Resources
Home Page Resources
1) Tomomi Kamoshita
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tomomikamoshita/?hl=en
https://mymodernmet.com/tomomi-kamoshita-broken-ceramics/
Tomomi Kamoshita is a Tokyo-based potter and ceramics teacher. She takes the Art of Kintsugi to another level by giving lost and broken ceramics a renewed purpose and newfound vitality.
2) Sonoma Cultural Exchange:
Website: https://www.sonomaculturalexchange.org/
During the Pandemic of 2020, I was fortunate to participate in two Kintsugi classes with Tomomi-san through the nonprofit Sonoma Cultural Exchange.
3) Maki Aizawa
Website: https://makiaizawa.com/about/
One of the founders of the Sonoma Cultural Exchange, Maki Aizawa, translated for Tomomi-san. Maki-san herself is an artist with a desire to use art to bring people together locally and globally. Maki-san also offers art consulting and individually customized tours to Japan.
Love Part 1 Resources
1) Agape Church:
Website: https://agapelive.com/
Agape was my first introduction to a non-denominational community. The essence of Agape is best described by its founder, Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith: “When I founded the Agape International Spiritual Center and community in 1986, we “visioned” it as a movement that would take a stand for love, for peace, for being a beneficial presence on the planet. That’s why it was named “Agape,” which in Greek means unconditional love.”
Website: https://agapelive.com/pages/michael-bernard-beckwith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbbeckwith/?hl=en
Reverend Beckwith’s presence and writings always remind me of my place in this Universe and fill me with gratitude for the Abundance in my life.
3) Guru Singh:
Website: https://www.gurusingh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurusinghyogi/?hl=en
Guru Singh is one of the most learned people that I know. Meeting him placed me on a lasting trajectory of awareness and purpose. I don’t always comprehend his teachings, but I recognize his message.
4) Daruma: https://www.domodaruma.com/blog/daruma-doll-history-of-japanese-wishing-dolls
Many sites explain the history and use of the Daruma doll, but I particularly like the sincerity of this website.
Loss Resources
1) Surviving the Heartbreak of Choosing Death for Your Pet https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Heartbreak-Choosing-Death-Your/dp/0965257223
There is no heartbreak like saying goodbye to our animal friends. We are their guardians and responsible for their well-being. They trust us to do the best for them, and this compassionate and well-written book will help you do that.
2) Daruma: https://www.domodaruma.com/blog/daruma-doll-history-of-japanese-wishing-dolls
Many sites explain the history and use of the Daruma doll, but I particularly like the sincerity of this website.
3) City of Hope Cancer Center:
Website: https://www.cityofhope.org/homepage
I met dozens of cancer patients and families who speak the praises of the City of Hope. This institution is one of only 51 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S.
4) Dr. Stephen Forman, International expert in leukemia, lymphoma and bone marrow transplantation, City of Hope https://www.cityofhope.org/people/forman-stephen
When Dr. Forman discovered that Jim had passed away within several days of our initial visit, he took the time to write me a heartfelt and personal letter. I will never forget his compassion and genuine interest in Jim’s well-being. Since that time, I have met several of his patients who survived cancer, and they consistently praise his skills, positive attitude, and determination.
5) Guru Singh:
Website: https://www.gurusingh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurusinghyogi/?hl=en
Guru Singh is one of the most learned and wisest persons I know, and I’m eternally grateful that he was in my life when my husband passed away. He and his wife, Guruperkarma Kaur, eased my pain with compassion and patience.
I encourage you to listen to his May 2020 Podcast interview with Rich Roll, where Guru Singh shares his own experience with grief following the passing of his grandson, Tiaga: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-grief-guru-singh-on-death-loss/id582272991?i=1000475289649
Website: http://www.michellemurphy.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemurphymedium/?hl=en
Email: thespiritualist@hotmail.com
I didn’t believe that people who could connect with those who have left this world were real until I met Michelle. Michelle is a spiritual medium with a true gift to comfort those grieving the loss of their loved ones. She had generously allowed me to share her email address; if you reach out to her, please reference “PureJunLife” on the subject line to catch her attention.
7) Sharma Bennett:
Website: https://www.sharmabennett.com/
I was too raw and weak to seek out a therapist in the midst of grieving, and my friend Carolyn gifted me my first session with Sharma. Sharma’s hugely compassionate heart and her perspective on life were a life raft for me. Sharma continues to be an essential element in my circle of support.
8) Ken Klee
Website: https://www.kleeministry.org/home.html
I knew a bit about energy healing before meeting Ken but didn’t see it as an integral part of my life. Like Guru Singh, Ken is also one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve met and learned in multiple healing modalities, including Pranic Healing, Norri Healing, Xiang Gong, and Crystals. Ken was a skeptic about Eastern medicine but changed his mind after his first Reiki treatment. He also happens to be one of the most respected bankruptcy lawyers in the nation and caught the eye of the Wall Street Journal several years ago: https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324165204579031152894147242
9) Agape Church:
Website: https://agapelive.com/
Agape was my first introduction to a non-denominational community. The essence of Agape is best described by its founder, Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith: “When I founded the Agape International Spiritual Center and community in 1986, we “visioned” it as a movement that would take a stand for love, for peace, for being a beneficial presence on the planet. That’s why it was named “Agape,” which in Greek means unconditional love.”
Website: https://www.lifebites.com/
Nina has been a dear friend for over twenty years. She was in the media and advertising industry for years before embarking on her life’s calling to combine her energy healing and business acumen to coach people and businesses. Nina has a huge heart and has been a beacon of light for me through the darkest of times.
11) Dr. Jie-Jia Li: https://cewm.med.ucla.edu/news/event-summary-for-dr-jie-jia-li-commemorative-event/
Dr. Li’s passing in 2015 left a hole in my life – he was a skilled and tireless healer. He was a Doctor of Acupuncture at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (CEWM) and also headed his own practice.
12) Tana Cole:
Website: https://tanacole.com/about/
Tana’s massage work restored me while I grieved. I miss her spiritual energy, her humor, and her openness. She is still a practicing massage therapist and focusing on aqua therapy. Tana can be contacted through her photography website. I encourage you to visit and view her photos reflecting the beauty of our world.
13) Others:
Nora McInerny: https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=en
In 2014, at the age of 35, Nora lost her pregnancy, father, and husband. Nora is an author and hosts the Podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” and speaks about living life after loss. I first learned of Nora through a TED Talk. I love her insight, humor, and candor.
Rich Roll Podcast Interview: “Good Grief: Guru Singh on Death & Loss”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-grief-guru-singh-on-death-loss/id582272991?i=1000475289649
I encourage you to listen to this tender and touching May 2020 Podcast interview with Rich Roll, where Guru Singh shares his own experience with grief following the passing of his grandson, Tiaga.
Love Part 2 Resources
1) Kundalini Yoga:
Website: https://www.kundalinifoundation.org/
My experience with yoga was limited to classes at my gym, which was a good experience, but Kundalini Yoga is a different level and something of a lifestyle. I love the teachings that are at the basis of each class and the combination of breathwork and Meditation, along with physical yoga poses. Guru Singh teaches online at the link above.
2) Guru Singh:
Website: https://www.gurusingh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurusinghyogi/?hl=en
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guru-singh-podcast/id260111826?mt=2
Guru Singh is one of the most learned and wisest persons that I know. I know that our brains are approximately the same size, but somehow, he stores way more knowingness into the same amount of space. I encourage you to pick up on his wisdom through his Podcasts and yoga classes.
3) Ken Klee
Website: https://www.kleeministry.org/home.html
Like Guru Singh, Ken is also one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve met and learned in multiple healing modalities, including Pranic Healing, Norri Healing, Xiang Gong, and Crystals. I had seen energy healers before Ken but never felt any changes. Ken’s ability to incorporate different healing techniques makes him unique.
4) Sharma Bennett:
Website: https://www.sharmabennett.com/
I turned to Sharma after getting blindsided and betrayed by someone that I trusted. Her outrage at his behavior validated my feelings and gave me strength. Her insight into my emotional state allowed me the perspective of having to have compassion for myself and not feel victimized.
5) OKCupid:
Website: https://www.okcupid.com/
How many dating apps are out there? A few thousand? I chose this one, and it worked for me. I know how defeating it can feel to search and long for “the one.” I didn’t think that a dating app would work for me, but I changed that self-defeating attitude and embraced it. That, and a perfectly-crafted affirmation placed me in that balance of awareness and detachment . . . leaving me open to the man who “never gave up on love.”
Website: https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-zodiac-overview-2028019
Japan follows the Chinese astrological system comprised of 12 animal signs. The main difference is that the last animal is the Boar in Japan but the Pig in China.
Health & Wholeness Resources
1) Dr. Jie-Jia Li: https://cewm.med.ucla.edu/news/event-summary-for-dr-jie-jia-li-commemorative-event/
Dr. Li’s passing in 2015 left a hole in my life – he was a skilled and tireless healer. He was a Doctor of Acupuncture at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (CEWM) and also headed his own practice. In 2014 he published the “Fundamentals of Chinese Fingernail Image Diagnosis (FID),” based on ancient Chinese medicine to use our fingernails to assess the condition of our health.
I’ve met with many acupuncturists since Dr. Li’s passing and finally discovered a keeper in Dr. Isabelle Shumann. She takes a holistic approach to health and – bonus! - she is certified to teach Therapeutic yoga, Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, and Meditation: https://www.shumanwellness.com/
2) Agape Church: https://agapelive.com/
Agape was my first introduction to a non-denominational community. “Agape” is the Greek word for unconditional love where I encountered full acceptance for who I am, baggage and all. The Agape services were my first introduction to the power of Meditation.
3) Guru Singh:
Website: https://www.gurusingh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurusinghyogi/?hl=en
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guru-singh-podcast/id260111826?mt=2
Guru Singh is one of the most learned and wisest persons that I know. I know that our brains are approximately the same size, but somehow, he stores way more knowingness into the same amount of space. I encourage you to pick up on his wisdom through his Podcasts, yoga classes, and Instagram posts.
4) The Abundance Book by John Randolph Price: https://www.amazon.com/Abundance-Book-John-Randolph-Price/dp/1561703478/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+abundance+book&qid=1625445892&sr=8-1
This book forever changed my relationship with money and also got me into a daily meditation practice.
5) Meditation Timer App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meditation-time-a-beautiful-meditation-timer/id794980636
I love this app for the sound of the Tibetan gongs to start and end my meditations. And to go another level, it also allows you to add another gong sound to go off at intervals during your Meditation.
6) “Hope in Uncertain Times” 21-Day Meditation: https://chopra.com/app
I am grateful to Ms. Winfrey and Mr. Chopra for sharing this Meditation with the world during the Pandemic. In 2021 Mr. Chopra and Alicia Keys extended a free 21-day meditation to “Activate the Divine Feminine.” Both meditations are no longer free on the app but can be accessed for free on YouTube. Also, there are many free guided meditations available on the Chopra app if, like me, you aren’t ready to invest the $69.99 annual fee.
7) Sa-Ta-Na-Ma Walking Meditation/ Kirtan Kriya: https://www.peacefuldumpling.com/sa-ta-na-ma-meditation
This Meditation is one of the most powerful that you can learn to create mental balance.
“Sa” means birth, infinity, and the totality of the cosmos; “Ta” means life, creativity, and existence; “Na” represents death and transformation; “Ma” is rebirth and regeneration. I haven’t found a simple video or simple explanation that doesn’t go off on tangents, but this post gives some good background and instruction on Kirtan Kriya, but not as a walking meditation.
Website: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/strength-balance-moves.html
OK, stop laughing! AARP has some great exercises that can be incorporated into Micro-Adjusting our lives.
When I’m standing in line, my go-to stability exercise is to stand on one leg while sweeping the other leg in a semi-circle. The first time I tried this, I couldn’t believe that I had difficulty keeping my balance. This YouTube video is a good example of Single Leg Balance Semi Circle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMQ7p-8phvs
Website: https://www.providence.org/doctors/profile/194809-ruth-adina-sorotzkin
I was referred to Dr. Sorotzkin (by Dr. Verma) during a distressing time in my life. Dr. Sorotzkin is knowledgeable, practical, kind, and real. I’m grateful to have her as my Primary Care Physician.
Website: https://drnverma.com/
Dr. Verma is the Holy Grail of gynecologists and is educated in blending traditional Eastern and current Western medicine to create a holistic treatment. She is knowledgeable, calm, and committed to the well-being of women.
Website: https://drchatterjee.com/
Podcast: https://drchatterjee.com/blog/category/podcast/
I like Dr. Chatterjee’s humility (he does not claim to know everything) and his straightforward approach to improving our health by focusing on Food, Movement, Sleep, and Relaxation.
12) Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: “The 4 Pillar Plan” https://smile.amazon.com/Four-Pillar-Plan-Longer-Healthier/dp/0241303559/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+4+pillar+plan&qid=1625461307&sr=8-1
If you search for this book, you may find the book retitled (sadly IMHO) for U.S. readers as “How to Make Disease Disappear.” It’s the same book as the U.K. version but a different title. The book includes practical and straightforward ways to change our lives for the better. His 5- Minute Kitchen Workout will give you simple ways to merge movement into your everyday activities.
Website: https://www.matrixptandwellness.com/
I’ve had physical therapy from a few clinics over the years, and I’ve been impressed with Matrix from Day One. I thought that I knew the reason for my sciatica pain but learned something new through their diagnosis. For the first time in years, I feel that I have control over my pain.
14) Others:
Website: https://www.tenpercent.com/
Podcast: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast
Ten Percent Happier: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062917609?tag=authorweb-20
Dan Harris is the co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. A nationally televised panic attack in front of more than 5 million viewers led him to make changes, but how and what? “Ten Percent Happier” shares Dan’s bumpy journey from a meditation non-believer to an avowed practitioner. I love his real-life, disbelieving, anti-New-Age approach. As he puts it, the science of meditation “got me – a lifelong curmudgeon – to embrace meditation, which I had long considered to be abject bullshit.”
“If You Always Get Tongue-Tied at the Doctor, It’s Time to Work on Self-Advocacy—Here’s How”: https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/self-advocacy-at-doctor-appointments
This July 2021 “Real Simple” article has some great pointers on advocating for ourselves with doctors. The author makes a strong point: “ . . . your doctor spent years mastering a specific field of study. Surely they know more about it than you do—right? The thing is, you’re also an expert in this situation. You know more about your own symptoms, your experiences, your body, and your medical history than your doctor does.”
About PureJūnLife Resources
1) Photos (June, Daruma, PureJunLife Essence): Mallory Mia Photography: https://www.mallorymiya.com/
Mallory is an exquisite wedding and family photographer whose positivity and vitality are projected through her camera lenses. I feel blessed to know this beautiful spark of creative energy.
2) Logo & Labels: Archie Cajulao, Founder of Archways; arunca310@gmail.com
I’ve known Archie and his wife, Nona (Washington) Cajulao (Kanji) for years. Archie is a professional graphic designer and has years of experience designing logos and labels. He is chill and respectful, and his design work for PureJunLife speaks for itself!
3) Website: Sara Renee Potter, Founder of Parachute Social Media; sara@parachutesocialmedia.com
I was so fortunate to meet Sara through my friend Elaine Kanelos, Founder of Snow Owl Confectioners (the best chocolate fudge sauce at https://snowowlconfectioners.com ). Sara immediately “got” my concept for PureJunLife and patiently worked with me to guide my concept to reality. Sara works with many women-owned businesses throughout the U.S. and offers website design, graphic design, marketing materials, and social media management.
4) Kanji: Nona (Washington) Cajulao; https://www.instagram.com/onnabynona/?hl=af
I’ve known Nona and her husband (Archie/Logos & Labels) for years. Nona is an accomplished artist and one of the most generous, loving people I know. Although she barely knew me at the time, she helped me through the darkest period of my life. Nona is fluent in Japanese and helped me choose the proper Kanji characters for PureJunLife.
Disclaimer / Notice of Risk
I do not receive compensation, nor will I accept compensation for any references or resources on this website and blog.
The content throughout this website and blog is based on my own experiences and opinions and is generated for informative purposes, and not to be perceived as professional advice regarding health or finances, or any other field.
My experiences, opinions, and resources are not intended as medical or mental health advice and are not replacements for advice one would receive from a licensed professional. I strongly encourage readers to seek professional medical guidance before embarking on changes to their physical or mental/emotional health.
The information on the website and blog is authentic to the best of my knowledge. I make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this site or any shared resources and assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site and blog. Any action taken by the reader upon the information on this website and blog is strictly the reader’s responsibility. None of the authors, contributors, or resources will be held liable for any damages or losses in connection with the use of this website and blog.