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 "speak your truth with a strong, clear voice; Profiles |
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Kesteal Cosentino, is a versatile wholistic health practitioner who helps people free themselves from their old patterns and habits and fully enjoy the joy that comes from living in the now. She is presently based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. | |
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Kesteal's story: "Balance & harmony are essential ingredients in this recipe we call Life. Without these essentials life tends to become hectic and even chaotic. More often than not we try to assume reprieve through the creation of routines. Fortunately some of us soon find that these routines become automatic and bland, similar to chocolate cake without the icing. We hear the call for action, to not let life pass us by, to taste the delicious flavours of joy, love, calmness & serenity, where all things are balanced and harmonious. The first step to realizing our full potential is through awareness and reflection. A common question, if the routine is “working” than why “change” it? Answer simply put, because it is “not” working. If we live today full of routines just to get to tomorrow then we are not living in the present. We are not experiencing everyday’s uniqueness. Stop to smell the roses, become aware of your life. Ask yourself, what makes you happy and brings you joy? Do more of that. What are your stresses, define them. Realize that you are in total control, that you hold the key to your own happiness. It is important to not let stresses turn into ailments, to strive everyday to live a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle.> It can be detrimental to our health to keep a routinely hectic lifestyle, feeling rushed, tired, and negative. If our energy levels are too low due to everyday stresses then we are more open and susceptible to becoming sick. Alternatively if we find balance and are more positive, our energy levels high, we are better able to be happy and healthy. Harmony and balance can be restored through meditation and relaxation. As a Reiki Practitioner at Helping Hands, Holistic Care, I work to restore balance, this as a result of the positive healing effects of relaxation. I believe in taking care of ourselves, taking the time to remember the beauty and empowerment of nature. As a Natural Health Consultant I see the natural benefits of organic products and herbal remedies. It is my view that our physical bodies are a reflection of our mental, emotional, and spiritual health, that when we address the whole person, all parts (physical, emotional/mental, spiritual) we are better able to assess the root causes of our distresses, thus allowing a more wholistic platform for treatment. It is Helping Hands, Holistic Care's belief that it is important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. In all Wholistic Medicine individuality and responsibility are crucial factors to our well-being. Wholistic Medicine puts a great emphasis on the uniqueness of the individual, and how important it is to tailor treatment to meet each person’s very different needs and circumstances. The responsibility for healing and health lies with the person who wants to be well. Kesteal Cosentino, Reiki Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant |
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Debbie Betts uses a variety of healing methods to restore balance and harmony to both her human and animal clients. Debbie now lives in Ontario but is planning to make her home in Prince Edward Island. | |
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Debbie's story: "I am a wholistic consultant. I take, practice, and teach different modalities including: Reiki, Bach flower essences, homeopathy and animal homeopathy, canine massage therapy, Indian head and chair massage, and ear candling. Whenever possible, I use natural healing methods which help restore balance and equilibrium to our body, mind and soul.
Since I started working with wholistic modalities, I have become a much calmer, more sensitive and caring person. This is especially true after becoming a Reiki Master and teacher. Reiki has brought more awareness into my life and I now feel less rush, anticipation, anger, or urgency for most things. I now know that all things will work out on their own in their own time frame. It is useless to try to rush things, God will find a way to help and guide us to where and what is needed. I found it important to clear the clutter from my home, mywork and my mind. In the past I was a very controlling, active person. I would not take the time to meditate, reflect or heal from any past wounds. Any spare minute was spent thinking of what to do next and I made sure my children and husband did the same. Needless to say there were some "bad" moments with my family. I remember when my boys were young, someone once said to me, let them be different, individual, no need to follow the crowd. Well it took me about 20 years to realize what that meant. Everyone is an individual and there is no right or wrong way to live, as long as you are happy and not committing any crimes. Now meditation is a daily routine, be it 5 minutes or an hour, I find the time to just sit, clear my mind and allow in whatever God's intentions are. I practice this daily and try not to force my ideas or ideals on anyone. If you ask me I will offer my views and opinions, but only if asked. I can become very excited when talking about my strong beliefs and have to remain focused so the "lay" person understands. As for my business, I have been trying for a few years to have a profitable business, all the while working full-time, then part-time until I finally realized to be successful I would have to commit 100% to what I believe in. I quit my job, what a leap of faith, and went back to school to complete more courses. I started with psychology to better know how and why people think the way they do. I studyied general psychology, developmental and abnormal psychology, as well as sociology. This has given me a better understand of the human psyche in order to be of help to others. I then studied homeopathy and veterinary homeopathy, followed by pet first aid and cpr. This led to animal anatomy and physiology as a prerequisite for canine massage, a therapy I'm now certified in. I now find that people and animals who need my help are finding their way to me, whether through word of mouth, advertising, or networking. When working with clients, human or animal, I try to work with all aspects of their health and well being and use the modalities that best help their situation. I feel qualified to deal with emotional issues using Bach flower essences and homeopathic remedies, physical issues using massage and reiki, and for spiritual issues, I use Reiki. If someone came to me with a sore back, I would usually do some massage, perhaps give them some essential oils to rub on that area, and possibly do reiki on them. Sometimes I can find the root of the problem with reiki or just by listening and I could offer Bach Flowers for the emotional reason that may be causing the sore back. Reiki has definitely given me a commitment to make changes for the better. It has given me the faith and trust to make my next move which is to Prince Edward Island. Five years ago, I would not have considered this as I was wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of trying to make the precious dollar. Do not misunderstand, I recognize that money is very important, but not the most important thing. I will trust that this move is good for both my family and business. " Debbie Betts, Wholistic Consultant
Reiki Master/Teacher, Bach Flower Practitioner BFP, Homeopathy DiHom & DiAHom, Certified Canine Massage CCM |
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Shirley Conway is a Natural Health Consultant and Massage Therapist who uses her ''soothing hands and healing words'' to help reduce stress and pain in peoples' lives. She now lives in St Catherines, Ontario. | |
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Shirley's story: "Living in balance and harmony is our birthright; we know how to do it, just as we know how to breathe. Yet many of us find it so difficult. I believe our upbringing, societal pressures, and unhealthy lifestyles can all interfere with this natural balance.
As a Libran, I often suffer physically or emotionally whenever circumstances become unbalanced. This requires that I restore my equilibrium, the dynamic state in which I can efficiently process whatever physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, societal or environmental energies confront me. I realize that to regain my balance I have to come from a deep calm place within, a place where I feel safe, loved, whole, capable. It is from there that I can get in touch with my Inner Wisdom, the Healer Within, my Higher Self. The name isn"t important; it's the experience that counts. To reach this place I have to relax both my body and mind. This is what my therapy practice is all about - allowing people to relax so they can connect with this deeper part of themselves. As muscles relax, breathing deepens, and the mind begins to slow down. Problems float away as the body responds to words or touch. Then our natural healing mechanisms take over and balance is restored. This is not always an easy process, for stress and trauma take time to be released. Each of us is somewhere on the continuum between sickness and health, harmony and disharmony, hope and despair. Whatever we do to restore balance moves us one step in the right direction. Taking that one step puts us on the road to recovery. There can be no failure, just poor choices which can be replaced by better choices, until balance and harmony return. I see my role as a therapist as one of enabling that connection with the Inner Self to occur, of informing and encouraging, of motivating positive choices and actions. The results are happier more productive living. To me that is living in balance and harmony." Shirley Conway, massage therapist, natural health consultant, |
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John Weinmar is a unique individual with a unique occupation, he creates healthy indoor spaces! Part scientist, part energy intuitive, part building contractor, and always sensitive to the needs of his clients, John takes unhealthy living and working environments and turns them into PureSpaces, which is the name of his Vancouver-based company ! | |
| John's story: John learned from first-hand experience that the indoor spaces we live and work in can make us sick ! Some of the symptoms of these indoor-induced illnesses include reduced energy, susceptibility to colds and flues, allergic reactions, and increased incidences of cancer.
Often these symptoms can be traced to strong electromagnetic currents, stale air, polluted water, molds, chemical gasses emanating from paints, flooring, and furniture, etc. Fortunately, John has learned how to neutralize many of these problems by using a combination of
John was born in Switzerland, the son of two talented physicists. He received an unusual education that included exposure to theoretical and experimental physics, Jungian psychology, and hands-on construction skills. This eclectic combination of skills and knowledge has made him ideally suited for a career that requires an understanding of spaces, structures, people, and the different energies that effect them. John Weinmar, PureSpaces |
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Joanne Mason assumes many roles in her life; life coach, reiki master, owner of a natural health products business, wife, mother, to name a few. Working predominately in the urban Aboriginal communities of Alberta, she has received teaching from native elders and was honoured by being given the native name, Snowchild. When Joanne isn't coaching, offering reiki sessions, or running her business, she continues to pursue her passion for natural healing, | |
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Joanne's story: "Balance and harmony play essential or perhaps even critical roles in my personal and professional life. Achieving these states takes a great deal of effort and thought as well as my ongoing attention.
Once I defined and established my own boundaries and expectations about what being balanced and harmonious are for me, I found that my life in general became simpler. I have come to view the world differently; my work and personal life are not seen as separate, but rather integrated within a set of core values and beliefs. By allowing this integration I have developed greater balance and harmony in my life and the benefits have been incalculable. When I am balanced, I am more true to myself, those I love and those I work with. My physical, spiritual, and emotional health are better and I'm simply able to be a kinder and gentler person. That being said, as the mother of two, a 19 year old and a three year old, a wife, daughter, sister, friend and a business owner, achieving balance and harmony can sometimes be elusive. Each day I take the time to acknowledge the value and worth of these states in my life, for surely without them my life would be chaotic and out of control. However, not everyday goes according to my careful plans and some days can be tough and chaotic due to circumstances and life events; a natural element of life. During these difficult or trying times I tend to liken balance and harmony to the sun and clouds. I can more fully appreciate the warmth and brilliance of the sun after a brief interlude behind the darkness of a cloud. Without these odd bits of chaos and disharmony, I don't think I would so readily recognize and acknowledge the true value of being in balance and harmony." Joanne Mason, life coach, reiki master |
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Dr. Anne Merkel is a Personal Success & Executive Coach, Team & Meeting Facilitator, Master Trainer, Business Consultant, Wholistic Healing Facilitator, Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Change Agent who assists individuals and organizations in breaking through energetic barriers to success. | |
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Anne's story: "For over 30 years I have helped people move forward in their lives, manage personal and professional change, and "evolve" (if that is what they intended) through consulting, training, counseling, coaching. For some of that time I felt that I was "forcing" the energy toward my clients, depleting myself as I went along. Being then the YANG warrior that I was, I pushed on until I found myself in bed for a year with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That is when I started to really pay attention to my own imbalance. Yes, I was a born teacher, an excellent trainer, had many years of management experience to support quality consulting expertise, but I was killing myself. Even though I had great success in my field, made lots of money, and supported myself and my family, I realized I was out of balance and this was hurting me, my spouse, my clients, and the results of my work. I "woke up" and realized it HAD TO start with ME.
I am a very spiritual person and have studied numerous esoteric disciplines and wholistic healing modalities for years. I arrived at a point where it was time to openly integrate my "inner" spiritual life into my "outer" 3D business life. This took lots of courage and I needed to draw from my inner warrior energy to speak my whole TRUTH in my consulting work. In recent years my work has transitioned from playing a YANG/left-brain role of consultant / trainer (preacher/teacher) to a more WHOLE and balanced blend of being facilitator / guide / coach. Where I was paid to judge and instruct before, I now facilitate the WISDOM, PASSION and CREATIVITY to come from within the people. This supports evolution of individuals and organizations as they both become conscious, healthy, balanced. An easier job than before? In some ways yes, and in other ways no, and this work is not for everybody! Now in order for me to best serve clients my preparation is my own inner balance and harmony. My "job" is to remain totally non-judgemental and to hold open a space for my clients to meet and be creative. When I do my "work" it is evidenced in the passion and wisdom that flows from them as they share, discuss, strategize and apply their own wisdom to create follow-up strategies that address their personal and organizational issues. I now realize that I CAN'T WORK WITHOUT DOING MY "WORK". While I have undertaken a wholistic, balanced, and non-forced approach to my professional life, my personal life has, of course, become more balanced and harmonious too. I am experiencing the best relationships of my life now. I am closer to my genetic family than ever before; I have manifested my Divine Partner Mate; and with him I have moved to a new geographic location surrounded with natural beauty, loving community, comfort and abundance!!" The results of my "inner" diligence is reflected in benefits to me both personally and professionally, and to all with whom I come into contact. And, life is SO MUCH EASIER for me and others around me when I approach it in a WHOLE and BALANCED way." Anne I Merkel, Ph.D., Senior Associate with The Ariela Group |
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Carroll Straus is a peaceful warrior and a committed member of the Baha'i faith. Dedicated to non-adversarial resolution of conflict, Carrol has been a California-based attorney since 1983 and now practices collaborative law only. She works with a variety of clients as a mediator, business consultant, coach, and/or transactional attorney for those consumers with legal problems. | |
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Carroll's story: "I could not practice law without all my values-- to do so would create tremendous turbulence inside me-- and the way I am put together, it would be a VERY visceral disharmony! Since my values and soul are heavily invested in truth-- and also healing-- I must practice law this way, or die a soul death. But it also makes sense. Law has traditionally held, even in civil cases, that the outcome of the process is to "make the plaintiff whole." To correct harm. The fact that we compartmentalized harm and acted as though the intellect (and the pocket book!) were disconnected from the Body, Mind and Spirit of the "plaintiff" (injured one) did not make it so. It was simply Cartesian dualism -- a misperception--at work. Since Candice Pert's "Molecules of Emotion", Deepak Chopra's promotion of Ayur Veda, and Caroline Myss' blend of common sense and intuitive medicine, the false distinction between body and mind is not so widely held, and it is much easier to speak to clients of these things. I am somewhat more openly spiritual in my personal life than I am in my "lawyer" persona, because there is still a reticence in the legal field to speak of spiritual or religious values, but I mention them to other lawyers more and more now-- and in some cases, others doing so have clearly tapped into a deep hunger in the profession so I expect to see more integration as we lawyers become braver!" Carroll Straus, collaborative lawyer |
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Tracey Mackenzie has been studying the art of Feng Shui for over twelve years. She is certified by the Feng Shui Association of Canada and has been consulting for the last six years. | |
| Tracey's story: " I have been a Feng Shui practitioner for six years now and I can sincerely state that Feng Shui has helped many people overcome various obstacles in their lives. It has not been an easy road as not everyone wants to make the effort to do what is needed. Those who do have reaped the rewards and have expressed their gratitude.
You see, Feng Shui is not just a trend but a way of living. You must be ready to encompass this way of life in order to take full advantage of it. Feng Shui can help you achieve your goals but its not a magic potion nor a cure-all. You must take the necessary steps to achieve your own personal harmony and vision. Feng Shui is but a tool of discovery. Are you ready to make the journey? Look around your home or office and really take stock. Are your spaces an accurate representation of who you are? Does everything belong there? Are you hanging on to things that are no longer useful? The first important step in achieving harmony in any space is de-cluttering. Clutter creates stagnant energy that permeates your living space and creates feelings of being overwhelmed, extreme fatigue, and/or depression. Clutter clogs up your life, keeps you in the past, and stops you from moving forward. Removing clutter will allow you to breathe easier and open up the channels to the Universe saying you're ready for new opportunities. If you are looking to increase the energy in your office you should ensure that your desk is in the "command" position i.e. you have a clear view of the door and your back is supported by a wall. For your home, stand at your front door and pretend that as you open the door, water flows into your home. Does the water flow uninterupted throughout your home, or is it being impeded every few feet. You may have to rearrange your furniture to let the energy flow more smoothly or you may have to install carpets to slow down a fast hallway. This is but the beginning, but a good beginning to say the least. I invite you to take these first steps to achieving health, happiness and harmony in your life." Tracey Mackenzie, Feng Shui Consultant Our thanks to these wonderful people for taking the time to be provide us with an article or profile. If you know someone involved in a wholistic practice who would like to be featured on this page, please contact us at: profiles@wholcom.net |
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