First off,…I recognize that I am not working in isolation…and that many of my ideas have evolved from reading (lots of reading, about lots of topics) and that while I contemplate solutions for our world…I do not know everything (or the historical context often) of every subject I write about.

While my Degree’s are in Health Care, specifically Advanced Nursing…many diverse certifications, most of which (Exercise and Nutrition Science and “Alternative and Complimentary Medicine) should be integrated into our Health Care System, I have lived “beyond” the walls and confining paradigms of the Traditional Health Care System. We all need to be passionate about transforming society…into one that is more empowering and where “health is your greatest wealth” is the underpinning of what makes for a successful life and legacy.

Without personal health we will struggle on many levels to fulfill all that we are meant to be, and finding peace…purpose and meaning to life…will be more of a challenge if we do not come to an appreciation of the conceptualization of “whole person health”. Whole person is further defined in the context of family,…occupation or career…relationships to greater communities in which we all should be engaged and contributory. The definition of “community” will need to be expanded beyond the geographic confines of “locale”…but rather, recognition that there are communities without borders, without boundaries and in which people in those communities may not ever get a chance to meet. The “on-line community” model of which can be facilitated through chat rooms and “blogs”, are without a doubt in my mind…the new “express-way” (double meaning) to a transformed society. These “on-line communities” where professionals, educators and lay-persons can all share insights and “their stories”, holds great promise…beyond what even I appreciate at this particular moment. One “borrowed” phrase I wish to present here, is that the “blogoshere” represents a New Democracy,…”the Purest form of Democracy” (thanks Katie)…and we will see greater freedoms and empowerment…peace and understanding for the future generations as a result of becoming engaged with others…in this shared fashion.

So, please read, ponder, reflect…but do reply, comment…or request to start your own blog…we can show you how…many of the one’s I have started are waiting for individuals, families or groups to “run with them”…I would remain as contributor and consultant…as I can.

Ecological Advocacy The buzz-words of the day from the political platforms will indeed evolve with emphasis on the environment…and they should (It’s about time…clearly…we have been far too tolerant).

While a self-proclaimed “naturalist” and labeled by some as a “tree-hugger”…I have not ever come forward in the role of “Activist”. Like any radical, fundamentalist or extremist group…there is often some risk of “collateral damage” that occurs when extreme measures (or philosophy) is applied forcefully or disrupts societies flow…Economic impact does and will result with radical transformation that does not recognize consequences that impact others. There is no doubt that modern society has impacted other forms of life and has exploited natural resources and “humankind” in it’s wake, to gain…prosperity. Colonialism is one such legacy that should be reflected on, as lessons from the past…in terms of economic exploitation.

For true empowerment…and a “True Democracy” to evolve…in the face of environmental transitions…there must be enlightenment and emancipation of the human spirit (finding of purpose and meaning of life…for all). Many power mongers still exist in this world or ours…there are still forms of colonialism not so much it’s typical form…while there is an “invasion” mindset that still exists). We know that most peoples in the world today are not free from exploitation (not a soul on this planet is). We have yet to see or establish a truly Just Society. So, in search of social justice, no “environmental solution” should move forward…or even be suggested from a political platform without “integrative review“.

Integrative Review…and ongoing revision would need to take place in consultation with Experts of Ecological Health. Health Care Professionals are typically educated and often practice in ‘Silo’s‘. Far too few have an orientation to the impact the environment is having on human health…and appreciate that human living (choices made…not out of necessity but for pleasure, comfort or social status often) has greatly impacted the environment…and that climate change will be witnessed first hand by future generations…in short, the market-based economy that has improved our living conditions has been socially unjust and irresponsible…it is long over-due that we take personal, professional and as a society or country…responsibility to resolve this situation under a New Paradigm. Greater intent must be made to ACT responsibly, in tandem with an enhanced Health Agenda , an Ecological Health Agenda…that goes beyond traditional boundaries of what most health professionals and agencies know to date. WE must Critically examine all Agenda’s, all underlying assumptions, power structures…which voices are being heard…who are behind the voices unheard (CHILDREN AND THE POOR), what is the Global Impact of all groups in the human family…what impact to other biological species… the animal and plant world…natural resources that are NEEDED for future generations…such as clean water…and clean air, must be protected and cherished.

So for now, I envision a direction for my life that is focused on integration of social services, utilizing Critical Social Theory as one lens in which to examine our world, and postulate solutions in Health. This would be inclusive of Ecological Health, Cultural Health, Social Health, Inter-relational Health, Intellectual Health, Emotional Health and of course my mainstay Physical Health. Wholeness, Healing, Health and Well-being…that is focus of my research and alignment to research and education. I intend on remaining attached to Universities that will assist in the research and education paradigm for future trans-disciplinary Health Care Professionals of which Nursing represents, Wholism and Caring as its Ethic.

More to come,

Dave