Vital Signs - July 31, 2019
Updated: Sep 18, 2019
DEAR CIRCLE:
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your life, and for being part of mine.
As the big wheel keeps turning, we find ourselves in:
the Black New Moon of July 31, 2019.
I like to think of the New Moon as the time in the cycle when we can completely disappear, to wherever we want to go, and emerge, as whoever we want to be.
Read that again slowly.
It is the magic moment.
In the pitch black of the theater, the set is changed; when the light shines again, we are transported instantly, if even just by illusion.
Change is rarely accomplished in this manner, but, the flicker that starts it, is.
We then rely on endurance, and the memory of our vision, to manifest.
The New Moon also offers the still, quiet, time needed to have realization of all that is acceptable, exactly...as.....it......is.
[deep breath]
This Moon Cycle I have discovered examples of both of these, so I can go first.
Since starting my practice in 2016, I have loved writing for YOU: my patients, clients, colleagues, friends, family, circle.
I didn't realize the obscurity (and irregularity) of my writing, though, until author Erin Donley quoted me in her latest book, and the referenced link looks more
like a robot-generated super-strength password than an invitation to read. 😁
This Moon Cycle I am committing to a regular Newsletter which will serve as an up-to-date guide to the practice, located here, every New Moon. The genuine writing style will stay the same.
So without further ado, please keep scrolling for information about:
First Friday
Yoga Classes and Workshops
Virtual Healing Circle
Book Club Selection &
Meditation
First Friday
August 2nd, 4-7pm
This Friday afternoon we are taking part in Juneau's downtown first Friday art walk: a fun, free event for the community of Juneau!!
Come by for a complimentary blood pressure or blood sugar check, sample some physician formulated CBD, pick up our monthly book club selection and hang out with Dr. Kayla Luhrs, MD (me!) and my special guests this month:
Dr. Kyleen Luhrs, MD: Graduate of University of Washington, 3rd year Klamath Falls Resident
Adrienne Catone, MS: Former NASA engineer, MCM Board Member and CEO of Faerie's Dance Organic Clothing Co
The first time I met Adrienne I was squirming nervously in a plush chair, after-hours in the bank lobby, as a group of women business owners filed in. They seemed happy and vibrant and I felt COMPLETELY out of place, having given my 90-day notice as an employed physician in the urgent care just a few weeks prior, I had a DREAM for a different kind of clinic, and a vague roadmap of how to get there.
Like the average doctor will tell you, my YEARS of education contained painfully little on how to run a heart-forward business that serves all people involved. I could not have landed in better hands, though, and over the weeks I became a staple member of Women Entrepreneur's of Portland (WE PDX) and with their support, encouragement and expertise "Whole Life Practice" grew from my exam table nestled in the backyard of a healing center in Portland, to a 501(c)3 Non-Profit bringing excellent quality care, both by providing medical service to the 5 states we are licensed in, and by helping healers/physicians opening independent, ideal practices all across the country.
Adrienne Catone is a co-founder of WE PDX, as well as an original and current board member in Moon Cycle Medicine Inc., and serves as our senior business advisor. She left her 20 year career as an aerospace analyst to found Faerie's Dance, Inc., an online eco-fashion superstore, and if you haven't checked out her profile on our website, you can do so here.
The next part of the story might be where our memories differ.
Personally, I recall Adrienne seeking a reputable nonprofit to join, wanting to give back to her community given her years in successful business.
According to the latest Facebook Live Adrienne did for Faerie's Dance, however, Adrienne may have simply been looking for bra models for Faerie's Dance, and in exchange for that service she would lend her expertise to a budding company.
Perhaps our exchange was that clear from the front. Regardless, of how it really went down, there is an extra special collection of videos featuring yours truly (Dr. Kayla) and Adrienne Catone....one of us is wearing (only) an organic bra...so I'll drop that treasure right here, for anyone who needs a smile and lots of information about organic bra options. (link hint: scroll down)
Regardless, I have so enjoyed working with Adrienne professionally as part of Moon Cycle Medicine and Women Entrepreneur's of Portland over the past few years. She brings a lot to the table for our practice, and although I appreciate these things, this is not why I choose to support her business. Wearing organic underwear (and clothing) is also a self-care choice for me. In an era of breast cancer, I don't need my bras laced with formaldehyde and some other practices that occur when buying from popular fast-fashion stores. Choosing eco-fashion also helps me avoid the mental disturbance I can feel when purchasing items I don't know the origin of, as clean drinking water, ethical treatment of workers and sustainability are all very important to me, and being an informed consumer helps me make sure I'm not accidentally harming the things I care about.
For more information about eco-fashion and ethical fashion (including the difference in those terms) head to Adrienne's latest blog post here.
If you are in Juneau, I hope you can join both Adrienne and I this
Friday August 2nd, from 4-7pm @110 Seward Street!
We will do a few live stream videos which will land on our Facebook page, so you can follow along there as well! Hope to see you there!
Book Club
And finally, in honor of her first trip to Alaska, and in regular Moon Cycle Medicine tradition I asked Adrienne for a book recommendation for us to read together over the next few weeks and I am SO EXCITED by her pick: Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams
Published in 1992 by New York Times Bestselling Author of 'The Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy', Douglas Adams, along with zoologist Mark Carwardine, this is slated to be
"an entertaining and arresting odyssey through earth's magnificent wildlife galaxy."
We'll have extra copies this Friday, along with CBD samples, so just another reason to stop by! :-)
Read along with us, and share your comments about the book below 👇🏽.
Yoga Class & Workshop Schedule
Tune in and Flow
Tuesdays 5:30 - 7pm
August 13, 20 and 27
@Rainforest Yoga
In this class I combine ancient yogic techniques with modern research to bring yoga flows specific for today’s common ailments. Depart from dis-ease with this gentle class designed for every-body from the complete newbie to the seasoned practitioner.
You do NOT have to be flexible to take this class!
Class begins with a brief introduction to the evening’s topic, and moves through a warm up series, posture sequence, guided relaxation, breath work and ends with a few minutes for questions. $14
Introduction To Ayurveda
Saturday August 10th 3:30-5pm August 10th
@The Yoga Path
Ayurveda is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. Come meet with Dr. Kayla Luhrs, MD (me!) to learn how blending these ancient techniques with modern science can lead you gently from dis-ease. Session will include discussion, personal dosha quiz, guided seasonal yoga flow, and time for questions. Register here. $14
Virtual Healing Circle
August 15th, 5:10pm
Why do we do this?
Evidence shows that meeting in groups for the purpose of healing results in better outcomes than when simply meeting individually with a doctor. At our clinic we practice science-based medicine, so it is my pleasure to make a healing space available to all our members, no matter where you are, every single moon cycle. We meet for about 1 hour.
If you would like to participate, RSVP here.
Meditation
Dr. Sarah Cavrak, PhD, cognitive scientist, Reiki master and Moon Cycle Medicine board member, has been releasing a guided meditation each New Moon.
This Moon Cycle, July 31-August 30, 2019, we will turn toward our attention to the cultivation of joy in our lives. Inspired by the fiery, Sun-ruled, lively astrological sign of Leo we will pay special attention to those things that bring us joy: recreation, play, love, and creativity.
Suggestion Donation is $3-10.
All profits will be donated to The KIND Organization. Click here to donate & download.
Thank you so much for reading and being part of this journey with me!
If any of this strikes a chord, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts below in the comments section.
If you need to schedule an appointment with me, you can grab one here.
Otherwise, I hope you move through this Moon Cycle exactly in tune to your own rhythm, and look for my newsletter again next month!