Holiday Greetings for New Beginnings in 2019

            One of the prose poems that continues to bring significant insights and wisdom to me is Desiderata, which in Latin means desired things. Published in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann, the poem was largely unknown in his lifetime. Ehrmann was an attorney turned philosopher and poet who wrestled with making a living and following what he considered his calling — poetry, literature, and thought. Since his passing in 1945, Desiderata has been mentioned and quoted by many individuals including Adlai Stevenson, Leonard Nimoy, Joan Crawford, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and Morgan Freeman to mention a few. I bring it to you at this time with much gratitude for its continued teachings for me and understanding that as of a 1976 court decision it is now in the public domain. May it bring you new awareness and insights as we approach the beginning of 2019.

“Desiderata”

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, “Desiderata,” Copyright 1927. Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/70274/in-search-of-desiderata.

Acupressure for Anyone Fall 2018 workshops

Looking forward to bringing Acupressure for Anyone workshops to Ocean County, New Jersey this fall! Come learn simple self-care practices that will support your health and sense of well-being as you move through seasonal and life changes, and learn acupressure principles and programs you can use with friends, family, and clients. These programs have been developed to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and enhance your ability to bounce back. The Seva Acupressure for Self-Care and the Seva Acupressure With Others programs have been successfully used at Towson State University with college students, Walter Reed Medical Center with military personnel, and for pain management with the first full facial transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center (see www.soullightening.com Outreach & Research). I love the work of Soul Lightening Acupressure and the four basic principles of this work:

1. Energy flow in the body promotes wellness and opens new awareness.

2. Touch and the flow of love from the heart are healing and strengthening.

3. Every person carries their own healing and wisdom within.

4. The purpose of Soul Lightening Acupressure is to empower that inherent wisdom.

Fall 2018 Workshop Schedule:

Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ – Saturday, October 4, 2018, Seva Acupressure for Self-Care and Seva Acupressure With Others, 9:00 – 3:30 pm, $99. To register call 732-255-0409. Continuing education see below.

Ocean County Vocational Technical School, Toms River, NJ – to register call 732-473-3100, X 1000. Continuing education see below.

Acupressure for Anyone – Seva Acupressure for Self-Care, Part 1, Monday, October 1, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, $45

Acupressure for Anyone – Seva Acupressure With Others, Part 2, Monday, October 15, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, $45

Acupressure for Anyone – Great Central Channel, Monday, October 29, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, $45 (Seva Parts 1 & 2 are a pre-requisite)

Acupressure for Anyone – Harmony & Balance, Monday, November 12, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, $45 (Seva Parts 1 & 2 are a pre-requisite)

Continuing Education: 6 contact hours through American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) and  National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). 

Additional information:  Regina Rosenthal, PT, MA, RYT-200, www.reginarosenthal.com, Email: Ginarose88@comcast.net

2018 Spring Workshops and Events

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.

[Albert Camus]

As we experience the blizzard of 2018 in New Jersey I find myself feeling blessed that I can remain safe, warm, and dry indoors. I love the stillness after a snow storm, how the world becomes quiet and I can appreciate the beauty of the natural world. The birds are scampering around the bird feeder looking for food and pecking for seeds thrown onto the snow when the bird feeder was unreachable amidst snow drifts in our back yard. I’ve also had precious down time to meditate, practice yoga and Qigong, journal, and make a pot of warming, hearty chicken vegetable soup. All these self-care practices bring gifts that boost my resilience and sense of wellbeing.

I’ve often said that I teach what I need to learn. I will again teach acupressure workshops this spring and fall, a reminder to me of the importance of self-care, renewal, and the transformative benefits of acupressure as a healing modality.

“What’s in Your Toolkit” will be presented monthly for the Cancer Support Community at Monmouth Medical Southern Campus in Lakewood, NJ. Check out their monthly classes for a host of FREE support groups and programs in Lakewood and Long Branch, NJ, 732-923-6090.

Here is the current schedule. Recheck this blog for additional workshops and events that are scheduled.

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE, Toms River, NJ:  Using Seva Acupressure for Self-Care and With Others. Saturday, March 24, 2018, 9 am – 3:30 pm, $99. Registration: 732-255-0404.  

Continuing Education: 6 hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB).  Check with www.soullightening.com (Registrar: 978-456-0300) regarding updates on continuing education for nurses (AHNA), acupuncturists and Asian body work therapists (NCCAOM). 

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OCEAN COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL:    Registration — 732-473-3100, Ext 1000

1. Acupressure for Anyone: Seva Acupressure for Self-Care (Part 1): $45  

Toms River, Wednesday, March 14, 6:30 – 9:30 pm;   Jackson, Monday April 9, 6:30 – 9:30 pm; Brick, Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

2. Acupressure for Anyone: Using Seva Acupressure With Others (Part 2): $45 (Note: Seva Part 1 a pre-requisite)

Toms River, Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 – 9:30 pm; Jackson, Monday, April 16, 6:30 – 9:30 pm; Brick, Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 – 9:30 pm 

3. Acupressure for Anyone: The Great Central Channel: $45 (Note: Seva Parts 1 & 2 are a pre-requisite)

Toms River, Wednesday May 2, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

4. Acupressure for Anyone: Harmony and Balance: $45 (Note: Seva Parts 1 & 2 are a pre-requisite)

Toms River, Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Continuing Education: 6 hours massage therapists (NCBTMB) NOTE: check with www.soullightening.com (Registrar: 978-456-0300) regarding updates on continuing education for nurses (AHNA), acupuncturists and Asian body work therapists (NCCAOM). 

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PROCESS ACUPRESSURE 1A: GATEWAY TO SOUL:  Manchester, NJ, Thursday – Sunday, April 19-22, 2018, 9 am – 5:00 pm.

Registration and Pricing: Soul Lightening International, www.soullightening.com, Registrar: 978-456-0300, Tuesday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm

Continuing Education: 24 CEUs massage therapists (NCBTMB). Check with Registrar regarding updates on continuing education for nurses (AHNA), acupuncturists and Asian body work therapists (NCCAOM).

PROCESS ACUPRESSURE 1B: PROGRESSING PROCESS: 

Naples, Florida, Thursday – Sunday, June 21-24, 2018, 9 am – 5:00 pm

Manchester, NJ, Thursday – Sunday, October 11-14, 2018, 9 am – 5:00 pm.

Registration and Pricing: Soul Lightening International, www.soullightening.com, Registrar: 978-456-0300, Tuesday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm. 

Continuing education: 24 CEUs massage therapists (NCBTMB) Check with Registrar regarding updates on continuing education for nurses (AHNA), acupuncturists and Asian body work therapists (NCCAOM).

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CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, Lakewood, NJ

What’s In Your Toolkit: FREE   Mondays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm: Jan 29, Feb 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25.  Registration: 732-923-6090 

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NEW JERSEY ABILITIES EXPO, Edison, NJ, Friday-Sunday, May 4-6, 2018. FREE. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Soul Lightening International, Seva Acupressure for Stress Release Booth/Information and Free Seva Sessions

BOSTON ABILITIES EXPO, Boston, Mass, Friday – Sunday, September 21 – 23, 2018. FREE. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Soul Lightening International, Seva Acupressure for Stress Release Booth/Information and Free Seva Sessions

DC METRO ABILITIES EXPO, Chantilly, Virginia, Friday – Sunday, November 30 – December 2, 2018. FREE. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Soul Lightening International, Seva Acupressure for Stress Release Booth/Information and Free Seva Sessions 

Seva Acupressure for Self-Care at Abilities Expos San Mateo, California and DC Metro Area

If you live near San Francisco or the DC metro area you won’t want to miss the upcoming FREE Abilities Expos in San Mateo, California (October 27-29, 2017) and the DC Metro area (December 1-3, 2017). Expo attendees will have the opportunity to meet courageous, inspiring individuals who have transformed their lives and the word disabilities.

Come by the Soul Lightening International booth and experience a free 15-minute Seva Acupressure for Stress Release session. This protocol was initially used at Ground Zero after the events of 9/11, and then used with students at Towson State University and with veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center. In 2012, the University of Maryland Medical Center, in conjunction with the Center for Integrative Care, used Seva acupressure with Richard Norris, the recipient of the first full facial transplant performed there. Using Seva acupressure before, during, and after surgery promoted enhanced relaxation and pain relief for Richard.

I’m also looking forward to teaching the Seva for Self-Care program from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, at Caregivers Day at the Expos on Sunday, sponsored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Take this program home with you to promote enhanced body-mind balance and harmony through self-care.

Fall is a great time to release old patterns and ways of being that no longer serve. Seva Acupressure for Self-Care is a simple, efficient way to bring body-mind self-awareness to this process to support letting go. I look forward to sharing this program on the west and east coasts, especially before the hectic holiday season when self-care helps to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and boost resilience.

Stop by and say hello if you or friends and family are near the upcoming Expos!

Namaste……..

Cancer Thriving and Surviving Workshop, Lakewood, NJ, Sept.18-Oct. 23, 2017

My family has been blessed with two long-term breast cancer survivors, my mother and my older sister. Walking this journey with them taught me a great deal about courage, patience, faith, trust, and healing. My sister and I were pleased to meet Dr. Bernie Siegel, surgeon oncologist from New Haven, Connecticut, at a workshop. His insightful words remain with me to this day: “Cancer is a word not a sentence…..People are like tea bags. We don’t know how strong we are until we are in hot water.”

As part of my decision to pay it forward, I am grateful to be co-leading the FREE 6-week CANCER: THRIVING AND SURVIVING WORKSHOP, presented through the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed and researched at Stanford University.  It is sponsored by the Ocean Monmouth Health Alliance and is being held at the Cancer Support Community, 199 Prospect Street, Lakewood, NJ, on Mondays, September 18 through October 23, 2017, from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Registration is required (see below). This center is located at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.

During this workshop you will learn how you can take a step forward to becoming a positive self-manager of your health. Topics will include:

• developing techniques for dealing with frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation, sleep, and living with uncertainty
• learning appropriate exercise, regaining and maintaining flexibility and endurance
• making decisions about treatment and complementary therapies
• communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• nutrition, setting priorities, and relationships

Participants will receive a FREE companion 225 page workbook, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, and a FREE CD, Mind-Body Meditations. 

For additional information and TO REGISTER CALL:  732-923-6090

Thank you for passing this information along to anyone you know who might benefit.

Namaste

Upcoming 2017 Abilities Expos

You won’t want to miss the upcoming FREE Abilities Expo experiences being held in Boston, Massachusetts (September 8-10), San Mateo, California (October 27-29), and the DC Metro Area (December 1-3). Attend informative workshops, discover resources for travel, home, accessibility, emergency preparedness, money skills, chronic pain, emerging therapies, bionics, latest products, dance and adaptive sports events, service animals, daily living aides, and more.

Soul Lightening Acupressure colleagues and I are excited to be providing FREE 15 minute Seva Acupressure for Stress Release sessions at our Expo booth on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at these Expos. A list of local practitioners and teachers will be provided for participants who want to follow-up with their Seva experiences at the Expos. You can also learn how to use the Seva Acupressure for Stress Release program on Sundays at Expo Caregiver Days, where I will be teaching this program from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm in the Workshop Area. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, sponsor of the Caregiver Days, will provide FREE Seva CDs to all workshop participants, so they can continue practicing the Seva Acupressure program at home after the workshop.

Abilities Expo Hours: Friday 11 am – 5 pm; Saturday 11 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.

Check the Expo website for additional information and to register online:  www.AbilitiesExpo.com. 

Stop by, say hello, be inspired by the Expo, and experience a simple, cost-effective acupressure program that will reduce stress and boost your resilience.  Here’s to your health!

Fall, 2017 Acupressure Workshops

My fondest memories studying Process Acupressure with Aminah Raheem, PhD in Borrego Springs, California are of times spent there with her and my Soul Lightening International family. Located in the Anza Borrego desert state park, this pristine location brought peace and insights while in the natural world hiking, meditating, going on vision quests, and walking the labyrinth pictured above. Being in nature strengthened connection with my human nature, and daily sessions in workshops deepened and grounded new learning and insights about my soul journey. I’m honored to continue the work of Soul Lightening International bringing workshops to New Jersey.

Here’s my Fall, 2017 scheduled workshops. Be sure to register early and take advantage of discounts and savings plans.

Continuing education for PA 1A (24 hours) and Seva Acupressure (3 hours Part 1; 3 hours Part 2) for nurses (AHNA), massage therapists (NCBTMB), Asian Body Workers (NCCAOM).

Process Acupressure 1A: Gateway to Soul, October 5-8, 2017, Manchester, NJ                                                                  (also Naples, Florida, November 16-19, 2017)

Process Acupressure (PA) is a simple, yet profound holistic method that combines traditional acupressure (to a fully clothed body) with a process approach to consciousness. It facilitates healing and the natural growth process that arises from within the individual. Process skills are taught that facilitate clarity in mind, emotions, and spirit. Soul centered development is emphasized. Although acupressure is a lifelong study, this course will empower you to work effectively with energy flow in the body including meridians and chakras. PA can be used alone for self-care or given easily to another and can be combined with other bodywork modalities.

This is an entry level workshop for professional health-care providers. No pre-requisites but participants who do not have a hands-on modality background are strongly encouraged to attend an introductory level workshop offered by Soul Lightening International, such as the Seva Stress Release.

Registration: 978-456-0300 or email: registrar@soullightening.com

Full tuition: $795

Early Bird (30 days prior to workshop): $695

Super Saver (60 days prior to workshop): $595

Foundation Certification: PA 1A and CA 1 workshops. Value Plan: $100/month X 12 months

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Seva Acupressure for Stress Release — Part 1 (self-care) and Part 2 (Using Seva With Others)

Through demonstration and hands-on practice participants will learn a 15 acupoint protocol that addresses a wide range of needs from general relaxation and well being to extreme shock and stress. Participants will learn a method of touch unique to Soul Lightening Acupressure, how to use an Awareness Journal, and Chakra Tai Chi, a movement meditation practice. No pre-requisites.

Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ: Saturday, October 14, 2017, 9 – 3:30 PM, $99. Registration: 732-255-0404

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Seva Acupressure for Stress Release and Acupressure for Anyone/Cold & Flu Formulas — Ocean County Vocational Technical School, See Dates/Locations Below, all classes meet 6:30 – 9:30 PM, $50 per class, Registration: 732-473-3100 X 1000

Seva Part 1: Toms River, NJ Wednesday 9/13;  Jackson, NJ Wednesday Oct 11;  Brick, NJ Wednesday 11/1

Seva Part 2: Toms River, NJ 9/27;  Jackson, NJ Wednesday 10/25;  Brick, NJ Thursday 11/2

Acupressure for Anyone — Cold & Flu Formulas: Toms River, NJ, Monday 11/27

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Abilities Expo, NJ, May 5-7, 2017

Spring is here with new beginnings. You won’t want to miss the FREE Abilities Expo experience being held this weekend, May 5-7, at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ. Attend informative workshops, discover resources on travel, home, accessibility, emergency preparedness, money skills, chronic pain, emerging therapies, bionics, latest products, dance and adaptive sports events, service animals, daily living aides, and more.

I am very happy to be providing FREE Seva Acupressure for Stress Release sessions at our Expo booth on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can also learn how to use the Seva Acupressure for Stress Release program on Sunday at the Caregiver Day, where I will be teaching the program from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm in the Workshop Area. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, sponsors of the Caregiver Day, will be giving FREE Seva CDs to all workshop participants, so they can continue practicing the program at home after the workshop.

Abilities Expo Hours: Friday 11 am – 5 pm; Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.

Check the website for additional information and to register online:  www.AbilitiesExpo.com. 

Stop by, say hello, be inspired by the Expo, and experience a simple, cost-effective acupressure program that will reduce stress and boost your resilience.  Here’s to your health!

Upcoming Workshops / Continuing Education

FREE WORKSHOP: SELF-CARE — BUILDING RESILIENCE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 – 6:30 – 8 PM

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY – MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, LONG BRANCH, NJ

300 SECOND AVENUE, SUITE – ST-007

Join us and learn self-care practices and strategies you can use to develop and build an empowering blueprint for dealing with stress and change that will: increase self-awareness and mindful presence; strengthen your ability to remain healthy and resilient during challenging times; maximize health and well-being; and create greater balance and harmony in all aspects of your life.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 732-923-6090

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SEVA ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE AND WITH OTHERS (*Continuing Education)

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 – 9 AM – 3:30 PM – FEE: $99

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE, CONTINUING & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, TOMS RIVER, NJ

Are you looking for a day filled with rest, relaxation, and renewal? Come join us on Saturday, April 1, and learn a simple acupressure self-care practice in Part 1 of the Seva Acupressure for Self-Care workshop, followed by an afternoon workshop where you will learn how to use this program with others – family, friends, clients, and significant others. You will also learn how to use an Awareness Journal and Chakra Tai Chi, a movement meditation practice. This program is easy to perform and highly supportive of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being.

Seva in Sanskrit means compassionate, selfless service. This program was developed by teachers of Soul Lightening Acupressure and was initially used at Ground Zero following the events of 9/11. Since then it has been taught nationally and internationally, and has been part of two research studies — at Towson State University with college students; at Walter Reed Medical Center with military personnel. The program was also used with the first facial transplant completed at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

*6 hours continuing education for: Nurses (AHNA), massage therapists (NCBTMB), Asian bodyworkers and acupuncturists (NCCAOM)

Class size is limited so register early:

Seva Acupressure Parts 1 and 2 combined. Fee: $99

Registration: (732) 255-0404, Ocean County College, Continuing and Professional Education  

Additional information: Ginarose88@comcast.net, www.reginarosenthal.com, www.soullightening.com

Welcoming Spring

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” (John Lubbock)

Spring is almost here! Like many others who live in the northeast, I look forward to being outdoors and enjoying warmer weather after hibernating during cold winter months. In spring Mother Earth awakens from her long winter’s nap, bringing renewal and more light filled days. I eagerly anticipate seeing forsythia, daffodil, and crocus blossoms, harbingers of spring’s arrival.

Nature teaches us about healthy living — going inside and resting more in winter; awaiting new growth in spring; feeling gratitude for the beauty surrounding us in summer; and letting go in autumn as one cycle ends and another begins. Healthy living requires activity balanced with rest, preparing for new growth, appreciating what IS working and beautiful in our lives, and learning to let go of what no longer serves us.

How can we meet and manage challenges faced during life’s seasons? Our cars come with an owner’s manual, yet the vehicles we travel through life in, our bodies, don’t come with a manual or instructions about how to optimize health and promote resilience. Three steps can guide us: (1) increasing self-awareness; (2) using self-care practices; and (3) reconnecting with what brings meaning and joy into our lives.

Self-awareness brings insights about how to operate our whole being in ways that give us quality of life and mileage. Self-awareness can be enhanced in many ways, for example: time in stillness, meditation, prayer, mindful eating/daily activities, walks in nature, journaling, relationships, and hobbies.

Self-care tools and strategies become part of a daily “practice” that keeps us on our life path and connected to our internal GPS. They help us manage stress, promote relaxation, enhance our ability to respond to change, promote heart health, strengthen immunity, build flexibility and strength, improve focus and memory, and empower us. They also enhance self-awareness and enable us to discover and rediscover: Who am I? What do I want and need? Where am I going. Self-care practices can vary over the seasons and years of our life. When choosing self-care practices consider physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual ones.

When we reconnect with what brings meaning and joy into our lives we plug directly into our internal GPS, which sends us guidance through sensations, thoughts, emotions, and other “signals.” Our internal GPS is always available, when we remember to take time to listen and receive its messages.

How will you welcome spring this year, and what self-care practices will you include as part of your renewal?