bellingham muse 4th edition (may/jun 2014)

Partnership and more, we have created aculture of residents supporting the localeconomy. Hamsters are creating a greattown to live in that is continuing to thrive.According to Livability.com, “this city bythe bay has become a model for urbansustainability.”

The revitalization efforts have created apedestrian and bike friendly communitywith easy access to trails, parks, restaurantsand entertainment. Downtown’s art andarchitecture, coupled with the beautifulnatural scenery makes a walk downtown apleasure to the eye. The amazinglycreative local businesses have combinedculture with activities, making it fun toexplore the downtown area.

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND PUBLISHED IN BELLINGHAMWASHINGTON- ENJOYED BY PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

I grew up in Bellingham, and when I was inmiddle school my family moved to a new schooldistrict. So that I could finish the school year withouthaving to change schools, I walked several miles toand from Whatcom Middle school every day. It wasnot “uphill both ways," but I did live on Sehome Hill,so the walk home was definitely a good workout. Myfriends and family thought that I was crazy, but Iloved it. It set the stage for getting daily exercise andit gave me the excuse to hangout downtown

Bellingham, Be Proud!Edition #4 May /June 2014

BODYer SPIRITMINDThe Chakra SystemBy Kerri Burnside

Horse TherapyBy Michele Siemion

EVENTSWhat If?By Mel Damski

PAGE 5 PAGE 8 PAGE 13 PAGE 14

A Highlight ofMind ~ Body ~ SpiritEvents in Bellingham

Continued on Page 3

Inspiring the mind, body and spirit

every day after school. Back then, downtownBellingham was the place to be. Do any of youHamsters remember eating at the counter atWoolworths, cruising Bunks, getting a burger atHerfey’s or shopping at the Bon Marché? Goodtimes.

Once the Bellis Fair Mall was built,downtown became a ghost town. The plansto revitalize the downtown began in the late80's and have gone through many changes,but we are definitely seeing the positiveresults. In fact, Bellingham was recentlyranked 8th in the nation as having the bestdowntown according to the InternationalDowntown Association (IDA).

Downtown Bellingham currently is home toabout 2,400 people and employs nearly7,500 people. We have the second highestartist-related businesses to residents in thenation, giving Bellingham that quirkinessthat we all love. With the successful “buylocal” campaign supported by organizationslike Bellingham Connections, SustainableBellingham, Downtown Bellingham

By Kerri Burnside

“this city by the bayhas become a model

for urbansustainability"

Photo By Lissa Clear

Feeling Inspired?Sharing the muse is easy! Go to our websitewww.bellinghammuse.com and use the social media buttons atthe bottom of your favorite article.

Path of the Fool

- The Empress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Stars Smile on Us . . . . . . . . . . . 6

If I Ran the Zoo

- What If? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Is It In The Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Note From The Publishers. . . . . . . . . 2

Inspiring the Muse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

How to Make Ghee and Move Beyond

the Low Fat Era................................14

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Directory of Services . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19

Happy Spring fellow Muse readers! Withbursts of sunshine occasionally blessing us,it stirs that need to get outside. Gettingoutside means different things to differentindividuals. Some feel the need to gettheir hands dirty in the garden. Some feelthe need to hike/bike/walk or explore. Forothers it can mean heading downtown totake part in community events likeSaturday Market. However you feeldriven with this renewed energy of springgrowth, make sure you revel in the joy itbrings!

Speaking of heading downtown, can youbelieve Bellingham was named number 8as best downtown in the U.S.? Way to goHamsters! Let's celebrate by takingpleasure in what downtown has to offerand supporting all our wonderful localbusinesses here to serve us.

The energy of spring growth has certainlyadded to our creative side here at theMuse. We have several exciting avenuesof inspiration brewing, and hope to sharethem with you very soon. Keep your eyeout for updates in future editions.

A Letter From the Publishers In This Issue...

Bellingham Muse www.bellinghammuse.com

Mind

Bellingham, Be Proud! . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Horse Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Have You Heard...

- Snap Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The End of Empire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

BodyHappy, Healthy and Dancing . . . . . . . .5

Creating A Joyful Life

- The Chakra System . . . . . . . . . . 10

How to Activate the Consciousness in

Spring Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8

Optimal You

- Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9

Spirit

This and That

Kerri Burnside is a Certified Hypnotherapistand Spiritual Life Coach. Her background isin public speaking and teaching leadershipcourses in the corporate environment. She

now teaches spiritual classes which focus oncentering yourself in the present moment, and

leading an authentically empowered life.

Alana Simler is a Licensed Massage Therapistand Pilates Instructor. As well as owning andrunning a successful massage practice for 18years, she has instructed massage therapy atAshmead School of Massage and Whatcom

Community College

A big heart felt thank you to all ourwonderful contributors and our editorAnne Albosta! Thanks for letting the Museinspire you.Alana & Kerri

In the meantime, we are continually strivingto provide quality articles meant to motivateand encourage you down your path tofulfillment. We hope you keep your heartsand minds open to the many variousthoughts, ideas and beliefs presented witheach edition. People are all quite unique andwe hope to have a little something foreveryone.

Thank you for picking up a copy ofBellingham Muse!

While frustrations with figuring out the health marketplace may be high, our patients are findingthat they can count on us to be leaders in information and aiding them to navigate the newrules with low to no stress. After all, you are coming to us for care, to ease your pain, to

educate you on how to lead a healthier life. And we want you to know that although healthcaremay be changing, our attitude about how to deliver you the absolute best and most complete

care will not change.

BACK IN MOTION CHIROPRACTIC AND MASSAGE CENTER

We are leaders in the Chiropractic and massage community here in Whatcom county when itcomes to 360 degree care for our patients. By 360 degree care I mean that not only are yougiven excellent care by practitioners who are constantly increasing their knowledge base, but

we are also completely HIPPA compliant by the most updated standards to protect yourinformation, as well as having met the Federal government standards for documenting patient

care using electronic health records.

So if you have been seeking natural health providers that meet up to your specializedneeds as well as professional standards, consider adding us to your team.

Call for an appointment or consultation at 360-647-1970

We encourage you to visit our websitefrequently as we will be updating and addingcontent regularly. Information available onthe website that you will not find in thepaper includes but is not limited to:*Updated calendar of events (Have an eventyou want listed? Add it on the website!)*Links to podcasts and videos*Special guest interviews*Sign up for the e-version*Input from our readers! (We would like tohear from our readers and invite you to shareyour own thoughts on your spiritual journeyand anything that inspires the mind, body orspirit. )www.bellinghammuse.com

Bellingham,Be Proud!

Inspiring The Musewww.bellinghammuse.comBellingham Muse

Bellingham Muse wants to know what inspires you!Keep an eye out for us in Bellingham as we snaglocals and pick their minds. If you want to join thefun, go to our website www.bellinghammuse.com,

upload your picture and answer our latestquestion.

What is your favorite outdoor

activity?

The staff at Bellingham Muse decided tocreate our own fun adventure for exploringand enjoying downtown Bellingham. Wehave hidden geocaches at some of ourfavorite places. Go to www.geocaching.comand search for the cache name "Muse Hunt"to start your treasure hunt. If you would liketo read more about geocaching, read the

Continued From Page 1

"Swim in a lake"

Inspires KamronSammons

As women we are made with the potential for unbelievable joy,As we house the doorway for life.

But with that doorway comes the potential for unimaginable sorrow,As we also house the entryway to death.

We tread this sharp precipice of life and deathAnd should the foul wind of an unbiased and sometimes cruel world blow our way

We may find ourselves stumbling down the mountainside of jagged stone.Our bodies battered and beaten, our spirit shattered and broken.

Sometimes this fall is the result of clumsy footing as we slip on the poor choices we havemade.

But sometimes our fall is the result of an undiscerning breeze that cares not the merit ofour character

Or the foundation of morality from which we build our house of good deeds.It cares not what beauty and joy we may have brought to the world

Or what greatness awaits the future lives we touch.Its mighty fist crushes our spirit house with its indifference

As it throws us down the crushing cliffsAnd leaves us stunned at the bottom,

Questioning the good in this mysterious world.Questioning the foundation of belief from which we built our spirit house.It inspires the realization that there is no point to our human experience

That we are at the mercy of pure probability and percentagesThat there is no guiding force

There is only choice and probability.Sometimes the dice is in our favor

And sometimes it isn’t.There is no point to this tragedy, only sorrow.

But like all broken bones, mine will mend in timeLeaving a knotted scar like the gnarled trunk of a mighty oak tree.

I will climb back up the daunting mountain of life to walk the precipice again,Wiser to the cruel indifference of the mountain’s wind

Bracing myself for its next inescapable gust.Respecting the sheer awesomeness of its beauty and the fine line I walk between life and

death.May I never take for granted the miracle that is life, both mine and those of my loved

ones.May I learn to focus on the light of joy potential in my womaness

And not the balancing darkness of the sorrow it can bring.May I learn to love being a woman once again.

"Life's Percentages" was written right after losing my baby

at the beginning of my second trimester of pregnancy. The

grief and anger I was feeling was for the loss of my child

and the dreams that accompanied her. I hope that it both

comforts and inspires all women who have experienced

miscarriages to see the light in the darkness.

Life's Percentages

By Sherri Leeper

"Dig in the sandy

beach"

Inspires Adi Salcedo

"Camp"

Inspires Amelia Yach andKatrina Shereko

article Take a Hike on page 11. Hamsters, ifyou are not taking advantage of all thatDowntown Bellingham has to offer, werecommend that you come see for yourself whyit was ranked 8th in the Nation.

But let’s just keep it our little secret.


Eight years ago my mother was diagnosedwith pancreatic cancer and I became hercaregiver. Caring for a parent can be rewardingand tender, but it's also emotionally drainingand time consuming. After two years my stresslevels were rising, and although I work inhealthcare, I was having a hard timeidentifying and managing my anxiety. I neededa distraction, so I decided to take up horsebackriding.

It made no sense at the time, but I had alwayswanted to ride as a child and figured if I didn'tstart soon, I'd have trouble getting in thesaddle. I knew riding would be fun andprovide exercise, what I didn't anticipate wasthat spending time with horses would changethe way I respond to stress and manageanxiety. Through time, I learned to relax mybody when my mind was racing, and to stopand focus when my thoughts were scrambled. Ilearned that I can set compassionate boundarieswithout being cruel, how to take constructivecriticism as an adult, and to leave my worriesat the barn door. Not all these lessons cameeasily; it was with the help of a skilled trainerand forgiving animal. My horse could care lessif I’ve had a hard day, all he wanted from mewas kindness, consistency and focus. Not abad lesson.

My equine therapist is a Norwegian Fjordgelding named Dane. He greets me every timeI arrived at the barn, and assesses my moodand energy level. He has an uncanny ability torecognize when my mind is wandering andresponds accordingly. This usually translatesas bolting across the arena or bucking. There'snothing like fear to bring you into the present,and there's nothing like the trust of an animalto keep you there.

All animals are capable of unconditional love,though they choose to express it in differentways. Most of us can assess the behavior ofdogs and cats, maybe our predator naturematches theirs. Horses are different, andwithout the help of a good trainer, I wouldn'thave had any idea what was going on in his bighead. Horses are prey and herding animals,which makes them extremely sensitive to theirsurrounding environment. Their very survivalin the wild depends on identifying potentialdanger and responding quickly. They have avery complex social structure in the herd that'smaintained with a flick of an ear, a soft nicker,or a stiff kick to the chest. If you pay attention,they'll tell you what's going on, but it won't bein the same manner as your retriever. This alsomakes them incredibly gifted therapy animals.I can tell you from experience, that time spentaround horses will help you see yourself in anew way and give you the opportunity to be abetter human.

Because of their gifts, and the simple fact thatwe are drawn to them, horses are great therapyanimals. They are used to help children andadults with physical limitations find theirbalance, help abused girls learn to setboundaries, calm veterans with PTSD, and as agateway relationships for children with socialanxiety and trust issues. People who areuncomfortable with physical and

emotional contact, can often accept from ahorse, and through therapy, can transfer theseskills to their daily lives. The company of ahorse can demonstrate love without restraint.I’m still care giving for my mother, but I’mmuch better at it than I used to be. I’ve learnedto focus and relax, when overwhelmed byanother doctor’s appointment or dealing withinsurance adjusters. I set better boundariesaround my time, so that when I’m helpingwith the grocery shopping I don’t feel rushedor resentful. I’ve learned that being a goodcaregiver means receiving the care you need,so I grab an apple and head out to the barn tosee Dane.

For those of you interested in finding outmore about equine therapy, we have somewonderful non-profit organizations inWhatcom county providing special services.Animals as Natural Therapy provides equineassisted therapy to the low-incomecommunity, helping families and individualsdevelop relationship skills. They haveprograms in place to support ‘youth at risk’.Scholarships are available and equine trainedtherapists and handlers are on staff.www.animalsasnaturaltherapy.com

NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Centerprovides equine assisted activities andtherapies to people of all ages with wideranging disabilities. They have therapists,volunteers, handlers and several NorwegianFjord horses on site to help clients learn newways of moving in the world. www.nwtrc.orgFor the rest of us, I'd recommend finding aknowledgeable trainer and a patient horse. Iwork with Marg Clumpner at Fox Bay Farm.She has a degree in physical education and 24years teaching experience, which helps herwork with adult beginners.www.foxbayfarm.com

Healing with

HorsesBy Michele Siemion, LAc

"There's nothing like

fear to bring you

into the present, and

there's nothing like

the trust of an

animal to keep you

there."

Michele Siemion is a licensed acupuncturist,living and working in Bellingham. Dane is

leased from her friend and partner in crime,Teressa Kandianis.

Michele and her equine therapist, Dane


Happy, Healthy and DancingThere has been much researchover the effect of dance on thebrain. Dance can increasememory; dance can help preventDementia and Alzheimer; dancehelps decrease stress, and improvespositive feelings. Dancing is goodfor the heart, the lungs, and themuscles. Dancing is one of thebest full body workouts you cando. All of this is true, but it is alsoso much more. Dancing is a “fullbody workout”, mind, body andsoul.

Take the mind: Studies haveshown that physical and mentalactivities influence mental acuity.Dancing beat out other activitiesby a large margin in regard toreducing risk of dementia.Dancing uses parts of the brain ina different way. It takes extremefocus to learn a new step orroutine, exercising the mind evenfurther by adding beats and rhythmto maintain, and by adding thetraffic skills of a crowded dancefloor. Dance is like a movingpuzzle that is always changing andkeeping its players on their toesadapting to the change. Inteaching kids, dance can help withunderstanding math skills,increasing problem solving, andboosting their alertness and abilityto focus.

How about the body? Dancingrequires balance, working all thesmall muscles in your core as youlearn to maintain balance with apartner, or in spinning; increasesarm strength as you hold a frame orin embellishments to yourmovement. Dancing works themuscles in your legs in all yourmovement, and increasesflexibility. As a person withDegenerative Arthritis, dance hashelped me stay active and kept myjoints loose. It is low impact so agood workout for all body types,and whether moving slow or fast itwill improve your breathing,increase lung capacity and give youa great cardio workout (ie. Zumbaclasses across the country).

By Mary Evans

Dancing is excellent for the soul!Over my 18+ years of teachingdance I think this is the part thatstands out the most. Confidence isthe biggest boost I see. People,kids and adults, come in to learndance. Maybe they don’t feelprepared or ready, maybe it feelslike a challenge, but ultimately itis something they accomplish. Itcan build confidence from justlearning something new toperforming your skills to a groupof people. I have seen kids whowon’t talk to people begin askingothers to dance, chatting withsomeone new, and volunteering todemonstrate skills for others tolearn. People learn to be leadersand learn to work with others.

Also good for your soul is thehappiness dance can bring. It isalmost impossible to learn a newstep or sequence in a dance, lead orfollow a partner, listen to the music,and still think about the rough dayyou had at work. Dancing has beenshown to dramatically improve themood of a depressed person, toreversing it altogether. With theendorphin rush of exercise, thesocial connection and the music,dancing is good therapy!

So what do you take from this?Dancing is a great addition to yourdaily life. Find the dance that suitsyou, there is at least one foreveryone. Think of the music youlike to listen to for a start, then findsomething that uses that music. Orjust go out and try different dancesand places until you find your bliss.Bellingham has so much to offer interms of dance, so go on DanceYour Happy!

Path of

the FoolThe Empress

By Chad Saunders

Responsibility. Actions

have consequence.

head was high, the Fool is surprised when

his calm river is no longer soft or slow

moving. So distracted in his thought he

never noticed the change in the river or his

surroundings. Looking around, the fool

notices that he is no longer on the road

but following a farming trail, through a

field of wheat, that leads to a great

waterfall that is the source of the river

he has been following. The wheat is still

growing and not quite ready for harvesting.

Looking for a way up the waterfall the Fool

continues to follow the trail to the

waterfall. In the distance the Fool

notices a woman sitting among the wheat

with her back to the waterfall and the

mountain. Only when he is near her does he

realize that the reason he didn’t notice her

earlier is because her robes are the same

color as the growing wheat. Upon her head

she wears a crown with twelve stars and in

her hand an orb scepter.

The woman is with child and she is beautiful.

What would it be like to live with one such as

she? To give her children to raise as they

follow the path together. Her gaze flows to

the Fool as she looks over the fields and she

smiles.

Continued on page 9

thoughts of this nature the Fool had

never before contemplated. The Fool still

believes in his path but how will following

this path affect others? The Fool loses

himself in the thought and allows the road

to take him where it may. The soft sounds

of the river have a calming effect upon his

thinking.

“Good morning kind sir. You have made your

way through my fields without disturbing the

land and I appreciate that. I am the

Empress of these lands and those beyond.

Would you care to sit awhile? I don’t get

many visitors during this time of year, but I

enjoy watching the changes in the fields

from day to day. Ah, but you look troubled.

Maybe a talk can, in some way, ease your

mind?”

Mary Evans has been dancing mostof her life, first as a carefree kidand now as a professional danceinstructor. She owns BellinghamDance Company and encourageseveryone to reap the benefits of

dancing.


had two young kids, he gave his wife Debby alist of 120 minor league cities and towns andshe marked off 20 that she would be willingto move to.

They ended up in Syracuse in Upstate NewYork where the Yankees AAA team waslocated and he was off. Syracuse wasn’texactly their cup of tea—“My wife said if Ihad an affair, we could go to therapy but if Iwant to go back to Syracuse, the marriage isover”– so the next season, Ken called gamesin Tidewater, Virginia for the Mets AAAteam.

upper deck at Dodger Stadium, bring a couple ofmicrophones and some recording equipment,and he would practice calling the game that wasunfolding in front of him in real time.

He chose the Upper Deck because he didn’tthink the people in the expensive box seatswould appreciate “some idiot” doing play-by-play in their midst. He would sit in the frontrow, draping one mic over the railing to capturecrowd noise while holding the other mic in hishand for his play-by-play.

Far from offending the nearby fans, Levinedeveloped a core of volunteer helpers–spotterswho would use their binoculars and better sightlines to let him know who was warming up inthe bullpens.After two years of rehearsals, Levine felt he hada good enough sample reel to submit for a realjob calling a baseball game. Although they

If you’re my age, is there something youwish you had tried? If you are the age of mykids, is there something you think youSHOULD try before it’s too late?Ken Levine had a dream job in his mid-thirties. After a short career as a Top 40deejay in which he called himself “BeaverCleaver,” Levine joined up with David Isaacsto form a very successful TV comedy writingteam, with credits on classic comedies likeCheers and Frasier. Levine and Isaacs wrotean episode of MASH that I directed. (Noageist jokes—it was VERY early in mycareer!)

A dream job, but not HIS dream job. Levinegrew up in Los Angeles, and the BrooklynDodgers moved west when he was 8 yearsold. He started listening to the incredibleVince Scully and an unusual imprinting tookplace: instead of wanting to grow up to be abaseball player, Ken wanted to grow up to bea baseball announcer.

After a short-lived series with a very difficultleading lady, Levine decided the time hadcome. He would buy a ticket to the

The Stars Smile On UsBy Laya Shriaberg

Spring is the time for feeling happy, reaching up tothe stars and remembering our dreams. We have done thisfor millennia. As the sun begins warming our bodies, andthe gentle breezes caress our skin, we are spurred onceagain to dream of our future.

What are your dreams for the rest of the year?Springtime is the time to be bold, to sow your wild oats,to take action on something you have never done before.To dare to be seen. To dare to feel yourself standing yourground, walking your path, celebrating the sunrise andstriding into the sunset.

Imagine living in Mesopotamia some6000 years ago. We have recently settledthe fertile land between two teamingrivers. Our kings are fairly governing us.In the temple, our priests are petitioningthe gods with heartfelt prayers forfertility. The temple marks the center ofour world. The east and west horizonsset the boundaries of our lives. We are atpeace. We know that we belong the landand our community. There is so muchpromise and so much to learn about thetilling of the land and living together.

The stars in the night time sky absolutelyfascinate the priests who begin to recordwhat they see: mysterious twinklings,little lights traveling across the sky andstill more little lights standing still. . Tous, the moon, the sun and the wanderers(the original word for the planets)andtheir cycles are the gods themselvesspeaking to us! Soon, this new recordedlanguage of the stars evolves into the artand science of astrology. This languagehelps the priests forecast our feelings and

experiences. By around 400BC, this newstar language can describe the personality,character even the destiny of a newbornchild.

The Stars Smile on Us

Have the stars ever talked to you? I mean,have they ever really affected how youfelt? Have they ever radically changedyour grand philosophy of the world? Iremember a few times when the starshave deeply moved me, even as a child.I’ll mention a few of these incidenceshere to maybe jog your own memories.

As a girl I remember staring out of mybedroom window late at night as myparents are assuming I am fast asleep. Thestars are twinkling at me from above.They are playful fun friends who wink atme and speak to me in a secret languageall of their own.

Twenty years later, I am already anastrologer and bushwhacking up a steepmountain slope in the wilderness. We

Continued on Page 13

If I Ran the ZooWhat If?By Mel Damski


Ken Levine & the immortal Dave Niehaus

This lead him to his first major league game

The Beginning of Recorded Astrology

to the episode’s theme with a personal accountfrom his life. The stories that Glynn tells arealways interesting, some being pretty ordinary,and several seeming very farfetched. Whatmakes them a treat to listen to is the way he tellsthem. His voice is so animated that often I feelthat I am watching him, not just listening.Combine Glynn’s gift of storytelling, with themusic and sound design to go along, and youtake these stories that any of us couldexperience, and suddenly it becomes a tale ofsuspense, comedy, sadness, and all the emotionsbeholden to that moment.

OK, so, where to begin…To anyone who is asking, I first recommendepisode #326: The Great Outdoors. Number onereason I recommend this, is that it’s a flippingawesome episode! While the whole showconsists of ear perking stories, and incrediblyinteresting situations, there is one in particularthat I can never get out of my head. I’ll try notto spoil it, but they interview a trueoutdoorsman, Randy, and his family who livedin interior Alaska, surviving off of only whatthey could hunt and make for themselves.Randy decided to head off into the wilderness in1976, when he was 19, and began his life. I’mtalking about living in temperatures that got tominus 67 degrees Celsius below zero, andsurviving solely off meat for years! The storygoes over how his life was, how it is now, andhow their family came together.

Next I’d say check out episode #209: Road Trip,unlike the last recommendation, there isn’t asingle story from this set that sticks out to me.And that is not a bad thing at all. This wholeepisode is really well rounded with someinteresting adventures folks have while onvarious forms of road trips. Glynn begins thisseries of stories with a very entertaining taleinvolving free all day train rides in Japan, anddrinking heavily with the Yakuza.

Have You Heard...Snap Judgment

By Joel Simler

Muse Tip - The following is a podcast review/suggestion.For more information on what a podcast is or how to

access them, go to our websitewww.bellinghammuse.com and select the 'Have you

Heard' link under the 'Inspiring Articles' tab.If you’ve been through the marketplace ofpodcasts, you can see that there are aridiculous amount of shows to choose from.Mostly these shows are all fairly similar toeach other in content, format, and productionvalue/style. If you are an avid gamer, lovecomedy, or interviews with everyone you haveand have not heard of, or can stand endlesstech talk, then you will never have to put downyour ear buds. While there are some seriousgems within those categories, if you are a firsttime browser, the task of choosing what tolisten to can be quite daunting. Don’t worryintrepid listeners, I’m here to help point you inthe right direction.

What makes Snap Judgment stick out from therest is a ripe concoction of creativity. Theunique sound design, giving it a charismaticvoice, really gets the listener emotionally intothe stories. Snap producers employ music in away that is unique in style and a driving forcefor the whole show, which is why a commonline you’ll hear throughout the series is “storytelling with a beat.” The outstanding storiesthey find, and the interesting people who tellthem can make you listen to back to backepisodes. But what really pulls the whole showtogether is Snap's host, Glynn Washington.

In 2007, Glynn Washington arose from a poolof 1,400+ radio warriors who were vying towin the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s(CPB) Public Radio Talent Quest. This was acontest wherein two talent scouting groups, thePublic Radio Exchange (PRX) and LaunchProductions, sought out anchors/hosts/radiopersonalities with talent and potential andhelped them produce a pilot show to be fundedby the CPB. Because of that contest, we can allbe thankful for Snap Judgment.

Glynn begins nearly every show by alluding

One last episode to get you started, episode#223: It Wasn't Me. Snap Judgment isn’t allepic stories and comedies, it also has a heavierside on certain occasions. But what makesSnap such a great listen is that is flowscomfortably and seamlessly through emotionbending stories. Episode 223 deals with 2specific stories that are completely different incontent and atmosphere, and successfullydraws listeners in despite the juxtaposition.

Snap Judgment has 7 years of content, and witha show that’s been around that long, I’d say it’san easy bet that anyone can find a worthwhileepisode to listen to. Don’t hesitate to try anyrandom episode. For more information on SnapJudgment and its team, check outSnapjudgment.org.


Born in Seattle, raised in Bellingham, Joel is areal cloud loving, tree climbing, North Westerner.He can be found living by a Troll in Seattle, oftenexploring a vast array of breweries, and music

happenings. He works as an audio/videotechnician in Redmond giving him a perfect drive

for listening to podcasts. He is also aprofessionally certified dance instructor, and

produces his own local concerts in his spare time.

Let’s say your favorite spring coloris yellow. If there were a messagein its brightness, what would it be?Maybe it’s suggesting that youlaugh more--lighten up. What is itthat dampens your light? Haveyouallowed worry or stress to takeyour vibration down a notch? Askyellow to come into every cell ofyour body to shine into thosemuted corners of life.

I’ve been especially attracted tomint green this spring. It suggeststhat I stay present so I can savorthe variety of weather (bothshowery and sunny) and


by adding its frequency to yourenergy field.

Because you were attracted to thiscolor, it has a message for you. Ifit could speak, what would it say?Write the message in your journal.Sometimes its meaning will comethrough slowly and sometimes youwill understand it immediately.

If there were something this colorcould do for you, what would itbe? Ask for its help.

experiences coming to me. Itencourages me to grow in alighter way with a minty sense ofadventure.

A rosy violet has also beenhovering around me this spring. Itencourages me to trust myintuitive sense of flow in life. Ihave asked it toremind me to feelmy way into the next activity.Then, I will know the timing thatis right for what comes next.

As you bring flowers into yourhome, let them indicate whichones want to be with you. Noticehow they brighten up the roomand fill your heart with theirloving presence.

As you plant your vegetable orflower garden, see which colors,textures and vibrancy feeds you.Talk to the plants as they grow.Shower them with love andappreciation. They will graceyour life with their own brand ofconscious support and connectionto the earth.

Let’s remember to be present withthe colors that come to us, not justpass them by. As with allcreation, we can live in co-creation and supportiveconnection with allconsciousness. What an amazingworld this can be!

How to Activate the ConsciousnessFound in Spring Colors

In recent years, I have beenmore aware of communicatingwith the vibrations of colors. Infact, as a color therapist, I counton the colors to work with me.They do most of the work. I askfor their help, observe and holdfocus as they proceed, and thenthank them for what they did.The work goes faster and I knowit is being done for the highestgood of the client.

Now that Spring is here and thebeautiful, lively colors are allaround us in flowers, bushes, andtrees, we can activate awonderful, conversation withthese lovely color vibrations.They are waiting for us to shiftour awareness to them.

" Have you allowed

worry or stress to take

your vibration down a

notch?"

By Arlene Arnold

Arlene Arnold is a Certified Spiritual Guide and Healing Facilitatorand Founder of Complementary Color Therapy. Her color therapy

school trains people around the world. She will be in Bellingham atInspiration Alley May 4. See the Events page (18) for more info.

You may have communicatedwith angels, guides, and eventhose who have died, but did youknow you can talk to the springcolors? Everything has beenbirthed from the Source, which isconsciousness; therefore,everything has that sameattribute. Even rocks caninterface with you. Of course, arock has a different kind ofconsciousness than your friend,but still there is a Oneness thatconnects us all. Let’s explorehow this works with color.

What is your favorite springcolor? Focus on a flower oranything in that color. Feel itsvibration. Breathe in the color.Pay attention to how it feeds you

Optimal YouTake a Hike

“Thank you Empress. I travel my path but I

wonder how that will affect others. As I walk

I may crush a row of grain preventing some

family from being able to eat this winter. Do I

take from others as I make my gain?”

“Sir, you think too deeply. Look upon these

lands and respect them, but do not fear that

one row will be the devastation of a family. I

am here to support them as is my husband.

Care is needed yes, however you must temper

that with what must be done. Walk your path

not in fear of the present but with hope of the

future. “

“How can I not think about what happens now

when so much can happen?”

“Very soon these fields will be harvested and

then the snow will come. Many may die during

that time, but I know that come spring my

daughter will be born. Life doesn’t come from

the deaths of those around but from those

that are living. We must live so that we build

and make the future a better place. You walk a

path but what is your place in that future.

What will you do when you get to the end of

this path?”

“I know where I want to go; I just don’t know

where my place is.”

“To find your place you must find where you

want to be. Let my husband shelter you for

the night. Talk with him and see where your

path might lead from there. Our home is just

at the top of the rise. Continue on and you

shall arrive quickly. I shall follow shortly, I

wish to sit a while longer."

“Thank you Empress, I shall go and talk with

your husband, and I hope we shall see each

other again.” Bowing to the Empress, the Fool

then turns and leaves the fields of wheat.

Walking up the hillside the Fool thinks of where

his place in the world might be.


Knowing how much I love to getoutside and explore, Loni came upwith the great idea to tryGeocaching. In case you haven'theard of this exciting outdoor treasurehunting game, I will elaborate.Anyone, almost anywhere in theworld can take part in seeking outthese hidden geocache (containers)located at specified GPS coordinates.There is a website(www.geocaching.com) with moreinformation and all the lists/mapsdirecting you where to go and howto do this. You can even hide ageocache yourself and list it on thewebsite.

These geocaches contain a logbookto record your find. Some of themhold small "treasures" with thegeneral rule being that if you takesomething from the container youleave something of equal or greatervalue. There are over one dozencache types. A couple examples:Puzzle Caches require you to solve acomplicated puzzle to reveal theexact coordinates of the cache. EarthCaches are at a special geologicallocation people can visit to learnabout a unique feature of the Earth.

We were amazed how manygeocaches were located right in ourown neighborhood. We ended upfinding trails very close to our homethat we had never ventured on. Myeyes were wide open once again withrenewed hunger for discoveringhidden gems right under our noses.

Exploring, doesn't it make you feellike a kid? In fact, I did it all the timeas a kid. I grew up in Colorado at thebase of 'the bluffs' in Colorado Springs,which is the only name I ever knewthem by. I hiked and discovered everynook, cave and cranny of those hills.

Around fourth grade my grandparentsmoved to Oregon City, Oregon and wewould often visit. There I discoveredMary S. Young Park. Oh man, was I inheaven! Talk about a whole new kindof exploring. I went from dry, rockyand see forever views to a lushrainforest with running water, bridgesand keep you hidden foliage. I lovedthe extreme difference, but I thinkwhat fulfilled me most was theadventure of it all.

Whenever I travel somewhere new Ifeel this urge to investigate mysurroundings. Taking a walk throughthe neighborhood, hiking the localterrain or even riding a bike around fillsthat need.

When I first came to Bellingham 19years ago, one of the first adventures Itook was in Whatcom Falls Park. Weare incredibly lucky to have a park likethis right in Bellingham. My heartconnected and I knew I could call thisplace home. Not long after I met mypartner, Loni, who had her ownaffection for Whatcom Falls Park. Inher words, "Those are my childhoodstompin' grounds." Now as adults westomp those grounds together!


By Alana Simler

The empressContinued from page 5

By Chad Saunders

I am the master of my emotions -I transform fear to love, anger to compassion,

pain to comfort, scarcity to abundance,expectation to gratitude, and jealousy to generosity.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie


Associated body parts: Reproductiveorgans, kidney, bladder, lower back, pelvicarea, sperm, and all liquids and fluids of thebody.Symbol: 6-Petaled lotus.Color: OrangeBalancing color: BlueMantra and tone: Vam, DEssential oils: Sandalwood, petitgrain, ylangylangGemstone: Moonstone, carnelian,tourmaline, orange calcite, bloodstone.

Creating a Joyful Life

SVADHISHTHANA2nd Chakra

Reproduction of Being

The Seven Main Chakras

Allow your emotions to be felt. Most of the blocks occur from not being in touch with youremotions or allowing yourself to feel the ones that may be uncomfortable or sociallyunacceptable. The following steps can be beneficial.

ownership of the sexual self. Someone with abalanced 2nd chakra is considerate, open,friendly, kind, creative and abundant.

Out of Balance: When this chakra is out ofbalance or blocked people become unsure orunstable in sexual and emotional matters. It isdifficult to be in touch with our true feelingsand we may be unable to express emotions toothers. We may experience difficultiesknowing when to trust or mistrust. It is notalways clear when to feel fear and when notto. There can be addictive behaviors,depression, sexual guilt and a tendencytowards being controlled by othersemotionally. It can also create a sense ofbeing stuck in an undesirable situation.

Physical manifestations can include: chronicspinal problems, back pain, sciatica, scoliosis,rectal tumors/cancer, chronic fatigue,fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, arthritisand skin problems.

Part 3, The 3rd Chakra, will be continued in the next edition.You can read part one ( of this article on our website www.bellinghammuse.com. You will also

find free guided meditations for clearing the chakras.

(Part 2 of 7)By Kerri Burnside, CHT

The Chakra System

Svadhishthana, the 2nd chakra (also known asthe sacral chakra) is located below the navel andis your center of creativity, pure emotions andsexual energy. It balances the free giving andreceiving of feelings and emotions. Our gutinstincts can be felt here and emotionally itgoverns our sense of monetary security (orabundance), well being, and our sexuality.

In Balance: When this chakra is in balance youwill find that it is easy to fully feel and shareyour emotions with others and yourself. You arecreative, abundant and happily connected to life.Ideally this chakra brings us depth of feeling,connection with others emotionally and

Exercise for bringing balance and clearing the 2nd chakra

1. Name it.What are you feeling? Anger, sadness, jealously etc.2. Feel it.Move from thinking about the emotion to feeling it. Where do you feel it in your body? Allowyourself to fully feel it for at least 5 seconds without any thoughts or judgment.3. Release it.Imagine that you move the emotion up into your heart and release it as you exhale.

The End of Empire


was the application of chemical technology inthe agricultural industry. Known as the ‘GreenRevolution’ it allowed us to take advantage ofpetroleum based fertilizers and pesticides toincrease the per acre yield of our industrial foodproduction. Similarly, petroleum fueledmachines improved the efficiency of ourproduction and harvesting systems. Plus wedeliver food over great distances in a distributionsystem made possible because of our access torelatively cheap petroleum based fuels. The endresult of all this is that we have, effectively,found ways of turning cheap oil into additionalpeople.

Any given species in any given ecosystem has amaximum population that can be sustained

indefinitely given the resources available inthat ecosystem. While there is a smallerpopulationthan what the ecosystem canprovide for, the population tends to grow.When the population temporarily exceedsthat number, they consume more resourcesthan the ecosystem can provide andnecessity forces the population to adjust toexist within the limits of the ecosystem.

This maximum sustainable population for agiven ecosystem and species is referred toas the carrying capacity.

We can attempt to calculate the carryingcapacity of humans for the whole earth. Indoing so though, we have to take intoaccount the use of technology to augmentthe carrying capacity. For example, theNeolithic era, through the use of highintensity agriculture allowed for an increasein the carrying capacity of humans on theearth. More recently, the green revolutionrepresented a similar increase in carryingcapacity. Unfortunately, it is dependent onaccess to a non-renewable resource,specifically, relatively cheap oil. As thatresource becomes more expensive tosecure, it will become increasinglyexpensive to sustain our population levels.

In the mid-2000's the global extraction oflight sweet crude oil peaked. That’s not tosay that there’s no oil left, there is, but itwill always be more expensive,economically and environmentally toaccess. As a result, more environmentallydamaging technologies, such as tar sands,

In the late 1960's, an international thinktank observed the growing population andincrease in per capita resource utilizationand realized that in a fixed system, like theplanet there must be limits to what thesystem could provide. Working withresearchers from MIT in what becamesome of the early use of computermodeling and forecasting. The resultingstudy, published in 1972 as the book, TheLimits to Growth, predicted that if thetrends continued, the earth’s resourceswould be unable to continue supporting ourglobal economy by approximately 2030.

In 2008, a follow up study titled "AComparison of ‘The Limits to Growth’ withThirty Years of Reality" evaluated theavailable data over the past thirty years tosee how the predictions in the originalstudy corresponded with now historicaldata. They determined that the existing datawas in line with the predictions and thatthere was no reason to change the 2030date for global economic collapse.

In the graph, you can see the predictedtrend lines for available resources, births,deaths, food consumption per capita,overall population, electrical consumptionper capita, industrial output and greenhousegas emissions. The dotted lines representthe actual data over the past thirty years ineach of these areas. There are places wherethe actual data differs from the predictions.

One of the greatest achievements of the20th century that few of us are aware of

Continued on page 12

By Aspen ApGaia

Did you know that

the staff of the

Bellingham Muse has

hidden geocaches at

some of our favorite

places? Go to

www.geocaching.com

and search for the

cache name "Muse

Hunt" to start your

treasure hunt.


Take a HikeContinued From Page 9

This led me to a desire for traversingall our local trails in the area. I didsome searching on the internet andfound a great list of trails that Iprinted out. I am systematicallychecking off one hiking/walkingadventure at a time.(www.bellingham.org → things to do→ hiking)

As humans we have always beenexplorers of sorts. Exploring led us tonew worlds, the depth of the oceans,and into unknown regions of space.It seems that we have an internaldrive to take us to these places. I'mnot here to reveal our scientificmake-up that stirs this need, but Iwould like to shed some light on thebenefits of going outside and findingyour own adventures.

The world becomes a brighter andmore magical place if we take thetime to appreciate it. Being out onthe trails the colors of the earthseem brighter, the smells in the airare sweeter and the sounds ofnature unite my being with theplanet. Seeing a majestic view orthe hidden secrets of a winding trailin front of you elevates your mood.Moving your body on these journeysreleases stagnation and stimulatescirculation and lymph fluids.

Are you still here? Get out of here!Go exploring and discover your ownadventures on this beautiful planetwe call home. Maybe I'll see youout there...

By Alana Simler, LMP

distress. By acknowledging them, we havetime to develop important skills, collaboratewith others and prepare, not for the end ofthis way of life, but for the beginning of amore sustainable and life affirming future.

population overshoot, and it's the veryfoundation of our economy. Energy drives alleconomic activity. With our current economicstructure, we must grow to avoid collapse andthe cheap energy that makes growth possible isno longer available.

Though we face some very real challenges, andthere will be loss, acknowledging thesechallenges doesn't have to be a source of

To view the full length version of thisarticle, please visit our website at:

www.wariorsofthedawn.blogspot.com

The End of Empire

By Aspen ApGaia

Continued From Page 11

deep sea oil wells, and hydraulic fracturinghave become economically viable. Due to ourpopulation and economy depending on theaccess to relatively cheap energy, exploitingthese more environmentally dangerousresources has become an economic necessityregardless of the long term consequences. Thisis not about how much it costs to fuel up ourcars. Oil is the foundation of the ‘greenrevolution’ that feeds our temporary

Alana Simler, Rolo Joe and Loni Wiebe

The Stars Smile On Us

What If?

Laya Shriaberg has been an astrologerfor 40 years. Her perspective is one ofexpansive wonder coupled with a deep

determination to paint for you adetailed picture of why you chose to

incarnate, your strengths andweaknesses, and what unique gifts youhave to offer others in this lifetime.

arrive at the top of the mountain.We are at the top of the world! Thesun has already set and we savorsome warm soup before burrowinginto our sleeping bags. As I gazeinto the night sky, I am awestruckby the pirouetting star showers andthe misty veils of the AuroraBorealis arching over the skies. Iam strangely at home and deeply atpeace here, in this place where theearth meets the sky.

Five years after that, I am campingout in a country parking lot at abluegrass festival. It is 3am and thebanjos and mandolins are ajammin' away with the singers andthe bass players. As I stroll thegrounds and gaze up at the clearnight sky, my heart stirs withgratitude and I pen my first poem.

If I Ran The Zoo

as a radio play-by-play man inBaltimore. The Orioles werechallenged that season, and Levinecovered the 3rd, 4th, and 7thinnings. The game was often outof reach by the time he took over,so he had to learn to hone hisstorytelling skills to keep thelisteners from turning the dial.

From Baltimore, Levine moved toSeattle and San Diego and LosAngeles, where he did the postgame Dodger show while hecontinued to dabble in comedywriting for television.

Now Levine is back on his secondtour of duty with the Mariners. Ifyou turn on AM 1430 this week,you’ll have a chance to hear hisentertaining, offbeat style behindthe mic. Unlike those baritoneannouncers who love the sound oftheir own voices, Levine soundslike a real person, aknowledgeable and enthusiastic

Continued from Page 6

www.bellinghammuse.comBellingham Muse

The singers were as childrenin a playground.And the starssmile on them.

Still 5 years after that, it is eveningon a Gulf Island off the coast ofBritish Columbia. I meander out ofa sweat lodge then back to mysleeping bag on the deck of myfriend's cabin. I lay down and lookup. With utter velocity, I amtransported upward into a vastcolony of stars. I know in mybones that these starry colonies ismy irrevocable home away fromhome. I belong both to this earthAND to the universal world of thestars.

The starry patterns at the time ofyour birth can reveal the deep darkmysteries of who you are and why

you have chosen to incarnateupon this earth at this time. Nexttime you have a chance, gazedeeply and silently into thenight's sky. Do you feel yourdreams moving in your body? Isthe truth of the stars unravellingin your life? Now, take a slowbreath, remember yourmagnificence, and take onehumble yet firm step forwardinto your life!

To view this article in full, seewww.spiralsuns.com

fan. His commentary is alwaysinfused with a colorful sense ofhumor. About a really talentedplayer: “He’s not chopped liver!”About the Weeks brothers, bothmajor league second basemen: “Alittle different than the family Igrew up in!”

In deference to the recent passingof their Hall of Fame announcer,Dave Neihaus, the Mariners arerotating their radio broadcastersthis season. Levine is doing only40 games, and that has allowedhim to continue to write a verypopular blog: “by Ken Levine, theWorld as seen by a TV ComedyWriter”, rated by Time Magazineas one of the 25 most popularblogs on the internet.

Levine didn’t get to watch therecent Emmy Awards because hewas traveling with the Mariners toCleveland for a day game onMonday, so he had to write his

blog in advance: “Anyone whosays Jewish girls don’t know howto dress didn’t see SarahSilverman tonight in her CatholicGirl’s uniform.” And, “Sixwinners told their kids to go tobed. Five thanked Jesus. One toldJesus to go to bed.”

But if Levine has his way, he willbe back full time next season inSeattle creating “an entertainingradio broadcast”. After all, he tooka major gamble and traveled along way to get here. And in doingso, he’s taught all of us a valuablelesson about using a lot of talentand a little moxie to fulfill achildhood dream.

Continued From Page 6 Continued From Page 9

Originally published in the La ConnerWeekly News

By Mel Damski - the Producing-Director of the TV series "Psych" andwinner of the Best General Interest

Column by the Washington NewspaperAssociation.

www.HeartHarmonicsHypnotherapy.com


For many decades we have been hearing ofthe need to eat a low fat diet for good healthfrom food manufacturers, government, andweight loss experts. The paradigm appears tobe shifting with increasing evidence thatdietary fat is not to be blamed for America’shealth problems. Regardless of the origins ofthis low fat theory and the final outcome ofthis fifty-year experiment, I think the term lowfat is overly simplistic and confusing to manypeople. First consider that the three primarymacronutrients are fats, carbohydrates andproteins. Certainly we don’t believe that oneof the three macronutrients should be removedfrom our diets, do we? Second, there areobviously many different types of fats withsome being better than others. Much of whatmakes a type of fat good for cooking or eatingdepends on the fat’s chemical structure, how itis processed, and how it is cooked. Some ofthe better fats are those that are relativelystable, those that are extracted from theirsource using minimal processing, and thosethat are able to withstand a higher temperatureduring cooking. In Ayurveda coconut andsesame oil are very popular oils used forcooking, externally on the skin, or as carriersof medicinal herbs.

Ghee is perhaps the food most representativeof Ayurveda and is used extensively for it’snourishing benefits. Ghee is simply butterwith the water removed through evaporationand the solids removed through filtration. Yes,you read that correctly; I am advising you toeat butter. However, with the solids and waterremoved, the remaining pure butterfat isconsidered to be a completely different food

with qualities that ordinary butter cannotclaim. As a side note, in Ayurveda blanketstatements are rarely made, and there arecertain cases when ghee is not best for all.Anybody who reads food labels knows thatthere are many to recognize and understandthese days, and when making ghee finding theideal butter with the correct labels can be verychallenging depending on where you live. Inorder from most to least necessary, the labelsyou need to look for when buying butter are asfollows: unsalted, cultured, grass fed, andorganic. If you can find all four of those labelsfrom a local family farm then congratulations,you have access to a perfect source of butter.In Ayurveda ghee is always made fromunsalted butter, and butter was traditionallymade by fermenting raw cream, also known asbuttermilk. Before the arrival of modern dayfactory farms raw cream always came fromsmall family farms where animals were able toaccess pasture and eat grass. These animalswere raised using methods similar to what wenow refer to as organic. Though this might allseem like a nostalgic view of an agriculturalsystem that no longer exists, the reality is thatthese products do still exist if you look hardenough, and the more people look the morefarmers will begin to supply the demand.Again, meet as many of the four labels as ispractical, and let’s move on to the recipe:

I usually prepare six pounds of butter, but youcould make as little as a pound. Bring thebutter to a light boil in a pot, and then reducethe heat to a very low simmer. After 30-45minutes the butter should change from cloudyto clear. After 45-60 minutes watch carefullyfor signs that the ghee is ready, and avoidburning it. As the water evaporates thereshould be a point where if you look closeenough there will no longer be any steamcoming off the surface, don’t mistake smokefor steam. You should see foam on the surfaceand solids at the bottom. Another sign wouldbe that the color changes from light golden toamber; the degree of darkness is based on yourpreference. When the ghee is ready turn off thestove and allow it to cool a bit. After cooling,slowly pour the ghee through a very finestrainer; I use a stainless steel loose-leaf teafilter.

You could also skim the foam off the surfacebefore pouring if you want. I pour my gheeinto glass canning jars. Avoid storing yourghee in the refrigerator and always use a clean,dry spoon to scoop the ghee out of the jar.

I use ghee for everything from adding to myoatmeal, to frying an egg, to drizzling oversteamed broccoli. Don’t be afraid of fat, give ita try, and for the less adventurous they do sellghee in a jar.

How to Make Ghee and Move Beyond the Low Fat EraBy Eric Johnson

How to Make Ghee

Eric Johnson lives in Bellingham and is acertified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Guide. Visit

sattvicplanet.net for more information aboutfood, lifestyle, preventive medicine, and

environment.

“Orthomolecular” may be a long,technical-sounding term but itmeans something very simple:restoring a person’s biochemistrywith substances normally presentin the body. As one’s biochemistryis restored, the psychiatricsymptoms disappear. Over the last70 or 80 years, several biologicalproblems have been identified andproven to cause psychiatricsymptoms including a histamineimbalance, wheat allergy, anadrenal metabolism disorderknown as “pyroluria,” pellagra (avitamin B-3 deficiency) and others.

In my own family, one person was“diagnosed” with “ADHD” and“Slight, Atypical Bipolar

never designed to cure anyone, justpalliate the symptoms. Patients areintentionally turned into lifelong,lucrative “customers” ofpsychiatric goods and services fora reason: billions of dollars inprofits. What I’ve learned frommany years of experience is thatAmerican mental health care isnothing but smoke and mirrors.

My family went the usual drug +talk therapy routine which, ofcourse, was an epic fail. We(finally) dumped it and learnedhow to use an approach called“Orthomolecular Medicine” (formore information on this pleasesee The Bellingham MuseMarch/April 2014).

Bipolar Disorder has becomesuch a common diagnosis thatalmost all of us know someonewho has it. So, what is “BipolarDisorder” anyway?

Bipolar describes someone whosometimes feels upbeat and happy,even manic, and at other timesfeels down or depressed. As is trueof all psychiatric diagnoses in theUnited States, Bipolar is only alabel, a description of thesymptoms being passed off as a“diagnosis.” Well, if “BipolarDisorder” is a diagnosis then so is“Walks Funny Disorder” adiagnosis for someone with abroken leg. This, too, is nothing buta description of the symptoms.

No one would ever accept such aridiculous label for physicalproblems so why do we acceptthem for psychiatric problems? Ibelieve the answer is becausewe’ve been hoodwinked. Americanmental health care was

Disorder.” In reality, he hadpellagra and pyroluria. Herecovered with B-3, 5-HTP andother nutritional medicine. Anotherrelative was labeled “Uni-PolarBipolar” when he was depressed,then “Bipolar with Psychosis”when he became psychotic. Inreality, he had both pyroluria andhistamines that were much toohigh. This “incurable” relativerecovered 100% because he, too,was treated appropriately: he wasgiven lab tests and the nutritionalmedicine he needed to restore hisbiochemistry as he was slowlyweaned off three liver-destroyingantipsychotic drugs.

What all Americans need to knowis that America’s smoke andmirrors approach in mental healthcare is delivered exactly the sameway in every little town and bigcity across the country. It has threeparts: 1) the “diagnosis,” which isonly a description of the


'Ele'-Mental HealthBipolar Disorder: The Catch-All Diagnosis

www.bellinghammuse.comBellinghamMuse

:(:By Linda Van Zandt

The Symphonic Band, under the direction of Zach Smith, will perform music spanning a time period of over 150 years. The concert will beginwith an exciting overture from the mid-19th century by Franz Von Suppé. The set will then move forward to the early 20th century in Englandwith a classic piece for band by Ralph Vaughn Williams. The first half will then close with the end of the 20th century in America with an earlycomposition by Eric Whitacre.

The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Christopher Bianco, will present a concert of Wind Band music that is "All in the Family" of theWestern community. They will be performing pieces by composers that have a connection to the university. The program will begin with awork composed by Bertil van Boer Sr., the father of WWU Faculty member and noted Musicologist Bertil van Boer. The ensemble will thenshift to more contemporary fare with works by WWU Faculty member Roger Briggs, WWU Alum and guest composer Pat Harlin and a piece byWestern graduate student composer and conductor Jon Bash. Please join us for this event that will showcase the outstanding musicianship andcreativity of Western students and faculty.

symptoms; 2) talk therapy to talk about thesymptoms; and 3) expensive, man-madedrugs which were never designed to cureanyone, just suppress their symptoms. Thereis no attempt whatsoever to uncover thebiological cause(s) of “Bipolar Disorder” oranything else—and if you don’t know thecause, how are you possibly going to cureyour illness? The answer is, you can’t.

One caveat though: If you are a danger toyourself or others, you legally have no choicebut to follow your psychiatrist’s orders.

Everyone else does have a choice. (However,you can still use orthomolecular treatment inaddition to any psychotropic drugs you arecurrently taking.)

When the diagnosis is provided by a lab testordered by your family doc or naturopath, apsychiatrist isn’t needed to provide you with alabel. When a biological problem is found, talktherapy isn’t needed because no amount oftalking will ever restore one’s histamine level,vitamin B-3 deficiency, GABA deficiency, etc,to normal so, once again, the psychiatrist isn’tneeded. Since biochemicals are used to restoresomeone’s biochemistry, (or in the case ofLyme Disease, antibiotics), drugs are no longerneeded which means the psychiatrist is nolonger needed to prescribe them. So you see,all three services provided by conventionalpsychiatrists are no longer needed. Theirincome plummets.

Just because the American PsychiatricAssociation and Big Pharma want you to takedrugs to mask your symptoms doesn’t meanthat’s what’s best for you—that’s merelywhat is best for their income. They have beenfighting Orthomolecular Medicine since the1950s.

If “Bipolar Disorder” is harming you or yourloved one, or if you simply don’t like being apsychiatric patient, I hope you’ll look intoOrthomolecular Medicine.” It has workedmiracles for many thousands of peopleworldwide.

--Linda Van Zandt, M.Ed.author of The Secrets to Real Mental Health:How one family escaped America’s failed,profit-driven system and found care thatworks: Orthomolecular Medicine (correctingthe biochemistry)

www.bellinghammuse.com

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band presents:

A concert of traditional and contemporary Band repertoire

May 22nd in the PAC Concert Hall.

The concert is at 8:00PM and is free to the public.

'Ele'-Mental HealthBipolar Disorder: TheCatch-All DiagnosisContinued From Page 15

Bellingham Muse

Aries (3/21-4/19) - Takeadvantage of your impulsivenature. Your energy will helpyou to come out ahead.Procrastination will be yourenemy during this time. Beready to take advantage ofsituations as they come up.

Good Days: May 24 & 25 andJune 20 & 21

HoroscopesTaurus(4/20-5/20)- Your energywill be bountiful during this timeand now is the time to bringthose ideas into fruition. There isa chance of material gain if youwork with the natural world. Getback to basics and get to work.


Gemini(5/21-6/20)- This will bethe time where you inspireothers. Social interaction willbring about a different point ofview, and maybe help give youthat change you’ve been lookingfor. Be the dreamer andquestion everything, it’ll be fun.

Good Days: 1, 2, 28, 29 & 30 andJune 24, 25 & 26

Cancer(6/21-7/22)-– Trust yourinstincts, your foundation isstrong. Don’t be afraid tosupport others don’t over thinkabout it too much. The more youhelp others the more you findthat it is actually helpingyourself.

Good Days: May 3, 4, 5 & 31 andJune 1, 27 & 28

Leo(7/23-8/22) – This is theperfect time to express yourdynamic nature artistically.Paint, write, or act just get outthere and show the world whoyou are. Your caring nature willbe greatly appreciated during thisperiod.

Good Days: May 6 & 7 and June 2,3, 4, 29 & 30

Virgo (8/23-9/22)– Whenthinking about what is importantversus what should be leftbehind remember you must takecare of yourself and not giveeverything to others. This isgoing to be a time to cut awaythose things that prevent youfrom succeeding.

Good Days: May 8, 9 & 10 andJune 5 & 6Libra(9/23-10/22) – Be carefulthat you don’t go too far whentrying to see all sides of aproblem, others may see you asbeing two-faced. Your carefulconsideration is appreciated butbe sure not to neglect what isreally important.


Scorpio(10/23-11/21)– Yourability to look deeper into anissue will help you during thistime. Knowing your strengthswill help you overcome yourweaknesses. You may desiresolitude but don’t deny otherstheir pleasures, even if it ismerely your company.

Good Days: May 13 & 14 andJune 9, 10 & 11

Sagittarius(11/22-12/21) - Becareful in how you express whatyou only see as the truth. Thereis a chance your direct naturemay be misinterpreted asuncaring. Your fair point of viewcan be a welcome change.


Capricorn(12/22-1/19)– This isa time of focus. You see to theheart of the matter and are ableto help get to the desired goal.Get out there and help organizethat public event you’re the oneto cut through the red tape.


Aquarius(1/20-2/18)– Takeadvantage of your creativethinking to help with yourfinancial needs. You won’t beundermining who you are bythinking a little more aboutmaterial gain. It may help youin the long run.

Good Days: May 19, 20 & 21and June 16 & 17

Pisces(2/19-3/20) – Don’t letyour curious nature get thebetter of you. You will find theanswer; it just might not comefrom the direction you arecurrently looking. This is a goodtime to focus on yourrelationship.


Good days are those days that the moon has moved into your signmaking it a good time to start something new. These are the days whenthings just seem to fall into place. By Chad Saunders


Is it in theCards?

Anne: How can I communicate better in relationships, especiallyconcerning vulnerability and emotions?

Sungoddess Ashley: I pulled 5 cards from the Witches Tarot deck tosee how you could communicate better in your relationships.

The Center: The King of Swords. He is someone who has mastered theart of communication and rules this realm. This is your current goal andwhat/who you are aspiring to become more like at this time. He is alsoclear with his words, is honest, direct and forthright as an effectivecommunicator. These attributes are what you are bringing into focusnow.

The Bottom: The Sun. The Sun is what is supporting you andmotivating you in obtaining your goal. The Sun is giving you moreenergy to express yourself like the King of Swords, who knows what isappropriate to say and when to say it.

The Past: 3 of Cups. This is what you have learned so far and cancontinue to integrate. This card represents sharing of feelings inrelationships, whether or not they were done clearly in the past. Whenyou pair this with the role of the King, you are able to express yourfeelings more effectively with others by being open and honest. It isabout speaking your truth from a loving and respectful place.

The Top: 9 of Pentacles. The King is pointing up to this card with hissword, which indicates your thoughts. This woman here is very much incontrol of her life, and in this case, her tongue and the words shechooses. Be conscious that you alone are in control of how, what, andwhen you communicate. Your thoughts are about self-mastery. Also, it issaying that it is important to take the time to organize your thoughtsbefore you speak.

The Future: 9 of Cups. To accomplish your goal of becoming morelike the King of Swords, you are working towards expanding yourcommunicative skills by building on what you have already learned. The3 of cups from the past has multiplied itself to the 9 of cups here in thefuture position, indicating growth in expressing your feelings from bothtruth and kindness. Be open to sharing more, because there is a widerability of self-expression that you are working on for greater satisfactionin your personal relationships.

*The shadow card gives me a summary of the reading, or a supplementalmessage. The Empress is the archetypal mother that has a caring andloving role in her relationships. She nurtures others and herself. Sheloves everyone as she does her own children, and treats them withkindness. What is important is that she also treats herself kindly the wayshe would a child, even her inner-child. She continually births new andcreative ways to do this. Since we are talking about communication, sheis willing and able to speak to people gently and with kindness as shedoes herself.

By Sungoddess ashley

By Sungoddess ashley

Occurring Weekly

How to Read the Cards -with Sungoddess AshleyFriday May 9th,30-8pm

Cost: $15This is an introductory class for beginners and people interested inlearning tarot. We will cover the major arcana & minor arcana's suit& court cards. We will each be doing a card layout, so please bring a

deck of your liking.

Bliss born Birth Hypnosis CourseWhat if birth could be easier, more comfortable, empowering and

blissful? Blissborn is the natural birth program that is changing birth!Blissborn combines the best of science, medical knowledge, mind-

body therapy and childbirth education in a FUN and inspiring course.It emphasizes the power of your own mind to create the birth you

desire! Blissborn's proprietary techniques benefit the baby as well, byreducing the causes of distress and helping to create calmness in thebaby that often lasts well into the first year. This 5 week Course (2hours/week) is intended for third-trimester moms and their birthpartners and includes set of 6 CDs, handouts, and a 234-page

comprehensive manual. Facilitated by Jeni Miller, CMS-CHt, BHE.More Info: 360-647-3726.

Thursdays, May 15-June 12, 6:00-8:00PM, in Bellingham.

Reiki level IISunday 5/18/2014 9am-5pm

Krishna Lounge, 1111 North State Street.$150, Register by 05/04 and save $20.

To reserve a seat call Anu at: (360)483-7327

Yoni Tour Knowing CirclesSaturday, May 24, 2014. 2 - 4pm.

Location: Spiral Suns Healing Studio. (Happy Valley)Cost: $20.

To Register: Call Laya at 360-734-1596 or [email protected].

Description: Our bodies are our main resource, our temple whileliving on this planet. Through education, inquiry and guided

meditation, these knowing circles are an invitation to find our wayback to an engaged relationship with our wombs.

"As we let our own lightshine, we unconsciously giveother people permission todo the same. As we are

liberated from our fear, ourpresence automatically

liberates others."-Marianne Williamson

Inspiration Alley

Special Events

Events in May and June

www.bellinghammuse.com Bellingham Muse

Sunday, 05/04/2014Special guest Arlene Arnold,

author of ColorCards and HumptyDumpty Get’s It Together.

Complementary Color TherapyFounder

Transformational Sessionsby Appointment

To schedule call, 206-255-7965

1121 N. State St.Bellingham, WA

See our websitewww.bellinghammuse.com

for a current calendar of eventsor to list your own event.

Workshops

Aikido of BellinghamAdult General Class 5:30 -7:00

Monday – Thursday1101 North State Street

- Suite 200360-671-6858

[email protected]

Mat PilatesMondays 9:00am

By Simler Massage and PilatesBellingham Dance Co.1705 N. State Street

$10 drop in

Kirtan & Bhagavad GitaThursdays 6:00pm-8:00pm

Krishna Lounge, 1111 N. State St.Sundays 5:00pm-7pm1109 N. State St.

Fluid FrequencyExplore the waves and rhythms of

the body's inherent motion.Fridays, 5:30pm-6:45pm

Inspire Studio1411 Cornwall Ave #201

by donation

Be Stress Free!Guided Meditation

Saturdays 10:00-11:00amKrishna Lounge1111 N. State St.

Saxophone NightTuesday, May 13th at 7:00pm

Guitars of WesternFriday, May 16th at 8:00pm

Back 2 Bellingham ChoralConcert 2014Sunday, May 18th at 3:00pm

Wind Symphony & SymphonicBand ConcertThursday, May 22nd at 8:00pm

WWU OrchestraMonday, June 2nd at 8:00pm

Band Pops! II 2014Wednesday, June 4th at 8:00pm

All concerts are at the PerformingArts Center and free.

WWU

Spring Concert Line up

Photo By Lissa Clear

Lauryn Marino, LMPMassage therapy and Pilates-orthopedic rebalancing and

ancient Hawaiian healing.Call Today!

(360) 389-8889/ [email protected]

Illuminated Growth ~ Creating a Joyful LifeKerri Burnside, CHT, CHI

Services: Hypnotherapy, Intuitive Readings, Energy MedicineVisit www.illuminated-growth.com for more info.Schedule your appointment today! (360)612-2277

Spiral SunsLaya Schriaberg, LMPCranio Sacral Approach ~ Energy Healing ~ Aromatherapy(360) 734-1596/ [email protected]


Simler Massage and Pilates

Alana M Simler, LMP ~MA00008372Working with you to find the results you deserveVisit Facebook and Yelp for more info and reviews

(360)738 -9557

Anu HealingAnu Byal, LMP, Offering transformational healing on asoul level through energy healing, cranio-sacral, and

massage therapy. Save $20 on first session.Call Now! (360)483-7327

Sungoddess Ashley Tarot & AstrologyPrivate phone or in-person readings.

Party event entertainment.Call Ashley Owens today! * (714) 510-7444

www.sungoddessashley.com

Learn Well, Laugh Well, Grow Well, Be WellTai Chi, Qigong, Reiki, and Baby Sign Languageclasses.Website: www.poweredbyqi.comPhone/text: 360-633-3983 [email protected]

Tarot & Astrology

Chad J. SaundersTarot readings and astrology charts

Get your answers now! (360) 353-4188

[email protected]

The Massage StudioDana Duvall L.M.P. (360) 303-4947

"Helping People Heal"

Save with a package of 3 Massages $165!

Directory of Services

Bodywork

Hypnotherapy & Intuitive

Readings

Healing Arts

www.bellinghammuse.comBellingham Muse

bellingham muse 4th edition (may/jun 2014)

Documents