The Healing ConsciousWritten by Kifle Bantayehu
- "The Healing Conscious" tells story of an Ethiopian immigrant boy on his fascinating journey to America and adulthood. Author Kifle Bantayehu, a 23 year-old second-generation Ethiopian immigrant, recounts this poignant tale in poetic format. His inspirational collection of poems reflects final words and thoughts of a dying man who traveled across world, raised a family and became successful-finally fulfilling American dream. These poems, written in a uniquely modern style, reflect a journey of sacrifice, courage and strength. "The ideals of cultural preservation, respect and love intertwine with each person encountered along narrator's journey and serve as inspiration to all people, regardless of race religion or sex," states introduction of book. Bantayehu says there have been very few work works of poetry written and published by Ethiopian authors. And he feels as though he's breaking new ground for this genre of literature by combining English language with Ethiopian culture. "The Healing Conscious" is available for pre-order at Borders and Barnes & Noble. It's also available online at Amazon.com and books.lulu.com at discounted pricing. Part of proceeds from book sales will be donated to Ethiopian Children's and Orphans' Association, Inc. (ECOA), 46664, Africare, African AIDS Initiative and other organizations working to promote HIV awareness and helping those affected in Sub-Saharan and East Africa. Bantayehu says he wrote book-which is based on lives of his parents- to tell compelling story of an immigrant, who through much pain and sacrifice, was able to leave his homeland of Ethiopia with an equally-strong and motivated woman, and raise four children in best possible environment for education, opportunity and happiness.
| | Why Corporate Wellness Programs Don’t Work – And What DoesWritten by Pat Swan, Life and Relationship Coach and Wellness Coach
We have been experiencing an intense focus on "wellness" for close to a decade now, but it seems little has been done to really improve health and well being in this country. Many corporations have gotten on bandwagon as a way of adding value to employee package and hopefully limiting health care costs. Some programs include onsite medical care and bag lunch classes on nutrition and exercise. Very progressive programs may have lifestyle consultants or personal coaches. But most merely house onsite exercise equipment that employees may use in spare time. Unfortunately, these elements do little to improve overall health and well being except for most avid and health conscious employees. Why? Because physical condition and nutritional intake is only a small part of whole person. The number one killer in this country is heart disease. Yes, food and exercise play a part in maintaining health. Obesity is a health issue. But a major cause of heart disease as well as many other chronic and deadly illnesses, is chronic stress. How many people even know exactly what stress is and what it does? The fact is, if strenuous exercise is only solution used for stress, it can be deadly. Wellness programs would be much more effective if employees were given concrete information regarding stress, what it is, how it impacts body and mind, and what they could do about it. Employees would benefit from understanding that source of their stress is not lack of exercise, but emotion resulting from real life problems. Problems including relationship conflict, finances, parenting, life/work balance, negative thinking, and other issues cannot be solved merely through meditation, relaxation, exercise or a hot bath. Stress producing problems must be solved and they can be eliminated. They are source of life-threatening chronic stress. Most of us struggle with one thing or another. If finances are a problem, a better solution is to find an expert who can help us reach financial health. If relationship conflict is a problem, it is more helpful to find a coach or therapist to teach effective relationship skills and move us toward relationship health. If you are stressed due to lack of time, it is more helpful to learn time management skills and balance your life. Most of us weren't taught these skills growing up. We cannot be expected to know what we never learned. But we can be expected to identify and find solutions to our own stress related problems.
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