Where your eye lights
Last night I went back to the gym after a too long hiatus. All the common reasons apply but it was a general feeling of decrepitude that got me to call them and lo and behold there was a slot that night with a Fitness First trainer. The local YMCA I go to is really great. They have this free service where they encourage, guide and if necessary (and I'm afraid it will be) kick your butt to get you back in shape.
I met with Phyllis and she was obviously someone who loves her job. She carefully showed me the ins and outs of each machine and required time on each. I must admit my parochial background kicked in immediately with me making mental notes to always exceed the 5, 10, and 20 minute slots at every turn. Phyllis told me several times how insulted some clients had been by her methods: putting stars on their charts as they met fitness goals, reiterating safety instructions and words of encouragement on the circuit training equipment. Here's someone who love, love, loves her job but she's letting the negativity of a few change that.
And I shared with her how almost every day a potential customer calls up and tells me Pure Pro is too expensive and I don't argue. Often two or three others will call that same day and say things like "I'm so glad you're still there, making this. I couldn't work without your arnica." They know value. It took me more than 15 years to focus on those value oriented people. I tried to steer Phyllis that way but I could see it was a struggle. Upon parting I told her I'd be delighted to see stars in my chart.
In joyful movement,
Dianna
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Posted by Melissa Alosso on October 26th, 2010 | Permalink
Our Right to Choose Health
Ok, I normally don't write the posts. Dianna is the word whiz and as the computer guru I simply put them up. But this time I feel compelled to share my longtime passion for our personal right to create our own path to total well-being, spiritual fulfillment and exuberant vitality.
This morning's newscast spouted a report that over 50% of Americans believe that pain is a necessary part of life and they have to live with it as they age. You and I are in this industry because WE BELIEVE THAT NO ONE NEEDS TO LIVE IN PAIN!
I would love to share my personal journey with you because it is spectacular and even after two years of self-fulfillment I can hardly believe where this endless journey has taken me. I personally have found my way to an amazing state of health through nutrition, joyful movement, spiritual awakening and deep social connections.
I was raised on nothing but boxed, frozen and processed foods and lots of meat. Today I feast upon a predominantly raw diet full of locally grown and made foods. I've grown to love almost all foods and enjoy whatever my body needs without guilt and with no mention of the word diet. And I lost over 50 lbs in less than a year and got rid of chronic pain, debilitating inflammation, embarrassing skin problems, and many digestive ailments.
As a child I feared sports and dance because I was told I was uncoordinated, funny looking, weak, too skinny or too fat. Now I am vibrant and glowing through the playful functional movement that I crave every day (check out this cool resource called Exuberant Animal). I hoop dance every day during work breaks, socially among friends, alone to meditate and even to pass mundane tasks like flossing. Our dogs here at work make sure I get at least 2-4 miles of walking with them every day. My personal yoga practice is my foundation. And I seek out every opportunity I can for African Dance and drumming where I fully and freely inhabit my body and spirit. Yes, that gawky kid is now an inspiring, elated, graceful dancer.
I feel such a strong integration of body, mind and spirit that my whole life has changed in all the ways I've wanted. I cherish the universe and all my friends and family for being with me through this transformation. And it's the freedom to access all the various means and support I need that is very special.
There is too much of our freedom slipping away into the controlling hands of some of our government agencies, profit driven corporations and the wealthy. The cosmetics industry has fought the FDA and other so-called "consumer advocacy" agencies over mis-guided attempts to regulate, control and stifle the industry. As a "cosmetics" manufacturer (although we consider ourselves a wellness provider), we've been jostled about by all of this increasingly over the years.
Even worse our food and agriculture industries are in a hellish state under the FDA. What ruffled my feathers today is a link a friend shared on Facebook to this story about a family farm that is being ordered to destroy their raw milk and cheese. We've suffered through so many human and pet food recalls lately that we don't know where to turn for safe food. A larger part of the Missouri Morningland Farm dairy recall is the push to squeeze small farms out of our food supply chain. Beyond this is the issue of destroying our choices! Destroying our small businesses that support our local economies. Destroying our ability to provide food for ourselves, our neighbors, our local community. Destroying our option to gather information, think and choose for ourselves. Destroying a way of life.
I am not against regulation. I am for accountability. Western Massachusetts is a special place that fosters this and I am very proud of my local community for actions such as recently rejecting a school wide ban on nut foods (fear based action) and instead creating a task force to educate and guide around the issues of food allergies and safety (love directed action).
Join me in acting to preserve our family farms: a way of subsisting, of providing the most basic need of nourishment, of caring for our health, of building community and families, and of supporting jobs and the local economy. Show your support in your home community with your money, with your words and actions. Show your support by taking the best care of your body and mind through self-education, thoughtful decisions and self-respect.
Open your heart wide to love and let that love push out the fear...
Shine on!
Melissa
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Posted by Melissa Alosso on October 13th, 2010 | Permalink
Rise to support the MTF!
Join us in supporting the Massage Therapy Foundation at their 20th anniversary. We contributed to their Rise campaign to assist with their research, educational and philanthropic efforts in the massage community.
Do you know that the Foundation offers community service grants? You, yes YOU, could take action to reach out to your community offering the benefits of massage to those in need. Share your gift with the support of the Foundation!
Do you know that there is a massage therapy database full of scientific research and helpful knowledge available to you?
Do you know that the Foundation also awards research grants?
We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn, and join other industry professionals in advancing the field.
In health,
Dianna
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Posted by Melissa Alosso on October 5th, 2010 | Permalink
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