“The benefits of incorporating exercise into your child’s daily routine are limitless. Not only will it have a positive effect on their ADHD, but also it will improve their overall health and emotional well-being.

“Exercise turns on the attention system, the so-called executive functions – sequencing, working memory, prioritizing, inhibiting, and sustaining attention,” writes John Ratey, M.D., an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “On a practical level, it causes kids to be less impulsive, which makes them more primed to learn.”

If your child has any health conditions or is taking any medication that affects heart rate, such as stimulants, check with your doctor for instructions before beginning an exerciseprogram. Other than that, all I can say is that exercise is a wonderful healing therapy for the ADHD child.

Aerobic Exercise

A study conducted in 2004 by the University of Illinois showed that brisk walking three times a week for six months actually changed the neural pathways in the brain to allow for better decision-making.

Brain scans showed that brisk walkers had considerably increased brain activity in two areas of the brain: the middle frontal gyrus (part of the brain that controls focus on goals) and superior parietal area at the back of the brain, which focuses spatial attention.

The key here is brisk walking. Researchers concluded that the increased oxygen flow from aerobic exercise improves the brains ability to sharpen its attention and focus on everyday tasks and goals.

If even getting your ADHD child to exercise is difficult then consider the inclusion of a natural remedy such as MoodCalm into their diet. This will reduce impulsivity and mood swings while calming any anger outbursts. This calming influence could be a great asset in the battle to get your child to do more aerobic exercise.”

Dr. Ronald Receveur

www.ADDMoms.net

Thought you might just be interested in this latest campaign by the Organic Consumers Association!

#237, August 12, 2010

Health, Justice and Sustainability News
from the Organic Consumers Association

Edited by Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

The Coming Clean Campaign for Organic Integrity in the Health and Beauty Care Aisle

• Top 10 Reasons to Use Organic Body Care and Cosmetics Products
• Panic! This Product Is Not Organic!
• Tell USDA to Stop Organic Fraud!
• Ask Stores to Adopt Organic Body Care and Cosmetics Integrity Policies
• Boycott the Fake Organic Brands

Strictly for your information.  I receive no compensation for this info.

I just received this from Dr. Ronald Receveur  and liked it so much, I thought you might enjoy it too.

ADHD/ADD can be compared to a lemon tree. Whether you have pitchers full of refreshing lemonade or a bucket of sour lemons, whether you enjoy the beauty of the tree’s bright green leaves, fragrant flower and shiny fruit or you’re too busy getting pricked by its thorns to notice, depends on how you look at the tree, how you nurture the tree and how you manage it.

Believe or not, like the lemon tree, ADHD has its gifts. Whether it is more curse or more gift depends a lot on you – how you perceive your child’s uniqueness, how you nurture the gifts, and how you manage the curses.

What Exactly is ADHD?

It appears that certain receptors in the brain, which normally respond to the neurotransmitter called dopamine, are working differently in those with ADHD. Most likely, dopamine is not being produced at normal levels in the brain.

Recent studies with adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD point to a defect in an enzyme called dopa decarboxylase, which helps make dopamine. This defect in dopamine production occurs in the anterior frontal cortex, an area associated with cognitive processes such as focusing and attention.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry electrical impulses (messages to the brain) along a neural pathway. They tell the central communication system (the brain) what to do.

If any of these electrical impulses or pathways is blocked, they don’t reach the brain. In the case of ADHD, these blockages seem to often occur in areas that help us maintain our emotional state.

Natural remedies such as Triple Complex Brain Tonic can help to improve concentration and memory functioning in those with ADHD. These remedies don’t offer a cure for ADHD but help to make the symptoms more manageable through the use of specially designed herbal remedies.

Dr. Ronald Receveur

www.ADDMoms.net

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819 Mount Tabor Road Suite 8
New Albany, IN 47150
United States

Taught by  Masters Liu, Master Meng, and Qiao Laoshi
This retreat will teach you to get at the energetic root of illness, learning the meditative practices of Zhineng Qigong so all illnesses can be overcome. This workshop is for teachers, beginners or for anyone who has been practicing Zhineng Qigong, as your practice will become deeper and stronger no matter what level you are on.
•    Learn the power happiness can have on our lives and how to develop that practice
•    Learn Fa Qi (method to emit Qi for healing)
•    Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down (this method is taught with theory and a deeper use of Qi)
•    Learn how to release Heart Stones that keep us from healing
•    Mind Qi Practice
•    Learn the real practice of Intention
•    Organization of the Qi Field theories for yourself and others
•    Profound Healing techniques used at the Hua Xia Center in China
•    Learning to balance the emotions to affect our physical well-being
•    Learn Hun Yuan Qi and Yi Yuan Ti theories
•    Daily group healing sessions with Masters Liu and Meng
Cost for the retreat is $3,080 U.S.
*************************************************************
The Healing Retreat will be taught by Masters Liu, Meng, and Qiao. Master Liu was a teacher at Hua Xia Zhineng Qigong Center for 8 years and has taught in the U.S., Malaysia, Sweden, Holland, Indonesia, Belgium, introducing students all over the world to the deeper practices of Zhineng Qigong that show us the power of Grandmaster Pang’s theories and methods. Even teachers who are working on their healing will find this course an amazing path for complete healing.

Even if you have already learned these methods, this retreat will greatly advance your practice and your ability to absorb qi at deeper levels for healing. .

Through this practice, students can learn to keep the emotions balanced and the mind more focused and quiet. Then students will be more clear about how they want to live their life.

The retreat will offer many foods that are beneficial for healing. All food is fresh and locally grown. The retreat will be held in 3 apartments in Meishan, where the students can have a comfortable and relaxing home environment with Western style toilets and facilities.

You will fly to Beijing, then to Chengdu. From there, it is a one-hour shuttle bus ride to Meishan. There will be local sight-seeing, including a natural hot spring with over 20 different herbal baths and natural spring water, Panda Breeding Center, the largest Buddha in the world, and local historical sites.
The price for the retreat is $3,080 (or 21,006 in Chinese RBM),  plus $100 visa application. This retreat price includes all travel within China, energy healing sessions, lodging, food, and teacher instruction. The price does not include airfare or incidentals.

The retreat lasts for 21 days in order to provide optimal learning and healing. It is specifically designed for anyone who has, or is in remission from, a serious or chronic illness and would like to learn a natural healing process that was developed by Dr. Pang Ming, a medical doctor, a doctor of Chinese Medicine, and a Qigong Grandmaster and the founder of the Hua Xia Zhineng Qigong Center in China.

The Masters will do individual and group healing sessions, which are all included in the price of the trip.

Panda Breeding Center

Largest Buddha statue in Leishan on the river
******************************************************************************
Advanced Level 1 and Body Mind Method
Instructors:  Master Liu
October 1 – 30, 2010
Cost of the Advanced and Body Mind Retreat is $ 3,680 U.S.
(25,098 Chinese RBM)
For both Healing and Advanced retreats Sept 5-Oct.30, 2010
Total price $5,980 U.S. (40,784 RBM)
(Teachers please note this class.  It will be invaluable in improving your Gong Fu and progressing deeply!)
The Advanced Level 1 Retreat can be taken with the Healing Retreat (there is a 3 day period of time between the 2 retreats for relaxation – meals and lodging covered for a small extra fee).
This retreat will focus on higher and deeper levels of the Level 1 practices taught at the Healing Retreat, but can be taken by itself without the healing retreat as well. In addition, many other meditations will be taught and individual progress will be a focus. This course is for students and teachers alike. Either the healing retreat or previous classes in Level 1 and Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down are required to attend this retreat.
•    Level 2 Meditation practices of Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down
•    Deeper mind consciousness to do Qi Healing
•    Living from a New Point in Life
•    Learning to live from a Zhineng Qigong Consciousness (as opposed to our western habits of thought and action)
•    Learn meditations to be in harmony with nature and all of the universe
•    Learn to pull the Qi Information (in all life-Qi is information)
•    Learn to Open the Waist Practice
•    Learn deeper Yi Yuan Ti theories and meditations
Body and Mind Method
As taught at the Hua Xia Zhineng Qigong Center in China
Instructor:  Master Liu
The Level 2 Body Mind Method will be an in-depth learning and deepening of this practice.  At least one year of Level 1 practice is a pre-requisite for this retreat.  Body and Mind Method is a physically challenging practice and is not recommended for those weakened by life-threatening illnesses and conditions.
•    Learn detailed Body and Mind Method movements, benefits, and theory
•    Learn to activate internal qi (the energetic practices will be taught with the physical movements)
•    Learn how to Organize the Qi Field for Internal practice
•    Learn Body and Mind Method for Yi Yuan Ti meditation
•    Learn the Self-Awareness Method
*******************************************************************************************************

You will spend one night at the Daoist Qigong mountain, Mt. Qincheng to practice in the strong qi field where qigong practitioners have practiced for thousands of years.
Please see LifeQiCenter.com or ZhinengQigongWorldwide.org
To  register. You can also email Deborah Lissom with any questions
Deborah@ZhinengQigongWorldwide.org
Deborah Lissom will be Assistant Teaching

Or Jan Lively
Jan@ZhinengQigongWorldwide.org
Master Liu can be contacted at LZJ4444@yahoo.com.cn

In this interview, McAfee details the many health benefits of raw milk, and explains the process of raw milk production.
Sources:
Mark McAfee Interview Transcript (PDF)
15 Things that Pasteurization Kills (PDF)

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

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Did you know there are two types of ‘raw milk’ in America?

As Mark McAfee explains, there’s the raw milk intended to be consumed raw, and then there’s the raw milk intended to be used for pasteurization, and contrary to popular belief, they are NOT the same.

When buying raw milk, it’s very important to make sure you’re buying milk that has been produced with the intention of being consumed raw, and not just raw milk from conventionally-raised cows that hasn’t gone through the pasteurization process yet.

There’s a vast difference between the quality and safety of milk from organically-raised, grass-fed cows, and conventionally-raised, grain-fed livestock.

How Can You Identify High-Quality Sources of Raw Milk?

Right now, only six states permit the retail sale of raw milk:

1. California
2. Connecticut
3. Maine
4. Pennsylvania
5. Washington
6. Arizona

However, it’s important to realize that each state sets their own standards. California, specifically, has its own special set of standards for raw milk for human consumption, in which farmers must meet or exceed pasteurized milk standards, without pasteurizing.

You can find raw milk retailers in California by using the store locator available at www.OrganicPastures.com, and for other areas, check out the Campaign for Real Milk Web site.

You can also look here to find out the legal status of raw milk in the U.S. state or country where you live.

However, since many raw milk producers are very small farms, and the standards that do exist vary from state to state, how do you go about identifying solid, high-quality producers of raw milk if you can’t just buy it in a store nearby?

This is a complex question since the environmental conditions will vary from location to location, and from season to season. However, there are a few general conditions you should look for, including:

* Low pathogenic bacteria count (ie does the farmer test his milk regularly for pathogens?)
* The milk is quickly chilled after milking
* The milk comes from cows raised naturally, in accordance with the seasons
* The cows are mainly grass-fed
* The cows are not given antibiotics and growth hormones to increase milk production
* Cows are well cared for

If you’re thinking about purchasing milk from a small farmer, it would be very wise to visit the farm in person. Look around and ask questions, such as:

1. Does the farmer and his family drink the milk themselves?
2. How long has he been producing raw milk?
3. Are the cows clean?
4. What conditions are the cows raised in?
5. Are there any obvious sanitation questions?

If a cow is covered in filth and manure, stinks, is wet and cold and doesn’t look particularly comfortable, that could be a warning sign that her milk is less than ideal for raw consumption.

Only Healthy Grass-Fed Cows Produce Healthy Raw Milk

Naturally, fresh grasses for foraging are not available year round in many areas of the US, so it’s also important to take a look at what the cows are being fed during winter months. According to McAfee, acceptable winter feed includes dried alfalfa, timothy grass, and other cut pasture or forage that has been dried.

A key point to remember is that cows that are fed a lot of grain and raised under substandard conditions will likely produce milk that is unhealthy to drink raw because grains, antibiotics, growth hormones, and filthy living conditions change the pH balance and the natural bacteria present in her gut, which in turn affects the natural bacteria and pathogens present in her milk.

This is particularly problematic because so many Americans have depressed immune function, leaving any pathogen introduced into your gut free to wreak havoc.

Says McAfee:

“So, as an American citizen going out and finding raw milk, if you have a depressed immune system there is an exceptional challenge there, whereas somebody who is searching out raw milk in California, who has been on raw milk before and their immune system is in pretty good shape, it’s less of a problem.

But if you got a really depressed immune system and… find some bad milk from somebody who is intending their milk to be pasteurized… that’s kind of a marriage made in hell. That’s not a good thing at all.

And that’s where I think a lot of the outbreaks happen.

You see people doing research on the internet saying, “Oh, I have a really depressed immune system. I have common cold. I get irritable bowel syndrome. I got asthma. I got allergies. I need to fix that and they say raw milk will fix it.”

But they don’t have raw milk in their area that’s safe. [Milk] that is intended for people, so they go out and find a local dairy that takes pity on them, and they buy raw milk that is intended for pasteurization, and that’s where you start seeing real problems.”

Like McAfee says, “when you work with cows to produce raw milk, you can’t cheat!”

Why the FDA Doesn’t Want You to Have Raw Milk

For a fascinating review of what the current position of the FDA is regarding raw milk I would strongly encourage you to read this recent enlightening article that will reveal some of their hidden agendas

The Many Health Benefits of Raw Milk

Organically-raised, grass-fed milk naturally contains hundreds of healthy, “good” bacteria, including lactobacillus and acidophilus. There are also several coliform families of bacteria. It’s important to realize that there are over 230 different kinds of E. coli., and only two or three of them are actually pathogenic and will cause you to get sick. The rest are actually beneficial for your gut.

Raw milk also contains vitamins, which are virtually eliminated by the pasteurization process of commercial milk. But it’s the presence of beneficial bacteria are what make raw milk such an outstanding food source to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your intestine, which in turn has a significant, beneficial impact on your overall immune function.

Other health promoting ingredients in raw milk include:

* Valuable enzymes that are destroyed during pasteurization. Without them, milk is very difficult to digest. So if you have lactose intolerance, it may very well disappear once you start consuming raw dairy products.

It also contains phosphatase, an enzyme that aids and assists in the absorption of calcium in your bones, and lipase enzyme, which helps to hydrolyze and absorb fats.

Enzymes are deactivated when you get above 120 degrees. By the time you get to 150, 160 degrees, almost all of them are completely inactivated, which is why you will not get ANY of these benefits from pasteurized milk.
* Natural butterfat, which is homogenized or removed in pasteurized milk. Without butterfat, it becomes very difficult for your body to absorb and utilize the vitamins and minerals in the water fraction of the milk. Butterfat is also your best source of preformed vitamin A, and contains re-arranged acids with strong anti-carcinogenic properties.
* Healthy unoxidized cholesterol
* Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which fights cancer and may help reduce your body fat.
* High omega-3 and low omega-6 ratios, which is the beneficial ratio between these two essential fats

Pasteurizing milk, on the other hand, destroys enzymes, diminishes vitamins, denatures fragile milk proteins, destroys vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, kills beneficial bacteria, and actually promotes pathogens.

In my opinion, there’s no reason to drink pasteurized milk, ever.

Unfortunately, the FDA and other health agencies do not acknowledge the inherent differences between pasteurized milk and raw milk.

They claim raw milk and pasteurized milk have precisely the same kind of nutritional values, completely disregarding the value of enzymes, the probiotic value of beneficial bacteria, and the importance of healthy fats.

It truly is imperative to recognize that nutrition is a holistic thing.

You cannot take bits and pieces of nutrients and think you’re going to end up with good health. It is in fact the food as a whole that makes it good for you in terms of nutrition.

Says McAfee:

“When you look at the complete assessment of food, raw milk is a rock star when it comes to dietary meaningfulness.”

I agree with McAfee when he says that hopefully, someday, the FDA will come around and acknowledge the fact that we should look at the whole of the food instead of just pieces of the food. Right now, their assessments on most foods are partial and woefully incomplete, and unfortunately, this is having a major, detrimental impact on your health.

Should Humans Drink Cow’s Milk?

Some people believe that cow’s milk is food for calves only, and should not be consumed by humans to begin with.

However, this may be too simplified a view. As McAfee explains:

“Cows have four stomachs, so they can eat grass… They are literally that animal between us and the sun. They are solar sun convertors. They take sunshine expressed as grass on the ground (because the grass obviously grows when the sun hits the ground and [with] water the grass grows).

We can’t eat the grass but the cow can eat the grass, and then we can eat what the cow provides… [which] is very, very nutrient dense and very digestible by humans.”

I believe that’s an important point, and it’s an area of nutrition that few pay any attention to — the area of biophotons.

But biophoton research explains the underlying principles of why it’s so vital to eat a diet of mostly RAW food, including raw milk.

As you know, without the sun it is virtually impossible for most life forms to exist. For example, we now know that without appropriate sun exposure, you will become deficient in vitamin D, which will have very far ranging consequences for your health.

Vitamin D influences at least 2,000-3,000 genes (that we know of), and without sufficient amounts of vitamin D, your body becomes susceptible to a staggering amount of diseases. But you can absorb sun energy via your food as well as through your skin (although this should not be confused with being able to alter your vitamin D status).

Every living organism emits biophotons or low-level luminescence, and the higher the level of light a cell emits, the greater its vitality and the potential for the transfer of that energy to the individual who eats it.

Hence, the more light a food is able to store, the more nutritious it is. Naturally grown fresh vegetables, for example, and sun-ripened fruits, are rich in light energy.

The capacity to store biophotons is therefore a measure of the quality of your food, and a very strong reason for making sure milk producing cows are allowed to forage for the healthiest, freshest grasses.

What about Raw Milk for Vegans?

As for vegans and strict vegetarians, unfortunately many of them end up not getting sufficient amounts of healthy fats in their diet, which can have a very detrimental effect on their nervous system.

Yes, the plant kingdom does offer some very important fats, but other fats are entirely animal-based, and they complement each other on a functional level. When all animal-based foods are excluded from your diet, you run the risk of developing a deficiency, which can have both physiological and psychological consequences.

In terms of consuming an animal-based food that is humane, drinking grass-fed milk from an organic dairy farm is perhaps one of your healthiest alternatives for the best of both worlds.

Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, does not offer any of the benefits available from raw milk, such as healthy fats, and a good case can be made that it does not fit the nutritional needs of humans.

I strongly recommend you avoid pasteurized milk entirely.

Explanation and Position of Organic Pastures on A-2 Milk and A-2 Testing

About five years ago, OPDC attempted to have the A-2 Corporation test all of our cows for A-2 genetic traits. At that time the “A-2 Corporation” was doing business in the Upper Midwest in the USA. The A-2 Corporation refused to test any cows unless all the milk was branded under the A-2 Corporation brand. They also required that all A-2 Corporation milk be pasteurized.

Because OPDC is 100% organic and never pasteurize our raw milk….that was the end of any A-2 testing idea for OPDC. The A-2 testing mandates and ideas broke all of our rules.

About a year ago, OPDC again attempted to contact the A-2 Corporation in an attempt to have its cows tested for A-2 Genetic traits. It was discovered that the A-2 Corporation had gone bankrupt in North America and had just skeletal operations in New Zealand. It took months to get an email through or contact via phone. The answer from A-2 was that they were not providing the patented test to anyone at that time and that perhaps in the future that the test may become available.

As of March 2010, the A-2 Corporation is not providing tests to American Dairymen.

There are some people in the raw milk movement that say that they have a way to get cows tested for A-2 traits, but it is questionable whether these tests are actually the original A-2 test and these people want lots of money to do the test.

It is also still very questionable whether the claims made by A-2 are accurate. The authors of “The Devil in the Milk” book claim that cows made a genetic split about 5,000 years ago and that Holsteins and some other breeds were more domesticated because of calmness and other traits ( they were to become more A-1 dominant ). We have no way of knowing that this is true or not. No other research confirms these historical concepts. Also…it is claimed that A-2 cows ( Jerseys )produce milk which is far better than cows that are tested and found to be A-1 genetics.

We disagree with this analysis and remain unconvinced of its value. If the split occurred 5000 years ago and A-1 is the source of modern heart disease and makes autism worse….then this does not match up with other researchers at all. Modern diseases began with grain feeding and confinement just 75 to 100 years ago. Modern diseases are much more likely to be associated with modern processing of milk and lack of grass feeding etc.

When evaluating the “67th amino acid” differences in A-2 milk, we ask a much bigger question, when pasteurized milk is observed microscopically it is a massive destruction zone. It looks as if it has been hit with a bomb and everything is dead, broken and twisted. Everything is in little pieces and nothing is alive.

How can a slight 67th position nuance of a single amino acid matter at all in the bigger scheme of massive amino acid changes during pasteurized milk destruction. This makes zero sense.

At OPDC about 50% of our cows are Jersey and 30% are Jersey-Holstein crosses. The rest are Holstein.

At OPDC we believe that the cow is a part of the environment and her milk reflects her conditions and her feed. We feed 100% pastures all of the time. These conditions will reflect in the raw milk that she produces.

Presently, we are being approached to test our cows for A-2 traits by people that do not work for A-2 Corporation. These tests are very expensive and we have no idea what the results would mean or what value they would bring or if they are actually A-2 tests at all? Who knows what they are.

For now, at OPDC, the jury is out on A-2 v. A-1 cows. We are approached every week by people that try to sell us something new to make our products better. We are always open to new ideas….but most of the time we stick with the very oldest of ideas. We stick with mother nature and grass and sunshine. We are not going to slaughter or sell off our perfectly good cows based on one book and a concept which has not been verified by anyone except for the authors.

Both of the founders of A-2 are now dead and no one is verifying their work.

In our calculation the very best milk is raw milk from cows grazed on green pastures and tested to assure that no bad bugs are present. This is the raw milk that makes people healthy, rebuilds human immune systems regardless of animal genetics.

The FDA will not allow OPDC to explain what things raw milk improves medically.

Trust us….Grass fed, tested, Raw Milk is a highly effective medical food.

See www.californiarawmilk.org for details that cannot be explained here.

More Information

For more information, I urge you to listen to the interview in its entirety above. The full transcript is also available.

Mark McAfee’s experience and knowledge base on this topic is phenomenal, and the interview covers many of the facets involved in raising healthy cows and producing healthy raw milk, as well as the numerous health benefits, and potential pitfalls, of raw milk.

You can also find lots of valuable information on McAfee’s site www.OrganicPastures.com, and www.RawUSA.org.

Related Links:
More Dairies Go Raw as Consumers Learn the Benefits of Unpasteurized Milk
The ”Experts” Are Wrong About Raw Milk
Choosing Between Raw Milk and a Dead, White Liquid

Sources:

Bubble and Bee January 21, 2010

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“Awaken, Embrace and Celebrate Your Love”

A 90 minute vibrational experience of crystal bowls, voice, harp and gentle body movement to celebrate the love within each of us that we desire to ‘seed’ in the Spring Equinox energy.     The clear tones of the crystal bowls and voice ‘awaken’ the body to love; then the soothing melodies of the harp evoke the emotions to ‘embrace’ this love within. As the body gently moves with this awakening, the soft words and rhythms of songs ‘celebrate’ this love as we begin to experience it for ourselves and then share it with others. Friday, March 19th – Eliot Unitarian Chapel @ 8:00pm 100 S. Taylor, Kirkwood, MO  63122 Saturday, March 20th – St. Martin’s Episcopal Church @ 7:00pm 15764 Clayton Road, Ellisville, MO 63011 Tickets:  $10.00 Advanced tickets available on-line by visiting: www.amycamie.com (click on Public Events) Tickets available at the door Artists’ CDs will be available at the event For more information: 314-603-4430 THE ARTISTS: Crystal Bowls and Voice: Janiece Jaffe, a professional jazz performer, holds a BA in Vocal Jazz Performance from Indiana University and has been a practicing Reiki Master since 2000. She has studied with Jonathan Goldman, Tom Kenyon in sound healing intensives; taken Rhiannon’s Vocal Improvisation Intensives, as well as participated in Circle Singing training with Bobby McFerrin. Janiece is a member of NESHRI, The World Sound Healing Organization and The Sound Healers Association. She has recorded 9 CDs; 2 for stress relief and meditation called, The Lotus and the Rose and Heartones. www.janiecejaffe.com/ Harp: Amy Camie, an award winning professional harpist, recording artist and public speaker on “Vibrational Awareness and The Healing Power of Music,” is the Founder of the Scientific Arts Foundation.  Her solo harp CDs have been used in several research studies indicating how they increase neurological functioning, support the immune system and reduce pain, distress and anxiety levels.  As one woman said, “You touch others in such a deep place with your music…because it comes from such a deep place inside of you.” Amy’s CDs are used throughout the country in hospitals, cancer centers and hospices as well as for general relaxation and stress reduction.  www.amycamie.com Voice and Guitar: Bridgette Kossor is a committed advocate, teacher and inspirational speaker on whole food education, healthy eating and balanced self-love in people of all ages. She is a professional singer, songwriter, recording artist, interfaith minister, Reiki Master, Waker Upper and attended the Strengthening Health Institute in Philadelphia for Macrobiotic education. After many years of weight, body image and health challenges, she has lost 100 lbs., normalized health imbalances and shifted those challenges into positive action through her lifestyle choices, most passionately through music and food. Bridgette envisions a world where people are well nourished, healthy, aware, connected, loved, and co-creators in their own health and lives.  www.bridgettekossor.com/ Gentle Body Movement: Sherry Summers is one of St. Louis’ most experienced and respected Yoga teachers.  Her teaching draws upon the richness of her own 18 year’s commitment to Yoga.  She has trained extensively in Iyengar and Tibetan yoga and is accomplished in multiple forms of movement and dance.  Sherry’s own joy in teaching comes from supporting a student’s new understanding, a release from old patterns, or a fresh way or relating wit others and one’s self.  She reveres Yoga as a means for healing. www.cherylsherbs.com/why_private_sessions.htm To purchase advanced tickets and download a PDF flyer for this event: http://www.amycamie.com/springequinoxevent.html

QIGONG THIS WEEK — regular schedule . . . Thursday, Qigong & Meditation, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Glendale Presbyterian Ckhurch, 500 N. Sappington Road. Adult Lounge, lower level. Friday, Qigong class @ The Wellness Community, 11 – 11:45 teaching 11:45 – 12:30 practice Sunday, Qigong Practice, 3 -4 pm @ Eliot Chapel of Kirkwood, 216 E Argonne Monday, Qigong & Meditation, 7 – 9 pm @ Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, 10790 Old Rt. 21

You are probably aware that my husband has been fighting a battle with bladder cancer since last May.  So far, he is winning.  I, as a caregiver, have been STRESSED.  Why, because I have to face the possibility that I may be living without him.  That means I must re-evaluate  the way I have been living.  We have been a team.  Now we are both figuring out how to live differently.  Sounds like any other change. Right?  It brings to the surface, my fears…any major change means I have to deal with everything in ways that are unfamiliar.  When I was younger, change was a challenge that meant I could become excited about learning a new and different way of doing things.  Now, it means I might have to do things that are inconvenient.  Things that I am used to handing off to Glenn for resolution.  Like handling taxes and other irritating jobs.

In truth, the way I choose to think about these changes can add to my stress or contribute to my health.  If I put a negative spin on them, they become irritants that trigger chemical reactions in my body, which lead to illness.  When I think in a more positive way, the chemical releases  contribute to my wellness.  Thinking about this experience as a way to learn more about the things I am grateful for might just be the way to go.  It will set up a more upbeat scenario and help me deal with my life and future with positive feelings and thanksgiving.  What do you think?