Jennifer Owens on Experiencing the UZIT Program

Last Updated on Monday, 19 March 2012 05:24 Written by Urban Zen Thursday, 15 March 2012 06:57

My Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) experience as a practitioner and patient, simultaneously, has led to deeper understanding of my body and its capabilities and the need for loving-kindness from within. Though short lived, my time as a UZIT student have left me with invaluable knowledge and, because of this, I will be eternally grateful to Twitter, as well as all of the mentors and teachers of the program.

Yes, I said Twitter! It was a random, regular day for me. I was browsing my Twitter timeline when I stumbled across a tweet from the fabulous Kris Carr mentioning @Urban_Zen. I felt compelled to find out whom or what Urban Zen was all about. One click led to another, and soon I learned about the Urban Zen Integrative Therapist program.

In the words of Oprah Winfrey, this was an “ah-ha” moment for me. Could it be that there are others who feel the same way I do about healthcare? I believe healthcare should be a personalized combination of healing modalities. Why can’t I go to my oncologist and say to him, “I’m taking astralagus and ginseng for immunity strengthening and overall improvement in energy,” without feeling dismissed? I believe that proper nutrition, exercise, and the mind-body-spirituality connection should be addressed at every doctor’s appointment.

When I saw this opportunity to become a conduit for change, my heart sang! Even though I wasn’t qualified according to the requirements listed,
I felt UZIT was for me. My heart sank when I saw the deadline had passed. Alas, The Johnson & Johnson Campaign For Nursing’s Future gave me a glimmer of hope. They were offering a scholarship to five nurses to attend the yearlong program. I was encouraged to apply for the scholarship anyway. Having nothing to lose, I uploaded a video, sans make-up and hair and sent it in hopes that my sincerity and eagerness to learn would be clearly communicated in my voice and body language. I said a prayer and went on about my daily routine.

A Gift to the Community

Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 December 2011 05:26 Written by Urban Zen Tuesday, 13 December 2011 05:12

by Luana DeAngelis-Halpern, Founder/President of You Can Thrive!

You Can Thrive! provides a weekly forum for community members to volunteer to help their neighbors with breast cancer receive access to integrative care, “when they need it most and can afford it least”. The Grand Re-opening event on December 4th, 2011 saw a partnering with the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program. Through this outstanding event, not only did we care for the women in our community undergoing a cancer diagnosis, we cared for the caretakers of these women — because we all know that caretaking is a stressful situation. That day over 80 UZIT and other treatments were offered!

The climate in the waiting room was one of bliss and love. The clients who came for treatment floated out to find a lovely cancer fighting meal, and I heard so many times the statement “I never want to leave”. The UZITs contacted me and remarked how much they enjoyed the experience, and a large percentage of them have expressed a desire to go back on a regular basis to give service. The survivors were full of gratitude and received such amazing benefits from the therapy provided, as did the volunteers; proving that in giving we receive. The holiday community service day is a great opportunity to really get to be a part of something altruistic and rewarding for everyone.

Thriving After Breast Cancer

Last Updated on Monday, 31 October 2011 06:24 Written by Urban Zen Monday, 24 October 2011 12:35

The thing about breast cancer – it’s so close to the heart. And it has definitely felt that way to me. I have lost too many very important people in my life because of it. This isn’t a disease that just happens to the individual – it touches all of us.

In our Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, we have had more than a few students who’ve known this disease. For many, it has been the well-being catalyst in their lives that has inspired them to enroll in the UZIT program – a community that is committed to using holistic healing modalities to shift the healthcare paradigm.

I believe in the power of our stories – they bare our souls. I am so honored to be able to share the stories of some of our UZIT students with you. I invite you to read on and let the voices of our UZIT Breast Cancer Thrivers touch you the way they’ve touched me.

Using Food to Navigate Cancer

Last Updated on Thursday, 6 October 2011 06:46 Written by Urban Zen Thursday, 6 October 2011 06:46

This morning the Urban Zen Center was home to a wealth of healing wisdom and hands-on, experiential tools all designed to help patients and loved ones navigate cancer in a way that celebrates life and allows patients to “live beyond their diagnosis.” Designed by Stefanie Sacks, M.S., CNS, the last Food Solutions of 2011 proved to be an invaluable, educational event.

Exploring The Health Possibilities in Your Kitchen

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 05:14 Written by Urban Zen Tuesday, 27 September 2011 05:14

On October 5th, the Survivors Compass — three women all touched by cancer both personally and professionally — will join Culinary Nutritionist, Stefanie Sacks at Urban Zen for a day of practical information and tools for those on their own paths to wellness from cancer.

It is going to be a day of explorative hands-on healing that employs that wealth of wisdom that can be found in the food choices we make. Not only informative, this event promises to be delicious.