Veronica’s first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands. After becoming a regular client in 2012, she became a volunteer at the front desk to become more immersed in the clinic community. After years of being mystified and impressed by the power of acupuncture, she enrolled in the acupuncture program at Pacific Rim College in Market Square.
Read below to get to know Veronica or visit her bio !
What is your hometown?
I grew up near Kye Bay in the Comox Valley.
What did you want to be when you grow up?
My anxious mind had a hard time looking that far ahead and even having ideas of what I might want to be. At various times, I had wanted to be a teacher, a mother, a traveler.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Florence, Italy. Paris and Nice, France. New York City. I’ve also recently realized I’m pretty content spending most of my time in Victoria. I would love to do a backpacking trip through Portugal and visit Japan someday.
Favorite food?
Sushi from Ebizo, my dad’s homemade roast beef dinner, Cold Comfort ice cream sandwiches, Wildfire’s vegan salted chocolate chip cookies, greek salad, homemade pizza with toppings from our garden.
Cats or dogs?
I went back and forth on this question a lot. It’s a tie. They’re both great in their own ways.
Current book you’re reading?
Reading has been on the back burner for me for the past few years. I did eight years of post-secondary schooling throughout my twenties and with so much studying, reading was the last thing I wanted to do in my spare time. I’m trying to get back into it again. The next book I’m going to read is Devil in the White City. The next audiobook is Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark’s new book (I love their podcast). The last book that blew my mind was All the Light We Cannot See.
What are you listening to nowadays?
I usually listen to a lot of different kinds of music but lately I’ve just been listening to podcasts (My Favorite Murder, Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad, The Breakdown with Shaun King, etc.)
What are things you enjoy doing with your spare time?
I love being in and growing my garden, spending time with my partner, cooking, yoga, walking in my neighbourhood. I’ve recently decided to be more intentional with my time. I realized I was spending so much time and attention on social media and it was leaving me feeling overwhelmed, so I’m taking a break from that and consciously trying to connect with the things that feel good to me on a deeper level: reading, writing, growing a garden, making jewellery, playing ukulele, spending quality time with my friends and partner, quiet reflection time, being outside, moving my body, etc.
Non-profits you should be watching?
My favourite is WIN (Women in Need). It’s the best place in town (in my humble opinion) to donate your gently used clothing/household goods as they support women in need in a number of different ways, including through programming, gift certificates and helping to set up apartments for women leaving domestic violence situations. They also take their time to price things well according to their value, so you can be sure that your donation is translating to as much financial impact with their efforts as possible. I also like what the Ancient Forest Alliance, the Fernwood NRG and James Bay Community Project are doing.
What is your super power?
I’m still figuring that out. If you know what mine is, let me know!
Why acupuncture?
Acupuncture completely changed my life, including my physical, emotional and spiritual health. I love acupuncture’s balance of science and art. I love the knowing we get from the textbooks, the insight we have from our own gifts and experiences, as well as listening to what your body is telling us at that exact moment in time. With acupuncture, we are just facilitators and you are truly the healer for your own body. Acupuncture because it helps you get quiet enough to hear the messages your body is sending you. Acupuncture because it is natural and holistic. Acupuncture because it’s both intricate and simple. Acupuncture because it’s portable and gentle and tailored just for you. Acupuncture because it meets you where you are at, each and every time.
Describe community acupuncture in a nutshell.
Community acupuncture is so special. It’s an example of how we are not individual little islands, we are a community that is stronger together. It’s a way to replace isolation with connection. It’s a tiny f*ck off to capitalism. It’s the idea that people are more important than profits, that business can (and should) be socially responsible. It’s the idea that you don’t deserve better/more health care just because you have more money. It’s the idea that you should be able to access the care you need even if your financial situation changes. It’s embracing difference, not just tolerating it, by inviting all people to join together in one room and realize that we can heal together. Community acupuncture is for everyone.
Heart & Hands is…
A place where you can fully exhale. A true community space. A place where you can be who you are. A place where you can let go. A place to come when you don’t know what to do with yourself. A place of deep rest. A place to integrate your physical, emotional and spiritual self. A sanctuary and safe haven. Heart & Hands is my work place, my rest place and my healing place. It’s the place that helps me to show up and be who I am meant to be in the world.