Happy April, SynerLink friends,
Some of you may not be aware of my work with the Board of the International Network of Integrative Mental Health (www.INIMH.org), so I thought I’d take a moment this month to update you. This wonderful group recently organized an educational exchange to Cuba with the help of MEDICC (Medical Education Cooperative with Cuba). It was an amazing learning experience and a unique opportunity to connect with mental health professionals in Cuba. We were, of course, very impressed with the Cuba health care system’s focus on prevention as well as their commitment to integrative health care, with complementary and alternative medicines – Natural and Traditional Medicine to Cuban s – being not only available, but an integral, valued part of the public health care system. However, what struck me most about our visit was the sense of community and connection. The neighborhood family doctor not only knew each patient, but knew their family, even having a “family chart” that collected everyone’s medical information. The warmth and connection they offer to one another as a community, and which supports them in thriving despite their economic hardship, was palpable. As we in the States get more isolated from one another, spending more and more time alone behind our screens, I can’t help but wonder – how can we capture the best of both worlds? How can we create a society that provides the freedom and comforts of the U.S. while not losing the sense of connection and community that Cuba has in abundance – and which we ourselves once enjoyed, as well? What can you do this month to build community in your neighborhood and in your life? Enjoy this month’s feature article, which is a beautiful photo slide show by photographer Alex Webb, who has been documenting street life in Cuba for 20 years.
Don’t forget – My new e-book, 7 Foundations of Health and Happiness: First Steps, is ready and FREE for you to download here:
http://www.
I hope that it will support you on your journey to a life you love.
If you enjoy the newsletter, please forward to friends or colleagues who may enjoy receiving it, as well. They can click the links at the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe, or to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, or go to our home page:
www.synergeni usconsulting.com.
As always, I welcome suggestions, comments, or interesting links. Please send to: chelgason@
Best wishes for your health and happiness,
Chanel Helgason, MD
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“If your happiness depends on changes that others make, then you’ll never be happy, for there will always be a need for more people to make more changes.”
– Esther Hicks
THIS MONTH’S LINKS
Article of the Month:
http://www.nytimes.com/
For those with greater interest and access to an academic library, this article has some great information on Cuba’s health care system.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
A lovely 3-bite meditation practice to cultivate devotion, gratitude, and kindness.
http://email.shambhala.com/
Embrace your inner creativity! Love these tips. 🙂
http://www.brainpickings.org/
The power of volunteering to improve health in those who help others:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
A great article about work-life balance and how creative companies can create win-win solutions.
http://online.wsj.com/article/
In praise of family traditions and stories to keep us happy and healthy:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/
An interesting take on our “paleofantasies” and the idea that we are not, in fact, simply cavemen in suits.
http://chronicle.com/article/
Great advice on healthy-mood food:
http://touch.organicauthority.
The key to self-care is loving yourself first!
http://www.drlowdog.com/omm-
A BIT OF HUMOR
Ah, the challenges of healthy living!
https://www.creators.com/
