New Digs, Culture, and Equanimity

The San Francisco East Bay is now my home. I moved into an Oakland, California apartment on June 15th. The first week of settling presented some resistance, and this weekend I reached a new equilibrium. Life continues to be very busy. Over the last five weeks, I’ve been completely occupied with new client outreach, health care appointments such as weekly infusions of Paracelsus supplements and homeopathics, looking for housing, moving, and unpacking.

Since securing my belongings from my storage unit, I have so many things. Part of me is completely marveled by my own “excesses.” During my year in Germany, I lived out of several suitcases. Over the last week, I’ve continued to only use the clothes and shoes I had with me abroad. With some resistance, I cannot quite embrace my new normal.

Enjoying my new neighborhood, I’m delighted to live nearby a main strip with shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, spas, health clinics, yoga studios, grocery stores, a post office, and more. Venturing into the Oakland hills, I went on a magnificent hike and also a bike ride this past week. The East Bay mountains remind me of those in Marin County (the North Bay of San Francisco). Eucalyptus trees, pines, and many other forms of radiant vegetation line the soft rolling hills. It is a touch of heaven.

Short hikes and yoga have offered respite in the midst of my ongoing adjustments to California life. As I mentioned in my May blog, hearing English, driving my car, talking on my cell phone, experiencing American relationship dynamics, and the number of options available in stores and restaurants initially felt completely overwhelming. I did not begin to feel that I was adjusting until weeks 2 to 4 back in the United States. Part of me was more in Germany during my first two weeks in California. Then around week 3, I suddenly felt extremely disconnected from Germany as if my time there was all a dream. And yet when I begin to ponder my year in Germany, I’m instantly transported there. Now, at least, my process of cultural immersion feels almost complete. I’m rarely startled when I hear English anymore. I do, however, say thank you and excuse me to myself in German.

As I’ve struggled with my transition and responsibilities, life can feel really hard. But, who said life was easy? The American dream promotes the belief that life is a linear process of making money, getting married, buying a house, having kids, investing in retirement, and putting your feet up at age 65 to really enjoy life. American culture does not teach people how to deal with adversity. Our culture does not even teach us to know ourselves. The superficiality of this country has created the greed, selfishness, and vast inequality prevalent today. The San Francisco area has traditionally contained roots of national movements toward positive social change, attitudes, and policies. That is one of the reasons I live here. Being surrounded by visionaries, and activism, allows me to foster my own creativity, light, and work in the world.

I continue to recognize that I choose my attitudes and perspectives. Life feels glorious in moments, and sometimes shattering the next. These extremes are not necessarily good or bad. On a deeper level, no judgment is required. Every experience is part of the beauty of life, the human condition, and the majestic journey of the soul.

Health and Healing

July 5th to 21st I will be in Switzerland at the Paracelsus clinic. Although I’m slightly weary from moving around, the deeper part of me knows I must return soon. I have felt my system slowly slipping since my Paracelsus experience. I do not feel the same physical vitality. The channels are not as clear.

Lately, I have been thinking more about the specific consequences of having a brain tumor. I want to write more about it. We all have the places that scare us, and ultimately liberate us. Mine just happens to be a brain tumor.

I learn everyday, more and more, how to embrace my reality and recognize my unique purpose. Stay tuned for a major Healing Focus announcement. I am preparing to launch a new phase of my work!

Nobody Can Afford a Brain Tumor

The National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) released a groundbreaking report in May 2007 entitled “Nobody Can Afford a Brain Tumor.” A total of 277 patient and 224 caregivers completed a survey about the financial consequences of dealing with a brain tumor.

The report reveals “the high cost for treatment, even for insured patients, coupled with difficulty with employment and obtaining disability insurance, leaves patients and families financially strapped, in debt, and even bankrupt.”

The key findings include the following points.

This humbling report provides important information to people affected by brain tumors, the general public, health care professionals, government, and service providers used by those with brain tumors. I, personally, know the financial hardship associated with the disease. Over the last year and a half, I’ve needed to ask for help. Support from many people has been tremendous. And yet, well-intentioned people that love me have said things like I just need good health insurance or that I should take out more loans to pay for my medical expenses. I understand the challenge about knowing what it is like to walk in another’s shoes. The NBTF report goes a long way in cultivating understanding about the financial repercussions of dealing with a brain tumor. Beyond understanding, people affected by brain tumors and other types of cancer need more support, programs, services, and government assistance.

Michael Moore’s Sicko

Over 48 million Americans do not have health insurance. However, as noted in the NBTF report, people with health insurance often do not have adequate coverage, or in my case cannot access appropriate medical care through their insurance and in their own country.

The latest film by Michael Moore, Sicko, highlights the dreadful state of health care in the United States, and calls for a free universal health care system for all Americans. The film also depicts Americans as focused on the “me” versus the “we.”

Sicko debuts in theatres across the United States on June 29th. I cannot wait to see this film. Check it out and let me know what you think.