Student Spotlight
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Denise Nieman, candidate for PhD in Natural Health
“From balance comes perspective”
Visually symbolizing the legal system are the gleaming scales of justice, in perfect balance. Peacefully personifying the holistic balance of mind, body and spirit is Denise Nieman, JD, who, for the last 10 years, has served as County Attorney for Palm Beach County, FL.
Soon to complete her second doctoral degree, Denise is also working on a book manuscript entitled Life is a Beach: A 21–Day Vacation for Your Mind, Body and Soul. Her first book, entitled Christmas Party Celebrations, was published in 1997.
Her guiding motivation, within the professional, civic and social layers of a full and well–traveled life, is to convey to others the peaceful balance of seeking harmony in nature. “If life is to be celebrated every day — and we know it is! — then let the festivities begin with awareness of and appreciation for the perfect rightness of nature.
“Intuitively I’ve always been drawn to the beach. Walking along the shore gives me solace and uplifts my spirits, reconnecting my soul with the healing power of our natural world. All of nature is there to assist us in maintaining balance; nature is our co–creator of health.”
Sea breezes beckon Denise to meditate, reflect, deepen her yoga practice, and even study! Through CCNH, this very busy professional says she found a freeing sense of independence: a solid, well–rounded education under circumstances more suitable to her personality and lifestyle.
“For me, the daily benefit of creating ‘natural checks and balance’ allows me to show up in peace and health — at work, with friends and family.” Denise also likes to create health opportunities for others. As one example, her staff enjoys its own annual health fitness program, awarding time–off for those who reach self–defined goals.
“Coming from a state of balance allows one to keep things in perspective. We are all responsible for our psycho–spiritual and physical health, and it’s our privileged duty to help create optimal health by gaining an understanding of nutrition, stress management and joy. Another important health practice is to have no regrets!
“For me, the legal profession is intellectually stimulating, challenging and often rewarding. I appreciate that Clayton College allows me to focus deeply on developing skills and gleaning new information in areas I’m passionate about, opening new doors to self exploration as I gain the credentials to pursue a career that I imagine may prove even more meaningful. CCNH has been the most rewarding educational experience in my life!
“I believe that we’ve all been blessed with certain talents and skills, and that no one is better than the next. My life purpose is to help people realize that they are valuable, and to encourage them to make contributions for the overall good. The universe has a plan for each one of us. When we strive to do all we can do and be the best we can be, the universe rewards us with abundance beyond our greatest expectations.”
This article was based on an interview with the student.
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