The color of reality is sometimes black.
Like when there is the persuasive aroma of sun-dappled longing.
Which forces wafting pleasure to be sheltered.
And urges the shapes of clandestine holding.
Where layered penalties veil the skin of certain truth.
Still, their cells act as a haven of veracity.
She.
And Her.
He.
And Him.
Covert lovers.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Listen up Ontario: Reject Proposed Cuts to Auto Insurance Benefits
Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers
Ontario Government under Growing Pressure
To Reject Cuts to Auto Insurance Benefits
Click here for the quick story and to sign the petition.
TORONTO (May 28, 2009) – A growing number of health care professionals and organizations are speaking out about the devastating impact that the proposed changes to auto insurance will have on accident victims in Ontario.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is now reviewing recommendations from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) that would, if implemented, slash basic accident benefits from $100,000 to $25,000. A decision is expected by the end of June.
“It’s a huge step backwards,” says Dr. Peter Rumney, Senior Physician Director of Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care at Bloorview Kids Rehab. Dr. Rumney treats children with brain injuries, often resulting from auto accidents, and he knows from long experience what’s needed to properly support and care for these youngsters who can have lifelong disabilities.
“The proposed $25,000 cap for rehab services for ‘non-catastrophic’ claims, would, in most cases, be exhausted in three months. It might cover a wheelchair, a couple of modifications to a house and a month of nursing care. It will not cover the multiple therapies needed in the first two years to produce the best long-term outcomes,” Dr.
Some of these children were walking or riding a bike when struck by a vehicle. Under
the proposed new regime in Ontario, they too would have been limited to receiving only $25,000 in accident benefits if the drivers had only the basic coverage.
Dr. Donna Ouchterlony, Medical Director of the Brain Injury Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, warns that if the province proceeds to slash basic medical and rehab benefits, significant numbers of accident victims will not receive the necessary level of treatment. “The loss of the $100,000 for their rehabilitation will result in increased numbers being unable to return to work and to productive lives,” she notes.
In a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty, the Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) expresses deep concern about the negative consequences of these cuts for both auto accident victims and the publicly-funded health care system.
“The adoption of this recommendation will shift responsibility for rehabilitation from private providers paid for by the insurance companies to the public health care system,” says the OHCA letter. “The added pressure on our healthcare system will undoubtedly result in longer wait periods and less services for all Ontarians.”
The Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers estimates that the proposed reduction in basic accident benefits could result in about $700 million in cost savings for the insurance industry in Ontario.
“The savings for the insurance industry will result in a corresponding increase in costs for the health system as accident victims, after exhausting their $25,000, will have to turn to the publicly-funded system,” says Patricia Howell, an Alliance spokesperson and occupational therapist. “This amounts to a transfer of costs from insurance companies to the public health system.”
Some 12,000 people sustain serious injuries from car crashes in Ontario each year. These individuals often need many months or years of services. They simply won’t get that level of treatment in the public system.
“The argument has been put forward that people will just turn to publicly-funded health services. Even if the highly specialized services were available through OHIP, the wait times are going to be prohibitive,” says John Kumpf, Executive Director of the Ontario Brain Injury Association.
The government might argue that consumers will be able to purchase optional coverage. But “given the cost of insurance, current economic pressures and the lack of knowledge about the implications of this benefit, the vast majority of drivers will not purchase optional medical and rehabilitation benefit coverage,” says the Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network in a letter to Minister Duncan and Health and Long-Term Care Minister David Caplan.
Representing 20 publicly-funded hospital, community-based organizations, consumer groups and other organizations in the GTA, the Network points out that without adequate rehab “many injured Ontarians will never return to independent living or gainful employment and will contribute to increased social and economic costs.”
The various groups opposed to the reduction of accident benefits are urging the Finance Minister to reject the FSCO recommendation. Consumers are encouraged to contact their MPP and email Finance Minister Dwight Duncan directly at dwight.duncan@ontario.ca.
As well, consumers can sign an online petition at www.feelinglucky.ca.
For further information, contact:
Rachel Sa
PR POST
office 416-777-0368
cell 416-454-7713
Ontario Government under Growing Pressure
To Reject Cuts to Auto Insurance Benefits
Click here for the quick story and to sign the petition.
TORONTO (May 28, 2009) – A growing number of health care professionals and organizations are speaking out about the devastating impact that the proposed changes to auto insurance will have on accident victims in Ontario.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is now reviewing recommendations from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) that would, if implemented, slash basic accident benefits from $100,000 to $25,000. A decision is expected by the end of June.
“It’s a huge step backwards,” says Dr. Peter Rumney, Senior Physician Director of Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care at Bloorview Kids Rehab. Dr. Rumney treats children with brain injuries, often resulting from auto accidents, and he knows from long experience what’s needed to properly support and care for these youngsters who can have lifelong disabilities.
“The proposed $25,000 cap for rehab services for ‘non-catastrophic’ claims, would, in most cases, be exhausted in three months. It might cover a wheelchair, a couple of modifications to a house and a month of nursing care. It will not cover the multiple therapies needed in the first two years to produce the best long-term outcomes,” Dr.
Some of these children were walking or riding a bike when struck by a vehicle. Under
the proposed new regime in Ontario, they too would have been limited to receiving only $25,000 in accident benefits if the drivers had only the basic coverage. Dr. Donna Ouchterlony, Medical Director of the Brain Injury Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, warns that if the province proceeds to slash basic medical and rehab benefits, significant numbers of accident victims will not receive the necessary level of treatment. “The loss of the $100,000 for their rehabilitation will result in increased numbers being unable to return to work and to productive lives,” she notes.
In a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty, the Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) expresses deep concern about the negative consequences of these cuts for both auto accident victims and the publicly-funded health care system.
“The adoption of this recommendation will shift responsibility for rehabilitation from private providers paid for by the insurance companies to the public health care system,” says the OHCA letter. “The added pressure on our healthcare system will undoubtedly result in longer wait periods and less services for all Ontarians.”
The Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers estimates that the proposed reduction in basic accident benefits could result in about $700 million in cost savings for the insurance industry in Ontario.
“The savings for the insurance industry will result in a corresponding increase in costs for the health system as accident victims, after exhausting their $25,000, will have to turn to the publicly-funded system,” says Patricia Howell, an Alliance spokesperson and occupational therapist. “This amounts to a transfer of costs from insurance companies to the public health system.”
Some 12,000 people sustain serious injuries from car crashes in Ontario each year. These individuals often need many months or years of services. They simply won’t get that level of treatment in the public system.“The argument has been put forward that people will just turn to publicly-funded health services. Even if the highly specialized services were available through OHIP, the wait times are going to be prohibitive,” says John Kumpf, Executive Director of the Ontario Brain Injury Association.
The government might argue that consumers will be able to purchase optional coverage. But “given the cost of insurance, current economic pressures and the lack of knowledge about the implications of this benefit, the vast majority of drivers will not purchase optional medical and rehabilitation benefit coverage,” says the Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network in a letter to Minister Duncan and Health and Long-Term Care Minister David Caplan.
Representing 20 publicly-funded hospital, community-based organizations, consumer groups and other organizations in the GTA, the Network points out that without adequate rehab “many injured Ontarians will never return to independent living or gainful employment and will contribute to increased social and economic costs.”
The various groups opposed to the reduction of accident benefits are urging the Finance Minister to reject the FSCO recommendation. Consumers are encouraged to contact their MPP and email Finance Minister Dwight Duncan directly at dwight.duncan@ontario.ca.
As well, consumers can sign an online petition at www.feelinglucky.ca.
For further information, contact:
Rachel Sa
PR POST
office 416-777-0368
cell 416-454-7713
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday Scribblings #93 - Worry
Chronic worry can lead to a host of physical ailments: heart attacks, high blood pressure, ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, muscular aches and pains, skin rashes, eczema, respiratory problems and asthma. Close to one in four people, at some point in their lives, meet criteria for diagnosable anxiety disorders related to worry which require professional treatment.
Canadian Mental Health Association
A quick google search and here's what I learn about a few prescriptions for worry:
WORRY DOLLS
These very small and colorful dolls traditionally made in Guatemala. A person (usually a child) who cannot sleep due to worrying can express their worries to a doll and place it under their pillow before going to sleep. Some medical centers use them in conjunction with treatment for disease in children.
According to folklore, the doll is thought to worry in the person's place, thereby permitting the person to sleep peacefully. The person will wake up without their worries, which have been taken away by the dolls during the night. Parents may remove the doll during the night, reinforcing the child's belief that the worry is gone.
Some parents involve the child in making the dolls to further increase the psychological benefits of releasing worries.
Because they are inexpensive and small to transport, many tourists buy the dolls. Many are also sold online, and some office workers in the United States put them on their desks or computer monitors.
WORRY BEADS
Kombolói or kompoloi (Greek: κομπολόι, pronounced [komboˈloj] or [koboˈloj]) "bead collection"; plural: κομπολόγια pronounced [ko(m)boˈloja] romanized as kombolóya) is a part of modern Greek culture, used to relieve stress and generally pass the time.
Komboloi: a traditional "stress toy" or "fidget toy"
How does it work?
* By repeating the same motion (counting or flipping the beads --> see below how
to do this)
* By repeating a word, sound, prayer, affirmation, goal, etc. as you finger each
bead
* By the energy and special properties contained in each type of material
(gemstones, amber, etc.) which is transferred to your hands
* By meditating on the color and shape of the beads
* By giving yourself something to do while waiting or feeling stressed
* By associating your beads with calm/serene moments
BASIC KOMBOLOI FLIP
Instructions on using Greek worry beads : komboloi
1. The easiest "flip" starts by holding the komboloi by its end, or midway among the beads (divide the beads in half and hold the string somewhere in the middle). While looking at your hand with the palm facing up, the worry bead set should be swaying down towards the ground.
2. While applying only a minimal amount of energy, swing the set upward and over your index finger.
3. Now it hangs over the top of your hand, or the palm side of all four fingers. You may use your thumb to individually move each bead over the top, or repeat the flip.
Try this simple flip over and over, until you get to a point where you can flip repeatedly without much thought. Focusing on the beads and their motion takes your mind away from worries and a degree of relaxation is achieved. Additionally, restlessness, impatience, nervousness can be reduced, simply because you are doing something to pass the time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Some great ideas. Really sensible alternatives to making myself sick by internalizing and withdrawing - that's what I do when I'm worried. Course talking about my worries would help too....
Canadian Mental Health Association
A quick google search and here's what I learn about a few prescriptions for worry:
WORRY DOLLS
These very small and colorful dolls traditionally made in Guatemala. A person (usually a child) who cannot sleep due to worrying can express their worries to a doll and place it under their pillow before going to sleep. Some medical centers use them in conjunction with treatment for disease in children.
According to folklore, the doll is thought to worry in the person's place, thereby permitting the person to sleep peacefully. The person will wake up without their worries, which have been taken away by the dolls during the night. Parents may remove the doll during the night, reinforcing the child's belief that the worry is gone.
Some parents involve the child in making the dolls to further increase the psychological benefits of releasing worries.
Because they are inexpensive and small to transport, many tourists buy the dolls. Many are also sold online, and some office workers in the United States put them on their desks or computer monitors.
WORRY BEADS
Kombolói or kompoloi (Greek: κομπολόι, pronounced [komboˈloj] or [koboˈloj]) "bead collection"; plural: κομπολόγια pronounced [ko(m)boˈloja] romanized as kombolóya) is a part of modern Greek culture, used to relieve stress and generally pass the time.
Komboloi: a traditional "stress toy" or "fidget toy"
How does it work?
* By repeating the same motion (counting or flipping the beads --> see below how
to do this)
* By repeating a word, sound, prayer, affirmation, goal, etc. as you finger each
bead
* By the energy and special properties contained in each type of material
(gemstones, amber, etc.) which is transferred to your hands
* By meditating on the color and shape of the beads
* By giving yourself something to do while waiting or feeling stressed
* By associating your beads with calm/serene moments
BASIC KOMBOLOI FLIP
Instructions on using Greek worry beads : komboloi
1. The easiest "flip" starts by holding the komboloi by its end, or midway among the beads (divide the beads in half and hold the string somewhere in the middle). While looking at your hand with the palm facing up, the worry bead set should be swaying down towards the ground.
2. While applying only a minimal amount of energy, swing the set upward and over your index finger.
3. Now it hangs over the top of your hand, or the palm side of all four fingers. You may use your thumb to individually move each bead over the top, or repeat the flip.
Try this simple flip over and over, until you get to a point where you can flip repeatedly without much thought. Focusing on the beads and their motion takes your mind away from worries and a degree of relaxation is achieved. Additionally, restlessness, impatience, nervousness can be reduced, simply because you are doing something to pass the time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Some great ideas. Really sensible alternatives to making myself sick by internalizing and withdrawing - that's what I do when I'm worried. Course talking about my worries would help too....
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Masturbation
Tonight I went to my local eatery to listen to jazz on the patio.
Actually, I recommend that you check this place out.
It's called Whistler's and they are offering free patio jazz on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. It's lovely (and right across from the Dairy Queen at Broadview and Mortimer where you can appreciate our city's beauty apres diner).
Back to masturbation. How this fits into a prelude about jazz on the patio at Whistler's is something I'll bet you're really curious about.
Here's the deal:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So tonight I'm enjoying my jazz and my mushroom/swiss omelette on the aforementioned patio when I need to visit the washroom. I walk down the stairs and find a stall.
As I go about my business, I overhear the following conversation:
FRIEND A: "Go in that stall....there's a commercial from Durex for a vibrator in there!!!!!"
FRIEND B: (walking into the mentioned stall, laughing) "What do you mean?"
FRIEND A: "A vibrator!!!! Isn't that disgusting?"
Momentary pause.
Silence.
FRIEND B: "What's that?"
FRIEND A: "You know, a vibrator."
FRIEND B: "I don't get it"
FRIEND A: (laughing) "It goes where a penis goes."
FRIEND B: (emphatically) "OH MY GOD. I'M HAVING A DISTURBING MOMENT!!!"
FRIEND A: (joining in consolation) "I'm sharing your disturbing moment, don't worry."
I leave my stall and wait for FRIEND A or FRIEND B to join me at the sink.
One does. I don't know which one.
I desperately want to say something, but don't know how to normalize this so remain silent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm left feeling sad. Sad that we women aren't encouraged and/or taught to understand our bodies and their sexual needs.
I didn't have the privilege of understanding myself at their age, but I had been hoping things had changed some 20 years later.
Which is why I'm THRILLED to tell you that I'm part of a creative women's network in Riverdale (my pocket of Toronto) which includes Kim Sedgwick and Amy Sedgwick.
These are 2 AMAZ-i-CREDIBLE women who co-founded Red Tent Sisters, an independent, pro-woman, pro-sex Toronto-based boutique and wellness centre run by two sisters.
You need to know about their products and services.
Through a retail store, individual consultation and workshops, their products and services empower women to learn about
*fertility
*sexuality
*contraception
*child-rearing
*peri-menopause
*feminist films
*pregnancy
Their upcoming offerings include:
May 21
Natural contraception – healthy, drug-free alternative to oral contraceptives
Love your body and the earth while you’re lovin’ your partner
Thinking about going off The Pill? Looking for healthier birth control? Join like-minded gals – and bring your guy, if you like - for a 2-hour introductory workshop on Justisse, a fertility awareness method that provides the knowledge and support to manage your own birth control naturally, without drugs, surgery or devices. Justisse Method is 99.6% effective and is a meaningful way to deepen your connection to your own body, while improving your health and reducing the flow of synthetic hormones into our ecosystem.
May 24
Let your inner sex goddess out to play
Natural make-up, hair and beautiful photography
Need a fresh Facebook profile picture? Or maybe you want a record of your pregnant figure? Or how about photography as a gift for someone special – you in a ball gown? You in lingerie? You daring to be bare? This is your chance to see yourself through the eyes of a gifted photographer.
May 25-Jul.13
Fertility yoga:
Preparing your body for conception
This 8-week class is designed for women trying to conceive, with poses and meditations to relax the body and mind and enhance reproductive health. Join other women in a nurturing atmosphere of support and sisterhood.
May 28
Rock his world:
A workshop for women on pleasuring men
Join other women in a fun, relaxed environment to learn the anatomy, tools and techniques to broaden your partner’s o-o-o-orgasmic experience and your own! This two-hour workshop will enhance your knowledge and confidence, whether you’re a novice or pro. And you’ll enjoy the homework!
May 30-Jun. 20
WeeHands™:
Teaching sign language to babies
Teaching sign language to babies can improve vocabulary, reduce frustration between children and their caregivers, and facilitate cognitive development. Learn to better communicate with your baby alongside other families in this 4-week course.
Jun. 4
Rock HER world:
An ecstasy workshop for men who love women
This 2-hour workshop, led by trusted sex educator Tara McKee, will take you through the exquisite landscape of the female body, give you tips and tricks for adding to your sexual repertoire, and will send you home with creative ideas for curling her toes. All men who love women welcome!
Jun. 25
How to eat a peach: pleasuring her
A workshop for women who enjoy sex with women
Our favourite globe-trotting sex educator and author is coming to Red Tent Sisters to share her secrets, tips and tricks for giving your partner the most happy, loving, awe-inspiring oral pleasure. It’ll be juicy! Includes fun practice on fruits and candy. (No embarrassment, lots of fun.)
ongoing
Honour your reproductive health
Maya abdominal massage
Maya Abdominal Massage is a relaxing, non-invasive, external, massage that guides internal abdominal organs into their proper position for optimum health and well-being. Maya massage supports the healing of painful or irregular periods, lower back ache, infertility, endometriosis, painful intercourse, ovarian cysts, vaginitus, and hormonal imbalances, among others. Be good to your body.
CONTACT THEM AND FIND OUT MORE!!!
http://www.redtentsisters.com
810 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON
M4J 1L6
416-463-TENT (8368)
info@redtentsisters.com
Actually, I recommend that you check this place out.
It's called Whistler's and they are offering free patio jazz on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. It's lovely (and right across from the Dairy Queen at Broadview and Mortimer where you can appreciate our city's beauty apres diner).
Back to masturbation. How this fits into a prelude about jazz on the patio at Whistler's is something I'll bet you're really curious about.
Here's the deal:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So tonight I'm enjoying my jazz and my mushroom/swiss omelette on the aforementioned patio when I need to visit the washroom. I walk down the stairs and find a stall.
As I go about my business, I overhear the following conversation:
FRIEND A: "Go in that stall....there's a commercial from Durex for a vibrator in there!!!!!"
FRIEND B: (walking into the mentioned stall, laughing) "What do you mean?"
FRIEND A: "A vibrator!!!! Isn't that disgusting?"
Momentary pause.
Silence.
FRIEND B: "What's that?"
FRIEND A: "You know, a vibrator."
FRIEND B: "I don't get it"
FRIEND A: (laughing) "It goes where a penis goes."
FRIEND B: (emphatically) "OH MY GOD. I'M HAVING A DISTURBING MOMENT!!!"
FRIEND A: (joining in consolation) "I'm sharing your disturbing moment, don't worry."
I leave my stall and wait for FRIEND A or FRIEND B to join me at the sink.
One does. I don't know which one.
I desperately want to say something, but don't know how to normalize this so remain silent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm left feeling sad. Sad that we women aren't encouraged and/or taught to understand our bodies and their sexual needs.
I didn't have the privilege of understanding myself at their age, but I had been hoping things had changed some 20 years later.
Which is why I'm THRILLED to tell you that I'm part of a creative women's network in Riverdale (my pocket of Toronto) which includes Kim Sedgwick and Amy Sedgwick.
These are 2 AMAZ-i-CREDIBLE women who co-founded Red Tent Sisters, an independent, pro-woman, pro-sex Toronto-based boutique and wellness centre run by two sisters.
You need to know about their products and services.
Through a retail store, individual consultation and workshops, their products and services empower women to learn about
*fertility
*sexuality
*contraception
*child-rearing
*peri-menopause
*feminist films
*pregnancy
Their upcoming offerings include:
May 21
Natural contraception – healthy, drug-free alternative to oral contraceptives
Love your body and the earth while you’re lovin’ your partner
Thinking about going off The Pill? Looking for healthier birth control? Join like-minded gals – and bring your guy, if you like - for a 2-hour introductory workshop on Justisse, a fertility awareness method that provides the knowledge and support to manage your own birth control naturally, without drugs, surgery or devices. Justisse Method is 99.6% effective and is a meaningful way to deepen your connection to your own body, while improving your health and reducing the flow of synthetic hormones into our ecosystem.
May 24
Let your inner sex goddess out to play
Natural make-up, hair and beautiful photography
Need a fresh Facebook profile picture? Or maybe you want a record of your pregnant figure? Or how about photography as a gift for someone special – you in a ball gown? You in lingerie? You daring to be bare? This is your chance to see yourself through the eyes of a gifted photographer.
May 25-Jul.13
Fertility yoga:
Preparing your body for conception
This 8-week class is designed for women trying to conceive, with poses and meditations to relax the body and mind and enhance reproductive health. Join other women in a nurturing atmosphere of support and sisterhood.
May 28
Rock his world:
A workshop for women on pleasuring men
Join other women in a fun, relaxed environment to learn the anatomy, tools and techniques to broaden your partner’s o-o-o-orgasmic experience and your own! This two-hour workshop will enhance your knowledge and confidence, whether you’re a novice or pro. And you’ll enjoy the homework!
May 30-Jun. 20
WeeHands™:
Teaching sign language to babies
Teaching sign language to babies can improve vocabulary, reduce frustration between children and their caregivers, and facilitate cognitive development. Learn to better communicate with your baby alongside other families in this 4-week course.
Jun. 4
Rock HER world:
An ecstasy workshop for men who love women
This 2-hour workshop, led by trusted sex educator Tara McKee, will take you through the exquisite landscape of the female body, give you tips and tricks for adding to your sexual repertoire, and will send you home with creative ideas for curling her toes. All men who love women welcome!
Jun. 25
How to eat a peach: pleasuring her
A workshop for women who enjoy sex with women
Our favourite globe-trotting sex educator and author is coming to Red Tent Sisters to share her secrets, tips and tricks for giving your partner the most happy, loving, awe-inspiring oral pleasure. It’ll be juicy! Includes fun practice on fruits and candy. (No embarrassment, lots of fun.)
ongoing
Honour your reproductive health
Maya abdominal massage
Maya Abdominal Massage is a relaxing, non-invasive, external, massage that guides internal abdominal organs into their proper position for optimum health and well-being. Maya massage supports the healing of painful or irregular periods, lower back ache, infertility, endometriosis, painful intercourse, ovarian cysts, vaginitus, and hormonal imbalances, among others. Be good to your body.
CONTACT THEM AND FIND OUT MORE!!!
http://www.redtentsisters.com
810 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON
M4J 1L6
416-463-TENT (8368)
info@redtentsisters.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Asking me about my weight....
is NOT okay.One more time, with feeling:
Asking me about my weight is NOT okay.
Over the past 3 days, I've had at least as many questions about my weight.
I tried to pass the questions off like they don't bother me. I noticed myself avoiding the requisite response that usually follows a yes/no question.
Instead of confirmation or denial, I changed the subject:
"My hair's longer, that's all"
"My medication affects my weight".
But those responses are a reminder that questions about my weight DO still bother me.
I'm reminded that my subconscious still expends quite of bit of energy uselessly thinking about bodies (mine and therefore others) in absolute terms:
too __________,
not __________ enough.
Which makes me realize that even though I have said goodbye to Anorexia, I am still sensitive to comments about appearance. And even though I spread the message about body acceptance through my volunteer work with Sheena's Place, there is still a wee place inside me that needs to really embody that message.
There are days when I struggle with having to take my meds to help manage Bipolar Disorder. The fact that my meds affect my weight does not make them popular with me on those days.
So I have to talk myself out of using the weight gain side effect as an excuse to ditch the pharmaceuticals (which really do help me....it's just that occasionally my bipolar brain tries to convince me otherwise by glamorizing mania and the accompanying weight loss).
My appearance is not who I am, so my weight is quite irrelevant. I am sensational because I ebb and flow and change and evolve.
In summary, Asking me about my weight is NOT okay.
(it actually sets me back a little)
For more information about healing from body image issues or eating disorders, check out Sheena's Place ~ they offered me so much. Also, take a look at the National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC) website ~ the beautiful picture above comes from them.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday Scribblings # 92 - Healing
Sunday Scribblings is asking me to talk about
Healing.
I can't help it. This is a gift of another opportunity for me to speak about Nia
I recently submitted an article to ParticipACTION. It's this Canadian initiative to motivate Canadians to get active and be healthy. When I was a kid, ParticipACTION made it's way into the classroom. It was hip to be healthy.
In the late 80s and for most of the 90s it wasn't all that cool (or at least publicized) to be fit.
Then a resurgence of ParticipACTION occured a few years back.
And I quickly submitted my fitness/wellness story to the online call. It was about Nia (and a whole lot more). It was rejected at first - a bit too graphic, I suppose. Anorexia and Bipolar Disorder can be that way.
In any case, they eventually accepted an edited version of my wellness & healing saga. See it here:
I still find much healing through Nia
There are days when I don't want to wake up (and I don't!!!), and I don't want to take my meds (sometimes I don't....until Paul catches on to me). But Nia is a big part of my self-regulation plan.
It has given me confidence beyond belief. Take a look at this. See how confident I am now?
Nia. Through movement I found health....
Healing.
I can't help it. This is a gift of another opportunity for me to speak about Nia
I recently submitted an article to ParticipACTION. It's this Canadian initiative to motivate Canadians to get active and be healthy. When I was a kid, ParticipACTION made it's way into the classroom. It was hip to be healthy.
In the late 80s and for most of the 90s it wasn't all that cool (or at least publicized) to be fit.
Then a resurgence of ParticipACTION occured a few years back.
And I quickly submitted my fitness/wellness story to the online call. It was about Nia (and a whole lot more). It was rejected at first - a bit too graphic, I suppose. Anorexia and Bipolar Disorder can be that way.
In any case, they eventually accepted an edited version of my wellness & healing saga. See it here:
I still find much healing through Nia
There are days when I don't want to wake up (and I don't!!!), and I don't want to take my meds (sometimes I don't....until Paul catches on to me). But Nia is a big part of my self-regulation plan.
It has given me confidence beyond belief. Take a look at this. See how confident I am now?
Nia. Through movement I found health....
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday Scribblings #91 - Confession
Although this already has been spoken between our hearts,
I'll confess.
Something about the words doesn't really seem to matter,
because centuries of this discussion have preceded us as we are now.
At first, this time around, following was so delicious.
But there's no need to give that power to you anymore.
I'm a leader. But you already know that.
So the puppy dog thing wasn't ever really sustainable.
Just a bad habit that you thankfully released me from.
I don't sacrifice my faith in much, but I do believe in my strength.
And so,
I'll confess.
I won't be vulnerable.
I really don't care that much.
Sure, the chase was fun, but I've laid down my tracks.
Confession:
It won't ever be like it used to be.
I know that we will always come back.
So I don't have to worry about you now.
It's not about a booth in a church.
It's about the truth.
I'll confess.
Something about the words doesn't really seem to matter,
because centuries of this discussion have preceded us as we are now.
At first, this time around, following was so delicious.
But there's no need to give that power to you anymore.
I'm a leader. But you already know that.
So the puppy dog thing wasn't ever really sustainable.
Just a bad habit that you thankfully released me from.
I don't sacrifice my faith in much, but I do believe in my strength.
And so,
I'll confess.
I won't be vulnerable.
I really don't care that much.
Sure, the chase was fun, but I've laid down my tracks.
Confession:
It won't ever be like it used to be.
I know that we will always come back.
So I don't have to worry about you now.
It's not about a booth in a church.
It's about the truth.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The 4th Annual Shyne Like a Star Virtual Dance Party
Jamie Ridler of Starshyne Productions Inspires!
Jamie encourages DANCE! To celebrate DANCING in our own wee circles of existence.
So today I danced. Yes, I did spend a lot of time on the highway today, chasing after ways to make moola. But, I DID dance.
It is quite easy to bee-bop in the car.
Here's one of my favourite tracks to let go to. It's "so about a year ago", but I have little ~*girlish*~ crush on the dancer in this you tube video:
And so, I can easily groove to this tune ANY TIME!!! Even en route in the car!
Jamie encourages DANCE! To celebrate DANCING in our own wee circles of existence.
So today I danced. Yes, I did spend a lot of time on the highway today, chasing after ways to make moola. But, I DID dance.
It is quite easy to bee-bop in the car.
Here's one of my favourite tracks to let go to. It's "so about a year ago", but I have little ~*girlish*~ crush on the dancer in this you tube video:
And so, I can easily groove to this tune ANY TIME!!! Even en route in the car!
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