EVERYTHING IS ENERGY!

by madelineledan

Exploring the amazing world of energy meDICINE – Part I

The Spiral of Life by Rudy Dérose

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”

Nikola Tesla

Everything is energy! This concept is a lot less abstract to the 21st century, thanks to Quantum Physics.  Scientists acknowledged only recently the existence of an energy field around the human body, while history shows that this knowledge was communicated to humanity by indigenous traditions long before the age of modern science.   

“Future Medicine will be the medicine of frequencies”

Albert Einstein

A great number of influential philosophers and scientists from Aristotle to Nikola Tesla and Albert Einstein brought forth the awareness of a life force energy that is simply defined by Plato as “seen and unseen energies”. According to their philosophies, all matter in the universe is made up of energy; a vital force that flows throughout the environment that permeates every human being, keeping all living creatures and everything connected.  That ancient wisdom opened up a new way of seeing and understanding the world around us.

“In every culture and in every medical tradition before ours, healing was accomplished by moving energy.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Biochemist and Nobel Prize Winner.

” Energy Explosion – Macrocosme à vision humaine” by Rudy Dérose

Today, the new science reflects the old wisdom: We are not just flesh and bones; we are in essence energetic beings.  Our bodies have an energy signature, and its energy field can be measured using machines that detect changes in the energy of the human body as all kinds of emotions are felt or experienced.

As we understand it, Science studies the laws that govern the physical world in its visible, audible and tangible aspects. Thought and emotion are a reality that is experienced everyday; yet they are neither visible nor audible. A broad body of scientific investigations proves that negative thoughts and emotions can trigger devastation in a human body; similarly positive ones can promote healing.  Science studies on the power of intention, the interaction between the Energetic body and the physical body of a human being should lead to finding adequate therapies to heal most mental illnesses and certain health conditions.  Analogously, the human body is similar to the workings of a computer that takes information from external sources in an input and output mechanism; the human body’s hardware  composed of organs, tissues, atoms and cells receives information as frequency from the Energetic body.  In simple terms, the Energetic body is the software that controls the physical body – i.e., The Energetic Body is subtle energy interacting with our Physical Body.

 “Look deep into nature and you’ll understand everything”

Albert Einstein

Without the knowledge of the Laws of Nature, medicine and material life, organized by modern technology, would not be what they are today.

 Similarly, true self-knowledge is indispensable for health and vitality.  The understanding of how the organs of the body work together and interact with each other to achieve homeostasis should as well inspire humans how to live harmoniously together like a divine pattern to follow for equilibrium.  A great number of specialists in the field of biology and holistic medicine explain that the relation that exists between the physical organism and the spiritual life should have been regarded as an important branch of education in order to optimize healing and personal growth. This was not emphasized in school because the denser physical energies, the five senses: our sight, our touch, our taste, our smell and hearing were believed to be most important to our survival.

From the collection “My Prayers” by Rudy Dérose

The next big frontier in medicine is Energy Medicine”

The energy therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture that are commonly   used worldwide show strong authentication of Dr Oz’s statement above.  These energy therapies, among others, have been investigated as treatments for a number of medical conditions and that proves how well western medicine and energy medicine practices can enrich one another and pair well together to support healthy living.

According to alternative medicine practitioners, Energy Medicine treats imbalances in the energy system of the body.  Obstruction in the flow of energy where there has been physical injury or emotional pain in the human body can eventually lead to disease.

A peek into the history of Energy Medicine shows that the first book of acupuncture was written around 200 BC, but the idea of a human energy field has existed for millennia.  Some of the most widely documented energy healing practices are the Asian traditions.  Texts and drawings of meridians pointing to energy centers within the human body were found in India dated over two thousand years.

The principle of Energy Medicine is about transforming energy: the energy points in our body that are named “Chakras” in Sanskrit, the energy that surrounds our bodies referred to as our “aura”, and even the energy in our environment.

From the collection “My Prayers” by Rudy Dérose

 “Every inhabited continent, and most islands, have a cultural relationship with a universal life force energy. According to these traditions, subtle energy is the omnipresent informational field; a force that functions as the primary energy that sustains all life”.

 Max Planck, developer of Quantum Theory.

Life force energy bares different names in different cultures throughout the world.  Some of the most commonly known are: “Prana” in Ayurvedic tradition in India, “Ki” in Japan, “Chi” or “Qi” in China, “Pneuma” in Greece, “Aura” in Russia, and West Africa calls it “Nyama.” Whatever the term used in different parts of the world, it refers to the same principle.

 “We have the technology, resource and capability to address every issue on the planet.  The only thing missing is inclusive consciousness” Sadhguru

We have to agree that human beings are an outstanding species. It is a relatively short period since our emergence from caves to this world of extraordinary technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering. 

Gregg Braden, scientist, and famous international educator, states that “human beings have extraordinary abilities that no other forms of life on earth are known to have at this point in time”.  

Naturally, we are all for technological developments. What is worrisome is that these powerful inventions seem to hinder our innate potentials for personal growth.  We don’t get to decide how technology affects our lives, but it is a good idea to remain conscious of the dark side of human nature:  Emotions like hunger for power, possession and control that bring undesired consequences at a personal level and on a larger scale, war and terrorism… There is a need to address our spiritual and mental maturity that  is well surpassed by high technology. We must remain conscious of our vulnerability in light of our self-indulgence with such empowering tools that can either create or destroy.  Hence, it would be analogous to placing explosive devices in children’s hands.

 “Today our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change”.  Martin Luther King

Please join me in Part 2 for simple practices and modalities in Energy medicine that have proven to be healing and transformational tools.

Credit/Anecdotal acknowledgement

Rudolf Dérose, A true advocate of progress!

“Icon” by Rudy Dérose

Rudy Dérose Haitian Graphic Artist, Photographer, Entrepreneur, Project Designer, and Writer.

His collection of photographs celebrates nature and every aspect of life, thanks to the natural landscapes he was exposed to throughout his childhood.  Some of his work can be seen in Fine Art America. His impressive collection of illustrations, which he titles “My Prayers” whether  it is pure drawings or digitally enhanced sketches, expresses the element of energy through forms. The expression of dynamic movement is strong and always present in his artwork, and they gave strong clues about the elements that greatly influenced his career.

Rudolf Dérose spent his childhood years growing up in various provinces of the south of Haiti including Jacmel, in the Southeast, famed for its cultural interest, individuality, and beauty. Rudolf Dérose was greatly influenced both genetically and environmentally.  Offspring and firstborn of the late famous Ansy Dérose, his life experience powerfully impacted his vision for his homeland with a constant exploration of social, political, and cultural concerns. As an entrepreneur, he has transcended a cultural gap between the various sectors of that community by breaking down the barriers of cultural identity problems, a fundamental obstacle in understanding one another. His work shows that there is no true boundary between social classes, and there is no sector within the community that does not beg to be explored to ensure that marginalized communities or cultural groups aren’t left behind.

Rudy Dérose was 12 years of age when he returned to Port-au-Prince to continue his formal education. A training in industrial mechanics followed, and in parallel, photography courses became a passion that sent him on a discovery tour of the entire island, camera in hand.

In February 1985 he landed his first job at Henri Deschamps Enterprises, one of the oldest private companies in the country.  After two years of working at the printing press department, he was granted a scholarship to specialize in mechanical photography and prepress in Holland. That experience contributed to his entrepreneurial path.  He left that company five years later to start his own company called “Photo Vision” in graphic arts.  But it was the opportunity to travel to Europe, Africa, and Asia, as part of a cultural studies activity that sparked his creativity and broadened his horizons in understanding the world at large.

In 1998, while thriving in his privileged field, Rudolf took over the family workshop soon after his father passed away.  Well known for its woodwork, ironwork and combined woodwork and metal, that company was founded by his father, Ansy Dérose , who was an internationally known singer but also a celebrated architect and interior designer in Haiti. Rudolf honored that experience with a line of furniture, specially designed for the hotel industry in Haiti, with the goal to expand his activities, all of which are tailored with in mind to invest in infrastructures and human potential. A much needed investment in the community.

In 2008, the commercial printing business he founded was re-named “Print it” due to its expansion. It became thereafter a division of the company that umbrellas all of the projects that are inspired by his perception, under the logo “Design by Rudy”.

Over just a 10-year period, Rudolf Dérose, better known as Rudy Dérose, contributed through many heartfelt projects, the idea to revive an important sector in Haiti:  The Tourism industry,    a sector that has been in the past Haiti’s engine of economic development. Hence, a brilliant insight came forth:  The foundation of an association named “RENAPROTS” (Réseau National des Promoteurs du Tourisme Solidaire), a network of professionals with the mission to promote alternative tourism.  All the members forming the board of directors are from diverse regions of the country; and all are united in the effort to focus on socio-economic development and to adopt internationally recognized tourism standards.

In 2010, he became the co-owner of “Vue sur Mer,” a seafood restaurant in Cayes-Jacmel, in the southeast of the Island, built by the ocean, tailored to cater to a tourist circuit.  The aim was to provide original attractions for the tours organized by RENAPROTS.

His latest major achievement, the creation of his project “Route du Café”made a remarkable contribution to the revival of cultural and social traditions with the collaboration of the coffee farmers of the region.

That project was inaugurated September 27, 2015 on the World Tourism Day festivities.  Route du Café is a circuit from Cayes-Jacmel to Fond Jean Noël, where he promoted the association of coffee farmers “Les Planteurs de Café”. The intention is to conserve and protect that habitat through research, education and tourist interaction. That venture led to the creation of other projects.

October 1, 2017 inauguration of Café Museum at Fond Jean Noël for the first edition of the “Fête du Café” (Coffee celebration).  Strong emphasis was made evident during the festivities… that tourism must be respectful of the environment and mindful of cultural and social traditions.

December 2017, a successful guided tour with the students of the University Quisqueya.

That event instituted the education of youths through guided tours of the country side to encourage closer relations between the city and the peasantry… a strategy he deems necessary to break social divisions. That successful experience brought forth the importance of the domestic tourism industry to further educate the population.

Rudy Dérose’s international presence has been significant with conferences, presstrips, interviews, articles etc., and vigorously advocating alternative tourism in Haiti.  In presenting RENAPROTS abroad, he sparked great interests from France, USA, Canada and the Caribbean in his active efforts to promote collective learning and intercultural understanding. The subsequent organized tours by the National Network of Promoters of Solidarity Tourism in Haiti to receive tourists and guests from abroad allowed both hosts and guests to enjoy positive and worthwhile interactions and shared experiences that echoed in many articles published in magazines and newspapers in Toronto, Canada.

Thank you Rudy Dérose for your commitment to a profound vision… a significant legacy to Haiti’s future generation.

SOURCES:

https://energymedicinesummit.com/

The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/15/archives/we-have-more-than-five-senses-most-people-take-the-faculties-of.html

http://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/origin-of-chinese-medicine-acupuncture-moxibustion

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/making-sense-world-sveral-senses-at-time/

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/science/continuum/Pages/sensesworking.aspx

https://subtle.energy/life-force-energy-8-examples-from-around-the-world/

Vaclav Smil “Energy and Civilation”

Daniel Yurgin “The Quest”

KNOW THYSELF!

by madelineledan

“Of all the weapons of destruction that man could invent, the most terrible and the most powerful was the word. Daggers and spears left traces of blood; arrows could be seen at a distance. Poisons were detected in the end and avoided. But the word managed to destroy without leaving clues.” Paulo Coelho

“Femme Esclave” – “Slave Woman”
Acrylic on Jute by Jean Ledan fils

Without question, the above metaphor is relevant to personal, societal, or cultural dynamics in human relations that are problematic in our society. But when I stumbled on it, my homeland Haiti came to mind and inspired a recapitulation of its history, which serves as a great tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Haiti, the first black republic, was the victim of many falsehoods and propaganda throughout its history as it wrestled with the dark shadows of its past in contrast to its eventful times of glory in the fight to keep its sovereignty!

I grew closer to my own culture and prouder of my heritage from traveling far away from home.  The profound lesson life gifted me with each experience, each encounter and discovery as I traveled to certain countries in the world was the deep understanding that each and every culture plays an important role and has a genuine purpose in the world’s web of folk cultures. Evidently, that simple divine truth is not always understood nor respected in the labyrinth of human beings relations and interconnectedness.

Haiti’s glorious history and myths are a testimony of its essence. A powerful piece of the puzzle deserving its rightful destiny in the world’s web of folk cultures. To dispel the myths about Haiti, a historical outline of its origin and path to freedom is in order.  Not much imagination is needed to see through false narratives, selective interpretations, manipulated and misleadingly written by our own oppressors and divulged in history books.

Yet the supremacy of the Haitian heroes cannot be dismissed. Their prowess is largely documented in books, movies, documentaries etc. and glorified by historians, professors, Haitians and foreigners alike.  An imposing vestige of the Haitian ancestral grandeur stands as the eighth wonder of the world (designated UNESCO World Heritage sites): The fortress, formerly known as “La Citadelle Laferrière,” is named today “Citadelle Henry,” in honor of its originator and builder, Henry Christophe. He was one of the prominent leaders of the Haitian Revolution who established a kingdom in the Northern part of Haiti in 1811 and proclaimed himself  Henry I, King of Haïti.

“Le Pot de la Vie Haitienne” – Jute Tapestry
by Jean Ledan fils

The very few events that I cite here bring undeniable light into the most talked about reasons for Haiti’s decadence today:

**To be the first country in the “New World” to abolish slavery by defeating one of Europe’s military giants, the French army, at the Battle of Vertière in November 1803, regarded Haiti as the most feared fighting forces of that time.

**The Haitian Revolution is the product of the only successful slave revolution in history in the making of the modern world and thus changed the course of history.

**Haiti is the first modern state in the Western Hemisphere ruled by African descent and the second nation to achieve independence after the United States. Ironically, prior to Haiti’s independence, Haitians fought in the battle of Savannah in 1779 for the American side in the revolutionary war. ” (See “Les Chasseurs Volontaires d’Amerique” where a monument stands in honor of the Haitian soldiers in the city of Savannah). “The statue and the story evidenced an enduring relationship between the United States and Haiti. The nations were the first and second republics in the “New World”, brothers in freedom and independence.” (Written by: Pooja Bhatia/Ozy.com, Editor)

**And then, later… Haiti earned three decades of American occupation.

**The Haitian Declaration of Independence pronounced on January 1, 1804, was undeniably a defining moment in the history of the Atlantic World.

** Haiti has gone further to stop men’s greed… they also fought for the liberation of many Latin countries during the Latin American wars of independence. Many aren’t aware that without Haiti’s help, many other countries would not have obtained their independence. That first Black Republic became a tremendous symbol of hope for slaves throughout these countries, making the nation a great threat to other slaveholders.

Acrylic painting on hardboard (untitled)
by Jean Ledan fils

Haiti’s decadence is repeatedly voiced, from every direction and every source, to be the result of a pact with the devil, as if the enslavement and atrocities done to another race that acted in self-defense could be justified in the name of God. The poorest country in the western hemisphere once called the “Pearl of the Antilles” because it was the richest colony in the entire world was oppressed, marginalized, ostracized, and persecuted for centuries by external forces. That compromised the nation’s long-term economic development. The causes of Haiti’s decadence are as various and as complex as the history of the Nation that is today crippled with poverty and corruption as a result of the machinations of imperialism.

In a world where there is no defense against lies and manipulations, facts and opinions get easily confused and the consideration that there are two sides to every story is overlooked. It can never be enough to bring to awareness the tendency of people to casually dismiss the influence of external factors and overestimate the influence of internal factors in their perception of others.

Perceptions are powerful indeed! Haiti’s own children are born to eternal repentance for their sins indoctrinated by their colonizers imposed religion. Repercussions of a cognitive dissonance seem evident from expert analysis due to the continuing devastating impacts of colonization which affected Haitians physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

While it’s important to find justifications for the impoverished state of the nation, it is the responsibility of the people to heal themselves by addressing the enemies inside to get rid of all conditioning that is the root cause of their culture’s agony.  The revelation in this recapitulation confirms that when you don’t know who you are it’s easy to sign over your individuality, your uniqueness and your freedom away.  

“Louvri Barye” Acrylic on Siam
by Jean Ledan fils

The strong point that Haitians inherited from the ancestors is the resilience they are famed for. Haiti birthed great minds and hard-working people. Renowned Haitian experts, scientists, authors, historians, professors, artists, and cultivated Vodou spiritual leaders alike are relentlessly fighting for a decolonization process through education. A starting point is for the majority to support this reform movement, for it is key to bring forth a political, economic and an educational system articulated and developed by Haitians in consonance with the spirit of their ancestors. To know thyself is an injunction to own yourself; and when you own yourself, nothing and no one can deviate you from your path.

“No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself. No man is free who cannot command himself.” Pythagoras

 

Credit/Anecdotal acknowledgement

The world of Jean Ledan fils where history and art merge into a language of the soul!

“Fanm Dambala” Jute Tapestry by Jean Ledan fils

Jean Ledan fils, historian, artist, author, editor, entrepreneur, famed for his weekly column for the past 26 years in the most respected and oldest Haitian Newspaper Le Nouvelliste, titled “About Haiti’s history… Did you know that?” (“A propos de l’histoire d’Haïti, saviez-vous que…”), keeping the community informed and reminded of notable past events, and inspiring anecdotes about Haiti’s history.  He juggles from being an active historian, business owner of a popular analog toy making company and Publishing house, to a passion for art expressed in both painting and weaving (tapestry).

As a historian, Jean Ledan fils maintains strong ethics with high objectivity in referring to facts and avoiding bias opinions of any form, and that is always conveyed in his purpose statements and personal mottos. But the language of the arts seems to authorize him to convey all that is suppressed in documenting facts as a historian. Jean Ledan’s artwork combines abstract with surrealist fantasy in both mediums: paintings and decorative tapestries, as well as creative photography, revealing his patriotism, his authentic love for his homeland and profound spiritual beliefs in strong, vibrant colors that his culture inspires. His ingenuity brings together different disciplines to complement one another to perfection… his history book covers display of his artwork, create exposure through a mobile and permanent exhibition cachet and at the same time getting them securely archived.

I am happy to share an extract (translated version in english) of an article written by Jean Ledan, published in Le Nouvelliste in 2016. It reveals more than I could say about the role of the historian, the man behind the artist, the citizen behind his perspective and vision about his country Haiti:

“PEOPLE WITHOUT MEMORY ARE PEOPLE WITHOUT A FUTURE! ” Says the old adage… Memory and History –not in a retrogressive sense but in a farsighted and progressive approach necessary for a more in-depth knowledge of our community to better understand the present, and therefore better plan for the future.It is essential to highlight our resources and our creativity, our cultural diversity, themselves established on the basis of our history, our practices and our originality. Arts and culture including history are the fundamental factors that still keep the nation alive. The strength and vitality of the art of Haitian culture, aren’t they the elements that still maintain a certain social cohesion among us and ensure us a respected presence at the international level? It is urgent for us Haitians to recognize the sources of our cultural heritage to make it fruitful! Its natural role as a catalyst for national life to revisit the carrier values that form the basis of our own identity and personality as a people.”

Jean Ledan fils attended Dowling College (1981-1982) where he studied Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts at New York University (NYU 1983-1987) where he graduated with a major in Political Sciences and a minor in History.

His interest in textile art started in New York, but painting became a passion when he returned to Haiti in 1988 and mingled with friends that were also painters. He was inspired to take home their unfinished work to undertake this new art form.  Painting was a long artistic process that culminated in mastering other mediums that include tapestry, drawing, and writing.

Among Jean Ledan’s most acclaimed editions of history books are: The whole work series of his weekly articles “A propos de l’histoire d’Haïti, saviez-vous que…” presented as a collection of ten separate volumes; Haïti 2004 – Bicentenaire de l’Indépendance – Chronique d’un départ annoncé – le fil des événements; L’Histoire d’Haïti en toute simplicité ; l’Histoire d’Haïti – La “petite histoire” ; Hommage au Patrimoine ; l’Histoire d’Haïti au singulier ; l’Histoire d’Haïti – Simples faits ; l’Histoire d’Haïti – Anecdotes.  In progress is an unpublished work on Alexandre Petion and Simon Bolivar.

Jean Ledan is the Owner of Beljwèt S.A., a well known analog toy and Publishing House in Port-au-Prince since 1995.

He is active in all his disciplines, and is supportive of Haiti’s cultural activities.  He worked in various projects of the Ministry of Culture, particularly to renew Haiti’s incorporation to the Berne Convention’s copyright protection of Artistic and Literary works.

Thank you Jean Ledan fils for your precious legacy and significant contribution to Haiti’s past, current, and future generations.

2020 Vision: Healing is in your hands – Part 2

by madelineledan

You are not separate from the whole, you are one with the sun, the earth and the air.  You don’t have a life… you are life!

Eckhart Tolle

haitian street art – Photo by: Patrice Douge

Before we dive into the various self-healing practices, I would like to share a relevant insight that came to me while writing this post about the challenges we face today.

To activate much-needed resilience in these difficult times, we must keep in mind that any Global challenge is a warning sign of urgent issues needing to be addressed within the society we live in and the system’s constructs we live by.  Whether it’s the threat of a new disease,  whether it’s religion, or racial wars, climate disruptions, environmental destruction, economic or politic crises, corruption, etc.  So many things out of balance all at once worldwide are an expression of global chaos;  and global chaos is  synonymous with change, mutation, transformation, and ultimately, evolution.  The  significant adjustments Life is making is unveiling the opportunity to take a different turn!  

“If it sounds alarming, change is always frightening.  We cannot stop the march of history, but we can influence its direction” (Yuval Noah Harari, “Homo Deus”).  The latest racial injustice event, the killing of George Floyd that recently happened in the United States took the world by storm is an eye-opening event for the present generation.  It confirms again and again through history, the power of unity and its influence in the world.

And just like every drop of water makes the mighty ocean, no one is on the sidelines; and because all of it is due to human behavior, the changes we want to see in the world start with ourselves, and our own microcosmic world.   A good place to start is within, to become conscious, aware, empowered, to better cleanse ourselves of loads of falseness that pervade our reality, and so that we can allow future generations to spring from equilibrium.

A heartfelt RIP to the souls that departed in those upheaval circumstances, and strength and light to their mourning families!

Part II – continued…

The interest in alternative treatments and complementary therapies is rapidly increasing worldwide today for many good reasons but mainly because these practices are supported by scientific evidence and have proven to be effective.  I second that, not from research but experience. 

In this era of information explosion, most are knowledgeable about a great list of methods available for experiencing; but I trust that it’s all worth repeating because often we resonate with different perspectives that inspire us to deprogram our inclination to take life itself for granted.  I am hoping that sharing my own experience as a humanist and truth seeker can do just that for some.  I do encourage everyone flirting with a lifestyle change to conduct their own research… doing so stimulates  the brain, making it more receptive and responsive in taking life into  one’s hands.   I realize that when one takes responsibility for their own decisions and actions, one allows others to do the same.  That promotes true altruism, interconnectedness, togetherness, compassion, generosity, truly and organically, and that is how life flows….

 If we focus on the basic needs that the human body requires to sustain life, we will find it easier to explore the techniques favorable to our own specific needs; because holistic health is vast but highly individual.   My golden principle to avoid feeling overwhelmed by loads of information, is to go to the fundamentals, the basics, the essentials, the foundation, the primary, the origin, and the root, to demystify the alterations of truths that can create much confusion.

The analogy that supports my point is:  “The survival rule of threes,” which states that a human can survive three weeks without food,  three days without water, and  three minutes without oxygen.

 Every cell in the body needs oxygen to function properly! Let us explore organic solutions for the first essential human need, symbolic of life itself:  Breathing!

Breathwork

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
thich nhat hanh

“Kenskoff Collection” photo by: Patrice Douge

Breathwork regulates the body’s function, improves the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  Eastern traditional practices like Yoga, meditation, and all martial arts focus on the breath.   In the West, breathwork gained popularity as a tool for  significant transformation and healing during the consciousness era of the 1960s.

The following breathing technique I bring to your attention is one that I practice regularly, and that I find to be most healing.  But there is a long list of yogic breathing exercises that can be found online that are safe and easy to learn.

Pranayama – Prana means Breath/life force, and Ayama means balance and control

“Anulom Vilom Pranayam” is one of the pranayama exercises done by alternating nostril breathing.  That technique equalizes the inhale and the exhale function of the breath.  In yogic terms, the left side of the body is believed to have female energy that is emotional and the right side to have masculine energy that is practical.  Balancing these energies purifies the entire nervous system.

Anulom Vilom Pranayam is my best self-help tool to activate resilience to stress and to maximize clarity, peace and tranquility. 

Yoga and Meditation

“Yoga is a journey of the Self, through the Self and to the Self”

The Bhagavad Gita

“Kenskoff Collection” Photo by Patrice Douge

Yoga  –  The word Yoga means to unite

 “Traditional Yoga” is an ancient spiritual practice in its essence sacred that originated thousands of years ago from India.

“Modern Yoga” is the term used in the West for the physical aspect of that discipline and is commonly known for its ability to strengthen and balance all parts of the body, promote wellness and healthy living.  Yoga was introduced around the 19th century to Western culture and gained recognition worldwide.  When it comes to the overall health benefits and dramatic changes  one gets from daily practice of yoga, no western scientific proof is needed for all time practitioners who are living proof of such praises.

In clearing any misconceptions brought by mysticism, it is stated as follows, on the website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs:   “While physical and mental health are natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching.  Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe.  It is the technology of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and harmony.”  “Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing.” 

In questioning and asking what does Yoga unite exactly, the above statement from the source explains well to me, the meaning of the word “Yoga” which is “to Unite.”

I was introduced to Modern Yoga at a very young age.  I know firsthand that there is no instant gratification in this practice; it requires strong commitment and will and the guidance of a professional trainer.

The benefits of Yoga  are now well recognized in almost all countries across continents and cultures… Yoga is undeniably a  significant contribution of the East to humanity!

The art of Meditation

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” Lao Tzu

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is janewynncopy.jpg
photograph by Patrice Dougé

“One of the biggest dangers of meditation is the pursuit of special experiences” Yuval Noah Hara

Making meditation part of one’s daily life is a great idea that is  if changing our state of being to find inner peace is the goal.   That implies quieting the thoughts, putting order in the mind, overcoming negative emotions, so that healing through inner transformation can occur.

Besides all the talked about health benefits in calming the mind and finding inner peace that comes with meditation, if one is interested in the profound spiritual aspect of that practice,  one will be served with loads of information online; websites and books from famous yogis, mystics, gurus, spiritual teachers, philosophers and scientists sharing their knowledge and offering techniques, formulas and technologies to reach a higher state of consciousness. 

The approach that I was drawn to the most on the subject of the art of meditation is that of the famous Indian philosopher, spiritual leader and writer on fundamental human issues:   Jiddu Krishnamurti. His teachings simplified that of many others by bringing out the root meaning of the word meditation which means, as he put it,  to “think over,” to “ponder over,” to “inquire into” to reveal that meditation is not something that  one does, but a complete understanding of our existence: how we live, how we behave, the root cause of our fears, anxieties that reflect what we are pursuing in life and the built images of ourselves and others.  Meditation is the understanding of that life we are living and the issues involved, and ultimately being free of those.  He demonstrated through simple logic  that one must peel off all the layers of the mind and becoming free of past conditioning.

exerpts from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673342/).

Jiddu Krishnamurti  maintained that society was ultimately the product of the interactions of individuals. He held that fundamental change in society could emerge only through freely undertaken radical change in the individual.  He stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and posited that such a revolution could not be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social. It had to be brought about by a holistic transformation from within, and an insight into the various layers of one’s consciousness.  Krishnamurti  believed in total awareness as being essential for a free mind.

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“The concept that the whole world needs everyone can be applied at various levels.  We are all interconnected and can benefit from one another…For transformation to occur, we need to appreciate the gifts of the other and recognize that when we exclude, we lose.”  Peter A. Dunn “Holistic Healing”.

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Credit/Anecdotal acknowledgement

Patrice Dougé, Haitian photographer and photojournalist

Seizing the fleeting beauty of Haiti’s landscape and Nature is a passion that is evident when viewing his photo archive.  A decade ago, Patrice Dougé created Haiti Photo Library, a site that he dedicated to his life’s project that glorifies his homeland’s beauty instead of exposing the extreme poverty scenes that attract the mainstream media.

It’s with a humanistic approach, that he photographs Haiti’s raw nature and its people in their every day environment while touring the provinces and remote areas from north to south of the Island.  He chases and documents scenes that convey meaning, substance, beauty, integrity, and pride despite their state of hardship and misfortune. He masters the art of storytelling in street photography,  a genre that require patience, persistence, hard work and most of all bravery in that territory

Patrice Dougé left Haiti at a very young age to immigrate to New York where he continued his education and perfected his innate passion that he discovered at a very young age.  He returned to Haiti in 1991 to work for Reuters-Haiti and in the year 2000, went back to the United States where he freelanced for Newspapers like the Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald.  That experience lasted a few years before returning home, determined to start his project with a renewed mind.  He achieved assignments for various projects.  His work was published in “Gouter aux Voyages”, “Portraits D’Artistes de Kenskoff”, and various magazines and journals in Haiti while he continues with his photographic journey benevolently.   An outstanding collection is emerging from his heartfelt project that shows a different image of Haiti despite the ongoing political tragedy in his homeland.

Patrice Dougé’s exceptional photo archive is a legacy to future generations!

See his photographer’s journal @ pdouge@blogspot.com

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673342/

https://mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?2509/Yoga+Its+Origin+History+and+Development

https://drjoedispenza.com/

https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en

https://chopra.com/articles/how-breathwork-benefits-the-mind-body-and-spirit

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/breathwork-latest-wellness-trend-people-are-trying

books: 

– You are the Placebo”, Joe Dispenza

– Holistic Healing, Peter A. Dunn

 –Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari

2020 Vision: Healing is in your hands – Part 1

by madelineledan
Stone sculpture by René Durocher

Preventive Medicine is the Best Medicine! Yes, absolutely!  The intention here is not to disregard nor dethrone mainstream medicine that can be lifesaving in our wild and fast pace of life but rather to recognize the importance of Holistic Medicine that emphasizes prevention over crises or treatments of diseases.  We also need to acknowledge that both areas of expertise are needed today to stay well and to evolve from our drug oriented society.  ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction) is the name used for the dangerous effects of certain drug therapies that fall under the label “Iatrogenic disease,” meaning an illness that is caused by physicians and the use of drugs in medical treatments. 

Scientific evidence supports the holistic approach to health and healing. If we cater to the body’s basic needs which are:  A nutritious diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, self love, activities that stimulate the mind, integrating the healing power of unconditional love of family and friends and living spiritually minded, those needs sum up the guiding principles of holistic healthcare that focuses on the physical, emotional, mental, social, and the spiritual to help the body maintain homeostasis. 

Nature, by design, is life-giving and nurturing and caters unselfishly to all species, individualities, uniqueness, and specificities, thus named Mother-Nature since ancient cultures.

The abundance in Nature, immensely rich in diversity, is a testimony of how thriving life on earth should be for all people everywhere in their own context.  Generous and bountiful, Nature knows no poverty of any kind, a divine model of a system for humans to learn from.

We are so much a part of the Earth that our primary source of oxygen comes from trees, and we will purposefully return to the Earth.  The same rules that govern the natural world also apply to our body; I realize that people that are living and connected to Nature know this intuitively.  Therefore prevention of disease starts with living in harmony with the natural world.

Cultivating conscious living can awaken our connection to the Earth and empower us to evolve in harmony with our environment, not against it.   Many organizations worldwide campaigning to protect the environment believe that it is a survival imperative for both humankind and the planet.

What are we lacking?  What are our deficiencies?  What can we do to modify our lifestyle and improve our health?  How to boost our body’s own immune system and natural healing response?

I will share on part II of this post, natural therapies from various cultures and methods that I have personally tried and that I have found to be miraculous.

Credit/Anecdotal acknowledgement

Haitian artist René Durocher created several masterpieces in visual art: painting, sculpting, photography, and produced many works as a multimedia artist and author.  His multidimensional world seems highly influenced by his vision as an environmentalist and an ecosophist; and as such, he advocates for restoring Haiti’s environment.  His knowledge through direct observation and experimentation with the natural world and his passion are evident from the impressive photo collection, expositions, books and film documentaries he produced. 

He is the President and owner of the atelier EkoAyiti, for searching and adapting ecology-friendly technologies to the Haitian environmental context.

His books “Les oiseaux d’Haiti” published in 2014, and “Herpetofaune d’Haiti” in 2015 on the wildlife and biodiversity in Haiti are treasures that depict his heartfelt projects.

In addition to his remarkable skills in fine arts, his artistic repertoire includes:

  • Audio-Visual Communications
  • Underwater filming & photography, scuba diving
  • Documentary filmmaker, director, cartoonist, illustrator
  • Special effects designer
  • Eco-friendly biomass stove designer
  • Aikido instructor

After his formal education in Haiti, his training in broadcasting, cinematography, script writing, film/video production; his skills, certifications, degrees in all his areas of expertise including industrial electricity, computer programming, computer science were acquired abroad, in France, Taiwan, and the United States. 

René Durocher’s knowledge, resourcefulness and achievements make him one of the most genuine, curious, and tireless artists of his generation.

His work is a treasure not limited to the Haitian community and a legacy to future generations!

Thank you, René Durocher, for your valuable contribution!

The Haitian Declaration of Independence

by madelineledan

The more you know of your history… The more liberated you are! 

“L’Ombre du Passé” – “The Shadow Of The Past”
by Richard Barbot

The Haitian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on January 1, 1804 in the port city of Gonaives by Jean Jacques Dessalines marking the end of the 13-year long Haitian Revolution. The declaration marked Haiti’s becoming the first independent Black nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Extract: 

“It is not enough to have expelled the barbarians who have bloodied our land for two centuries; … We must, with one last act of national authority, forever assure the empire of liberty in the country of our birth; we must take any hope of re-enslaving us away from the inhuman government …. In the end, we must live independent or die.”

“Remember that I sacrificed everything to rally to your defense; family, children, fortune, and now I am rich only with your liberty; my name has become a horror to all those who want slavery. Despots and tyrants curse the day that I was born. If ever you refused or grumbled while receiving those laws that the spirit guarding your fate dictates to me for your own good, you would deserve the fate of an ungrateful people.”

The full document’s translation can be viewed @ https://today.duke.edu/showcase/haitideclaration/declarationstext.html

From Julia Gaffield, author of Haitian Connections in the Atlantic World: Recognition after Revolution, Assistant Professor of History at Georgia State University:

“While the Age of Revolution has long been associated with the French and American Revolutions, increasing attention is being paid to the Haitian Revolution as the third great event in the making of the modern world. A product of the only successful slave revolution in history, Haiti’s Declaration of Independence in 1804 stands at a major turning point in the trajectory of social, economic, and political relations in the modern world. This declaration created the second independent country in the Americas and certified a new genre of political writing. Despite Haiti’s global significance, however, scholars are only now beginning to understand the context, content, and implications of the Haitian Declaration of Independence.”  https://www.upress.virginia.edu/title/4876

To conclude, I leave you with two powerful citations:

  • The more you know of your history…
    The more liberated you are!      Maya Angelou (cited above)
  • Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation.They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people. (Nelson Mandela 1995)

Credits/Anecdotal acknowledgment

Richard Barbot, a remarkable Haitian artist and musician!

His signature is a stroke of genius in itself.  And when you explore his work, his signature confirms that he masters both art forms, music and painting to perfection!  His stunning portraits immortalize many celebrities, influential and powerful people of our time like the King of Maroc Mahommed VI, Harry Belafonte, Lauren Hill, Rubee Dee, Malcom X, Ossie Davis, United States President Obama; and our treasured work of art:  The portrait of Sanite Belaire on the 10 gourdes, Haitian currency.

His statement to Ticket Magazine in a recent interview describes a true passionate and profound artist:  “I do not confine myself to trends.  I have freed myself from the yoke of wanting to please or shock…  I only take into account what goes through me.   Everything that comes from inside is authentic”.   He lets his inspiration be his only guide.

Richard Barbot immigrated to Canada at a very early age.   He studied at the Université du Quebec where he graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree.

His debut was crowned first prize winner in the competition of the Cercle des Artistes Peintres du Quebec in Montreal in 1985, and many exhibitions in Montreal, New York and Haiti followed.

He received a Plaque of Honor and Merit for his enormous contribution to the Haitian culture.

His commitment to the young generation was strongly acknowledged as an art teacher at the Ecole Nationale des Arts and Faculté des Sciences in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

He was commissioned by the Central Bank of Haiti to make the portraits of all the Governors and later, he was commissioned to create the effigy of Sanite Belair which appears on the Haitian currency.

Thank you Richard Barbot for “L’ombre du Passé”, a profound inspiration and a monumental work of art! https://www.richardbarbot.com/

DE ALIMENTO!

by madelineledan
“Still Life” By Charles Obas

At this stage of the human body evolution, if one is not a breatharian living off “prana,” consuming nutritious, healthy food is still the only way to keep the body growing strong and healthy. Today, research shows a widespread realization that industrial agriculture raises doubts about the food production safety with the “cons” outweighing the “pros” of this modernization project.

Throughout human history, the indigenous people from all over the world, as well as thousands of ethnic groups of the African continent, are known as the inheritors of distinctive cultures that live to thrive according to traditional laws. Their innate knowledge that was passed on by ancestors communicates ways of living in harmony with their surroundings with the fundamental truth that everything in Nature interacts and interconnects to ensure harmony and balance to all humans and all living things in Earth’s web of life… this Principle, this unifying force, is key to existence.  The United Nations Development Program research shows that where indigenous groups have control of the lands and forests, biodiversity flourishes. 

Hippocrates, the most celebrated physician of his time, eradicated the superstition that disease is a punishment inflicted by the Gods by proving that the body can become ill due to environmental factors, diet, and living habits. He based his medical practice on the study of the human body and the power of food to heal and became widely known as the father of medicine.  His belief that the body must be treated as a whole and not just an assemblage of parts suggests that the principle of holism that governs all life forms on planet Earth was central to his teachings.  But the rise of modern medicine in the western world and consumerism that contributed to the stressful fast pace of modern lifestyle disconnected us from the natural world and we failed, as a result, to honor that profound wisdom.

The famous quote attributed to Hippocrates “Let food be thy medicine…” which resurfaced and was popularized in the 1970s (per D. Cardenas research), comes back to light today in regards to the latest news in the food industry technologies. The following latest report caught my attention considering that the Genetically Modified Food industry, the Second Green Revolution technologies have taken over the world’s agriculture by the year 2000 with a promising vision to feed and sustain the growing population and to end world hunger:

● In a recent report, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) find that more than 820 million people went hungry, last year

● More than 1 billion tons of food lost or wasted every year.

● 600 million with serious health problems from unhealthy diets, the leading cause of illness worldwide    

● Per the World’s Science Academies, Industrial agriculture is devastating the environment  

●Tim Benton, professor of population ecology, at the University of Leeds, said:  “The global food system is broken; the cost of the damage to human health and the environment was much greater than the profits made by the farming industry.”

Besides the challenges pointed out here about the food industry, health and environment, an increasing awareness that accelerated in the 1960s with the environmental movement, including anti-war movement, civil rights movement, and countercultural movement among other important revolutions gained momentum during that era in guiding humanity towards profound awareness on a global scale.  Today a growing population worldwide is addressing and reacting to phenomena like social injustice, marginalization, inequity, exclusion, climate change, massive extinction of other species in the natural world, environmental degradation…

In the mix of these vital issues, there seems to be a silver lining in disguise:  evidence of a profound transformation taking place in light of the progress in new science, technology and innovative ideas where ways of living and the natural world reconcile… a great example is the concept of Permaculture, a design system in food production that is modeled on Nature to provide safe and permanent agriculture.

Using Nature’s interconnected system as a model, it is evident that we all have a role to play in the environmental equilibrium. While the governments as well as corporations must intervene at all levels to make this possible, we need to become conscious participants as we are part of the team that can make the life that we want possible.  Every action counts individually and collectively, like Nature intended in the vast web of life.  

Sources:

Books: 

-The Story of the Human Body by D.E. Lieberman

https://stories.undp.org/10-things-we-all-should-know-about-indigenous-people
http://www.freshvista.com/2014/natures-tangled-web-her-interconnected-complex-systems/

Credits/Anecdotal acknowledgment

Charles Obas – Still Life (untitled)

Charles Obas, Haitian artist (1927 – 1969)

An exceptional man

A true Master of his craft

A poignant life’s story…

Just a glimpse in the life of outstanding Haitian artist Charles Obas, and you will understand why such powerful emotions animate his paintings.  His brushstrokes, colors, and themes depict periods from serenity, melancholy to sorrow and pain. His art became his refuge, his escape, and psychotherapy under the Duvalier regime.   His style drastically changed from the painful experience of losing his beloved cousin that was executed under that dictatorship; stormy landscape and nocturne scenes depicted his inner need to speak his mind in revolt. Charles Obas was 14 when his father initiated him into the arts of painting and music. He later attended the “Centre d’Art d’Haiti, a cradle for Haitian arts, to develop his skills.

He was the founder of “Le Foyer des Arts Plastiques” in 1950 with other artists and friends that became famous painters, like Dieudonné Cédor and Lucner Lazard.  His work evolved from naïve style to his own genre, which placed him in the Pantheon of the all-time famous names in the Haitian art world.

In 1958, he was the winner of the competition organized by the Office of National Tourism.  That same year he had an incontestable success at the first Biennial in Mexico.

Charles Obas disappeared after participating in a protest against the murders committed by Duvalier’s dictatorial regime; he was later found dead.

His offspring carry his legacy. He had 5 sons and he named his second born Beethova, after Beethoven, because of his passion for music.  Beethova Obas is today an icon of Haitian music and an  internationally known singer, composer, and musician. He uses his music as a mean to protest against injustice.  He was appointed ambassador for peace in 2006 by the United Nations. His brother, Emmanuel Obas, is also a well-known singer, and his other brother, Klebert Obas, is a notable painter.

Thank you to the Obas family!

I am happy to repost an eloquent video on the life of the featured artist in this article, Charles Obas. It is a regal for art lovers and collectors alike. This video is a fortunate finding of Dominique Obas which she shared on her Facebook page. As she simply put it: This work is a must-watch!

Sharing …

by madelineledan
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“Untitled” by Tiga, AlliatigaCollection

Through sharing, we all find common ground,

inspiration, hope, meaning, and, ultimately, action!

(Unknown author)

Credit/Anecdotal

acknowledgement

Tiga, Jean Claude Garoute (December 9, 1935 – December 14, 2006)

Famous Haitian artist, painter, sculptor, ceramist, poet, musician, was internationally renowned and has exhibited worldwide.

Founder of two art galleries and cultural centers, Poto Mitan and KayTiga, in Port-au-Prince;

Co-founder of the Saint-Soleil Movement in Soisson-La-Montagne, a cultural village that promotes the arts as a basis for social development. André Malraux, a French writer, fascinated by his brilliant teaching method called it “the most striking experiment in magical painting in our century!” He then dedicated a chapter to that movement in his book L’Intemporel.

Tiga developed his particular technique called “Soleil Brulé,” a method that combines ink and acid to create amazing effects.

 In 1994, he was the recipient of the Gold Medal at Second Biennial, held at the Museum of Modern Art in the Dominican Republic.

 

He has left behind a tremendous cultural legacy in Haiti.

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Thanks to AliatigaCollection for the use of this “Tour de Force” by Tiga. It speaks volumes to me about the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge: An energetic communication between two awakened beings, surrounded by a community of conditioned minds in the background…

Tiga… A Master that lives on!

Conscious and humbled by Tiga’s enormous contribution to the Haitian culture, my short-lived experience with him as my art teacher at Poto Mitan taught me that the purpose of human life is to support one another to reach our potential individually and collectively. Tiga’s vastness contrasted with his physical frame. He was just tremendous! He served as a muse to a whole generation of artists in Haiti, and he left a method of teaching that is key to overcoming the fear of self-expression in our society.

My path to holistic living dealing with hyperthyroidism

by madelineledan
Transcendence
“Transcendence” by Frank Etienne

It’s as if life was preparing me for a big lifestyle change when I became curious about how the body functions, and this came about while I was doing research on certain medical symptoms some 6 years ago.   Since then, educating myself on subjects like biology, physiology, the anatomy of the human body and nutrition became a daily passionate activity, and that was long before I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.   In discovering how the body actually works, how it’s made to be self-healing and self-regulating, I developed an appreciation for how amazingly intelligent the body is.  My mentality has changed drastically since, and I am committed to understanding nutrition which keeps that sophisticated machine well balanced from womb to tomb!

Despite my interest in a holistic approach in healthcare and naturopathy, when I received my official diagnosis, it was quite tough deciding between a natural treatment approach and a conventional medical treatment method to address my condition.   I had opted for the conventional treatment for many reasons; mainly because of the daily life’s disruptive symptoms I experienced dealing with an autoimmune thyroid disease.  Second, the use of natural remedies require a certain amount of care and effort that I was not prepared to give because my energy (what was left of it) was all invested in work engagements.   I never doubt that in some cases  drugs are necessary and do save lives when it comes to  cardiac symptoms, as in my case,  such as a high pulse rate and heart palpitations, high blood pressure, tremors, sleep deprivation,  to name a few of the debilitating symptoms, more often severe than not with thyroid conditions.  I desperately needed at the time to get on with my life by blocking the symptoms.  While the anti-thyroid medication made me feel like myself again, my wellness was short-lived and the side effects of that medication literally put a lot more on my plate to deal with health wise.    I found out from a number of people suffering from thyroid conditions that they do go just like I into a temporary state of remission while under the treatment but had a relapse of the condition as soon as they go off the meds; they would then go back to drugs and eventually go through surgery or radioactive iodine.   The treatment method prescribed by my endocrinologist was a well-informed consent I agreed to.   I cannot say that the treatment failed to help my condition because anti-thyroid drugs do not promise a cure; they only prepare the body for further extreme treatment methods!  I don’t regret having  tried though, because in hindsight,  It was that experience that brought the need  to dig deeper, educate myself more profoundly so that I could choose a natural treatment in sync with my core values .  

 The first thing I learned in finding alternative solutions is that everybody is different, every “body”!  The “One size fits all” approach of conventional  medicine in treating chronic diseases is becoming obsolete with the growing number of people awakening to the fact that nutrition is an important factor in curing a disease;  and an awareness  that  food is the most powerful drug the way Nature intended.  It was not at all surprising to me to find a number of doctors, pharmacists and healthcare professionals turning to natural treatments after they themselves were diagnosed with some form of chronic disease.  Their practice and treatment method changed as a result of the challenges they faced with treating themselves and their patients.

I was lucky to have met in Haiti a good nutritionist and also a naturopath that brought me hope by sharing natural and integrated solutions; and later a “functional medicine” doctor, a practice still unknown to most.   The complicated nature of autoimmune disease often leads to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments that worsen the condition to devastating diseases over time.  That is the reason why the functional medicine approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of a disease makes sense.  Additionally, there is significant proof that emotional trauma often triggers chronic illness, an important factor often dismissed by both doctors and sufferers in denial of the impact of traumatic life’s experiences on their health.  Hence, the mental, physical and emotional causes of one’s symptoms need to be addressed in order to heal completely. 

“Until you have addressed the root cause of the symptoms that are holding you back, you will not be free to step into your authentic self: inspired, creative, loving, and powerful.”  By the author of:  “Your symptoms are a gift”  Elicia Miller.

With the many amazing inventions and technology that put us in trust with modern medicine, I pray that the healthcare system will evolve in the new direction that functional medicine promises.  It is totally in accordance with the amazing functions of the body.

In America alone there is an estimated 50 million people with autoimmune diseases, that is more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined.  It’s an epidemic! ranked #1 in a top ten list of most popular health topics according to the AARDA (The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association).  If that is not screaming for questioning the Status Quo of treatments of chronic diseases using only drugs and surgery, something is seriously wrong with us as a species.

Within the 5-year period battling an autoimmune condition, I slowly retreated from my world.  My  work load was reduced to pressure-free jobs and my projects took the back burner… my time was spent making  lifestyle changes,  keeping my equilibrium with choices that no one I know in my entourage could understand, and being in Nature, connecting with its pure healing energy.   The reward of educating myself and taking charge of my own health and wellness was a lot more than I expected.  It was not just about my health; I grew emotionally, mentally and  spiritually … and slowly but surely, my sense of purpose in life,  my projects, my perception  were being redefined as a result.  And then I learned that challenges in life show me who I really am, and that’s priceless! 

In sharing my personal experience and vision through my blog and website,  I hope  to better contribute to life, to the environment,  and especially to my culture and my homeland Haiti  tenaciously fighting  for its rebirth!

Madeline Ledan

Credits/Anecdotal acknowledgment

“The legendary Frank Etienne“

● Haitian artist, multidimensional, novelist, poet, playwright, philosopher, and musician

●Recognized as one of Haiti’s leading writers and playwrights of both French and Haitian Creole

● Candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2009

Transcendence

When I inquired about this untitled painting, Frank Etienne asked me “how would you title it?” I replied without hesitation:  “Transcendence”!  “You are a very spiritual person” he said!  I took it for an approval and it is with great honor that I use the title that this work inspires me!