The Heart of Healing

Feburary 2011 Newsletter

"Un-Meditation" for the Skeptic in You

What a winter, enough snow already!  Way I see it, every day that goes by, is one day closer to spring - March 20th can not come fast enough!  Aww, spring...birds chirping, yellow daffodils, blue crocus, melting snow filling brooks and streams...and new green baby leaves on the trees.  Everything smells so fresh!  So, during my snowed in time, I dreamed about spring and read a great little book - Un-Learning Meditation by Jason Siff.
 
You know, one of those short easy-to-read books to curl up with all wrapped up in your blanket with some hot chocolate and maybe a warm fire?  Jason Siff says we need to unlearn what we have been programmed to think, or expect meditation to be all about.  So many potential meditators shy away from it as they perceive it to be too hard to stop thinking.  They are skeptical, may try it once or twice, and usually complain - "I just don't have time to just sit there.  Do you know how much I have to do?  I can't make my mind stop thinking." read more

Check out previous newsletters and sign up for class events and future newsletters on my website www.theheartofhealing.com

August September 2010 Newsletter

"Freeze Frame" and Recharge Your Energy (qi)

Summer is winding down and fall is rapidly approaching. As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working for you?" Are you feeling anxious, bummed about the end of summer, or excited about the cooler fall season? This is the perfect time to use the "freeze frame" technique created by Doc Childre, a leading authority on reducing stress, and increasing emotional balance. I found this technique on the HeartMath website recently and wanted to share it with you. read more

Check out previous newsletters and sign up for class events and future newsletters on my website www.theheartofhealing.com

The Heart of Healing - June/July 2010 Newsletter

I discovered qigong and t'ai chi about ten years ago quite by accident. I was searching for a slower-paced movement therapy following a successful brain surgery that would include gentle movement, relaxation and breathing exercises for body/mind/spirit. I had heard about t'ai chi, meaning the "Great Ultimate", and took a local class. I found it to be quite challenging as T'ai Chi is a gentle, slow-moving exercise which has a precise number of steps performed in a specific order. I found it to be an ideal form of exercise for me.

Later, I discovered qigong, read more

Check out previous newsletters and sign up for class events and future newsletters on my website www.theheartofhealing.com

Take a stand this New Year and try qigong Standing Meditation as part of your daily routine. It is the foundation of any qigong practice. Simply find a place to stand with your feet shoulder width apart, sink your qi, bend your knees slightly, relax your shoulders, and extend your arms out in front of your chest in a circular position as if holding a tree trunk. Gaze out in front of yourself as if looking a far distance, no thoughts, breathing evenly. Allow your qi to move freely and fluidly in your body to relax, remove blockages and flow freely. Begin by practicing this for 3-5 miutes a day working up to 10-20 minutes of standing meditation. or, better yet, order my new dvd, "Designing your Personal Practice" and follow me. Standing Meditation is included on the dvd as a 10 minute segment1 It is also available on the Tranquil Journeys guided meditation audio cd. Both are available for sale right here from The Heart of Healing webstore!

Qigong for Everyone

Qigong is an ancient Chinese movement therapy which can be practiced by anyone, ages 5-95, regardless of fitness level.  It is sometimes referred to as Chinese yoga.  It can be performed standing, seated, and even in the water. Qigong features calm, continuous, circular, and fluid movements which strengthen joints, ligaments and tendons. Benefits include increased balance, flexibility, and strength.  One of my students recently reported in June that her high blood pressure reduced to normal in just one month of practicing qigong.  She does the Stance of Power practice daily and still maintains a normal blood pressure to this day!  She called yesterday and said - "I am still standing!"  You too can obtain wellness benefits from practicing qigong daily.  Purchase your own Qigong for Everyone dvd for just $24.95 from our webstore at - www.theheartofhealing.com.  Don't wait another moment!