By Christina Schlauch
Student contributor

CAM Club of ARCC Coon Rapids, which is focused on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, enthusiastically welcomed Shaman Hanakia Zedek. This event was awe inspiring. As a busy fulltime student and a single parent, taking time to attend events is a rare occasion. Being very stressed to meet a few deadlines knowing full well there are kids to feed, I had a fleeting thought to skip the event. We all experience this, so there ought to be no guilt. But there it was, staring at me. I then acquiesced to my conscious and went to the event.

Burdens of the day melted away as entered VA 117, where the club event was being held. The contentment came upon me when I took my seat right beside Hanakia. I noticed he had dressed for this event in a gay and lively patterned Buba (shirt). His hair was most interesting style of dreadlocks. Both his clothing and hair are traditional styles in Africa, Caribbean, and even the United States. After taking this in, which is affirming to what I had expected of a Shaman, thoughts of these superficial items quickly evaporated as Hanakia began to share information about the journey that he would be taking us on. Not a journey in the physical, however.

His voice was soothing and deep,yet, even more mesmerizing was the two ended flute he began to play, interspersed with drumming. Quickly, we all relaxed and became “one with our chairs.” For me, that meant that I trusted the chair would hold me and I went into a deep restful state in my mind and in my heart.

I could hear sighs as we each let go of whatever we were hanging on to. I could still hear that beautiful melody of the flute, but very soon that was gone too. I was free to journey where I willed, yet guided through vivid imagery. Just as suddenly as when we first began, we were being called back! I felt totally refreshed and renewed!

We each took a turn sharing our experience – each remarkable in its own way. We were glad that we took the time to come, let go our burdens, for a short while. I encourage everyone to venture forth in participation of a Shaman journey opportunity. It’s an experience of an extraordinary kind – truly.

The purpose of CAM club is to promote the positive development and image of the Integrative Health and Healing (IHH) program; provide networking opportunities and camaraderie; and provide a venue for growth, learning and expanding awareness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

On Tuesday, Mar. 22, CAM Club will host a panel of professionals discussing the use of CAM in mainstream practice. The event will be held in the Riverview Conference Room on the Coon Rapids Campus from 6:30-8:00 pm. CAM Club is open to all students, alumni, staff, and faculty.

For more information or questions, contact Valerie Lis (advisor) at [email protected] or the Club’s and Organizations office at 763-433-1530.