In the beginning....

Today as the rain falls fiercely outside my window I sit here beside my children as we all attempt to tackle our homework. I too share their reluctance do get started......Hmmmn, already something to ponder (trepidation, procrastination, anxiety) and I haven't yet begun to get to the real object and content behind this blog.

So please bear with me as I get my feet wet, sharpen my wit, and polish my research skills. For the moment I shall deep breathe, and open my palms and heart to embrace this new technological and educational journey.

I shall start with a thought I retrieved from our Peak Vitality book, edited by Jeanne M House, 2008. Chapter 16 has a contribution from Stephen Lewis, page 157, stating,

"It is imperative that we distinguish from healing and curing. Curing is in the realm of medicine. Healers teach you to access your own healing power. Curing is what is done to you. Healing, on the other hand, is an "inside job". Only you can heal yourself, but many can help".

I chose to start this blog with the above quote and over the next few entries I shall expand further on this quote, and allow you greater opportunity to understand the background and direction of the writer,
Cathryn-m.

Stay tuned...and in the meantime, remember to breathe in slowly, and exhale.

 Cathryn - m

• I am Cathryn J McPhee, and I am currently a cohort member of the Health Education and Active Living  (HEAL) Master's program through SFU. 

• My work experience has been varied, and always, regardless of whether in Nursing, Medical Sales or in my current capacity of Career Practitioner, I am motivated to educate and support others, to learn the tools and skills to take ownership of their lives and their wellness journey, whether physical, emotional or spiritual.

• I am intrigued with human nature and curious about people, decision making, resiliency and emotional and mental health issues. I strive to continue supporting people in capacities of human potential and emotional wellness. I hope to integrate "Vitality" in my educating, supporting those who have been marginalised, and to continue to provide Health Education so that others can Actively Live - fully, passionately, compassionately and in harmony with their own values system.

• My expectations for this MEd program primarily arise from my own self-full interests in supporting my personal journey in wellness that I can impart to others. I am already excited and inspired by the reading assigned, and the incredible wisdom I hear from the professional HEALers  within the group. I want to learn and I want to be surrounded by like minded people who are passionate about life and living. I am also excited to further carve out my area of  expertise and hone in on a few of my areas of interest. I have witnessed how mental health can affect and impact the work place setting and vice versa- I do question which is cause and which is effect. I am also interested in the effects of anxiety effecting one's Vitality, and the compromises and isolation that people endure as a result of this. Finally, I need to move people to a place of understanding that they too have ownership and choices in self care, health and wellness.

• My current sense of Active Living includes activities that are family focused. Together we enjoy bike riding, skiing, hiking, camping, kayaking and swimming. I recognise that these activities provide the luxury of being with nature, finding peace, and providing tranquility.  I am very protective of these family activities that are grounding and therapeutic for all of us. Active Living also includes purposeful work, contributing to my community, volunteering at the school, learning, discovering, reading and connecting with good friends. Active Living  includes Boot camp 3 or 4 days a week, walking kids to school and walking the dog 3 times a day. And, Active Living is cherishing time with my family and cherishing time alone. Active Living is reflecting and incorporating gratitude.

Questions to ponder........
1. How is it that we live in one of the wealthiest, developed countries and we have so many disparities in Health care access and too many disenfranchised under users of the system?
2. What tools and resources can we put in place to help Youth in Canada overcome mental and emotional issues and concerns?
3. How can Healers heal themselves?
4. Doesn't Canada's geography naturally create a multi- tiered system?
5. How can we move away from the emphasis of team sports and competition in our schools, establishing healthful individual activities that all children may enjoy?

.........and they keep coming with every article I read.