NURSE.com: Integrating Eastern Modalities into Patient Care

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 06:35 Written by Urban Zen Friday, 8 July 2011 12:11

Over the past few months we have been sharing updates with you about our partnership with The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future. Well, we are very excited to share with you that this week our collaboration is currently featured on Nurse.com – a powerful platform with the mission to enrich the professional lives of nurses and other healthcare professionals and to celebrate their unique contributions to society.

We were so inspired by the beautiful piece that Reporter Tracey Boyd wrote on complementary care that we thought we would share it with you here:

COMPLEMENTARY CARE

by Tracey Boyd

When New York-based artist Stephan Weiss fell ill with lung cancer 10 years ago, he relied upon the calming effects of the Eastern modalities of yoga, spiritual guidance and breathing techniques to ease his discomfort in addition to his Western medical treatments. During the course of his illness, his wife and soulmate, fashion designer Donna Karan, realized that these complementary techniques were extremely helpful, yet sorely missing in traditional healthcare.

The First Stephan Weiss Apple Awards: A Tribute to My Husband

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 05:44 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 8 July 2011 12:10

On June 9th, I had the tremendous experience of seeing the world that I shared with my husband Stephan come together – past, present and future. It was the First Annual Stephan Weiss Apple Awards, which was an evening that was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Stephan’s passing. It was a celebration of Stephan’s live and an evening that honored three very special guests: President Bill Clinton, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Courtney Sale Ross. It was more extraordinary than I could’ve imagined and the most fitting tribute to my husband, my soul mate, and my partner in life.

I know Stephan was there with me last night. There is no question in my mind. Right before the event, the skies opened, the thunder boomed, and a storm rushed in. It was the most extraordinary outburst – and I knew that it was Stephan. We used to call Stephan “storm.” And, what happened last night was just as it was ten years ago when a very similar storm struck just as Stephan passed. Stephan is always with me, but last night, he was there with us all.

The Urban Zen Center: A Holistic Classroom

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 06:38 Written by Donna Karan Wednesday, 22 June 2011 07:29

When the Urban Zen Center is transformed into a holistic classroom, I am beyond inspired. This is exactly what happened as our 2011 Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) students explored aromatherapy and essential oils – a healing modality that I have long believed needs to be integrated into our healthcare system.

It is always such a comfort to walk into the Urban Zen Center and see the space filled with yoga mats instead of dinner tables! The experience of joining our UZITs and being enveloped by the incredible essential oil aromas was immediately healing and grounding for me.

The 8th Annual Wayuu Taya Gala: A Spirited Celebration

Last Updated on Friday, 1 July 2011 01:16 Written by Donna Karan Wednesday, 15 June 2011 05:49

On Monday evening, the 8th Annual Wayuu Taya Fundraising Gala was held at the Urban Zen Center. For any of you who aren’t familiar, The Wayuu Taya Foundation is a remarkable organization that is working to improve the lives of Latin-American indigenous communities while preserving their traditions, culture and beliefs – in essence it’s a foundation that is very aligned with the heart of Urban Zen.

Patricia Velasquez, President of Wayuu Taya is the inspiration and soul behind their ingenious developments that have created effective health drives, telemedicine projects, new schoolrooms, creative musical schools and empowered Women’s Centers. Patricia is truly a force and Wayuu Taya is her vision.

It was beautiful to see the Urban Zen Center filled with such a diverse community of people like Mindy Grossman, Russell Simmons and Kathy Eldon, all brought together to celebrate Patricia and the amazing work she’s doing. The atmosphere of the evening was filled with creative energy with captivating musical performances and Jenny Woodman’s stunning photographs displayed throughout the space. The evening also honored some exceptional women like Padma Lakshmi, Debbie Meyer, Veronique Pittman and Catherine Shimony for their unique contribuitions that are making our world a better place.

A Beautiful, Soulful Evening with the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers

Last Updated on Thursday, 23 June 2011 03:26 Written by Donna Karan Tuesday, 14 June 2011 04:02

On Friday night the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers held a sacred evening at the Urban Zen Center and it was the most beautiful, soulful experience. For me, it was the perfect environment to meditate and think about Stephan on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

At first, I wasn’t sure about having an event on June 10th, a day that is so personal and painful for me. I wasn’t sure if I would have the emotional stamina to be “on,” to host an event in Stephan’s studio. But, as I opened my heart to the idea, I really felt that Stephan was saying to me, “I know I can’t be there with you, so I am sending the Thirteen Grandmothers to be with you instead.”

Having the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers holding an evening of prayer and meditation was exactly the right choice; it was the most deeply exquisite way to honor Stephan – my husband and partner in all things.

Preserving the mind, body and spirit of ancient, cultural wisdom is something I fervently believe in. Yes, it is integral to the mission of Urban Zen, but it is also integral to my belief in humanity. We must learn from each other, we must seek out the wisdom of our elders and we must revel in our cultures. Friday night encapsulated all of these elements. Each grandmother was unique, wise, and openly generous with her wisdom.