Originally published in the April 19 issue of The Mountain-Ear Newspaper.

Rodger Ruge, Peak to Peak.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead

A trend is happening in the mountains, unobtrusively weaving its way into our peaceful communities. Not sure if you have noticed, it’s a quiet evolution, the kind that starts as shallow seeds sewn with hopeful potential. It will be critical to our future, no doubt about that whatsoever. And, with all the like-it-or-not changes and growth unfolding around us as more and more people are drawn to the majesty of our mountain paradise, also known tongue in cheek as West Boulder (and don’t tell me that April Fools prank did not get a rise out of you), this incursion, anchored in holistic intentions, will help to maintain balance and peace as we move forward into futures yet to be realized.

I’m speaking about the influx of what are commonly known as ‘alternative’ healing practitioners and self-care businesses. From Nederland’s brand-new apothecary and copious medicinal marijuana businesses, to a host of unique holistic healing services ranging across the Peak-to-Peak area, we have access to an amazing breadth of ever increasing, non-traditional therapies to address physical, mental and spiritual treatment and self-care.

I had the privilege to interview some of these talented business owners and practitioners. The focus of the interviews surrounded their thoughts regarding why so many healers are being drawn into our mountain communities at the same time. While there were many interesting ideas, the most compelling theme centered on the ability of the healing community to help create a sense of balance and peace as we move through the inevitable changes we are facing.

This is a critical point because what people care about most, and what absolutely causes the most distress, are the things they have the least control over. The toll of distress on the body, mind and spirit is significant. In fact, according to WebMD, seventy-five to ninety percent of ALL visits to a primary care physician are DIRECTLY caused by stress. And, if recent banter on social media is any indication, the angst over the lack of affordable housing and proposals for infrastructure change, especially in the Nederland area, is significant. Many comments include strong, frustrated sentiments like; ‘I’m outta here’. Idle threat or not, this points to the level of distress, often expressed as outright anger. This is definitely not the energy that will find roads of compromise to create changes that are acceptable to most.

Whether change is going to happen is not a debate, it’s a guarantee. This is one reason why the influx of self- care businesses and alternative healers is a tremendous benefit to our community. Within the mines of change also lies gems of opportunity if we can stay calm, centered and balanced in helping to craft the new directions for our future.

In an article written by Psychology Today, 10 Ways To Cope With Big Changes, Stephanie A. Sarkis, Ph.D., identified seeking support as among the most important ways to deal with change; “No one gets through life alone. It is okay to ask for help, it is a sign that you know yourself well enough to realize you need some assistance.” When we feel overwhelmed, seeking self-care is not admitting weakness, something our ruggedly independent mountain folks try to avoid at all costs, rather it is a way to enhance our strength and resiliency. Imagine our entire mountain community focused, balanced, centered and coming together to embrace and help direct the flow of change. What could we accomplish? What future would be possible? The opportunities are staggering in their potential if we can move from the mindset of a victim to that of a composed and empowered community!

I encourage you to explore alternative healing options that have recently taken up residence in the mountains. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to me anytime, I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction so we all move forward with grace into the uncharted waters of growth and change.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~Lao Tzu