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March 28, 2011 Hi {!firstname_fix} Well, what a week it was for me. My youngest dog got into the laundry and ate something that he wasn't supposed to have. This adventure led to his being in the hospital and having a pretty major surgery. It was kinda touch and go for a bit, but he is back home and recuperating. Here is a little video of him when I went to visit him in the hospital. I think you can tell what he is saying. Now he is here at home, next to me in a crate recuperating. You know how much I love my dogs, so it was an intense week. Spring is clearly here in NM. The flowers are blooming, the trees are filling out with green and the male peacock tails are now 5 feet long. My neighbors do not appreciate the 4 AM announcements of who is the most beautiful suitor. This class will begin Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:  Learning to Hold Pain (2 weeks) What to do when you feel that too much is pouring into your life and you feel you just cannot hold it any more. This is a class for finding solace and comfort when your life or your responsibilities feel out of control.These classes will begin Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page: Step 1 (2 weeks) is our foundation class to get you started. Learn all four parts of step 1 in a structured way. Learn how to progress through them with enjoyment. Let us support getting your program off to a fabulous start. The class schedule is online. Click here to see what is planned. Please wait to sign up for classes until a week or two before, and do not sign up for classes that are not yet scheduled. A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. And please go read the questions and answers before you write to me. If you have trouble getting through the process, write the tech forum. Be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery website and Community Forum regularly. Warmly, Kathleen **********************************************************************
** Quote From Kathleen ** You are becoming more aware, more attentive, and more committed as you go. It is cumulative. **********************************************************************
** Testimonial of the Week ** 
Ok, so I promised a report, I know it's a tad late, but my memories are still
fresh!This was my second time in Kennebunkport in Maine, so I had no worries or anxieties about getting there, I was amazed actually at how laid back I was about the whole trip! Go back several years, pre RR, and I would have been very stressed about such an undertaking! Flying is something I'm not keen on, I get really travel sick, so the 7.5 hr flight was for me a means to an end, that I was going to tolerate! We left for Heathrow early on the Thursday morning, I kissed my children goodbye. Teen daughter was in charge for an hour before they went off to school, with a list of instructions left for her! Food for the flight had been cooked and prepared the night before, so was just waiting to be grabbed from the fridge. I had ordered a gluten free meal for the flight, but I was sure they would be serving a good helping of sugar. My case was packed, I'd packed a few RR treats like nuts and rice cakes and when we had almost reached the airport I suddenly remembered that all my separate little bags of protein powder were still sitting on top of the cupboard. But I knew it would be ok, you can absolutely be assured that if there is one thing that you will never run out of at a mentor gathering, its PP and any good RR food!!! The weather forecast was for really cold temps, blue skies, then getting a bit warmer and maybe some rain...talk about cover all bases.....so I packed lots of layers. The drive to the airport was quick, and as we had checked in online we moved through the various check points quickly and soon we were airborne. I have been reading Eat, Pray, Love and I was really enjoying it, so I watched the movie with the same title starring Julia Roberts. I was able to stretch out a little, as I had pre booked a seat that gave me extra leg room. That's really important to me with this pelvic injury. Mr. 'talkative and I know everything' was sitting next to me and even though I was feeling dreadfully sick, and I had told him so, he kept on yacking in my ear, so my MP3 player came out and with my headphones I listened to some soothing sounds. Soon we had landed, although not soon enough for me :o) After a few questions we were through Customs and after a short wait, Kathleen's flight had landed and we spotted her coming towards us (Oh BTW, I traveled with Selena). It was wonderful to see her again! Kathleen drove us through the busy traffic of Boston (I'm so glad she was driving!) and we finally arrived at the Seaside Inn, Kennebunkport during the evening....Having had to make some stops for me to throw up! Gretel and the dogs were already there to greet us, it was great to see her and the bouncing dogs again and the meal she had so kindly made for us was just so wonderful and exactly what the Dr. ordered. Boy I was pooped and ready for bed. Our room was really big, with patio doors that looked straight out over the sea. As we pulled back the curtains to check out that fabulous view, we thought we could just see the reflection of our beds, nope...it turned out to be snow, piled up high to clear the walkways! Breakfast in the room was a yummy shake and then off to the restaurant to eat the best gluten free porridge ever, plus boiled eggs, and some other such yummies. Of course for the other guests muffins and french toast that smelt very, very sweet sat waiting to be eaten, but my porridge won hands down....just no contest!! So shopping......we traveled to Whole Foods and armed with a trolley each we set off with our list to feed 17 mentors for the week-end! Boy we shopped hard and thank heavens for the lady packer....Gretel's people carrier was choca block!. Over the evening and the next day the other mentors arrived and it was so wonderful to meet old friends and catch up.... it's such a gift to me to be able to be completely at ease with chilled-out peeps, eating great food, chatting and laughing, oh and of course walking along the beach, listening to the waves make their music as they glide over pebbles. The week-end flew by, the cooking and cleaning up rota worked beautifully, the food was yummy, the company was splendid and the meditations were very thought provoking. Of course we could not leave Maine without sampling the lobster, so a group of us had dinner on a converted ship. Wrapped in a bib and armed with what looked like nut crackers, bits of lobster flew around the table, wow it tasted like nothing else...yummeeeeee! The walks were refreshing , it was mighty cold, so much so, that when the waves reached the beach they froze.....thank heaven for all my layers! All too soon it was time to say goodbye to old friends, as home called and peeps all went our separate ways, to catch flights that took people all over the USA. Kathleen and Selena and I traveled to Boston and stayed with some of Kathleen's family. That evening more of her family came to Boston, and we all sat enjoying a wonderful meal at Legal Seafoods exchanging tales and laughing. The next morning we said goodbye to Kathleen and we went off to explore Boston. We feel in love with their bookstore and spent hours in there. Harvard University was very impressive. We ate a good lunch in a place that had been recommended; you pick your food and they cook it on a huge round hot plate in front of you! That afternoon it was time to say goodbye to the USA and get our flight home. We flew overnight and this time I had a quiet person next to me, so I was able to sit back and close my eyes. I felt rotten, hot then freezing and my body ached all over...Oh no the dreaded Flu lurgy had got me. We landed early the next morning and DH was waiting for me, it was soooo good to see him, I had really missed him, he's such a good chum too! Once home, I fell into bed exhausted and feeling yuck.....the children pounced on the bed when they got in from school and they loved their gifts. It was lovely to see them too and catch up on what I had missed. Maine, like Ranch, but even more so, is an amazing experience. The clarity I feel there, the freedom from any responsibility and the meditations in that beautiful environment and with that soul-filling energy always move me and bring change, change that ripples out and touched others around me. One evening each mentor lit a tea light in the glowing darkness of the room where we all gathered around a warming log fire. With just the sounds of the ocean, we thought of each and every one of you, the whole Radiant community, and the strength and energy that brings. It was very moving and it was a timely reminder that with such collective energy and healing we can make such positive change. If you got to the end, well done! Gaynor x **********************************************************************
** Radiant Ambassadors ** 
I love it when people share how they have been talking about Radiant Recovery. I always learn something new and feel inspired when I read about what other people have done.Here is a post from our very own Tina about the ambassadoring that she did in one week recently: I have had a really neat week with all of these funny little Radiant Recovery coincidences. Most people close to me know about the program, at least a little bit, since I've been doing it for 6+ years, but people rarely show an interest in truly talking with me about it. I think most are terrified at giving up sugar and just don't even want to go there. Feel free to share your 'ambassador moments' with us! Selena selenas@blueyonder.co.uk Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news. **********************************************************************
** How I Found Radiant Recovery ** I found the Danish translation of Potatoes not Prozac in a bookstore in 2001 (not quite sure of the date) after having been on a long-term diet and having terrible bingeing problems. I devoured the book in a week. And detoxed and went off caffeine . . . and crashed . . . and had to start over, etc., etc. My zeal was great. About 6 months later, I was tooling around the net looking for more--there had to be more--googled sugar sensitivity and found the Radiant Recovery site, subscribed to the newsletter and started posting on the forum. I haven't taken a straight line, but I've gotten to Step 7 (about a year and a half ago--not good at those milestone dates) and learning all the time. Beth (Denmark) **********************************************************************
** Radiant Recovery® Store ** David manages the Radiant Recovery® Store. He is also Kathleen's oldest son. Ruth Anne recently sent this note to her class. I asked if I could quote her:
Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better. **********************************************************************
** Happenings on Facebook **   Have you noticed the wonderful meals that are being posted? I love them! Come find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/RadiantRecovery and join the fun!. **********************************************************************
** Radiant Kitchen ** Get a package of firm tofu. Sort of squash it with a paper towel to get the extra water out. Cut in 1/4 inch slices. Heat up a skillet with some olive oil and put the slices in (actually I use my pancake griddle). Sprinkle some torula yeast (Twin Labs) on each slice. Pour some tamari over each slice so the whole thing sizzles. Turn 'em over and cook some more. Serve hot then or save for lunch and serve cold. For more great program-friendly recipes, check out our cookbook in the store. **********************************************************************
** Radiant Conversations ** A couple things really stuck out for me at this week's chat. The first was regarding step 7 energy and "how one thing that changes a lot is learning to care about others"... "so someone might be on step one and really connect with how others are doing." The second is that if you just do the food, a lot of the other stuff we put so much energy into and work to fix just works itself out by simply focusing on food. I just keep coming back to that. Of course there were so many other good bits. This chat covered so much-- so fascinating to talk step 7, I think: the energy/behavior, the spiritual lessons, trusting oneself, discerning, making decisions, waiting, holding the feelings, focusing on joy, learning to listen to our bodies. All fantastic. There's lots in there. Sandra If you are not a YLD member, come and join us. Click here if you want to be a part of the latest and greatest or just have some plain ol' fun! **********************************************************************
** Our Online Groups ** Come check out our local geographic lists. We call them geo groups. These are social lists for getting to know people in your local area. We are revising having geos hosts for the geo lists, so you will have a local person with some experience in the program facilitating making connections in your area. **********************************************************************
**Flipping Into Healing ** Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.
This is an amazing story from Jenny. I asked her if I could share it. As I’ve said already, I’ve been in the RR community for 3 ½ years. I was going to say I’ve been working on my programme for 3 ½ years, but I think a lot of that time has been spent drifting, going back to my default position of crouching in a corner, and waiting for the magical healing fairy. :-) In January this year, Kathleen wrote in the newsletter about how it was possible to work through the steps in six months, and that made me sit up and take notice. I was able to grasp the idea that I could be sugar free and working through step six by the beginning of July. I made the decision to commit to posting every day on the depression list, every day for the next six months. 180 days. I formulated a plan to spend February – April on step three, May on step four, June on step five, prior to detox in July. It sounded great, but I floundered. I never seemed to be able to motivate myself to get out of my chair and actually do anything. I blamed it on the depression, on fear, on shame, whatever handy excuse came to mind. I drifted away from my commitment, and didn’t post for two weeks. A turning point came when I posted a message elsewhere and got some really direct input from Kathleen. The kind of input she’s so good at, the things you think you really don’t want to hear, but in actuality turn out to be life changing. I went back to my posting commitment on the depression list. With Kathleen’s help I figured out that what really works for me is what we’re calling ‘collaborative accountability’ – I set myself weekly goals on the list, follow them, report back. It keeps me focused. But here’s the thing that is really changing my life – while I was away having my big strop, Kathleen led a chat about joy. About focusing on joy, rather than the negative, and how it builds new brain pathways. Joining the joy dots. I missed that chat, but somebody brought the idea to the depression list, and started posting a list of joyful things at the end of her messages. I joined in. But after a while, I noticed that I was adding the joy as a kind of afterthought. I would write my message, which was often quite negative in tone, and then add a couple of joys at the end. It didn’t really feel very joyous, and I was struggling to find things to be joyful about. Then Kathleen whispered in my ear – what about writing the joy at the beginning of the message? I didn’t really imagine that it would make much of a difference, but I tried it anyway. It felt a little odd to start with, but after a couple of days I noticed that by writing about positive, joyful things at the beginning, by the time I was done typing I was smiling, no matter how gloomy I’d been at the start. Within a few more days, it felt natural to write positively. I started to notice the little joys in my life, like flowers and furry purry cats, and started to seek them out. I even tried towel origami just for the fun of it. It’s been a few weeks now. And every day I feel like I’m becoming clearer, more focused, more committed to my programme. I’m more cheerful, more playful, and generally a lot nicer to be with. All of this has come from that little idea, of focusing on the joyful things. I haven’t changed my food much in that time. I still feel a bit stuck with my food, which is why I signed up to this class. When Kathleen asked us to talk about the things that were hindering us, I had to dig deep to find those negative feelings. Once I started, it was like they all came flowing out, like I was following a trail of negative breadcrumbs, and I really didn’t like the way it made me feel. It was like I’d reverted back to the way I was before I starting looking for joy, and it wasn’t pleasant. Instead of wallowing in them, though, I went over to my home, the depression list, and posted my daily message, full of positives. It made me feel so much better, and was so different in tone that Kathleen said it sounded like there were two people living in my head. And it does feel like that at times. There’s the old negative me, and the new, joyful, me, who is slowly coming to the fore. One of them is a misery addict, who sits in the corner in a swirl of gloom, bemoaning her bad luck, wishing she could be ‘normal’. The other is taking the initiative, and making positive changes, because she is responsible for her own life and her own feelings. I know which one I like the best. :-) Jenny Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together:
Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together. David runs the Radiant Recovery® Store. Selena provides the weekly Ambassadors column. Tina tells us what's happening on Facebook. ©2010 Kathleen DesMaisons. All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your ezine or website as long as you leave the content unaltered, use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery®", and notify kathleen@radiantrecovery.com of the location. Please visit the Radiant Recovery® website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction. You are getting the weekly newsletter from Radiant Recovery® in response to your signup. A copy of this newsletter may also be found posted on the web at http://www. radiantrecovery.com/ |
