healthyliving
Issue 10 | Spring 2011
Lifestyle Medicine the 'future' doctor
A Taste of Spring nutritious Mediterranean feast
What's the Evidence? what forces affect medicine and your choices?
The Gawler Foundation magazine ŠVera Photo
An integrated approach to health
healing and wellbeing
HAWTHORN Happenings 'We celebrated the first anniversary of the Hawthorn Centre in June. We are delighted with how we have been welcomed to Hawthorn and have been able to touch the lives of many people – old friends and new – from this wonderful location. We look forward to extending the services, workshops and resources we can offer to you in the future.' Bronwyn (Centre Manager), Bernadette (volunteer) and Karin (CEO).
Revitalise your meditation commitment with a lunchtime meditation session There is no doubt that computers and the internet have brought a wealth of information and possibility to our lives. Most of us spend time at a computer every day, and technology has become something that not only sits on a desk but is carried in a pocket or handbag everywhere we go. But is there a 'cost' to the easy access to computers we now take for granted? Is it possible that computers make us 'stupid'? Author Nicolas Carr thinks so. In his book The Shallows: How the internet is changing the way we think, read and remember he considers how diminished his own capacity for concentration and contemplation was becoming as he spent increasing amounts of time at his computer. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the internet, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers. So if information technologies can affect our thought processes and shape our
habits of mind in a negative way, what can meditation do to positively influence those same processes? The answer is: plenty! The internet, with its tendencies to encourage shallow thought, reduced comprehension, memory loss and perpetual divided attention has a powerful antidote in meditation, which inspires clarified thought, contemplation, focus and creativity. A regular meditation practice is a great way to balance out computer time and ensure all the right neural pathways are firing. We offer two lunchtime sessions of Mindfulness meditation every week at our Hawthorn Centre (details below). We'd love to see you stand up from the computer and sit down to join us! Seneca, a Roman philosopher, over 2000 years ago said, 'To be everywhere is to be nowhere'. Where are you now? Adapted from The Age, 10 September 2010
Lunchtime meditation sessions - all welcome Too busy to meditate, lost momentum with your practice or just feeling the need to connect with other like-minded souls? Our lunchtime meditation sessions at Hawthorn are wonderful opportunities to experience the benefits of meditation so you can face the afternoon with calm vitality. Come and join us – these sessions are offered every week on a drop-in basis for the cost of $8 per session. • Tuesdays from 1.30 – 2.30pm • Thursdays from 12.00 – 1.00pm
2 healthyliving
- The Gawler Foundation magazine
From the CEO Hello everyone! Welcome to the spring edition of Healthy Living. I don’t think anyone can escape the feeling that we are on something of a roller-coaster – so much change happening in the world, particularly with the economy. It is difficult not to get sucked into the vortex of uncertainty. Some things, however, we can be sure of – the cycle of seasons in nature and our own capacity to actively manage our response to what is going on around us. Those of you who have come to the Foundation and participated in our programs know that we have many choices available to us, even in uncertain times. So, as we start to see the sun shine through the clouds a little more brightly as spring arrives, make sure that you take some time out, to sit quietly amid the turmoil, consider your choices and be an active participant in making decisions that affect you. A big congratulations to John Bettens who in early August completed a 2500 kilometre fundraising walk for us from Rome to Santiago. What an achievement! We recently finalised our Tax Appeal and are very grateful for the support of our donors. This year, perhaps understanding the difficult economic situation organisations find themselves in, you supported us through your donations extremely generously. As I often say, we invite everyone to participate in supporting the Foundation but we completely understand when not everyone can, every time. Thank you to those who supported the Tax Appeal, and thank you to those who couldn’t this time, but may next time. There is change afoot at the Foundation too. We recently finalised our strategic plan and we have considered how we can become an organisation of the future. We know that our strengths are in the quality and style of services we offer, our team and our history. Where we need to build some capacity is in our ability to market ourselves effectively and to be able to articulate clearly who we are and what we stand for. It’s been an exciting journey over the past eight months as we have considered these things. In the next issue, I will provide a brief overview of where we are headed in the future and our short-term and long-term plans to secure that future so that we can continue to be of service to the community. I hope you enjoy our magazine this season. Please do let us know if there is something that you would like to read about that we haven’t already covered, or indeed, if you have something that you would like to contribute. Until next time, be well.
Karin Knoester is The Gawler Foundation’s Chief Executive. She can be contacted by email: karin@gawler.org
The Gawler Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation committed to an integrated approach to health, healing and wellbeing that includes the body, emotions, mind and spirit. Our mission is to work within an integrative medical framework to provide access to the best possible instruction and support for the implementation of self-help techniques for people experiencing cancer, Multiple Sclerosis or other serious illness.
Directors of the Board Shelley Oldham, President Janne Palthe, Vice President Ray Cummings, Treasurer Professor Avni Sali Irene Goonan Karin Knoester, CEO and Secretary The Gawler Foundation Yarra Valley Living Centre Hawthorn Centre 55 Rayner Court 565 Burwood Rd Yarra Junction 3797 Hawthorn 3122 PO Box 77 Yarra Junction VIC 3797 Phone 03 5967 1730 Fax 03 5967 1715 Email info@gawler.org Web www.gawler.org
Editorial Writer, Editor and Designer: Lindy Schneider media@gawler.org
Editorial Committee: Karin Knoester, CEO Siegfried Gutbrod, Therapeutic Director Paul Bedson, Therapist Greg Rumbold, Research Officer Proofreader: Students from GippsTAFE ISSN 1839-3640
Membership and Subscriptions Contact: Sue Skinner sue@gawler.org © The Gawler Foundation 2011
ABN 79 160 595 251
The contents of this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Gawler Foundation and should not be construed as medical advice. The Gawler Foundation accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions, advice, representations or information contained in this publication. The Gawler Foundation encourages readers to be discerning with information presented and when making treatment, dietary and lifestyle choices. Printed on 100% post consumer waste recycled paper using vegetable oil-based inks.
Lifestyle Medicine ‘The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.’ Thomas Edison (1847–1931) by Paul Bedson Traditionally it is said that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Now, in the medical field, we believe that as the patient is ready, the ‘doctor of the future’ must appear. When the time has come for a new idea, it cannot be suppressed or resisted indefinitely. The truth will prevail. The time has come for a new understanding and treatment of many chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer that have plagued developed countries. The ‘new idea’ is Lifestyle Medicine (LM). The focus of this ‘new idea’, Lifestyle Medicine, is to inform and motivate patients to make needed lifestyle changes that will reduce their dependence on the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry. ‘The doctor of the future’, as Thomas Edison predicted, will work as a partner with their patients in caring for themselves – body, mind and spirit. Lifestyle medical interventions will help the patient feel empowered in the outcome of their disease management. Research is showing us that most chronic illnesses in our society are lifestyle related and, therefore, preventable and modifiable through self care. In fact, around 60–70 percent of all primary health care visits in developed countries are for lifestyle-based illnesses.(1) Lifestyle Medicine is a new approach to patient care that uses evidence-based primary prevention measures to treat lifestyle-related diseases. Primary prevention involves behaviour changes such as a healthy diet, rest, relaxation and meditation, time to exercise, maintaining supportive relationships and nourishing the spirit. The empowering ‘new idea’ is that lifestyle changes that prevent a disease also make excellent complementary therapies for actually treating the disease. Lifestyle Medicine is becoming our best ally to facilitate disease prevention and for the reversal and rehabilitation of chronic illness. Pharmaco-medical treatments for chronic, lifestyle-related illnesses, while playing an important role, should no longer be accepted as a complete solution to the problem. Lifestyle
4
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
Medicine differs from conventional medicine in that it is aimed at modifying the behavioural and lifestyle bases of disease, rather than simply treating the disease. As such, it requires the 'patient' to be an active partner in the process, rather than a passive recipient of medical care.(2) This is both the challenge and the potential of the shift towards Lifestyle Medicine; the patient moves from the role of the consumer who purchases medical goods and services to become the informed and engaged creator of their healing outcomes. For three decades now, The Gawler Foundation has been supporting its clients in making this significant shift in mindset from being the ‘victim’ of an illness to being the ‘creator’ (or co-creator) of their prognosis. The real challenge is maintaining that creative mindset in the face of possible setbacks and resistance. The growing interest in Lifestyle Medicine in our local community and worldwide is supporting The Gawler Foundation’s commitment to facilitate this shift of mindset. The Gawler Foundation’s mission statement is simply: ‘To inspire people to know that healing is possible and achievable’. Lifestyle Medicine is possible and achievable but it is not always easy to shift old habits of mind and body. Motivation is the key challenge of lifestyle medicine. Lifestyle changes should be significant enough to have an impact on the illness, yet realistic enough to be achievable. We have found the importance of three factors for motivation: comprehensive information, profound inspiration and sustained support. While conventional medicine often offers short-term treatments, Lifestyle Medicine interventions are more long-term. We are constantly refining our programs to improve our ability to inform, inspire and motivate our clients with the best that Lifestyle Medicine has to offer. Lifestyle Medicine is a more comprehensive approach to the management of chronic illness. It differs from conventional clinical practice primarily due to a broader understanding of the causes of chronic illness. Lifestyle Medicine recognises the multi-factorial nature of many
and the doctor of the future Differences between Conventional and Lifestyle Medicine approaches (3) Conventional Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine
• Patient is often a passive consumer of care
• Patient is an active partner in care
• Requires little or no behavioural change
• Requires sustained personal commitment
• Treatment is often short term
• Intervention mostly long term
• Treatment in the form of external intervention
• Internal intervention: personal change, change in attitude/mindset/behaviour
• Works from the outside→in
• Works from the inside→out
• Treats ‘branches’ of the illness
• Treats ‘roots’ of the illness
• Responsibility falls mostly on the clinician
• Responsibility falls mostly on the patient
• Medication is often the end treatment’
• Medication used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes
• Emphasis is on treatment of observable symptoms
• Explores underlying causes of illness, multi-factorial approach to causes and treatment
• Emphasis on diagnosis and treatment
• Emphasis on information, inspiration and motivation
• Side effects are balanced against benefits
• Side effects mostly positive outcomes
chronic illnesses and then prescribes interventions Australia or New Zealand through associations to shift the ‘roots of the illness', not just treat such as AIMA (Australasian Integrative Medicine the symptoms or the ‘branches of the illness’. Association www.aima.net.au) or ACNEM Understanding the underlying (Australian College of causes of an illness can Nutritional and Environmental 'The empowering "new idea" be a strong motivator Medicine www.acnem.org). is that lifestyle changes that for lifestyle changes. Of course, The Gawler prevent a disease also make Just as lifestyle illnesses Foundation offers a team of excellent complementary are multi-factorial, Lifestyle medical and non-medical therapies for actually Medicine is often a multipractitioners, teachers, treating the disease.' disciplinarian practice. It is counsellors and facilitators best supported by a team who are professionally and of practitioners. Some personally committed to the practitioners may offer non-medical specialities Lifestyle Medicine approach. The ‘doctor of the such as counselling, meditation instruction, fitness future’ has many faces, many hands, and many instruction, dietary advice, spiritual support and fingers on the pulse of real life…and a breadth personal growth guidance. The availability of and depth of training and personal experience. non-medical specialities reduces the involvement required of general practitioners (GPs) and medical specialists who often lack the time, the training and the experience in Lifestyle Medicine.
Paul
A lifestyle medical team may involve practitioners of complementary medicine and also support groups to inform, inspire and motivate. An open-minded general practitioner familiar with the Lifestyle Medicine approach might act as a co-ordinator of the team. We often recommend that our clients may find open-minded GPs in
REFERENCES
Paul Bedson is a therapist at The Gawler Foundation where he facilitates key Foundation programs.
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic diseases and associated risk factors in Australia. Canberra: AIHW, 2006 2. Egger G, Binns A, Rossner S. Lifestyle Medicine. Sydney: McGrawHill Australia, 2008 NB: This article was inspired by this book. 3. ibid. healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 5
Roadtesting
Happiness
Conference presenter 2011
by Sophie Scott
E
ach year, there are more and more books on the topic of happiness. Not only how to get it, but how to keep it as well. There are books like The Science of Happiness, The How of Happiness and Be Happy, just to name a few. As the medical reporter for ABC Television, I’ve read most of them! So when I wanted to write another health book, I really thought long and hard about whether the world needed another happiness book and what my book could say that hadn’t already been said before. Happiness was on my mind, because I had suffered a personal and family crisis. My mother, my only parent, had died quite suddenly from cancer and I was finding it really tough to move through the stages of grief. It got me thinking about the advice that happiness experts give out. We’re constantly told that happiness should be our goal, but how can you actually achieve it? Does the advice of the experts actually work? I wanted to find out if you can be happy when things in your life are not going according to plan. Let’s face it, for most
6 healthyliving
- The Gawler Foundation magazine
of us, life is like a rollercoaster of ups and downs, some slight and some really big. Just when you think everything is okay, off you go again. So I wanted to investigate whether the advice of the happiness experts would work if life wasn’t going the way you hoped. I interviewed some of the world’s experts, from Buddhist monk Mathieu Ricard (the world’s happiest man) to Timothy Sharp (aka Dr Happy) from the Happiness Institute, to explore the science of happiness. Then I set about trying out their advice – road testing their ideas, if you like. I knew that the source of my unhappiness and my journey to happiness would start with my thoughts. So I investigated cognitive behaviour therapy. Everything starts in the mind and how we think about the events and people around us. Cognitive behaviour therapy involves challenging your thoughts and not just accepting them. It means challenging ‘all or nothing’ thinking and black-and-white statements, which often aren’t true. I started to think about how
I was reacting to the world around me, and I focused on thinking about my reactions, rather than just reacting! It definitely helped me to focus on the positive things in my life.
and body with good food and exercise. Regular exercise such as walking or weight training is one of the best things you can do to clear the cobwebs from your mind and find a place for happiness.
I spent a year researching happiness which I write about in Roadtesting Happiness. I tell my own journey and the stories of many others. But for now, I want to give you my top tips for happiness, so that you can bring more joy to your own life.
• Make happiness a priority.
• Count your blessings. Much has
been written about the importance of gratitude. But it’s something that most of us ignore. We take the people we love for granted and it’s only when something goes wrong that we realise how much they mean to us. Hug your children and kiss your partner each day.
• Nurture your relationships.
Happiness is contagious, just like the common cold. Invest time and energy in the people around you who bring joy to your life. Enjoy the love and affection of people who care about you.
• Use your strengths to find your passion. Finding something you love doing
Invest in your emotional wellbeing and commit to getting the life that you want. My goal in writing this book is to help people be happier and stay that way. I’ve compiled the tools and the short cuts so that you can ‘road test’ your way to happiness too. It will help you develop strategies for coping when things get tough.
Through my research, I tried meditation, gratitude, exercise, eating healthy foods and exercise. Happiness is personal and not a onesize-fits-all prescription. Roadtesting happiness will give you the road map to happiness so you can see what will work for you. It helped me, and I hope it will help you too. Sophie will present at our Annual Conference in November. See our website for more details. >Read more about Sophie Scott on page 11.
will increase the fulfilment in your life.
• Avoid over-thinking and comparing yourself to others around you.
• Don’t be afraid to volunteer. The
happiest people in the world are also the most giving. Give your time and love to help those less fortunate and you will benefit as well.
• Eat well to feel well. Nurture your mind As ABC's medical reporter, Sophie's stories appear on Lateline, Stateline, the ABC's 7.00 pm News and The 7.30 Report. She has received many awards including the Australian Museum's Eureka Award for medical reporting, Research Australia's Thank You Day Award for raising awareness of medical research and several reporting awards from the Cancer Council. Sophie is the author of Live a Longer Life and Roadtesting Happiness, available in our Resource Centre.
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 7
What's the Evidence?
What forces affect medicine and your choices? by Dr Ruth Gawler, Dr Greg Rumbold and Lindy Schneider Over the many years we have run our programs, we have been fortunate to observe many thousands of people who have put health strategies promoting nutrition and meditation into practice. The lived experience of these people is one of our most important sources of information. It provides us with unique insight into the inherent capabilities of the individual to achieve healing and improve wellbeing through spiritual, mental and psychological processes, good nutrition, exercise and effective support.
Research Evidence Summary
The research conducted in this field confirms the effectiveness of this approach. In the 1970s, there were very few researchers working in the area of nutrition, meditation, psychological, emotional, and social support for people living with cancer. Dr Ian Gawler and other leaders in this field were at the forefront of what is now an emerging and impressive evidence base, across a range of disciplines, that show lifestyle-based approaches are safe and effective in preventing disease and also improving the health and wellbeing of people with a range of serious and chronic illnesses. This emerging evidence is contributing to what might best be described as a quiet revolution in health, with lifestyle-based approaches being increasingly recognised as important for healing and wellbeing. It can be somewhat surprising and confronting then to find that some health professionals are dismissive when diet, meditation or the other approaches that we teach are raised by patients. Unfortunately comments from doctors such as, ‘It doesn't matter what you eat’ or ‘You can try whatever you like but it won’t make any difference’ are not uncommon. In this article we examine some of the issues that can help us understand this negativity. (Our focus is on doctors, although the issues that we discuss are also relevant to other health professionals.) The reasons are complex and include issues relating to training, specialisation, and the impact of business and marketing on the practice of medicine and research.
Minimal medical training in nutrition and meditation Most doctors have little training in lifestyle-based approaches to healing and wellbeing. Dr Craig Hassed (Australia) and Jon Kabatt-Zin (USA) are making a difference to medical undergraduate courses by introducing Mindfulness meditation to coursework but sadly nutrition lags behind. Many
8 healthyliving
- The Gawler Foundation magazine
people are unaware that nutrition is not part of the undergraduate curriculum of a Bachelor of Medicine or a Bachelor of Surgery. Post-graduate nutrition is also not a requirement to practise medicine, to be registered on the Medical Board or for Medical Indemnity insurance. The doctors who have developed a knowledge base in this area have completed independent post-graduate training or reading. (This is not the same as Veterinary Science where Animal Nutrition is an extensive core subject.) So, we should be aware that when asking a doctor about a specialist area such as food or nutrition they may not necessarily be very well placed to provide an informed answer.
Specialisation and information overload Over 100,000 research papers are published each year in the cancer field. There would be very few, if any, specialists, clinicians or researchers working within this field who have the time or capacity to stay up to date with such a vast body of research. There is a trend towards the increasing specialisation of both the knowledge and skills of doctors and researchers, including the methods applied in a particular field of study. For many doctors, the benefits of meditation, nutrition and other complementary fields may simply fall outside their area of reading. We may
'People are generally ignorant about the economic forces that are determining much of the direction modern medicine is taking, and the profits in the pharmaceutical industries are mind-boggling, as are the methods used in marketing their chemicals. This is not conspiracy theory, this is big business fact. They spend an unusually high percentage of their profits on marketing, and have penetrated most levels of medical education through hiring medical ‘consultants’ in academic positions of respect, such as professors and experts, who they assist by helping them make research publications necessary for their academic advancement and tenure. Many of these research projects are both performed and written up by pharmaceutical companies, saving the consultants time and resources. In turn, the consultants promote the products studied, and withhold a critical eye on the methodology used and the conclusions drawn.' Dr Ruth Gawler
be asking too much of our doctors to keep up with the immense research data that is now available. In this context we should be aware that a comment such as ‘There is no evidence to support that approach’ may well reflect a lack of familiarity with the evidence rather than an informed assessment.
The impact of marketing-based medicine Significant resources (lots of money!) are required to conduct independent research studies and to translate evidence into clinical practice. The people who expend the energy and resources on research need to see the benefits for their outlay. In the case of private enterprise, the research activities are directed towards improving the profitability of the business. In order to develop, market and sell a new product such as a drug, a company requires clinical research evidence as proof of the safety and efficacy of the product. In this context empirical research is all-important and in particular the ‘Gold Standard’ – expensive, blinded, randomised control trials – is elevated above any other types of evidence including the direct real life experience and knowledge of clinicians and health consumers. In reality much of what is actually practised in medicine is not based on expensive controlled trials but is based on the accumulated practical clinical knowledge and experience of doctors - for example, surgery for primary bowel cancer is based on clinical common sense and experience, not research. Unfortunately in recent years the integrity of the research process has been threatened and in many cases undermined by the practices of some companies to misrepresent or manipulate the results of clinical studies. Common ‘marketing’ practices that have been identified include the suppression of unfavourable data, the misrepresentation of data and the circulation of misleading research articles written by marketing departments but published under the byline of academic researchers. These practices have made it increasingly difficult for researchers and clinicians to differentiate between a valuable independent unbiased research paper and what is effectively an elaborate ghost-written advertisement for a product. Many health commentators have highlighted these unethical practices, in particular, the serious safety issues that may result in considerable harm to health consumers. Such unethical practices also have the potential to corrupt the basic trust and sacred agreement that exists between doctor and patient.
The sacred relationship The doctor–patient relationship is a sacred one. We entrust doctors with our bodies and our private thoughts – we often need to think of them as special and having great powers because this helps them help us. But we need to keep in mind that health professionals are human beings and try not to project our ideals onto them in ways that blind us to their failings and limitations. This is also true for our views on medicine. Economics
and politics affect medicine just like any other industry. There are strong forces that interfere in medicine and medical education that may affect the sacred relationship and breach important trust. The focus on evidence-based practice in health is a positive development; however, as we have discussed in this article there are still a number of barriers that make it difficult to have an open and informed discussion about 'the evidence'. As a ‘health consumer’ we are entitled to full information that is up-to-date and unbiased. For the reasons discussed in this article we cannot always rely on this from doctors or other health professionals. Many of our program participants are proactive and gather the information in order to draw their own conclusions. If we take time to understand the nature of evidence in its many forms, and the range of skills and experience that we require of our health professionals, we are better placed to find suitable doctors with the expertise we need. We can confidently ask for second opinions and seek recommendations that can truly support our healing journey. We are developing a new resource on our website that will fully document our evidence base: The Gawler Foundation Research website can be accessed at www.gawler.org
Ruth MB BS MGP Psych FACPsyMed Dr Ruth Gawler is a GP with a specialist interest in Mind-body Medicine. She is a program facilitator, GP and therapist at The Gawler Foundation. References: Moffatt B, Elliott C. Ghost marketing: pharmaceutical companies and ghostwritten journal articles. Perspectives Biol Medicine 2007; 50: 18-31 Sackett, D. L., Strays, S. E., Richardson, W. S., Rosenberg, W., & Haynes, R. B. (2000). Evidencebased medicine: How to practice and teach EPB (2nd ed.). New York: Churchill Livingstone
Our Evidence-based Approach There are three types of evidence that inform the approach of The Gawler Foundation: 1. Program participant lived experience 2. Knowledge and experience of our therapists 3. Findings of empirical research studies We review and respond to all three types of evidence in a holistic way. Over time we have built a knowledge base that brings together this emerging research evidence, lived experience and the expertise of leading health practitioners and thinkers in this field.
Greg
Dr Greg Rumbold is the Research Officer at The Gawler Foundation. He has worked in health research for over 20 years in areas including public health, alcohol and drug research and evidence-based medicine and is supported by Christine Gruettke.
healthyliving healthyliving - The- The Gawler Gawler Foundation Foundation magazine magazine 5 9
Introducing...
Rabbi Dovid Tsop
Topic: The meaning of life – Defining the concept we call 'life'
What has been a 'breakthrough' moment for you personally, or within your work, when it comes to health? Intellectually, it was the realisation that people should focus more on living to their fullest potential rather than avoiding illness. The former encompasses the latter, but not vice versa. Experientially, it was palpably sensing healing taking place during my relaxation meditation sessions; the advantage of passivity over activity is reflected in the saying, ‘If you cannot get out, allow G-d in!’ What is the best thing someone can do today, to improve health and wellbeing? Forever strive to develop wisdom, devote much time to noble causes and respect the sacredness of all things. These three qualities – wisdom, kindness, respect – are not only life-giving qualities but expressions of true life itself. What does it mean to you to be part of the Conference? To be part of a community that seeks to enhance people's wellbeing is, I believe, itself an expression of wellbeing. What do you plan to bring to participants at the Conference? I aim to enlighten participants with enchanting – yet practical – Kabbalah teachings concerning the nature of life. What makes you feel vibrant and alive?
Without a doubt it’s when I’m doing my best to bring goodness to every circumstance in which G-d places me, and to every person with whom I’m brought into contact. Only then do I feel that my raison d’être flows through me.
Janella Purcell
Topic: Food as medicine
What type of cuisine do you find to be the healthiest? Japanese food is wonderful as it contains limited refined wheat, dairy and sugar, and it includes seaweed, oily fish, shiitake mushrooms and umeboshi (pickled plum) products. Any diet that encourages limited animal fat and processed grains is going to be good for you. What is one thing people can do today to immediately improve their health? Stop eating white things: white bread, sugar, rice, noodles, milk and cheese. Do you have a secret food indulgence? No. I eat what I like. It happens that what I like is good for me. I don’t crave or desire processed food. It makes me feel sick, so it’s just not worth it.
Conference 2011
How do you get a boost of energy if you need one? Quick fixes aren’t really my thing. If I am feeling tired I look at why. Do I need more sleep, less stress, more or less exercise or to improve my digestion by chewing more? If I am really tired and need not to be, I will have an adrenal herb such as ginseng that’ll go to work immediately. What makes you feel vibrant and alive? Love. Open and safe communication. Feeling understood. Being by the ocean. Cooking. Eating. Enough sleep. Doing what I love. Spending time with those who know and love themselves. What are you looking forward to most about being involved in the Conference? 'Food as medicine' has been a lifelong passion of mine. Consequently I have learnt a lot over the years about nutrition, different diets and ingredients. I get so much satisfaction out of sharing my knowledge. There’s so much conflicting information out there regarding nutrition it can be confusing. I see it as my responsibility to simplify it and share it. I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded people and sharing stories and recipes and, of course, talking about food, food, food.
10 healthyliving
- The Gawler Foundation magazine
The Gawler Foundation Conference Presenters 2011
Sophie Scott
Topic: How to live longer and happier
Do you have a 'breakthrough' health moment you can share? I think the biggest breakthrough has been that small changes can make a big difference to your health, whether it’s meditating for ten minutes a day or choosing wholegrain bread over white bread. The small decisions can add up to big changes to your health and wellbeing. What has an integrated perspective brought to your practice? I cover health and medical issues for ABC. I know that most Australians take complementary medicines, whether it’s vitamins or supplements. I keep an eye out for trials of complementary medicines to bring the latest evidence to our viewers. What is the best thing someone can do today, to improve health and wellbeing? Be grateful for what you have. Practising gratitude is one of the best pathways to happiness. What does it mean to you to be part of the Conference? I am really honoured to take part and look forward to hearing the other speakers and talking to participants. What do you plan to bring to participants at the Conference? My perspective on how I cover health and wellbeing issues for ABC. I aim to bring the latest health news in a measured, unbiased way. What makes you feel vibrant and alive? Being with family and friends and my children makes me feel alive. Eating good food and getting exercise boosts my sense of life and vitality.
Hear also from
Leading thinkers in integrative and lifestyle-based medicine, health care and wellness:
Dr Craig Hassed Prof Marc Cohen Dr Ian Gawler Dr Vicki Kotsirilos Prof George Jelinek Phillipa Challis Scott Kinnear Dr Louise Mahler Siegfried Gutbrod Prof Avni Sali Gerald Quigley Scott Stephens Paul Bedson Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick Michael Johnson
at our Profound Healing Sustainable Wellbeing Annual Conference Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 November 2011 For bookings call 03 5967 1730 or visit
www.gawler.org
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 11
2011–12 Gawler Foundation Programs
Residential Programs – Yarra Junction
Residential Programs for Cancer, Residential Programs Promoting Multiple Sclerosis and other Illnesses Health and Wellbeing ► Life and Living
► Set Your Compass
A ten day transformative program to meet and help overcome the challenges of cancer.
Weekend retreat facilitated by Siegfried Gutbrod which guides purposeful life planning for a year ahead.
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre
• Monday 19 Sept – Thursday 29 Sept 2011
• Friday 20 Jan – Sunday 22 Jan 2012 • Friday 3 Aug - Sunday 5 Aug 2012
• Monday 17 Oct - Thursday 27 Oct 2011 • Monday 5 Dec - Thursday 15 Dec 2011
► Weekend Meditation Retreat
• Monday 30 Jan - Thursday 9 Feb 2012
Weekend retreat to de-stress, relax and recharge your batteries. An excellent interlude in busy life.
• Monday 27 Feb - Thursday 8 Mar 2012 • Monday 7 May - Thursday 17 May 2012
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Friday 27 Jan – Sunday 29 Jan 2012
• Monday 4 Jun - Thursday 14 Jun 2012
• Friday 15 Jun – Sunday 17 Jun 2012
• Tuesday 10 Apr - Friday 20 Apr 2012
• Monday 2 Jul - Thursday 12 Jul 2012 • Monday 17 Sept - Thursday 27 Sept 2012 • Monday 8 Oct - Thursday 18 Oct 2012 • Monday 5 Nov - Thursday 15 Nov 2012 • Monday 3 Dec - Thursday 13 Dec 2012
► Life and Living - The Next Step*
• Friday 28 Sept – Sunday 30 Sept 2012
► Living in Balance Five day retreat to connect with the essence of life, inner wisdom and strength. Develop healthy strategies and let go of old habits. Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Monday 7 Nov - Friday 11 Nov 2011
Five day follow-up program for people who have completed 'Life and Living' or 'Living Well'.
• Monday 19 Mar - Friday 23 Mar 2012
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Monday 3 Oct - Friday 7 Oct 2011
► Moving to Your Rhythm Womens Retreat
• Monday 21 May - Friday 25 May 2012 • Monday 10 Sept - Friday 14 Sept 2012
Weekend retreat to nurture and invigorate your womanhood. A break to recharge, connect and rest.
► Healing Meditation Retreat
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre
Three day retreat that facilitates the healing process for people dealing with an illness.
• Friday 27 Apr - Sunday 29 Apr 2012
(*Formerly known as Health, Healing and Beyond)
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Wednesday 2 Nov - Friday 4 Nov 2011 • Wednesday 15 Feb - Friday 17 Feb 2012 • Wednesday 30 May - Friday 1 June 2012 • Wednesday 21 Nov - Friday 23 Nov 2012
► Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Five day practical and inspirational program facilitated by Professor George Jelinek. Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Monday 10 Oct - Friday 14 Oct 2011 • Monday 12 Mar - Friday 16 Mar 2012 • Monday 20 Aug - Friday 24 Aug 2012
12
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
• Monday 25 Jun - Friday 29 Jun 2012
• Friday 28 Oct - Sunday 30 Oct 2011 • Friday 19 Oct - Sunday 21 Oct 2012
► Mindful Movement and Stillness Weekend retreat to explore moving between these states in daily life. Develop a balanced mindful routine. Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • 2012 TBA
► Pathways to Intimacy Weekend retreat for couples and individuals to invite more intimacy in life and enhance all relationships. Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Friday 5 Oct - Sunday 7 Oct 2012
2011–12 Gawler Foundation Programs Non-Residential - Hawthorn, Springvale, Footscray
► The Essence of Health Three day retreat to explore the seven essential pillars of good health. Facilitated by Dr Craig Hassed. Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Friday 9 Sept – Sunday 11 Sept 2011
Ongoing Meditation and Cancer Support Groups ► Living Well - Cancer, Healing and Wellbeing
Twelve weekly sessions to meet and help overcome the challenges of cancer. Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn • Tuesday 23 Aug – Tuesday 15 Nov 2011
Venue: The Bluestone Church, Footscray • Monday 22 Aug – Monday 7 Nov 2011
► Integration Program Eight week program for those who have completed 'Life and Living' or 'Living Well'. Develop, deepen and share healing methods and experiences through an interactive support group program. Programs run from 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation ► Six Week Non-Residential Program
The six week meditation course is an excellent opportunity to learn or deepen your meditation and relaxation skills. Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn • Monday 29 Aug - Monday 3 Oct (12.30pm - 2.00pm) • Monday 3 Oct - Monday 14 Nov (6.00pm - 7.30pm) • Monday 17 Oct - Monday 28 Nov (12.30pm - 2.00pm)
► Mind Body Spirit Seminar Series Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn Topic: TBA • Saturday date in October TBA
►Ian Gawler Workshop Series Venue: The Augustine Centre, Hawthorn Topic: Relaxation, Mindfulness and Meditation • Saturday 17 September (10.00am - 4.00pm)
Venue: The Augustine Centre, Hawthorn Topic: Eating Your Way to Health
Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn
• Sunday 18 Sept (10.00am - 4.00pm)
• Thursday 13 Oct – Thursday 1 Dec
Attend one or both days
► Meditation Group — drop-in
Therapeutic Meditation Training
Weekly Meditation group provides an opportunity to share your experiences with others and maintain your momentum and commitment to regular practice.
A weekend retreat with Ian Gawler and monks from Thich Nhat Hanh's Centre (France). Mindfulness and meditation training for health professionals.
Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre
• Tuesday (weekly) ongoing (1.30pm – 2.30pm)
• Friday 7 – Sunday 9 Oct 2011
• Thursday (weekly) ongoing (12.00pm – 1.00pm)
Venue: Yarra Valley Living Centre • Tuesday (weekly) ongoing (6.45pm - 8.00pm)
► Ongoing Cancer Support Group
Share new ideas and experiences with others and reinforce the principles of self-help, group meditation and mutual support. Programs run from 2.30pm 4.30pm. Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn
Contact and Venue details Bookings: email info@gawler.org or call 03 5967 1730 The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn 565 Burwood Road, Hawthorn Vic Opening Hours: Mon - Fri, 9.00am – 4.30pm
The Bluestone Church
• Tuesday (weekly) ongoing
8A Hyde Street, Footscray Vic
Venue: The Bluestone Church, Footscray
The Yarra Valley Living Centre
• Monday (fortnightly) ongoing
55 Rayner Court, Yarra Junction Vic
Venue: The Gawler Foundation at Hawthorn • Thursday (fortnightly) ongoing - evenings from 6.30pm
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 13
From the stillness of meditation, discover the power within to live your life to its full potential.
inspire, inform, amuse, We are Everyday Heroes
Congratulations to our 2010 Raffle Winners! Book Buyer's prize – The Hotel Como Ms Angela Conaghan North Balwyn VIC 1st Prize – Holiday Mr Franz Haiden Ingleburn NSW 2nd Prize – Holiday to Cook Islands Ms Felicity Renowden Kew East VIC 3rd Prize – Village Roadshow Ms Anne Chipman Woolooware NSW 4th Prize – Five day retreat at Yarra Valley Living Centre Mr Bill Mc Donald Clifton Beach QLD 5th Prize – Hilton Weekend Ms Jane Parsons Wallington VIC 6th Prize – Champion Juicer Ms Diane Richardson Coburg VIC 7th Prize – Gate Uniques Jewellery Cynthia Sauvage Malvern East VIC
Angela's trip to The Hotel Como
Did you know you can fundraise for The Gawler Foundation via Everyday Hero? Simply enter your fundraising event on www.everydayhero.com.au and select The Gawler Foundation as the benefiting charity. Let your supporters know they can make a donation via this secure website. It's simple and easy and everyone wins!
Diane's juicer is a Champion I was delighted to receive the Champion Juicer as a raffle prize. I attended a wonderful week at The Gawler Foundation many years ago on Art and Meditation (run by both Ian and Ruth) and I remember the delicious, nutritious drinks that the Champion Juicer provided. I remember thinking that if ever I became ill with cancer (I do not have cancer but both my parents died relatively young from the disease) I would definitely invest in a juicer as part of my healing process. Now I have one! I am a member of The Gawler Foundation and regularly receive the Healthy Living Magazine which I always read with interest before sending it to a friend. I've been entering the raffle for years and this is the first time I have ever won anything!
Buying raffle tickets is an easy way to contribute to a worthy cause. Winning has never been my motivation to participate, so I was extremely excited when I won the accommodation package at the Como Hotel in South Yarra. Fantastic! For me, this prize was more than an accommodation package. In a strange way it symbolised the many ‘prizes’ I have received through my contact with the Foundation over the years – learning meditation to reduce stress and get back in touch with myself. Little did I know that learning these valuable meditation techniques would assist me in my acceptance of my breast cancer diagnosis, calm me in my state of sometimes terror and enable me to mend over the past few years…this is the real prize. The Como Hotel was a lovely experience – indulgent and special – and my partner and I played tourist for two days and loved every minute. I have been lucky in more ways than one!
14
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
news and views
Join us on Facebook.
Share your story We welcome your contributions to the magazine and would love to hear your feedback and article ideas.
Garden Help
If you have a story about the time you have spent in one of our programs and would like to share it, please send to Lindy at media@gawler.org, or post to Healthy Living Magazine, PO Box 77 Yarra Junction VIC 3797. Poems, letters, images and inspirations are also welcome.
Vo l u n t e e r s N e e d e d Healing Meditation Retreat The next Healing Meditation Retreat will be held on Wednesday 2 November to Friday 4 November 2011. Facilitated by Paul and Maia Bedson, participants will learn how to accelerate their healing journey using a range of simple techniques that give access to inner healing resources. See www.gawler.org for details.
Would you like to learn more about organic and biodynamic gardening and have time to volunteer to work in our beautiful gardens at the Yarra Valley Living Centre? We need people who: • Can give half days or full days, either weekly, fortnightly or monthly • Work with limited supervision • Enjoy gardening tasks including weeding and mulching, cutting and pruning, and planting and propagating • Assist in the vegetable garden with sowing and harvesting
Change your mind: change your brain The Gawler Foundation is pleased to support the 'Mind and Its Potential' conference in Sydney, 7–8 November 2011. How do we learn? How should we teach? How do we overcome adversity and disability? How should we live our lives? Join world leaders in science, education, psychology and the arts in exploring these profound questions at Mind & Its Potential 2011. Be motivated and inspired by an amazing gathering of 40+ speakers! Keynotes include leading authority on creative thinking, Dr Edward de Bono, world renowned neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield, Mind Mapping guru Tony Buzan, acclaimed neuroplasticity researcher Dr Jeffrey M Schwartz and learning and the brain expert Dr Mary Helen Immordino-Yang. For more information www.mindanditspotential.com.au
• Create new garden beds and paths around the garden to make it even more enjoyable to visit and spend time in Call Wayne at the Foundation on 03 5967 1730 or email info@gawler.org to express your interest. Thank you.
Meditation in the 'Sanctuary' Every Tuesday evening, please join us at our drop-in meditation classes in the beautiful 'Sanctuary' at the Yarra Valley Living Centre. Sessions will start from 6.45pm until 8.00pm. Robyn Jones will be facilitating. All welcome on a 'come as you can' basis. Please register your intent on 03 5967 1730. healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 15
Fundraising News
Membership Matters Recently Liz Stilwell and I had the privilege of addressing a local Rotary club. I thought we were there to introduce them to The Gawler Foundation but I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was really more of an update. Many of their members and guests had already heard of the Foundation through Ian’Gawler's lectures in the 1990s and our annual conference – a few had even completed our healing and wellness programs! What a treat it was to hear first hand the positive long-term impact our work has in people’s lives. Of course, there were also people who were not familiar with us and it was a great opportunity to inform them of our services and give them new options for a healthier future. As a member of The Gawler Foundation you have the opportunity to receive many great benefits like the special discounts in our bookshops, but also the opportunity to be a part of our mission to educate and support people challenged by serious illness. You could help us by talking about your positive Foundation experiences with your friends and family, perhaps you could even leave a copy of Healthy Living Magazine in your doctor’s waiting room (call the Foundation and let us know if you’d like extra copies). And, if you are a member of a Melbourne service organisation like Rotary, Apex or Lions, please consider asking your club if they would like a guest speaker from the Foundation. You might not know it, but there could be someone in your social network right now who is quietly facing their own private battle with serious illness and is desperately in need of a little hope. Lastly, a quick plug for the 2011 raffle. This year we have a huge range of exciting prizes starting with a dream holiday to Hawaii! Other prizes include a 12 month Village movie pass, jewellery, vitamins, skin care products, GPS devices, gift vouchers and a fantastic trip to the Cook Islands. If you get your tickets in early, you can be eligible for our fantastic early bird prize of a weekend meditation retreat for two, which will be drawn on 12 October 2011, and if you are able to buy a full book of tickets then you will qualify for a special draw to win a Champion Juicer. Thank you in advance if you are able to support the raffle this year, and good luck! Bye for now.
Shelley Shelley Calopa is The Gawler Foundation’s Fundraising and Development Manager.
Exciting Opportunity for People with Type 2 Diabetes to Attend a Gawler Diabetes Retreat Type 2 diabetes is very common in our community. It can result in serious disability, including blindness, stroke, heart attack, limb amputation and kidney failure. Research shows that it responds very well to the sort of therapies advocated by The Gawler Foundation (TGF). In 2012, TGF will be running a research study to see whether attendance at a retreat and lifestyle changes can make a difference to diabetes. It is quite possible that some people attending the retreat may find that their diabetes is cured if they can maintain the lifestyle changes afterwards. The study, approved by Monash University and St Vincent's Hospital, will involve people who apply being randomly allocated to attend either the week-long retreat from 26–30 March 2012, or standard care through their local doctor. Being accepted into the study is no guarantee that you will attend the retreat; there is about a 50% chance of being in the group that comes to the retreat.
16
The retreat will be facilitated by a team led by Prof George Jelinek and Dr Craig Hassed, in addition to TGF therapists and general practitioners. Prof Jelinek currently leads the 'Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis' retreats, and Dr Hassed leads some meditation retreats and contributes to others at TGF. Please bring this to the attention of relatives or friends with type 2 diabetes; the retreat will be at no cost to participants. For further information, please contact the Programs Office at TGF on (03) 5967 1730, or the research officers Dr Greg Rumbold (TGF) or Emily Hadgkiss (St Vincent's Hospital) on (03) 9288 2737. healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
In The Bookstore LAUGH WITH HEALTH 2011
Reviews by Robin Jones
Manfred Urs Koch $35.00
This is a comprehensive explanation of the nutritional value of various foods, their benefits and any detrimental factors. Each food, vitamin, mineral, oil, etc is discussed individually. There is an extensive section on how to make sure you get enough protein, another on body systems and their nutritional needs and a clear explanation of 'Food Combining' principles. Includes suggested diets for cancer, stress, athletes, children and teenagers. Contains lots of quick reference charts for things such as Recommended Daily Intake for each nutrient, how to get enough protein, different nutritional needs of men, women and children, which foods are good for which body system and why, acid/alkaline balance, best sources of vitamins and minerals and a list of ailments with directions on the various means to heal them. An excellent resource that is newly updated for 2011.
MEDITATION FOR THE LOVE OF IT
Sally Kempton
$29.95
Sally Kempton has spent 40 years studying, practising and teaching meditation and spiritual philosophy. Her decades as a swami or monk, learning from enlightened Indian teachers, have given her a vast and heart-based foundation from which to teach others. Her familiarity with the inner world is obvious and reassuring, her guidance deft. She fully understands our longing to meditate 'well' and our confusion about what that really means. Her scriptural quotes are always most relevant and often very beautiful and inspiring. This book is for those of us who want to develop our spiritual life by meditating. Though Sally’s own experience has been mainly in one tradition, she does not emphasise that, but rather focuses on what actually happens when we meditate, the physical sensations, mental states, emotions and 'special' experiences, or the lack of them, and how to nurture our practice, so that we develop a love of meditation that transforms our lives. Written by a light spirit, full of good stories with many exercises to invoke our own pure Consciousness. THE MINDFUL CHILD Susan Kaiser Greenland $25.00 How to help your child manage stress and become happier, kinder and more compassionate. This book extends the vast benefits of mindfulness training to children from four to eighteen years old, with age-appropriate exercises, songs, games and fables that Susan Kaiser Greenland has developed over more than a decade of teaching mindful awareness to children. The fun and friendly techniques build children's inner and outer awareness and attention, which positively affects their academic performance as well as their social and emotional skills, such as making friends, being compassionate and kind to others and playing sports. These practices also provide tools to manage stress and to overcome specific challenges like insomnia, overeating, ADHD, hyper-perfection, anxiety and chronic pain. The whole book is geared to showing parents how to teach these transformative skills to their children. Financial Members receive a ten percent discount on books and audio and five percent discount on the Champion Juicer. Please quote your membership number when ordering. Robin Jones is The Gawler Foundation’s Resource Centre manager.
How to order: Go to the shopping cart at www.gawler.org or contact the Resource Centre on: 03 5967 1730, Fax 03 5967 1715 or email resources@ gawler.org. SHIPPING RATES: Available through the shopping cart on our website or contact us. healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 17
Marg's peace I write these words about, and in loving memory of, Marg Courtney who died on 8 January 2010. But before I go any further, could I make a small request and ask that you ‘pronounce’ Marg’s name when reading it with a hard ‘g’ as in ‘gate’ rather than with a soft ‘g’ as in ‘gene’ – she really disliked the latter as it made her feel like Marge Simpson! A short time after Marg’s death, I was looking through some of her things and came across a journal that she had kept on her last visit to The Gawler Foundation Yarra Valley Living Centre. In it she had written, ‘Please don’t say I lost the battle. Whenever it is that I die, it will be because it is the right time’. Those words in many ways summed up this remarkable woman’s outlook on both life and death. But this is the end of the story, so let me take you back to the beginning. As I write this, it is a little over sixteen months since I lost the woman who was indeed so much to me: partner, soul mate, friend, confidant, advisor and wife, and now that my emotions have steadied a little I find that I can reflect more objectively on the nine years that we spent together and in particular the experience of her disease and how she dealt with it. When I was first introduced to Marg in late 2001, I was aware she had already been living with breast cancer for some years and that in the first of those years had been subjected to just about everything that conventional medicine had to offer: lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiotherapy and, of course, chemotherapy. In those early days of our relationship, I was taken aside by a mutual friend who warned me that Marg’s illness could well return and that I should be careful what I was getting myself into – she was in effect saying that ‘it could all end in tears!’ However it was too late for that as the love and respect that I already felt for Marg made any retreat totally unthinkable and impossible. If I had heeded that friend’s well-meaning advice, I would have missed out on the most wonderful years of my – of our – life. By this stage Marg was already embracing an ‘alternative/complementary’ path of treatment for herself and although I must confess to having a few misgivings, I knew that I had to support her totally in whatever form of treatment she had committed herself to. Having said that, of course conventional medicine could not be precluded and she saw her oncologist on a regular basis – it was also conventional medicine that came to the rescue so magnificently in times of crisis such as when neck pains turned out to be tumours in cervical vertebra. There were some results that were nothing short of miraculous and neither Marg nor her specialist could
18
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
by Roger Thompson be certain what brought these about. Anyone reading this who has lived a similar experience would be well aware that myriad pages could be written on the path travelled in such circumstances and the rollercoaster nature of it, but as I am writing this specifically for Healthy Living I shall try to confine myself to Marg’s (and therefore my own) experience with The Gawler Foundation. I am by nature a cynic and am well aware of the host of charlatans, quacks and snake oil merchants that abound ready to prey on the needy and desperate and whilst I hasten to add that I did not include The Gawler Foundation in this class, I knew nothing about them at the time and was therefore understandably cautious. So, in August 2004, assisted by the generosity of a friend, Marg made her first trip to the Yarra Valley Living Centre for a five day residential retreat. It seemed to me that everything that she had been thinking about, learning about and practising for years had been leading to this trip and I do not think it is an exaggeration to describe the experience she had at the retreat as a life-changing one for her. Marg returned home with an attitude to her disease which was even more positive than when she left – if that is possible! She was highly motivated, enthused and most importantly empowered – she had been taught that there were things she could do herself to improve her health, her wellbeing and her quality of life and, to me, it is this feeling of empowerment that is the most important quality The Gawler Foundation can impart to people in such a predicament. Among the great number of stories that Marg would recount of her first visit to the Foundation was one that she would return to many times over the years; it concerned a Koori man who came one night and played the didgeridoo. Marg often spoke of the special presence in the room that night and the feeling of wellbeing that came over her. It was obvious this was a very special experience which was ‘once in a lifetime’. Marg enthusiastically embraced The Gawler Foundation philosophy of diet and meditation and the strength and commitment with which she did so greatly impressed this weak-willed mortal; it is true that she sometimes ‘fell off the wagon’ as she greatly enjoyed her daily (soy) coffee, an occasional glass of red and an even more occasional roast chicken dinner but it has always been my belief that ‘a little of what you fancy does you good’ and I firmly believed the enjoyment Marg got from these little indulgences was therapeutic in itself! The biggest challenge to Marg’s diet was our trip to Paris which,
for all its wondrous beauty, is not the most sympathetic of places for anyone practising the diet she was on, but we managed. We referred to the almost unavoidable occasional bit of butter as ‘Parisian olive oil’! I still call it that today. I think it was a combination of factors that was responsible for the following years of health and happiness that Marg experienced: her own fortitude; her diet; her meditation; the surrounding love and support of family and friends; the devotion that we had for each other and of course, last but by no means least, what she had learnt at The Gawler Foundation. We shared the most beautiful of times together and married in October 2008 but unfortunately a few months before this wonderful day another lump was found and in among the ensuing round of tests and specialists’ appointments, Marg felt a strong desire to spend more time at the Foundation and was lucky to get the last place available in a ten-day retreat in September 2008. We flew to Melbourne and spent a couple of days enjoying the city before driving out to the Yarra Valley when Marg’s descriptions of the physical beauty of the setting of the Living Centre became immediately apparent. Dropping Marg there and leaving her was one of the hardest things that I have done, and I wished that I was spending the time there with her, but we had agreed that my presence could have been a distraction to the total attention that she needed to give to the retreat. Ten days later Marg once again returned home with tales of how wonderful the place was, what she had learnt, the lovely people that she had met there and the unconditional kindness of all involved. She was once again focused on, and committed to, what she needed to do. The following twelve months were a difficult and
confusing mixture of travel, crises, treatments, happy times and not so happy ones – we had a most wonderful holiday in North Queensland in August 2009 which was to be the last time we were away together, and in spite of pain issues Marg looked well and happy. On our return home, her condition steadily deteriorated and she died on 8 January 2010. I have been asked about Marg’s fears, her philosophy and thoughts on dying. While it is true that Marg and I discussed every aspect of her illness I know for a fact that, in order to protect me, she did not disclose all of her innermost thoughts and sometimes I had to prise them from her. Marg, like anyone else in her situation, at times had great fears but she faced these with a courage that could only inspire and strengthen me. As time went on and the reality of our situation finally became inescapable, Marg came to terms with dying with her customary stoicism. In one of the gut-wrenchingly honest talks that we had (that only people in our situation can have), she told me that she was not afraid of dying but was only afraid of leaving me and her daughters. She was grateful for the good years that we had shared. I feel that Marg’s philosophy on life was to enjoy what she could from life, to do and think no harm, to love and be loved by those close to her, to assist those less fortunate where possible and to accept whatever her fate may be. This she did with a graciousness that will not be forgotten by anyone who witnessed it. Thank you. Roger Thompson and Marg Courtney enjoyed a decade of life together while living with Marg's cancer – a devoted couple who decided to live well, with peace and gratitude. healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 19
A Taste of Spring Italian cuisine is not just pizza and pasta. It has a long history; the country was divided for a long time into many duchies, princedoms, kingdoms and states all with their own styles of cuisine. Perhaps no other county in the world has a cooking style so divided by regions – pizza from Naples, risotto from Milan, tortellini from Bologna – and it was not until 1861 that political unification occurred, thus giving the world 'Italian' cuisine.
Gail Lazenbury is The Gawler Foundation’s Catering Manager.
In the Gawler kitchen, we have introduced different styles and cultures to our menus while keeping within our cooking principles. I was pleasantly surprised when I began to look through our recipes to find over a dozen Italian recipes. Now the warmer weather is approaching, celebrate the coming of Spring with the family by preparing a nutritious Italian meal with fresh aromatic herbs, accented with colourful flavours. Just think olives, basil, cardamom, capers and continental parsley. Talking about olives, they are one of the Italian things that I love most - along with a passion for the round ball game (I tell you I can weave my love of soccer into any conversation!). More about healthy olives below!
Olives
Olive Tapenade 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
Olives are a very good source of monounsaturated fats and are a good source of vitamin E.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Organic black olives are the best to suit our diet and they are used to add extra flavour.
Serve with toasts to create interesting bruschetta topped with oven-roasted tomatoes, caramelised onions, fresh basil leaves, roasted capsicum and home made pesto.
You cannot eat olives straight from the tree. They contain a bitter substance called oleuropein that has to be removed by processing. Black olives are picked slightly riper, when their colour is just starting to change. Like green olives, they are soaked in an alkaline solution, but at the same time they are exposed to air, which causes the fruit to ripen. They are usually washed and packed in brine for shipping. Ferrous gluconate (a water-soluble iron salt and colour stabiliser) is often added at this stage to further darken the fruit. Olives generally get good press as part of a healthy diet but are they too salty? Olives are mostly cured in brine so it is not surprising that they contain sodium. About seven olives can give you more than 20% of the maximum recommended daily sodium intake for adults. So if you are watching your salt intake, use olives sparingly and go for the less salty brands. Look at the nutritional panel on the jar for the sodium per 100 g – avoid any with more than 1000 mg. As an extra precaution you can wash olives under running water before use.
20
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine
Place the ingredients into a tall beaker or glass and blend together using a hand blender. Paste can be left chunky. Do not over-mix.
Baked Pumpkin Risotto (gluten free)
1 ½ cups brown rice
1 packet tempeh (200 g) 1 ½ tablespoons tamari 1/2 cup water 1 small leek (150 g) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons tamari 1/4 cup water 3 cups water 500 g pumpkin, diced 1/3 cup savoury yeast flakes 100 g spinach Soak brown rice for one hour in enough water to cover (extra to recipe). Drain, rinse and drain again. Cut the tempeh into strips and then on the angle to create triangles. Marinate tempeh in 1 ½ tablespoons tamari and 1/2 cup of water and refrigerate until required. Stir occasionally. Preheat oven to 200C (390F). Chop leek into 1/2 centimetre rounds. Place in 20–25 centimetre ovenproof stove top casserole dish and sauté with garlic, 2 tablespoons tamari and 1/4 cup water until soft and transparent. When leek is cooked, add rice and continue to cook, slowly adding 3 cups of water. Bring to the boil and simmer with lid on for 15 minutes. Dice pumpkin into bite sized pieces. Add diced pumpkin and yeast flakes to rice mix in casserole dish, replace lid and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. When there is 20 minutes cook time to go, place marinated tempeh in separate dish and bake in oven until rice is ready. Reserve marinade to use as extra seasoning for rice when serving. Fold through washed spinach (will wilt using heat from rice). Be careful not to mash the pumpkin. Serve rice in a bowl topped with tempeh triangles and marinade seasoning. Tempeh can also be mixed through the rice if desired. Serves four.
Autumn Harvest 2011
Panzella
1/2 loaf of stale bread (about 250 g) 4 large tomatoes (must be sweet and ripe) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 4 sprigs basil, torn 2 sprigs continental parsley, finely chopped 2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 4 tablespoons olive oil Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Break bread up into large chunks. Toss on baking tray and bake in oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven when golden and toasted all over. Allow to cool. Roughly chop tomatoes, retaining all the juice, seeds and flesh. Place in large salad bowl. Add thinly sliced red onion, torn basil leaves, chopped parsley to salad bowl and toss together. Mix the balsamic and olive oil together and pour over salad. Using fingers, gently toss to combine. Serves four.
Maia's Tips All vegetables and fruits have a particular time of year when they are at their peak in flavour and nutrition and it makes sense to eat foods in season – for our health, the environment and our finances. And it feels good energetically to become more in tune with the rhythms of Nature and her intelligence in providing foods at the times when they best suit our bodies. Now that we are moving into spring, new crops of vegetables and fruits are coming into season to entice us from the hibernation of winter. Depending on where you live, becoming available are the fresh leafy greens (amazingly nutritious with Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), chlorophyll, easily digested protein and many vitamins and minerals), so ignore any comments about rabbit food and explore the variety of leafy greens – even some of the ones we dismiss as weeds such as dandelion, fat hen, plantain and chickweed. Other spring wonders include the cancer-fighting cruciferous and allium families like broccoli and cabbage, garlic, onions and leeks; spinach, green beans, borlotti beans, asparagus, mushrooms, ginger and avocados – all foods that make creating meals easy. Spring is a perfect time to focus on a healthy Mediterraneanstyle diet and the amazing tastes, textures and colours that are part of this nutritious and delicious season.
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 21 healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 21
The Gawler Foundation gratefully acknowledges all our conference sponsors and supporters
Swisse, Australia’s number 1 multivitamins
Major sponsors:
*
Swisse Women’s and Men’s Ultivite contain a unique formula of premium quality multivitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs. Based on 25 years of research, Swisse Ultivites help support your nutritional needs and maintain general health and wellbeing.
Sonia Kruger TV personality
www.hilton.com/australasia.carbonoffset
Also sponsored by:
Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. *Aztec sales data - MAT 13/3/11
www.pureharvest.com.au
CHC5144-07/10
A Sustainable Choice We guarantee to offset the carbon emissions generated by the use of our meeting room and food consumed. We will do this at no additional cost to our clients.
Brunswick and Fitzroy, Melbourne
www.wholefoods.com.au
Read the label Cold-pressed Flaxseed Oil. Australian owned, Australian grown. Certified Organic. (Enough said) Healthy Farm. Healthy Food. ®
www.stoneycreekoil.com.au
™
Quality FOOD ®
Proudly supported by:
PRINTERS
PRINTERS
Tim Gordon
Tim Gordon
Director
1 Rose Avenue Croydon Vic 3136 Telephone (03) 9725 4522
Director
1 Rose Avenue Croydon Vic 3136
John Bettens arrives in Santiago! John Bettens has arrived in Santiago! He departed from the steps of St Peter's Basilica in Rome on April 1 and has travelled through Italy, France and Spain, walking 2500 kilometres in four months. I never doubted that I could achieve what I have. There was only one occasion very early on in Italy when I thought, 'What have I taken on?'. I soon realised that thinking about the magnitude of the walk was extremely unhelpful. Staying in the moment was essential. I learned the best way to achieve this was to remind myself that the next step I took was the most important one I would take that day. Whenever I thought about how far I had to go on any day, or how long it was going to take me to get to my next stop, I would recite mantras like 'When I get there is when I get there' and 'However long it takes is how long it takes', to keep me in the place I needed to be. The Camino provides us with many metaphors which are lessons for life. In fact, the Camino itself is a metaphor for life. It is essential to walk our own Camino, not that of another. On the road this means to walk at our own pace and go only as far as we choose. In life it simply means to live our own life, not someone else's. Of course we can try to emulate the characteristics or achievements of others we admire, but we can never walk in their footsteps. Our footsteps must be our own. The Camino is a teacher. It offers many lessons. Learning can be experiential. We can learn by feeling things like gratitude and trust. We learn by observation. We learn to take nothing for granted. What we receive on the way are gifts. We experience, we feel and we observe the wisdom of the Camino at every level: the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual. For anyone looking for healing in accordance with the philosophy of The Gawler Foundation, walking a Camino is tailor-made for you. I have felt and experienced solitude, but never loneliness. Solitude has heightened my appreciation of a simple conversation, a human touch, or the company of another. I have learned to have more compassion for myself by providing things to make my journey more achievable, more enjoyable. But this is not to be confused with pampering to my wants. The Camino has impressed upon me the need to let go of ego. It does so in practical ways like only walking the distances my mind and body are capable of walking, or taking a break when my body or mind need to rest. I've developed mental strength. On occasions I've practised it by selecting a non-ego driven goal and then setting about achieving it. Sometimes the need for mental strength has been forced upon me like the day I left Bilbao and walked 12 of 16 kilometres in the wrong direction. When I realised my mistake I had a choice – stay where I was in a hotel for the night or walk another 19 kilometres to recover my position. I chose the latter and had just one 15 minute break along the way. Having a spiritual life before commencing this journey was essential to me. I was never without company. Each morning as I commenced to walk I greeted my spirit guide, the entities and the buddhas. When things went right I had someone to thank. When things went wrong I had someone to ask why it went wrong. If I needed help I had someone to ask. I was never alone. If you have a serious illness, walk a Camino, but you don't need to be ill to experience its rewards, which are enormous. Thanks for all your support,
John
Make a donation to The Gawler Foundation in honour of John's achievement on www.gawler.org. All money raised will be used to help people with cancer, and their carers, attend our programs. Take a moment to mail John with your congratulations on rtsproject2011@gmail.com or post a comment on John's daily blog on www.rometosantiagoproject.com.au – a fascinating read about his inner and outer journey on the 'Pilgrims Path'.
Blackwood 8 'Celebration of Hope' Gala Ball At Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster, VIC Friday 21 October 2011 from 7pm Enjoy a three course dinner and live entertainment by Bob Starkie (ex-Skyhooks) and Wilbur Wilde. The evening will also include: a video presentation from Dr Charlie Teo (internationally renowned neurosurgeon), guest speakers Dr Kerrie McDonald (Chair of the Cure For Life Neuro-oncology group at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre, NSWU), Marcella Zemanek (widow of Stan Zemanek, Cure For Life Foundation board member), auctions, a raffle, gift bags and door prizes.
Tickets from $140pp. For more information or to book www.blackwood8.com.au All proceeds to the Cure For Life Foundation for the research, treatment and prevention of brain cancer.
healthyliving - The Gawler Foundation magazine 23
The Gawler Foundation Annual Raffle
1
st Prize
Hawaiian Dream Holiday!
Valued at $14500
13 FABULOUS PRIZES TOTALLING OVER $29000
2 nd
See website for full details www.gawler.org BONUS PRIZES EARLY BIRD BONUS DRAW 12 OCTOBER Weekend Meditation Retreat for 2
This prize is drawn 12 October for all raffle tickets sold and returned prior to this date.
FULL BOOK BUYERS BONUS Champion 2000+ Juicer - Valued at $595
A special prize eligible for individuals who purchase all five raffle tickets within one book for total value $25.
3rd