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Stop
Smoking Naturally 304.258.9148 |
Stop Smoking Naturally Testimonials "I had a lot of fear and anxiety about even THINKING about quitting smoking. However, I could not imagine a better way to do it than via Martha Ashelman's Stop Smoking Naturally program at Red Mountain Spa. Martha helped me to focus on and believe in the positive impact on my life without cigarettes rather than obsessing about how I might suffer through withdrawal. The techniques we discussed helped me throughout my week's stay and I have brought them home with me and continue to be smoke free. The facilities, amenities and services available at Red Mountain only reinforced the program. The Spa caters to the whole person - mind, body and spirit - which I believe is essential if you truly want to change such a deeply ingrained habit. I had the opportunity to stay physically active (in an extremely fun way), learn about stress reduction and relaxation and enjoy wonderful, healthy food. All this in a breathtaking setting with wonderful people. By week's end I felt fully committed to stay smoke free - - in fact, it was even hard to imagine wanting a cigarette. I can't say that giving up smoking is not difficult -- because it is. But I can say that I don't think I could have done it with such conviction and lasting effect without spending one of the most enjoyable vacations I've ever had at Red Mountain and working with Martha to be free. I can't thank you enough." - Barbara Freeman, Los Angeles, CA "I am grateful to have met Martha Ashelman at Red Mountain Adventure Spa and completed her STOP SMOKING NATURALLY program. I was a smoker who constantly stopped and started and stressed about not ever being able to outright quit. Reading Martha's book and spending time with her at Red Mountain gave me an understanding of the underlying issues behind smoking. This course gave me the resources to own a healthy smoke-free life, with absolutely no desire to ever start smoking again. I highly recommend Martha Ashelman's workshop and Red Mountain's hospitality to any smoker who wants to stop smoking. This is the way to do it. Nurture yourself with beautiful scenery, great food, amazing hikes and a myriad of sports activities, relaxation classes, like minded people and Martha's guidance. You will leave Red Mountain a changed person." - Deb Samuels "Martha Work Ashelman has made a holistic lifestyle and her Stop Smoking Naturally program her life's work. This book is at once medically knowledgeable, hopeful, and a necessity for anyone committed to stopping smoking." - Mary L. Westcott, Phd., Program Manager, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD "Superb and timely. As a specialist in addictions, I highly recommend this book as it is without question the most integrated, inspiring, and practical guidebook that I have seen for the treatment of nicotine addiction. It will serve as an invaluable new resource not only for individuals struggling to break free of their nicotine addiction but also for doctors and health care practitioners." - Roger F. Klinger, M.T.S. Addiction Counselor "This book offers a holistic strategy for navigating the murky waters of nicotine withdrawal that is simple but never simplistic. It show you how to break addiction's stranglehold by mobilizing your passion for living a life of freedom. If you are committed to giving up smoking now, this book will help you ‘be your own doctor’ and succeed - while you nurture yourself through the challenging labyrinth of withdrawal." - Barry A. Sultanoff, MD Dear Martha, I made it back to Indiana smoke free and continue to enjoy a life of exercise and clean air. Of course, I still am receiving a few postcards from my addiction, but I keep returning them to sender marked "no forwarding address." Thanks again for doing such important missionary work. We need more Martha's in this world. B.H. Dear Martha, I attended the program in May of 1990. I had smoked three packs of cigarettes a day for a very long period of time. I have not had a cigarette since attending the program. Thank you very much for your assistance. It has meant a great deal to me. Sincerely, J.T.M Annapolis, MD Dear Martha, Liberation Day !!: I still can't believe it!!! I am bursting with energy and feeling greater and greater as each day passes!!! Thank you so much for all your gentle support and encouragement. I never would have been able to do it without you. Last night a friend, concerned about how much I was juggling in my life right now, said "Are you sure trying to quit is a good idea right now?" Without even thinking about it, I replied, "Well, it's a little late to think about that -- I have ALREADY quit!!!!" It's interesting to see how easily others can hand us excuses to go back to deadly habits. What has truly made the difference is, you showed us how to take a POSITIVE approach to becoming nicotine free. Thank you, B.B. Washington, D.C. November 29, 1994 My dear Martha, It's been two weeks since I did away with my cigarettes -- and the nasty habit of smoking them! I want you to know I couldn't have done it without you. You have a gift for helping people to feel special and worthwhile, and you are so dedicated to making the program work. I admire your "soft-sell" approach -- no criticism or lecturing. But most of all I feel like I've made a good friend -- one I can count on. With love, RAD. Falls Church, VA 1/29/98 Dear Martha, As a graduate of your February, 1997 program, I want you to know that I haven't touched the evil weed since leaving Coolfont. It hasn't been an easy 11 months. I can't even say sincerely that "I love being free from smoking." When I watch those rebels puffing defiantly outside my office building, I avert my eyes and rush by as it I were the miscreant. But I do prefer being free from smoking. I thank you for helping me gain self-respect and the respect of my children. I love not being awakened in the night by my hacking cough. I love the way my hair and clothes smell fresh. Love, J.F., Bethesda, MD Dear Martha, After 38 years of 2 packs a day, multiple medical problems, and umpteen efforts to "quit" I arrived at Coolfont unable to do a mile walk on flat ground without becoming painfully short of breath. By the end of the week I was able to walk 2 miles UP A MOUNTAIN without collapse. Observing this rapid initial improvement in myself was incredibly positive reinforcement for my choice(s). A year later I have continued the moderate exercise program and diet changes that I began that week (not to mention the attitude changes) and remain joyfully nicotine free. My doctors and I continue to be thrilled with the measurable improvement in my breathing, my stamina, my Reynaud's Syndrome - and even my hearing! I am convinced that it was the combination of ingredients: a thoughtful, intelligent program, a total change in environment - and to a beautiful setting, focus on diet and exercise, opportunities for pleasurable interludes with massage, reflexology , etc. -- the whole "gestalt" that provided me with this miracle of a nicotine free life. It truly is a miracle and I just wanted to thank you once more for my nicotine free year. Best, A.T. Tampa, FL 8/10/97 Dear Martha, It's hard to believe it is nearly six months since I attended your Break Free program. I have not had even one puff! The urges have diminished (not yet entirely gone). But I can finally say "I love being free of Smoking" -- and really mean it. I am no longer bald! (She had gone through chemotherapy).and have discarded all of the turbans, etc. I have such fond memories of my stay and hopefully will be able to arrange for a visit soon. Take care, N.K. Washington, D.C. Dear Martha, Just a line to say hi! I'm going to quit again soon ~ try. I keep putting it off. I'm not smoking like I was before I went to the spa. And the fact that I quit for two weeks gave me good incentives to try to hold on to as little as possible. Every pack I buy may be the last. I'm preparing to quit sooner than I think, but I won't tell you when, since I keep procrastinating. Hopefully, I'll run out of time and that will be that. I seem to have trouble in deciding. I'm almost forcing myself to continue buying them though. So I hope that's a good sign. I've been able to do a lot of preparing for it. So I really don't think it's going to be that scary. I realize what you mean when you say just one hurts. It's even more powerful after you haven't smoked in a while. I did go into a depression after I got home, but it wasn't until after I had that one cigarette. I think I was just upset at myself for having it. It triggered a struggle inside of me. I should have known it would happen, but I'll never forget that awful feeling. It was terrible. I'll think of it and hopefully when I quit again, I won't pick one up. Thanks for your wisdom and help in getting me this far. R.B. Virginia Beach, VA 2/22/97 Dear Martha and Class Friends, I'm so sorry I can't attend our "Reunion" - I'm not smoking. I had an operation to fuse #4  lumbar vertebra in the 21st of Jan. and am in a full torso cast (like a turtle, head, legs and arms) so not going too far. Martha, the time I spent there was a really special time in my life. I thank you so very much for such healthy food, good thoughts and support. I still have the yoga tapes, low back exercises and great memories. Love ya, JMG, Arlington, VA Nov. 21, 1994 Dear Martha, It's been two years, November 2, since I last smoked. I can honestly testify that the Break Free week -- renewal or reinforcement or repeat or whatever was center to my butting out. Shaking off the ashes of some personal burn-out was also important. Otherwise, I do admit to a full court press against my smoking demon. I used the nicotine patches. That was easy therapy because my doctor said that the immediate alternative was a tank of oxygen. I enjoyed regular massages which simultaneous to my withdrawal seem to have become available everywhere hereabouts. I read motivational books and a whole bunch of New Age -- or maybe they were very, very old old age -- inspirational tracts. I listened to subliminal tapes while doing daily Yoga-like floor exercises. "Course these were for my bad back". I renewed my health club membership and actually worked out 2 or 3 times a week. I took a lot of naps. I flushed every gram and grain of tobacco down the gurgler. Best regards, CHC Arlington, VA Dear Martha, On July 17th it has been 4 years since we have been to your program. Tom handled the whole thing much better than I, however I have never had a puff, constantly remembering your admonition. I guess I will never be totally free because the other day I was in a parking lot at the hair dressers and there lying on the ground was an OPEN pack of cigarettes. Just lying there in the sunshine. It was not raining. It must have fallen out of someone's car. I stopped (first mistake) and started talking to the pack of cigarettes saying things like, "Well, if I took one out of the pack it wouldn't be like BUYING a pack" What if the person has AIDS" That's ridiculous, you can't get AIDS from cigarettes. Of well, I don't have any matches" "Ha, there's a lighter in the car". Obviously I was alone in the parking lot. Had I not been alone I would now be in some sort of mental institution have been dragged there in a straight jacket by concerned citizens. Anyway, I dragged myself away from the open pack and pulled myself together and stopped talking out loud and another hurdle in the lifelong fight had been won. Thank you dear Martha for your help and your program. |
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