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CD #17: HEALING, HERB AND HAPPINESS

By Hempology | April 24, 2008

HEALING, HERB AND HAPPINESS

by Smiley

Being a professional activist is a labour of love.  I am grateful to be gainfully employed in a situation that also fosters my spiritual development.  Working in a compassion club has its highs and lows that for me equate to a richly rewarding experience.

One of the highlights of my work is the honour of being engaged with people whom consistently demonstrate strength and courage while living day in and day out with chronic pain.  I find being in the company of such brilliant examples of tenacity most inspiring.  When I see these beautiful people striving to achieve greater health and wellness it reminds me to better care for myself. Frequently we share our stories of what works and what does not, in doing so we both benefit. 

Another uplifting part of my work is being part of a movement toward greener ways.  As our beloved planet struggles with strip-mined resources and serious pollution I am thankful to help promote the use of plants.  Cannabis and its counterpart hemp have innumerable uses including: medicine, food, fuel, fibre for cloth and paper.  I find it exciting and favourable to contribute to the education and use of these two sacred plants.  It is thoroughly enjoyable being in a field that advocates the practice of sustainability by working with, not against, what Mother Nature has to offer.  Yes, it is true my work provides a variety of highs.  However, there is one which is pure bliss: I am valued by those whom I serve and those I work with.  It is with delight I find myself working in an environment that appreciates me for who I am.  I am certain being acknowledged in such a way it immensely adds to my cheerful perspective.  With that in mind I am taking the opportunity to thank one and all for your love and support.  Namaste beautiful people.

On the other hand, my work shows me the oppression and exploitation that carries on in our world.  I bear witness to the attempted de-humanization of un-well individuals through the virtual abandonment of social services.  The message seems to be: can’t work/don’t count.  I come face to face with many who suffer through poverty while ill and are unable to properly house, feed and cloth themselves.  Obviously a huge obstacle in regaining balanced health.  I see how it is hard on the heart being treated in that manner.  It takes everyone to make life happen.  What is really heart breaking to see, are people living without a home.  People I know have died and are dying from living on the streets.  When I see my human brothers and sisters in such extreme discomfort and danger I feel blessed to offer help in a place of refuge.  Also, my line of work finds me observing the social and political stigmas people face for choosing to use a prohibited medicine.

Parents are provoked to feel like bad examples for their children in the midst of the war on drugs.  Younger people especially are judged with pot-head stereotypes.  Everyday citizens are forced to hide their medicinal choices from employers.  People also deal with the pressure of committing a so-called criminal act in order to medicate in a manner they deem beneficial.  The underlying risks are much to bear.  Basically people are made to live in fear simply for choosing to use plant-based therapies.  I find this ironic considering we currently have legal substances that constantly cause serious harm to human health.

Furthermore, frequently I hear people’s horror stories created by our medical system that has constructed health care into a profit driven business.  I have been told countless examples of potential malpractice suits.  It is heinous what is being done to people in terms of guinea-pig style pharmaceutical regimes and excessive surgery solutions.  The effects of this kind, or lack thereof, of treatment to people are devastating. While further pain and suffering in turn increases health decline.  I find it frustrating that current mainstream medicine is not successful in helping people be well, meanwhile holistic time-tested and true methods are not fully financed through our medical system.  My heart goes out to all those working towards better health and being willing to achieve it by whatever means possible.

My labour of love is fulfilling in numerous ways.  First of all I am proud to be part of a membership that represents freedom of choice.  My life’s experiences thus far have taught me my choices are what make me who I am.  In that light, the choices I make in living my life mean everything to me.  I cherish the fact my career supports free will for myself and others.  I addition, my work is rewarding because, as I help sustain my family and I, other people directly benefit as well.  Members often tell me how thankful they are for the compassion club and all it gives to them.  It feels absolutely fantastic when a member or co-worker thank me for doing what I do.  Knowing it is a win/ win situation gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

In conclusion, I would like to voice my pleasure at being privy to the full spectrum view of human expression that my work affords me.  I learn so much from observing and listening to people share themselves with me.  It is a privilege to acquire knowledge in this fashion.  I am both humbled and thrilled to do so.  I am eternally thankful for the experiences I am a part of at the CBC of C.  Last but definitely not least, the doobie of the day rocks too!  Thank you, Ted.

Topics: Articles, CD-17th, Spring 2008 | Comments Off

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