In an incredible sea change former spy satellite rocket scientist Pamela McDowell is turning her intellect to bringing together Cairns women in a special group devoted to building health and happiness.
McDowell was involved in a series of rocket launches including an “Inertial Upper Stage” rocket that launched with the 1989 space shuttle Columbia. In contrast she says achieving exceptional health and happiness in actually quite simple. It is definitely NOT rocket science. But it may share some similarities.
Cairns, Australia, June 25, 2008
Questions & Answers…
1. What made you give up a successful career as a rocket scientist working on defense satellites in the USA and move into the field of health?
Even though I worked on some fascinating projects and saw some amazing things, engineering the the corporate and defense worked wasn’t satisfying - I was stressed out and unhappy.
In the mean time, I was drawn to natural health… first eating well, then yoga. As a natural teacher, I couldn’t help but teach my friends what I was learning. Eventually I took the plunge with in-depth studies in yoga, yoga therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques and diet & lifestyle.
2. What is an Inertial Upper Stage rocket and how is the way it works similar to building your health?
Progression. It’s very hard to wake up and start adopting the habits you need to be healthy and happy. You need to do it in STAGES.
Rockets work in stages, too.
The rocket I worked on was an upper stage booster, meaning a smaller rocket that goes on top of a larger one to put the payload (satellite) in a higher orbit.
It would take an enormous amount of energy (and impressive technology) to place a satellite in a high orbit all in one go. It is more efficient and practical to do it in stages.
3. How is the work you do as a rocket scientist similar to the work you need to do to experience personal happiness?
You do everything you can but sooner or later the rocket is launched and you have to let go of the outcome.
In western society we tend to think that acquiring more physical goods like a new car or a new home or a new husband will make us happy. Then we’re amazed that after getting those things we’re still not happy.
Genuine happiness usually comes from letting go and accepting things in the present moment as they are.
4. Why is team work so important for launching rockets AND for your health and happiness as a woman?
Blueprints for just one part of a rocket we worked on would fill up a room. A relatively small rocket would involve hundreds of workers all co-operating and helping each other to complete a mission.
Your health and happiness is a group effort. You simply can’t do it alone. You need help and support in a culture that fast paced and pulling you in other directions all the time.
5. When is the first meeting of the Women’s Health and Happiness Group In Cairns and what is your free gift?
Tuesday night July 1st. 7pm. Doors open at 6:45 pm.
We’ll meet every Tuesday after that – feel free to join us anytime.
Cairns Yoga Academy on the corner of Little and Greenslopes St.
First night free.
Enter your email address below to claim your
25 page ebook “7 Keys To Health And Happiness”
and the email course “The Most Common Health And Happiness Myths”… all free
The Women's Health & Happiness Group Cairns
Meets Tuesday Nights
7pm... doors open at 6:45
Upcoming Meeting Dates & Locations:
November 11 & 25 at Carla's house in Whitfield, Cairns
For More Information (including meeting address) Contact
Pamela McDowell 4081 0373 pamelakm (at) gmail.com
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The Cairns Post wrote an article in August 2008 http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/08/23/6443_lifestyle.html