Independently Healthy

THE WORLD'S ONLY WHEATGRASS SPINE

You might wonder what a wheatgrass spine is!! It was the unique architectural creation of a landscape architect, Michael, from New York and a Puerto Rico shaman, who decided to create an amazing bougainvilla crown for me, with a wheatgrass spine attached, together with a sceptre in our graduation play time at our School of Natural Medicine Naturopathy Retreat at the Wigmore Institute in Rincon on a January a few years ago.

What an incredible surprise for me, as my attention is always devoted to creating an amazing time, with decorations, and beautiful offerings, music, play and dance.

During this retreat, the students played the game on me, and it was a completely magic evening.

Now that the retreats are near Ithica, New York, in our most splended forest pond location, I love to contribute to the talent show. The first year I read from The Old Man and His Soul, and last year we did the Lotus Dance, and this year, with 3 students in the first retreat, and 6 in the second, you can't imagine the fun we will get into.

I always believe when we are cleansing, we should have as much fun as possible to celebrate rejuvenating and transforming, that it is the best time of all to play, dance, swim, sing, meditate, celebrate life, enjoy nature, thrive in good company and give thanks every moment for the joy of being!!

Laughter and joy radiate and bubble up from a happy clear healthy liver, so as we purify, natural happiness and creativity just happens spontaneously and it gets more fun every day.

SELF HEALING SUCCESS FROM A NATUROPATHY STUDENT - A WOMAN WHO WAS TOLD SHE WOULD NEVER GET PREGNANT IS PREGNANT

Last year at our School of Natural Medicine Naturopathy Retreat near Ithica NY, Naturopathy student, Maggie, from Connecticut, connected with a woman who wanted to get pregnant and they decided to work together on a case history. I also checked the Iridology and Natural Medicine consultation after Maggie's time with her, and supported and guided Maggie through some months of inspiration, program creation and follow up. This is the success story of her first case history. Impressive!

Dear Farida,
    Happy news!  My client, who is in her late 30's, was told by multiple doctors that she would never be able to conceive naturally, and that her only recourse would be to try IVF. Well, she has shown them that natural medicine works -- she is 4 months PREGNANT! 
    She started her healing program in August of 2011, and diligently followed every part of it -- living foods healing diet, herbal formulas, Bach flower essences to heal emotional wounds and energy. She also used Naturopathic treatments -- castor oil packs, colonics and enemas, massage, reflexology, and skin scrubbing -- to detox and return her body to health. She used Serenitea to help her relax at night, and was able to sleep through the night for the first in years. Walking and yoga helped her regain ease and flexibility in her body, and relaxation, visualizations, and affirmations helped her create peaceful space to envision her child. By devoting herself wholeHEARTedly to this process, her body became strong and healthy, her previous maladies (infertility, bad skin, excess weight, stomach troubles) faded away, and she was able to relax and open her body, mind, and soul to her child. Needless to say, she and her husband are truly overjoyed!  This is a very longed-for child.

Here are her words:  "My experience left me with great confidence in the power my body and mind have to heal and regenerate, but also a great sense of responsibility that I have with my body to feed it right and to nourish it not only with food but with meditation, relaxation, rest, etc.  Starting my pregnancy after this experience has been rewarding because I am patient with my body, and I am confident that I will be able to give birth naturally, trusting that I will be able to follow my instincts and mother nature to bring my baby into this world without medications.  Thank you for all your support and wisdom.  Please send my warmest regards to Farida and please tell her that I always remember what she taught me."

Confidence, Self Responsibility, Trust, Wisdom -- she has learned such valuable lessons with this journey. It gives me great happiness to have been able to help this woman; I have never felt anything like this.  I would not have been able to do so without your expert and wise guidance.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love,  Maggie

REFLEXOLOGY - HOLINESS HEALING ART CREATES DIVINE CONNECTEDNESS

“I had a profound experience in this class as Farida let our intuition be our guide before we even learned a touch. When you learn by feeling, you gain the confidence that you will always know what you are doing. During this class, the energies that pulsed through the room and through my own body were undeniable. Realizing that all of the tools are inside of me is exciting. Each Reflexology session will teach me more. This has been such an amazing class. I can’t wait to begin helping others.” Dani, Westminster

“I chose to take Reflexology I again as I wanted to work on perfecting my skills. I am now more confident in myself. This time I focused on feeling vs worrying about the charts. I have always had a hard time trusting myself, and this class helped show me I just need to let go and get out of my head. I’m getting better at slowing down my pace and allowing the body to talk and show me what it needs. I love being able to listen and give people what they need.” Dakota, Boulder

"Reflexology I was exciting, profound and deeply moving. Connectedness is the word that sums it up. The body is connected in so many ways. The reflex points connect to the organs throughout the body – the connectedness of the practitioner to the client through touch where the healing goes both ways – the universal energy that connects and loves us all. What a blessing to give and receive. Once again, Farida and the School of Natural Medicine have nurtured a safe, healing and loving environment for us all. Thank you!" Beth, Longmont

"I loved this class! In Reflexology I class, I felt true energy and power and LOVE in touch. With Reflexology at Red Rocks College, we went right into the points and during a session you had to hit every single point in 1 HOUR! Here, I experienced timelessness and that feels GREAT! Now, I want to give Reflexology all the time for my own benefit, as well as for the person that receives. I can't wait to expand and I look forward to Reflexology II." Jessica, Golden

“Reflexology I with Farida was life changing. I experienced many shifts within myself while giving and receiving the sessions and learned a lot about my inner ecology from feeling the tough knots in my own feet. My intuition heightened and I experienced the unfolding universe, as Farida calls it. I became more centered and my mind cleared after the first two days, and then I was able to tune in to every person’s energies. I truly cherish the time with Farida in the School of Natural Medicine, and the budding friendships. What a learning experience! Thank you Farida!" Denver

“Returning after a year of practicing Reflexology and being a student again, I realize I have embraced my own power to help people through my hands but I will always remember what I learned at SNM. The trust, deep connection and holiness of this powerful healing art is what I am reminded of in this class. I learned again how to slow down and connect deeply, not just in spirit but with the body. Thanks for giving/teaching me this healing art. In love, Sharon”   Coal Creek Canyon

Congratulations, Sharon, on your graduation as a Master Touch Reflexologist.

REFLEXOLOGY - HEALING TO BOTH GIVER AND RECEIVER

“Reflexology I was a perfect venue for me to practice and build on the energy and healing skills I have been developing and it was also healing for myself, reinforcing the notion that every treatment is healing to both giver and receiver.

It is surprising how much my confidence with Reflexology improved. Now I feel I can give a satisfying session and I look forward to learning more. I enjoyed the focus on energy and intuition. Giving and receive sessions from different students was wonderful. I also gained from the times we talked about our feelings in mini informal psychotherapy sessions that made me take a deeper look at myself, and what I need to work on.

I felt very welcomed into the group even though I am a new student and a guy among young women. The great sense of humor the teacher and students and all the laughter added something indispensible to the school. I look forward to more time and more connection at the school, definitely Reflexology II.

REFLEXOLOGY – SOLE TO SOUL CONNECTION WITH FRAGRANT THERAPEUTIC ANOINTING

Master Touch Reflexology with Farida Sharan and the School of Natural Medicine: there is no better touch then the loving natural touch that is the foundation of therapeutic anointing with fragrant Young Living essential oils. Skills and techniques are added to the slow depth connection that emerges out of being present with natural touch. The deep sense of feeling connection carries both giver and receiver into deep states of relaxation from which dreams, visions, rest and profound healing emerge.

April, our naturopathy student of the past 2 years, shares her experience. "As a massage therapist of 13 years, my spark for bodywork had gone until Farida's Reflexology I class this week. I was moved and inspired by the level of deep Soul Connection I could reach with my practice partner, when guided by Farida's heart and thought provoking wisdom. I found I could melt into my partner's energy and merge with the unseen world that is our template. I could explore with child eyes, realms soft and subtle as a love poem whispered in your ear while dreaming.

I could feel the illusion of 3 dimensionality dissolve at times as my hands infused with my partner's body. Other times our energies pulsed and undulated, swirling together, mimicking the magical affair between the ocean and seaweed. I was reminded how precious and beautiful life is, how much we take for granted, how consumed we are by countless ramblings that take us away from our hearts and everything that is real.

This class hit the reset button for me. It was just what I needed as a profound reminder of who I really am and what my purpose is in this Divine Dance called Life. I am thrilled to be re-inspired and to have new tools to eincorporate into my cornucopia of healing modalities. I can see how this specific style of Reflexology that Farida teaches is important on so many practical and healing levels. Appreciation beyond words!"

SCHOOL OF NATURAL MEDICINE NATUROPATHY RETREATS - A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF PURIFICATION, REGENERATION & TRANSFORMATION

Marcia leads the retreats at BodyMindRetreats with her husband David near Ithica NY where SNM students enjoy their Naturopath Retreat requirement with Farida Sharan ND Director of School of Natural Medicine. Here we are, two sixties flower children, still creating Love In's with a deeper purpose - the personal self healing evolution toward life's highest purpose!!

Here is a fun talent show performance from 2011sessions - dance of the lotus!!!

SNM retreats are an opportunity for advanced students to share 12 days together in a retreat center experiencing a depth cleanse, reviewing studies, and attending classes, as part of the completion of their Self Healing Module in Naturopathy Diploma studies.

This is our third year at BodyMindRetreats near Ithica New York, and dedicated enthusiastic students are already preparing for their experience. The retreat is a requirement for Naturopathy Diploma graduation, as a part of our approved Colorado Department of Higher Education Private Occupational School trainings.

10 or 12 days - living raw organic food based on the Wigmore programs but DELICIOUS!! A beautiful garden and forest setting with a lotus and swimming ponds. Classes. Colonics. Yoga. Meditation. Bodywork. Entertainment. For our SNM group - daily process, personal time, review of studies, exchanging sessions, case histories.

June 29 2012 Group - Gabriel, Ana, Dani

July 9 2012 Group - Daniel, Lamia, Hayley, Cheri, April, Dakota and possibly Rosie and Elizabeth

Our beautiful Rosa wanted to share reflexology and iridology with friends she met on retreat. What a beautiful setting for a bliss therapeutic anointing.

HERBAL MEDICINE I - COMMUNION, EXPERIENCING,

JESSICA: "I love love love HM I. So inspiring! I wish I could have taken this class before starting self-healing because it helped me understand so many things so much more! Everyday is a treat as I leave class with new goals and ideas on how to reach them. I can't wait to take more herb classes. Heidi is great!!! She makes the environment of learning fun and easy. I can't wait to put what I have learned into use."

DAKOTA: I really liked this class! Heidi was very informative, calm, welcoming and easy going. I loved smelling the herbs exercise because it helped me find out how well my body talks to the herbs. I loved the Lobelia footbath as it put me into a trance. I am literally obsessed with the tool that packs the pills. I am excited for HM 2 & 3. This was awesome. I want to apprentice with Heidi!!"

NATALIA: "I really enjoyed HM I. Heidi is an awesome teacher. It was nice to be in the herbal pharmacy and learn how to work with the different remedies. I really enjoyed the day we meditated with herbs and got to know some of the herbs. We enjoyed four fun relaxing days."

JOANNA: "Taking this class is one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Heidi is so in tune and knowledgeable about herbs – a beautiful and amazing teacher. I had a true connection when we sat with the herbs. The first one I held was Yellow Dock and it told me it was a cleansing tonic for the liver to detoxify the blood. Amazing. The Lobelia footbath was incredible. I feel in the future I will have a real, intimate connection with herbs because of Heidi's teaching."

DANI: "The way Heidi taught us to approach patients with herbs was useful, especially when it comes to addressing fears about herbs. I loved the exercise we did with connecting with herbs as it showed how intuitive can truly be with herbs. I gained so much confidence after that exercise. A day of naturopathy treatments was amazing fun and most helpful to learn the most efficient ways of doing them." 

ROSIE: "I love this class! Heidi is so cool and a great teacher. It has been hands on and so helpful for beginning my self-healing as I learned about packs, baths and more. The day we sat and meditated and connected with the herbs was my favorite. It made me realized that I am more connected than I thought. The herbs are so beautiful and this was a big push forward for me to start taking them and be excited about Self-Healing. Heidi also explained all that is involved in being a Naturopath. Absolutely loved Herbal Medicine and can't wait for the summer class here."

 

GARDEN OF SOULS BLOOMING & BLOSSOMING

Spring is a dance of the elements, earth, water, warmth and air bringing forth the ether of beauty, greening and renewal. I sit in the garden dreaming of the new cycle of students and classes for this spring session and imagine the harvest of advanced students during their learning growing healing experiences at our annual Naturopathy retreat in July and Clinical Training in August.

This year we feature two Herbal Medicine immersions, one in July and one in August, the optimum time to commune with plants.

I enjoy the fragrance of lilac, bird song, blossoming trees and spring flowers as I prepare to welcome the garden of souls, the bright spirits of young students who will walk the path into their evolutionary self healing.

The garden waits in fullness for the laughter and sharing of students. April builds a new patio under two blossoming back garden trees, better for the shade - I shop for a wooden table and benches.

Enrollment blossoms. So many inquiries and students coming to visit. Charlie Angelo joins Reflexology I today.

New students, Joanna and Dani, rave about their recent experiences at Herbal Medicine I with SNM graduate  Heidi Jarvis ND MIr MH in her gardens, greenhouses and pharmacy dispensary.

Reflexology I is totally full with 8 students, and there are spaces in upcoming classes in Essential Oils, Healing Diets, Flower Essences, Iridology and Naturopathy for those who wish to participate in the spring session.

SNM GRAD CREATES FLOWER ESSENCE COMPANY

Noella Roselena was a delightful creative and heart song presence in the School of Natural Medicine Flower Essence and Essential oils trainings in 2006 and attended the advanced SNM Naturopathy Purification Regeneration Retreat led by Farida Sharan at the Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico. During her time at SNM, she grounded her amazing sensitivity to plants and flowers into creating her Synergy Essences company. Enjoy her website at Roselena Alchemy.

Noella grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, and is blessed with many siblings and a family tree with many branches.  Her papa, Leo Baldonado, inspired her connection with nature at a young age through camping, hiking and swimming in the mountains. Her mama, Ellen Jasmer, CNM, influenced and inspired Noella by using natural medicine in her midwifery practice and everyday life.

Noella had her first powerful experience with flower essences as a teenager.  Years later she rediscovered essences, and their subtle yet powerful healing ways, from Patricia Gleason, of Patricia’s Transitions, in Hilo, Hawaii.  Patricia mentored Noella, encouraged her to make essences and  Noella began listening to the Nature Spirits guiding her to make the essences that are now called Synergy Essences.

In 2006 Noella moved to Boulder, Colorado and studied in the School of Natural Medicine Naturopathy progam and became certified as a Flower Essence Practitioner and Essential Oil Therapist. She also worked with one of the SNM herbal teachers, Marco Lam developing Earthstar Farm Flower Essences.

Noella writes songs, sings, plays the guitar and other instruments, under the name of “Shaela Noella” that encompasses the sound of the ocean water meeting the sandy earth, a name given to her by the spirit of Hawaii. Noella often brought her guitar to classes and everyone enjoyed her beautiful voice and original lyrics.

Noella recently returned to the West Coast of California and plans Synergy Essence workshops and musical performance tours. Well done Noella for diving so deeply into self healing personal evolution and manifesting the creativity of your divine purpose! You will always represent the sincere effort, gift and achievement of a truly loving and passionate student and master of her own life potential. Here she is at the Boulder Market in the summer, above she is dancing the fire dance and singing by the ocean in Hawaii.

 

SNM GRAD BEGINS HER OWN HEALTH COACH BIZ

The beautiful, Cheri, graced our classes last spring and summer, and then returned to California where she found a study program of nutritional coaching to help her start her own business, web site and all Omni Tree Healing

"I am Cheri Rosser owner of Omnitree Healing. I knew early on that I wanted to work in the healing arts. I chose psychology as my major in college and earned my BA in the spring of 2011. I learned quite a lot about suffering, all that was wrong with people, and the world as a reflection. I spent years listening to lectures that left me feeling cynical, disappointed and overwhelmed.

I was also suffering with my own mental and emotional issues. Chronic anxiety and debilitating panic attacks had become a normal part of my existance. No matter how many psychology classes I took or how many professional I spoke with, my anxiety remained. I wanted to heal, but not with all the pills doctors handed to me so carelessly. Life was a constant struggle but I carried on.

I knew I wanted to continue my education but the thought of going to graduate school to learn more about behavior disorders and psychological torture was unattractive to say the least.

I went in the opposite direction of many psychology students and spent the summer studying natural medicine at The School of Natural Medicine in Boulder, CO. It was an incredible experience where I studied herbal medicine, healing diets, naturopathy and flower essences. There I was placed on a self healing program which included dietary changes, herbs, detoxing techniques and many healing modalities, as well as incredible love and support from my teacher, Farida Sharan, and fellow classmates.

For the first time in my life I was given the answers I was so desperately seeking. I began to heal and calm down from the inside out. It was a miracle, and more simple then anything I could have imagined. I returned in the fall with a new love and passion for food. Through my education I discovered the incredible healing powers of each bite we take.

Returning to California, I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. It is an incredible program where I have learned not only major theories on diet and lifestyle but the depth of food as medicine.

Through natural healing I have discoved a sense of peace and purpose that I would have never imagined possible. My mission is to take my experiences and share them with others."

 

NAVRUZ - TAJIKI NEW YEAR CELEBRATION -DUSHAMBE TEA HOUSE BOULDER - OUR GRADUATE, DILA, IS MC - AND WE DANCE!!!

I attended the Tajikistan Navruz New Year Celebrations at the Dushame Tea House, in Boulder Colorado, enjoyed the amazing and wonderful dance performances, and danced myself! Dila welcomed me by inviting me onto the dance floor, and what a lovely time to share with a graduate as her life, work and world open up after nearly three years of part-time study and self-healing.

Dila reports that new Healing Diets Counselor position at the Dental Health clinic in Denver is going well: "I am getting ready my First Healing Diet Educating class which is gonna be on Monday 9th, and the topic is 'Importance of Balanced pH on Oral and Systemic Health.' I am so excited about it! I made a very good Power Point presentation."

Dila is meeting this week with Julie (another naturopathy student) and her mother, Mary Bolles, at the Sensory Learning Institute in Niwot about working there with the system Dila developed for assisting autistic and ADD children to touch, communicate and relate based on Reflexology, Essential Oils, Flower Essences and Dila's unique movement exercises, combined with diet change.

When a student is ready, the work appear. Congratulations!! Dila, for your devotion to studies and self healing to transform Dila from a medical professional to a natural medicine educator, practitioner and inspiration to all. Lets dance again at Navruz, next year!!!