The Joy of Healing, Conference 2015

WOW! What a great time we had at conference! Our theme, The Joy of Healing, provided an uplifting platform for us to meet, reconnect, nourish ourselves and have fun. Everyone with whom I spoke was delighted with our venue at the Naples Beach Resort, and personally, I hope to return there again.

Thank you to all of our members who participated in Conference, either through presentation of workshops, planning events such as our annual pinning ceremonies, and those who volunteered to help out with the exhibitors' area. A big thank you to our office staff, who continue to work tirelessly "behind the scenes" to ensure that things unfold as smoothly as possible.

Our keynote speakers built on our theme, starting with Lucia Thornton ThD, RN, MSN, AHN-BC and finishing with Leah Curtin, ScD(h), RN, FAAN. In between, we learned about the importance of having fun, taking time to actually play (from the Fun Conspiracy), as well as learn of the experiences of personal healing while being a healer with Melanie Roche's (MA, BA, BBSH, BIH)  powerful presentation. Gong artist Heidi Svoboda offered touching and soothing music throughout the Conference. Those of you who were present had an opportunity to hear of my personal journey as well, and I thank you for your very gracious reception.

We have already begun the process of preparing for next year's 20th Annual Energy Healing conference, which will celebrate 20 years of our organization, Healing Touch International/Healing Beyond Borders. Conference will be back "home" in Colorado, where it all began. Hope you will seriously consider joining us! We'd love to see you!

Board Strategy Session

Just prior to conference, the Board of Directors met for a Strategic Planning session. There were several areas that demanded our attention for future planning for this organization. I am very pleased to tell you our Ethics Committee submitted a wonderful document regarding Business Ethics. This was approved by the Board, with minor amendments, and is now available on the website for your perusal and consideration.

Another area of importance to the Board is that of Instructors in Training, both nationally and internationally. This has been closely tied in with the Education Committee. The Board has come up with some ideas and suggestions for re-energizing and re-vitalizing these areas, and hopes to move forward after input from those experienced committee members with new opportunities for all of our members.

New Membership Category Announced for Healing Touch Students

While the Northern Hemisphere moves into Fall, our friends and colleagues in the Southern part of the world are awakening to Spring. For all of our Healing Touch students around the world, the Board of Directors would like to personally invite you to join Healing Beyond Borders for half the cost of membership! For only $50* (US) Healing Touch students in Levels 1-5 can join our non-profit organization and receive full membership benefits! The one time, one year membership is for Healing Touch students in Levels 1-5 only and it only applies to new members. After the first year, membership renews at the current individual membership dues. (*If your country is an Affiliate Member, your dues could be even less! Email: info@HealingBeyondBorders.org for details.)

Did you know?
Healing Beyond Borders is the only non-profit service organization for Healing Touch endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)? The Healing Touch Certificate Program Continuing Education activity is approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Donations now Tax Deductible!

Tax deductible contributions to Healing Beyond Borders are now accepted! We have partnered with the Miraglo Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to establish the Healing Beyond Borders Fund. 

Making a donation is easy and you can 'earmark' what you would like to fund. Donations are sent to Miraglo and placed in the Healing Beyond Borders Fund for usage and distribution by Healing Beyond Borders. 

Here are the donation categories:

• Education
• Research
• Communications/PR Marketing for Public Education/Exhibiting
• General Use or Other

Here are additional details:
-Minimum donation to receive a tax deduction letter: $50 US
-Identify your contribution is to support the Healing Beyond Borders Fund.
-Donor must include the specific area or category they wish to earmark the funds (from those listed above).

Thank you in advance for your donation!

Until next time, wishing each of you blessings and abundance,
Mary-Cathrine

Core Value #3 - Respect of Self and Others

Respect of Self and Others

You know respect when you see it or feel it. Conversely, we can certainly identify when we have seen or been the recipient of disrespect. But sometimes it's hard to describe. Respecting a colleague could be as easy as listening without interruption, or thanking them for a referral.

For clients it could show up as being on time for appointments, as well as ending a session on time.

Self-respect is necessary, I believe, in order to be respectful of others. If a person has been raised in an environment where he/she has been encouraged, supported and cherished for their individual uniqueness, then that person will develop positive attitudes more easily. I believe it will be easier for them to extend respect to others because it has been modeled for them. On the other hand, someone who has been constantly demeaned, belittled and ridiculed will have more of a challenge to extend respect because it is an unknown to them...they have never experienced it. The importance of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is paramount when it comes to respect.

How does one recognize healthy self-respect? To me, a person who has self-respect is quietly confident. They have realistic ideas about their strengths and weaknesses. They are able to see themselves in the world---that the world does not revolve around them, and that they have abilities to offer others. In turn, others have gifts to share with them. Being open to possibility is another trait of the self-respectful individual. Perhaps we might consider as well, that the self-respecting individual also exhibits humility, in that they know and accept they do not have all the answers all of the time.

Can you think of someone in your life who fits this description? How does it feel to be in their company? For me, individuals who practice self-respect exude warmth and sincerity. They demonstrate that they believe in values, and will defend those values, even if it means "swimming against the current". Sometimes they are not popular because they often will call attention to situations that perhaps we are unwilling to acknowledge and tackle. They are able to set healthy boundaries in relationships, and are not afraid of letting others know when these boundaries have been crossed.

Identifying individuals who lack self-respect is, I think, pretty easy. They demonstrate total disregard for other people, property, and feelings; they seem to have a sense of either being victims (and therefore not responsible for how they act) or having a sense of entitlement, in that they are "owed" by the world in general. Perhaps you have experienced someone like this? Possibly they are indifferent to the opinions, emotions, and ideas of others...whether family members, co-workers or even complete strangers. I think it gives them license to speak and act irresponsibly, without having to face consequences for anything. It can also camouflage their feelings of inferiority.

One thing is certain...there is no easy answer or solution to a situation where someone disrespects others. There are many possible options, enough that probably could support a major thesis or book. However, it is important, I believe to set the tone by modeling healthy behaviour ourselves. As the pundits say: "Actions speak louder than words". If we struggle with this, then perhaps life has presented us with an opportunity to expand, heal and grow. It is also important, too, that we not tackle this issue of disrespect alone. Having several individuals modeling respectful behaviour sets the tone, whether in the workplace, the classroom or the home. Sometimes we need to utilize outside resources. They are available---whether in the local library, employee assistance programs, or perhaps professionals, such as a family doctor, therapist or clergy, depending on the situation and the individuals involved.

Getting back to self-respect, it is my opinion that when we look after ourselves, we show the world that we claim our self-worth. Part of my journey involved learning to allow myself enough time to accomplish chores I needed/wanted to complete. Later on, another aspect was learning to negotiate some of those chores. I found, for example, that when I organized myself the night before heading into work, that I was not so rushed and "frazzled" in the mornings. I could speak calmly and quietly to family members instead of shrieking in a frenzy. I was able to arrive on time for work so that my colleagues could enjoy their day. Common courtesy is an important ingredient of respect, both for self and others.

Our private and professional lives reflect how we respect ourselves and others.

How is respect illustrated in your life?

Until next time, may you enjoy the respect of those around you.

Blessings and Gratitude,
Mary-Cathrine

As I write to you from my home in Canada, the soft air of spring is making its way into North America, while our colleagues and friends in the Southern Hemisphere are gently making their way into Fall. All seasons are an opportunity to open our hearts to receive the marvelous gifts of our precious Earth. Each day is also an opening to live in the foundation of being Heart-Centered, our second Core Value.

Being Heart-Centered

Recently I attended a Level 3 class as a helper. As I re-read some of the required reading from Barbara Brennan's book "Hands of Light", I was reminded that heart-centered living is crucial for anyone aspiring to be a healer.
What exactly does being "heart-centered" mean? For me, it encompasses the qualities of loving-kindness and compassion. These, I believe, flow from forgiveness of self and of others. It's not surprising that the emotional body or layer is right next to the etheric body. There is, as we have learned, much influence from emotional turmoil and trauma, as well as unfinished business, which affects our physical bodies.

Acknowledging, accepting and then taking action to address issues that may require forgiveness (of either ourselves or others...or both) is often scary and overwhelming. Rarely can we accomplish this alone. Whether we seek the assistance of professional therapists or the strength of support groups, doing this part of our work brings a calm centeredness that enables us to move forward, and outward to others.

As I have journeyed along this path of healing, one of the most significant books has been Joy's Way. In it, he give us a fail-proof outline to help develop loving-kindness and compassion. These are the three injunctions:

1) Make no judgements
2) Make no comparisons
3) Delete the need to understand

When I focus on my own personal growth and issues that need attention, I keep myself out of others' business. With family, friends, colleagues---and generally speaking, the world---this is a good idea! I am able to focus on being a better human being---to listen patiently, and if appropriate, to respond with kindness. It doesn't cost anything except a few moments of my time. I have learned that I don't necessarily have to agree with everyone or everything, but can state my beliefs quietly and with poise. Of course, those of you who have had the opportunity to present me with unexpected challenges, know that I don't have a problem letting you know what my boundaries are either!

When I was in Ireland last year, as part of Brian Luke Seaward's Tour of Ireland, I discovered one of the audio meditations on his CD "Sweet Surrender". It is entitled the Four-chambered Heart, and is one of my current favourite ways to focus on aspects of heart-centered being/living.

Whatever your choices, I hope that you incorporate some aspect of heart-centered being and living into your daily practice. Like the ripples in a pond, each of us has the opportunities on a daily basis to create a more positive environment if we but take the time to do so.

Marketing Mastery 101

Have you signed up yet for Marketing Mastery 101? It's Healing Beyond Borders' new online marketing education and training program. It was developed in response to many members' requests for help in growing Healing Touch in private practice as well as in a clinical setting. What might be challenging for some is the balance between expanding the work in the name of service, and perhaps feeling uncomfortable with 'marketing' or 'selling'.

Consider marketing as a heart-centered service. If no one knows who or where you are, how can we be of service?

What's wonderful about Marketing Mastery 101 is that it was designed specifically for Healing Touch practitioners, instructors, students, mentors and class coordinators. It’s steeped in our Heart-Centered Core Values and it will help you expand your reach to help grow Healing Touch in your neighborhood, community and around the world. We have teamed up with Red River Productions to bring you a professional program deeply rooted in our core values and mission of service. You can learn at your own pace and will receive step-by-step instructions on everything from the basics of social media, to creating a marketing blueprint you can use every year. It's perfect for the marketing novice and those who already use tools such as social media. It's easy and includes monthly live calls with the CEO of Red River Productions so you can ask questions and get answers in 'real time'.

No time to watch the videos or to ‘do the homework’? Once payment is received, you can watch modules whenever you like or watch them again and again. If you pay for all 12 modules at once (at the member-only rate of $300) you can watch these informative videos when it's convenient for you. If you choose to pay monthly ($30/month at the member-only rate for 12 installments) each module is available monthly (but again you can watch them more than once). Marketing Mastery 101 is available to paid subscribers for one entire year from date of purchase. Please note the $300 annual and $30 monthly fees are the member-only rates, and are for a limited time. The cost of this program will increase.  Non-Members are $380/year or $38/month for 12 installments.

And did you know each subscriber to Marketing Mastery 101 supports Healing Beyond Borders? A portion of each subscription benefits our organization.

So sign up for Marketing Mastery 101 to learn how to reach more people who need you and help spread healing, light and love. Go to our website: www.HealingBeyondBorders.org and sign in as a member. After signing in, scroll over the ‘Members Area’ tab again, and there you will see the page for Marketing Mastery 101. Select that page, and you’ll see instructions for signing up.

2015 Conference

"The Joy of Healing" is the theme of this year’s Annual Energy Healing Conference. If you missed the Conference keynotes highlights in the last Perspectives in Healing (PIH), here's who's coming to help us celebrate and learn: Lucia Thornton, Th.D., RN, MSN, AHN-BC (creator of the Whole-Person Caring & recipient of the Norman Cousins award); Melanie Roche, BA, MA (a faculty member of the Barbara Brennan School); Leah Curtin, ScD(h), RN, FAAN (declared a ‘Living Legend’ by the American Academy of Nursing); Ginny Hunneke and Jennifer Maurer from the Fun Conspiracy; and Heidi Svoboda, Gong Artist. I have also been invited to offer a presentation. You can secure your hotel room now steps from the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico by going to www.HealingBeyondBorders.org and scroll down a bit to see ‘Latest News’. Click on 2015 Annual Conference. Registration will open soon. See you there!

Blessings and Gratitude,
Mary-Cathrine

Welcome to 2015! I hope the new year has started with peace, joy and happiness for you. As I look forward to 2015, I’d like to take the next few Blog posts to reflect and focus on the Core Values of our Organization. Our Core Values set us apart from many Organizations. They are a lighthouse beacon of how we connect and communicate with our families, patients, clients, colleagues, students, and professionals in and out of Healing Beyond Borders. They also support and underlie the practice and teaching of Healing Touch.

History

Healing Touch International, Inc. (HTI) identified Core Values with Janet Mentgen, Founder, and the HTI Board of Directors in 2003. These Core Values foundational to HTI were: Integrity; Heart-Centeredness; Respect of Self and Others; Service; Community; Standardized, established curriculum; Letting go of ego; Unconditional Love; recognizing the Outcome of the Work is the Spiritual Journey.

In 2004, these Core Values were revised and approved by the HTI Board of Directors (now Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch™) for application by Healing Touch Practitioners, Instructors and Students at all levels of the HTI Healing Touch Certificate Program. These Healing Beyond Borders’ values are: Integrity, Heart-Centeredness, Respect of Self and Others, Self Care, Service, Community and Unconditional love.

Integrity

What does it mean to have Integrity?  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Integrity is: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; an unimpaired condition; the quality or state of being complete or undivided.

Other definitions include words such as ‘honesty’; ‘doing the right thing at all times under all circumstances’; and ‘courage to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity’. I feel that to act with integrity illustrates to the rest of the world exactly what constitutes our personal moral compass. Are we honest? Do we stand up for our beliefs, or perhaps are we sometimes swayed by opinions of others? When considering our personal moral compass, does it include setting intention for "the highest good of all", regardless of what that might look like? Are we able to let go of attachment to outcome?

Integrity, to me, also involves the ability to be centered to the core of our beings. This enables us to stand firm in our beliefs and actions. As we journey along our path, setting our individual Hara each day, integrity will surely blossom and strengthen as we grow and expand in the awareness of taking the right action in each moment.

Integrity is seen in many aspects of our work and our Organization as well. In the face of adversity over the past few years, we have persevered to bring as many as possible the gift of Healing Touch. The commitment to our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice is also a demonstration of integrity. How each member of Healing Beyond Borders interacts with clients and patients from introducing Healing Touch to making appointments, all intertwines with integrity in every interaction, conversation and connection we make. 

I invite you to take a moment and share with me what role integrity plays in your life and as a Healing Touch Practitioner, student, instructor or mentor.  You can simply submit your thoughts by clicking on the ‘Comment’ above. I look forward to our conversation!

Until next time,
Blessings,
Mary-Cathrine

Dear Members,

Thanks so much for completing the Members Survey!   Research Director and Board Member Joel Anderson will provide a report very soon – we appreciate your feedback and suggestions. 

This ends the 3-part series featuring our new Board members Jan Tait, RN, BSN, CHTP/I, Maureen Kowba, RN, BSN, MS, CHTP, and Annis Parker, RGON, ADN, DipEd, CHTP/I.  Our last stop takes us to the other side of the world to New Zealand with new Board member Annis Parker,  Registered General & Obstetric Nurse (RGON) , Advanced Diploma of Nursing (AND), Diploma of Education (DipEd) and of course a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor (CHTP/I).

Annis is a New Zealand Registered nurse who has practiced in many parts of the world specializing in High Tech surgery: oncology; bone marrow transplant; disaster medicine; teaching and management. Living outside of NZ for 20 years, working in private enterprise for 5 years, multicultural living, raising a family, racing motor cars, and milking snakes for venom, has enhanced her world knowledge. 

Since 1997, Annis has had a full time Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor practice, and  teaches Levels 1-3. She now has clinics in Wellington and Auckland as well as working from her home base in Tauranga. Her expertise also expands into the animal kingdom offering Bio Energetic workshops to Veterinarians and others.

Annis is passionate about enhancing awareness of the knowledge within all animals and the teaching of the inter relationship between all beings. She was part of the formation of Healing Touch NZ, completed the first three years as president of that new organization and then handed over the reins to the very competent people who are participating in this work. This has allowed her to open up new areas, to teach and talk anywhere and everywhere in the country where there is an interest. She had spent six years on the Healing Touch International Board of Directors, Denver, USA as the International Liaison person. In that role Annis was able to facilitate the infusion of information from other parts of the world into the USA.

Annis’ expertise and dedication brings our two hemispheres even closer together as we all work as one to fulfill our vision to ‘Spread Healing, Light and Love, Creating Wholeness on Earth’.

Until next time,
Blessings,
Mary-Cathrine

Dear Members,

Have you taken a moment to complete the Members Survey?  We want to hear from you – plus it’s easy, fast and completely anonymous.  As a member of Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch™ you simply need to sign-in, click on the Members Area tab, and then scroll over the pull down menu, and click on the ‘Members Survey’ link to answer a few questions.  We would like to have comments from you as well! We look forward to hearing from you.  (The link can also be found in the Latest News tab on the website.)

Welcome to the second of a three-part series featuring our new Board members Jan Tait, RN, BSN, CHTP/I, Maureen Kowba, RN, BSN, MS, CHTP, and Annis Parker, RGON, ADN, DipEd, CHTP/I.  Last time I introduced you to Jan Tait.  Today I’d like to highlight Maureen Kowba, and in a few weeks Annis Parker will complete the new Board introductions.

Maureen is a native of Rochester, NY, and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Niagara University. Upon graduation, she served as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer for 32 years in a wide variety of clinical, administrative, senior executive leadership positions in stateside, overseas and operational settings. Highlights of her career include selection to attend Ohio State University for her Masters in Science with nursing administration focus; deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; appointment as the Nursing Department Head onboard the Navy hospital ship USNS COMFORT during the Haitian refugee crisis of 1994; promotion to the rank of Captain; and placement as Director of Nursing Services at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton where she established one of the earliest Healing Touch programs in Navy Medicine. Maureen concluded her naval career in 2003 as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s largest medical technical training facility. She completed her Healing Touch certification in 2008 and is currently finishing Level 1 instructor certification. For the past six years, Maureen has been on staff at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine where she incorporates Healing Touch in her clinical practice with clients and staff. Maureen possesses 40 years of all-encompassing health care experience with extensive engagement in leadership, team-building and strategic planning roles. Her deepest desire and heartfelt intention is to offer these gifts in service to Healing Beyond Borders to promote the continued growth and evolution of our life-changing organization and the work we cherish. Maureen resides in Encinitas, CA.

We are delighted to welcome Maureen to your Board of Directors.  If you have a questions for the Board, simply go to the ‘Become a Member’ Navigation tab on the website.  Click on Board Members.  You can also find the Board listed under the ‘About’ Navigation tab, ‘What is Healing Touch’,  ‘Who We Are’ and then click on ‘Board of Directors’.

Blessings,
Mary-Cathrine

Members Survey (now closed) – Click here for this anonymous, easy survey.  We want to hear from you!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I hope you have been enjoying the new website!  We have been getting great feedback on the look and feel of the website, as well as the new features!  Have you had a moment to explore the Event Calendar? Try it out – when you scroll over the ‘box’ on a certain date, the information automatically pops up. Click on it for even more information.  Please remember, only those Members who have selected to appear in the Online Directory will have information on both the Event Calendar and the Map of Healing Touch Around the World. You can always defer to the “Find Healing Touch” Navigation Tab for easy search results of Classes, Practitioners, Instructors, Mentors and more!

Members of Healing Beyond Borders are invited to complete a new Membership Survey!   The purpose of the survey is to gather information from the membership community about how best the Board of Directors and various committees can serve our community.  It’s easy, completely anonymous and offers you a chance to be heard!  Thanks in advance for taking a few moments to tell us how we can serve you better.

Simply sign in to the Members Area, and you’ll see a pull down menu for the survey called Members Survey for the direct survey link or click the link that's on the Welcome Members or Welcome Instructors page.

Thank you!

Mary-Cathrine

Please join me in welcoming our new Board of Director members who were selected by the membership via electronic vote and installed at the 2014 Annual Conference and Instructor Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, USA:

Jan Tait, RN, BSN, CHTP/I, CCAP, Michigan, USA

Maureen Kowba, RN, BSN, MS, CHTP, California, USA

Annis Parker, RN, ADN, DipEd, CHTP/I, Tauranga, New Zealand

For the next few weeks, I’ll highlight each new Board member, so you can get to know them better.  I am grateful they have committed to meet at least once per month and lend their expertise, dedication and experience as we continue to move our organization forward.

Here is a portion of Jan’s submission to be considered as a Board candidate:

Healing Touch is amazing heart-centered and vitally important work.  As practitioners, we are each called to spread healing light worldwide. I would like to work with the Board to assist the Healing Beyond Borders’ members to expand the world’s understanding and use of Healing Touch. That includes not only the world beyond our borders of each of our countries, but also within each of our own worlds.  

I have been a RN for over 40 years and have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Michigan.  My first Healing Touch class was in 1993 and since 1996, I have had a private practice.  I am a charter member of Healing Touch International, [now dba Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the healing Touch™].   

In 2001 I was certified as a Healing Touch Instructor and am certified to teach levels 1- 3. In 2009, a group of Sisters of Mercy sent me on a mission to teach Healing Touch at their hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. What a great experience that was! 

Healing Beyond Borders is our professional organization.  We have had such dedicated members of the board and I feel it is time for me to pay it forward for all that I have received from this organization. When working with others, I listen to what they have to say.  I try to look at things from different points of view and to discern how decisions will affect the situation. I will do my best to work for the highest good for Healing Beyond Borders and its members.

Healing Touch has made such an impact on my life in so many ways. My passion and joy is to help people.  It is so satisfying to be able to use one’s heart, head and hands to facilitate someone’s healing. Considering the core values of Healing Beyond Borders helps me to be mindful of how I interact with others.  Having that perspective has made me a more peaceful person.

Remember you can always contact Board members directly on www.healingbeyondborders.org under the ‘Become a Member’ Navigation Tab on the website.  We are all here for YOU!

Blessings,

Mary-Cathrine

Welcome to the brand new Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch™ website! It was developed with YOU in mind!

Special enhanced features include this Blog, videos, the ability to translate the website into any language needed, as well as the capability to increase the size of the font for easy reading. We know you’ll enjoy a much more succinct layout, easier search function, and a special feature for those Members who choose to be in the Online Directory – a map which visually locates each Member!

We invite you to look around – you’ll see familiar material as well as added features. Since this website was built from the ground up, there may still be a few glitches. We thank you in advance for your patience!

We’d be glad to hear from you!

Blessings,
Mary-Cathrine Campbell, President
Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch™