How Do You Choose a Healer?

Everywhere in the world there are healers other than medical doctors who can ease our bodies and soothe our souls.  But how do you know which modality is best for you?  And how do you know you're going to have a talented healer?

When I am looking for credentials, I make sure the person has proper licensing to insure legal training and ethics are followed according to the parameters of the profession.  More importantly, I ask friends who they like in the area.  If that's not enough, I make sure the person has been practicing at least 5 years.  That's enough time to determine if they have the talent and stamina to remain in the field.  After which, I look at any online reviews with a grain of salt and see if they sound true.

I have three standards that I hold dear when choosing a healer:

1. Their work inspires me.  I want to work with someone who not only loves what they do, but I feel our moments together have impacted me.
2. Their curiosity leads their work rather than judgment or a plan. I want to work with someone who is able to go with the flow and the moment because at all times anything can change.
3. They love what they do.  The love for something will motivate a person to go further and inquire more than someone who is just doing a job.  

In fact, I love helping people find healers so much, I've created Guided Healing Journey. 

Next time you're looking for a healer, keep in mind the things that make a healer great!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Constipation... more than one way!!!

Okay, so we all know that when we're putting into something and nothing's coming out, that's a loose definition of constipation.  When it's a lack of bodily function, we ingest acidophilus, eat roughage, and exercise to move it on through.  But what about when your life feels like you're putting all your energy into it and you're not getting out the same amount of energy?

Well, that could mean many things.  First, you have to diagnose the problem.  Is the thing you're working on really good for you?  What I mean is, sometimes we find causes that are just that: a cause.  It's usually altruism in some form that draws you to the expending of energy, and you might actually believe that you will get more than a good feeling out of your participation.  If you're working with others who don't seem to share your enthusiasm, the constipation quotient can be high.  Perhaps it's time to find another cause.

But what if it's you trying to find another job or some such endeavor?  Well, that's a different story.  I'm sure you're sick of hearing "it's a bad time in our economy."  There are still jobs out there, and more openings every day.  Many people believe that if you're following your passions, AND you have talents within your passions, an opportunity will come along.    Patience is not something I have in spades, so I understand the itchiness on this one.  Making a shift in life is not a small feat.  Sometimes you have to clear out other areas of your life so that you're ready.  I can't tell you what those areas are, you'll just have to go by your own instinct.

Bottom line:  if you're not getting what you want, figure out a myriad of ways to get there.  There is more than one road on this journey we call life!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Plants Clear the Air

Plants.  Are they just for nurturers and green thumbs?  Some relationship experts like Patti Stanger, CEO of the Milliionaire's Club, believe if a person does not tend to something like a plant or an animal over time, the person's ability to tend to a relationship can be questionable.  This is not to say that if you kill your plants, you kill your relationships - some people just are not good at reading plants. 

When I flew out to California to meet up with my now husband, I looked around his apartment and noticed he had NO plants.  Feng Shui was not in his vocabulary.  Now, this is a man who would over-commit and cram meetings or events in every available moment of his life.  Because he also suffers from allergies and has an extreme sensitivity to airborne irritants, I gifted him with two plants that are very clear when they need water - because they droop.  Ideally, they don't get to the drooping stage, but hey, nobody's perfect.

Plants help clear the air.   So which are great houseplants that communicate?


"Commonly used in shopping malls and office buildings because of the low level of care it requires, the Pothos is a vibrant, green plant, often with white and yellow variegation. It will tolerate low light and irregular watering. More plants can easily be grown from its cuttings." (read more)

"As far as watering is concerned, Peace Lilies prefer an evenly moist soil. Most people find that they can water their plants once a week, depending of course on light and temperature conditions. At lower light levels or cooler temperatures, any plant will use less water than when it is more actively growing. Use room temperature water. Soil should never be soggy, and plants should never stand in a saucer filled with water.  Peace Lilies do exhibit a sensitivity to chlorine in the water, so in metropolitan areas where it may be heavily chlorinated, it's best to allow the water to stand overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate before watering the plants." (read more)

You may not grow an indoor garden, but these two plants are a great start.  They are often sold in supermarkets.  Give it a go!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Mindfulness in L.A.

According to Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D., mindfulness"can be done without any extraordinary effort. Mindfulness is often mistakenly equated with meditation. This is not surprising. However, meditation is simply a way to practice mindfulness in a structured, dedicated way. It's akin to going to the gym in order to work-out, perhaps. You can get into shape by running around the neighborhood or taking the stairs more often. And, we can train our minds in the same way. We can have a dedicated practice (like a morning meditation session) or cultivate awareness through more informal, contextualized means" like reading something every day that inspires you.

" It encourages us to trust in our own experiences. Mindfulness does not require that you believe anyone or anything; it simply encourages you to notice what's happening. No one is a better expert on your experience in the present moment than you-and the same goes for me. I can't tell you what you're experiencing, and vice versa. If we stand side-by-side, we might share some environmental experiences in that space, like being in an 80 degree room or hearing a siren outside. However, our perceptions and judgments of these experiences are likely to be very different. I might find the room hot and the siren annoying, while you might relish the warmth and extend a blessing to the people responding to an apparent emergency." (Kaplan, 2010).


"(Mindfulness) helps us get over our selves. Within U.S. culture, we spend a lot of time thinking about ourselves. Through the adoption of a mindful perspective, we're better able to recognize our commitments to and connections with the people around us. Particularly in an urban setting, we can't do it alone. We rely on others to make sure that we have electricity, running water, curbside garbage disposal, public transit options, etc. And, I'm willing to bet that you didn't make the shirt you're wearing. For a more detailed treatise on this principle, I'd recommend reading One City by Ethan Nichtern" (Kaplan, 2010).

So, hey!  You've already practiced some mindfulness today by reading this!  Way to be!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Storing Memories for Future Generations

Do you ever wonder what your parents were like when they were in their 20's?  30's?  Do you wonder how much you've grown and what's changed about you?   All About Me is a wonderful book that will help you chronicle your life presently.  As an actor, getting to know yourself is crucial to your ability to augment parts of yourself to create a character.  All About Me is a splendid way to do that - and to share with your kids when they're your age now so they can know you in stages.

Another version - THAT IS A GREAT WEDDING GIFT - is All About Us. My husband I had a blast filling this out during our engagement.  Again, great to pass down generations if you're interested in that sort of thing.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Friends Help You Through Everything

Yesterday I lived through letting go of one of the dearest creatures who has shared my life.  I've never had to put an animal to sleep before and there were so many mixed emotions for me.  I drew great comfort from friends who understood my position and offered support.


So we were sitting in my living room, Stinky, my very intuitive friend, and myself, and she told me he was ready to go.  Now, this I already knew, but hearing it is tremendously validating and comforting.  I could tell by the way he looked at me it was time, and he loved me and wasn't scared.  She brought over lemon verbena leaves from her yard and made tea bags for Doug and myself for afterward, brought candles in a bowl she made, a lovely little box for a snippet of his fur and a whisker for me to keep, and an assortment of spices to throw on a fire to help him and us let him pass.

Before he left, my cat and I had a great day.  Stinky and I sat and sunned ourselves on the deck yesterday, I let him lick out my cereal bowl when I was done (his last supper) which is something I used to do when he was younger, and I held him as he slept much of the day yesterday.  The biggest pillar of all for me yesterday was my husband.  He came home with lily plants because Stinky used to eat them in our yard.  We will plant those next to his grave.  My biggest comfort is knowing Stinky was loved deeply by many.  He stole my husband's heart.

Knowing it's time and letting go are two very different things.  I know I will look for Stinky around the corner for a long time to come, he's been with me my entire adult life (18 years).  I shared many wonderful years with my sweet fuzz along with many amazing memories.  My wish?  That he come back in another cat to be mine again.

Huge thanks to those of you who offered your prayers and thoughts - even if you didn't tell me directly.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

How Do You Want to BE?

As I wait to pick up my fuzzy love from the vet, I am pondering the things I most enjoy in life.  Some people do not value pets, and that's fine for them.  I, however, love a fuzzy creature sharing my home and looking at me with both curiosity and love.  His little purring sounds of pleasure remind me how simple giving and touch can be soothing and appreciated.  Plus, when he jumps up onto anything, he makes this trilling sound announcing his action - which cracks me up.  Stinky will also make that sound when we're walking by him to make sure we don't step on him.  He's learned to help us humans who do not always look where we step to NOT step on him.

All of that got me thinking about how I exist in the world and my choices around how I encourage other people to interact with me, how I go about letting other people know I'm in the room, and how I show other people appreciation.  I don't think I'll be rubbing up against colleagues or friends soon in affection, but I do enjoy hugging my friends or shaking hands if they're not "huggy" people. 

Many friends might be surprised to realize I'm actually an introvert - which means lots of time in a room with lots of people is not my preferred way to be.  When I'm in that position, I'm great at connecting with people - and it wears me out.  I prefer one on one or small groups so I can easily feel included and include others in companionship.

My favorite way to show appreciation to people is giving my friends things from my garden.  I love gifting people with oranges, flowers, lavender, rosemary, mint, French sorrel, and whatever else the earth is gifting me.  Sharing like that makes me feel like I am personally contributing to my friends sensual pleasure as well as nurturing through nutrition.  If you don't know what you do, think of your favorite gifts (can even be cards or words!) that someone has given you in thanks.  You might consider adopting that idea and practicing it in your own life!  Have a great day!!!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Eating Every Day... Live Long and Prosper?

Time to prepare food is rare, and I know that what I eat will directly effect how long I live and how well I live.  But why are vegetables so expensive?  And why does cooking take so much TIME?  AHA!  Have I got a treat for you! 

My aunt, who was almost a nun before she met my uncle, was a vegetarian for years.  After my bemoaning the difficulty of making healthy dishes that were both tasty and quick, she took the time to mail me The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet by Nava Atlas (to right).  Let me tell you something, I was skeptical... and then I tried a recipe.

The title is no joke, you only need to get 5 ingredients and most of the recipes are under 30 minutes prep and cook time.  If you have high cholesterol, or are just interested in maintaining low fat intake, each recipe is coupled with calorie counts and fat grams.  Plus, there are vegan options.  Brilliant!

My favorite TOFU AND SWEET POTATO CURRY (this is savory, not hot):
You'll need:
  2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes
  1 pound firm tofu, well drained and dried
  one 14 to 16 ounce can low-sodium stewed tomatoes, chopped, with liquid
  1 to 2 teaspoons good-quality curry powder, or to taste
  4 ounces arugula or baby spinach, well rinsed

1.  Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes in their skins until done but still firm.  When cool enough to handle, peel, and cut into large dice.

2. Combine the tofu, tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon of the curry powder in a stir-fry pan or wide skillet.  Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.

3.  Add the diced sweet potato and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

4.  Add the arugula, cover, and cook very briefly, just until it wilts slightly.  Taste and season with more curry if desired.  Season with salt and serve.

Calories: 159, Total fat: 4g, Protein: 8g, Carbohydrate: 22g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 21mg

Bon Appetit!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Where's Your Happy Place?

As I get older, I surround myself with things that inspire me. That takes effort, believe me. These elements include people, books, things, plants, -- whatever makes my heart sing. So I started to think about a common thread through these inspirations.

I have a little place inside me that vibrates - sometimes even quivers - when something makes me happy. That happy place is my guide inside my life. If I'm not sure about something, I check in with my happy place.

Ironically, as my husband will attest, there are times when the ferocity of my happy place makes my shy away from the very thing that I'm sure would make me happy. After all, that could mean I would be unhappy after having known such glee, right? Please. There's so much fear stopping us from being happy it's ridiculous! (I'm pointing a finger at myself right now.)

My suggestion? If you don't already know your happy place intimately, spend some time reflecting on the times in your life when you almost came out of your skin because something GREAT happened to you. Then think about the elements that event has for you. If you can pick your top five and commonalities, you're going to find out things about yourself that might surprise you. Happy hunting!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

The Art of a Bath

At the end of a long, hard week, I do what the Romans did - take a freaking bath! Well, I bathe more often than they did, but I appreciate it just as much.

What's my favorite accompanying rituals? Candles everywhere, soft music (Loreena McKennitt, Michael Buble, Simon & Garfunkel, Norah Jones), and make sure my favorite foaming bubble bath (Aura Cacia Lavender Foam bath on left) is plentiful and sending the natural and delectable smell of lavender throughout my home.

True story. I drove home to Altadena from Santa Barbara where I'm earning my Ph.D. in somatic Psychology. When I entered the house, I could smell lavender. Not the nasty sticky sweet smell an old crone might reek of (please forgive the image), but rather the same smell lavender bushes in my garden gently emit. After my intensive training and learning, the aromatherapy washed over my senses and I tackled my husband with a hug.

You can create your own weekly ritual to tend to your wellness - I imagine you already have at least one. May I suggest you try mine? It's divine!!!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

What's My Part in Health?

There's been a lot of talk in the past decade about the body-mind connection and how any psychological distress might link to a dis-ease in the body. Some will go so far as to place blame on the person who is sick - as if being diagnosed with a condition is not enough.

Who needs blame? I propose we work within compassion: for ourselves and others. I propose we seek out support and health care providers we trust prior to any diagnoses. I propose we do what is in our power to remain in health: body, mind, and spirit.

We are inundated with information about how to be healthy. Some ideas that make sense to me are eating whole and organic foods (when I can), moving around to make my body feel good, and working with a talk therapist when I feel I need more tools to address a situation.

Bottom line: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin