My son walked by me while I was reading and, alarmed, said, “Why are you drawing in that book?!” I said, “I am not drawing in it, I am annotating it.” I was under the impression that, as a college student, he would resonate with this idea of highlighting themes and ideas in a text. I think he did know exactly what I meant, because then my little mathematician said, “I am running away from anyone that annotates for fun.”
And it was fun! Here’s a taste: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels – that’s creative living.” That’s what I was underlining on page 8. And hang on to your hats, it just gets better from there. The book is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was inspired to read this book (again) because I have been taking a deep look at why I am a homeopath, what inspires me and how I can make my practice more authentic and meaningful for me and for my clients (yes, that’s you!). This month, December 2018, is the 10thanniversary of my practice; flora & fauna, and that’s just seemed like a good moment for some jewel hunting.
What I used to do
If you have read all the information on my website, you know that I was an artist before I was a mother and a homeopath. If you have read all the information on my website, you also win a prize. You, my prizewinner, know that I have a Master’s degree in Fine Art, and a B.F.A. in Photography as well. I spent 20 years making art and grappling with “being an artist” and the artistic lifestyle. I always felt that this background made perfect sense for becoming a homeopath. In my light bulb moment when I realized I must become a homeopath, I felt that everything I had ever done or been interested in had led me to this moment of realization. Psychology, art, botany, zoology, history, medicine, natural healing, design – all of it relates to the practice of homeopathy. It was a true epiphany!
I’m like Sherlock Holmes
And for me, the joy in homeopathy is the same as the joy in making art. It’s all about the process. 
Oh, that familiar feeling, when you have an idea and you just have to figure out how to bring it to life. I love the process of creativity; negotiating with idea and puzzling out solutions. Because that’s the way homeopathy feels to me – I am a professional puzzle solver. Think of me as a non-sociopathic Sherlock Holmes. It requires deep knowledge of both people and medicine, and the discipline to discern what may be hard to perceive in both. It requires that I bring all my knowledge and life experience to bear on each case. Big Magic resonates for me because what I do is creative. Homeopathy is an elegant and beautiful natural system of healing, and it is a creative process to be a homeopathic practitioner.
Women’s health
One jewel I have discovered in my ongoing introspection is my joy of working with women. I am pleased to announce that I am taking a special interest in women’s health; both teens and adults. I love the connection that I have with my women clients, and I would love for you to pass this information along to any woman you know who is interested in natural healthcare for overall health, balance and well-being.
Teaching
Another jewel is how much I love teaching homeopathy. I find this work to be joyful and meaningful, and something that allows homeopathy to ripple out into the world. You can find me teaching homeopathy at Pediatric Alternatives (and in webinars as of 2021). I look forward to seeing you there.
Big magic
Elizabeth Gilbert says, “Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” Thank you Liz, homeopathy is causing a revolution in my heart, and I’d like to share it with as many people as possible.
Happy Holidays everyone.
With love,
Alexis
