Acupressure for Stress Release Workshops

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

Happy New Year! As 2017 began I considered the year ahead and how to wisely be with each day. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter, one of my greatest teachers, continuously reminds me to find awe, simple joys, and laughter each day.  I will take her “advice” to heart this year and have at least one belly laugh each day. As  a therapist, teacher, and caregiver, I am reminded daily about the importance of practicing self-care. As is the case with many of us, some days allow more time for self-care than others. On busier days I am challenged to remember even a five-minute self-care check-in with myself is valuable. On days when I practice self-care I make wiser decisions and use my time more mindfully, and believe this occurs because self-care reconnects me with inner guidance through my internal GPS.

Caregivers’ journeys can be very stressful, the degree of stress often going unrecognized amidst multiple priorities, multi-tasking, challenging emotions, and fatigue. Studies shown a correlation between caregiver stress and health than can impact premature aging, immunity, and depression. Caregivers need to reach out for support before they burn out, and learn self-care practices. Self-care practices enhance caregivers’ ability to respond, help to balance body-mind chemistry, improve sleep, enhance immunity and heart health, and maximize wellbeing.  For caregiver support contact: National Alliance for Caregiving, www.caregiving.org/resources, (301) 718-8444; Caregiving Action Network, www.caregiveraction.org, (800) 896-3650; Family Caregiver Alliance, www.caregiver.org, (800) 455-8106; and Lotsa Helping Hands, www.lotsahelpinghands.com.

Here in New Jersey I teach Seva Acupressure for Stress Release workshops, a simple and easy to learn acupressure program for self-care (Part 1), which participants can also learn to use with others (Part 2). These two workshops are part of the Acupressure for Anyone series, the community outreach program of Soul Lightening International taught throughout the USA. This non-profit organization also brings Process and Clinical Acupressure continuing education workshops to health practitioners throughout the USA, Canada, and in Europe (www.soullightening.com). Here’s my upcoming schedule in NJ for the Seva Acupressure Workshops:

Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Seva Acupressure for Self-Care (Part 1)

Wednesday, April 5, 6;30 – 9:30 PM, Using Seva Acupressure With Others (Part 2)

Ocean County Vocational Educational School, Adult Education, Toms River, NJ.   Registration: 732-473-3100, Ext. 1000.  Additional information: Ginarose88@comcast.net

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Saturday, April 1, 9 AM – 3:30 PM, Seva Acupressure Parts 1 and 2 combined

Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ.   Registration: 732-255-0404. Additional information: Ginarose88@comcast.net

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I look forward to sharing Seva workshops with YOU.

Namaste……Regina

Workshops 2015

SEVA STRESS RELEASE:

Part 1 (Acupressure for Self-Care) & Part 2 (Using Seva Acupressure With Others) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES

Mercer County Community College:  Saturday, February 28, 2015 (Information & Registration: www.mccc.edu ; 609-570-3311)

Union County Community College:  Saturday, March 7, 2015 (Information & Registration: www.ucc.edu/noncredit; 908-709-7600)

Ocean County Community College:  Saturday, March 14, 2015 (Information & Registration: www.ocean.edu/cpe.htm ; 732-255-0404)

CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER:  

Union County Community College, Wednesdays, April 8 – 29, 6:30 – 9:30 PM (Information & Registration: www.ucc.edu/noncredit; 908-709-7600)

CRAFTING YOUR VISIONS INTO REALITY: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE COACHING BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM:

Union County Community College, Wednesdays, March 4 – April 1, (no class 3/18), 6:30 – 9:30 PM  (Information & Registration: www.ucc.edu/noncredit; 908-709-7600)

Change and Transition

Happy new year and new beginnings as we bridge the end of 2014 and enter 2015! It feels GREAT to return to my personal and professional routines after several months of change and transition since my last blog post. Time away from familiar activities, both personal and professional, became necessary as my husband and I prepared to sell the home we had lived in for eighteen years and move into a new home in an adult community. After reading ”Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” by William Bridges years ago, I gained greater understanding about the stages involved with change and transition (endings, in between times, and new beginnings). However, the past six months provided hands-on experiences that helped me practically apply what I had learned. I now appreciate why moving is in the top five out of one hundred stresses on the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. I’ve recognized, again, why self-care is vital for optimizing health and wellbeing during times of change.

Moving preparations involved clearing out, mixed emotions, and endings. Excitement was accompanied by fear about entering the unknown, along with sadness as I transitioned from familiar roles, activities, and surroundings. Saying goodbye to possessions as we packed was challenging — what do I hold onto and what do I let go of? Memories floated through my awareness as I packed a variety of items and assorted “stuff.” Though time had passed, a storehouse of poignant recollections, images, and memories arose, imprinted on my heart. Clearing out and giving away priceless books and crafts was the most challenging. Whispers from the past echoed through everything I touched.

Change and transition was disorienting, especially between moves, as I began to disengage from how I had lived and how I saw myself. Seasonally we were in a time of transition going from fall into winter. Chinese medicine provided a perfect reflection of what was occurring — fall as a time of surrender and winter as a time to go within.  I felt out of balance and fatigued as I trudged through each day’s schedule, and sensed the need to build up my reserves in preparation for winter. I remembered the importance of self-care practices and balancing work and rest, as part of living in alignment with nature and my human nature. Returning to my morning rituals of meditation, yoga, and journaling is helping me regain my footing. Silence and quiet time reconnects me to my internal GPS, and brings insights about what best serves my life journey now.

Since moving into our new community, I am discovering creative, fun, and stimulating activities such as the Magic and Performing Arts Clubs. Each brings refreshing moments of laughter and joy as my mind and whole being are stretched participating in new adventures. My passion for teaching and writing about health and healing has been embraced by the community, through a monthly newspaper column I have been asked to write. Every experience reminds me that life continuously brings moments of awe and magic, if we remain open to change and surprise. Self-awareness, self-care practices, and reconnecting with what has heart and meaning support us during times of change. New beginnings bring challenges, but they also bring experiences filled with joy, laughter, and grace.

Namaste,

Regina

Fall 2014 Workshops

SEVA STRESS RELEASE:

Part 1 (Acupressure for Self-Care) & Part 2 (Using Seva Acupressure With Others) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 6 CEU/contact hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB), nurses (AHNA/ANCC), Asian bodyworkers (NCCAOM)    

SEPTEMBER:

Saturday, September 13, 2014, Seva Parts 1 & 2:  9 AM – 4 PM, Holmdel, NJ; FEE:  SEVA Part 1: $60; Part 2: $60, information / registration — 908-902-0770

Saturday, September 27, 2014, Seva Parts 1 & 2:  9 AM – 3:30 PM, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ; information/registration: 732-255-0304, www.ocean.edu (Continuing and Professional Education)

OCTOBER:

Monday, October 6, 2014, Seva Part 1: 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ; information/registration: 732-255-0304, www.ocean.edu (Continuing and Professional Education)

Monday, October 13, 2014, Seva Part 2: 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ; information/registration: 732-255-0304, www.ocean.edu (Continuing and Professional Education)

Saturday, October 18, 2014, Seva Parts 1 & 2: 9 AM – 3:30 PM, Union County College, Cranford, NJ; information/registration: 908-709-7600, www.ucc.edu (Continuing Education)

Saturday, October 25, 2014, Seva Parts 1 & 2: 9 AM – 3:30 PM, Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ; information/registration: 609-570-3311, www.mccc.edu (Center for Continuing Studies)

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PROCESS ACUPRESSURE 1 (PA 1): Gateway to Soul

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 taught 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, toward greater balance. PA can be used alone for self-help or can easily be given to another person. PA can also be combined with other body modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, CranioSacral therapy, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and more. In this class you will learn how to empower self and clients toward greater understanding and responsibility for health and growth. You will also learn Chakra Tai Chi, a movement meditation for increased self-awareness, health, and personal growth and development. No pre-requisites. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 24 CEU/contact hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB), nurses (AHNA/ANCC), Asian bodyworkers (NCCAOM)

November 6 – 9, 2014, 9 AM – 5 PM, Naples, Florida

Information/registration: 978-456-0300, registrar@SoulLightening.com

FEE: Super Saver till 9/7/14, $595; Early Bird 9/8 – 10/6, $695; Full Price after 10/7, $795

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CRAFTING YOUR VISIONS INTO REALITY: The Circle of Life Blueprint for Success Program

Do you feel unclear, stuck, stressed, or have difficulty balancing, prioritizing, and moving forward in our life? If you could change anything about your work, health, relationships, confidence, environment, or your life, what would that be? Come learn a simple, step-by-step, structured process that will assist you with making powerful life decisions. You will assess 12 areas of your life, current challenges you face, and readiness for change. You will establish a blueprint for change and create weekly action plans and goals that incorporate body-mind self-care practices for reducing stress. Using personal strengths, resources, and group support, you will learn to navigate life choices in a focused, healthy, and empowering way.

Wednesday, October 1, 8, 15, 22 (4 sessions), 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ; information/registration: 732-255-0304, www.ocean.edu (Continuing and Professional Education)

Thursday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 (4 sessions), 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Union County College, Cranford, NJ; information/registration: 908-709-7600, www.ucc.edu (Continuing Education)

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BOUNCE BACK:  THE POWER OF RESILIENCE

Friday, October 17, 2014, 9 AM – 3:30 PM, Battleground Country Club, $85 (light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments included in registration fee)

We never know when a life changing event such as death of a loved one, life threatening illness, natural disaster, divorce, financial losses, or a car accident can cause us to feel like we are on a physical and emotional roller coaster and in great need of survival tools and support. It is because none of us is immune to the bumps in life that BOUNCE BACK: THE POWER OF RESILIENCE CONFERENCE was conceived by GEIRS (Grief Information, Education & Recovery Services), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides services to assist individuals, families and organizations recovering from a wide range of losses. This conference is designed to educate, empower, and enrich both community members and health and educational professionals who serve them. Participants will discover new skills from within and resources in the world in which they live, in order to survive and thrive as they recover from serious life challenges.

Keynote Speaker: Dan Tomasulo, PhD, TEP, MFA, MAPP. Dr. Tomasulo is a highly acclaimed psychologist, clinician, psychodramatist, teacher, author, and international speaker. He writes for Psychology Today as an expert on group therapy, authors the daily column Ask the Therapist for PsychCentral.com and their Proof Positive blog on practical applications of positive psychology. He was recently honored by Sharecare as one of the top ten online influencers on depresion. He is the creator of Interactive-Behavioral Therapy and the Dare to be Happy experiential workshops.

Six Breakout Sessions:

When You Can’t Stop the Waves, Learn to Sail: Resilience Through Self-Care, Regina Rosenthal, PT, MA, author The Heart of Healing: Discovering the Secrets of Self-Care

Money Matters: Recovering From a Financial Setback, Kathy Lo Bue, Managing Director Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC

The Many Faces of Grief: Diverse Responses to Loss, Humanity Players, GIERS’ Dramatic Educational Troupe

The Domino Effect of Divorce: Putting the Pieces Back Together, Tina Munson, Esq., Eastman, Lomurro, Davison & Munoz

Turning Lemons Into Lemonade: Finding the Positive in Adversity, Charles Fleisher, author and founder, The Opportunities Guy

We Grieve Differently: Helping Children and Teens Recover from Loss, Shari Carpman, MS, LPC, Children and Teens Grief Counselor

Life Transitions

Life unfolds with many pathways and times of transition, each accompanied by relationships, situations, and experiences that bring insights and new awareness about the life journey. During the past few months several transitions have brought me to moments of reflection, as I consider endings and new beginnings that are arising — entering a new life decade, deciding to move, and the birth of a new grandchild. I am grateful to have studied and worked with body-mind self-care practices as a physical therapist. Self-care practices have served me professionally and personally. They have brought rest, renewal, stillness, and time to process my thoughts, words, actions, body sensations and movement, and emotions. In addition, the signals and guidance these provide help me to make conscious and wise life choices during times of transition.

The first transition that occurred for me this year was when I entered a new decade in my life last January. At that time, I noticed that I was repeatedly hearing and reading the statement “we are here for joy.” As a physical therapist, I experience joy during sessions with clients as they learn, grow, and heal…..including individuals who are at end stages of life. I feel joy when I teach about self-care through my book, The Heart of Healing, and classes I present, posted on this blog. As I watch individuals let go, feel renewed, and come alive during sessions and presentations, I am reminded that we each possess our own built-in capacity to heal and feel whole again….all we need do is tap into our hearts, our internal GPS, and the guidance and wisdom present there.

The second transition that occurred for me this year involved a decision to downsize and move. This came about gradually, but once the choice was made the process sped up. Spring cleaning, in preparation for this move, felt like opening a treasure chest as I discovered photos, momentos, and memories of individuals and events where joy was experienced. There was sadness at what no longer existed, but gratitude for what was experienced. Throwing out files, books, photos, and other assorted items was freeing, like emptying a backpack I had carried for years. Letting go included sorrow and joy, but I find that what I focus on most is what lingers in my daily life. I choose to focus on joy.

The third transition involved welcoming the long awaited birth of our daughter’s daughter, adding another generation to our family. This beautiful new soul has taught me much and brought keen insight about the vulnerability all sentient beings face during infancy. I am struck by the total joy she expresses with each smile as I sing to and talk with her. Each day is a new beginning as she explores her ever expanding world, openly and with total trust. When I hold her and snuggle with her as she drifts into sleep, she reminds me that love, compassionate touch, unconditional presence, and heart connection provide essential nourishment for all human growth and development.

In the face of constant stress, change, and transitions faced in today’s world, I believe there are three solutions to remaining healthy and resilient: (1) increase self-awareness; (2) learn and use self-care practices; (3) reconnect with what has heart and meaning. Each of these solutions will provide nourishment and bring much needed joy to our overworked hearts and life force. YOU get to choose what, when, where, and how you nourish yourself, and what brings joy into your life. Ask yourself:

• What nourishes me and brings joy into my life?
• What specific self-care practices will I use today for nourishment and joy?

Namaste,

Gina

“The Heart of Healing” First Anniversary

“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.”   

                                                                                                                              Lao-tzu

Just as my children and grandchildren have grown rapidly before my eyes, so has the first year since publication last March of The Heart of Healing: Discovering the Secrets of Self-Care. During this past year I’ve met amazing people at classes, library presentations, study groups, and book signings. People came to events because the topic sounded interesting, because their spouse brought them, because they needed insight into how to meet healing challenges, to age more gracefully, and to find greater peace in their lives amidst stress and change.  The Self-care tools and strategies they learned were not new: breathing, journaling, meditation, movement, acupressure, play, laughter, creativity, and joy. They were surprised to discover three simple ways to help themselves remain healthier and more resilient amidst daily stress and change:

• increase Self-awareness
• use Self-care practices
• reconnect with what has heart and meaning

When we feel like we are on Mars without a road map during healing challenges, Self-awareness and Self-care practices help us recognize people, places, and things that will support us as we travel the unfamiliar landscape of healing. They also help us recognize and use untapped internal and external resources. Healing requires courage as we continuously ask: Who am I? What do I need? Where am I going?  Answers to these questions provide stepping stones that lead us home through our internal compass or GPS, which brings heart-and-soul centered guidance and wisdom as we move along  ”the road less traveled” on healing journeys. As Dorothy discovered in The Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home.

Thank you all for your love, support, and healing presence this past year. May your healing journeys continue to bring you home to your hearts and the beautiful beings you each are.

Namaste,

Gina

Free Teleclass Thursday March 6, 2014 at 7 PM

We experience stress and change throughout our body, mind, emotions, and life force as one season ends and another begins. As winter slowly ends and spring arrives, what seeds do you want to plant in your garden to promote greater health and wellbeing? How can you enrich the “soil” within your vital life force to cultivate the health, growth, and development you seek?

Tune into your Self as Spring approaches during this FREE teleclass and learn three simple solutions to remaining strong and resilient amidst daily stress and change. Host Elsie Kerns, Wellness Educator and CoFounder of Wellness Workers Holistic Health in Cherry Hill, NJ (www.wellnessworkers.org) and I will discuss solutions and Self-care strategies to welcome Spring on Thursday, March 6 from 7-8 PM. You must register to attend. Once registered, you will be able to listen to the teleclass afterward if you miss the live teleclass.

Here’s the link to register:

Spring Classes: Seva Acupressure For Self-Care & Using Seva Acupressure With Others

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…….It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine.”  

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Spring is just around the corner. Come refresh your whole being and plant seeds of Self-care at a Seva Stress Release Acupressure class in Holmdel, New Jersey. Classes are available on March 15 and again on April 5.

Seva is the Sanskrit word for compassionate, selfless service. Seva Part 1 teaches how to use this simple acupressure program for Self-care. Seva Part 2 teaches how to use this program with others. Seva Part 1 is a pre-requisite to Part 2, and can be taken as a separate class, or on the same day with a Seva Part 2 class.

SEVA ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE & WITH OTHERS – Holmdel, NJ

Saturday, March 15, 2014: Part 1 Seva Acupressure for Self-Care: 9 AM-12 Noon; Part 2 Using Seva With Others: 1-4 PM (can be taken same day or separately)

Saturday, April 5, 2014:  Part 1 Seva Acupressure for Self-Care: 9 AM-12 Noon; Part 2 Using Seva With Others: 1-4 PM (can be taken same day or separately)

INFORMATION:  http://www.reginarosenthal.com/education-workshops/professional/ 

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 908-902-0770

Fee: Seva Part 1: $60;  Seva Part 2: $60

Continuing Education: Nurses, Social Workers, Massage Therapists, Asian Bodyworkers (3  hours Seva Part 1; 3 hours Seva Part 2)

Coming Home To Our Hearts

“To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.”   Confuscius

During February attention is focused on the heart with American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day. In today’s world we often become disconnected from our hearts, and the wisdom therein. Coming home to our hearts is vital to healing and living a fulfilled life.

Our hearts are like kaleidoscopes that reveal the many dimensions of our being. In a physical dimension our hearts, at the center of our being, pump blood, oxygen, and life force to every cell. In an emotional dimension our hearts reveal emotions and nonlinear intelligence. E-motion is the energy of our hearts in motion, which we notice when something touches our hearts and we are “moved” by the experience. In a mental dimension what we take to heart we consider seriously. In a spiritual dimension we connect with heart intelligence each time we become aware of what has heart and meaning in our lives.

The Institute of Heart Math has done extensive scientific study regarding how and why the heart affects learning, creativity, emotional balance, and personal effectiveness. (www.heartmath.org). Their studies indicate that the heart generates the largest electromagnetic field of any body organ, several thousand times more powerful than that of the brain. When we tap into this field and use it like an internal GPS system, we become aware of “stepping stones” on our life path that guide us home to our hearts.

I come home to my heart in every dimension when I’m sharing time with family and clients, teaching, taking yoga and Jazzercise® classes, participating in creative activities, and spending time in nature. Each time I participate in these relationships and activities I feel physically alive, mentally clear, emotionally joyful, and spiritually centered and grounded. Which relationships and activities in your life help you come home to your heart? In my book, The Heart of Healing: Discovering the Secrets of Self-Care, I ask readers to consider  ”Ten Loves,” experiences that bring them home to their hearts. What would you include on such a list? Does your list need to be updated? Without judgment, consider how many activities involve others, and how many are alone activities? Is there a new balance that needs to be established between the two?

When your heart speaks take good notes.

Namaste…..Gina

Tapping Into The Heart’s Wisdom

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

I savor times when I am in awe, times “in the moment” when I lose sight of time, space, challenges, and everything around me. When these moments arise in winter, I am reminded how sunshine lights up a winter’s day, how good the warmth of a fireplace feels, how warm and delicious homemade soup tastes, how I love the sweetness of hot chocolate, and how delightfully renewed my heart feels each time love is given and/or received. At these times I can tap into heart wisdom and realign with what has heart and meaning in my life. During one of these moments of awe I took the above photo. Snowballs that gently rested on branches looked like cotton balls, and my heart reminded me that spring is around the corner. The next morning I heard birds chirping as I awoke, additional reminders and harbingers of spring.

Amidst this winter’s cold, snowy days Camus’ words bring me back to my heart. It is here that I tap into Heartmind, described in Chinese medicine as “xin,” the place where higher mind, intuition, and heart are integrated. Each time I tap into this powerful place I am reminded to take in and celebrate moments of awe in winter, when Mother Earth brings us the greatest show on earth through seasonal changes. I feel grateful and blessed each time I  experience the warmth, peace, and awe in these moments, and I’m reminded of the continuous renewals that accompany life with each “change of season.” It is these memories that I stockpile and can access during the cold, wintry times in my life when I do feel lost, alone, or insignificant.

As caretakers of your hearts this Valentine’s Day, I wish you sweetness, joy, and warmth. May you experience the mysterious, dynamic, and universal energy of love as winter turns into spring. Namaste…..