Graduate Spotlight
Don Child, Ph.D. in Natural Health
“Health Is Your Destiny”
The vibrant energy of Ho’ opono Pono sparkles in the wise eyes of Don Child. His family has lived in Honolulu for more than 20 years and their lifestyle exemplifies the tenets of traditional naturopathy: fresh air, clean water, exercise, rest, and respect for the environment.
That’s why Don has been known to commute to work by bicycle or even walk / jog the 12–plus miles each way. It’s a conscious decision to tread lightly, breathe in his surroundings rather than pollute them, and it’s also a form of meditation. “Of course the views are relaxing as well as majestic, and the tropical breezes can almost sound like celestial music,” he says with deep appreciation.
Don and his wife, Wyn, are attuned to the rich mysticism of ancient cultures — including many that they’ve discovered together. He is pictured with the Shakuhachi, a flute crafted from Japanese bamboo and designed to replicate the full range of nature’s sounds: “…a wonderful surprise gift from Wyn, and now we’re learning how to read Japanese music,” he adds.
Don met Wyn while giving a poetry reading in London. Back at home following a sabbatical in Japan, Wyn had worked as a researcher with the BBC and with NHK in Tokyo. Her lilting voice captivated his heart — then and now. With Don’s own poetic way of speaking, thinking and living, clearly the feeling is mutual!
Having grown up on a large ranch near Aspen, in a ranching culture that treasures and reveres the environment, his family’s lifelong resonance with wildlife and organic living continues to create a multi–generational bond and a lifelong mission among their extended family and friends. Conservation and wildlife preservation remain paramount.
Developing their own family of “cultural creatives” by merging the holistic wisdom of East and West, Don and Wyn enjoy Asian studies and international travel. Choosing to remain unhampered by photos or video, Don’s preferred travelogues are his own handwritten observations, thoughts and experiences recorded in a well—traveled journal. From these adventures he has written poetry books, including Chinese Jadestone Riddle: Poems of Peace and Friendship. Their son Tristan, a recent college graduate, now lives in Japan.
A computer tech-writer by day, Don also writes plays and articles. He has performed as a Shakespearean actor and a cartoon character! He has helped organize metaphysical and holistic health conferences. In Feb. ’07 the Institute of Noetic Science reprinted one of his essays — www.noetic.org — describing one of Don’s mystical experiences in Vietnam. Drafted as a conscientious objector, he served for two years as a medic.
After graduating with honors from CCNH, the life–long learner enrolled in life coach training. Now collaborating with island writer and photographer Elan Sun Star, Don invites us to watch for their 2007 book release, Smile, whose stunning photography enlivens the promise of spreading the “smile” virus to the whole of humanity.
Don Child launches his new website in March ’07: www.healthisyourdestiny.com
When applicable, CCNH shares the interview subject’s designated web link for further learning and independent research. We do not officially endorse or embrace all ideas or opinions expressed therein.
This article was based on an interview with the graduate.
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