Archive for Madison
Peace With Cancer: Shamanism as a Spiritual Approach to Healing by Myron Eshowsky
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Peace with Cancer presents unique and spiritually empowering methods of approaching cancer and other chronic illnesses. Instead of going to war with our disease, this book shares a shamanism-based model that works at restoring balance, harmony and peace to our approach to illness.
Over the past 30 years Myron Eshowsky, M.S. has done counseling and healing work with thousands of individuals. Watching his own father struggle with and ultimately succumb to cancer deepened his commitment to explore the spiritual, physical and environmental terrains of illness. This book draws upon that journey and his work with individuals diagnosed with cancer, including survivors of Chernobyl, Viet Nam Vets, people with AIDS, leukemia and many other cancers and acute conditions.
“Filled with heart and integrity, the rituals in this book are absolutely brilliant.”
– C.Michael Smith,PhD., author of Jung and Shamanism.
Based on his work with indigenous healers from around the globe, the model of healing Eshowsky presents is not an alternative to Western medical treatment but a complement to it. The spiritually based healing techniques are designed to help us excavate deeper truths, bring healing to the soul and make peace with our life and death. This well-researched, experiential-based book is a must read for anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness, friends and family of those affected by disease, and professional healers.
“…provides tools for addressing both body and soul in multi-leveled healing processes that address the emotions of helplessness, depression, and psychic distress that are associated with poof outcomes in cancer treatment.”
- Michael Winkelman, PhD., author of Shamanism: The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing
Visit myroneshowsky.com for more information about Myron Eshowsky and information about his healing work and upcoming events.
Memories of a Kung Fu Older Brother
Posted by: | CommentsI attended a memorial service today in Madison for my friend Francisco, who passed on to the land of the Great Spirit about a week ago. Francisco was a true friend, and his commitment to helping those in need served as an example, and as a point of motivation to me. I want to be more like him as I age. He lived long enough to accomplish much, but not long enough to enjoy his retirement and the leisure that it would have provided.
Francisco was fascinated by the martial art of Hsing I, and was a boxing coach and corner man to me for a kung fu tournament fight in which I took part recently. He was there with me, every night for two or three hours helping me and my kung fu brothers with training. He did this out of pure love, and he loved the art. He loved seeing us fight and develop our strengths. He constantly encouraged us, and was there, holding the punching bags, holding the timer while we sparred, sharing his thoughts on what he saw. Thanks for that brother. Thanks for caring so much about my journey.
I remember meeting Francisco about 7 years ago at kung fu class, and he told me he was an old student of my teacher’s, and that he wanted to continue to get in to shape. He was like a bear when he boxed, and it was very difficult to move him around. I noticed over the past two years that his wind was not very good, and that is the only memory I have of him really aging. He was very grounded and relaxed. He could throw me around, and worked with me to show me how to do the same back to him. He loved learning and showing what he had learned. He was patient, and a patient listener.
I remember going every Saturday to Mother Fool’s Coffee House for coffee. Francisco would sometimes bring tamales and his incredible salsa. I remember asking him for his recipe. I remember this clearly–two habanero peppers, two jalapeno peppers, two tomatoes, and some salt and garlic. I remember the delicious burn, and how I couldn’t taste anything for the next hour after eating this. It was great. More recently, he brought breads that he made. He joked about how he made the Sara Lee breads from scratch. Francisco was always there, buying us all coffee, and talking for hours about life. I noticed many tonight spoke about their experience working to solve the world’s problems with Francisco. He knew they could be solved, and had solved some of the problems he had seen with migrant workers, and immigrants to this country. I didn’t realize before tonight the true depth of the work that he did, and how many lives he touched. We got a little closer to solving the problems with his help.
Francisco shared with me his love as a child for a ritual he attended that he always remembered. I don’t remember the town. He remembered that there were dancers flying through the air on wires. He and I talked for hours about my travels to Mexico, and I knew of his love for his homeland. He shared with me the history of the Lady of Guadalupe, and I appreciated his deep knowledge. He was with me as a friend, and we enjoyed our time together, talking for hours.
I wish to express my condolences for Francisco’s family, and especially to his son, who I met for the first time tonight. He had never spoken of a son, and I had always thought he was childless. I’m sad that they never had much time together, and didn’t get to know one another as adults.
Hey there Francisco, know that we’re here….we’re okay…and I’m carrying forward the tradition…I’m looking out for my friends…I’m there for them and will help them…Remember the Eagle/Bear form brother? I’ll pass that on and always remember you when I work at kung fu….Thanks for all your time, your laughs, your brotherhood, your offering of your life for us. I’ll always remember you.
Best Day Hike in Madison
Posted by: | CommentsA leisurely, relaxing stroll through a city’s center should be a natural part of the life of the citizens in a town that is vibrant and healthy. The health benefits are obvious, and a city known for densely located eclectic ecosystems is a rare gift built because of the genius of those with visions of a vital urban environment. The city of Madison, Wisconsin is unique in that a stroll through the downtown can quickly lead a hiker to serene wooded paths around beautiful lakes during a journey lasting only several hours. The journey is available at all hours of the day and will not cost the interested traveler a penny. The investment of a few hours of your time will yield an understanding of the landscape in which Madisonians thrive, and of the cool, relaxed atmosphere that characterizes the city.
Starting at the Monona Terrace, a hiker gains a view of Lake Monona, the “Beautiful Lake” of the Ho-Chunk people native to this land. Ahead lies the Wisconsin State Capital, an architectural triumph, from which an adventurous traveler can gain access to a balcony allowing a view of the entire city of Madison. A stop here is optional but worthwhile for those new to the city. Motivated hikers will continue from the Capital to State Street, a bustling hub of activity and a major city thoroughfare. Local proprietors provide delicious food year round, and bold explorers will be able to find sustenance in restaurants serving unique meals highlighting the diverse ethnic backgrounds found in the people of Madison. Chinese, Greek, Himalayan, and straightforward Wisconsin pub food are all available, as is ice cream, which may be desired after a long day’s journey.
State Street businesses offer an embarrassment of product riches. A worldly traveler will find such a variety nowhere else, and this serves as a testament to the eclectic, liberal spirit found in Madison. From head shops to clothing stores to street people selling their tunes, you’ll find a great deal that interests you during your journey down this street.
Continue on and do not get too distracted by the bustle and excitement. The colors and sounds will hypnotize and may attract you for hours, but continue to the end of State Street to encounter the University of Madison Library Mall. Rest here in a quiet atmosphere conducive to contemplation. To your right you will notice Lake Mendota and the Memorial Union Terrace. Continue towards the “Great Lake” Mendota and you will find a path leading you along the edge of this treasure of the city.
Follow the path westward around the Lake and you will be able to hike continuously for hours. Adventurous travelers may find that the University campus beckons and may wander toward the riches of public gardens found there. Other travelers will remain focused on a destination that is spoken of in reverent tones by the city’s denizens—the Picnic Point Nature Preserve. Continuing on the lake front path will, after several miles, bring a hiker to the mile long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore. Many miles of hiking trails exist at Picnic Point, and it is easy to find a quiet spot from which to enjoy the surroundings. While your hike will not end here, it will be a satisfying highlight to your journey, a peak experience in a day filled with beauty.
I recommend this path to those both new to the city and those familiar with this area of Wisconsin. I have walked this trail for many years, and it never fails to reward me richly with memories of a vital, beautifully designed city.
Here’s a Google map that illustrates the general route, but be aware that there is a path quite near to Lake Mendota along which you can walk. Google maps just would not let me show that specific route.
View Larger Map
You can check another article about Free Vacation Fun in Madison WI here:
Free Things to Do in Madison, WI on your Vacation
Free Things to Do in Madison Wisconsin
Posted by: | CommentsTravelers to Madison Wisconsin will be interested in learning more about the free destinations and events the city has to offer.
The city of Madison is a beautiful destination for travelers from around the world. Summer time weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures, and there are many free opportunities available that should help any traveler not only fill an afternoon or evening, but provide for memories only the Midwest can provide.
For those with children, the Henry Vilas Zoo is a great destination and is one of the oldest free zoological parks in the nation. There is a children’s zoo, a primate complex and a big cat complex that will interest young and old alike. Reptile lovers will especially love the herpetarium with its ancient tortoises. Nearby is Vilas park which has walking trails, play sets for children, and a beach for those wanting to enjoy the radiant summer sunlight and the beautiful Lake Wingra.
Nearby is the beautiful University of Wisconsin Arboretum. Founded in 1934, the Arboretum was founded to create historic ecological animal and plant communities, and contains the state’s largest woody plant collection. The Arboretum Visitor Center is open weekdays, and for several hours on the weekends, and provides tours of the land, and houses a store containing an extensive collection of books about restoration ecology.
No visit to Madison would be complete without a stroll down State Street, the downtown link between the Wisconsin State Capital and the University of Wisconsin. Starting at the University end of State Street, visitors can enter the Elvehjem Museum of Art, a museum that houses artwork from around the world. Nearby is the Memorial Union, which regularly hosts meetings, and many free weekend concerts at the Memorial Union Terrace. Visitors would be well advised to stop in to the union to view the listing of the day’s events.
Strolling down State Street toward the state capital will lead visitors to many local restaurants and businesses, as well as the Overture Center. Art galleries are prevalent here, and visitors would benefit from seeking out a copy of the local weekly free newspaper, The Isthmus, for details about free concerts and children’s events held at the center each week.
At the end of State Street looms the beautiful Wisconsin State Capital building, reaching to a height of over 200 feet with a dome capped by the bronze “Wisconsin” statue. The Capital is open daily to the public, and free tours are offered free of charge. There is an observation deck open to the public during the summer months, and visitors can view the beauty of the city and Lakes Mendota and Monona from there. It is a view not to be missed.
Nearby the Capital on Lake Monona stands the gorgeous architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright in the form of the Monona Terrace. Tours are offered daily, and the center regularly hosts meetings and community events. Visitors should witness this functional work of art from the balcony overlooking the lake. Those wanting to see a free water ski show during the summer months should visit the grounds of the Terrace on Sundays at 5:30pm for shows put on by the Mad City Ski Team.
Travelers to Madison should make a point of visiting the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a locally treasured source of beauty and one of Madison’s crown jewels. Indoor and outdoor gardens greet visitors and entry to the outdoor gardens is free. The Rose Garden is a sight of beauty rare in the world, and the gardens house the golden Thai Pavilion, a gift bestowed by the Thai government to the University of Wisconsin in 2001.
I hope visitors have the opportunity to realize the beauty and depth of culture that exists in the state capital of Wisconsin, and that this short guide will lead to some truly memorable experiences.
Read more here about my thoughts on the best day hike visitors to Madison, WI can take:
Best All Day Hike You Can Take in Madison, WI
Heaven, Torture and Courage
Posted by: | CommentsWalking today leisurely along Lake Monona with my daughter, I saw a mother Killdeer with her three baby birds. Running in a most evolutionarily confused manner, the babies moved away from the mother as we approached. Given that they could not fly, the birds could easily have been cornered and eaten by an adversary, and we found it easy to both approach and observe them from a short distance. The squeaking of the birds was high pitched, as was the screeching of the mother informing her child that he would likely kill the baby bird he had cornered. She shouted at the boy who was so focused on the novelty of the sight of the baby bird. He did not respond, only moved closer to the bird. She walked over to him, screeching for him to get away, and hit him (lightly), then attempted to drag him away from the bird. I had the strange sense that she did not believe her own advice, as she hesitated to see if anyone was watching her behavior–should she hit him more? Should she drag him away? Should he be punished, made to feel terrified? Is that how the bird felt?
I was confused. I had to leave. Coral didn’t understand, but we had to walk on, and quickly. The birds _were_ frightened. The boy was frightened. I prayed for guidance and a better way. It was so loud.
We walked further down the shore, certain more bird nests laid ahead. After observing a black bird for a few minutes, we wandered on towards Olbrich Gardens.
I wanted to see the roses, but was not prepared for the heavenly sight that awaited. I urge you to visit soon–the Rose Garden is breathtaking. The colors and the pools are laid out beautifully.
Cognitive dissonance — word of torture upset my mind, with news of the crucifixion of a prisoner at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. U.S. doctors were present at interrogation sessions meting out their healing according to procedures carefully prepared to bring a prisoner near to death. Where are the war crimes tribunals? The blood of the Christ was shed to cleanse the world of its sins–once, 2000 years ago. Imagine the compassion of a Creator that found it fit to offer this as a gift. Meanwhile, an Iraqi man is tortured to prevent the recognition of the coming death of my body (and by extension, your body). The body has another day to live more poorly because of the death of this man. Famine, pestilence, war and horror are our daily bread, served to us by smirking liars. A tsunami of fear and exhaustion is upon me. I find no recognition of the implications of this among family, friends, community, no talk of confronting the horror. Onward. Courage is needed to continue. Returning to help? Can I speak of a path to heaven and be heard above the screams?