Archive for February, 2010

Never judge another person until you walk a mile in their shoes…

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

…then you’ll be a mile away, and you’ll have their shoes!

(We are not a glum lot)

Cocoa leading the trail

If you are irritated by every rub…

Saturday, February 27th, 2010
…how will you become polished? ~ Rumi~

Holistic Drug Rehab - the polisher

Making Mandalas – A Spiritual Practice in Art Therapy Sessions

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Spiritual Sessions –The Mandala

Tibetan Sand Mandala, A Home Away Retreat, Kelowna

Tibetan Sand Mandala - All life is impermanent

The mandala is a circular representation of the cosmos. Carl Jung called it a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self. Most famous are the Tibetan sand mandalas, painstakingly created out of coloured sand, sometimes by hundreds of monks, to be immediately swept away after completion.

At A Home Away’s Spiritual Sessions, you are invited to participate in this centuries old practise. By making your own mandala you can create space for a connection to your inner self.  The mandala becomes a powerful manifestation for your spirit to tell the story of your own journey.  When completed, the piece can become a compelling instrument for meditation, as well as a beautiful expression of art.

We have a few suggestions here on how to make a mandala, as well as some pre-made mandalas that you may wish to colour. If you have your own idea on how to create this piece, please, let your spirit lead the way.

Before you begin, it is suggested that you spend some moments in silence to centre yourself. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and observe your breathing. Be still. Thank your Higher Power for another sober and clean day, and for all of your blessings. Request guidance and inspiration in proceeding, and know that your expression will be exactly as it should be.

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We don’t get partial results from half-measures…

Friday, February 26th, 2010

…half-measures avail us nothing.

Rehab reflections in Kelowna

Former guest exploring possibilities in Montreal

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Hi John and Jane!

I made it back safe, sound and sober!

There were a few triggers along the way, luckily i had the big book and sudoku near by!

I went to my womens only meeting on wednesday night. I was nervous and scared but EXTREMELY happy i went! I met alot of nice people and felt very comfortable. I met up with two of them yesterday for coffee and a meeting. Tonight I will be attending my first OA meeting and is looking forward to it.

I’ve found a great deal of opportunities in the Montreal area and is now setting up some apartment viewing appointments. Its really nice to be back with supportive family members. Hope all is well!

Best wishes, DE

Don’t believe everything you think.

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Your mind has a mind of its own.


A Home Away - in a foxglove?

It is the set of the sails…

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

…not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.

Sailboats in Sobriety

Gourmet Rehab, Swiss Style, February 24, 2010

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Breakfast
Baked Ham
Poached Eggs with Leeks
Bircher Muesli
Pancakes
Cereal/Milk
Yogurts
Fruit, Berries
Toast Butter Jams
Lemon Water

Lunch
Flamme Kuchen
Grilled Veg Salad
French Onion Soup-Gruyere Crostini
Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti and Pear Mousse

Dinner
Beef Emince
Spaetzle
Mixed Greens with herb vinegar
Green Beans
Sauteed mushrooms Ragout
Bread
Peach Tart Tatin & Yogurt

beautiful loaf

What we are eating as part of our holistic recovery program.

Medallion Ceremony

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

We had a beautiful Medallion ceremony this evening for a young woman from the Maritimes  who has just completed her 42 day program at A Home Away. What a miracle! This determined young woman knows that she has a fatal disease,  but that she will be able to stay clean,  sober and abstinent a day at a time, based on the maintenance of her spiritual condition. She has all the tools to start her new life, and she is ready.

We thank her and her family for their trust in the process at A Home Away. It takes a lot of courage to walk through the difficult process of facing the truth. It is not easy! Simple, but not easy.

Thanks to our honoured guest, for not giving up 5 minutes before the miracle happened. Remember you can’t keep it, unless you give it away, and thanks be to God.

Holding the torch, A Home Away

Our special young guest had a great moment holding the torch in City Park on one of our recreation days (it wasn’t actually lit, but…)

Meet Chef Rene Hostettler

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Chef Rene Hostettler and Chef Rob Cordonier

Welcome Chef Rene,

Watch for Chef Rene’s bio and mission statement. We look forward to meeting Chef Rene’s wife and baby, who have just arrived from Ontario to join Chef Rene in West Kelowna.