My appointment with Susie was unlike any other massage appointment I had ever experienced. Because my purpose was for support around smoking cessation it made perfect sense that she targeted my lungs and liver to stimulate detox and help loosen all the tar and crap lingering in my body. We also talked a lot about my body (mainly my posture and largest organ, my skin), current physical limitations and my hopes and goals for the future. I found this discussion very helpful in the weeks to follow - it influenced my intention and personal awareness, the bottom line being building healthier habits.

Around the same time I was finishing up a class at a local pottery studio (see above images, completed pots included) and I started a new series of Hatha Yoga classes with Tasha at Cedar River Yoga. With Susie's observations fresh on my mind I set out to make daily intentions to bring more awareness around building healthier habits in my life. I could see the importance of building healthy habits at the pottery studio, but what about just for me?

The journal entry below was my resulting image(s) from Tasha's yoga series and it really helped me answer that question. I felt her weekly themes, her words, her presence and the physical practice complimented my current intention and focus well. In those moments I craved a ciggy-break, my journal was beginning to hold many comforting and inspiring reminders that I didn't really need it anymore.

The entry above is just for you. My bulls-eye was for me and mine only but I found it such a helpful and informative activity I had to share it. Curious to see what occupies your Priorities Bulls-eye?

Have you ever leaned over a pot of boiling water, thrown a towel over your head and inhaled the steam? A nebulizer treatment is essentially the same thing, only it's a mask and a machine to get a straight shot of medicine to your lungs. My nebulizer treatment contained Glutathione (a sulphur-based chemical found naturally in the liver) and a herbal remedy for inflammation, pain and my lymphatic system. The sulphur smell was barely noticeable and, with my journal to doodle in or a book to read, the sessions went by quickly. The above drawing was not significant in itself but the image drawn on the other side left a transfer of bright colours over the poem I wrote to accompany my nebulizer-doodle.

What was the image drawn on the other side? Well, in the context of change, I had been trying to experience life with radical openness, a willingness to consider environmental and/or social feedback that I may need to change. This required courage and was the opposite of complacency, passivity or resignation. It was freedom from being stuck, it was finding my edge, and gaining confidence to make active and empowered choices.

The colourful transfer that occurred after this wellness entry felt like a creative gift and it made me smile. So too the environmental and social feedback I was becoming aware of. At the beginning of my journey the idea of living life without cigarettes was terrifying. Now, I was not only living my life without cigarettes, I was learning to be aware of and open to feedback and change in a positive and bright new way. Not a bad start to building healthier habits, eh?!

She graduated from the MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy 2200 hour program. Lana has successfully completed additional training in Hot Stone Massage, Shiatsu for Migraines, as well as Infant Massage. In her years of experience her focus has mainly been sports/deep tissue massage treatments, with special interests in TMJ and Migraine therapy. 

Previous to studying massage therapy she had always worked in the healthcare field, as a Nurse's Aide as well as a Medical Office Assistant. Lana is very passionate about helping others and learning about the human body. She is currently in the process of becoming registered with the College of Massage of BC, and plans to remain here for the rest of her career. She is now providing holistic treatments here at the Clinic and is currently accepting new clients.

Until next time - stay creative!

At this point it had been about 4 months since my last cigarette. In my early yoga practice my coughing was pretty evident and I felt shaky and weak. Four months into it my movements and stretches felt stronger and my focus and attention felt actively grounded in breath, with very little coughing (extra thanks to Tasha at Cedar River Yoga!). It was both a refreshing and humbling experience to learn how to breathe again and to find a new appreciation for my breath. This was not something I planned but in hindsight it makes sense that this would be valuable within smoking cessation counseling support. I often caught myself grounding my feet and taking a deep breath periodically throughout my day - not a bad substitute for 'going out for a ciggy', right?!

Meanwhile, back at the clinic I booked my appointment with Dr. Lutz to have custom orthotics made. 'Why orthotics?', you might ask. Well, the write-up he gave me stated that individual biomechanical deficits are reduced, while restoring a symmetrical foundation and enhancing shock-absorbing capacity. But I was sold after hearing that Stabilizing Orthotics support whole-body wellness for a lifetime. The way I was feeling at that point, its exactly what I needed to hear. All-in-all the entire appointment took about 20 minutes, it was quick, painless and extremely informative. When my orthotics arrived I was given a few sheets with very informative visuals about my skeletal structure - this 3D thinker was quite appreciative of that - and a booklet on how to take care of my new orthotics.

Not-so-oddly enough, I took advantage of my ceramics practice to help explore the concept of a strong and balanced foundation. The break-in period for my new orthotics was 45 days - around the same amount of time Eastern practices of wellness suggest authentic change takes place, btw - and at this point I was about 20 days into it and my mind, body and soul felt sore and tired. Through trimming the foot of recently thrown vesssels I not only thought about and visualized a strong and balanced foundation, but I was able to shape that curve with my hand and push into the clay to practice this concept as well; all guided by two supportive teacher-artists (as well as Tasha's breathing guidance close to mind) and a studio full of creative women from my community. Not every attempt was successful - another mindful practice of love and compassion, it felt great to laugh at my mistakes and my attempts to correct them were the best I could do in that moment.

Closer to the end of my orthotic break-in period I felt like my throwing and trimming skills were slowly getting stronger; I could really feel myself getting grounded and centered. Not like my art-school days, but closer to something that honoured who and where I was in that moment. Being able to see, touch and experience this difference was refreshing and enjoyable. Similar to how I used to feel about smoking a cigarette... and now I was feeling this with alternative healthier habits. Needless to say, I was really excited to continue this creative journey.

Until next time - keep calm and breathe on, creative peeps!

The creative practice of flexibility made possible through wellness journalling and art making can be a safe outlet to try new things. An appreciated balance to the rigidity life can bring. As I went along, day to day, adding thoughts and ideas into my wellness journal, my needs unfolded before me in beautiful ways. Not offensive or demanding (of me), just an honest reflection of me (flaws and all) and my journey. One project I remember from art school (RDC, Red Deer Alberta) was a live-action process piece. We were asked to pick a spot that is constant and to document subtle changes minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour, or day-to-day on the same piece of paper, no eraser. Throughout this whole process one of my constants has been my yoga practice, so I thought it only fitting to start this entry with a visual process piece documenting one half-hour home yoga session (Revolution by Adriene, YouTube, 2017).
      -This piece was interesting in that it shifted my focus to body and movement in a new and different way. To not just do the poses but to visualize and draw the shapes and lines of each pose as well. And because I gave myself the no eraser rule, there was a gentle practice of kindness to self, all marks welcome even if they were wrong or not accurate, a mindful practice to acknowledge them and let them be. This idea came after my sessions with Dr. Griffith but because my yoga practice was constant throughout my journey I included it first.

To start off my NIHC smoking-cessation experience I booked my first appointment with our lovely receptionist, Amanda. When I arrived through the front door of the clinic I was greeted with a big friendly smile, welcomed in and offered a spot on a comfy couch in Dr. Griffith's office. Over the next 10 or 15 minutes Dr. Griffith listened to me talk/sob about my decision to quit smoking, then she explained to me the process of her smoking cessation support. Spanning 3 sessions, my treatment would including acupuncture, cupping and gold-plated magnets all done to (re)connect mind and body, revitalize circulation and target my willpower - who couldn't use that when you're trying to quit smoking, right!?!

As you might have noticed - I enjoy lettering and doodling (inspired by local artists such as Dyan Meyers and Marianne Weston) as a way to write notes and honour my dyslexic mind. The following pages from my journal highlighted my three sessions with Dr. Griffith (please note Dr. Griffith's work is client-centered so your treatment might look a little different). Again, I flipped through these pages numerous times - pleasant reminders of what I am doing and why - a little extra love and compassion in moments when I really needed it.

Acupuncture: targeted the sympathetic nervous system to reconnect, invigorate, and strengthen circulation.
Cupping: targeted parasympathetic nervous system; pressure and movement to encourage flow in movement (followed by a very nice tiger-balm-like salve).
Gold-plated Magnets: targeted the Shenmen or Spirit Gate (willpower), also targeted kidneys, liver, lungs, and a calming pressure point.

One interesting observation... for the first drawing I wanted to draw an ear to document the pressure points where the magnets were placed in my ear. I have a big Anatomy Coloring Book (designed after the Western medical model), this I had hoped to reference how to draw an ear. Unfortunately, on the appropriate page there was only a vague, quarter-view of the external ear - the main focus was more on the middle and inner ear. The inclusion of the inner ear in my drawing ended up being purely a personal symbol or cue, it was not an element of Dr. Griffith's session. For me it was important to include because of its connection to that session's theme, Willpower. Another example of the whimsical flexibility art making can afford. Just in case you're wondering, I ended up touching my own ear to draw it out on the page (it might not be totally accurate but I'm okay with that). These initial sessions with Dr. Griffith definitely felt more focused on the external (i.e. the largest organ, your skin) to initiate and influence internal change.

So, to complement my journal entries I rekindled my creative practice of ceramics. For me this was the media in art school that allowed me to explore and express myself, my passion and to learn how to make a beautiful muddy mess! It allowed me to literally and figuratively get grounded and centered. Several years back I was in a car accident that significantly hindered my ability to continue my ceramic work. With all this mind-body re-connection going on I thought now might be a nice time to get back into it. And lucky for me I had been gifted a couple classes at our local community pottery studio. My first couple attempts at wedging, throwing and trimming vessels on the wheel definitely felt rusty and my touch and control of the clay felt weak. That's okay - this was just the start. With all the work and support I did and received throughout my journey I was confident I would get stronger.

To strengthen my body's foundation I turned to the man I've been getting chiropractic treatments from since I was 10 years old.

Successful treatment outcomes begin by identifying the true origin of the health complaint. Good health and successful treatments depend on a balance between ones physical, emotional, and chemical condition.
Many of his patients arrive as a result of some physical trauma such a fall, bad lift, or accident.

During consultation you may find that other health issues exist, which is often assumed to not be related to chiropractic. These often can be positively influenced by restoring good nerve flow at the spinal level.
Treatment protocols are supported by evaluating your response to food, drink and the environment. Consideration to diet as it relates to ones genetics as determined by blood type, allergy and ergonomics are considered.

He works extensively with Foot Levelers Inc. (www.footlevelers.com) who perfected the unique three arch support soft orthotics to help spinal, knee, and foot problems. He prides himself in providing non invasive and pain free chiropractic care using, massagers, spinal distraction treatment tables and pain-free spinal adjustments to restore good nerve health. He has enjoyed the co-operative approach now available in the clinic, where a number of health professionals work together to help our patients.

Conclude with an introduction of Dr. Lutz's custom orthotics. He encourages you to call him to help you decide if chiropractic treatment is a choice on your road to better health. 

Phone: 250-798-2447 
Email: chiro@citywest.ca

Until next time - peace, love and creativity, folks!

I am a 3o-something year old wife, mother, daughter, friend, researcher, entrepreneur, art therapist, advocate, activist, musician and artist. I am also a smoker, have been since my late teens (ironically enough, I started smoking cigarettes just after taking a Health Psychology course at UNBC - the professor, who had just quit smoking herself, spent an entire semester lecturing us on how amazingly bad cigarettes are for everyone and everything... apparently for me that translated into, 'Sure, I'll have one'). With all these hats I wear, all the things I hold precious in life, why do I smoke?!? Its simple, I (a part of my brain that has been well conditioned) love smoking cigarettes. Even with all the horrible things attached to smoking (the following making the most impact on me):

There is still a part of me that loves smoking and probably always will. That means I am going to have to pull out all the big guns to conquer this beast - the worst breakup EVER! At Northwest Integrative Healthcare Centre (NIHC) there is a wealth of alternative health services available to support my healing, health and well-being - such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractics, registered massage therapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, and of course art therapy.  For the whole me - my mind, body and soul. Within this arts-based ethnographic case study I also include my HATHA yoga practice because while this service may not be available (...yet...) at NIHC, it is very much a central element in my journey.
So this is the first of 8 monthly art blog posts. My hope is to share an alternative health and well-being journey into becoming cigarette-free and to inspire other kindred-spirit-smokers through whatever phase of quitting you may be. Be my guest and read on.

Around my birthday - I told myself that after 16 years I do not want to spend any more time and money smoking cigarettes! As a birthday treat to myself I bought a spiral-bound sketchbook, some pencils, and started a visual journal of my 10th attempt to quit smoking cigarettes. When I put my mind to something I will do everything I can to make it happen... eventually. It took another six months before I would smoke my last cigarette, but for me it all started out with this journal entry:

As an art therapist I feel the need to mention that art made in therapy is different than art exposed to us through classes, media or in galleries. I do not mean to undervalue those creative communities, opportunities and environments - more so just to observe a difference, not better or worse, but a beautiful diversity within a culture of the Arts. Art Therapy is a reflection of the individual or group creating the piece (for the individual or group in that moment), therefore it should not fall under the same standards and scrutiny as art classes, media and galleries. The artwork I share with you today is not good or bad, it just is what it needed to be, for me, when I needed it. By sharing it I then offer it to others on a similar journey - take from it what you need... just remember, no two journeys are the same even if the destination is. 
       
     "When the soul is lost, ART comes spontaneously to its assistance."
                                                             -Hans Prinzhorn (Dada-Surrealist, 1922)

Over four months I worked on 7 entries that I reviewed and flipped through countless times before finally calling my family doctor to talk about my smoking-cessation options. It took another two months before I started the medication I was prescribed.

Just a little side note about what I know about medication (*I am not a doctor) - some of the smoking-cessation medication available on the Canadian market have some serious side effects (ie, vivid dreams, change in mood, suicidal ideation, etc.). For me, I notice and appreciate all the benefits medication provides me in the first few weeks after smoking my last cigarette - that is why I chose to start my journey this way. Medication is not essential to quitting, it is just one of many options. Have a conversation with your doctor, ask questions. Your health and well-being is yours, if medication isn't an option for you, that's okay.

 There was no how-to-guide when it came to art therapy and smoking-cessation. Most people I asked gave me an 'I dunno' response and I was at a breaking point, in need of a change. To be honest when I first started my art-journey, I felt silly. But, I also knew that was natural (all change feels unnatural at first, that's why its so hard) and all part of the process (my creative process). Art allows you to explore and express anything (especially at times when words fail). Art therapy meets you where you're at in the moment, the most important audience is you. When I was working on these drawings I made an effort to acknowledge and set-aside my 'this is silly'-thoughts (stinkin'-thinkin' that holds me back) and the feelings and messages within me were able to flow onto the pages infront of me. As far as these drawings go, I feel they are pretty self-explanatory and anything else (beyond what I have already shared) would be insignificant compared to the thoughts and feelings they may inspire in you, at whatever stage you may be at on your journey. 

The next canvas in my journey is taking me to Dr. Candice Griffith, ND.

As a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Griffith is a general practitioner trained as a specialist in natural medicine.  She views the body as an integral whole where symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body. She sees the process of seeing a Naturopathic Doctor as a learning process which includes various stages of reflection on health and information gathering. The initial assessment encompasses gathering the necessary information on all levels of wellness – physical, mental and emotional. The objectives are:

• Identify factors that contribute to an individual’s state of health and the possible causes for disease.

• Identify obstacles that prevent an individual from improving their health.

• Explore personal philosophies that create the context required to understand the process of healing.

• Educate individuals on how to listen to their body and become active in the assessment process through self- awareness.

• Identify areas that Naturopathic Medicine is unable to address and insure the proper referrals are made, approaching the integration of treatment methods in healthcare.

• Engage the patient in an ongoing assessment of their health by providing the necessary tools to monitor their progress.

Dr. Griffith’s treatment modalities include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Western and Eastern Herbal Medicine, dietary and lifestyle counseling, vitamin/mineral and injectable supplementation. She also offers food and environmental allergy testing. 

Dr. Griffith consistently maintains a focus on the importance of mind-body medicine. She also facilitates group discussions that are based on the connections between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellness. Her approach is to bridge personal health with the social dynamics that are unique to communities. In building strong individual awareness of health, she works towards building an integrated community approach to wellness. 

Dr.Griffith carries professional liability insurance coverage, and holds prescriptive authority in the province of BC. For the past seven years, she has been working at the Gya’Wa’Tlaab Healing Centre, providing care to people who are affected by alcohol and drug addiction. For more information please visit:   www.nihc.ca

I plan to end each entry with a table of tid-bit information; how much I've spent on cigarettes (lifetime estimate) vs. the cost of this smoking-cessation adventure. I leave any final conclusions to you, in honour of you and your journey. Until next time, in the words of funny-man, Russel Peters - "Take it and go!".