localinsights The Illusion of Courage By Renee Ellis, MA RMT
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ecently, a client of mine did a very courageous thing. She stood up for what she wanted, deserved and knew in her very being was right. And she was terrified. Unfortunately, no matter how calm, kind and articulate we are, when we step up and speak directly and powerfully others don’t always like it. And that doesn’t make it wrong. My client was calling attention to a lack of integrity and promises made and not kept. She worked very hard to do that with clarity and respect and... she was still terrified. A study published in 2012 in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that we tend to think we are braver than we actually are. When we think about doing something we are disconnected, less emotional – brave. When we actually confront the angry boss or wrongdoing, we are in a hot emotional state and deeply, intensely connected to our fear and anxiety. The gap is gone and often, so is our courage. One thing that helped this client act brave in the moment was the bond that she formed with her counselor. She considered what her counselor would say in that moment and found additional strength to stand up for herself. If we want to take the risks that we think are worth it, we have to accept that the moment of truth will arrive. We will be less courageous than we planned. And, we can seek out the voices of courage through a supportive, professional relationship. This will increase the odds that we will take the risks that make our lives so much grander anyway. Renee Ellis, MA RMT helps women dealing with life transitions to find clarity, movement, freedom, energy and intuitive perspective from her Denver practice. Call 720-984-9575 for a free 30 min consultation. See listing page 30.
LEG CRAMPS CAN RUIN YOUR SLEEP By Steven Frank
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hat nagging, stabbing pain in a calf muscle or a thigh at night can be more than annoying – it can ruin your sleep and leave you groggy, irritable and troubled the next day. Conventional wisdom to “drink more water, eat bananas, take magnesium, etc” may help, but many of us need another way to relax stubborn skeletal muscles. Native Americans rubbed Rosemary on their legs before running long distances to enhance the suppleness of their muscles. Cramp bark was named for the way it relaxes skeletal muscle spasms. In climates where Mexican Wild Yam abounds, Sage grows as well. This combination relaxes tight muscles and relieves cramping. With all four of these herbs available, muscle relaxation is just a poultice away. Decoct these roots, bark and herbs slowly over low heat as they are fragile. Peppermint, Lavender and St. John’s Wort are particularly useful in relieving the over-sensitivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Using these herbs in your decoction will help to reduce the reporting of pain, discomfort and irritation from tired muscles. This helps to maintain comfort while the muscles get rid of their waste and re-charge. A simple water decoction of all of these roots, herbs and bark can be applied to aching muscles to relax cramps, settle restless legs and quell over-active nerves. Experience has shown that when bananas, supplements and water don’t work… these herbs will do the trick. Steven Frank is the founder and chief formulator for Nature’s Rite. More of his insight and products can be found at MyNaturesRite.com. See ad page 10.
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Denver/Boulder Mile High Edition
MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com
Piano Lessons Turn Tech
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ou’ve always wanted to be able to play. As a child, you plinked Mary Had a Little Lamb and Hot Cross Buns to the delight (chagrin?) of your parents. You may be surprised to learn how technology and modern teaching principles have changed Piano lessons for the better. Local Evelyn Billberg has created the “Rose Piano Course, Twelve Step System for Piano Proficiency” which she uses in concert with Piano Marvel, a new computer-based piano course “which,” she says, “is as much fun as any computer game.” “Playing the piano can be fun and learning to play has gotten so delightful with all the new tools we now have available in the electronic age. Digital pianos make it possible to own an instrument without significant expense,” said Billberg. The Rose Piano Course was developed to advance skills and enjoyment as rapidly as possible with chord application and special attention to obtaining fluid dexterity. Applied harmony and theory at the keyboard takes this information out of the textbook and puts it under the student’s fingertips. According to one student, “It is fun. It is easy. It is so powerful that it is hard to describe. The clouds of confusion that surrounded music have been whisked away. I find that the prospect of playing good piano and understanding music in general has been greatly expanded. I was astounded at how rapidly I could advance.” Evelyn has over 40 years of teaching experience, a Masters Degree in Music, Composition and Theory from NAU and is a member of Music Teachers National. For a free consultation and demonstration or to sign up for a 30 day free trial with Piano Marvel, contact Evelyn at 303-629-9209 or ev.billberg@gmail.com. See listing page 29.