Archive for the ‘Health’ Category
13/06/2009
An Inteview with John Raatz
More on Entertainment’s New Direction and
Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment
John Raatz and his Visioneering Group have been championing an Enlightened Media longer than just about anyone. Ten years after he promoted some groundbreaking films (described below) he found the What the BLEEP filmmakers and convinced them to bring him on board to promote the film. The filmmakers were 4 months into their self distribution and realized they needed a real professional to bust into the next level. Which with John Raatz and David Langer and the rest of their crew, they did. That was then – what about now????
BH: People have talked a lot about this emerging genre and they give it a lot of different names. What are some of the names you’ve heard people give this emerging genre and what’s your favorite?
Raatz: Well, the only name that I use is the word “transformational” as a qualifier.
Click here to read the rest of this article on The Bleeping Herald
Tags:Bleeping Herald, Entertainment's New Direction, Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment, John Raatz, Visioneering Group, What the Bleep
Posted in Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Leadership | Leave a Comment »
06/06/2009
Autralia's TravelSmart Program
If you’re looking for some of the most concise, easy to read travel tips and up-to-date travel advisories and advice read on. Included with my wife’s Aussie passport, is a travel brochure supplied by the Australian government. We all know Aussie’s and Kiwi’s are known for their Overseas Expeditions (OE) often lasting years. What better place to go for fine-tuned info. I picked up the brochure this morning, and scanned such titles as travel health, insurances (exciting topic), reciprocal health care agreements, the law, and tips on each region. A visit to their website shows the brochure (with assistance of Lonely Planet) in its entirety under different links for each topic on travel advisories and tips. It’s well organized and concise, from a country who’s citizens know travel.
Tags:Australian Governement, Mountain Spirit, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Travelling abroad, TravelSmart
Posted in Books, Health, Traveling | 4 Comments »
02/05/2009
1st May 2009
Is it safe to travel?
WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease.
Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.
Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only Influenza A(H1N1).
Tags:Influenza, Influenza A(H1N1), Mountain Spirit, Peru, SARS, Scientific research, Travel, World Health Organization Travel Advice
Posted in Health, Traveling | 2 Comments »
29/04/2009
Moving Years of Energy
Breaking with Convention of Pent-Up Emotions
More than ever, men are seeking help to get in touch with their feelings. In the wake of the 7-Award winning Australian film, “Men’s Group”, Phil Taylor of the New Zealand Weekend Herald, reports on the trend in men to seek emotional health. View the article in a pdf document on MSI’s website.
In general, American’s are thought of as a bit “touchy feely” by Australia and New Zealand standards, however I believe that Americans are confronting, and are confronted by their past, their situation in the world, and everything from the excessive materialism, Manifest Destiny and greed, to the huge per capita use of the world’s non-renewable resources. The US is at a turning point, in which, I believe, the mainstream population is becoming more compassionate and in the moment. A calm and lighter spirit is quietly arising, and people are taking action to change the world by changing themselves.
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- Men’s Group Movie
The fruits of inner work are starting to show through society’s fabric in every day life, on the sidewalks or commutes to work. People are awakening to the higher possibilities of who they can be. It’s my observation that New Zealand and Australia’s men have an opportunity to dip their toe in the water of healthy expression, and jump in. It’s a natural evolution from the stark existence that, less than a generation ago was the only allowed behavior. Likewise, not more than 200 years ago, one could get burned at the stake for stating one’s true feelings, if they deviated from the social norm in any way.
Regarding the Movie, Men’s Group – The author saw the movie last night here in Auckland. Be prepared for witnessing the stark extreme of the dark age of men’s pent-up emotions. Both my wife and I think it is an important movie detailing the most difficult cases of men’s situations, and at the same time, portraying the hope of change.
Mountain Spirit addresses this need in our communities by offering programs for both men, women and families in mountain and natural settings in the U.S., Peru, and New Zealand.
Tags:Communication, Dexter R. Richards, Dmaiona Stansfield, Men's Group, Men's Health, Mountain Spirit, Phil Taylor, Randall Richards
Posted in Experiential Education, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Leadership, MSI News, New Zealand, Spiritual | 1 Comment »
23/04/2009
The following excerpt from Metro Magazine in New Zealand is an important and balanced glimpse of the troubled and sick US Health care system.
Editor’s Note: My U.S. insurance premiums for my individual private policy with Anthem Blue Cross (New Hampshire) were US$ 500.00+ per month with a $2,500 yearly deductible. This deductible started over every year – payments toward the deductable could not be carried over to the next year. I was under insured, and was throwing money away. I stopped this policy a few months ago. In contrast, monthly insurance premiums for a family of four in New Zealand are approximately $100.00/per month with little or no deductibles. A part of my plan will be a flight to a NZ hospital if need be.
I was compelled to put this on MSI’s blog. Please encourage others to read this as well and pass it on.
Metro Magazine, New Zealand, April 2009
By Metro Staff Writer Frances Morton
Health Care USA
Even as parts of our health system struggle to cope with demand, entrepreneurs have launched a business flying Americans into Auckland for surgery. Bob Light lives in Cottonwood, Arizona, a small town (population 12,000) in the picturesque Verde River valley, 160km north of Phoenix. Cottonwood is *cowboy country, and the town was notorious for bootlegging in its heyday, attracting amusement-seekers from as far away as Los Angeles. These days, visitors are more likely to roll up for the **ghost towns and cactus-strewn desert scenery than wild times in the West. Light, 55, runs a landscaping business. His artificial hip needed replacing and was causing him so much trouble he could no longer work unless the job involved sitting down. His business is small, and he doesn’t have health insurance. In the complex American health insurance market, Light couldn’t find insurance he could afford and that truly do something for him.
That left him with two choices: get an operation in the States paying full price, or (more…)
Tags:Dexter R. Richards, Dr. Edward Watson, Health Care, Health Insurance Alternatives, Health Insurance Costs, Holistic Living, Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, Medtral, MercyAscot, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Spiritual, Surgical Costs by Country, Sustainability
Posted in Health, New Zealand | 11 Comments »
19/03/2009
Extended Family's Mosaic & Feet
The Northfield Conference is the longest continuously running spiritual conference in the country. Started at the turn of the last century, it has developed into a strong network of devoted friends and colleagues and extended family. It’s one of the few instances where I saw whole families and people of of all ages being and acting like a true community. Many of the adults there now were children and then teens who grew up attending the annual conference held in Northfield, Mass every June or July. There is a morning meeting, then right after, small groups called families get together to debrief lives and share whatever is on the participants’ minds. At the end of our meeting we all felt like doing a goodbye group hug/”jelly roll” in which I was the lucky receipient of being in the middle. In the afternoon, after lunch there’s a plethora of workshops and activities, from painting and yoga to dance and informational lectures or discussions on everything from global warming to composting and family communication. After dinner, there is usually an non-denominational evening service in the Northfield Chapel. I got the play the 12-foot concert grand piano at one event there. That was fun. Around 7 PM, different activities may happen such as a talent show, or coffeehouse, or games, lots of games, in which children of all ages participate.
Getting stuck in the middle of a group hug
If you’d like to inquire about the Northfield Conference, check out their website. First time participants get a free ride, all expenses paid, if they give some sort of workshop in exchange. It’s a way of getting more people to check out the conference. If I weren’t in New Zealand, I’d be there this spring. If you decide to attend, you won’t be disappointed.
Tags:Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Group Dynamics, Holistic Living, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Randy Richards, Spiritual, Sustainability, Sustainable Communities, The Northfield Conference, True Community
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Music, Service, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
07/03/2009
Wet Socks in the Backcountry
The adventurers from Singapore, Shaun Lee and Karan Puri, (see earlier post) took me up on my offer in joining me in New Zealand’s backcountry. I don’t think the two would have ventured out in this territory on their own, in fact they mentioned the whole concept of “backcountry” didn’t exist in their country. Singapore is compact. Their eyes were wide when they first came up on the Rob Roy Glacier after a few miles up a steep trail, after a small swinging bridge. They then made the two hour trek to the Aspiring Hut with me. Their shoes were a bit wet after the hike, but after a warm meal they were feeling great. The following morning, they were on their way back to the trailhead, as they had reservations on the mountain shuttle. They were a bit nervous, heading out in the rain, but I assured them they would make it. I assume they did! I’ve not heard from them.
Tags:adventure travel, Aspiring Hut, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Karan Puri, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, Mt. Aspiring National Park, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Peru, Randy Richards, Shaun Lee, Singapore, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Health, New Zealand, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
07/03/2009
The Bagers in their "mountain classroom"
The Danish family of five had headlamps but had decided they didn’t need them. The moonlight illuminated their way. They left the trailhead around dark and rode their mountain bikes on the single, sometimes double track up the valley, being sure to keep the Matuktuki River on their right. Dennis, the father, aside from briefly looking at the map, was going on memory. He had been in this place some 15 or twenty years prior, but that time he was high above this place, and almost slid off Cascade Pass on snow covered wet grass, losing his fingernails while self arresting with hands and nose. This return trip had a different sense of adventure. He was returning with his wife Birgette and his three children Manus 10, Rasmus, and their little sister Frederikke, 7. And this trip was part of a bigger adventure. He and Birgette were about a third of their way through a two year round-the-world educational odyssey with their kids. They pedaled into Aspiring Hut around 11pm, tip toeing into the hut with their gear, careful not to disturb sleeping climbers and hikers. I had heard they had just arrived , and what’s more that they had shipped their 1990 VW oversized camper complete with school books and bikes from Denmark through Asia, Australia, and were headed to South America after a good long stint in New Zealand I had to find out more. The next morning I asked if I could interview them. Dennis jokingly said no but later agreed and even said I could get more info off their website.
MSI: Do you mind if I ask? How are you able to afford to take two years off with your whole family?
Dennis Bager: In Denmark there has been a law that allows either a man or a woman to take a family leave before their child is nine years old. This law has existed for two reasons. (more…)
Tags:adventure travel, Alternative Learning, Bager Family, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Dennis Bager, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Home Schooling, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inspirational People, New Zealand, Peru, South America, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
07/03/2009
Woman's Hking Club, NZ
These ladies were seen at Aspiring Hut the other day. They walked in for the day. They hail from Timaru, New Zealand in the central part of the South Island. Some members of this group have been hiking together for over twenty years. Some of them were carrying beautiful walking sticks made by a local craftsman in Timaru. Some of these inspirational woman also had their sticks for the same amount of time. The average age of the group was 73 (which was later confirmed by a comment on this blog)!
Inspirational Group? Yep!
One of ladies had been at the Aspiring Backcountry Hut fifty years ago on her honeymoon. That’s the one in the back of the line with the red shirt and blue hat. The group had lunch, relaxed and started heading back down the trail, not without giving us a wave.
The next time I’m complaining about my joints or back, I’ll remember my encounter – running into this wonderful and inspirational group of mountain women.
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inspirational People, Mountain People, New Zealand | 4 Comments »
26/02/2009
Karan Puri & Shaun Lee, Adventurers from Singapore
Karan Puri, 18 of Katong Province and Shaun Lee, 19 of Bedok province, Singapore, are not only really nice guys, they’re also inspiring. I’ve run into them here at the the Wanaka Hostel. Right now there currently out biking around town somewhere. I found their motivation to travel New Zealand so inspiring I thought I’d share it with you. I interviewed them last night over a beer, out here on the porch from where I write this piece.
Both Karan and Shawn have just finished high school and have about three months off, before they report for the mandatory 2-year military stint that all young men are required to do in Singapore. When Karan first walked into the hostel I noticed he had a sense of inquiry and interest, not to mention compassion and friendliness. Later, upon meeting Shawn it I got the same sense of adventure and excitement. They are now on day 6 of their adventure. So here’s some insight as to what brought them to Wanaka, New Zealand.
MSI: So what motivated you two to come to New Zealand?
Karan: To do something before the military. This is the first time on vacation without my parents, and I had been here in Wanaka when I was a child. Something about the place stuck with me. So I wanted to come back.
You see, one never really gets a break to travel if you’ve been brought up in Singapore. (more…)
Tags:adventure travel, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Karan Puri, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, Shaun Lee, Singapore, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, Wanaka, Youth Hostel
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Mountain People, New Zealand, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
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