LOUISE HAY'S MOVIE...YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR OUT ON THE RIGHT FOOT

By CORALIE DARSEY-MALLOY

This article was recently published in the Aquarian in my column Perspectives on Healthy Living and I have the permission of the publisher to reprint it here.

Given that we are heading into a new year and probably have getting and staying in shape as part of our fitness goals I thought having an article on the importance of taking care of our feet timely. So here it is:

Those who have health have hope; those who have hope have everything.

An Arabian Proverb

There are many who suffer from foot pain at some point in their lives and I have been among them. When I started having pain and burning in my feet, knees and lower back, I consulted my Naturopath who recommended that I invest in a pair of specially designed insoles called orthotics.

In my case, he felt that orthotics would correct my irregular walking pattern, reduce pain, add support and improve the overall bio-mechanical function of my feet and lower extremities. He took plaster molds of my feet and sent them to a laboratory where technicians created my first set of orthotics.

After an adjustment period, I began to notice that the pain and discomfort in my body lessened and eventually stopped. That was over 25 years ago and I continue to invest in new orthotics whenever my ankles, knees, lower back or tendons in my groin feel strained.

The foot specialists I have consulted emphasize the importance of purchasing good quality lace-up shoes that provide the proper support and cushioning for the foot. It is counter-productive to place specially made foot stabilizers in cheaply-made shoes.

Until I had problems, I had never given my feet much thought. Now, I know that feet are a marvel of design and efficiency and I have a much greater respect for them. One foot has more than 50 working parts. No less than 26 bones work with the foot's ligaments, muscles and tendons in the foot structure to support and balance the weight of the entire body.

During a normal walking day, the force on the feet is enormous. Walking puts up to 1.5 times one's body weight on the feet. On average, our feet log 1,000 miles per year. As shock absorbers, feet cushion up to one million pounds of pressure during one hour of strenuous exercise. That is why it is so critical to take care of the feet from babyhood into advanced years.

Starting life on the right foot may involve having orthotics made for children who have a foot deformity. These inserts are also an effective method for relieving foot discomfort or arthritis in older adults.

How They Work

During my many consultations with a variety of foot specialists including naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors I asked how orthotics work and why they are so beneficial? They explained that orthotics support the arch, cushion the heel and prevent over-pronation (flattening of the arch) and absorb shock while a person is running and walking. The absorbency orthotics provide protects the rear and mid-foot joints. That makes the foot more stable and can help to avert overuse injuries.

Benefits of Orthotics

Many people suffer from an uneven weight distribution when they walk. As they age, their feet begin to suffer the consequences of this imbalance. That often leads to ankle pain, strained calf muscles, knee and hip pain and sore backs. By using orthotics, the wearer corrects imbalances in the foot that might be causing pain in the rest of the body. These foot stabilizers are beneficial for overweight individuals as they help to counteract the stress on the feet due to extra pounds.

Seemingly minor problems can be magnified with athletic individuals. Depending on the type of exercise, the movement and pressure on the foot is increased and the orthotics compensate for imbalances, reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function that enhances performance.

This has certainly been true for me. A few years ago I tore the cushioning under my kneecap and was told I would need surgery. I went back to Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler, Manitoba for a new pair of orthotics. I invested in another pair of properly fitting shoes and combined that with acupuncture, physiotherapy and braces. This multi-tiered approach helped me avert surgery and I am back to living an active lifestyle.

Here are a few of the conditions where orthotics may be useful:

• Injury prevention

• Chronic low back pain

• Pain in any of these joints: knees, heels, ankles, arches, shins and hips.

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

• Headaches and jaw pain

Types of Orthotics

Orthotics are designed to suit specific needs and come in a variety of materials. They all improve foot function by minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause deformity and pain. Here are the three categories

• Some are designed to change foot function. These are mainly protective in nature and combine functional control with protection.

• More corrective orthotics can be designed to treat severe foot issues such as toe-in or toe-out conditions. In cases like these, specialists might add splints, night bars and gait plates. Orthotics of this type make constant corrective adjustments by holding the foot in the correct position and may be left on while sleeping. They are also constructed to improve or eliminate pain in the legs, thighs and lower back due to abnormal function of the foot. Softer compressible materials are effective for arthritis or deformities where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. This can also assist people with diabetes.

• The third type of orthotic, which is semi-rigid, is often used for athletes. It is constructed of layers of soft material, reinforced with something more rigid. This type allows the muscles, tendons and bones in the feet and lower leg to function at their highest potential.

Choosing the Right Orthotic

The benefits obtained with custom designed orthotics should not be confused with the promises made for prefabricated models sold in stores or through the Internet. There is a significant difference in quality and effectiveness. Prefabricated orthotics, mass-produced to fit an "average" foot, may cost less, but usually do not correct specific problems. Some prefabs can actually worsen a condition and create problems elsewhere in the body.

Foot specialists are trained in lower extremity biomechanics and only suggest orthotics after a thorough evaluation. These trained health professionals consider medical problems, pain levels, foot type, gait analysis, type of activity, and ankle, knee and hip movement as they make their assessment.

There is a lot to consider in obtaining a pair of custom orthotics and it usually requires a certain number of office visits. From my experience, “it’s worth the trips!”

TIPS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

David and I do public speaking as part of our livelihood. Sooner or later, everyone has to do it. Still, speaking in front of an audience is regularly ranked against the greatest fears plaguing mankind. For many, it's right up there with sharks, spiders, heights and being attacked by a vicious dog. Public speaking is simply not something that most people look forward to.

Public speaking is a skill -- one that takes practice and perseverance to master. Public speaking and its bad reputation stems from most people's fear of looking foolish in front of others. What if they don't like what you have to say? What if you forget your thoughts, offend somebody or, worse, bore them? This fear can be greatly relieved, however, simply by learning a few tricks of the trade. When you are empowered with the insider tips to give a great speech in front of any audience, your fears may just subside.

Even for those who adore public speaking (after all, you get to share your opinions with a captive audience), honing up on the following tips can add some pizzazz to your speaking style so that every speech truly impacts the audience.

And now, without further ado, here are the 11 top ways to become a better public speaker.

1.Know your audience. Tailor your message directly to this group, then greet some of the audience members as they arrive so you feel like you're speaking to friends.

2.Know your material. In general, you should only give a speech about something you know very well. Make sure you know even more about the topic than you intend to include in the speech.

3.Practice makes perfect. You should practice every speech, out loud, and including any visual aids you plan to use, numerous times.

4.Take a breath. Pauses can lend just the right emphasis to an important point, so be sure to include them when appropriate.

Remember to use body language, including your facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and hand gestures, to engage your audience and convey your confidence.

5.Use body language to your advantage. Your posture, eye contact, hand gestures and facial expressions speak volumes. Here are some tips to use this non-verbal form of communication.

6.Visualize a successful speech. Picture yourself wowing the audience with your charisma, poise and wit. It will help to ease your nerves.

7.Do not apologize. If you stumble on your words, appear nervous or mix up a part of your speech, don't say anything about it. The audience will probably not notice, unless you bring it up.

8.The audience is your friend. It's easy to think of the audience as the big, bad wolf. But in reality, they want your speech to be a success.

9.Figure out your take-home message. What is it that you want the audience to leave with? How would you want them to sum up your speech if they were to describe it to someone else? This is your take-home message. Use it to build your entire speech.

10.Start with a bang. The first few minutes of your speech will set the tone for your entire presentation, so use them to your advantage. Try a joke, a shocking statistic, an inspiring quote or a news headline that will get the audience's attention and peak their curiosity.

11.Get personal. When appropriate, share your personal stories, experiences and thoughts. This keeps your speech unique while sharing your motivations and enthusiasm with the audience. Also, speak to the audience as you would a friend. It's generally not appropriate to keep things overly formal or technical.

DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE AND LIVE MORE FREELY

David and I have been doing our season de-cluttering as we always do in spring and fall. This article has been reprinted by permission of The Aquarian the paper that publishes my column Perspectives on Healthy Living.

You will never know what is enough…

Unless you know what is more than enough.

--William Blake

Changing appropriate time to lighten things up with an article on de-cluttering. Clutter shows up in many forms, mental, emotional and physical. The teachings within Fung Shui and Ancient Native American cultures suggest that all forms of life and the elements are transient, swirling patterns of energy.

Life force (Chi) flows internally through each of us and externally throughout our surroundings. Depending on how the energy moves, these two energetic patterns can support harmony or disharmony, health or disease. Once a person begins to assess the constricting energy aspects of clutter they are often more motivated to create order inwardly and outwardly.

With a clear intent to harmonize and clarify the energy within inner/outer landscapes the space moves into higher resonances. This often leads to a reduction in stress and an overall improvement in health and well-being.

For those who are used to living within their clutter the idea of letting it go can feel daunting and overwhelming. In the courses our company presents on reducing clutter the first suggestion is to assess what the outer clutter represents.

Hoarding often comes from patterns of conditioned thinking, fear and poverty consciousness. The most common reason for not letting things is a belief it might be needed again. Others feel comforted by their clutter. For some, there is an attachment to objects because they belonged to someone who has moved on in whatever form that may be. The reason why “things” are packed away rather than being used or enjoyed is something to consider. While working with clients the guideline we use is summarized in a quote by Jimmy Conners... “Use it or lose it.”

Any item or belonging that is not adding positive, uplifting energy when it is looked at or utilized is probably adding to denser energy within the space. One of the best ways to begin to let things go is to accept that holding on to rather than releasing leaves little room for the Universe to provide more. After all when there is so much “packed” energy with congested lifestyle…where is the opportunity or opening for something fresh and new to flow into it?

The intention to simplify one’s space fits into the recycle and reuse idea and just one of the many reasons I feel so passionate about thrift store shopping. Many of our clients feel better about letting their gently used items go when they know they are unconditionally giving them away to someone who may need it.

Mental/emotional clutter often shows up in a “busy-ness” syndrome. People cram their lives with so many projects, events, commitments that there is little time or energy left to keep their space in “divine order.” All time management begins with self-management and the world will not come to an end if a decision is made to create an absolute priority list and say “no.”

Simplifying one’s life requires a multi-tiered process that involves some thoughtful soul searching about who and what really matters.

GUIDELINES FOR DE-CLUTTERING:

The key to getting organized is to focus. Initially the tendency might be to flit from one area to another, but completing one before moving on is far more effective. It is easier to get started on what may seem like a monumental task if the process is broken down into smaller projects.

Draw a planning sheet with two columns and mark one “Weekend” and the other “Project.” Place it in a prominent area (fridge, bulletin board or mirror.) That way your goals will be in full view. Here is a suggested six week plan of action:

Weekend 1: Closets & Drawers

Clean and organize all closets throughout the house/apartment. Clients we work with are asked a few basic questions to assist them in reframing things. If the item does not make them happy and they are not using or wearing it…why not give it to someone who will? Having “fat/thin” wardrobes often leads to unwanted clutter, regrets and low self esteem. If clothes do not fit for ANY reason…we suggest lovingly giving it to a favorite charity with no regrets. Newer clothes can be purchased when the body size changes.

Once again thrift stores have great clothing and very reasonable prices. Same principle applies for shoes that are uncomfortable, worn or out of style. Weed out all items that have not been worn in a year or longer. Apply the same principle to outdoor gear, mitts, scarves and gloves without mates. Items that have sentimental value can be appropriately stored towards the back of the closet. Tattered sheets, table cloths and towels can be turned into “rag bags” for cleaning. Extra towels, blankets and sheets can also be given away or donated to thrift stores.

Weekend 2: Paper

Gather, organize, toss or recycle accumulated paper throughout the house, garage and work areas. Go through warranties and expired polices, outdated catalogs, coupons, and old bank statements unsolicited mail and either shred, burn or toss them. Throw away used grocery lists, receipts, old film and batteries and all the “stuff” that is of no real use. Decide to go through those “piles of paper” and choose what you need to keep and file them…then toss the rest. While doing that pull records and receipts for tax purposes and put them in a storage box marked “current year.” That puts you ahead of the game for filing taxes.

Weekend 3: Reading

It can be hard to consider recycling piles of magazines and beginning again. Removing all but the current issues of favorite new smagazines is an option…the rest really is old news. The approach we suggest in our seminars is to take a magazine, scan the table of content and pick a maximum of three articles. Tear them out and put them in a file folder…if there really is intent to make time to read them. Otherwise pass them on. To avoid falling back into the same pattern we suggest subscribing to a clipping service or downloading articles to your PC from the Internet. If books and magazines are an absolute “need” rather than a “want” taking a speed reading course is another option.

Weekend 4: Correspondence

Check e-mails daily and responding promptly keeps efficiency levels high and reduces a cluttered mailbox. Sort through snail mail daily and recycle what outdated. Create a file for monthly bill payments. An efficient way of remembering all birthday and anniversary dates is create file folders marked with the months of the year and shop for ALL of the cards once a year.

Mark the important date of the person’s event in light pencil where the stamp will be placed and file it. At the beginning of each month review the folder and mail cards and well wishes out. This approach assures that birthdays and anniversaries will not be missed.

Weekend 5: Storage

Clutter’s last stand usually shows up in the basement, garage, attics or shed. The biggest problem comes when items are stacked items atop one another. When a box storage system is created the clutter can be eliminated. Choose boxes that are strong and the same size and shape and create shelving system. Repack items that must be stored in a new box and clearly label the contents on the side. Store them in alphabetical order on each shelf. That way it is easier to retrieve boxes from the bottom of the pile.

Items that quality for storage are holiday material, hand-me-down clothes a child can wear soon, maternity clothing and infrequently used items such as camping or seasonal sports gear. The question of memorabilia can be a challenging one. Our suggestion is one box or trunk per person. Unwanted, unused gifts should not be kept because of the thought behind it. Take a picture, or keep the thought behind and pass unwanted items on. Images and thoughts take up a lot less space.

Weekend 6: Fix-it

This weekend implements the “time management begins with self-management” idea. Gather up and everything that needs to be fixed. Make a list of all the places you need to go or repairmen that will come to you. If it can’t be repaired then throw it away. Use this weekend to do oil changes, catch up on calls and correspondence.

After you have some momentum going, keep going! Weekend 7 could be cabinets, 8, photographs, 10 making an “absolute yes” list for commitments, social engagements and community event, Weekend 10 could be a “breathing space” respite where you kick back and enjoy the sense of accomplishment and freed up energy.

Once you get clutter under control be sure to keep on top of it so it doesn’t creep back in. Developing habit patterns or order and simplified living makes it easier to making a home for everything and keeping everything in its place. With specific goals and designated time for completion it becomes easier to plan for successful outcomes in manageable increments. Anytime is the perfect time to reduce clutter so there will be more time and energy freed up for other activities. Enjoy!

BUTTERFLY VIDEO SHARING THE MYSTERIES OF TRANSFORMATION