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 Doing
I revisit this quote during times of transition. It captures a common attribute of people I admire: answering the call to adventure. It is a concept Jordan Peterson discussed in a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, that my husband relayed to me. Dr. Peterson said the Biblical narrative is one of sacrifice and...
On Redemption
In light of Holy Week, it is fitting to reflect on redemption. In a Christian context, redemption is the process of making all things new (Rev 21:5). It is the story arch of the Bible from beginning to end – a loving God come to rescue his people through substitutionary sacrifice, which freely offers a perfect righteous...
On Fellowship
Today I reflect on fellowship. My family and I will be moving in May. As we approach the transition, I am appreciative for community. Aside from my husband, my church family has been my most constant influence during our 3-year chapter in Illinois. It is first a reminder that consistency is the best path to lasting...
On Truth
Recently I have been aware of the role of truth telling in patient care. The truth heals, but it is uncomfortable, which is why we go to great lengths to avoid it. Truth often needs to be revealed to us by someone else. This is why having long-term, loving, and challenging relationships is a critical part of maturation....
On Knowing
The training of doctors is centered on learning how to meet patient needs. This looks different in each case. For some, emergency care is needed. For others, it is pain management or disease control. Still for others, it is guidance and encouragement to make lifestyle changes. As naturopathic doctors who treat holistically...
On Trust
In times of distress, this concept is good medicine. For daily strife, I medicate with poetry. I enjoy the ornamental prose of doting adoration. Old language may be considered primitive, but it’s the best remedy I’ve found to endure the routine burden of life. But what about the times when life knocks you down? Not when...
On Eternity
According to Jewish tradition, King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. Together with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Songs, it comprises the books of wisdom, a collection of poetry that explores the human condition. Teachings on wisdom from the wisest man to live is likely worth reading, especially considering...
On Pain
As physicians who primarily treat pain, our curriculum is, in a way, dedicated to eliminating this undesirable state for our patients. We rarely, however, take time to consider the roots of pain itself. The perplexing mystery of course is why misfortune, or fortune for that matter, visits all of us disproportionately....
On Surrender
As students, we often lament that school is hard, implying an unspoken expectation that life should not be hard. This assumption is dangerous because beauty results from difficultly. The times in life when we are desperate invite us to recognize a grand plan, one that extends beyond our own life, and surrender to it...
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.