Columbus Naturopathic Blog
Reflections on health and our ultimate source of healing
Morning mist over Blue Mountain Lake, NY
Autumn brush at Thatcher Woods in River Forest, IL
Seasonal Health: Light & Life
Did You Know? The light patterns shift more quickly around the spring and autumn equinoxes. The pineal gland is highly sensitive to light, which controls our circadian rhythms, endocrine system, and energy levels.
Health Tip: Get sunshine when you can! Take a cue from cultures that endure long winters. In Nordic countries, people prioritize spending time outdoors at midday — 15 minutes of sunlight on the face can do wonders to reset your internal clock and lift your mood.
Scripture: Our ultimate source of light and life comes from above. (John 8:12)
Blog Posts
On Identity
A friend recently said my husband and I remind him of the beginning scenes of Fight Club, when the main character attends various end-of-life support groups to treat his insomnia. I admit, he is observant. Hopefully I won’t start prowling
On Alcoholics Anonymous
Early this summer, at a time when I had recently moved to a new state and was looking for community, I saw a posting in a church bulletin advertising a meeting series for those seeking to heal…
Fathered by God
A few months ago I came across a book my brother gave to my husband. It was a book about being fathered by God, by that title, with the tagline, learning what your dad could never teach you…
On Broken Cisterns
This is my final post. It has been a nice companion. What the blank page lacks in generosity, it makes up for in patience. As my final address, I will reflect on the heart...
On Sabbath Rest
Today I reflect on rest. It was mentioned in a 1-credit class first trimester and never since. I speculate rest is the next nutrition, in the sense that eventually, people will realize a lack...
On Homecoming
The concept of homecoming is a strange one. It evokes thoughts of high school football games and the dread of not being asked to a dance, rivaled only by the fear of being asked...
Autumn tree in Glen Ellyn, IL
On Writing
I have enjoyed the practice of writing since I first learned as a child. These posts were written for the NUHS Blog, and I intend to resume the habit soon.
I came to enjoy Monday mornings — withdrawing to the library or clinic sauna to cocoon into a world of my own and contemplate health and healing.
A lot of help comes from my husband, Matthew. He walks with me daily to challenge and clarify the topics I wrestle with — things like meaning, truth, identity, mortality, marriage, friendship, work, beauty, forgiveness, and suffering — all within the context of our Christian faith.
Most of these walks occurred at Panfish Park in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This is a picture of the entrance to the path off Pershing Avenue. It served as an echo of Eden for me — a walled garden where I could commune and replenish at a time I needed it most.
Thank you for reading! If you would like to write a post, please reach out. I would be delighted to share the work of a fellow writer.
—Leah G.