Keep eyes shaded from Litt: fit mae MORE than haif the ultravi- olet radiation that people are exposed to in their lives occurs by age 18, according to the B.C. Association of Optometrists (BCAO). Children’s eyes are at more risk for ultraviolet damage because a voungster’s eye lenses block fess ultraviolet ravs than adult lenses, To protect children’s eves. the BCAO recommends that veungsters play in the shade berween 11 aun. and 4 p.m. during the summer and always wear a hat with a wide brim to shade their eves. Too much ultraviolet radiation can result in sore eyes tor a couple of days. The BCAO warns that if 2 per- son’s eye lenses absorb too much ultraviolet radiation over a lifetime, the lenses may become cloudy caus- ing cataracts and blurry vision. R. BART McROBERTS DR. DEBRA ROVINELU DR. CORINNE KNIGHT DR. NANCY HARDIN WEST VANCOUVER OPTOMETRY CLINIC 1069 24th Strect (24th & Haywood) Saturday and evening appointments available, 925-2525, Sunday, July 18, 1999 — North Shore News ~ 19 north shore news Anna Niarie D'Angelo onorter ALINDFULNESS meditation has merit. The age-old Buddhist practice is based on the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Harh. North Vancouver resident Wayne Hassel brought together people this past spring te take part in mindfulness meditation weekly meetings at the North Vancouver City public library. Between 10 and 20 people partici- pated in the free meetings which will resume in the fail, Donations to cover space renta) were accepted ar the meetings, Hassel said mindfulness meditation helps peaple view the ups and downs of life in a more detached, calm way. Hassel said mindfulness meditation enhances a person’s ability to deal with their inner process and respond to life in “a more conscious and positive way.” “It’s a very practical ching. It changes your atti- tude and way of life rather than your philoso- phy,” said Hassel, a retired Waldorf school teacher. He | said Buddhism does not HEALTH on useful agai “Buddhism is not someuung CO believe in, it is something you do.” have a lot of dogma. Hassel said that Christians, Jews and other non- Buddhists can practise mindfulness meditation. Hassel quoted a Buddhism detini- tion as being, “Buddhism is nor some- thing to believe in, it is something vou do” Hassel spent a month last summer ar Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic com- munity in Plum Village, France. Hassel has been to a North American retreats as well. Hassel said the Buddhist practice emphasizes a simple lifestyle, using the earth’s material resources consciously and avoiding excesses. “Tt helps) people to deal with all the stresses and the difficulties of modern existence even as it helped them to deal with the stresses and difficulties in ancient existence,” said Hassel. Hassel hes been _ practising Buddhism for four years. The mindfulness mediration meet- ings included walking and sitting med- itation. Guided meditation involved the pring of images along with readings mi Tich Nhat Hanh’s books. The fall meetings will begin with a structured look at the practice of mindfulness mediration. Anyone wishing more information may contact Wayne Hassel at 988- 7680. variety of inst s siress ZEN master Thich Nhat Hanh poses for a photograph at his mod- est hermitage in France. Organic and Natural Food store Effective Dates » duly 19 - * daly 25 > Prochioe © Beef ° Chicken ° Nik STORE HO) MON TO FRI SAM TO OPE SAT & SUN SAM TO 7PM Dairy « Breads Spring Lamb Sh 3030 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver rex: 987-6155 TEL: 987 “6644