You are the inspiration

This week, let’s go way “Out on a Limb” and share some of the wonderful inspiration that was offered via the recent blog survey. Also this week, a reminder of my Sydney workshops coming soon.

In some ways, the year to date has been challenging for me. For example, deciding upon how to respond to my secondary cancer diagnosis being questioned has been interesting! But now this avalanche of positive comment and really inspiring material from so many of you who keep in touch via the blog - it is highly motivating for me to make it as good as the blog can be, but first:

Thought for the Day

Make friends with your self
- then you will never be lonely

1. YOU ARE THE INSPIRATION

The response rate for the survey was surprisingly and wonderfully high. I toyed with the idea of reproducing it all, but decided on some representative highlights. One of the common pieces of feedback, that links with the original motivation for beginning the blog, has been the number of people who appreciate the sense of connectedness, even community through the blog and the knowledge so many like-minded people are reading it. I have depersonalized the comments, but otherwise left them as they came:

i) Your blog is a great tool for people to recognise a balance needs to be in place between our current medical system & what we call a 'lifestyle' approach which encompasses many elements. I am always heartened when I read your blogs & the many responses when I see contributions from those practicing medicine. Although a slow process, it helps me maintain faith that this balance is achievable. Your comments are always level headed…

ii) Thanks so much for this blog ian. it's a tremendous support in so many ways. i think the main benefit for me is that it inspires me to keep on keeping on with the wellness program. it's been six years since i joined the TGF program after my second breast cancer and as time goes on and i remain well, it becomes easier somehow to let the practices slip, especially around diet. there's so little support for that out there in the mainstream world of poor nutritional habits and addiction to fat, sugar and salt. another important benefit for me is that it helps me to feel connected to others who live this way. 

sometimes i feel so isolated, and this weekly connection reminds me that i'm part of a wonderful community of people growing their own food, and eating ethically, healthily and joyfully. my partner also subscribes to the blog, which is great for me, as he reads from you about the things i practice (and he participates in mostly) at home around food and lifestyle, rather than only from me - which increases the credibility of making these changes, sticking to them long term, and enjoying living this way!

iii) I am a great admirer of your work Ian. You took on this work and the education around it at a time when there was so little support and acknowledgement from mainstream health providers or society at large. Yet you stuck with it and we are now the ongoing lucky recipients. I work as a health professional, and, even though lifestyle changes around cancer management are still not mainstream, they are becoming more accepted and I am just very grateful for the groundwork you and others have laid, which makes my path that bit easier. I recommend your blog to all that come to my workshops or whom I see as patients as I see education as the key.

iv) I am 55 years old and not much of a computer person and am not sure how ended up getting this whole blog thing. But am interested in health and well being and have surprisingly enjoyed reading ians blogs. Mostly i have found i really enjoy and appreciate a sense of connection and greater awareness to the "world'" of health that i would never take the time to access or look into further. thank you

v) I had to retire after diagnosis of cancer. Ian's work and the public profile and communications have been very helpful for me. I am stable and now have clear scans after secondary spread which I believe is somewhat attributed to my feeble attempts to adopt some of Ian's thinking!! It would be great to attend a workshop, but I live in the UK.

vi) Ian's blog is one of the most useful contributions and communications in this area addressing what I hope and predict will be The Medicine of the 21st century. Very helpful to me as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. And it's lovely to hear from him, personally.

vii) Having followed Ian since 1990 when my Mum had a brain tumor and getting the chance to meet him last year I just LOVE the man! To actually meet him and see his persona and calm nature has actually helped me become a much calmer person (along with meditation/reiki etc!) I don't actually have Ian on a pedestal (sorry Ian!) but his knowledge of healing & living & the reason he is alive today are so inspirational that I can't help but want to read all of his thoughts and challenge my mind & ask questions. 

I think in the time I have been reading his blogs (since they started) I have become so open to lots of points of views and I am now embracing life (got out of my rut!) and questioning my beliefs.I am also sharing his knowledge with the voluntary work I do with the Cancer Council in facilitating a Cancer Support Group in my local town. I bring in some topics to discuss so they too can see there are other ways to do things and you don't have to accept one point of view. I see these people walk out feeling a lot calmer that they can own their feelings/thoughts becoz they've been allowed to talk about them!!...

So Ian...I'm using your work in lots of ways and I'm so appreciative to be able to receive the blogs. Thank you ~thank you ~thank you~. I've also done your on-line meditation and have passed it on to as many as I know would be interested.(It still falls on deaf ears to others but one day I may win there too!~!) I've found it fabulous. Thanks again.

viii)And finally, one I will remember on those days when writing does not come so easily:

You keep me going when I feel I can't do it anymore. Your blog is like a personal helping hand. Thank you.

NEXT WEEK

More from the survey: who is reading the blog along with you, and some of your very useful suggestions.


NEWS 

1. MEDITATION AND HEALING - TWO FULL DAY WORKSHOPS IN SYDNEY

Including all the latest research on telomeres!

Saturday, 20 October, 2012

THE MIND THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
     Meditation, the power of the mind, affirmations and imagery
When: 9.30am (for 10am start) - 4pm 

Where: Veterinary Science Conference Centre, Webster Theatre, Sydney University

Sunday, 21 October, 2012

HEALTH, HEALING AND WELLBEING: 
    Disease prevention, and the power of meditation and nutrition for healing and wellbeing

When: 9.30am (for 10am start) - 4pm 

Where: Veterinary Science Conference Centre, Webster Theatre, Sydney University

Bookings Essential: Call Sarah Tail 0418 22 0590 or Tina Rae (02) 4294 8361
Register on line: at www.rigpa.com.au 

On Saturday we begin by examining how the mind functions and how we can use this knowledge to best effect - how we can use the power of the mind in all areas of life. You will learn how to relax and experience a calm and clear mind, to use affirmations and imagery and to begin or to deepen meditation.

On Sunday, extend all this with more focus on healing and wellbeing. There will be heaps of practical information on what constitutes a sensible way of eating - both for good health generally and healing specifically. Then there will be more on the latest, fascinating and practical research showing how the mind can be used to generate healing and real happiness.

Both days will be highly experiential with a good theoretical basis. There will be time for questions and relevant resources like books and CDs will be available.

While each day is intended to be useful in its own right, and so attendance for one day is possible, ideally come to both days as they build on each other and make for a complete package.