44 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JANUARY 2020
PRESS HOME
HOW TO DESIGN WITH ZEN IN MIND
continued from page 43
RELAXING RETREATS
“Creating a Zen environment either
inside or outdoors should be first and
foremost, clutter free,” says Twice As
Nice Interiors owner Mary Middlemiss.
“If creating a space outdoors,
pathways lined in greenery and
rocks leading up to a quiet space with
a water feature are always good ideas.
Adding a swing is an extra bonus!
She offers guidelines while designing
our interior spaces.
“Use colors that represent nature,”
she says. “Keep it as natural as possible.
Textiles that are light and soft are
important. Natural light is key.
“Keep furniture to a minimum but
also consider using natural wood or
stone products,” she continues. “Today’s
furniture industry has changed
so much, with too many products
being produced in China with toxic
chemicals and fibers. We are a green
company and are very careful with
our design selections.”
She adds: “Lastly, we always encourage
our clients to enhance your space
with a natural oils scent through a
diffuser to not only add freshness,
but calm and balance.”
HGTV DOES ZEN
Entrepreneur, hip-hop mogul, and
best-selling author Russell Simmons
believes the most fundamental key to
success is meditation.
His Manhattan townhouse – featured
in HGTV’s episode about Zen-inspired
homes – reflects his devotion
to yoga and Eastern philosophies in
its unique décor and design.
Emmy® Award-winning actress Jaime
Pressley’s home reveals Asian art and
statues of Buddha set against neutral
colors. In another episode, designer
Genevieve Gorder transforms a
boring backyard into a relaxing,
Asian-style retreat.
FINDING TRANQUILITY
Altman, who’s had years of clinical
experience, says his approach with
clients then, and with his books and
workshops now, is simple.
To cultivate a more Zen approach at
home or work, he suggests decorating
with tranquil, pleasant, and meaningful
objects.
“Objects from our past can have a calming
effect," he explains. “Photos of loved
ones, a family keepsake, religious icon,
and even the symbol of a favorite hobby
or sports team can invite a feeling of
peace and joy. In my own office, I have
the baseball glove I used as a teen. It reminds
me of my history and something
pleasant from my life.”
Altman says looking for that
wholeness within is a journey for
everyone.
“When I had the opportunity to
ordain in a monastery headed by
a well-known teaching monk, I got
some immediate lessons on how
the mind works,” he shares. “That’s
because in a monastery you don’t get
distracted by computers, phones, TV,
and a million other things that keep
you from watching the mind!”
Fortunately, one need not enter a
monastery to discover that pearl.
Altman’s books, 101 Mindful Ways
to Build Resilience and One-Minute
Mindfulness, are filled with quick,
effective practices for gaining clarity,
emotional regulation, de-stressing,
and accessing the here and now.
“Who wants to live in fear?” he asks.
“We are meant to find joy, to find light.
That means understanding that stress
and suffering is universal. Once we
know that, we can recognize that the
antidote is love and compassion.”
He adds, “And gratitude is in all my
books because it’s such a powerful
medicine for overcoming negative
emotions and cultivating connection
with others.”
LIU To Open Region’s First College of Veterinary Medicine
Long Island University is
planning to open next fall its
new College of Veterinary
Medicine, the first of its kind
in the New York Metro area,
officials announced Monday.
LIU recently received
an assurance from the
American Veterinary Medical
Association’s Council on
Education enabling LIU to
begin accepting applications
for students to begin the doctor
of veterinary medicine program
in fall 2020.
“We are extremely proud
that LIU’s new College of
Veterinary Medicine has met
the high standards of the
American Veterinary Medical
Association’s Council on
Education,” said LIU President
Kimberly Cline.
The college will offer one of
only four veterinary programs
in the Northeast. The other
three are at University
of Pennsylvania, Cornell
University, and Tufts University.
“The LIU College of Veterinary
Medicine will fill a void in
Nassau County and our region,
while promoting animal health
and world-class research,”
Nassau County Executive
Laura Curran said.
LIU College of Veterinary
Medicine’s world-class faculty
will offer hands-on learning
experiences through a unique
distributed education model
featuring supervised clinical
experiences throughout
the four years of veterinary
education, according to LIU.
The college said it has secured
partnerships with more than
50 affiliates, including primary
care and specialty clinics,
zoos, research laboratories,
and shelters, where students
will gain real-world experience
in surgery, diagnostic support,
intensive care, and other
areas critical for successful
veterinary practice.
Enrollment will officially
commence following program
registration with the New York
State Education Department.
At full enrollment, the
veterinary school will serve
400 students, with 100 in
each graduating class.
Dr. Carmen Fuentealba was
named the dean of LIU’s new
College of Veterinary Medicine.
“LIU College of Veterinary
Medicine faculty, selected
based on their strong
reputation as scholars and
educators, are prepared to offer
the highest quality education to
the next generation of globally
competent, practice-ready and
entrepreneurial veterinarians,”
Dr. Fuentealba said.
L. to R.: Dr. Carmen Fuentealba was named dean of Long Island University’s new
College of Veterinary Medicine. A rendering of the new college. (LIU)
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
