A friend told me the other day that she hadn’t watched any of the news media coverage surrounding Hurri-cane Katrina. On the other hand, I watch a half hour or more at some point during the day. The images and accompanying stories, in small doses, seem unreal at times and I choose not to turn away. I think about these survivors and what they’re enduring and how difficult it must be for them to have private moments or to turn off the images at bedtime.

These images reminds me of the MANY ways I am blessed whether I'm eating from a clean dish, putting gas in my car or making a simple phone call. Sometimes I feel helpless, angry, sad, guilty, disbelieving; sometimes I am moved to action.

We are all capable of greatness and the unthinkable. Katrina has painfully revealed some of the failures of our system and has also exposed a part of our humanity that is often invisible to many. Katrina has also revealed what we are capable of as we continue to hear and share stories from friends and neighbors of many efforts, large and small, to help our brothers, sisters and four leggeds in need.

As a part of this human experiment, I intend to help where I can best help, curb my hoarding instincts, and listen deeply to what is truly needed in each moment for myself and others.

The victims of Hurricane Katrina and the communities along the Gulf Coast will need our attention and support for a very long time. The fabric of our system is in need of repair. Perhaps one big blessing of Katrina is a wider opening of our eyes, a deeper opening of our hearts and less time for self- absorption.

This column offers "knowledge" (with a slight bias), from a variety of sources (in parentheses); knowledge related to choices we make personally and globally, and not commonly available through our popular news media. I invite you to share your "tidbits" or raise your eyebrows by emailing me @ drpea@sbcglobal.net.

THAT: EM•1® or "effective microorganisms" were used to deal with the tremendous amount of toxic waste in Asia in the aftermath of the tsunami which saved thousands of lives. The government is currently planning to use bleach for cleaning up after Katrina and efforts are underway to dissuade officials. Whole Foods will pick up a large portion of the tab. This is a timely issue so if you feel moved, call the White House Hotline (202)456-1414 and your state reps to suggest this effective, organic and gentle alternative. (www.emamerica.com)

THAT: 70% of pharmaceuticals are synthetically derived from plant, animal and mineral sources. The ability to make MORE, in every sense of the word, is a major motivating force behind the pharmaceutical complex

THAT: Both coffee and decaf coffee contain a large concentration of trichloroethylene, a potent carcinogen primarily used as a degreasing agent in the metal industry and as a solvent in the dry cleaning industry.

THAT: Two glasses of red wine a day MAY be helpful for your heart but is toxic to your liver and weakens your spleen function.

THAT: Toxic waste products in the body can impair metabolic processes and cause a decrease in immune function? In addition, this can lead to “regulation rigidity” meaning that the capacity of any organ to respond to therapy is rigidified or significantly decreased. In a toxic body/organ/meridian system, it becomes more difficult to balance or establish proper energy flow. (American Journal of Acupuncture, Ap - Jun 1989)

THAT: The most commonly prescribed drug in America is the one most advertised. A few years ago, it was Premarin, a conjugated estrogen, known for many years to increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer, endometrial carcinoma, gallbladder disease, and more. (John Chen, Ph.D Pharm.D, O.M.D, LAc.)

Astragalus Membranaceous is a beautiful flowering purple medicinal plant, however, the most oft used and beneficial part of the plant is the root.

A premier immunotonic herb in Chinese herbal medicine, Astragalus enhances your immunity by protecting your body from environmental energies, such as wind and cold and increasing the circulation of wei qi (“protective qi”) around the surface layers of the body. It also stimulates production and circulation of immunological factors in the blood, in particular white blood cells which specifically fight disease.

In modern research, astragalus was shown to restore normal immune response in 90% of cancer patients studied. While it does not attack the cancer cells directly, it strengthens the body’s own immune defenses against the development of cancer. Astragalus was also found to significantly boost the production of macrophages. Astragalus helps the body resist virus infections, particularly in the lungs, by increasing production of interferon, an immune factor that inhibits viral growth.

Often combined with other herbs such as Ginseng and Cordyceps for more potency, astragalus is a very safe herb. Even very large doses have not produced toxicity in animals and humans.

Many of my students will appreciate this photo I came across of Grandmaster Yang Mei-Jun, the 27th Lineage holder of the Kunlun School Taoist tradition - a tradition that dates back to the Jin dynasty (265 ad). Yang Mei-Jun passed away in 2002 at the advanced age of 106 years. She has taught Wild Goose Qi Gong to thousands of students and teachers and I am fortunate to have studied with Heloise Gold who was taught by Dr. Jamie Wu, one of Yang Mei Jun's students.

WILD GOOSE QI GONG

When: Wednesdays (ongoing) 7:00-8:15 pm
Where: Bouldin Creek Movement Studio (next to El Mercado)
1310 S. First St. #200
Cost: $52 month $15 single class
First class free to new students.
Register: Call 374-9800

QI GONG FOR WEIGHT LOSS & MANAGEMENT

A popular class last Spring, students will learn 10 Qi Gong movements from the “Dragon’s Way” and other qi gong practices that benefit your metabolism and the main organs involved in digestion. In addition, students will learn about the energetics of various foods and how to choose the best foods, flavors, and temperatures for their constitution. A personal consultation is included as part of the course.

When: Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm
Sept. 28 - Nov.16
Where: Bouldin Creek Movement Studio (next to El Mercado)
1310 S. First St. #200
Cost: $130 for 8 weeks $20 single class
Register: Call 374-9800

"INTRODUCTION TO THE DIAMOND APPROACH"

Wednesday, September 21
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Austin Zen Center
3014 Washington Square (near 30th and Guadalupe)

An evening of meditation, teaching and inquiry, led by Deborah Ussery and Morton Letofsky, senior teachers of the Diamond Approach for more than 25 years. Through this path, discover what it means to be in the world, engaged in the challenges of living a full life without losing connection with the fullness and depth of who you are. Discover what it means to function in life without the veiling influences of society, personal history, or the inner critic.

What is the Diamond Approach?

A spiritual path using a system of inquiry that helps us explore both psychodynamically and phenomenologically the personal barriers that prevent us from experiencing the fullness and richness of our true nature. Weekends provide an opportunity to explore those personal issues unique to each of us that veil our experience. Certified Ridhwan teachers guide students through a unique approach to self understanding that includes lectures, discussions, self and group inquiry, and meditation, culminating in a small task and work period on the final afternoon when personal material is integrated through the application of presence, contemplation, and silence.

For info or applications:
Austin, Tx: contact Barbara @(512)217-7913 (blipscomb@toast.net)
Houston, Tx: contact Linda @(800)815-9271 (LMAR54@aol.com)
Ridhwan International website: www.ridhwan.org.
Books on the Diamond Approach can be found at Shambala.com, Borders, Bookpeople, and Barnes & Noble.

Skeptics are my best patients because they tend to pay attention and question everything. When we get the desired results, you're my best source of word of mouth referrals. Healing is a process that involves time and effort. Acupuncture and herbs can't cure everything, but I'm willing to take on the MOST skeptical of you and turn your doubts to dust. Let me make you a believer!

(expires Oct. 15, 2005)