Letter from the Publisher Letting Go F


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Dee Whitaker


Executive Editor J. Michael LeGrand


Associate Editor Luke C. LeGrand


Design and Production Hart Palmer


Staff Writer Judy Liu


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ew of us haven’t felt the ramifications of cancer on body, mind and soul, often through a friend, loved one or colleague’s experience or perhaps our own fears. Refreshing news comes in the form of this month’s feature,


“Live Cancer Free” by Linda Sechrist. I’m particularly taken by the section on mind/body detox. Dr. Carlos Garcia has seen how, when an individual’s heal- ing process has stalled despite their doing all the right things to improve their biochemistry, it’s frequently because they haven’t done an emotional detox. We pay the price for out of control emotions. When our emotions, thinking


and beliefs become bogged down with negativity it zaps our energy, can damage our health and may do harm of which we aren’t even aware. We know that stress is a big culprit behind much chronic illness; it creates inflammation, lowers feel- good hormones and increases cortisol and adrenaline. Stress usually starts with our thoughts as unsupported beliefs and then critical self talk chimes in. Getting to know the chemicals affecting my brain—particularly how neu-


rotransmitters influence happiness, calmness, mood, motivation, intimacy, productivity, feelings of well being and trust—and connecting with others was the first step in my understanding what I needed to nourish myself. Ongoing challenges currently revolve around managing a face-paced professional life as both a monthly magazine publisher and emotional wellness coach. I’ve learned that dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are the quartet


that supports happiness. Many events can trigger these neurotransmitters, but rather than staying in the passenger seat, we can intentionally cause them to flow. Here are some ways to keep your energy, health, focus and well-being in tune: • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) creates calmness, raised through


meditation and yoga. • Serotonin creates happiness. A 20-minute nature walk or just being out-


doors is a good start. • Endorphins are natural stress/cortisol and pain fighters that also render a


sense of well-being. Generators include exercise; eating a small amount of 70 percent dark chocolate (I like hot cocoa); making music or singing; holding the Wonder Woman power pose for two minutes; aromatherapy using essential oils such as vanilla, chamomile and lavender; and acupuncture. • Dopamine springs from creating a sense of accomplishment and order.


Making a checklist of daily, monthly and yearly goals works for me. I love checking off the completed items, learning something new and doing things with intention and purpose. • Oxytocin wells up from within via a good massage, and I find giving long


hugs helps me feel a boost of connection and gratitude. I’ve found that continuous self care renders positive mental changes. My


mind set improves and opens to fresh possibilities and positive perspectives that lead to good ways of thinking and doing things, which in turn keeps happiness neurotransmitters cascading through my body. The next time you receive a sign that all is not well in your neurotransmitter


world, try one of these suggestions to lighten up, stop negative chatter in its tracks and let go of stress. It’s healthy to focus on what really matters to you and finally let go of the stuff that doesn’t. Your brain and body will thank you. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life of letting go!


Dee Whitaker, Publisher natural awakenings August 2017 7


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