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Life is for Learning
by Marlene Molay Brown
If you stay in the flow of life, it brings you just to where
you need to be. At a health expo, I took information from various schools offering
courses of within my areas of interest. Was I too old to go back to school?
Did I want to spend money, take time to study, make this kind of commitment
to what only seemed to be a dream? But I was hooked, and took the plunge into
the doctorate program at AIHT. I wanted to be a Holistic Practitioner, to have
clients, to present programs, to help people on a grand scale, if possible.
I wanted to educate and inform, write and teach. It is no longer a dream out
there. Its a reality. Ill receive my Doctorate of Healtheology
this year, at the age of 64!
Based on decades of self-empowering and empowering others,
I am delighted to tie together so many lifelong interests. These
include:
TEACHING: Looking back, I always wanted to
be a teacher. Being a wife and mother was my job for many years,
but when I went back to school to receive my degree in Education, I began substitute
teaching, tutoring, teaching piano, and teaching chorus.
Living with chronic ailments, such as allergies and migraines,
and health challenges including cysts and rashes, I had a keen interest in doing
what it takes to be well. I have always been curious and loved learning. Somehow
the teaching and learning integrated, pushing me into new areas
of endeavor.
HEALTH: A serious health
challenge, when I was 42, created a turning point in my life. My doctor said
I had cancer, and I chose not to accept his diagnosis. That was 22 years ago,
and I havent seen a doctor since, except for my chiropractor. I absorbed
books like sponges absorb water. My enthusiasm for finding ways to improve my
own health resulted in my wanting to teach everyone what I was learning. I had
never heard of nutrition, supplements and homeopathy to any extent, and I couldnt
have been a better student! I am healthier and happier than I have been at any
other time in my life.
FAITH: In healing, I also
had a spiritual awakening. A friend and I taught Metaphysics in church for about
two years. To become better teachers, we took various courses that were both
fun and enlightening. We found out that there was a lot to learn, and these
were years of exploring the power of prayer, and many belief systems.
Now I am content with who and what I am, and humbled by what
I have learned along the way. My faith cannot be shaken, and I know that life
is good. It is an honor to share some of this knowledge. Everyday, I pray to
be an instrument for peace and healing.
YOGA: My interest in Yoga
was blossoming at the time I decided to work on my degree. Watching Yoga on
TV in the 60s, and reading about it, brought a new dimension to my mind
and body. I also experienced the serenity of meditation. Years later the teacher
appeared on my path to what would become an integral part of my life.
In the early 90s, I worked in the corporate world.
Encouraged to stay after work and teach Yoga for coworkers, I not only taught
Yoga, but I always had books with me to help people with their various health
concerns. I envisioned that someday I would leave the corporate world and I
was right.
I now teach 15 Yoga classes a week, from small children,
to seniors, some in wheelchairs. Most of my students have average shapes and
abilities. They feel comfortable in my classes, because it isnt fancy.
Even the marathon runners and physical fitness students in my class reap many
benefits.
Yoga is for everyone. The classes are informal, casual, non-competitive
and, I hope, fun. Its yet another place to learn from my students, and
learning happens every week. I am so fortunate.
I recently made my own CD with two complete Yoga sessions
on them. Many of my students had expressed disappointment with videos, and I
agreed. Many are awkward to watch, and a bit intimidating because the instructors
are typically slim, trim and very flexible. CDs let listeners see
from within, allowing yourself to just do what you can. I truly believe that
we should accept ourselves just as we are. I also believe that Yoga is not just
for stretching the body, but also for stimulating the mind, and uplifting the
spirit. The CD does a bit of all of that.
WRITING: I have also done
freelance writing for a local newspaper chain, on alternative remedies for various
health issues. The bi-weekly column was yet another chance to teach. People
could read about the researched subjects, and learn about being responsible
for their health. What I write is a result of my commitment to being an instrument
for peace and healing.
HEALTH FOOD STORE: I worked
in a health food store for three years, and it was a great place to learn. Customers
are tired of prescriptions and medical procedures, and want to find their own
ways to feel better. What a giftwhat a blessingto be in a place
where I could talk (and teach) and have reference books, surrounded by products
that I know help.
REIKI: While I was working
in the corporation, a mailing appeared offering Reiki training. I became intrigued
by this ancient Japanese art of hands-on energy balancing for healing, and now
I am a Master. I now have Reiki clients as well as Reiki students. Its
an honor to continue this tradition.
Marlene Molay Brown
272 W Treehouse Lane
Round Lake, IL 60073-3594
marmome@aol.com
1-847-546-7190
YogaA Gift To Yourself: CDs $12 including postage
Reiki training Northwest of Chicago
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