Back in Potsdam, NY. A show of our work from Costa Rica opened at Otto's gallery last night.
One journey ends and another begins. The conclusion of our time in Costa Rica ushers in the challenges of transplanting new habits formed abroad into the familiar context of the old habits. It is quite a challenge for Otto, but he has learned that he himself holds the key to wellness: good eating, present mind, slow breath, openness, positive intentions. It can be a lesson for anybody... we ultimately determine our own state of being, our level of health, vibrance, life, and light.
Through the power of intention, we used the generous donations of others, stubborn faith in a bold goal, and the perfect accents of indescribable serendipity to create a journey of healing that was at once difficult and rewarding, inspiring and revealing.
It is not easy to change one's habits, especially those held throughout a lifetime. To take control of one's health mean's to look inward and face ourselves, with all of our strengths and weaknesses unveiled. Becoming conscious of the intimate relationships between health and lifestyle can take courage, especially coming from a culture that may not embody healthy habits.
The coming weeks will be a true challenge for Otto to extend his new habits into normal life at home, but he has the momentum of a fantastic trip to propel him, and the support of the community of Potsdam, NY to aid him.
Stay tuned for periodic updates on Otto's progress, artistic projects, etc...
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Our art show opened yesterday at Bulali, in San Jose. Otto sold 2 paintings! The show will be coming to Potsdam next weekend!
Otto and Julian with Dr. Maya at the show.
Us with Alexa, the owner of Bulali and daughter of Otto's other Doctor in Costa Rica
With Mike and Johanna, our friends who own the resort our house is connected with.
Today we had our last meeting with Carla, which concluded with a very powerful meditation session that totally absorbed Otto...
On the way home we finally stopped at the ceramic tile store that we drive by everyday, but of course the Tile Co. in Potsdam, NY is way better.
Friday, March 7, 2014
at Poas Volcano, Otto successfully conquered the 1/2 mile hike to the rim.
the active Poas Volcano
Some more visitor in the jungle: Callie and Stefanie hung out with us for a couple of days.
Otto with epic jungle tree.
We drove to the Pacific last week and hung out on the beach.
Salad with mango, avocado, cucumber, red pepper, sprouts, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and cocounut oil.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
So we're already half-way through our stay in Costa Rica, here's a bit of a summary for the first 2.5 weeks!
The primary focus of the treatment program is lifestyle change, and diet is the centerpiece of this approach. A very specific diet has been designed by Carla Perez-Galicia, a holistic nutrition coach based in San Jose. As the title, holistic nutrition coach, suggests, she is much more than just a nutritionist. She is an adept spiritual adviser as well, and Otto really resonates with what she has to share about nutrition and beyond at our weekly sessions.
The diet is an alkalizing diet that also focuses on restoring the body's innate natural abilities to function at a high level: strong, efficient immune system; healthy, vibrant cells; reduction of toxins and fluent removal of waste; high level of energy; balanced hormone system and low stress-levels; reduced inflammation; and a high ratio of helpful bacteria to harmful bacteria.
The first step was to introduce abundance into Otto's diet, especially greens - so we implemented two big, green juices a day (kale, celery, chard, cucumber, apple, coconut oil for example) and a big salad for lunch. At the same time we eliminated or greatly reduced toxic or acidifying foods: meat, sugar, alcohol, coffee, most dairy (except a small amount of additive and sugar free yogurt) wheat/gluten, anything processed, anything with preservatives, and anything inorganically grown. Special attention is paid to maintain a glycemic index (processing of sugars) that is balanced. This is approached by eliminating all sugars except for those found in fruits and grains. Even so, there is special care given to the way these sugars are consumed. For instance, fruits are only consumed with oils (coconut, avocado) to balance the glycemic index of the sugars in the fruit. Fruits are also kept at a small percentage of the diet in relation to veggies! Also, foods like white rice and bread (even gluten free!) are removed from the diet as the body's process of digesting these foods creates a spike in the glycemic index. A large amount of seeds and sprouts are included in the diet, as these foods a very beneficial at the cellular level. The diet also includes a selection of "super-foods" (foods that are extraodinarily dense in proteins, anti-oxidants, fatty acids (omega 3), and a variety of phytonutrients), such as cacao, acai, goji berries, hemp seeds/powder/oil, spirulina and chlorella. Also, the body's supply of necessary healthful bacteria is expanded by including a number of pro-biotic foods such as apple cider vinegar, kombucha, kimchi, and high-quality yogurt.
Overall the diet is designed to change the pH of Otto's body in an alkaline direction, as the relationship between the body's pH and cancer is well documented and tested (an alkaline body chemistry prevents, weakens, and lessen's the development and spread of cancer cells). The greens in his diet especially have an alkalizing effect, and Otto is receiving a twice-weekly IV of vitamin C and alkalizing herbs to hasten the difficult process of changing the body's pH>
Otto is doing exceptionally well with the diet, which is great because it is a major change from his old diet of meat, sweets, bread, coffee, and wine!
On top of the diet, there is a focus on stress-reduction through further lifestyle change as the stress-hormone cortisol has an incredibly toxic and acidifying effect on the body. This approach includes meditation and breathing (which Otto is beginning to really like), a focus on mindfulness while moving, visualizations and encouraging spiritual/philosophical presentations and discussions. Of course the relaxed pace of life in the Costa Rican jungle helps as well as does the infinite sunshine!
We are also still really focusing on creative work, which adds meaning and purpose to the day, helps to process all the changes/evolutions on an experiential, non-intellectual level, and reduces stress as well.
Otto is also seeing two doctors, Dr. Edgardo Maya, and Dra. Mariella Tanzi. Dr. Maya works with Otto phsychologically, spiritually, and energetically, and Dra. Tanzi does neural therapy with Otto. The last session with Dr. Maya was very powerful, using constellation therapy (role-played hypothetical interaction with people close to him who are deceased), and Otto felt an enormous impact. He says he feels as though a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The neural therapy utilizes injections in areas of Otto's body which have been the subject of physical trauma in the past. These injections stimulate the autonomous nervous system in these areas which are shown with a bio-feedback machine to be functioning on an electro-magnetic level out of synchronization with the rest of Otto's body. The aim of this therapy is to stimulate these areas into vibrating at the optimal frequency, thus improving the harmony and efficiency of the body's myriad systems to maintain health.
Otto really feels very good about all 3 of the people working with him and his attitude is increasingly positive.
The primary focus of the treatment program is lifestyle change, and diet is the centerpiece of this approach. A very specific diet has been designed by Carla Perez-Galicia, a holistic nutrition coach based in San Jose. As the title, holistic nutrition coach, suggests, she is much more than just a nutritionist. She is an adept spiritual adviser as well, and Otto really resonates with what she has to share about nutrition and beyond at our weekly sessions.
The diet is an alkalizing diet that also focuses on restoring the body's innate natural abilities to function at a high level: strong, efficient immune system; healthy, vibrant cells; reduction of toxins and fluent removal of waste; high level of energy; balanced hormone system and low stress-levels; reduced inflammation; and a high ratio of helpful bacteria to harmful bacteria.
The first step was to introduce abundance into Otto's diet, especially greens - so we implemented two big, green juices a day (kale, celery, chard, cucumber, apple, coconut oil for example) and a big salad for lunch. At the same time we eliminated or greatly reduced toxic or acidifying foods: meat, sugar, alcohol, coffee, most dairy (except a small amount of additive and sugar free yogurt) wheat/gluten, anything processed, anything with preservatives, and anything inorganically grown. Special attention is paid to maintain a glycemic index (processing of sugars) that is balanced. This is approached by eliminating all sugars except for those found in fruits and grains. Even so, there is special care given to the way these sugars are consumed. For instance, fruits are only consumed with oils (coconut, avocado) to balance the glycemic index of the sugars in the fruit. Fruits are also kept at a small percentage of the diet in relation to veggies! Also, foods like white rice and bread (even gluten free!) are removed from the diet as the body's process of digesting these foods creates a spike in the glycemic index. A large amount of seeds and sprouts are included in the diet, as these foods a very beneficial at the cellular level. The diet also includes a selection of "super-foods" (foods that are extraodinarily dense in proteins, anti-oxidants, fatty acids (omega 3), and a variety of phytonutrients), such as cacao, acai, goji berries, hemp seeds/powder/oil, spirulina and chlorella. Also, the body's supply of necessary healthful bacteria is expanded by including a number of pro-biotic foods such as apple cider vinegar, kombucha, kimchi, and high-quality yogurt.
Overall the diet is designed to change the pH of Otto's body in an alkaline direction, as the relationship between the body's pH and cancer is well documented and tested (an alkaline body chemistry prevents, weakens, and lessen's the development and spread of cancer cells). The greens in his diet especially have an alkalizing effect, and Otto is receiving a twice-weekly IV of vitamin C and alkalizing herbs to hasten the difficult process of changing the body's pH>
Otto is doing exceptionally well with the diet, which is great because it is a major change from his old diet of meat, sweets, bread, coffee, and wine!
On top of the diet, there is a focus on stress-reduction through further lifestyle change as the stress-hormone cortisol has an incredibly toxic and acidifying effect on the body. This approach includes meditation and breathing (which Otto is beginning to really like), a focus on mindfulness while moving, visualizations and encouraging spiritual/philosophical presentations and discussions. Of course the relaxed pace of life in the Costa Rican jungle helps as well as does the infinite sunshine!
We are also still really focusing on creative work, which adds meaning and purpose to the day, helps to process all the changes/evolutions on an experiential, non-intellectual level, and reduces stress as well.
Otto is also seeing two doctors, Dr. Edgardo Maya, and Dra. Mariella Tanzi. Dr. Maya works with Otto phsychologically, spiritually, and energetically, and Dra. Tanzi does neural therapy with Otto. The last session with Dr. Maya was very powerful, using constellation therapy (role-played hypothetical interaction with people close to him who are deceased), and Otto felt an enormous impact. He says he feels as though a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The neural therapy utilizes injections in areas of Otto's body which have been the subject of physical trauma in the past. These injections stimulate the autonomous nervous system in these areas which are shown with a bio-feedback machine to be functioning on an electro-magnetic level out of synchronization with the rest of Otto's body. The aim of this therapy is to stimulate these areas into vibrating at the optimal frequency, thus improving the harmony and efficiency of the body's myriad systems to maintain health.
Otto really feels very good about all 3 of the people working with him and his attitude is increasingly positive.
Monday, February 24, 2014
We had a great weekend. Another surprise visitor, Julian's cousin Jamie, who lives a couple hours away in Monteverde, Costa Rica, came down to hang out with us for the weekend. We went to a soccer game at the national stadium in San Jose. It was the biggest game of the year in Costa Rica, between the two best teams. Otto really enjoyed going to the game as he was a professional soccer player himself years ago.
The diet is still going great, we both feel fantastic and its becoming an enjoyable routine. We'll have a detailed description of what the diet entails and why in the upcoming blog, but for now here's an example of a salad we had the other day, featuring: lettuce, spinach, green beans, red pepper, sunflower sprouts, strawberries, golden raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sea salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
We also created more!
Otto: "Intention"
Julian: "Intention"
Otto: "Tranquility"
Julian: "Tranquility"
Thursday, February 20, 2014
We had a surprise visitor to our little corner of the jungle yesterday. We were happy to find out after we moved in that a friend of our's from back home in New York is living just a half hour away from us working on her own project. She hung out for the afternoon, had salad and juice with us, and helped us work on our movie.
Christine recorded Otto's endless epic stories while Julian made juice.
More artwork happened too! Otto: "Abundance"
Julian: "Abundance"
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Yesterday was an epic day! It was our first day driving in Costa Rica. We successfully navigated the rush hour San Jose traffic without using a GPS. We were able to quickly and easily arrive at the office of Dr. Edgardo Maya for Otto's afternoon appointment without getting lost, drive across the city to the organic grocery store, and then get back to our house by sunset. It was supposed to be 1.5 hrs round trip for all the stops but it ended up being closer to 3 as the traffic was congested and chaotic, and we were unable to get onto the on-ramp for the highway as a result, so we got a wild and winding side tour of San Jose in the process circumnavigating the obstacles of one-way streets and unmarked exits to re-arrive at the highway and make our way to the Green Center grocery store. The amazing thing is that we had neither map nor GPS with us, but rather made our way by looking at google maps for 10 minutes or so before we left and remembering the random and unsigned turns from an hour long taxi ride 5 days before. We did however have confidence and purpose on our side, and the necessary navigational outcomes manifested themselves with adept and fluid synchronicity. Julian woke up yesterday a bit nervous about the whole day's driving agenda, but today is excited for more time driving our little stick-shift Suzuki Celerio around the city and countryside with impatient Tico driver's cutting in front of us, reggae bumping on the stereo, wind rushing through our hair, and smiles on our faces.
The appointment with Dr. Maya was another endeavor in manifesting success against improbable odds. Dr. Maya's English is roughly on par with Julian's Spanish - more or less non-functional - yet through necessity of purpose, slow and focused discourse, and the sheer power of consciousness, we transcended these limitations to have a powerful and productive visit. It helped mucho that Dr. Maya's ability to read English was just fine and he was able to fully interpret Otto's medical records, and as we warmed up, his spoken English crawled out of the woodwork as did Julian's Spanish, which has never been studied but rather collected from a variety of short travel's in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Morocco, and reading signs in the subway in NYC.
Dr. Maya specializes in bio-energetics, and has himself recovered from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (the same type of cancer that Otto has in his chest) and survived a further 30 years. Through measuring biological rhythms and energies, he was able to discern with freakish accuracy major life events, beginning in Otto's childhood, that have been the roots of his current physical condition. He explained that in traditional Chinese medicine, both lymphoma as an illness and the lungs as organs are associated with sadness. He interpreted that the lymphoma has its roots in the sadness in Otto's life, especially during his childhood in a refugee camp in WWII Austria and in relationship to his father who died in the war and he never met. Furthemore, he associated the lymphoma and its spread to other areas of the body to be associated with the consumption of wheat, which has been eliminated from Otto's diet since we arrived in Costa Rica. He predicted a positive outcome with Otto's cancers, and believes that the lifestyle and diet changes currently being addressed during this journey will prove the key to the successful outcome. He said that the cancer in fact does not worry him as too large an obstacle, but rather his focus for raising Otto's health will be addressing the Parkinson's Disease which ails him. This he said is the biggest health concern in his eye, and implored that Otto take his medications for Parkinson's with discipline as prescribed. (Otto frequently avoids taking them either due to forgetfulness or aversion to their side-effects) He also suggested Otto implement a large amount of papaya in to his diet, as papaya contains compounds that have been shown to strengthen and steady the nervous. system. Also white onions were prescribed to be consumed in great amounts as they are powerful in increasing the efficacy of the white blood cells, which are greatly affected by the lymphoma. Finally he predicted that Otto would not die from his cancers, but would rather die of a heart attack many years from now - a quick and relatively painless conclusion to magical life!
The appointment with Dr. Maya was another endeavor in manifesting success against improbable odds. Dr. Maya's English is roughly on par with Julian's Spanish - more or less non-functional - yet through necessity of purpose, slow and focused discourse, and the sheer power of consciousness, we transcended these limitations to have a powerful and productive visit. It helped mucho that Dr. Maya's ability to read English was just fine and he was able to fully interpret Otto's medical records, and as we warmed up, his spoken English crawled out of the woodwork as did Julian's Spanish, which has never been studied but rather collected from a variety of short travel's in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Morocco, and reading signs in the subway in NYC.
Dr. Maya specializes in bio-energetics, and has himself recovered from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (the same type of cancer that Otto has in his chest) and survived a further 30 years. Through measuring biological rhythms and energies, he was able to discern with freakish accuracy major life events, beginning in Otto's childhood, that have been the roots of his current physical condition. He explained that in traditional Chinese medicine, both lymphoma as an illness and the lungs as organs are associated with sadness. He interpreted that the lymphoma has its roots in the sadness in Otto's life, especially during his childhood in a refugee camp in WWII Austria and in relationship to his father who died in the war and he never met. Furthemore, he associated the lymphoma and its spread to other areas of the body to be associated with the consumption of wheat, which has been eliminated from Otto's diet since we arrived in Costa Rica. He predicted a positive outcome with Otto's cancers, and believes that the lifestyle and diet changes currently being addressed during this journey will prove the key to the successful outcome. He said that the cancer in fact does not worry him as too large an obstacle, but rather his focus for raising Otto's health will be addressing the Parkinson's Disease which ails him. This he said is the biggest health concern in his eye, and implored that Otto take his medications for Parkinson's with discipline as prescribed. (Otto frequently avoids taking them either due to forgetfulness or aversion to their side-effects) He also suggested Otto implement a large amount of papaya in to his diet, as papaya contains compounds that have been shown to strengthen and steady the nervous. system. Also white onions were prescribed to be consumed in great amounts as they are powerful in increasing the efficacy of the white blood cells, which are greatly affected by the lymphoma. Finally he predicted that Otto would not die from his cancers, but would rather die of a heart attack many years from now - a quick and relatively painless conclusion to magical life!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
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