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INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
OF NAMASTÉ INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES,
SHEENA GILLESPIE
By Anne-Marie Collins
Collins: What was the impetus for your exploration of holistic medicine?
Gillespie: Hmmm... the answer to that will take some time, feel free to interrupt with questions. Let's see... where to begin? I suppose I should begin with my experience with physical illness. Eleven years ago I was driving home one evening from work and all of a sudden the tissue and muscles in my body from my neck, inside of my throat, down my arms, back, chest, and abdomen froze. By froze, I mean I could still feel everything but could barely move, swallow or breathe. It was as though I was paralyzed from any muscular movement. Driving a standard at the time, I actually took the time to contemplate, as I continued to miraculously drive, whether I should go to the hospital. As the turn came up for the hospital I didn't take it... I think that I was in a state of cognitive shock. That evening I couldn't eat or swallow even water and fell asleep exhausted and scared.
The following morning when I woke up my body was fine as though the day prior was only an illusion. Two weeks passed, and then again suddenly my body collapsed. This time I wasn't paralyzed from movement but now my muscles suddenly became so fatigued I could barely move. Over the following weeks my muscles began to harden and stiffen in my entire upper body and extremities, and I could hardly get out of bed on my own. I had medical test after test and nothing showed up abnormal, so my only hope was physical therapy. Over the next few years I would receive physical therapy... stop going... return to square one... receive PT again... stop going... and back to square one again, and again.... This continued for some time, and then I simply just gave up until suddenly, my illness seemed to go into remission!
Collins: Did your body finally heal?
Gillespie: Well, I thought that it did. I was so excited envisioning possibilities of living the life I had given up where I could enjoy doing things and not regret them for next five days lying in bed. Ecstatic, I took up the violin wanting to return to the music I had given up so long ago, and again my body took a turn for the worse. This time I couldn't get out of bed without help and could barely even shower safely. Every time I put my arms over my head to wash my hair I would pass out. Everything became something I would regret doing. I would go for a boat ride and the next day I had to roll my self out of bed with the only muscles in my body that actually worked which were my legs... I never thought of it then, but at least I could still walk.
Collins: So what did you do?
Gillespie: Well, my life seemed to become synchronistic at that point. The violin teacher that I was working with explained to me that she had Fibromyalgia and that my unexplained symptoms seemed to resemble this disease, although now from the research I have conducted I still do not know what happened. However her idea was a catalyst for me to begin my research and search for healing. At the time I was living on an island as a caretaker with my husband and one of my co-workers mentioned that she knew someone that had similar physical struggles and that she was seeing a chiropractor for her treatment. She highly recommended my calling the chiropracter to make an appointment.
I was very skeptical about having anyone do anything with my spinal cord and bones at that point, but didn't feel as though I had anything more to lose. So I took the leap; I surrendered and ended up in the care of an amazing Dharma teacher and healer that the chiropractor recommended I see, thus, beginning my healing path with holistic medicine.
Collins: So, How is your health today, and could you explain what a Dharma Teacher is?
Gillespie: My health, amazing. Absolutely, amazing. I consider not only my physical body completely healed, but also my spirit. I truly do not believe it is possible to feel whole physically unless you have healed your spirit.
As for explaining what a Dharma teacher is; well, he or she is a guide, in a sense—someone who teaches you about life, illusions, and the realities that we construct about life. They are amazing teachers who are able to hold a space, empty of judgment, which allows us to connect more deeply with our true nature, and the inner beauties of humility, wisdom, and wholeness.
Collins: What is your greatest challenge in life and or in teaching?
Gillespie: I'd say that one of my greatest challenges in life and in teaching is remembering who I really am. It is sometimes easier to get wrapped up in defensiveness and stubbornness than to remember how beautiful we really are, even with our faults. Conscious relationships are key to this process of recognition. My husband and I are always mirroring our weaknesses and strengths within our relationship so we can become more conscious and aware of how we affect each other. Relationships are about growth and reconditioning the patterns that do not serve our highest good and our health, both mentally and physically. This is a great challenge in life for us all, and so it should be if you strive for true happiness.
Collins: What would be one reason that a student would want to attend your school among all of the choices out there? What distinguishes your programs from others?
Gillespie: At Namasté we are passionately curious. We ask questions that provoke our students to ask questions. We seek a deeper understanding of ourselves, others and life through the practice of deep listening, introspection and exploration of what we do and do not know - together. Within this process of deepening our understandings we are supported by an environment that is grounded in rich knowledge of how one learns which, ultimately, leads to a transformative educational experience for all.
If you are yearning to connect more deeply with aspects of your life and others, then Namasté is here to support that journey. Successful completion of our programs will allow you to pass your learning on to others with the same yearning.
Namasté.
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