Mountain View News Saturday, November 29, 2025 
1313 
SPORTS, FITNESS &SPORTS, FITNESS & 
HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY LIVING 
Mountain View News Saturday, November 29, 2025 
1313 
SPORTS, FITNESS &SPORTS, FITNESS & 
HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY LIVING 
LYMPHATIC CARE MATTERS 

UNLOCK YOUR LIFE 


Lori A. Harris 


WHAT OCTAVIA BUTLER'S DAILY PRACTICE 
TEACHES US ABOUT BUILDING THE FUTURE 

Octavia E. Butler, who lived in Altadena for decades, looking 
at the same San Gabriel Mountains you see every day, wrote 
science fiction that reads like prophecy.
This week on Unlock Your Life with Lori Harris (Episode 
#111), I sat down with Pasadena author and journalist Lynell 
George, whose book A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Skydraws from Butler's archives at the Huntington Library to re


veal something most people never get to see: what Butler actually 
did, daily, to become the visionary writer who changed literature forever.
Lynell has spent years in those archives, right here in our community, uncovering not 
mystery or magic, but method.
The System Behind the MagicButler used her calendar religiously, blocking time for her writing like it was sacred, 
because it was. 
She wrote affirmations and posted them where she could see them: "I will be a bestselling 
writer." Not "I want to be" or "I hope to be." She claimed it before it happened.
She journaled constantly, ideas, observations, fragments that would become entire 
worlds. 
And perhaps most importantly, she was incredibly discerning about who she shared her 
dreams with. She protected her life and creative vision from people who couldn't hold it.
As Lynell told me in our conversation, "Octavia became a persona she put on in order to 
fully realize the person she came here to become."
That persona wasn't about pretense. It was about discipline and devotion to her own 
becoming.
Here's what strikes me after a decade of coaching high-achieving women: Butler wasn't 
magical because she dreamed big. She was magical because she had a system. And that 
system is replicable.
Community as StrategyThe other thing Butler understood, both in her novels and in her life, is that no one 
survives alone. 
In our conversation, Lynell spoke about the community of Black women writers and 
mentors Butler built around herself. Even as a solitary writer, she knew she needed 
people who could hold her vision with her.
This resonates deeply with what I'm seeing right now. As Lynell put it: "We're all having 
the same conversation: What's next? This structure isn't working. It wasn't built for us."
Black women across sectors are recognizing that existing systems weren't designed with 
us in mind. So the question becomes: What are we building together?
Butler's Parable novels show us that community isn't built after the crisis passes; it's built 
in the midst of it, around shared values and shared purpose.
That's not just fiction. That's a blueprint for right now.
The Blueprint Butler Left UsIn the full podcast episode, Lynell and I go deep into Butler's practice and what it means 
for us now. We talk about: 

• How to protect your dreams while you're building them 
• The power of writing things down (all of them, even the fragments)
• Why your calendar is your most important creative tool 
• Building a personal ecosystem of support 
• The courage it takes to start before you're ready 
Butler didn't talk about doing it. She did it. That's the real inheritance she left us, right 
here in the San Gabriel Valley.
Your Invitation 
If you're carrying a vision that feels bigger than the structures around you, if you're 
wondering how to build something new while the old systems crumble, this conversation 
is for you.
Listen to Episode #111 of Unlock Your Life with Lori Harris, available on Apple Podcasts, 
Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Search "Unlock Your Life Lori 
Harris" or visit loriaharris.com/podcast.
And here's your nudge assignment this week: Write down one dream you've been protecting. 
Put it somewhere you can see it. Then ask yourself: Who is in my "what's next" 
circle? Who helps me imagine the future I want to build?
Even one intentional step honors the blueprint Octavia left us.
All love and ever grateful,
Coach Lori 

Lori A. Harris is an award-winning Integrative Change Coach and host of "Unlock Your 

Happy 
Holidays! 



Lizzie’s Trail Inn and 


Richardson Museum 
will be 
decorated for the season 
and we look forward to 
your company! 



Please visit us at the museums on 


Saturday, 
December 
13, 


from 
12pm 
to 
2pm 


for a cup of 
something warm, a bite 
of 
something 
sweet or 
savory, 
and 
a nice visit 
on our 
porches! 


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 
professional who offers semi-private/virtual fit-
ness classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit. 
com. Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness. 


When people think about their health, they often focus 
on their heart, lungs, or brain. However, there’s a lesser-
known system quietly working behind the scenes to keep 
your body functioning at its best—the lymphatic system. 
This network of vessels, tissues, and organs is essential for 
maintaining your immune system, removing waste, and 
keeping your body’s fluids in balance. 

At its core, the lymphatic system acts as the body’s drainage 
system, carrying lymph—a clear fluid rich in white 
blood cells—throughout the body. This fluid collects 
waste, toxins, and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, 
transporting them to lymph nodes. Found in areas 
like the neck, armpits, and groin, lymph nodes filter these 
harmful substances and help your immune system eliminate 
them. Think of your lymphatic system as a sanitation 
crew that not only cleans up but also protects you from 
potential threats. 

Disorders of the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema, aren’t always caused by lifestyle 
or injury. In some cases, they have a hereditary component. If you’ve ever noticed an older 
relative with persistently swollen ankles, you’ve seen the effects of a possible lymphatic disorder. 
Imagine an elderly woman decades ago, sitting quietly with her feet slightly swollen and 
tucked into sturdy black shoes. For many, such swelling results from inherited traits that affect 
the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid efficiently. 

Hereditary lymphedema occurs when structural abnormalities in lymphatic vessels run in 
families. Swelling often begins in the legs or feet and may remain unnoticed until triggered 
by events like surgery, pregnancy, or even an insect bite. Knowing your family’s health history 
can offer valuable clues. If lymphedema runs in your family, pay close attention to swelling 
or discomfort in the limbs. Seek medical advice early to make a significant difference. Early 
treatment can prevent complications such as cellulitis, fibrosis, pain, reduced mobility, fungal 
infections, and even cancer. 

The lymphatic system doesn’t just prevent swelling; it’s also vital for immune health. By circulating 
white blood cells and delivering essential nutrients, it supports the body’s defense 
against illness. The system can be compromised by hereditary issues, illness, or lifestyle factors. 
At that point its protective role diminishes. 

Physical activity is one of the best ways to support your lymphatic system. Unlike the circulatory 
system, which has the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system relies on muscle movement 
to push lymph fluid through the body. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or yoga 
stimulate lymph flow and help it move efficiently. Deep breathing exercises are particularlyeffective, as they create chest pressure that aids lymph movement. Even small daily actions, 
such as stretching or climbing stairs, can positively impact your lymphatic health. This is 
especially important during the holidays, when indulgent meals, travel, and stress can disrupt 
healthy routines and impact your immune system. 

Hydration also plays a vital role. Without enough water, lymph fluid can stagnate, increasing 
the risk of swelling. Aim for at least eight cups of water a day and include water-rich foods like 
cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens in your diet. Proper hydration not only supports 
lymphatic flow but also helps the body flush out toxins and maintain overall balance. 

A healthy diet also plays a crucial role in supporting lymphatic health. Foods high in antioxidants, 
such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, reduce inflammation and keep the 
lymphatic system functioning optimally. Healthy fats from sources like avocados and walnuts 
can improve the system’s efficiency, while fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi contain probiotics, 
which benefit the gut—closely linked to the lymphatic and immune systems. 

Advancements in lymphatic medicine have brought hope to people with lymphatic disorders. 
Treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage (a specialized massage technique) stimulates 
lymph movement and reduces swelling. Compression garments help maintain fluid balance, 
particularly for individuals with chronic lymphedema. In severe cases, surgical procedures 
can reroute or repair damaged lymphatic vessels, providing long-term relief for those struggling 
with significant complications. 

If you think you might have a lymphatic issue, it’s crucial to seek a specialist who understands 
this system. A practitioner certified in lymphedema management or lymphatic medicine can 
provide targeted care and help you navigate treatment options. Look for someone with training 
in therapies like manual lymphatic drainage, as this technique requires specialized skills 
and should be performed by an expert. Asking for referrals from your doctor or reading patient 
reviews online can guide you to a qualified professional. 

With growing awareness of lymphatic health, more resources and specialists are available to 
help you maintain balance and well-being. Prioritizing your lymphatic system is an investment 
in your long-term health, enhancing your body’s ability to stay strong, resilient, and 
energized. 


Holiday craft table for the kids! 
Holiday 
music 
at 1pm from Remember When 


Sierra 
Madre 
Historical Preservation 
Society 


167 East Mira Monte Avenue 

Everyone is 
welcome! 
No admission charge! 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 
Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com