Inside The Polished Apple

Thanks to Ally Morberg for this post on Mindfulness & Observation. Ally is a Homeopath with Stepping Stones Homeopathy and works out of Elan Family Wellness by appointment.  Mindfulness to me is the art of observation. Slowing down and taking the time to experience and notice what   is. Not why it is that way or how long it will be that way or how did it get that way…just what   is . I once took a mindful meditation class where each week was dedicated to different mindful practices. We did mindful walking, mindful tea drinking, and my favourite… mindful chocolate eating! It was so interesting to take the time to observe and really experience each of the activities through all of our senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Who knew one little square of chocolate when eaten mindfully, could be so satisfying!? By slowing down and taking the time to be present we can learn to experience a whole new world. It can feel so refreshing to stay in the moment and no...

Thank you to Dr Robert Clarke for this post on Mindfulness for our May Theme. Dr Rob is a Network Spinal Analysis and SomatoRespiratory Practitioner with Elan.  Mindfulness... This is something we all strive for, to be mindful of others, of the environment, of ourselves.  So if most of us want more mindfulness, why is it such a challenge for many? The key reason is that our nervous systems are dominated by survival energy. With our fast pace of life, financial pressures, and information overload, it's not surprising we get stuck in “fight or flight” mode. While in this state, blood supply to the frontal lobe of our brains in decreased, lowering our ability to be mindful as an ongoing practice. One of the first things we observe when you receive care is a shift in breathing patterns that indicates a shift from survival mode and reacting, to a place of thriving where your nervous system is open to learning and growth. This thriving space is the place of mindfulness.   ...

May is #MindfulnessMay-here's some thoughts from Scott. Scott is our Registered Massage Therapist at Elan Family Wellness Centre. I listen to a lot of podcasts.  A LOT.  My tastes run from photography to new age-y to personal performance to the occult. Lots of ground covered... lots of topics and all of it at my control. Don't like it... what else is on here. Find something interesting... explore it. On one such explorations, I came across a story starring a famous Olympic skier from the 1970's. The Three Most Important Turns in Skiing The interviewer and the skier were on a lift and the skier turns to the interviewer and asks, “Hey man, do you know what the three most important turns in skiing are?” The interviewer reflects for a second or two at the odd question. Intrigued he responds, “I have no idea!” Myself, having not skied in years, thought: could it be the ones they teach you as you're learning? Like the snowplow, then the progress of learning to br...

Travel offers such an amazing opportunity to learn about lifestyles in other countries. Our family had a wonderful holiday in Paris this past April, and we were impressed by the art, architecture, food, and people. Like a souvenir, it's fun to consider what daily traits we can bring home to our own life. As part of Elan Family Wellness Centre's theme of #mindfulnessmay, here are a few tips to ponder: 5 Health Tips I Learned in Paris Take the stairs - Whether it's 3 flights down in the Metro to catch a train, or 2 flights up to your apartment, be prepared for both stairs and walking to keep you in shape. In a dense city where driving and parking a car looks nearly impossible, walking is key. Here in Calgary, there's not as much choice for getting your daily exercise, but is there a way to bring more walking or exercise into your routine in our spread out, commuter-friendly North American city? Keep the fat -Yes, France is know for their buttery croiss...