Inspiration Category
Medical NewsThe Crazy Ride Called Life
These past couple of years have been peculiar for me and my friends. Every time we stop to catch our breath, a new crisis occurs. As I write this, I have one friend returning from her third family funeral and another who lost her business partner and father in the Read more…
InspirationHow Do People Heal?
In my work as a massage therapist and energy medicine practitioner I consider this question every day. Every client–each person–has a story. We are each on a healing journey. The details vary, but the quest is the same for all: we are searching for wholeness. What helps? What constitutes success? Read more…
Desert HealthSweet Days of Summer
Remember when you couldn’t wait for summer? In your young mind the word screamed freedom, bare feet, nature and fun. Where will you find those things this summer? July and August are the perfect time to escape on a new (or familiar) adventure. Whether it’s a drive to the beach, Read more…
FitnessMaking an Impact on the World
We’ve all heard of the phrase “working on your bucket list,” or completing all the things you wanted to do in life. For most it’s things like skydiving, climbing Mount Everest, bungee jumping off big cliffs or visiting exotic islands. For me, it’s what I consider a challenge of a Read more…
InspirationDealing with a Diagnosis
In January I was told I have breast cancer. The overwhelming news brought tears and the urge to crawl up in a ball and stay there forever. I didn’t want to face what lay ahead – more doctors, more tests, and many life-changing decisions to be made. How could this Read more…
Natural OptionsWomen and Work: Creating Balance from the Inside Out
What’s the foundation for a vibrant and inspired life? Balance. A return to homeostasis is the key for optimal functioning. This is no easy task in our busy culture, and especially difficult for working women. In honor of Women’s History Month, I looked at how women and work have evolved Read more…
Natural OptionsAppreciating the Golden Ratio of Nature
Because Death Valley is considered one of the hottest places on earth it never elicited a call to visit. After seeing the striking beauty in a friend’s recent pictures of this national park, I became intrigued and decided to lead a group of 25 hikers there. Little did I know Read more…
Integrative MedicineRadical Self-acceptance
Recently, Jim Dethmer, the author of 15 Commitments of Conscious Leaders, in speaking to a group of health coaches stated, “All sustainable transformation begins with radical self-acceptance.” As a doctor, I have been called to support healing and transformation, but both in my patients and in myself, I find transformation Read more…
FitnessBallroom Dancing: Good for Body, Mind and Spirit
As an avid reader of Desert Health, I have enjoyed many great articles on fitness, health and emotional wellbeing. As a ballroom dance instructor, I am proud to say that ballroom dancing addresses all of these! Many people believe that ballroom dancing is only the more formal partner dances such Read more…
Medical NewsGetting Into Zen
Is it a coincidence that the words Zen and Zone are so similar? There must be a reason that when human beings do what we love at our highest level of proficiency, we are also at peace and experience fulfillment. There is clear evidence that our thoughts often get in Read more…
Natural OptionsLearning from the Peruvian Practice of Honoring Pachamama
My mother instilled in me a wanderlust spirit and quest to travel the world through the eyes of the people who live in faraway lands. Following this sage advice, I have affirmed time and time again that traveling allows one to journey into a deeper part of self and an Read more…
Through the GenerationsInner Space, Inner Peace
One of my deepest intentions is finding a peaceful heart. The inspiration has, in part, stemmed from my dad, who passed away in 1982 but not before leaving an indelible imprint on the person I am today. He was a metallurgical engineer and researcher in aerospace back in the day Read more…
Desert HealthThe Greatest Gift
What is the one thing you hope to have with you for life? Your children? Your spouse? Your sanity? Your mobility? When you think about it, the most treasured thing you could wish for yourself and your loved ones is good health. It can be the difference between happiness and Read more…
Natural OptionsLessons from the Amazon Jungle
This past summer I found myself deep in the heartland of the Amazon jungle at night, with a flashlight and a naturalist guide. This experience was as far as I have ever been out of my comfort zone; yet, it drew me closer to understanding how everything in life ultimately Read more…
Natural OptionsCome Home to Who You Are
The hot summer days are finally behind us, and it is now the time of year when snowbirds make their way back to their desert homes, reminding us that we live in a culture of movement. We move from our childhood home to a place of our own. In time Read more…
Natural OptionsWellness Served at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa
There is something fresh brewing at the JW Marriott Desert Springs. Not only are they underway with a multi-million dollar renovation, but wellness is now being served to their 1,200 employees, local visitors, and international guests. The team leading the charge includes internal nutritionist Regina Basterrechea and Executive Chef Peter Read more…
Integrative MedicineWhy being Selfish Is GOOD
It’s been interesting to note that my most requested talk this year has been about self-care. Whether I’m speaking to groups or with individual patients, we as a society seem to have a greater load of anxiety, depression and stress and I think it’s time to call BS. Now don’t Read more…
Through the GenerationsAn Awakening Walk
Jennifer Johnson was looking for something to lift the weight of negative self-image that had plagued her most of her life. As a desert resident, she had a successful catering business, was a practicing yogi, and had many close friends, but was seeking something more. In March 2015 she first Read more…
Health & BeautyFeeling Good Never Looked So Good!
Whether you wear makeup regularly or hardly ever, the holidays are a festive time to add that little extra sparkle and let your spirit glow. Here are some tips to help you shine: Holiday hues: red and gold. Show your holiday spirit with incredible red and gold makeup. Determine the Read more…