Zoolandee was in town tonight, making all the stops in the most important places you could think of. Everyone has been waiting for his arrival and finally the moment has come where we can interact with him. One of the most important task he will be addressing is the fact that we do not have an operating system that supports all of the application released.

Zoolandee, states that we need to be clear on the facts and understand that if we do approach this next phase as an necessary phase in development then we can not build a solid foundation. There is to many facts to look at however we need to be aware that this is just a process and many items we become clearer once we have had the opportunity to simply work within the operating system. Zoolandee also states that once we become more confident in how we approach the development we will be able to understand the complexities and each system interacts with each other creating many sub-systems of operation.

We are approaching a new and exciting time with this new application, which will brilliantly change the way we see the fourth dimensional application world.

We have had the pleasure with Bruce Van Garderen a local grower and representative from The Maples Discovery Garden Co-op. Mr. Van Garderen, has been an absolutely amazing wealth of information and continues to keep us focused.

Currently we have two main plots one 60’ X 12’ which is primarily focusing on our leaf lettuce, Swiss Chard, spinach, kale, radishes, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, Beans, carrots, endive, cucumber, celery and etc…

Our second plot is approximately 40’ X 35’ has: sweat corn, a variety of potato’s, spaghetti squash, watermelons, honeydew, zucchinis, peppers and onions.

As all projects, it has truly been a labor of love and we have to say many thanks for all of those who came and worked hard supporting the garden.

(picture is an example)

What does our Community Garden Look like!

With this size of a garden it is estimated that we will be able to have 30 large plots at 150sf and 12 medium plots at 75sf. Each large plot is estimated to easily feed a large family for the whole year! We will be only using natural products and materials with specific standards to help maintain the projects longevity and overall commitment to a healthier planet. In consulting with MDGC, we have been assured that there are many healthy and practical resources for maintain and keeping a perfectly well balanced all natural garden.

What is a Community Garden?

Very Simply, it is: Any piece of land gardened by a group of people.

It can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can grow flowers, vegetables or community. It can be one community plot, or can be many individual plots. It can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be a series of plots dedicated to “urban agriculture” where the produce is grown for a market.

Benefits of Community Gardens:

• Improves the quality of life for people in the garden
• Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
• Stimulates Social Interaction
• Encourages Self-Reliance
• Beautifies Neighborhoods
• Produces Nutritious Food
• Reduces Family Food Budgets
• Conserves Resources
• Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
• Preserves Green Space
• Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots
• Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections

Our goals with the community garden:

• Develop and promote sustainable holistic resources for community development
• Provide a learning opportunity for the participants and members of the CG
• Provide local community initiatives with an opportunity to a) receive fresh produce for people in need b) become involved, educated with gardening activities
• Demonstrate effective community leadership
  • To strengthen relationships and support amongst community gardens, and to build relationships with organizations and individuals outside the membership.
  • Provide a low-cost way for people to participate in local food production

The LDR Holistic Community All Natural Garden always welcomes volunteers.  A great range of opportunities are available to suit every interest and availability:

Board Members

The LDR Holistic Community All Natural Garden is currently seeking candidates for its Board of Directors. It is expected that monthly meetings and additional committee responsibilities will be approximately 6-10 hours per month. Candidates are asked to consider a commitment to the LDR Holistic Community All Natural Garden Board for a three year rotation. Please contact Jason Spies for more information at 604 530-9508 or visit our website for more contact information.

Garden Help

If you have skills in gardening or composting our community gardens can use your help. Occasionally our gardens hold workshops or information sessions and require a facilitator. There is no set monthly time commitment as it is on an as-needed basis.

Community Partners

Help us to create and implement a strategy to form partnerships with local businesses as we seek resources for our gardens. For example, help us to build partnerships with local builders for recycled wood, tour garage sales to buy used tools, and obtain special discounts for soil, garden and building materials. Time commitment: July onwards each growing season, about 3 hours per month.

Community Garden Membership

An annual membership fee of $50 pays for metered water, maintenance of fences and the water system, tools, association membership(s) and other related expenses. Membership Guidelines and Rules must be signed each year by members to renew/obtain their plot. One garden meeting is held each year at the 5724 Glover Langley, BC location to discuss general business and garden concerns. Two general garden clean-up parties, as well as section work parties, are held each season to maintain the common areas of the garden. Members are expected to participate in three garden clean-up parties (two general, one section) each year. In addition, community garden members should be prepared to volunteer some extra time to the garden (e.g. being a section rep, taking minutes at meetings, doing additional garden maintenance or improvements, working on special projects, etc.)

For membership guidelines and rules, please e-mail: admin@ldrholistic.com or call 604 530-9508

For more information please visit: Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce!

Those accessing the services will be able to enroll into counselling services which will be in partnership with Trinity Western University, masters level counselling is available.  This means supportive services for those struggling with multi-barriers such as addictions, mental health issue, trauma, etc..

What is really interesting is that the Salvation Army has partnered with a number of backers such as B.C. Housing, an arm of the provincial government, and the City and Township of Langley. To see the city and township becoming actively involved in proactive measures is a true statement of leadership, especially to surrounding communities! The Gateway of Hope is located at 5787 Langley Bypass, BC Canada.

For more information we have included the website; http://www.gatewayofhope.ca/

LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. has incorporated a customized twelve step treatment
plan that is holistic in approach and meets the needs of the participants to the
fullest. The programs at LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. are designed for men only and
with one staff member handling two patients to the maximum, to ensure that
immense care is provided to the patients. Also, in a given time, the LDR Holistic
Treatment Inc. has only ten screened participants, which allows maintaining a cozy
environment. The patients are screened on the basis of their personal commitment
and willingness to eradicate addiction from their lives.

LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. also offers addiction intervention services across
Canada and the United States of America and boasts a team of highly proficient
interventionist, who use modern approaches to improvise the physiological and
psychological well-being of an individual. Also separate counseling hours are
dedicated for families of the patients, which allow them to become aware of the
ways to deal with the patients in the various steps of their recovery process.

The LDR Holistic Treatment Inc.is well-honed with the proficient experts who are
qualified in Disability Management, Life Skills Coaching, Case Management,
Facilitator, Support Worker, Detoxification Specialist, Certified Conflict Resolution
Anger Management Specialist and much more, to help the patients develop internal
and external awareness, tools and support systems to ease and facilitate their
normal lives without getting involved with drugs or compulsive behaviors.

The professionals at LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. also help in educating the people,
patients and their families through life skill development and efficient mentoring to
help the patients establish an integrated and stable lifestyle. The approach of this
counseling is based on respect, empowerment and accountability, pertaining to
each patient. For LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. when a patient refrains from drugs
and alcohol it is considered a significant step towards recovery and an absolute
lifestyle transition. This is further taken to the next level by introducing
detoxification to help people refrain from heroine, methadone and other painkillers.
The LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. works in collaboration with the local Addiction
Specialist Doctor for this sort of treatment.

Last but not the least, individuals can seek counseling from the trained counselors
at LDR Holistic Treatment Inc. who specialize in Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Grief and
Loss, Post Traumatic Stress, Gambling etc. to seek help and stabilize their
deteriorating condition.

LDR Holistic Treatment Inc.

Self-esteem development is a cornerstone for effective drug treatment programs

Addiction commonly strips self-esteem away, creating a perfect breading ground for guilt, remorse and shame. Taking a deeper look into the functions of self-esteem can be of great benefit for addiction rehab treatment.

In most cases we can see that poor self-esteem is major contributing factor to the cycle of addiction and aids in the progression of dependency.

Our self-image plays a vital part to rebuilding a positive identity. If we are afflicted by poor self-esteem, we then tend to think negatively about ourselves. If a person has low self-esteem they are less likely to talk about their dependency, explore treatment options or seek professional assistance.

In the beginning, alcohol and drugs have great benefits for the person suffering from low self-esteem. Addiction serves as a tool to numb, ignore or suppress our guilt, stressors, feelings, etc.. However; as the drink or the drug becomes the crutch, it quickly strips away healthy functions, leaving us to rely on the quick fix solution.

Reconstructing self-esteem can be challenging however a must in changing the direction of the addict. There are many studies that strongly link the successes of long-term sobriety directly to positive self-image. Creating a new self image is not something that just happen, it takes work, resources and dedication. Some of the tools in developing self-esteem can be very simple in fact we tent to over look most tools and the importance of using them. A couple of basic self-esteem development tools that you can start are:

1. Setting realistic small goals, we need to feel like we are making a difference and change in our lives.
2. Journaling our inner thoughts has a powerful impact helping us recognize our responses.
3. Have 2 positive affirmations that you tell yourself and make it a habit to say it 10 times a day. You will be surprised at how powerful this tool is and just how it works.
4. Educating ourselves can be very rewarding and keep us motivated towards improvement. Also being in a group of others doing the same action can be a great way of changing our social networking.
5. Eating Healthy, exercises, nutrition, sleep, mediation etc..

To greatly improve the overall chances of long-term success, addiction therapies need to include a number of self-esteem development techniques. Self-esteem development helps the individual to create positive thoughts, feelings and a new identity. The most powerful thoughts we hold are those about ourselves.

Jason Spies, ED

LDR Holistic Treatment Services

www.holiticdrugrehab.org

Alcohol primarily interferes with the ability to form new long-term memories, leaving intact previously established long-term memories and the ability to keep new information active in memory for brief periods. As the amount of alcohol consumed increases, so does the magnitude of the memory impairments. Large amounts of alcohol, particularly if consumed rapidly, can produce partial or complete blackouts, which are periods of memory loss for events that transpired while a person was drinking. Blackouts are much more common among social drinkers – including college drinkers – than was previously assumed, and have been found to encompass events ranging from conversations to intercourse. Mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced memory impairments include disruption of activity in the hippocampus, a brain region that plays a central role in the formation of new auotbiographical memories.

If recreational drugs were tools, alcohol would be a sledgehammer. Few cognitive functions or behaviors escape the impact of alcohol, a fact that has long been recognized in the literature. As Fleming stated nearly 70 years ago, “the striking and inescapable impression one gets from a review of acute alcoholic intoxication is of the almost infinite diversity of symptoms that may ensue from the action of this single toxic agent”. In addition to impairing balance, motor coordination, decisionmaking, and a litany of other functions, alcohol produces detectable memory impairments beginning after just one or two drinks. As the dose increases, so does the magnitude of the memory impairments. Under certain circumstances, alcohol can disrupt or completely block the ability to form memories for events that transpire while a person is intoxicated, a type of impairment known as a blackout. This article reviews what is currently known regarding the specific features of acute alcohol-induced memory dysfunction, particularly alcohol-induced blackouts, and the pharmacological mechanisms underlying them.

Effects of Alcohol on Memory

To evaluate the effects of alcohol, or any other drug, on memory, one must first identify a model of memory formation and storage to use as a reference. One classic, often-cited model, initially proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin, posits that memory formation and storage take place in several stages, proceeding from sensory memory (which lasts up to a few seconds) to short-term memory (which lasts from seconds to minutes depending upon whether the information is rehearsed) to long-term storage. This model often is referred to as the modal model of memory, as it captures key elements of several other major models. Indeed, elements of this model still can be seen in virtually all models of memory formation.

In the modal model of memory, when one attends to sensory information, it is transferred from a sensory memory store to short-term memory. The likelihood that information will be transferred from short-term to long-term storage, or be encoded into long-term memory, was once thought to depend primarily on how long the person keeps the information active in short-term memory via rehearsal. Although rehearsal clearly influences the transfer of information into long-term storage, it is important to note that other factors, such as the depth of processing (the level of true understanding and manipulation of the information), attention, motivation, and arousal also play important roles. (It is well beyond the scope of this review to assess the impact of alcohol on memory utilizing multiple perspectives on information processing and storage. For simplicity, this review will characterize the effects of alcohol on memory using a three-stage process of memory formation akin to the modal model. The interpretation of the effects of alcohol on memory likely would vary somewhat depending on the memory model one uses.)

Variability in the use of terms, particularly in operational definitions of short-term memory, makes it difficult to formulate a simple synopsis of the literature on alcohol-induced memory impairments. As Mello stated three decades ago with regard to the memory literature in general, “The inconsistent use of descriptive terms has been a recurrent source of confusion in the ’short-term’ memory literature and ’short-term’ memory has been variously defined as 5 seconds, 5 minutes, and 30 minutes”. In spite of this inconsistency, several conclusions can be drawn from research on alcohol-induced memory impairments. One conclusion is that the impact of alcohol on the formation of new long-term “explicit” memories – that is, memories of facts and events – is far greater than the drug’s impact on the ability to recall previously established memories or to hold new information in short-term memory. Intoxicated subjects are typically able to repeat new information immediately after its presentation and often can keep it active in short-term storage for up to a few minutes if they are not distracted, though this is not always the case. Similarly, subjects normally are capable of retrieving information placed in long-term storage prior to acute intoxication. In contrast, alcohol impairs the ability to store information across delays longer than a few seconds if subjects are distracted between the time they are given the new information and the time they are tested. In a classic study, Parker and colleagues reported that when intoxicated subjects were presented with “paired associates” – for example, the letter “B” paired with the month “January” – they were impaired when asked to recall the items after delays of a minute or more. However, subjects could recall paired associates that they had learned before becoming intoxicated. More recently, Acheson and colleagues observed that intoxicated subjects could recall items on word lists immediately after the lists were presented but were impaired when asked to recall the items 20 minutes later.

Ryback characterized the impact of alcohol on memory formation as a dose-related continuum, with minor impairments at one end and large impairments at the other, all impairments representing the same fundamental deficit in the ability to transfer new information from short-term to long-term storage. When doses of alcohol are small to moderate (producing blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] below 0.15 percent), memory impairments tend to be small to moderate as well. At these levels, alcohol produces what Ryback referred to as cocktail party memory deficits, lapses in memory that people might experience after having a few drinks at a cocktail party, often manifested as problems remembering what another person said or where they were in conversation. Several studies have revealed that alcohol at such levels causes difficulty forming memories for items on word lists or learning to recognize new faces. As the dose increases, the resulting memory impairments can become much more profound, sometimes culminating in blackouts – periods for which a person is unable to remember critical elements of events, or even entire events, that occurred while he or she was intoxicated.

By National Institute of Health

Traditionally, addiction treatment centers have focused primarily on treating the psychological aspects of the disease of addiction, while neglecting to address the delicate inter-connective balance of the body, mind and spirit. In the last two decades, a holistic approach to addiction care has been evolving and may be the best choice for a many people.

An effective holistic treatment centre should help people with addictions in several different ways.

photo by Alex Bramwell

Refocus the Mind

Individual, group and family therapy are all key components in traditional addiction programs. They continue to play an important role in holistic centers , but more creative options like psychodrama, where participants explore internal conflicts through acting out their emotions and interpersonal interactions, may also be used.

Other options for cognitive and behavioral treatment include psychiatric evaluation and follow-up, psychophysiological stress and resilience profiles, psychological testing, adult attachment interview, addictive behaviors and recovery strategies assessment, as well as life skills coaching.

Rebalance the Body

Rebalancing brain and body chemistry is a critical element in recovery for addiction treatment. Programs aimed at helping the body include fitness programs such as karate and yoga, nutrition planning and education, acupuncture and spa experiences, herbs, amino acids and more to ease the detoxification of the body and rebuild strength, health and energy.

Reclaim the Spirit

Upon entering treatment, many often describe themselves as having a spiritual void or a life without meaningful purpose. Within many holistic programs, clients have access to an environment where they may discuss spiritual questions openly and confidentially, thus discovering or re-discovering their connection with a Higher Power, however they may identify it. Guided meditation, spiritual classes, 12 Step Meetings and pastoral care are all potential opportunities for clients to learn to find their own inner peace and quiet the mental and physical chaos which so often impede rehabilitation and recovery.

Evaluating a program

Review a center’s website and literature. Talk about who is on staff and on the premises. For example, qualified staff might include a psychiatrist, who is a trained addiction specialist, a physician with a background in nutrition, state certified and masters level addiction counselors, a licensed nutritionist, a nationally certified acupuncturist, and an exercise specialist.

A holistic treatment helps to heal and rehabilitate each person in a personalized way while focusing on each patient’s mind, body and spirit.

by Angie Best-Boss, Contributing Writer

Anxiety is a complicated emotional and physiological response to stress, confusion, uncertainty, threat or danger. It can be constructive, alerting us to potential harm and triggering the chemical reactions our bodies need to respond quickly to a threat. The physiological response is part of our inherited stress response. While the senses register “threat,” the emotional response is fear/alert” and the body simultaneously prepares us to escape, fight or freeze. Unfortunately, in contemporary daily life, there is often no realistic, complete outlet for this preparation and the experience of anxiety can become a problem interfering with normal functioning and comfort.

Problematic anxiety manifests as physical and psychological symptoms. Anyone can experience anxiety. People who suffer with it to an unusual degree may be genetically or environmentally predisposed to it, or may have a biochemical imbalance that randomly triggers its symptoms. Some individuals have survived challenging or traumatic events and now carry a highly sensitive “internal alarm.” Others were “taught” to be hypervigilent by adults who were punitive, unreliable or who themselves modeled fearful living. Symptoms of anxiety may include: a sense of panic; dizziness; difficulty in breathing; skipping or racing pulse; sweating; trembling; chills or hot flushes; choking sensation; tingling or numbness; feeling detached, disoriented or bewildered; nausea or diarrhea; sleep difficulties and avoidance behaviours. Fears typically accompany anxiety. They may include may include fear of heart attack; going “insane;” losing control; embarrassment; death; illness; causing harm to yourself or another; fainting; being incompetent; being alone. These physical symptoms and associated fears create a vicious cycle of physical and emotional torment. Frequent, intense and debilitating anxiety responses may lead to a medical diagnosis of “anxiety disorder.” This term includes panic attack, agoraphobia, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and posttraumatic stress. If you or someone you know experiences impairing anxiety reactions, take heart.

Help and resources are available and effective. Treatment for unusually severe anxiety may involve stabilization of the metabolic core with anti-anxiety medications; overcoming and desensitizing associated phobias; managing psychosocial and environmental stresses; and the learning of long-term coping skills. Effective counselling interventions may include approaches from cognitive/behavioural therapies to improve thinking and doing in life; stress management and relaxation skills; and desensitization and processing therapies (EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Body Work, etc.) that reduce or extinguish the physical chemistry and body symptoms. Less severe symptoms can often be treated through basic life changes and enhanced life skills. These can include the following:

Basic stress management: Do less, rest more; organize and prioritize; delegate and get support; proper nutrition; exercise and activity; supportive work, social and personal relationships; constructive problem-solving; skill development.

Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Autogenics, meditation, deep breathing, visualization or physical massage are effective antidotes to stress and anxiety. They promote healthy physiology and provide a sense of calm and well-being.

Re author negative, irrational thoughts: Our emotions are strongly correlated with our perceptions and interpretations. Tune in to your internal dialogue at or just before moments of anxiety. Identify negative, self-defeating or fearful thoughts and replace
them with supportive self-talk.

Exercise: Exercise provides a natural physical outlet for the stimulating chemistry of anxiety. In addition, the chemical endorphins released by exercise act as a natural tranquilizer and stress reducer.

Faith and spirituality: A personal and/or communal sense of spirituality becomes a resource for tranquility, guidance and abiding faith during times of duress or adversity.

Medication: Anti-anxiety medication can reduce severe anxiety symptoms that impair normal functioning. Usually, medication is a temporary tool to stabilize body chemistry and allow personal change and enhanced coping to work.

Design your recovery plan: Adopt a compassionate, patient attitude WITH yourself. Take credit for your successes. Before overreacting to anxiety, be curious: Are you tired? Hungry? Lonely? Experiencing change? Address the underlying issues and the anxiety as well. Keep a journal. You may discover a positive direction within your pattern of anxiety.

There are supportive and accessible resources available to help you. If your symptoms are severe, start with your physician. A physician or psychiatrist familiar with treatment for anxiety can help determine if medication is appropriate. A clinical counsellor or psychologist with training in treatment for anxiety can provide a therapeutic context for cognitive and behavioural change, stress management, relaxation skills, goal planning, desensitization and personal introspection. It is possible for each of us to live our full potential in spite of anxiety. By looking beneath the fear and channeling the energy of anxiety, we ultimately
discover our desire and means to live and thrive.

Written By Beth Helsley M.Ed., RCC

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