Prior to CCNH, what was your educational experience?
I am a retired school teacher, with prior degrees in special education.
How did you become interested in holistic nutrition?
For 17 years I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie of living within a close-knit retirement community, where friends can shop together and take walks and there’s a real kinship. But I’ve also seen one neighbor after another experience illness and frail health … and with the loss of one neighbor in particular, I decided it was time for me to step up and learn how to help all of us stay healthier. I wanted to help myself and also touch the lives of family and friends, rather than watching us all experience one illness after another and “keep wishing I could help.”
How did you choose CCNH, and how has this experience worked for you?
For somebody who’s now 95 years old (and quite healthy, by the way!), first I compared your programs with others. I know lots of your students do their programs online, but I really liked the idea of self-paced home study… you know, holding onto a book and marking the pages, not reading a computer screen. It’s nice that the original method that started with “correspondence courses” is still an available option.
It was a smooth process, and easy to manage. The subjects were great and I’ve always loved having my own natural health library at home, where I can share books with others. I worked on my courses from 1998 until graduating in 2004. It’s really been a rewarding and an eye-opening experience, literally!
Here’s why I say that. In San Diego in the 1990s, I studied with Bernard Jensen, who is known as the Father of Iridology. He died in 2001. Years later at your CCNH conference in Atlanta I saw Art Jensen and Ellen Tart Jensen-she’s on your adjunct faculty. Through Ellen, I reconnected with my Iridology studies!
In spring, 2008 I was with them (the Jensens) again, at the IIPA (International Iridology Practitioners Association) conference. I also attended nutrition seminars through the National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals. So I still love to travel … and for me, life is for learning!
What would you like to convey about your applications of mind/body/spirit health, as it relates to working with others?
I lead a reading group for topics in holistic nutrition, iridology and reflexology. Several neighbors meet twice a month to discuss reading assignments and talk about how they pertain to improving our daily life. People are amazed to get significant pain relief through hands-on reflexology that stimulates energy meridians.
What would you like to convey about your applications of mind/body/spirit health, regarding personal/family health habits?
I work on myself every day! I start each morning with foot reflexology, using my fingers and wooden rollers. I dry-brush my skin to stimulate lymphatic flow and blood circulation, and alternate using self-massage and pressure points for joint fluidity in my hands. I especially enjoy giving health books as gifts. I think giving knowledge is really the ultimate love gift!
This article was based on an interview with the graduate.
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