As a Naturopath, I advocate, “whole being wellness”. I believe all parts work together to make us whole, and that each aspect directly affects others. The whole being consists of several “bodies”, mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical. When we suffer from depression or chronic anger, effects of that stress will also manifest in physical body through various symptoms. The reverse is also true. When toxins are taken into body; it must work overtime to rid itself of these poisons. The resulting fatigue may affect ability to think clearly and concentrate, or cause depression or irritability.

Although Allopathic medicine does recognize many of these correlations, physical symptoms still continue to be treated as stand-alone disorders. The underlying factors are not usually taken into consideration. These diseases are lumped together and treated in “textbook” fashion. As individuals, each of us will have numerous combinations of different variables that contribute to state of our health. How can it be effective to lump everyone with a particular group of symptoms into same general category? Naturopathy recognizes this, and seeks to treat whole person, considering all aspects of individual’s lifestyle and habits, not only physical manifestations of illness.

It is my belief through my studies and my own life experience that majority of diseases are merely symptoms of a deeper underlying problem. For example, in my teens I was diagnosed with Asthma and Clinical Depression. I was angry a lot, always tired, and irritable. I was sent to a psychiatrist to talk about my feelings and receive medication. The pills I was given not only didn’t help; they made me feel even more worn-out, which in turn increased my anger and depression. I was never asked any extensive questions regarding my diet; sleep habits, activity level, or anything else that directly affected my lifestyle. In typical textbook fashion I was labeled and given standard, across board treatment for depression. I was led to believe that depression was “normal” and for whatever reason I must be less than normal if I did not respond to standard treatment. I felt destined to live a life where I would always feel unhealthy, and that very belief system itself was problematic.

"We share what we know, so that others may grow." * HOW TO SET AND ACHIEVE REALISTIC AND EFFECTIVE GOALS (PART ONE)

by Craig Lock

Oh no, not another article on goalsetting!

Author's Note: This extract is from Craig's first published book HANDBOOK TO SURVIVE - a collection of writings on various subjects to help every man or woman survive in a rapidly changing, uncertain world. An introductory look at concepts of success, motivation, attitude, goal setting and stress. *

It's well past half-way through year already and have you put all your January 1 2004 goals (business and personal) into ACTION, or were they just New Years resolutions - merely WISHES? Or perhaps just distant, long-forgotten memories in deep recesses of your mind! No matter, now is a good time of year to reflect on life, our family's lives, our journey - where we've come from and where we are headed. Who knows!

'There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to possess it.' - Napoleon Hill (author of classic book, 'Think and Grow Rich')

'Nothing happens, no forward steps are taken until a goal is established.' - David J. Schwarz (author of 'The Magic of Thinking Big '- an excellent book by way!)

' Your life is controlled by your thoughts. Your thoughts are controlled by your goals.' - Earl Nightingale

' When we have no personal goal which we are interested in, and which means something to us, we are apt to go round in circles.' - psychologist Maxwell Maltz

'The key to peak performance is not potential or skill, but motivation and dedication....having clear performance goals and putting in training effort to achieve them.' - Dr Sven Hansen '

I would like to repeat critical importance of committing your plan to writing. It cannot be over- emphasised!' - Paul J. Meyer of Success Motivation Institute

'Learn how to set your goals: a. Write down your goals b. Give yourself a deadline c. Set your standards high.' - Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone (co-authors)

UNDERSTANDING GOALS Setting goals is first step towards ACTION. They get you into motion. The energy of motivation should be harnessed by being transformed into clear goals and a clear PLAN to achieve them. Goals are dreams which come true ....and they are far easier to achieve once they are focussed. Goals therefore help to fulfil one's PURPOSE in life by giving expression to your core inner values, 'real YOU'. Psychologists have found that helping people to develop personal goals has proved to be most effective way to help them cope with personal problems by:

1. Crystallising one's purpose in life - through adding meaning . 2. Helping make difficult decisions. 3. Giving direction to your life and keeping you on track by concentration. 4. Resolving conflict 5. Building confidence and 6. Adding to your self respect (or sense of value = self worth)