.  The main reason was the cold weather.  Many people think of Spain (especially on the costas where we were) as being sunny and warm.  But, climate change is now a reality and it is bitterly cold in winter.  So, after three and a half months of being very uncomfortable, we decided to go somewhere else.

We did some research and chose an area that's noted as having one of the best climates in the world -- the Lake Chapala area.  Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico and is located in a high plateau (over 5,000 feet) and it's beautiful.  In the blink of an eye we booked our flights and the three of us were off to Mexico!

During our journey from Canada to Spain and then to Mexico, we encountered some difficulties and going through them was not fun. However, we're starting to feel that we've turned the corner, and we are now in a place that feels right.

We're starting to settle in - we have a lovely rental house, rental car, and finally got internet and a TV satellite dish.  What else do we need?  One thing that came to mind was meeting some people and becoming friends.  And, in this, we have been very lucky!  It seems that a day doesn't go by without meeting new people.  It doesn't matter what we're doing - walking Ty, grocery shopping, or just being out and about.

The variety of people from all over the world is also very interesting.  It's amazing how many different countries are represented here.  Of course, the largest "group" consists of Americans and Canadians that have chosen this area to live and work in, and/or retire in.  The cool thing is that their backgrounds are so varied (artists, musicians, writers, business people, medical, etc., etc.) so there's lots of interesting and fun conversations. 

And then there are the Mexican people - they are lovely.  Their warmth, generosity and friendliness is an absolute joy.  Wherever we are, strangers say, "Hola" and in stores, shops, restaurants and even on the street, people will do their best to help two elderly gringos (us) even though we don't speak Spanish.  That factor alone makes us want to learn Spanish as soon as we can.

Our house is three blocks from the lake shore and every evening we take Ty there for a walk.  It is so peaceful and lovely -- there are fishermen in small boats and families gathered along the shore to watch dad haul in the catch.  Once we walk out the door of our property, about a block west, there's an empty lot with five goats.  Ty is just dying to get on that property, as he must figure that they would be more fun than chasing rabbits!

Then we cross the main road (it's only two lanes) that goes along the lake  and we've seen two cows crossing the road at the same time we are!  Further down (two blocks) we turn right and walk along the lakefront.  More animals -- cows, chickens, horses, dogs... and people... all out enjoying the evening and watching the sunset.

The interesting thing is that we're in a residential area, but it's not incorporated so there are no zoning rules.  Therefore the animals and people live next door to each other and all seem to do it quite harmoniously.  Ty had his first up close and personal encounter with a very large cow the other night (I wish I'd brought my camera!) and what was really amazing was the cow followed us for about a block and then went on her merry way. 

The only glitch in our lives at the moment is the owner/landlord of our rental house.  Suffice it to say - he's just a little crazy and not very nice.  So... we've spent the last week looking  for another house to rent.  The good news is - we've found one - and it's a better house than the one we're in.  Maybe everything does happen for a reason?! :-)

I hesitate to say that things are getting back to normal, because our life for the past 12 months, and especially the past six months, has been anything but "normal" - however I have a feeling that we're on the right track now.  It's about time!

Now, it really feels like our new life is beginning.  We look forward to all the new adventures we will have and we sincerely hope you will continue to share in our journey via this newsletter.

One of our desires is to present workshops, now and then, here in Lake Chapala and we invite you to join us.  We want to share, not only the info we teach (EFT, NLP and Mind-Body stuff) but also join us in the experience of this delightful place... I love being a tour guide. :-)  Please stay tuned!

Now, I need to get organized and start packing - we left Canada with four large suitcases and two carry-on bags.  We are now up to six large suitcases, two carry-on bags... plus "stuff" we've acquired since we've been here.  I'm convinced we can do it in three or four trips in the car (the new house is only three minutes from here) and we will not need a truck.  I'll let you know how it all worked out next time.

Till next month,

Take care.

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View from our kitchen and living room

Mmmmm... Fried Ice Cream... WOW!

Ty wondering how to "play" with the goats

Sorry, we don't want to play with you Ty!

The lake shore down the street from our house