Since giving up smoking, Aunty Irene Allan has produced a meditation CD to help others cope with stress and the cravings associated with quitting smoking.
Aunty Irene, 71 of Birkenhead and a Tanganekald Elder, has publically released the ‘Ngami Dreamings’ healing CD as part of the Puiyurti (Don’t Smoke) Program’s Rewrite Your Story campaign.
The meditation tracks are free to download from the website once you join in the campaign and make a pledge.
A well-known elder of the community, Aunty Irene seeks to help others overcome difficulties in their lives through spiritual connection with the land and their ancestors.
She says the CD is about guiding people to another place using the imagery of our natural land.
“It stops the urge to have a cigarette because by the time your mind is guided into another place you aren’t thinking about smoking,” she said.
“It is good for health, its calming and relaxing. Most people have a cigarette when they are stressed and need to calm down but why not listen to the CD instead.”
Aunty Irene said it wasn’t until she was 46 that she decided it was time to give up the smokes and choose a healthier way of life.
“I was asthmatic, had bronchial issues and had many chest infections. I was out of breath and my chest felt wheezy,” she said.
“I imagined myself being at my age now, 71, being an old lady, coughing, fag hanging out my mouth, smoking away like a chimney, and I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to look like that.
“And here I am now; I am healthy, doing what I want to do. 71 years of age, I am proud of myself!”
