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November/December 2001 Editor's Viewpoint
From The Editor

Miriam Knight

A Medical Model

The events of 9/11 have already been well covered by many thousands of wise and eloquent pages. Those events, however, started a process that is so deep in its implications, that I didn’t feel I could ignore it either. I’d like instead to offer a medical analogy that might resonate with some of you.

I received an anonymous poem, entitled “One”, which you will find in the Culture section. That poem touched me because I believe that these events shocked us into feeling at a visceral level that we are indeed one world and humanity is one body. It is impossible not to be aware of the currents of fear, anger and hatred swirling around us. However these emotions may arise, even if they are being manipulated by a few, they are nevertheless very real. Their effect is to unbalance the psyche of humanity and draw the world into the madness of war and pestilence.

Terrorism is like a cancer in the body of humanity. In the conventional medical model you cut out the infected cells, and then bombard the body with lethal agents. Even though the “cure” drastically weakens the whole body, you hope that enough healthy cells survive; but if not, at least you followed the accepted protocol and can’t be blamed. That’s war. And besides, you, the hospital, the drug companies and the insurance companies all earned their fees.

In the holistic medical model, you try to understand and treat the underlying causes of the illness. You look at the energy blockages and work to build up the immune system through good nutrition, stress reduction, increasing self-esteem and releasing toxic emotions. You try to revive the sense of connection with all-that-is; with the source of universal love. Why should it be any different for the body of humanity?

What can we do as individuals at this time? First, it is really vital that we take care of our own immune systems - see above. By being healthy, joyful and loving, we can “infect” the “cells” around us with well-being.

Second, since we are each a cell in the body of humanity, remember that what we do affects those around us. Our actions and emotions propagate like ripples in a pond. Neale Donald Walsch, in his recent talk in Portland, offered three simple suggestions that could change the world:

• Look at each other. Look into people’s eyes and really see them. How much outrageous behavior is a shout to “See me!”
• Smile at each other. A simple smile can change a stranger’s day.
• Touch each other. Connect; bridge the barriers.

If I were a doctor, that’s what I would prescribe.

MK

Connexion News

Forums

Our “Meet the Pros” series got off to a fine start. It was a fascinating day and no one wanted to leave. Here are some comments from the evaluation forms:

 “ Great interaction. Program is really well done.” “Once in a lifetime chance to meet many psychics at once.” “Enjoyed very much. We need more information out there like this.” “Wonderful!” “Great! Do it again.”

Don’t miss the Astrologers Forum on Nov. 3^rd and the Healing Yourself Forum on Jan. 12^th.

Ad Rates for 2002

Even though our costs have increased, we are NOT raising the rates or lowering the discounts for 2002. In order to hold these rates, we must change the policy on discounts. As of the January 2002 issue, discounts will only apply to ads paid IN FULL before the publication deadline. Late payments will be charged at the full, undiscounted rate. A 10-30% discount is a lot to lose, so please get your payments in on time.

New Website

Thank you all for your patience as we work through the teething troubles in migrating our services to our new website. This website provides the interface for inputting event, classified and directory information for the print edition, and is another way we are keeping costs down. Online listings are still free and as compensation for your effort, you get up to 5 words free in print – 20 words for free events.

PLEASE let us know what you like, what needs improvement and what you would like to see on it in the future.

The New ConneXion TV Show

We are in the process of pulling together a team to produce a TV series in the New Year. The format will be taped interviews with some of the fascinating people in the New Thought/New Health community who live in or come through Portland. If you can volunteer some time to this exciting project, we need research, writing, lighting, sound, editing, support staff and lots of positive thoughts.
If you are interested in sponsoring a show, know of any potential sponsors, or have ideas for subjects and people, please contact me.

Doing Well While Doing Good

My crystal ball says we have some turbulent times ahead, and the best way we can weather this period is by pulling together and getting creative. We may be in for some belt-tightening, so it is a really appropriate time to introduce a new columnist to the paper. Fred Brown is a Personal Financial Consultant/Therapist and his column, Money & Spirit will be a welcome addition to our pages.

We’ve had a few responses on the challenge I threw out last issue, and I was pleased to see the kind offer from Vicki Marihart, who “is very interested in helping people develop financially viable, conscious businesses.” (See Letters to the Editor) Anyone want to take her up on her offer? Contact her at vsmarihart@msn.com

Blessings, Miriam

503-892-3300 or editor@newconnexion.net.