Specials
Natural
Choice Wellness Expo Proves Popular
by Marie Nantes
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"I
learned so much from that session." "What a great conference!"
"Will this be on again next year?" These are just a
few of the positive comments over heard in the halls of the Delta
during the weekend of March 16-18 at the Natural Choice Wellness
Expo and Trade Show. The Wellness Expo organizers partnered with
the Atlantic Organic Growers which was operated simultaneously
to offer participants of both conferences opportunities to explore
both topic areas. The Wellness Expo brought in such noted speakers
as Dr. David Rowland, Co-publisher of Health Naturally, Canada's
Self Health Care Magazine; Judit Rajhathy, author of the well
known book "Free to Fly"; Rev. Gerry Robinson and Rev.
Phyllis Robinson, well-known Fen Shui practitioner, and Canadian
Certified Aroma-therapist respectively.
The
kick off to the conference was on Friday evening with the opening
ceremonies consisting of keynote speaker, Dr. David Rowland MBA.,
PhD, whose address "You are in Charge" emphasized that
we are ultimately responsible for our own health. He cautioned
that abdicating this responsibility costs us our personal freedoms.
Judit Rajhatchy was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
In addition to Dr. Rowland, the members of the panel included
Dr. Don Ling MD, PEI Director of Health Services, Dr. Doug Carmody
MD., internal medicine and president of AIM (PEI Association of
Integrated Medicine). Following the panel presentation was a question
period which provided a lively exchange between the audience and
panel members. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Kathy
Campbell, violinist, Marie Nantes, soloist, and Gwenth Islay Jeffrey,
step dancer. The evening closed with a violin solo "Wild
Rose of the Mountain" by Dr. David Rowland.
For
the next two days, participants at the Wellness Expo enjoyed over
28 workshops and sessions on the various types of complementary
therapies (e.g. NAET: Nambudripad Allergy Eliminating Therapy,
Bioenergetics, Naturopathy) and spiritual themes ( e.g. Life after
Death, Medicine Wheel, Meditation, Power of Prayer). In these
sessions, participants learned about complementary practices and
how they can successfully complement modern medicine.
In
addition to the workshops and sessions, the conference also offered
an exhibition totaling 80 booths in the Delta Ballroom. While
40 of the booths focused on Wellness, the remainder related to
organic food and the organic industry. People also had the opportunity
to experience reflexology, therapeutic touch, massage, and reiki
through the sampler room.
Saturday
evening offered an opportunity to socialize over a vegetarian
buffet which included three main courses, three salads, three
desserts and lots of extra's. The ingredients for every dish were
listed so those with food sensitivities could better enjoy the
selection. At the event, the first annual Natural Choice Wellness
Advocate Awards were presented to a deserving practitioner from
each of the Maritime provinces. Those attending then enjoyed a
spoof by comedians Mavis and Dorothy titled "Which Way to
the Salad Bar."
The
Expo concluded on Sunday evening with an interfaith celebration
officiated by Rev. Barry King. At the celebration 13 religious
traditions were represented by practitioners who shared ceremonies
and readings with those gathered. The service celebrated the many
faces of God and the power of "spirit" in our lives.
All who participated in this year's Natural Choice Wellness Expo
were impressed with the quality and organization of the event.
Congratulations to Rev. Barry and Rev. Sandi King whose vision
conceived the Wellness Expo weekend and whose courage and hard
work made it a successful reality. Bravo! We eagerly anticipate
next year's Expo!
Marie
Nantes is a teacher at Bluefield High School, Charlottetown.
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