In January, I introduced you to Shelly Irmen, living in Cochrane with her husband, Scott and two young children, Lawson and Lucy. Shelly is a remarkable lady who took control of her MS in an unconventional way. Although multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, varied forms of treatment are available. Shelly’s method of managing her ‘dis-ease’ is truly unique and it is her quest to share her journey with others.
Shelly chose a holistic approach; as Webster’s dictionary defines it “holistic is relating to or concerned with integrated wholes or complete systems rather than with the analysis or treatment of separate parts”. She begins with a healthy diet consisting of raw and fresh foods with 85 per cent of her diet being vegetables. Only fresh fruits and vegetables are used in all juices made at home in her juicer (for enzyme content) and are sure to please the most discriminate palates. Her treatment continues with Asana Yoga for posture and meditation (which she shares with friends in her home), positive thinking, appreciation of nature, love for animals, hypnotherapy, a strong spiritual connection and the practice of Zen.
“The mind is very controlling” says Shelly “The intent of Zen is to learn to open your mind and see more than what is before you.”
She invites people to access her website at www.mymindkeeper.com for motivational quotes, stories and fantastic recipes.
At our last interview, Shelly mentioned that her dream was to write a book. “I set an intention of what I want to do; then I do it,” said Shelly proudly.
Now, 20 months later the dream has now been realized, the book is published and the title — you guessed it —My Mind Keeper. It will intrigue people from all walks of life.
The book has undertones of motivational, inspirational and spiritual reading. It is so unique that you will not want to put it away. The book starts with her memoirs, talks about ‘the puzzle’ and has an interesting section of ‘living seeds’ such as laughter, animal companions, nourishing seeds, spiritual seeds and warns of toxic seeds. It discusses the body’s sensitivities, recognizing good fortune and has a chapter on reflection.
It includes many quotes to live by, to make you think, even smile or just feel better. The book is rounded out with healthy recipes and some amazing art work. Shelly is an artist, specializing in water colors and much of her work is discreetly displayed as water marks on several pages throughout.
In this day and age when our lifestyles are so busy that our patience wears thin, we all suffer from adversities of some sort. This book is a ‘must have’ for our coping strategies and is definitely a ‘keeper’.
Treat yourself to an enlightening evening with Shelly Irmen for the book launch, reading and signing at Java Jamboree on Oct. 4 from 6-8 p.m. My Mind Keeper will be for sale at Bentleys Books, on line at amazon.com and the Amaranth Whole Foods Market, 7 Arbour Lake Drive NW, Calgary.
“Life is not about the physical,” says Shelly, “it is about being less in the mind and living more in your heart. I am in my element when I’m doing everything right and on the way to enlightenment. That is my journey.”
