As an avid self-healther and an information junkie, I’m always interested in reading about different philosophies and pioneers of real-food nutrition and alternative health. That’s why I was excited to see that one of the July specials at SRP is Wild Rice: The Biography of Vivian Lillie Rice by David Blot and Libby Demmon. Sure enough, it turned out to be a great summer read.
Vivian Lillie Rice is a woman who trusts her intuition, believes that food can heal, and loves to share her knowledge. This book reveals how she was encouraged to follow these qualities from the time she was very young, and it’s obvious this lifestyle was the path she was meant to follow.
The lessons taught by her Native American grandparents were kept alive through Vivian’s mother, and later through Vivian herself. They passed down valuable and enduring methods to enhance everyday health and healing—lessons that only added to Vivian’s independent way of life and made her self-sufficient personality more pronounced. It didn’t matter where Vivian found herself or what life presented to her—she was certain she’d come out the other side stronger and more confident.
While I loved the many stories shared by the authors, some of my favorite parts of the book were the sidebars highlighting various aspects of Rice’s wisdom. I’m sure I’ll go back to her instructions for self-hypnosis (page 74), and her explanation of what colors mean (page 100), and her simple ointment recipe for helping abrasions heal (page 53). I had to chuckle at the sign that Rice hangs from her office door when she practices self-hypnosis: “Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.” She obviously has a sense of humor too.
The book closes with photographs and the story of Vivian Lillie Rice’s 80th birthday celebration. It was lovely to learn how her daughters honored her beliefs and teachings as they planned the event, and it was a treat to read the poem her husband wrote in her honor.
Many people will be relieved to learn that Rice has no intention of closing her nutritional practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It seems she plans on sharing her wisdom with the rest of us for as long as she can. Of course, those she’s taught—and continues to teach—will pass down her lessons for many, many more years to come.
Vivian Lillie Rice’s biography perfectly captures the fortitude it takes to be a holistic practitioner. If you love to read about individuals who pave their own way, never give up, and live with a fierce spirit, grab this book. You’ll return to it again and again.
Paula Widish, author of Trophia: Simple Steps to Everyday Self-Health, is a freelance writer and self-healther. She loves nothing more than sharing tidbits of information she discovers with others. (Actually, she loves her family more than that—and probably bacon too.) Paula has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Relations and is a Certified Professional Life Coach through International Coach Academy.
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