by Sam Juliano
As humans, we’re multi-dimensional in nature. We operate from physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions simultaneously. For true health to occur, we must learn how all these dimensions interact and affect our overall health.
-Laurie Buchanan
Note: This is the ninth in a series on bloggers who have made a vast difference on the on-line landscape.
Optimum health is achieved by a perfect orchestration of the mental and the physical sides of our being, and one without the other can be likened to a fish out of water. Crystal Lake, Illinois holistic health practitioner Laurie Buchanan has set the groundwork for her loyal readership to experience the kind of well-being that has been the defining coda of her blogsite, Speaking From The Heart since it’s inception in February of 2010. Buchanan, who hold a PhD in energy medicine, has painstakingly examined the four aspects of a person’s essence that need to work in unison to maintain and eqilibrium of wellness – that of physical, emotional, mental and spiritial. By exploring the basic tenets of philosophical thought, astrology and practical reality, the tireless proponent of a stress-free life admits that decision making and personal application are vital in the realization of these goals.
Speaking From the Heart for many has come to respresent an ongoing daily seminar for those who gleefully follow it’s ongoing classroom structure. It’s a learning experience, but it’s tempered with a disarming strain of humor and contagious spirit, which is the result of the larger-than-life personality who navigates the effervescent comment threads. By stressing the positive, while not losing sight of the improvements that are needed for one to live a fullfilling and heathful lifestyle, Laurie has united reality with hope, truth with perception, and improvement with refinement. It’s a world view with no room for deception or negative thinking, but one that never loses sight of the inevitable obstacles that befall just about everyone in all walks of life. Indeed, this human pillar of support and positive energy admits “whenever you are not changing you are choosing.” In Laurie Buchanan’s sphere there isn’t any chance for negative energy to festure, and when it does rear it’s ugly head it’s shot down with the power of active application in a relentlesss exploration of the root of the problems, and the kind of therapy that will reverse or sharply diminish the negative effects on everyday life. Married to Len Buchanan for 31 years (the couple have one son) the author and lecturer has admitted that she’s a lot more intolerant in her personal life than she might appear in the blogosphere, but it’s all part of a commitment towards ultimately realizing the goal one has worked so hard at achieving. It’s a kind of “the end justifies the means” mentality, but to be sure the Chicago-area never uses strong arm tactics, preferring to stress individual choice and openmindedness, while promoting her own focused agenda. In the end, one must be guided by their own convictions and value judgement, but should do so implies Laurie, with all the facts at hand.
While ‘energy medicine’ has served as her professional area of focus, Buchanan is also a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a certified professional life coach, a Reiki Master-Teacher, and a certified Numerologist (using the Pythagorean system). While her engagement with the latter pursuit hasn’t yet received too much attention at Speaking From The Heart, her commitment towards fitness and long-term health have resulted in a plethora of postings ranging from various exercise regimentations, application of mental well-being, the importance of the outdoors, and the vital necessity in daily consumption of water. The early 50ish crusader for the leading of a full and meaningful life has offered her friends and on-line colleagues opportunities to alter their diet, water intake and sedentary lifestyles with meal plans and sage advice. Buchanan once asserted by email that her first act after awakening early in the morning was to slowly drink a large room-temperature glass of water, sometimes with a twist of lemon. She subsequently promoted a book which argued that people are ‘thirsty’ essentially because they don’t consume enough water a day. Buchanan advocates about eight full glasses of water a day, to be combined with other wise beverages such as green tea. On the food front, Laurie seldom eats out unless she’s a traveling or consumating a weekend social engagement. She credits her husband Len for imparting his considerable culinary skills in maintaining healthy meals at home, meals that are portion-controlled. Laurie once opined: “When Len and I eat out we rarely finish what’s on our plates. We eat half and take out the rest for lunch tomorrow.”
Pictures of Len and herself engaging in outdoor activities are regularly posted at her site to encourage others to take up the mantle and reform their ways before problems happen. Quoting a philosopher, Crystal Lake’s most renowned health practitioner sagely reminded readers in a recent post that change should be immediate and that procrastinating will surely lead to dire consequences later. Buchanan loves to use metaphors to enhance her topics. Just recently she evoked the hummingbird as a point of comparsison in equating a human’s “soul in flight.” Said Buchanan: “Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.” A post later, the symbol of a hot-air balloon was elicited in showing the technique Buchanan employs in most of her posts to correlate the images and experiences of everyday life to parallel the aspects of our own life that keep us moving in the right direction. In her resonating post “Up Up and Away My Beautiful Balloon” the author provides a capsule historical sketch of the hot-air balloon, and an infectious lead-in featuring the lyrics of the Jimmy Webb pop song “Up Up and Away” that was brought to chart success in 1967 by the Fifth Dimension. Buchanan aptly concluded with a thematically telling question: “Mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, what is it that lifts you up and carries you?” It’s this kind of self-reflection, inspired by happy, buoyant images that is the goal of every post at Speaking From the Heart, yet one can’t deny full realization is immeasurably enhanced by personal experience.
When bad events occur, Buchanan never tries to downplay their significance in the general order, but she advocates positive reinforcement, confidence and a change of focus to get by the times that threaten to derail people from falling into anemotional abyss from which there is little prospect for recovery. In a recent post titled”Slip Slidin Away” Laurie talks about enviornmental erosion in California (where she recently visited) and connects it to the corresponding occurance in people when they are at their own lowest ebb. She queried at the conclusion of the post: What is it that slowly-but-surely chips away at—erodes—you? What stabilization techniques do you have in place? But establishing a cogent connection between the envionment and the life cycle the creative voice guiding Speaking From The Heart hopes to inspire a keen awareness and inevitablity in purpose, and a belief that one has the power to control their own destiny.
In a remarkable on-line interview with Laurie Buchanan, the tireless practitioner, author, lecturer and hypnotherapists bears her own soul and discusses her professional goals at ther blogsite and in the professional environment, fascinating details about her life and coming-of-age in her profession, and the many friends, influences, interests that have established her as one of the true guiding lights to so many who have gained from her talent and diversity. Laurie Buchanan is truly one of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever had the fortune of meeting, and I can only thinking how much poorer I’d be without the great fortune of making her acquaintence. Her comprehensive responses to a series of prepared questions provide readers with a full portrait of this tenacious adherent of living the full life within the parameters that will enhance the quality, extend the longevity and established personal connections that in the end are what matter most in this life.
The full text of an online interview with Laurie Buchanan follows with her responses in bold:
1. When did you launch SPEAKING FROM THE HEART, and what inspired you to embark on this successful venture? Was this your first blog?
SPEAKING FROM THE HEART was born on February 21, 2010. I’d been blogging regularly in the phenomenal online Gaia Community since December of 2006, but their platform changed. I loved blogging and didn’t want to stop, so I found a different platform—WordPress.
2. How have you been able to institute your own personal world view into the fabric of the blog?
I’ve been able to subtly weave a few threads of my philosophy—“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing”—throughout the tapestry of my blog.
3. Your professional title is “holistic health practitioner.” Can you explain the parameters of this role for the readers?
Different from an medical doctor (MD), one of my roles as a Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) is to help discover the root cause of health concerns and to assist the body back to its natural state of homeostasis—the ideal balance between all major parts of our being.
As humans, we’re multi-dimensional in nature. We operate from physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions simultaneously. For true health to occur, we must learn how all these dimensions interact and affect our overall health.
Healing comes from within, but can be initiated from an outside source. My approach to well-being incorporates the use of natural and complementary energy-based modalities to assist clients in achieving their personal health goals.
4. Would you be kind enough to document your education from grammar school through college? What was your major area of study in the latter?
I had the typical start to education: elementary school, Junior High, and then high school. That’s where I took a detour and stepped off the “typical” path. As a sophomore (age 15) I ran away from home. I earned my General Education Diploma (GED) when I was 18. At that point, school became my idea—“my” being the operative word. After that, I fell in love with the academic world and couldn’t get enough; I went on to earn a PhD in energy medicine.
I started higher education with a focus in business, but after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I just knew there had to be complementary options that would work alongside traditional western medicine. That’s when I switched my focus to holistic therapies, and then honed in on energy medicine.
I’m also a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a certified professional life coach, a Reiki Master-Teacher, and a certified Numerologist (using the Pythagorean system).
5. You are happily married to Len Buchanan. How did you meet him, and how would describe life with this very fine gentleman? Do you and Len have any children?
Len and I met on a college-group bus that was going to sing Christmas carols at nursing homes. Sitting next to me, it was obvious that he was in the military by his “chrome dome”—very short haircut. He was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk out of San Diego. His ship was deployed to the Indian Ocean for an extended period of time, and when he returned we eloped. Needless to say, my parents were horrified. As it turns out, they didn’t have anything to worry about. We’ve been happily married for over 31 years.
Life with Len is hysterical! At least once a week when he does something like me, or I do something like him, one of us will say, “I’ve been living with you too long!” We have one son (age 27) who lives just south of us in Cary, Illinois. His name is Eoghan (a Gaelic name pronounced “you when”), but most people call him Evan.
6. You presently reside in Crystal Lake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Have you lived in this general area for your entire life, and if not, what other places have you called ‘home.’?
In the United States I’ve lived in Minnesota, Montana, Arizona, California, Washington, Oklahoma, and Illinois. But if home is where the heart is, then my home is in the Highlands of Scotland—Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis.
We’ve lived in our Crystal Lake, Illinois home for 17 years. It’s about an hour north of Chicago, and a half-hour south of the Wisconsin border.
7. What are some of the most memorable seminars you have attended, and how have they helped you in achieving some of your personal and professional goals?
The incessant requirement for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) to retain my certifications and licensing provides a opportunity to attend a wide brushstroke of wonderful classes, workshops, and seminars. One of the most memorable was Guided Imagery specifically for people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was facilitated by Belleruth Naparstek—the “benchmark” in the world of Guided Imagery.
8. You teach classes yourself. What subjects are examined, and again how do they tie in with your status as holistic health practitioner?
I teach Reiki for certification (all levels), crystal therapy (including elixirs and essences), color therapy, aromatherapy, breathwork, and numerology. With the exception of numerology, all of these are forms of energy medicine.
Throughout the year I do many presentations for various women’s groups and the three local high schools. One of my favorites is called, “Dressed to Kill.” Not gruesome in the least, it’s based, in part, on the book by the same title, written by Sydney Ross Singer.
This entertaining and informative presentation is geared toward women and focuses on how to dress in a manner that keeps our energy humming—at the highest and most positive levels throughout the day—along with how to avoid many of the “energy depleting” ways we dress (i.e., underwire bras, pantyhose, stiletto heels, etc.).
I also facilitate a 9-month Life Harmony experience that I developed. This one-on-one program is designed to turn intention into action, and helps individuals get from where they are, to where they want to be—body, mind, and spirit.
9. As per a number of long running blog series at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART, you have shown an acute knowledge and passionate interest in astrology and numerical signs. How has this interest helped forge a link with some of your most fascinating ideas and concepts at the site?
The link is twofold: (1) simplicity and (2) easy access. Each of us has these resources at our fingertips. The concepts have been around for thousands of years. Think of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician who lived in the 500’s BC.
10. What blog post or series of posts are you most proud of, even if your site has featured a number that would fall into consideration here?
That’s easy—“The Color of Wellness” that I presented on SPEAKING FROM THE HEART in September, 2010. That particular series was a complete and total blast!
11. What are or have been your long time goals in maintaining the blog site, and what have you tried to achieve for your avid readership?
My mission—blogging or otherwise—is:
To help people help themselves.
To enhance whole health—body, mind, and spirit.
To be a positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing influence in the lives of those I touch.
12. You once attracted a spectacular comment thread after you were featured in an internet search engine. Can you talk a little about that experience?
You’re referring to my post on November 16, 2010—G is for Gratitude—that that got “Freshly Pressed.” Each week WordPress selects about 10 posts for the “Freshly Pressed” section of the WordPress homepage. These posts represent how WordPress can be used to entertain, enlighten, or inspire.
That post received a multitude of hits in 24-hours. Not everyone who visited the post left a comment, but I made a point of responding to everyone who did. It was exhilarating and exhausting, and I’d welcome it again in a heartbeat!
13. Those who follow your site regularly will have no doubt noticed you are well-traveled. Can you speak a bit on your most memorable trips and how they have enhanced your general perceptions and (again) world view?
The most memorable trip I’ve taken to date was when Len, Eoghan, and I walked across Scotland in 18 days. We started in Inverness, on the North Sea, and finished in Oban, on the Atlantic Ocean—a 211 mile walk. In the middle, we climbed Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles.
In the traveling that I’ve done, a few observations keep bubbling to the surface:
It’s a small world after all.
We are, indeed, interconnected.
People are the same everywhere, cut us and we bleed. There’s no group that’s better or worse than another.
14. What are some of your favorite blog sites, and how have some of your good friends there both inspired and influenced you in various ways?
The main theme that each of the following blogs have in common is that they provide delicious food for thought. Without exception, each of them leaves their readers with something to mull over throughout the day or week. In alphabetical order:
Creative Potager—Terrill Welch
Eternal Presence—Barbara Kass
Lake Superior Spirit—Kathy Drue
SunnyRoomStudio—Daisy Hickman
Wonders in the Dark—Sam Juliano, et al
15. You have developed a remarkably fruitful camaraderie with artist and nature-lover Terrill Welch at the Creative Potager’s blog, where you have virtually commented with great insight, authority and humor on every post ever offered there. Would you say this has been one of your own highlights as a blogger and if so, why? Does Terrill’s use of a “sprout question” at the end of her posts have a connection with your own creative queries at the conclusion of your own SPEAKING FROM THE HEART posts?
I met Terrill in the original online Gaia Community back in December of 2006 where we quickly realized that we are kindred spirits. Her Mon/Fri posts are definitely something that I look forward to each week because she not only provides her readers with beautiful verbiage (she’s one of the best wordsmiths I know), she provides delicious eye-candy too, generously sharing her gorgeous photographs and paintings with her readers.
The difference between our ending questions is that Terrill is consistent with her “sprout questions”—like gravity, you can count on them. My questions are inconsistent in that I pull them from the “Internal Inventory” section of the Life Harmony program only when they fit into the blog topic at hand, so they’re somewhat hit or miss.
16. How have you defined the creative process at your site, and how have you incorporated it into virtually every direction you’ve taken there?
The creative process at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART boils down to brevity. Unless I’m presenting an actual series where I’m “teaching a class” in the blog, I make every effort to keep it brief.
At the Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison in April one of the speakers said, “Editing is like sculpting – it’s what you take away that matters.”
I include one or more of my own photographs in each post and heavily rely on the old adage that “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
17. Is there a correlation between mental well-being and general health, and if so how have you approached this link at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART?
The mind-body connection is well documented. In a nutshell, emotional issues left unresolved, can negatively impact the health of our physical body. This is another thread that I subtly weave through the tapestry of SPEAKING FROM THE HEART.
A philosopher once said, “If you don’t make time for health now, you’ll have to make time for illness later.” Body, mind, and spirit—we need to get the junk out of our trunk.
18. You are a well-established supporter of good diet and a healthful life-style. Who has been more responsible for the management of this daily concern, you or Len? What are your favorite foods?
I’m extremely fortunate in that Len is the cook in our home, and an excellent one, at that. We typically sit together at the beginning of the week to discuss recipes he’s found while perusing his many cookbooks. He then does all of the shopping. Mind you, this is in addition to all of his other responsibilities, including work. Did I mention that I’m extremely fortunate?!
Hovering right near the top of my list of all-time favorite food is garlic bread and garlic mashed potatoes—not healthy in the least, but oh-so delicious!
19. What’s a typical diet like at the Buchanan household? How do you look upon the ‘bad’ habit of eating out regularly and what can you suggest to those who find themselves in that unenviable position?
A typical eating day in the Buchanan household would look very close to this (organic when possible):
Breakfast – steel cut oats, grapefruit, and hot tea.
Lunch – peanut butter sandwich (all natural, peanut butter on sprouted whole grain bread), an apple, and unsalted nuts of some type.
Dinner – salad with a variety of ingredients (dressing made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar), fish (tilapia, orange roughy, wild caught salmon, or sometimes shrimp), and a vegetable (we eat lots of steamed broccoli and asparagus).
Snacks – fruit, unsalted nuts, plain hot-air-popped popcorn (no butter or salt), or pita chips dipped in hummus.
We don’t eat out a lot. I think the main issue with eating out is portion control. When we eat out we typically eat half of what’s on our plates, and take the other half home to eat as lunch the next day.
20. You have ceaselessly promoted the undeniable correlation with a healthy lifestyle and the intake of water at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART. Can you reveal what you see as an adequate volume of water for daily intake, and your own daily consumption?
Next to breathing, water is the most important thing we need as humans. Here’s how to calculate the right amount of water:
Simply take your own body weight and divide it by 2. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you should drink every 24 hours.
Example: a person who weighs 150 pounds should ingest 75 ounces of water every 24-hours.
21. Can you explain your own daily exercise regimentation, and what you see as minimum requirements for those trying to launch their own?
I practice an hour of tai chi each day. Tai chi is a Chinese system of slow, meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation, balance, and whole health—body, mind, and spirit. Recognized for centuries as an ideal activity for lifelong well-being, tai chi builds strength and endurance, enhances flexibility, improves coordination, and helps reduce stress.
Additionally, 6 months out of the year (May – Oct) we ride our bicycles each morning before work. The other 6 months (Nov – Apr) we swim and use the equipment at our local fitness center.
I feel that anyone who wants to launch their own exercise regimen should start with stretching. There are many excellent online guides that can be found, and a vast array of DVDs that can be checked out from your local library. Depending on your weather and terrain, walking is fantastic as well.
Note: No matter how you exercise, it’s important to stay hydrated.
22. Your remarkable penchant for supporting your fellow bloggers has been well-documented on many boards. How does this tie in with your own communal goals?
Never underestimate the influence you have on others. It’s all about the ripple effect—boomerang style! What you do comes right back.
23. As you know, WONDERS IN THE DARK is essentially a film, theatre and music blog that occasionally takes on literature, sports, politics, food and some of the concerns you yourself promote. Of what importance would you say film and music especially have been to you during your life? Are movies given a good deal of attention to you today and if so, what do you see as a worthy entertainment in that regard?
Music has played a large role in my life. I play the bodhrán—a Celtic drum, and I also play the guitar. We haven’t had a television in our home for over 31 years, so when we rent a movie, we watch it on one of our laptops. We do this for “date night” at least once a week.
I particularly enjoy films that tell an engaging story—one that pull me right in. A good example is “Dancing at Lughnasa” with Meryl Streep.
Foreign films are among my favorites. This week we watched a French film “Mademoiselle Chambon,” and last week we watched a German film “Soul Kitchen.”
I don’t do scary—suspense yes—but not scary.
24. You have shown yourself as extremely well-read. Can you recommend some outstanding books you have completed as of late, and how they would benefit the general reader?
The two most recent books I’ve read as “soul food” are listed below. Anyone interested in cultivating their inner landscape would benefit by reading:
Integral Ecology: Uniting Multiple Perspectives on the Natural World, by Sean Esbjorn-Hargens & Michael Zimmerman
The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes, by Andy Karr & Michael Wood
The two most recent “mind candy” books I’ve read (for pure enjoyment) are listed below. Anyone who wants to release the cares of their day and take a fictional vacation would benefit by reading:
Minding Frankie, by Maeve Binchy
Any Place I Hang My Hat, by Susan Isaacs
I enjoy reading from a wide range of genres, so my author list is diverse. In the pure enjoyment group, the top of the list reveals 3 authors: Barbara Delinsky, Maeve Binchy, and Diana Gabaldon.
In the world of fantasy, I’m mesmerized by the works of writers such as Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling.
Mary Oliver and Irish poet, John O’Donohue are among my favorite poets. I keep their books at hand for my morning cuppa tea.
When it comes to the category of spiritual awareness, there’s simply not enough space to list all of my favorite authors. So in a brief thumbnail sketch, I’ll list the top ten: Gregg Braden, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Wayne Dyer, Thich Nhat Hanh, Louise Hay, Jon Kabat-Zinn, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Byron Katie, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Eckhart Tolle.
25. Can you elaborate as to what other ‘hobbies’ you have maintained up till the present day? Are you a gardener for example?
I love to dabble with photography. I take a camera with me just about everywhere I go and always have the question, “How can I blog that?” in the back of my mind as I view the world through the lens.
And while they’re part of our family as opposed to a hobby, we have three companion animals: Claire (Westie), Lexie (Standard Poodle), and Willa (Irish Wolfhound).
26. Have you ever held office, belonged to any local boards or organizations, and if so, how might these experiences have enriched some your own interests and goals?
Membership in the following organizations helps me to stay abreast of new findings in my areas of interest: energy medicine, personal transformation, spiritual awareness, and women in business:
Women’s Leadership Network
Women in Management
Women in Networking
Women’s Interactive Network Group
Women Inspiring, Supporting, Educating
American Business Women’s Association
League of Women Voters
National Assoc of Professional Women
National Alliance on Mental Illness
International Massage Association
Infinity Foundation – Courses for Life
Association of Humanistic Psychology
Energy Medicine Research Association
Institute of HeartMath
Global Coherence Initiative
International Natural Healers Association
Association of Ethical & Professional Hypnotherapists
I’m past treasurer for the WLN – Women’s Leadership Network.
27. How long do you see yourself holding the torch at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART and do you have any further plans for the blog and for your life activities in general?
I simply can’t imagine not blogging at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART. I love interacting with the many people from all around the globe who pop in for a quick hello, a mid-size chat, or for a long, drawn-out conversation.
I’m currently in the process of finding a literary agent for my non-fiction manuscript. In the meantime, I’m a regular contributor of health and inspirational articles to Evolving Your Spirit and Sibyl magazines.
28. Lastly, can you document your professional career?
I started out in retail at Fred Meyer. I’ve worked in a saw mill on the Columbia River, been an escrow officer for Coldwell Banker, managed three “This End Up” furniture stores simultaneously, and worked in Human Resources (recruiting) at Hewitt Associates (now Aon Hewitt).
While in the corporate world I had the opportunity to teach “MAGIC”—Make A Good Impression on the Customer. I also developed and taught a workshop called “It’s All About Attitude.”
Everything has a season. When the time was right, I started my own business, “HolEssence – Certified Holistic Therapies” and after five years was able to lure Len away from the corporate world to join me. He’s high-tech, I’m high-touch—it’s a win-win situation.
Sam,
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing Laurie Buchanan with us. You have reached in and touched this so beautifully. How surprised I was to see Laurie’s smiley face as well as her wondrous energy on here.
Laurie and I met on the Gaia site she speaks about here, we became fast friends. I have been drawn to the type of works she does with Holessence yet I have never came across some one who incorporated as many modalities as Laurie does, or person such a positive whole world view as Laurie share in her work and her blog.
I have also had the honor of working with Laurie within her Life Harmony program, which has been an insightful journey in mind, body, spirit work. I can’t say I have been the best student, yet I am thrilled to have had this opportunity of self improvement through this thoughtful, insightful program!
Laurie, it is great to see you here, I am sure this blog with bring your more attention to your work and your blog.
I am grateful for your friendship, grateful you constant support and encouragement of my self growth and my creative artistic journey with my photography. ( Laurie was one of my first admires of my work).
Thank you, Thank you!
Jeff
Jeff, it’s always a special treat to have you stop by. I am well-aware of the close friendship you have shared with Laurie, and I regularly see your inspiring comments at SPEAKING FROM THE HEART. I’m not at all surprised at what you say here about her support and encouragement, as these qualities obviously define her persona. I have also been recipient to her generosity. Thanks for this wonderful history and of the proper framing of this wonderful human being.
Sam, Laurie Buchanan is my kind of lady. She appears to be exactly the kind of well-rounded person who has what it takes to make a difference. You have great taste with your cross over associations. Your work in setting the stage is wonderfully complimented by remarkable answers in the interview. I took a quick look at her blogsite. It’s amazing.
Maria: I have no doubt that Laurie would your kind of person. You rightly point to her diversity and her impact with those who are fortunate to know her.
I came upon Laurie’s site through her good friend Terrill Welch, an artist and nature lover who manages the CREATIVEPOTAGER’S blogsite. I couldn’t help but notice that she was providing comments for every post, and the quality and ideas were frankly second to none. She’s not only a brilliant lady, but she’s a statesman who knows how the game is played, when one tries to establish and maintain friendships. In this sense she’s MY kind of person as well.
Great you stopped by my friend, and best wishes on your retirement.
A sweetheart of a woman! You’ve interviewed some fascinating folks for this series, but Laurie Buchanan is clearly in a class by herself. She’s a dream come true for those who firm up a resolve to play it safe, and even to have some fun while doing it. Her kind of yoda is what really matters. The results have been verified. The interview with her is engrossing. Your own take to start off is magnificent. Now this is one of the posts I’ve ever read at Wonders.
I like the way you say Laurie’s “a dream come true” Frank, but I can hardly argue that. It’s certainly one of the posts here I’m proudes of, but as you can see Laurie is the star. Her interview responses are unbelievable. And yes, whatever reform Laurie suggests is always done delicately. She knows what speed she needs to maintain for results.
As always my friend I thank you for bringing so much to the table!
I know who I need to call up for advice now. You’ve had the great fortune of having some terrific people, even celebrities at this site, and Laurie Buchanan meets the grade on both counts. If this isn’t the most incredible interview I’ve ever read, well I don’t know what to say. Love that phone booth photo in Scotland! Len sounds like a great guy too.
The phone booth photo is definitely a gas Fred! It reminds me of the the main photo in DOCTOR WHO, and as Allan mentions further on down, that artifact brings back precious memories. Yes, Laurie is a celebrity in her field, and the site was fortunate to make the connection with her. Many thanks for enhancing the discussion my friend!
Love it…Thanks for sharing more of such a wonderful person Laurie is to know……Her Life harmony program is extraordinary….
Kimberly, great to make your acquaintance on the occasion of this mutual respect for this very special person. I have no doubt whatsover that the ‘Life Harmony’ program is a mighty success. I was very happy to feature Laurie on these pages. Many thanks my friend!
The negative effects of stress can’t be underestimated. I completely agree that a healthful life style alone can’t overcome emotional issues. This is why I can appreciate the mind-body connection that is espoused at Speaking from the Heart. Ms. Buchanan is that rare individual who deserves the spotlight. Sam, I applaud you for again featuring someone who has so much to offer in so many ways. To say the writing is great is par for the course. If I lived near Crystal Lake I’d enroll in one of her classes.
That’s a very important point you make there Peter. I’ve often heard of instances where stress is the culprit in various health scares, even in the presnce of excellent diet and exercise regimentation. That’s where (as you subsequently note) the mind-body unity comes in. I was frankly thrilled to feature Laurie as part of this series, as to be honest she embodies the very definition of what the project hopes to accomplish. Many thanks my very good friend!
Sam and Laurie, you sure know how to put a twinkling bright spot on my Monday morning. What a great interview. Well done you two! Like you noted in the interview, I have had the good fortune to connect with Laurie for many years now and she is the most consistent person at the Creative Potager table when a new blog post is served up. I am a bit more inconsistent in getting over to Speaking from the Heart but it is a well beaten path on my blogging trail as is your Monday Dairy posts Sam. Laurie and I often joke about a sister connection but over time it just seems that we are like sisters or at the very least close friends though we have never seen each other in person or even spoke on the phone (though I did have a short chat with Len one time.) Someday.
Congratulations on bringing us deeply and respectful into Laurie’s life with your interview Sam. Well done indeed!
Terrill, as I stated above I have you to thank for meeting Laurie. I had indeed noticed he high quality and prolific contributions she was making at the Creativepotager’s blog, and was soon intrigued to check out her own place. The rest is history as they say, and I’m thrilled that so many are reading about Laurie. This post has attracted almost 300 page views with still neearly three hours left in the wordpress day, so I’m very pleased her work and story is reaching some that haven’t yet discovered her. Yes, you two seem like sisters, and have enriched each other’s places immeasurably. I was happy to be part of this. Many thanks as always my great friend!
Here’s a lady who does it all, and lives the ideal lifestyle. Few are able to compare or to accomplish as much with the right frame of mind. I’d love to read that upcoming non-fiction book that is slated for upcoming release.
They say it’s a matter of F-O-C-U-S. Laurie’s name is beside that word in the dictionary.
Denise, thanks so much for completing your maiden visit to WitD, and with such a great first choice for a post to comment on. Yes, by following her own set of rules and limits, Laurie conversely goes further than most. And yes, I like the way you spell out “fous” there. It’s a key ingedient in this scenario for sure! And I’m with you on that book; I’ll be the first to line up to buy it, if you don’t beat me to the punch. Thanks again my friend!
The most eye-opening feat has to be the walk across Scotland. Laurie you are a woman after my own heart. Bless you.
Yes, Karen you nailed it there. From a purely physical/exercising perspective I’d say that towering achievement is near the top. I always think of Miss Jean Brodie and Edinburgh, when Scotland is broached, and the visions that come to my hear are as beautful as any person can conjure up. Thanks as always for stopping by my very good friend!
Sam, I think you have come upon a great idea to include bloggers who are primarily apart from film and arts. This gives another dimension and the opportunity to meet people who have wide appeal to the blogging community. Many have obviously benefitted from Laurie Buchanan’s sound advice. Further, you paint a picture of someone with vast experience and professional expertise, someone who is in a position to help others. She’s quite a person. This was about the most thorough interview I’ve come across, and congratulations to you both on pulling it off.
David, that’s quite right, excellent point. I much favor a place where any topic can be discussed, and that includes health, politics philosophy and sports among others. Sure this is primarily a movie site, but the fun and value is to enhance our interests with vital matters that in reality allow us to do what we want to with our time. Allan frames it quite well below. Thanks for the very nice words about laurie and the interview my friend!
As one who has suffered from stress and depression over the years, any work in this field is to be richly applauded. It’s proper work, not the crap we go and do each day and puts any ridiculous movie watching into perspective.
As for walking across Scotland, I remember when I was younger wanting to walk along the entire top of Hadrian’s wall, but unfortunately I’d be too big a target for any passing maniac with a hatred of sannenachs.
Love the picture in the old style phone box. Much missed.
—-As one who has suffered from stress and depression over the years—
You and me both Mr. Fish.
One of your greats comments all around Allan, but even in instances of disagreement you are untouchable in that department.
How true what you say here:
“It’s proper work, not the crap we go and do each day and puts any ridiculous movie watching into perspective.”
Many of us love what we do, but we are also obsessives, a no-no when it comes to the moderation inherent in a proper world view and lifestyle. Food for thought.
And I love the use of the word “sannenach” which of course is a kind of synonym for Englishmen. Ha!
I told Sam that I’m utterly speechless at the beautiful lead-in he wrote for this interview. And speechless for me is unheard of! As I opened his post this morning, it felt akin to watching a gorgeous sunrise on the horizon—exhilarating.
I’ve enjoyed reading the engaging interviews with other people he’s featured in his series on bloggers, and like a jewel in a crown, feel honored to be among them.
As I shared in the interview, I’m drawn to blogs that provide me with delicious food for thought—things to ponder throughout the day. WONDERS IN THE DARK is like crème brulee—it hits the spot and pleasantly lingers.
Thank you Sam for having me as your guest.
Laurie I am really thrilled that this modest project brought a smile to your face. I felt the same way when I completed it and looked at the end results. It has been an ongoing rush to maintain my membership in your incomparable online community, and this feature is one of my own personal favorites at the site.
The interview is first-rate, and she’s a person who anyone would love to meet.
Although Ms. Buchanan may not quite be considered a nutritionalist, I’d still like to pose a question to her. To your knowledge does cinammon help the diabetic? There seem to be conflicting reports on this.
Thank you.
Bobby –
You’re absolutely right about whether cinnamon can — or can’t — lower blood sugar is a topic of debate.
Recent research suggests that cinnamon may be helpful as a supplement to regular diabetes treatment in people with type 2 diabetes.
As recently as 2009 a published study found that cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels —- a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months —- in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 7 percent).
More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine how cinnamon supplementation leads to these benefits. One theory is that cinnamon increases insulin action.
My father is diabetic and swears by his cinnamon capsules. I have several diabetic clients who would heartily agree.
One of the best energy-based therapies a person with diabetes — any type — can have (and enjoy) is reflexology. Here’s a link to that page on my website:
http://www.holessence.com/menuofservices/reflexology.html.
If you’d like help finding a certified and licensed reflexologist in your geographic location, simply let me know your zip code and I’ll run it through the various nationwide healing organizations I belong to.
The treatment of diabetes is a lifelong commitment of blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise and, sometimes, diabetes medications or insulin therapy.
Bobby, that was a great question. Laurie’s comprehensive and most beneficial reaction pretty much leaves me with nothing to say. As you know, I’ve had sugar issues myself, and my own investigation into the benefits of cinnamon yielded mixed results. The most recent studies tend to downgrade its significance, but as Laurie notes there have been a number of studies that have revealed quite the opposite. It will no doubt take more time to gain more conclusive evidence.
Nicely done Sam and having worked at a health food store before my 1st career in SF – there’s nothing I could disagree with –
BTW a friend who has since died, was a Reiki master and, having received some of that work from her, I’d add that to using acupuncture and shiatsu in addition to the liquid and natural food source –
These interviews you handle and share are always interesting –
Hope all is (s)well = Cheers!
Thanks for those invaluable additions to the discussion Michael! I know you tend to play by the rules when it comes to nutrition, and consequently have enjoyed a healthy life. Thanks for the very kind words for the interview. Laurie, like you, was a perfect person to feature here.
Hope and anticipate all is well my friend!
What a wonderful interview!!
I’ve grown to appreciate Laurie so very much. She is one of those rare individuals who, on EVERY level, invites us to walk in her light….not stand in her shadow.
I love that analogy Colleen, and agree that’s Laurie from what I know of her. But there’s nothing new I can add as you’ve obviously known her long and have been enriched by your friendship. Thanks so much for stopping by my friend.
Sam,
Well done is so inadequate for this stirring interview with Laurie. I browsed through her blog for the first time earlier today and it is a bright, inspiring and fascinating work. She seems to be able to do it all. As others have already commented, adding blogs like Laurie’s and the Creative Potager just adds another dimension to Wonders already deep well.
John you have a real gift for word economy, as I’ve seen time and again at this site and elsewhere. It’s undeniable that people who visit SPEAKING FROM THE HEART come away awestruck. Her tireless energy is a true model for all. But yes I couldn’t agree more that having her and Terrill here is quite a coup, and it enhances the place immeasurably, not to mention opening up so many avenures, as you and Dorothy with your own brand of diversity (photography, feline protector and rescuer, environmental advocate, nature lover) have glowingly revealed at TWENTY FOUR FRAMES, WATCHING SHADOWS ON THE WALL and at other sites you frequent.
Many thanks as always my great friend!
Sometimes my hopes conflict with reality. Self-deception and negativity (hiding one’s head in the sand so to speak) are epidemic in the world of the middle class today. I have to concern myself with that group as I’m not allowed into any corporate boardrooms or restaurants where suit and tie are required. We must be proactive. We must get our bodies and minds into shape to stem the tide of barbarism that is overwhelming the United States.
I wouldn’t want to think I was in some inescapable abyss and could do nothing to help improve the quality of all human life because I couldn’t face the truth I perceived, though that truth required strength of mind and body to be be made manifest.
And I for one agree: there is no group of people superior to another except in greed and aggression.
Well, Andrei, your views here are certainly shared by many. I guess the trick is somehow tuning out to all th negativity, a fact which you rightly note is extremely difficult. It’s definitely true that one group is not superior to the other. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
What a remarkable post and interview with the wonder full and delight full Laurie….I feel as though I have been in her presence and that you were sitting together having a tea break and conversation
Thank you
That’s quite a validation there Patricia and I much appreciate the very kind words. Unlike you, my discovery of Laurie may be more recent, but I’m playing catch up as best I could! Many thanks my friend!
wow I came in with a different id on my comment than I expected?? I am not new just the Patricia from Patricias Wisdom
Patricia, wordpress is sometimes unpredictable. In any case thanks again for the great comment!
Sam,
I am truly blessed to be one of the grads of the Life Harmony program, and it is also a blessing to count Laurie and Len as friends. Laurie, her program, and continued support have help me to bring about major changes in my life…all in a constructive, positive, healing and healing way. When you read Lauries’s words and view her pictures, you are seeing her soul.
Wow Cindy, that is really a comment from the heart, as Laurie would assert herself, but it’s especially meaningful in view of your graduation from the ‘Life Harmony’ program. It brings further validation of the impact she’s had here as a teacher. Your final sentence really says it all. How great to have you here Cindy! Thank you!
Hi! Sam Juliano…
Thank-you, for sharing another very interesting look at another fellow blogger…(Laurie Buchanan.)
The photographs that occupied the interview also “show” and “tell” the story Of the her life and are very nice too!
Once again, Thank-you, for sharing!
DeeDee 😉
Many thanks for the kind words Dee Dee in behalf of Laurie who has graces these pages this week with a most revealing interview of a incredibly productive life. And I’m sure Laurie has only BEGUN!
I feel fortunate to have known Laurie, her sister, and her mom and dad during the 1970s [living in Escondido CA] while attending the same church/church camps, and even writing a song together. Laurie was a beautiful person even then; I’m so impressed with who she has become! Laurie has always been filled with joy and excitement, compassion and empathy. Folks who interact with Laurie should count themselves lucky and blessed!
All I can say is: “WOW”!
Thank you for this awesome interview! I have never considered reading blogs, but Laurie’s blog sounds like a great place to start!
My very best regards and best wishes to Laurie and her family.
Sally, what a terrific anecdote there! Can’t say I’m at all surprised, but I’m thrilled for this lovely embellishment on Laurie’s character! We’re honored to have you here!
Sally – OhMyGosh! How fantastic to see you here! Thank you so much for the kind words. And even though I haven’t seen you in dacades, I know I could pick you out in a crowd — your infectious smile would give you away!
Laurie, I second the motion and similarly applaud Sally’s visit here. It seems like there are many out there who haven’t forgotten you!
What an amazing woman.
I can’t get over this:
Membership in the following organizations helps me to stay abreast of new findings in my areas of interest: energy medicine, personal transformation, spiritual awareness, and women in business:
Women’s Leadership Network
Women in Management
Women in Networking
Women’s Interactive Network Group
Women Inspiring, Supporting, Educating
American Business Women’s Association
League of Women Voters
National Assoc of Professional Women
National Alliance on Mental Illness
International Massage Association
Infinity Foundation – Courses for Life
Association of Humanistic Psychology
Energy Medicine Research Association
Institute of HeartMath
Global Coherence Initiative
International Natural Healers Association
Association of Ethical & Professional Hypnotherapists
Now what do you do with your free time Laurie? I stood with every sentence of this great interview.
Joanne – Thank you for visiting this post. I’m an avid bicyclist so in my free time (non-snowy weather) I ride. We have wonderful bike trails here in northern Illinois! In the winter I catch up on all of my reading.
This could be one of the most imformative and breathtaking testaments ever witten for WONDERS IN THE DARK. I was glued to every word LAURIE wrote here and I am floored by the fact that I have not been made aware of her site and her teachings until just now (that’ll teach me NOT to ignore the side bar of this ever again…).
LAURIE seems so level headed and her theories and teachings have a logic to them that is undeniable. I have recently experienced some frightening turns in my physicality and I am more than open to telling you all that Laurie’s outlook, simplisitc approaches and common sense seem to be the way to go to achieve a balance of health in all four of the major corners of our existance…
This was an eye-opening article to say the least and I will definately be hovering over Lauries site to see where she can take me with her good solid thinking and common sense!!!!!!
Thank you, SAM, for bringing this to me and all of us here.
Laurie, be well!!!!!!!! You are an inspiration!!!!!!
Laurie’s site is really a breath of fresh air Dennis–so much unlike all the places we mutually frequent. Everything you say there is quite true, and your kind and effusive words are much in keeping with the philosophy she imparts each and every day. I am well aware of the personal issues you broach here, and can only hope you follow up and avail yourself of all Laurie offers. SPEAKING FROM THE HEART is quite the spiritual sanctuary!
Many thanks as always my very good friend!
Dennis – Please know that you are welcome to contact me directly at Laurie@HolEssence.com.
This is such a wonderful in-depth interview! What a great job you did interviewing her, Sam. And, Laurie–I am thrilled to discover all these extra little tidbits about you and your life. It makes us feel like we all know you a little better. Thanks also for mentioning Lake Superior Spirit and for being a faithful friend and reader. You are such an inspiring PRESENT person. Thank you so much for all that you share and give to everyone. (Still think that photo of you guys in the telephone booth is the BEST!)
Many thanks for that Kathy! You obviously know Laurie a lot long than I do, and well appreciate all she has imparted to humanity. I love that phone booth shot too!
Kathy – The thing I remember most about the photo in the “call box” is that I’d put the camera on a small tripod (one that extends to about 12-inches, but telescopes closed for backpacking), set the “timer” gadget on the camera, and then had to dash back and jump in with the guys before it went off. All the while they’re yelling at me to RUN!
I can’t say I am surprised that a family misfortune (tragedy) is what shifted the focus in Laurie’s life. It always seems that adversity is what eventually brings about the harmony that comes together is this fascinating portrait of an ideal life.
Thanks Renee for stopping by. Well, Laurie seems to me the kind of person who doesn’t need any coaxing, nor does she seem one whose actions were governed by circumstances. But insomuch that you celebrate her portrait, I can say we are on the same page.