South Sound Healers Network

by Jennifer LeMay, M.A., C.Ht.

Moving from Seattle's Capitol Hill to Sumner several years ago was a huge culture shock for me! Obviously, the demographics were different. I was keenly aware of the differences between the South Sound and the Seattle area, especially in terms of holistic resources and awareness. My search began for my community, my tribe.

As a holistic psychotherapist, I often work closely with other practitioners for integrative client care. New to the area, I needed to find other local healers to refer my clients to for additional services.

In my counseling practice, I help my clients get in touch with their authentic self. The authentic self is often known as one's inner voice or intuition. My search for community was tied to living my life more authentically. As we step into our authenticity, we become more congruent with our core self, outwardly expressing our inner values. In making the choice to live more congruently, we ease stress both in ourselves and our relationships.

The more we expand our focus to include others' interests alongside our own, the more securely we build the foundations of our own happiness. -Je Gampopa of Tibet (1079-1153)

Aware of the power of The Law of Attraction, I began to put its principles in motion, actively creating the community I desired. What manifested was a mutually beneficial idea, creating both community for myself and a needed resource in this region.

The South Sound Healers Network (SSHN) was launched with the intention of creating community amongst local holistic practitioners and as an educational resource for the greater south-end community. This venture also satisfied my passions for educating people about natural healthcare and working to leave a legacy of health for future generations. I believe we must develop the resources we need to foster personal transformation and create a healthier community through social change and education.

Healing ourselves, our community and the environment deepens our understanding of healing and addresses the origins of ill health, social alienation, and disconnection from nature. Borrowing the words of poet Wendell Berry, "The spirit of healing transcends the individual to involve the whole community".

The South Sound Healers Network is committed to raising awareness about natural healthcare options and services, and serves to strengthen the presence of local healers within our community. Acting as change agents, we have created a resource to connect you with a diverse range of local practitioners and local resources for your journey towards optimal health and personal growth. I invite you to visit our website: www.southsoundhealers.com.

Through our actions we can create a sustainable community. The journey towards a healthier community calls on us to learn, grow and reflect deeply. It challenges us to create meaningful connections and realize there is enough to go around for all of us. What do we want in this community: personal health and happiness? Sustainable environment? Excellent schools? Freedom? Truth? The possibilities are endless. How do we participate to bring these hopes to fruition? How will you bring your values to life? I challenge you to ponder these questions and encourage you to be the change you seek! Namaste!

Jennifer LeMay, M.A., C.Ht. is a holistic psychotherapist in private practice in Tacoma specializing in mindfulness, relationships, parenting and attachment issues. To learn more about her services visit www.inspiritcounseling.org, or call 253-970-3182. Jennifer is also the founding member of the South Sound Healers Network: www.southsoundhealers.com.