Amy Greeson, Registered Pharmacist
I am constantly amazed at the interconnectedness of all life; the vital roles that plants, animals, and indigenous cultures have in the world of medicine and healing; and the incredible value of tribal/cultural wisdom and knowledge. Recently, I witnessed this yet again as I trekked to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. Even though this was my eighth trip to a rainforest, it was perhaps the one with the most awakening. The Amazon is always spectacular, opening not only my eyes, my mind, and my heart, but also encouraging this reconnection with all of life . . . and life itself.
Recently I trekked with seven others along the Amazon River (in Peru, South America) to the remote village of Jaldar. The small community was nestled in the dense jungle and consisted of eight families. For the first time this community had permitted a group of “outsiders” to dwell with them – primarily because we were accompanied by their highly respected Shaman (medicine man) and Shamana (medicine woman). Our group was a diverse group of health practitioners – physicians, pharmacists, nurses. The individuals came from the West Coast, Hawaii, Barcelona Spain, and (myself) North Carolina. 
For some people, going the extra mile for their job is a task, but for Amy Greeson, it was the beginning of an adventure. 
While exploring in the Galapagos Islands, I spent some time at the Charles Darwin Observatory. I have always been fascinated with this “survival of the fittest” environment with its simplicity and the peace, harmony and balance that exist so naturally. Perhaps my intrigue could be summarized by the powerful words of Charles Darwin himself (1835): “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.” For isn't this the same wisdom that has been spoken by many enlightened souls throughout the time of man? And isn't this responsiveness to change what we are witnessing now with health and healing? There has been, and continues to be, a dramatic shift as we explore, experiment, and incorporate a wide variety of healing practices. And although survival is one outcome of such measures, perhaps even more powerful may be the heightened quality of life. 