Longview Library Literally Speaking

We have had two very stimulating evenings at the library this month. One was given by Fawna Bews, a Holistic Practitioner living near Longview, who took us through a guided meditation and explained to us how meditation can improve the quality of our lives and relieve the stresses in our life.
The second was a presentation by Dr. Ingrid Joulin Kehler who is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and who has recently opened the Salus Wellness Center in Black Diamond. She told us that TCM dates back several thousand years and its aim is to restore the natural balance in the human body, which when out of kilter, causes illness. Rather than addressing issues of bad health after the fact, as does Western medicine, TCM strives to keep the body whole, balanced and with the life force "Qi" flowing smoothly through it.
To achieve this, Dr.Ingrid Joulin Kehler practices Acupuncture, using tiny sterile needles on specific acupuncture points on the body to relieve pain and to adjust the flow of the "Qi" and bring the body back into balance. When this is achieved, the body can heal itself without drugs and painkillers. In ancient times, the practitioners of TMC and Acupuncture were paid for their work as long as the patient remained healthy. When one of their patients became ill, payment was withheld until they became well again. We must address our health when we are well, rather than waiting until we are sick. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative time.
Joan has several exciting programs in the works for the New Year, so be sure to watch for the announcements of days and times.
Jun Young Lee will give a presentation on "Korean Palaces".
Doris Lesick will give a talk on Indonesia.
Also for the first three weeks in December Joan invites you to come in and join her for some Xmas Cheer and home baking. She would also like to remind you to be sure to sign up for the programs so that she has adequate time to prepare appropriate seating and space. You can do this by signing up on the sheet at the bulletin board at the Post Office or by calling the library at 403-558-3927.
A book you might enjoy. The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee is a riveting novel that takes place in Hong Kong during the second World War. It is an epic tale of war and of a tortured, tangled love story steeped in intrigue. The occupation by the Japanese is horrific, with its brutal camps and corruption. Lee writes with simple, elegant prose, recreating the atmosphere and the history of Hong Kong in the early 1940's.

Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley