Sustainable living goal of Skills Share programs
From our weekly issue dated June 25, 2008
The third annual Skills Share gathering was held Saturday, June 21 at the Frog Farm at 9044 Takilma Road in Downtown Takilma. (Photo by Zina Booth, Illinois Valley News)
The third annual Skills Share gathering was held Saturday, June 21 at the Frog Farm at 9044 Takilma Road in Downtown Takilma.
The educational event was sponsored by Spiral Living Center, which has the goal of teaching people how to achieve sustainable living skills.
Cece Bowerman entertained children with arts, crafts and games while parents attended various workshops. Jody & Melissa Guion discussed eating food in its uncooked natural state to nourish and strengthen body, mind, and soul.
The third annual Skills Share gathering was held Saturday, June 21 at the Frog Farm at 9044 Takilma Road in Downtown Takilma. (Photo by Zina Booth, Illinois Valley News)
Pat Mersman made Sun Jam. Dr. Margaret Philhower, the area’s naturopathic doctor, described unusual treatments for common summertime ailments. Among her recommendations:
*Cold, wet, thin cotton socks worn under thick wool socks at bedtime can break a fever and help with cough and nasal congestion.
*Two tennis balls in a sock placed behind the ears at the base of the skull relieve tension headache, TMJ, insomnia and fever.
*A plantain poultice can draw the poison out of insect bites or stings, abscess or wounds. And Onion ear muffs can cure ear infections.
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Adam Seller discussed natural prevention and treatment of staph infections, using ecological strategies from herbs and antibiotics to probiotic food.
Chris Jolley, a counselor specializing in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, discussed destructive patterns of power, and recovery work for survivors of abuse.
Susan Gustafson covered the history of Flower Remedies for emotional healing and personal growth. Golden Tear Drops bring up childhood tears, and Yarrow Environmental solution remedy helps counteract poisoning from both radiation and diesel fumes.
White chestnut, said Gustafson, helps quiet the mind from repetitive thoughts; and red chestnut relieves worrying about loved ones. St. Johns Wort expands consciousness toward light.
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Joyce Nelson, a licensed massage therapist, demonstrated self-massage from head-to-toe to relax, revive, and refresh tired tight muscles. Nelson showed the location and effect of acupressure points.
Steve Orr displayed how to build a wastewater mulch pit using a simple grease trap and inexpensive plumbing parts to reuse wastewater to grow mulch. John Gardiner focused on climate change in Illinois Valley, and Kelpie Wilson demonstrated use of a carbon-neutral stove.
David Steiner performed the art of upholstery, and Kevin Coopee taught how to keep wood-handled tools in good repair. Laurel Pena, clinical herbalist and wildcrafter, led an herb walk through the Frog Farm diverse healing garden.
Story-telling, music and a potluck dinner rounded out the solstice celebration.
For more information about sustainability, visit www.spiralliving.org.
