Emotional &  Economic

ABRAHAM EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE with Zettelyss Amora, with audio presentation of recorded teachings of Abraham-Hicks; allowing time for discussion, and a shared gratitude and intention circle. Check out www.abrahamhicks.com
Thu. Feb. 5 • 5:30 ~ 7 pm


“THE GREATEST JOY” with Michael J. MacFarland, author; discussion of “The Greatest Joy,” a book that describes what is required to be in harmony with your Self. It can be  particularly helpful to those experiencing Anger, Depression, Self-Esteem and Relationship problems. Free book manuscripts will be provided to a maximum of 20 attendees. Mon. Feb. 9 • 7 ~ 8 pm


SOLAR ELECTRIC APPLICATIONS IN HAWAII with Douglas Bath, 25 years designing, installing and teaching solar tech; learn new technology and incentives that make solar electricity a reasonable supplement to utility power for business or residence
Wed. Feb. 25 • 6 ~ 8 pm        

Spiritual

ANGEL GATHERING with Lady Di the Angel Lady (Diana Urbas), has worked in the angelic realm for the past 20 years; participants are invited to commune with the personal angelic force that is working with them at this time; to ask for personal guidance, receive new direction, and bask in the healing energies which will realign body, mind and spirit to its highest potential.
Wed. Feb. 18 • 6 ~ 7:30 pm


HEALING TOUCH with Anne Warren, Nurse Practitioner, with 30 years’ experience as a healer in the medical field. Healing Touch is an energy-based healing that balances the flows of energy in and around the physical body; introduction to basic concepts behind energy healing; learning at least one healing touch technique, participants will have the opportunity to work with each other.
Thu. Feb. 26 • 5:30 ~ 7 pm

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SUPPORT GROUPS

GOOD GRIEF with Gelen Schelb, MS counseling, bereavement counselor, North Hawaii Hospice; when a loved one dies, life changes! Our meetings offer understanding, support and inspiration.
Every Mon. (except Feb. 16) • 1 ~ 2:30 pm


AL-ANON FOR THOSE WHO LOVE ALCOHOLICS;  Al-Anon is fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope, in order to solve common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Every Tue. • 5:30 ~ 6:30 pm


BREAST AND OTHER WOMEN’S CANCERS; join Corrinne Higa, Masako Nitta, Thelma Ryusaki, Hazel Lindsey, and Susan Nakahara who are cancer survivors. Share and aid each other in healing of cancer; come feel the support others can give!
Wed. Feb. 18 • 12:30 ~ 2 pm


CHRONIC FATIGUE CONDITIONS with Carol Buck; learn about fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue, MS, aluminum toxicity, celiac, and other autoimmune disorders; allopathic  (Western) and complementary treatments. Discover more about your condition so you can work more effectively with your physician.
Tue. Feb. 24 • 12:30 ~ 2:00 pm


DIVORCE & FORGIVENESS SUPPORT GROUP is forming, if you are interested, please call Lorraine at Tutu’s House for more information: 885-6777.

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EARL’S GARAGE

So that we can properly prepare, please call 48-hours in advance ~ 885-6777.  Closed-toe shoes required.

YOUNG INVENTORS  with Katherine DuBose; Young Inventor’s Workshop introduces participants to simple electronic circuits, the relationship between electricity and magnetism, and safe methods of exploring answers to your questions. Completion of one session of Young Inventors’ Workshop is required before    participating in other Earl’s Garage activities. This pre-requisite session is available by appointment, please call Katherine at 885-6777 to reserve a time for your child.

FAB LAB with Katherine DuBose; for girls and boys ages 7 – 18. Learn to use a plastic vacuum former and other tools to make fun stuff.
Monday, Feb. 2, 9, & 23  •  2:00 ~ 4:30 pm


EG ROBOTICS WORKSHOP with Michelle Medeiros; for girls and boys in grades 5 –12. Learn to build robots using the Lego Mindstorms system. Learn about engineering, structures, electricity, motors, gears, and sensors. Also learn to program the commands your robot will follow to complete challenges. Call Katherine to reserve space.
Tuesday  ~ Fridays • 2:00 ~ 4:30 pm

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ARTICLES

Contemplating Healthy Changes

by Lorraine Urbic

As we contemplate making healthy changes for ourselves this new year, we are faced with past failures; and how difficult it is to succeed at replacing bad habits with good ones. The physical and mental pain can be grueling, whether  trying to exercise more, smoke less, drink less, eat healthier, or work less...it’s never easy. But the benefits to your health and to your attitude can be awesome. Breaking a habit starts with courage, ends with discipline, and is fueled by desire. I came across this recently, and share it here for your consideration.

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden.
I will push you up to success or down to disappointment.
I am at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me,
For I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably.
I am easily managed, just be firm with me.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with the precision
of a machine and the intelligence of a person.
You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin.
Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me.
Lead me. Reward me.
And I will then...do it automatically.
I am your servant.
Who am I?
I am a habit.

The author of the above is unknown, but the words are right on target. If you make good habits, they in turn will support you to be the best you can be. But like the weeds in the garden, bad habits can take over your life. Make a decision today to pull those weeds. Tutu’s House offers programs and resources to inform, inspire and support you toward making healthy choices and reaping the benefits. We invite you to participate by either attending or leading a program of interest to you. If you would like to learn more, please call Lorraine Urbic at 885-6777.

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Supportive Steps toward Change

Rather than simply trying to rid yourself of a bad habit, replace it with a good habit (often, a somewhat similar behavior is best). For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, take up chewing sugarless gum. It may require that you try more than one replacement for the bad habit to find something that sticks, but as long as the negative behavior is replaced with a more positive one, the effort is worth it.

One of the best replacement habits is also one that generally aids in habit change – EXERCISE. The rush of endorphins from exercise makes a you feel good, enabling you to feel even better about the changes you are making. If you are using exercise as a substitute for a bad habit, it makes the effects of  exercising even more pronounced.

A basic principle of psychology says that when a behavior is followed by a reward, the behavior is reinforced. This step is important, because we often focus on the negative when trying to change habits; one relapse can make us feel like we have failed and cause us to wallow in negative behaviors. If we reward the successes instead, the focus is more properly centered on what we have accomplished, rather than on the instance of failure. Forgive yourself for being human and ...”get back on the horse.”

Limit where and when the bad habit is allowed. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, you could limit the opportunity to once or twice a day (at specified times) and in a less than comfortable place (like standing outside). While this step is unlikely to kick the habit on its own, it is often a helpful first stage.

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February is “Library Lovers Month”
By Stephanie Amina
 
Just a friendly reminder that we have a lending       library with a wide variety of books including Western, Eastern, alternative, holistic and complementary approaches to health and wellness.We have approximately 3,200 items including books, audio and video tapes, the majority of which have been donated. Our standard loan period is two weeks. A listing of library titles is on our website at www.tutushouse.org

Come by and visit us at Tutu’s House.

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A Guide to Being in Harmony with Your Self
By Michael J. MacFarland

The Greatest Joy is about LOVE and what blocks us from expressing it in a Universal way. It is particularly helpful to those who experience anger, depression, self-esteem, or relationship problems.

To some degree, most people are alienated from their true Self.  And, as a consequence, experience unnecessary suffering in their relationship with themselves, others, and life.

The causes of this alienation are adverse influences, of which few are sufficiently aware.  These influences are the reason most self-help books are unable to help in a way that provides deep and lasting relief from the sources of emotional pain.

The Greatest Joy clearly identifies these influences, and provides the wisdom needed to overcome them.  Understanding, embracing, and expressing this wisdom places the reader on the path to being in harmony with Self; and experiencing The Greatest Joy.

Michael J. MacFarland, author of The Greatest Joy will be leading a discussion and reading from his book on Monday, February 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. Copies of his manuscript will be available (at no charge) for up to twenty attendees.

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It’s like a makeover for the spirit – and that’s a beautiful thing

Cancer can rob a woman of her energy,   appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence.

Look Good ... Feel Better®, is a free, non-medical program designed to help women overcome the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. The next session of Look Good ... Feel Better® will be held on Friday, February 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Tutu’s House. The class is taught by cancer survivor, and licensed cosmetologist, Theresa Beisley, and covers skin and nail care, make-up application, wigs and head covering. Each participant will receive a free cosmetic kit available in light, medium, dark and extra dark shades to enhance all complexion types. Look Good ... Feel Better®  is open to all women actively undergoing cancer treatment, but registration is required.

To register, call Marisa at the American Cancer Society West Hawaii office at 334-0442.

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Laughter - the “Best Medicine” for Your Heart
By Mikki Hastings

Can a laugh every day keep the heart attack away?  Maybe so!

Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, according to a recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in  Baltimore. The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.

The old saying that ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart. We don’t know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries and ultimately to a heart attack. Historically, research has shown that distressing emotions (depression, anger, anxiety, and stress) are all related to heart disease. Laughing also relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers.

The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day.

Consider what happens when we laugh. We stimulate circulation, increase our heart rate, and kick our immune system into gear. According to Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D., writing in Health Progress, laughter also “stabilizes blood pressure, massages inner organs, . . . facilitates digestion, increases oxygen supply to muscles,  decreases muscle tension, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.”

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. Humor and laughter can cause a domino effect of joy and amusement, as well as set off a number of positive physical effects. Humor and laughter strengthen our immune systems and help us recover from illness, as well as bring joy into our lives. The question is, how do we gain access to this priceless medicine? Start with a snicker then move on to the chuckle.  As you let it go, soon you will be able to experience the full belly laugh.

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The Healing Power of Laughter
By Lorraine Urbic

Some of my favorite people are those who love to laugh! There are the cacklers, gaspers, snorters, knee slappers and criers. They have taught me that laughter can ease any problem, large or small.

Like most people, however, I haven’t always felt like laughing. Heartache, illness, depression, worries have all chipped away at my sense of humor. Let’s face it – just getting through an ordinary day with ordinary irritations can put us in a ‘bad humor.’ Other circumstances – such as serious illness, the loss of someone dear, distressing change (loss of job, home or financial stability), or bitter disappointment – cut much more deeply into our capacity for feeling joy.

Laughter is a refuge against life’s hurts and indignities. Just as a big hug from a friend helps lift our spirits, laughter is a “warm fuzzy” we can give ourselves in times of stress. Keeping our sense of humor even in the midst of chaos helps us regain some control – at least control over our own response to life’s circumstances.

Laughter is not a way to avoid our problems or deny their seriousness. It can be a way to release our anxiety, however, and to balance our distress with healthful, positive feelings. Seeing the “up” side of life helps us keep our troubles in perspective and can even provide clues for dealing with them creatively.

As children we may have been told, “Wipe that smile off your face,” “Quit laughing,” or “Grow up.” Learning to repress spontaneous joy is not a healthy lesson. Laughter is healing and rejuvenating. It feels good to laugh.

Medical experts tell us three to five minutes of belly laughing equals three minutes of strenuous exercise on a rowing machine. Zen Buddhists believe that 15 minutes of laughter is equivalent to six to eight hours of meditation.

Pay attention when joy is absent from your life. Try to get a handle on why you are hurting. Maybe job burnout is taking its toll on your health and your home life. Maybe you’ve been overlooking for too long, some ongoing problems in your family relationships. Maybe your age or other life circumstances are calling you to take a hard look at your values and priorities.

The absence of joy in your life is a sign that you need to deal with your pain and possibly that you need help in dealing with it. Asking for help is the first step to healing. A good therapist can help you identify the roots of your pain, learn from it, and eventually move beyond it.

Meanwhile, do not miss an opportunity to join in a good laugh with others or even as a solo. Surround yourself with people who have the courage to laugh at adversity. Laughter is contagious, and with our sense of humor in hand, we can get a better grip on life ñ regaining our perspective, taking charge, and making healing (instead of desperate) choices. In the light of humor, our problems may not disappear but our load will surely seem less of a burden.

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‘Olelo a mamala‘olelo ~ Hawaiian Word or Phrase Shared By M Kapuniai Kauka niho

Dentist
Is there anyone who is fond of their dentist?
What about the children, do they love to go to their dentist? Do they look forward to sitting on that up-and-down chair, collecting stickers, taking pictures of their teeth, and listening to that drill?

Positive preparation to see any kauka is important;
both for children, as well as for adults. The job gets done, everybody’s happy (I guess it depends on what is diagnosed,) and future visits become less stressful.
I guess I would prefer to make an appointment to see he Kauka niho, instead of an oncologist. But, to each his own!

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Recipe for Hau‘oli ‘Ohana (Happy Family)

1 gallon unconditional love
1 large sense of humor
3 cupfuls flexibility
1 pint each appreciation & affection
3 teaspoons pure extract of understanding
1 heaping tablespoon of forgiveness
2 cupfuls community support
Sweeten with generous portions of love and sharing.
Best served with frequent hugs.

(from a bookmark published by Neighborhood Place of Wailuku)

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EARL’S GARAGE
BotBall

Secret instructions, anxious downloading, technical difficulties, and mechanical magic . . . this could only mean Botball! Earl’s Garage has once again registered for the Hawaii regional Botball challenge. Robots built of Lego’s play the Botball game.

A team of youth creates the robots and programs them to meet specific challenges. To keep the playing field fair, all specifics of the challenge and parts to be used were kept top secret until we attended a workshop and received our kit on January 31.

There are currently forty teams registered in Hawaii. Each team consists of up to 15 members. The adult team mentors are not allowed to construct or program, only advise. On May 2, 2009 teams will travel to Oahu with their robot achievements and show them off in competition.

Botball provides an excellent opportunity to be part of a team, practice communication skills, be an effective user of technology, and have a memorable experience.

Under the lead mentorship of Michelle Medeiros, Earl’s Garage has come away with more than one trophy in the years past. This year Earl’s Garage will strive for a positive team that tries its best to meet challenges with a healthy attitude, good communication and an enormous smile. Of course we will be working on our acceptance speech at the same time, just in case. 

Robotics Club
In February Earl’s Garage will host a robotics club open to fifth grade through high school ages. Our focus will be on the Botball challenge, however this does not mean your child has to attend the competition in May. This is a great time for your child to get acquainted with robotics, share what he or she knows, and learn something new. The robotics club will be available every Tuesday through Friday, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. during the month of February.

Fablab Mondays
Earl’s Garage has designated Mondays as Fabrication day. We will have ongoing fabrication projects and exploration. There is a chance to work on these projects at other times during the week depending on their nature and scheduling.

Don’t Hesitate
Every month I put out a schedule for Earl’s Garage. Please remember this schedule reflects the interest and curiosity of participants. If your child has something he or she is dreaming up, curious about, or inspired by, do not hesitate sharing, and please encourage her/him to express what is intriguing them. Earl’s Garage is a place of exploration, invention, and dreaming. By sharing thoughts and ideas, we can help your child open more doors. ~ a hui hou, Katherine DuBose

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Tutu’s House Health Gateway
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)

Developing good oral health habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Go to www.ada.org and look for “Fun Activity Sheets for Kids” under NCDHM.