SPIRITUALITY AND DIABETES: I AM VERY PROUD OF OUR OMAHA INDIAN PATIENTS WHO ARE USING INSULIN PUMP FOR THEIR TYPE 2

SPIRITUALITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES AMONG AMERICAN INDIANS 
As part of a continuing education for our patients who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, we offer an hour plus long discussion over lunch, cooked by a member of the staff, once a week.
I was asked to talk to them, informally about Spirituality and their Health. It seemed strange to me, as I was talking to my teachers, as all I know about Indian Spirituality is what they have taught me
But they did say one: it is nice to hear it coming from you.
I would present an idea or concept and they would join in and discussing it or giving personal examples.
I will upload the slides that I showed them, and as is the custom, all persons appearing on these slides have given me their permission.

 Learning from an Arhuaco Indians from Santa Marta in Colombia in the streets of Cartagena.
When you cut down a tree in the Amazon Forest, more than just that tree dies, it is the diversity that is important.

 THE FANTASTICALLY SUCCESSFUL PEER TO PEER EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN CAMBODIA RUN BY MY FRIEND MAURITZ VAN PELT.

 It is from the Yogic philosophers that I first heard: when the student is ready the teacher would appear. It is applicable to American Indians as well, they do have a saying very similar to that. when they are ready, good results with regards to their health begin to appear, including more energy, better appearance, greater self satisfaction and self confidence 

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 This wonderful lady left us with so much to ponder over. We have the control over what we can do with  what comes our way: whether food, refilling your insulin pump, socializing, laughter. Especially important in dealing with individual, familial and communal grief.

 Yogic Breathing, Asana first thing in the morning as well as American Indian prayers all have shown to bring down Insulin levels in the morning.It has therapeutic implications in that we tend not to exercise American Indians in a fasting state.

 Not only American Indians but the entire world believe in the power of Prayers. Indians generally do not pray for themselves but for others. Collective prayers mixed with sacrifice has wonderful effects.

 Whose whose DNA telomeres are shortened by Stress of whatever cause, including looking after a dependent person, can be regenerated by plenty of Laughter.
American Indians have plenty of Laughter.

 Inipi in the backyard of an Omaha Indian in their reservation.

 this blog was completed while waiting for a flight in Singapore Airport. The Lounge had a delicious Laksa.