Thank you 2024!
The healing power of nature!
Nature is truly awe-inspiring! There's nothing quite like the sensation of the outdoors, the vibrant wildlife, and the gentle touch of water as it caresses your fishing line. The Spring and Summer of 2024 have been a blessing for me and our 102 members. Our journey is all about the power of community and finding ways to heal from our losses together.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Rainbow Roundup at Schaffer’s Crossing in Pine, Colorado, for hosting our inaugural fishing event of the 2024 season, and to the Staunton State Park Angling Team for their continued support throughout the Summer and Fall. Reels of Hope SLSF is deeply thankful for your understanding and compassion towards those who have experienced loss to suicide. Your support has made this year's fishing events possible.
A special thank you goes out to our 102 brave members. Your commitment to our cause is the foundation of our community, and it’s all about your healing journeys. In 2025, Reels of Hope SLSF is dedicated to providing even more opportunities for outdoor therapy events. While we hope for greater participation, we celebrate the success of each event, regardless of the number of attendees. Every member matters.
We look forward to seeing more of you in 2025!
God bless you all!
Herbal Healing by Erica Turtura
Herbs have calming and healing properties that are amazing!
I’m here to tell you, herbs do work!
A friend of mine sent me a clip of an herb and information on it. The herb has calming and healing properties that are amazing, along with the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Since then I have purchased 9 books on herbal recipes, foraging, and medicinal uses. We have even created our collection of herbal recipes and uses. Our epic journey of learning how to grow, harvest, and use herbs has been rewarding.
We have created calming tea mixtures for anxiety and depression. Tinctures for pain relief, and health issues such as hormonal balance. Salves for skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, wound, and scar healing. My friend and I have tried some lotion recipes, but we have yet to find one that we like.
The reasons for my adventure in herbs are many, but it was my chronic pain that started me on this journey. I was in a car accident years ago. I relied heavily on ibuprofen and Advil, for inflammation and my sciatica pain. It has been about 9 months since I have taken any over-the-counter medications. I feel healthier, my pain has lessened considerably, and my skin feels and looks great. My only regret is waiting so long to start.
My family often becomes my testers, though convincing them to try some of the colorful (mostly green) concoctions can be challenging.
Amazingly enough most herbs grow right in my backyard. Of course, my yard is mostly weeds (not my fault, they were here when I moved in!). Did you know Rosemary can be used to improve memory, depression, headaches, circulatory problems, hair loss, and as an antifungal and antibacterial agent? Oregano can be used as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Why would you use Rosemary, or Oregano just in your spaghetti or on your pork chops?
The Mullein plant is another good herb. Mullein can be used as a tea, tincture, or in your tobacco pipe, to help clear the lungs. It is a big ugly plant that can grow over 6 feet tall, has fuzzy leaves, and yellow flowers. Another good list of herbs to keep on hand is Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and California Poppy. These herbs are great for anxiety, depression, and stress, and can have calming effects on the body and mind. Hops is another with a calming, almost sedative-like effect, and is more than just for beer. Peppermint and Ginger are known for calming upset bellies and helping the digestive tract. Red Clover is another herb that is treated poorly. Red Clover is packed with beneficial properties, vitamins, and minerals.
Herbs can be used in a variety of ways. Most herbs can be dried and used in teas, tinctures, or salves. Dried herbs can lose potency after a year. Tinctures can last one to ten years depending on the base used-alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. Salves…it depends on those, just use your nose.
Now keep in mind when working with herbs, some herbs may have the opposite effect on your body and mind for example: Ashwagandha and Kava Kava can have a calming almost sedative effect for some people, and others may have more anxiety with their use. It all depends on your body’s chemistry.
An important note of caution when working with herbs, some may have negative effects with certain medications. A good example is Saint John’s Wort. Saint John’s Wort should not be taken with antidepressant medications or melatonin. Other examples include Garlic in combination with blood thinners, Green Tea with Iron, and Gingko Biloba with omega-3 oils. Always research potential interactions with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Any combination of these herbs with these medications can have adverse effects:
Evening Primrose with Aspirin
Garlic with Clopidogrel
Saw Palmetto, Ginseng, Licorice, and Ginkgo Biloba with the medication Warfarin
What I have found through this journey is our bodies crave to be healthy. Why not help it along with the nutrients that nature gives us? With a bit of research, the possibilities are endless.
In upcoming posts, we provide additional information about herbal uses and how they can benefit the body’s healing processes.
What is Reels of Hope Suicide Loss Survivors Foundation?
Reels of Hope SLSF is an idea and philosophy.
During the meet and greet event, someone asked me about the Reels of Hope Suicide Loss Survivors Foundation. I felt it was important to provide a clear explanation of what the foundation is all about. To fully explain, I need to share my own experience with loss, but I'll try to keep it brief and meaningful.
The Reels of Hope Suicide Loss Survivors Foundation is both an idea and a philosophy. In this context, philosophy refers to a love of wisdom and self-reflection in pursuit of inner truth. Reels of Hope is the result of deep self-reflection on the pain and suffering caused by suicide loss, recognizing that hope is a powerful force that can lead to transformation and, eventually, forgiveness, starting a long healing journey. However, the question remains: Can we ever fully heal?
My Story
It is difficult to say this, but without the experience of the loss I endured, I would not be the person I am today. My life would have taken a different path, and I wouldn't be here writing or having started this foundation. It has been 30 years since my dad passed away. I remember it vividly, and it never goes away. I was in the second semester of my junior year, and it was February of 1995. The day was warm, one of those 70-degree days toward the end of February.
My dad had asked me to come home from school right away and promised to give me some gas money. I agreed, because what teenage mind would give up gas money? It was early afternoon when I returned home. I will never forget the quietness in the house and then finding him. The impact of that day had a lingering effect on my life, as it did on the entire family. It gave way to rapid, stressful changes that had a ripple effect like a pebble hitting a still pond. The loss echoes as the rings of the ripple spread out over the pond.
To cope with the loss, I began driving to the mountains with my fly rod and tackle box, visiting places like the South Platte River. I had always gone to the South Platte since it was my teenage playground. It was here that the idea for Reels of Hope began. In the hills and in the river, I felt a sense of peace and grounding. On the water, no one could judge me; I could silence the arguments in my mind and focus on the beauty and rhythm of life.
What is the Reels of Hope Suicide Loss Survivors Foundation?
Reels of Hope SLSF embodies an idea and philosophy. While most people seek happiness, I seek peace - peaceful waters, to be exact. It’s akin to the biblical account of the disciples on the sea of Galilee. When a storm arose, they panicked and called for help. Jesus reassured them to have faith, and he calmed the storm and the waters, bringing peace to the disciples.
The foundation's goal is to support those of us who have suffered the devastating impact of suicide loss. It aims to create a supportive community for us, to bring us together, and to overcome the barriers hindering our grief process. While traditional therapy has its place, our pursuit is peace through individual and collective experiences in nature. I truly believe that as a community, we can navigate the complexities of grief and start the healing process.
Do we ever fully heal? It might not be a complete recovery, but if we can acknowledge the loss and the missing piece of ourselves, we can find reconciliation, and forgiveness, and ultimately be at peace with that part that was lost.
What is Outdoor Therapy?
Finding peaceful waters
6/16/2024
Have you ever gone out on a nature hike to a place with a beautiful stream or waterfall? Have you felt the power of nature and enjoyed the peaceful silence or the soothing sounds of the water? Did you feel energized or at peace, even if it was just for a few minutes or hours, before returning to the busyness of life?
I have often found myself returning to the ancient feelings that the connection with nature brings – the energy of the trees, the grass, the rocks, and the water.
For me, fly fishing is my source of peace. I enjoy hiking for hours and miles, searching for that one perfect spot near a river where I can truly be myself. Listening to the sounds of the water in the stream and the wind in the sky, I find almost a meditative state.
When I reach that special spot in the river, I step into the water and let the current carry me. As I draw my line out of the fly reel and prepare to cast onto the waters, I feel a sense of peace and focus. I make the motion to rock back my arm and then cast the line. I can feel the dry fly and watch the line in almost slow motion as it lands on the water to attract the fish below it. I then repeat the process in a slow, meditative rhythm until I catch a fish.
The connection between nature and me is reassuring and energizing. Although I may not forget my problems or traumas, I can view them with a critical lens and gain a new perspective that helps me find peace. This peace is what the body craves to heal.
Outdoor therapy, also known as ecotherapy or nature therapy, involves engaging with natural environments to promote mental and physical well-being. This type of therapy harnesses the healing power of nature to help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Here’s a deeper look into what outdoor therapy encompasses:
Definition and Concept
Outdoor Therapy:
Definition: A therapeutic approach that utilizes outdoor activities and natural environments to improve mental health and well-being.
Activities: Includes hiking, fishing, gardening, biking, walking, and other nature-based activities.
Goal: To reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and to promote self-healing and personal growth.
Personal Connection to Nature
Engaging with nature can evoke profound feelings of peace and rejuvenation. For instance, hiking near a stream or waterfall can provide a powerful, serene experience. The sounds of water, the sight of greenery, and the fresh air contribute to a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. These moments in nature allow individuals to step away from the daily hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in a calming environment.
Personal Example: Fly Fishing
Fly fishing represents a perfect blend of physical activity, mindfulness, and connection with nature. The repetitive, rhythmic motions involved in casting the line, the sound of the water, and the focus on the task create a meditative state. This practice allows you to connect deeply with the natural world, providing a sense of reassurance and energy. It doesn’t make problems disappear but offers a fresh perspective to view and address them.
Biophilia Hypothesis
Proposed by biologist E.O. Wilson in his 1984 book "Biophilia." Suggests that humans have an innate affinity for nature and other living organisms. This connection is believed to stem from our evolutionary history, where being attuned to the natural environment was crucial for survival.
Psychological and Physical Benefits
The benefits of nature connection:
Mood Improvement: Spending time in nature can boost mood and overall happiness.
Stress Reduction: Natural environments can significantly reduce stress levels.
Physical Health: Increased physical activity in nature contributes to better physical health.
Cognitive Function: Engaging with nature can enhance cognitive functions like attention and memory.
Outdoor Therapy and Community
Community Benefits:
Belonging: Provides a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Social Support: Offers emotional and practical support, fostering resilience.
Increased Confidence: Positive interactions can boost self-esteem.
Emotional Resilience: Enhances the ability to cope with adversity.
Shared Healing: Allows individuals to relate to others with similar experiences, promoting collective healing and understanding.
Healing from Trauma and Loss
In the context of healing from traumatic loss, such as suicide, outdoor therapy combined with a supportive community can be particularly powerful. It reminds individuals that they are not alone in their grief. Through shared experiences and connections, people can find new friendships and support systems that understand their journey towards finding peace.
Outdoor therapy promotes a holistic approach to well-being by leveraging the therapeutic effects of nature. Whether through solitary activities like fly fishing or group experiences, it offers numerous psychological and physical benefits, fostering healing, growth, and a sense of peace.
Suicide Loss and Complicated Grief
The grieving process typically includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Grieving is not easy, and it is important to know that you do not have to go through it alone or suffer in silence. Reels of Hope SLSF is a community of support and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Suicide (as we all know) can have devastating impacts on those left behind. The National Council for Suicide Prevention estimates that more than 6 people are directly affected by the loss of a friend or family member to suicide. It is also estimated that 6.7 million people in the United States will be impacted by suicide loss at some point in their lives. People who have lost someone to suicide often experience prolonged distress, which can negatively affect their mental and physical health. This kind of prolonged distress is known as Complicated Grief.
Grieving is a natural response to loss and everyone experiences it in their way. The normal grieving process typically includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, the grieving process is different for everyone. Complicated Grief is an extended form of grief that does not easily fade with time and can impact a person's ability to function normally. Those who suffer from complicated grief may also experience adverse health effects.
Complicated Grief can be characterized by symptoms that persist for a year or more, such as persistent anger, the inability to focus on anything other than the loss, extreme avoidance of reminders of the loss, isolation from friends and family, intense feelings of sadness, emotional numbness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The potential health impacts that can be coupled with complicated grief may include sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, heart disease, and chronic pain.
To cope better with Complicated Grief, it is important to understand the grief process and recognize that everyone experiences grief differently. Establishing a support network, practicing self-care, engaging in creative expression, and educating oneself about the impact of suicide can assist in coping with complicated grief.