The motivation to move our diabetes into good places that keep us secure and on target can appear from a variety of epiphanies. The one I am talking about today is a little different from the standard issue prescription of eating fresh and healthy foods, participating in exciting physical activity and staying up to date with new medications and diabetes technology.
The motivation to move our diabetes into good places that keep us secure and on target can appear from a variety of epiphanies. The one I am talking about today is a little different from the standard issue prescription of eating fresh and healthy foods, participating in exciting physical activity and staying up to date with new medications and diabetes technology. We know about these and how they all play in concert. Today is about a little niche in the diabetes world known as the Wise Women of Diabetes.
To learn more about the Wise Women below is some information from the new quarterly newsletter called The Beta Cell Gazette. Don’t you love the name!
Mission and Philosophy
by Judith Jones Ambrosini
For us diabetes is a way of life. It is something we learn to grow into, to make friends with since it is our constant companion. It gives us grounding and guidelines. Healthy balanced eating, daily activity, emotional well-being, contemplation, stress resiliency and appropriate medicine are fundamental to the circle of care.
As wise women we come to understand that a positive and thoughtful attitude is itself a powerful medicine and a profound tool to carry with us on our life’s journey with diabetes.
In case you are wondering, we chose this image of a BETA cell at the sub atomic level to be our guiding logo. The mission of the BETA cells in our pancreas is to produce insulin so we can carry out the demands and joys of life!
Self – Care Retreat for Women with Diabetes
At the Self-Care Retreat we are busy attending classes and activities, meeting new “sisters” and discovering ways to help ourselves. We also have the opportunity to create a personal reflection practice that can take many powerful forms. Journaling, artwork, music, and meditation are just a few ways we can reflect on who we are and ways to value ourselves.
Each Retreat focuses on learning from Presenters who, themselves, have diabetes. Registered Nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators, Life Coaches, Therapists, and Nutritionists offer classes in learning to live well with diabetes.
It’s true! At the Self-Care Retreats you WILL learn how to live more comfortably and wisely with whatever form of diabetes you have! How often have our medical providers said to us ” you need to exercise more?” “reduce your stress!” “eat healthy foods” and ugh – the worst, “lower your A1C !!” Our providers practice their skills in a world of numbers, lab results, and standard of care practice. We live with diabetes! The Presenters at the Self-Care Retreat help you learn HOW to do all of that while experiencing a community of care and appreciation!
We are organizing an on-line Virtual Retreat Community as well! So look forward to future newsletters to hear more about this option!
Enjoy!
If you are a woman with Type 1, Type 2, LADA,
or Pre-Diabetes/Insulin Resistance, you will benefit
from the Self-Care Retreats!
So far there have been three retreats held at Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center in upstate New York. Attendees come from as far as Arizona and Tennessee to enjoy the inspiring and restorative weekend in a rustic and bucolic setting. A sense of calmness permeates the fresh mountain air and the organic food right from the garden is to be relished. I encourage any wise women with diabetes to consider attending the next retreat. It will take place in 2016. You can go to retreat@mindstreaming.net for information and to receive the quarterly Beta Cell Gazette online.
On a personal level I have found these retreats a way to get away from the humdrum daily commitments of diabetes care. A weekend of being in a the beauty of nature near a rushing stream and inviting landscape, sleeping in a cozy cabin with windows wide open to let in the quiet mountain air and learning how to meditate, walk through a labyrinth and be lighthearted with other diabetes wise women sheds a fresh aspect, a recharging of batteries to the daily commitment to diabetes. Perhaps I will see you there next time.