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

At August 16, 2014
By rrosenthal
In Blog, Continuing Education, Events, Press, Wellness
0

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:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-teleclass-with-gina-rosenthal-author-pt-energy-medicine-practitioner-tickets-10616108065

“Dreams are the seeds of change. Nothing ever grows without a seed, and nothing ever changes without a dream.” (Debby Boone)

Looking forward to gardening this Spring with you, and sharing your dreams and blossoms……

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

At February 23, 2014
By rrosenthal
In Blog, Continuing Education, Events, Press, Wellness
0

“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)

Regina Rosenthal, PT, MA: Upcoming Events

At January 22, 2014
By rrosenthal
In Blog, Continuing Education, Events, Press, Wellness
0

UPCOMING EVENTS — MAXIMIZING WELL-BEING THROUGH SELF-CARE

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

Saturday, February 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, 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)

INFORMATION: http://www.reginarosenthal.com/education-workshops/professional/ PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 908-902-0770 Fee: Part 1: $60; Part 2: $60

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

PROCESS ACUPRESSURE 1:

Philadelphia, PA, March 11 – 14, 2014

Naples, FL, November 6-8, 2014

INFORMATION: http://www.reginarosenthal.com/education-workshops/professional/ PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 908-902-0770

Continuing Education: Nurses, Massage Therapists, Asian Body Workers (24 Hours)

LIBRARY PRESENTATIONS:

Monmouth County Library, Hazlet Branch: January 25, 2014

Monmouth County Library, Colts Neck Branch: February 8, 2014

Old Bridge Public Library: April 10, 2014

DIALOG WITH THE AUTHOR:

Hunterdon NJ Radio Interview with Sue Ann Seccia: February 27, 2014

Wellness Workers Webcast Interview with Elsie Kerns: March 6, 2014

Brandeis University Women, Monroe Township, NJ: March 27, 2014

Temple Shalom, Aberdeen, NJ: April 6, 2014

Living In Tune With Mother Nature: The importance of Self-Care

Happy new year!

The year 2014 has begun and we’ve been experiencing the winter season in the northeast. Winter is a time of long nights and reduced daylight. It is a time when I’m reminded of the quiet beauty revealed by Mother Nature in the stillness that follows new fallen snow. Yesterday’s snow storm blanketed us with 12″ of snow, which slowed everyone’s pace. “Home” took on special meaning for everyone trying to get home yesterday.

According to Chinese medicine, winter is a time to stay warm, eat warm nourishing foods, rest, and retreat within to restore and renew our life force, or “chi,” stored in our kidneys. Animals know to go within in winter…..they hibernate. We, too, would be wise to make time to slow down and go “home,” within ourselves during winter. This will ensure that we have sufficient energy reserves to meet the new growth and activities that burst forth in Spring.

Self-care practices and bodywork take us within — i.e. meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, Seva Acupressure for Self-Care*, Process Acupressure*, and Eden Energy Medicine to mention a few. By slowing our hurried pace, these activities guide us home to our authentic Self. They promote balance throughout our being and reveal the value of aligning our human nature with the seasonal rhythms of Mother Nature. When I am in tune with the deepest parts of my authentic Self after bodywork and Self-care practices, I feel a renewed sense of peace, aliveness, and connection with all of life. I am less fearful and anxious, and I notice a renewed sense of trust in myself and the bigger picture. I have a clearer sense of what matters, and I am excited and curious about the next steps on my soul journey. The best part of all is that I feel more compassion, joy, and love in and around me. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I discover that “there’s no place like home.”

My challenge in winter is to slow down and listen to my heart and authentic Self versus my everyday mind and ego. This helps me recognize and take in the blessings I receive when I live in tune with Mother Nature.

What wisdom / insights does Mother Nature reveal to you in winter? Who and what replenishes your life force in winter? What challenges arise for you during winter? What gifts are you discovering as you use Self-care practices?

Wishing you sweet dreams and warmth this season,

Regina

*See Upcoming Events Blog

Healing Passages That Guide Us Home

After journeying through writing and publishing passages that birthed The Heart of Healing last March, it is a joy to return to private practice and teaching. I feel blessed witnessing individuals awaken and come alive as they learn about and experience Self-care practices that support their life and healing. I also feel grateful to be teaching what I need to learn personally as part of my soul journey on Earth — the importance of Self-care.

Self-care practices are becoming a part of my daily routine. I find that I need them now more than ever. Self-care practices raise my Self-awareness and nourish me. They serve as CPR for my heart and soul. Self-care practices help me monitor my ego’s conditioned ways of being “in charge,” ways that at times no longer serve who I am in my authentic Self. I love and respect the part of me that is passionate about making a difference. However, I’m also aware that the pace and wisdom of my heart and soul, which guides my authentic Self, can vary from the pace of my ego. I’m learning that there is a difference between service and sacrifice.

Self-care practices take me from outer space to inner space, where I connect with the Great Mystery within that I/we are an integral part of. While I believe it is true that we are all made from stardust, we don’t often touch upon our magnificent design. Self-care practices remind me of who and what I am, and why I am here. They help me realign with my path and purpose, and bring clarity, focus, creativity, joy, laughter, and play into the process of being alive each day. When I lose sight of Self-care, I lose the connection to my heart and soul. I become a human doing versus a human being, ungrounded and unplugged from that which sustains me and guides me home to my authentic Self. With each healing passage I arrive at through Self-care, I am guided home to my true nature. With each new arrival I feel blessed to be alive and “at home” within the Great Mystery, which still brings wonder, awe, and “coming home” tears of gratitude.

Wishing you blessings as you encounter healing passages that guide you home,

Regina

Upcoming Events: Workshops, Author Talks, Library Presentations

At August 22, 2013
By rrosenthal
In Blog, Continuing Education, Events, Press, Wellness
0

WORKSHOPS:

SEVA ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE: Seva Stress Release Part 1 (3 hours) Saturday, October 12, 2013, 9 AM – 12 Noon, Holmdel, NJ

Fee: $60 Registration Required: 908-902-0770

This workshop will help you to manage stress and promote general relaxation, well-being, and Self-healing. You will learn the Seva program through demonstration and hands-on practice, and take home six valuable Self-care tools: use of an awareness journal, acupressure, meditation, breath practices, mindfulness, and body-mind movement (Chakra Tai Chi). This class is a pre-requisite for Seva Part 2 below. Wear comfortable clothing.

3 CEUs: massage therapists, social workers, nurses

SEVA ACUPRESSURE WITH OTHERS: Part 2 (3 hours) Saturday, October 12, 2013, 1-4 PM, Holmdel NJ

Fee: $60 Registration Required: 908-902-0770

In this workshop you will learn how to use the Seva program with others through review, demonstration, and practicing the Seva program with class participants, seated in chairs and lying fully clothed on massage tables. You will also deepen Self-awareness through meditation, breath practices, journaling, acupressure, and Chakra Tai Chi. Wear comfortable clothing.

3 CEUs: massage therapists, social workers, nurses

SEVA ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE, Part 1: Saturday, November 23, 2013, 9 AM – 12 Noon, Holmdel, NJ (See above)

SEVA ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE, Part 2: Saturday, November 23, 2013, 1-4 PM, Holmdel, NJ (See above)

AUTHOR TALKS: