Sandtray Therapy: Words aren’t the only way to Heal
Sandtray Therapy is a powerful therapeutic technique that uses a Sandtray and miniature figurines as a method for clients to express their inner thoughts and emotions in a safe and creative way, bypassing the limitations of language. As language and vocabulary typically aren’t fully developed in children and youth, the Sandtray and miniatures provide a medium for processing through play, imagination, and the creation of stories to which they can relate. Adults benefit from Sandtray Therapy through the visual representations the miniatures offer, allowing the opportunity to explore their inner world and potential connections to areas that need further attention and support…
Simple Steps To Better Health: Keeping Cool!
When temperatures get hot, keeping cool can be a challenge. Here are a few home remedies and ideas to cool you down.
Water and moving air, A wet towel around your neck and feet in cool water with a fan or a breeze will cool you down quickly, any pot or pan from the kitchen that will fit your feet will work. Fill it half full of cold water and sit with your feet and ankles covered by the water. Spray or wipe your skin with water and let the breeze evaporate it to feel cool…
Crowsnest Pass • Sole Survivor Trail Race
On a hot day in July, about 20 years ago, I lined up for the Sole Survivor Race, here in the Crowsnest Pass. It was my first foot race as an adult, and I didn’t actually register(I didn’t like the idea of racing), instead, I started to the side of all the bibbed racers when the gun went off. That was the day I fell into a weird sort of “love” with many elements of racing, and now, I coach other runners. The Sole Survivor Race is, to me, at the heart of our running community…
Simple Steps To Better Health Plantain
Plantain is a fascinating plant. The First Nations call it “White Man’s Foot” because it appeared in North America with the colonists and is found along the trails they walked. Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses in Braiding Sweetgrass how plantain has become indigenous, though it did not originate here. Chinese medicine uses the seeds from plantain as medicine, and they are known as “in front of the cart seeds.” Where do we find plantain? On the edges of dirt and gravel roads, alleys, and beside paths…
The Eye Of The Storm
When it comes to addressing health imbalances, there are some differences in approach between men and women. It’s hard to generalize because we are all individuals, but from puberty, there is a split in the internal and external developments that determine some of how our bodies operate. Read more…
The Transformative Power of Somatic Experiencing
Trauma is the result of an event(s) that overwhelms our system’s capacity to process or cope with what has happened. That overwhelm of energy can become stuck and stored in our bodies, resulting in our self-protective parts working to keep us safe from what they perceive is still happening. We can’t simply ‘think’ our way out of a stress or trauma response- trauma is not a story, it’s an experience. Our nervous system keeps inventory of our life encounters and responds based on what you’ve endured in the past. Over time, our protective parts keep us disconnected from ourselves and others. This is where somatic work comes into play. Read more…
Breaking The Stigma
Anxiety and depression do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. However, men often face unique challenges when it comes to seeking help and support for their mental health struggles. Societal expectations and traditional notions of masculinity can sometimes make it difficult for men to acknowledge their anxiety and depression, let alone seek assistance. Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to recognize that men need support just as much as anyone else. Read more…
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal change is here, and it will affect us all in different ways. Some of us thrive, and some of us feel run down and stressed out. When it comes to the winter blues, and seasonal attunements, acupuncture can help. Read more….
Caruncles, Wattles and Snoods
Of all the bird fowl that exist in this province you would have thought that “meleagris gallopavo merriami” would be the unlikeliest to thrive in increasing numbers, but thrive they have. Since their introduction to the Cypress and Porcupine Hills in 1962 the populations of wild turkeys have taken off, literally. Sightings of large flocks have been noted for many years now out around Lee Lake, Passburg and as far west as West Coleman and on into the Lower Elk Valley. Their phenomenal transplant success led to the introduction of an Alberta Fish and Wildlife hunting season in 1991. Read more..
Community Connection
People are moving, and our communities are changing. Over the past few years, we have felt isolation, disconnection and separation. More than ever, we are aware of others suffering, sometimes so much so we lessen the impact with our own. So as humans, we do what we do best- keep moving forward. But what if there is a better way to do it? Read more…
Those Uncomfortable Conversations
Strong communication skills are much needed to maintaining the health and longevity of any relationship, whether it’s a romantic partnership, friendship, family relationship, or professional collaboration. While these conversations can be uncomfortable or challenging, they play a crucial role in building trust, resolving conflicts, and fostering open communication. If you are a person who’d rather avoid difficult conversations because you think you will keep the harmony in a relationship in doing so, please listen closely: Read more…
Benefits of a Guide
I was inspired to become a professional guide after hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I’ve had years of exploring in the backcountry, but had not done many guided tours at that time. Our guides were incredible with the immense amount of knowledge they shared with us. By the time we even got to Machu Picchu, we had a vast knowledge about the Incas and their culture. Our guides were experts and highly educated. This continues to inspire me as I operate Uplift Adventures. Read more…
Low Back Pain & Strength Training
Like any joint in the body, our back does better when thereare strong muscles and ligaments to support the joint. Our current lifestyle, with prolonged periods of sitting, do not benefit our joints or connective tissue which primarily maintain their health through movement. Many people believe that walking is the only exercise they need to maintain their health as they age. Walking does have many benefits; cardiovascular, body weight loading through the lower body, social connection with others, and connection with nature. However, on its own, walking cannot maintain the integrity of the joints of the body. Bones and joints and connective tissue need to be loaded. If you do not have a physically demanding job, or do not regularly work around the house, lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, then a strength training program is beneficial for you. This may be done at home, or at the gym, it’s really a matter of comfort, preference, and whatever enables you to train on a regular basis. Read more…
Simply Outdoors
Enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful way to connect with nature, relax, and recharge. Whether you prefer hiking, picnicking, gardening, or simply basking in the sun, spending time outside offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Read more…
Wee Waterton Wanderers
Waterton is a fantastic family hiking destination! From baby-on-back to adventure-ready teens, there is a trail for you. With two kids under 12, we have hiked all over the Park since they were newborn. This is what we at Tamarack Outdoor recommend! Read more…
The Blairmore Bandstand
Calls for a bandstand in Blairmore began shortly after the formation of the town’s brass band in 1911, but it was not until 1921 that the town invited tenders to build one. The bandstand was completed in July that year, on the south side of Victoria Street (main street, present 20th Avenue) opposite from Sixth Avenue (present 130 Street). Another bandstand was erected in the West Townsite at the same time, presumably by West Canadian Collieries. Read more…
