In Memory

In Memory of
Suzanne M. Ringersen
BORN: February 8, 1958
DIED: August 10, 2011

The Inspiration for Three Baskets Family Retreats

Cancer Massage Letting go . . .

Three Baskets: Letting go . . .

Cancer and Nutrition

We are preparing to launch individual and family retreats focused on nutrition and other self care modalities.

Letting go . . .

"Letting Go" was the theme of my week-long workshop at Mercy St. Vincent's hospital in Toledo, Ohio. It could not have been more appropriate of a theme as at this time in my life as I am letting go of so many things - a virtual "free fall" where at times I think I will never land . . .

This workshop was a five day hospital intensive for oncology massage. There were five of us in the class, and two instuctors. We spent five days applying gentle massage and comfort touch to those suffering from cancer, among many other things. We worked both in an inpatient and in an outpatient facility. I summarized my thoughts for the week today at our sharing at the end of our workshop:

This week has brought me to a new level of confidence and comfortability in my massage work that I did not expect . . . it has allowed me to apply my knowledge, and to tap into parts of myself that have been left dormant for many years.

I have also been made aware that there is so much more to learn; I am excited to begin this new journey in my life.

As I shared with my classmates and instructors in the beginning of the workshop, I knew this week was both a beginning and an end for me - I have been working diligently on letting go of my old roles and my old life where I walked for years as though asleep.

I am sitting today in the hospital lobby and I liken this week to the turnstile doors rotating before me - I stepped in with only a shadow of an idea of where these doors would lead and now I am stepping out back into the world and into a new beginning.

I have had guardian angels by my side to guide me all week - my classmates, my instructors, the hospital staff and most important of all, the patients - those that allowed me into their personal space, and whose beings were open to their own healing and letting go.

I am grateful for this amazing experience, and for being able to embrace "letting go".

Join the Health Fair & Expo

The Three Baskets’ Health Fair offers a unique opportunity for organizations and professionals to join forces in an innovative project that will generate major media attention and reach a diverse community of participants.

The Three Baskets’ Health Fair offers a forum for diverse groups of people and organizations to share a common experience that promotes public dialogue and unity within health care communities.  Three Baskets believes that a forum that provides an opportunity for all participants to speak and listen has a transformative power for all participants and is a catalyst for promoting cooperation and understanding to improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer and their families.
 

Become a Professional Participant Today!

Visit us on the web at www.threebaskets.org Or call 828-628-6206

Three Baskets' Mission

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Three Baskets’ mission is to offer family retreats, referral services and community education workshops that introduce local Oncology Services, Organizations, Medical Professionals and Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) to those living with cancer, their families and the entire community. These services act as a complement to conventional medical treatment. We believe that those living with cancer, and their families, should have access to many tools on their journey. Our organization addresses the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those striving to live a better quality of life.

Sincerely

Susan Hayden
Director, Three Baskets's

Three Baskets' is a nonprofit 501 (3) (C) status pending.  Fiscal sponsor is Serenity Insight Meditation Center all donations are tax deductible and should be made to Serenity Insight Meditation Center and mailed to: 888 GASH ROAD, MILLS RIVER NC 28759

A Renewed Respect for the Body . . .

Well, I am back from a six-day workshop in Perrysburg, Ohio. Held at the Healing Arts Institute, this Manual Lymphatic Drainage workshop was presented by Klose Training (www.klosetraining.com). A nine-hour drive from my still-snowy home, I realized that all the snow that is left in the U.S. is in my yard! A clear, dry drive along Lake Erie convinced me that old man winter has taken up residence for good in Saratoga Springs!

Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted in true Ohioan fashion by the proprieter of the B & B that was to be my home for a week. I settled in, completely unaware of what lay ahead.

Monday morning started the first of six nine-hour days (ok, five - our instructor let us go early on Saturday!), not including the time spent studying every night. I managed to get in a nice walk and a good bath every day but the week was long and grueling.

By week's end, I had a whole new perspective of the human body. I had learned more about the lymphatic system than I ever thought I could - right down to the cellular level and the little hair-like pumps that keep the lymph flowing (yes, despite popular belief, the lymph system has it's own pumping system in place!).

The massage technique we learned was gentle and subtle - it was our job to help direct the flow of lymph through the body, moving it around injured areas, and helping with pain and swelling. How does this all relate to cancer you ask? Well, cancer surgery and radiation is the number one cause in this country of a condition called Lymphedema. Lymphedema has no cure, and must be managed for the duration of a person's life. It is the swelling of the extremities, and it can become quite debilitating.

So now I have another designation after my name - CMLDT (Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist - that's a mouthful!) - to add to LMBT (Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist). What all this means for me is that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn even more about the amazing human body, and to be better able to help others improve their quality of life.

So Happy Spring to all! Enjoy the blossoming and blooming and all the miracles of life . . .

Hot Stuff!

We can certainly use some "hot stuff" to warm us through these chilly March days . . . the snow accumulation up here in the north country has been record-breaking, and now rain, more snow and ice challenges our already winter-weary beings!

In February I had the good fortune to attend a Hot Stones Massage workshop, and it was wonderful! The comfort and warmth of the hot stones permeates deep into the muscles, releasing and relaxing the whole body! This allows for deeper massage work to be accomplished . . . warning: this technique is NOT recommended for those with cancer.

On the Three Baskets front, things are happening very quickly! We have received our first donations, totaling over $10,000! This is such exciting news! We are in the process of signing a contract with our fiscal sponsors, and all donations will be tax deductible. Sue and I have been working diligently at getting all the paperwork completed that is necessary for our 501(c)3 status with both the state and the IRS. Sue has been an especially busy gal working on strategy, a business plan, and an operating expense report for Three Baskets.

I will be continuing on the practical front by attending a week-long workshop this month on the technique of Manual Lymphatic Drainage at the Healing Arts Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio (http://www.haiohio.com/).

Sue has also been busy promoting personal and business growth, as well as Three Baskets, through the development of her lecture and workshop series. The first of the series will be presented this weekend at the Women's Wellness & Education Center in Asheville (http://www.ashevillewomenswellness.com/Calendar-of--Sponsored-Events.html). Come on down and join Sue for an afternoon of inspiration!

We are laying the groundwork for what has become a living, breathing, growing entity in and of itself, whose mission is to offer integrative holistic healing, free of charge, to cancer patients and their families. Three Baskets is gaining momentum, and we feel privileged to be a part of it.

Three Basket's first retreat is planned for August of this year, and we are looking for volunteers to help out any way they can! Healing practitioners, business people, techies and spiritual gurus - all are welcome to join in the Three Baskets effort!

Continuing to grow . . .

Here we are, deep in the heart of winter where all is so still and quiet. Three Baskets is continuing to grow. We are now working with new cancer patient. She is a breast cancer survivor, and a joy to do healing work with.

I am pleased to announce we have a new space at Dr. Szurek's office in Saratoga Springs, where we can work with those who don't require that we come to their home (http://www.szurekchiropractic.com/index.htm).

Sue is happily back at Morgan Hill focusing on developing her Reiki workshops which will soon be available for all of those interested (www.mountainreiki.org).

I am going to be attending a Hot Stones Massage Therapy Workshop in February way up near Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks (http://www.amtamassage.org/events/detail/2724). The new stones have arrived in the mail, and everyone is anxious to try out them out!

Please stay safe and warm, and enjoy the beautiful snow while it lasts!

Following your dream

New Year Blessings to All..........May 2011 be a time in your life that you have the faith to follow your dreams, the courage to do the will of GOD and the knowing that everything belongs.

Sometimes things are very clear, the direction to take, the words to say and the people to allow in to our lives. Yet often times I find life confusing. Why am I not in the "flow"?

For today:
I will sit quietly and listen to myself
I will pray and meditate
I will allow my dreams to surface
I will trust that I can do the will of my Father
I will take the necessary steps in faith
I will believe that all will be revealed to me
I will notice miracles
I will LOVE

AMEN....SO BE IT

Healthy Retreat Recipes

I hope you all had a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! A time for counting our blessings, and sharing with friends and families. I took a little break from my day-to-day life, and headed down to Morgan Hill for some R & R. While I was there, I decided to put together some very simple, cancer prevention meals! One favorite meal was Pepper Tumeric Salmon with Sauteed Swiss Chard and Sauteed Sweet Potatoes & Carrots. Yum! I posted the recipes under "Retreat Recipes".

Eating healthy can be very simple and flavorful . . . if at all possible, buy organic! Fresh vegetables and fish, if prepared right, taste great!

Don't be afraid to eat greens, which should be eaten every day - sauteed in garlic and oil even the kids will love them . . .

Three Baskets at Morgan Hill Retreat: Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Pyramid

Three Baskets at Morgan Hill Retreat: Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Pyramid

Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Pyramid

Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Pyramid

It is a privilege to work with you . . .

Since I last posted on the blog autumn has began it's transition into winter here in the Adirondacks. The leaves have all fallen, and the early morning frost has halted all signs of life. The only thing left blooming in our garden are three very resiliant pansies that refuse to give up their lovely brightness despite Jack Frost's frequent icy kisses . . .

Three Baskets has also begun it's exciting transition . . . into education and healing, leaving us practioners feeling awed, inspired and privileged. Having been placed in the public eye by a very nice article written about Three Baskets in Saratoga Today (a local newspaper), we received a phone call from a lovely young woman recently diagnosed with liver cancer after having just recovered from colon cancer. She asked for our "Cellular Restoration" treatment, which consists of three sessions of reiki and massage (practiced on the patient at the same time).

What an empowering experience we had! This young woman was a ray of sunshine - she had a wonderful positive attitude, and great energy. She was so receptive to our healing touch that we all healed together on many levels.

Our new friend will be having surgery in a couple of weeks and we are privileged to have been invited to work with her while she recovers from surgery and begins chemotherapy. In the meantime, we will keep her in our hearts and prayers.

Breast Cancer walk in Albany

We did it!  My first ever breast cancer walk with the ACS (american cancer society)
The walk was in downtown Albany and was packed to the hilt, what a turnout of support.
I will do this again!

Experience with Cancer

This is my first time blogging so here it goes!

I don't know where to start, other than to tell my story regarding cancer. It is not only my story, but my family's.

Watching someone you love die is the worst one can do. All there is to do is watch & try to deal with the insanity of it all while keeping your sanity. Seeing first my Father & then my sister die 7 years later has been life changing. Trying to describe it is virtually impossible; my Mother, brothers, nieces, nephews & myself still feel the empty spaces when we are together knowing that we are no longer whole and never will be again. We don't talk about it, but it's there. We do talk about Dad & Kelley often with lots of laughter & some tears.

While we were in the midst of it all, there were no resources to really explain to us what was going on. No offering of spiritual guidance, no where to go to deal with it all as a family and as individuals. There was no talk of taking care of oneself so that we could take care of our dying loved ones, no place to turn in our desperation and time of need.

I know that Morgan Hill Retreat will be the place that we needed back then and will help many people through such enormously difficult times, whether the prognosis is good or bad, it will be a place of refuge for the soul.

Gentle Touch Massage, Cancer and Gratitude

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending a three-day workshop entitled "Massage for People Living with Cancer". It took place at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester, New York. It is the first of many workshops, and many hours of training required to become oncology certified in massage.

What I experienced there was inspiring - I spent three very full days, 8 hours a day, in a room with 20 other bodyworkers. We were all there for one purpose - to learn how to best provide massage and comfort to those who are suffering, or who have suffered with cancer. I learned how cancer affects people not only physically, but emotionally, and spiritually. I learned that the gift of Gentle Touch is one of the greatest gifts we can share with those who suffer with cancer - from the first diagnosis to the last treatment and beyond. Gentle massage helps to maintain quality of life, positive spirits and, most importantly, hope and dignity.

We were honored to have a guest come in and share her body and experience with us. She had a double mastectomy with no reconstructive surgery. She courageously showed us the scars on her chest, and spoke of her emotional scars that were not so visible to our eyes. She shared how massage has helped her to cope through her treatment, and how it continues to help her cope as a cancer survivor today.

At the end of the workshop, we were all able to work with someone who is, or was, suffering from cancer. I had a moving experience massaging a woman who had cancer in her left breast. She went through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. She still lives with the very real fear of reoccurance. The best gift I received from her was her sharing with me from her heart - she told me how she lives each moment as fully and completely as she possibly can, and how she has found a level of peace and joy she has never had before as a result of her gratitude for life. What a profound lesson for us all.

Living Mindfully in Changing Times

Sue was introduced to me as a mortgage broker back in 2008 when I was searching for a place to set up a meditation center in western North Carolina for Bhante U Jotika Bhivumsa, a Burmese Buddhist monk. When we finally met, it was not to talk about finances but to get together to meditate. From that first meeting onwards, we met weekly at Sue’s house for meditation under Bhante’s guidance. Although I knew Sue could help me secure a mortgage loan, we hardly even talked about finances.

After a few weeks Sue offered her home for us to stay while searching for a place. We were very grateful as she hardly knew us. We never did get to accept her offer. Soon afterwards, we found a place to live in Arden. In early 2009, we found a suitable place for our center in Mills River. It was during that time that I lost track of Sue. She had temporarily moved back to New York. We sent Sue our programs hoping she would find the time to come and visit us and sit with us. Some of our mutual friends came but Sue did not show up. I remember I felt a deep sadness then. In the crossroads of a lifetime, I met someone who is warm, helpful, sensitive, courteous and kind. Then, she was gone. If I had known what Sue was going through then, letting go of a business and planning a new life for herself, maybe I might not have been so sad.

Now, more than one year later, I am on Morgan Hill Retreat’s website, catching up with Sue’s work, and feeling a great sense of joy for her. I guess in a way we all are destined to do what has been carved out as our destination in life. It takes a lot of courage and resilience to do what Sue is doing now. Dealing with one friend, one patient, one colleague with cancer can be overwhelming. Nevertheless Sue has chosen this path where she will meet and help people who have cancer, or are recovering from it. I will do all I can to help her.

With autumn comes change . . .

As autumn begins to ripen, and the harvest moon hangs heavy in the sky, we all feel a sense of change in the air. My ten year old and I made our first visit to the local apple farm for our favorite fresh picked Honeycrisp apples (read about apples and cancer prevention at www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20041018/apple-day-for-cancer-prevention ).

I also attended a wonderful yoga/detox/meditation class at my very favorite yoga studio in Glens Falls, New York - Lemon Tree Yoga (www.lemontreegyoga.com) - and enjoyed over four hours of sweating and detoxification - spiritual, emotional and physical!

This cancer retreat continues to evolve - Sue Hayden is currently working on an inspired new name for the retreat, and on all the legalities involved with New York and North Carolina states. I have gone back to school to continue my education and to get my degree in management & wellness. One of my courses this semester is Nonprofit Management! Very exciting stuff.

On the healing side, I am also very excited to be taking my first course towards getting my certification in oncology massage. I will be attending a course entitled "Massage for People Living with Cancer" at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester, New York the first weekend in October (www.massage-school.com).

On a sad note, my life continues to be touched on an almost daily basis by those suffering from cancer. At my current job (I presently work in the HR office in a large school district) I see many suffer from this crushing disease. We recently lost two employees - one to non hodgkin's lymphoma at age 53, and one to brain cancer at age 43. There are three employees that I know of who have been recently diagnosed - and these are young women in their 30's and 40's - a school nurse with pancreatic cancer, a teacher with colon cancer, and yet another teacher with stomach cancer. I feel there is such a tremendous need for what this cancer retreat will offer - complimentary/alternative healing (also known as CAM - complimentary/alternative medicine - read more about it at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/) that I feel blessed to be motivated to do this work, and to follow in the footsteps of Sue's inspiration.

I encourage all of you who are reading this blog to post your stories, ideas and inspirations about cancer, healing, wellness, etc - if you are interested in posting, and have not already been invited to be an author (this allows you to post), please contact Sue at info@morganhillretreats.com.

And if you are inspired to help out with this endeavor, and become part of the Morgan Hill Retreat team, please contact us.

On a final note, I encourage you all to invite wellness into your lives. Begin with a good green drink every day (we suggest Vibrant Health's Field of Greens - easily purchased on www.amazon.com), an exercise routine that you enjoy, and a spiritual practice that inspires you.

Enjoy the last days of summer, and the first of autumn's harvest bounty!

My Sister.............My Teacher

With 1 week left of a 10 week school holiday I feel a sense of desire to know what I have accomplished these past 9 weeks and how it will move me forward in this journey we call life. The questions are many and most unanswered. My mindfulness reminds me of the process of simply being, of the presence of that pesky ego and of the many doubts I harbor. Where am I going, when, with whom, am I on the right road, is it Gods will and how will I know? After a meditation or prayer session I feel the peace and the desire for extended quiet. I am reminded of my place in this universe and of being other than all of my physicality's, yet I am equally drawn toward the doing of more, of different, of better ideas, plans, suggestions for myself and others. I ponder how to fix, support, change, accomplish and heal. OH MY GOODNESS, here I go again, out of the present and into the past and future.

I come to the ocean, my place of infinite possibilities. Robert Moses State Park (field 3), a beautiful day; quiet, breezy, sunny and tranquil. Perfect! I have had many days here. Some 50 plus years ago I was brought here by my parents on a ferry from Long Island. The bridge yet to be built. In the fall of 2006, I brought my father here shortly before his death. I didn't know then, as he walked toward the ocean and stood alone gazing into the vastness that he was saying goodbye to a place he courted my mother and taught his children to ride the surf. His strength and confidence gone that day. Today, I find it lives inside of me as I sit here remembering the many gifts he shared by loving the ocean as he did.

This summer has been remarkable in ways I seem to dismiss when I focus on tomorrow. The "Angels" helped me to manifest my dream beach house, a vacation I shared with my children and grandson. My son and his wife conceived a child and remained faithful when they were told the pregnancy was at risk. They endured the fear that news provoked and triumphed in the end. Our "butternut" will arrive in the late winter and our family is rejoicing at the glory of God and the miracle this baby has already become.

As August approached I sensed a need to go deeper into my being. I had a desire to establish a practice of self care that would sustain me through the next phase of my life. As I recommitted myself to the practice of yoga on my mat I opened up to the idea of embracing my sister Susan Hayden as my teacher. Susan has been studying mindfulness meditation with her teacher at a monastery in North Carolina. I knew I needed to spend more time in meditation yet I found it increasingly difficult to sit still for any amount of time. I also knew that if I wanted to be true to a healthier life style I needed to take a seriously look at the foods and thoughts I allowed access to my body. Susan had spent the better part of a year establishing Morgan Hill Retreat House. After our fathers death and a near fatal car accident she retreated to her home in the mountains of North Carolina. Her time there brought great healing, insight and a commitment to serve. I asked her to help me, she humbly agreed.

On July 24th (2010) I returned from the beach house and went directly to her home in Bay Shore. It was on her porch that day that we continued on our journey as sisters, friends, student and teacher. My sister has always been a person I adore. As her 8 year senior, I remember the night she was born. I treasure her beautiful being and the uniqueness she has carried with her from the beginning of time. It is an honor to be able to say this and it comes from a place deep inside of me. It has not always been easy for us to be who we desire to be in each others lives. The blessing is that we always return and in each return the gift that is offered is received. As women approaching the 2nd half of live, we have committed to walk together and I know this is Gods will for us.

In many ways Susan has not changed from the generous, courageous, insightful, heart centered 2 year old that danced around our house in her topless bathing suit and cowgirls boots. She entertained us, befriended all she met, stole the hearts of many, brought home the weary, challenged herself to greatness, bore her burdens silently and continued to dream of making a difference. It does not surprise, yet delights me that she travels to those that need her support and healing. Life has taught her much about pain and suffering as well as strength, mercy and rejoicing.

So here we are, on her porch and I am learning about sitting still, honoring my experiences, listening to my body and breathing. We share our thoughts and ideas for what seems like minutes and yet hours have gone by. Being in her presence is timeless. She is honest, forthright, confident, humble and open. She explains to me that we are partners in this journey. She teaches me to listen and trust myself.

Susan traveled back and forth from Long Island to Saratoga to North Carolina all month. We kept in communication often as I shared my experiences of all we were working on together. With her guidance I began to emulsify veggies and fruits and I began to practice mindful mediation. At those moments, and there were some duzzies, when I simply forgot the power to balance my mind by breathing I would call her. Her calm voice instructed me on the steps I need to take in order to change the patterns that were established long ago. Without judgment or impatience she listened. I gathered the courage to be honest and authentic with her and she listened some more. I found myself relaxing and more willing to allow the newness to embrace me. Maybe, just maybe I can let go a bit more? It is similar to the postures I struggle with on the yoga mat. My lack of flexibility on the mat mimics the struggle I have with my mind and emotions. I am slowly learning to trust the breath. Having a teacher in invaluable......having your sister as your teacher is the ultimate blessing.

Today is September 1st. I return to work tomorrow and my "teacher" prepares to return to her home in North Carolina for a more extended period of time. As she renews her vows to herself surrounded by the very nature that brought her wholeness as a child I pray that God blesses her with the knowing the she is exactly where she needs to be, doing the will of our father in heaven.

With deep gratitude and love that you have chosen me as your sister,

Debra