Creating a Calm Mind Workshop

Creating a Calm Mind: Holistic Workshop to Reduce Anxiety Using Acupuncture, Yoga & Talk Therapy

Dear all, As a follow up to the stress reduction workshops I led in May, I am pleased to announce that this fall, I am again teaming up with mind-body psychotherapist, Susan Lambert, and Iyengar-influenced yoga instructor, Robin Simmonds, to offer a collaborative workshop aimed at helping us develop tools to reduce anxiety. As New Yorkers, we are accustomed to high levels of anxiety-provoking stimulus around usat all times. And as the holidays approach, for many of us, these levels can sometimes go through the roof. Whether it's anticipating or dealing with family stress, coordinating holiday plans, balancing work life and home life, or worrying about our health or the health of our loved ones, sometimes our concerns and worries can get the best of us. But we do not have to let our feelings of anxiety overcome us. This workshop employs a mind-body approach to help us identify the root of our anxieties and come up with creative and healthy ways to release ourselves from these, at times, all-encompassing and debilitating feelings. We will explore ways to handle anxiety both in the intensity of the moment as well as how to incorporate tools into our daily lives to help us reduce generalized anxiety and develop a calmer mind. This unique workshop will rely on the combined strengths of three modalities: acupuncture, yoga and psychotherapy to offer energetic, psycho-emotional, and physical inlets to addressing our response to anxiety-provoking stressors. This workshop is well suited for those who have always wanted to try one or more of these healing modalities, to deepen their experience in any one of them, or discover the powerful effect of these therapies when brought together in unison. And please feel free to pass this along to friends and family who may benefit from this workshop. Warmly, Sharon

Saturday, December 11th, 2010 1:00-4:00pm Pine Tree Spa: 101 W17th Street (and 6th Ave), 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10011 Fee: $60 (payable in check or cash) Contact: info@fiveseasonshealing.com, 917-538-5755 Limited number of spaces. Reserve today. No prior experience in yoga required. Please wear clothing you can move in.

Holistic Stress Reduction Workshop employing Acupuncture, Yoga and Talk Therapy

Dear all,

I am pleased to announce an upcoming workshop I will be giving twice in May. Over the course of my years in practice, I have seen how much stress plays a role in creating ailments in the body, regardless of what symptoms or conditions patients are coming in with. In recent times, as my own Buddhist practice has deepened, I have become particularly interested in more effectively getting at the root of many of the imbalances that manifest physically, emotionally and mentally. This root, essentially, is stress, and more particularly, how we respond to stressors. I always encourage patients to try to develop practices and mindframes that create empowerment and a clearer, calmer state of mind. This workshop is an opportunity to hone these skills.

This workshop uniquely employs Acupuncture, Yoga and Talk Therapy to

1. Understand the negative effects of stress on the mind-body from 3 holistic perspectives,

2. Create a space that allows for each participant to experience a sustained peaceful, calm state, and

3. Give participants simple, everyday tools to help reduce stress, increase self-care, and create more peace of mind.

It will be a collaborative effort among myself and two other holistic practitioners: Robin Simmonds, Iyengar yoga instructor, and Susan Lambert LCSW, mind-body psychotherapist.

The workshop will take place Saturday, May 15th 1-4pm session but please note due to the high demand, we are also offering it Friday, May 14th from 6-9pm.

Be well,

Sharon

Stressed out? Overwhelmed? Or just want to approach your life with a calmer, clearer mind?

Come and experience the holistic tools of yoga, acupuncture and talk therapy to help you learn to reduce stress.

In this unique 3 hour workshop led by Iyengar yoga instructor, Robin Simmonds, Chinese medicine practitioner, Sharon Yeung L.Ac, and psychotherapist, Susan Lambert LCSW, we will explore ways to reduce and let go of stress through the modalities of yoga, acupuncture and talk therapy.

We will learn to identify stressors, understand the effects of stress on our minds and bodies, and incorporate simple tools to create more balance, improve self-care, and meet our daily lives and responsibilities with more clarity, buoyancy and peace of mind.

This workshop is well suited for those who have always wanted to try one or more of these healing modalities, to deepen their experience in any one of them, or discover the powerful effect of these therapies when brought together in unison.

Open to all, limited to 8 participants. No prior experience in yoga required.

Reserve your space now.

Saturday, May 15th from 1:00-4:00pm or

Friday, May 14th from 6-9pm

80 East 11th St. Suite 310

NY, NY 10003

Phone: 212-229-8318

Email: holistictools@gmail.com

Fee: $60 (payable in check or cash)

*please wear clothing you can move in.

Anna Quindlen speaks at Wesleyan

On Thursday, June 4th, author Anna Quindlen spoke at the Commencement Ceremony for Wesleyan University, my alma mater. I found her speech thought provoking and inspiring.

She began by saying she was expected to apologize on behalf of their elders and the entire nation for handing off an "unmitigated disaster" to this year's graduates.

Instead, she suggested that this year's class, "perhaps more than any generation in memory," has "an unparalleled opportunity to remake this nation so that it is stronger, smarter and makes more sense."

Encouraging graduates to consider what "doing better" really means, to think in terms of spirit rather than income, she urged them "not to yield to the status quo" or to "trade happiness for deferred gratification."

She finished by saying,

"With the old house in ruins and the new one still to be built, you are the people who must have the creativity, the audacity, the ideals to answer these questions and so many more. Samuel Beckett once said, “To find a form that accommodates the mess, that is the task of the artist now.” The mess, the mess. That’s, finally, what we’re leaving you today. We leave you a mess. And I won’t apologize for that. Instead I want you to see it for what it is: an engraved invitation to transformation. Certainty is dead. Long live the flying leap. Take it. Use it. Bring it. Congratulations!"

You can read the rest of the speech here.

Enjoy!

Lunchtime Meditation

During the month of June, the Chakrasambara Buddhist Center will be offering a lunchtime meditation from Monday-Thursday from 12-12:45 pm. What better way to bring some peace of mind and awareness to your day? It's a great opportunity to take a break in the middle of the day, to relax, recharge and refocus with stress reducing and heart-opening guided meditations. Admission is $5 but free for members of the center.

The Chakrasambara Buddhist Center is located at 322 Eighth Ave, Suite 502, in New York and can be reached at 212-924-6706.

Open House at the Open Center!

On Tuesday, May 16, the Open Center is having an open house from 6-10 pm!

Stop by for an evening of free lectures and refreshments where you can meet faculty, sample programs, ask questions and browse the bookstore. Some workshop topics include "Introduction to Reiki," "Introduction to Reflexology," and "Bollywood Dancing."

Fifteen-minute Mini-Wellness sessions are also available all night for $15.

The Open Center is located 83 Spring Street in New York, but will be moving to 22 East 30th Street on June 1. Visit their website for more details.

Be well!

Sharon

Meditation in the Park this Weekend!

This Saturday, May 9th the Chakrasambara Buddhist Center is hosting a Meditation in the Park with Kadam Morten.

The event is scheduled from 1-3 pm in Central Park. Kadam Morten will guide participants in a meditation on the clarity of the mind, emphasizing in particular how we incorporate all the sounds of the park into our meditation. The meditation will end with a heartfelt dedication for world peace. The meditation itself is likely to go from 1:15 until 2 pm and will be followed by a potluck picnic.

The meditation is free and open to the public. In the case of rain, it will be held at the Center, which is located at 322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 502 in New York.

More information, including the exact location of the meditation, will be posted soon on the Center's website.


See www.meditationinnewyork.org for more details.

Upcoming Lecture at the Swedish Institute

On Wednesday, April 22, Lawrence Palevsky, MD, will be appearing at the Swedish Institute to give his lecture, entitled "Vaccinating Your Children: The Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines." I have gone to hear him speak and found it an interesting and informative experience. he takes a particularly strong stance against vaccinations, Palevsky's viewpoint represents one end of the spectrum of perspectives any expectant parent should consider getting in order to help them make an informed decision.


Place: The Swedish Institute
Topic: Vaccinating Your Children: The Safety and Efficacy of Vaccine
Instructor: Lawrence Palevsky, MD
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuition: $40 per person

The Swedish Institute is located at 226 West 26th Street, #5 and can be contacted at (212) 924-5900 or by visiting www.swedishinstitute.com.

Free Introductory Classes at New York's Open Center!

The New York Open Center is a non-profit holistic learning center offering evening events, full-day workshops, ongoing classes, and advanced trainings. There are some great upcoming free introductory classes.

Thursday, March 12, 8 pm:
Spring Detox and Rejuvenation with Drew DeVittorio
"In this class we will take an in-depth look at how toxins can accumulate in our bodies and how to detoxify and regain our vitality. Springtime is a wonderful time to cleanse and renew, and this course will provide you with simple, yet effective dietary guidelines, recipes, specific herbs, exercises and antioxidants—combined with the most current scientific research on detoxification—to help you safely and effectively cleanse and rejuvenate your body, lose weight and feel more energetic."

Wednesday, March 25, 6 pm:
Introduction to Meditation with David Alkalay, PhD
"Meditation is a core practice, often the fundamental practice, of nearly every spiritual tradition for experiencing deeper levels of consciousness and awareness. In this class, we will draw upon yogic, Buddhist and Kabbalistic traditions to explore various meditative techniques, including breathwork, mantras (sound), yantras (sight) and movement. We will also discuss current scientific models of the mind that draw upon the contemplative tradition. Besides lecture and practice, there will be ample opportunity for dialogue. You will leave this class equipped to engage in a personal practice of meditation, ready to enjoy the enhanced mental clarity, balance and equanimity it will bring into your life."

Thursday, March 26, 6pm:
Medical Qigong: Ba Duan Jin with William J. Kaplanidis, LAc, MS, MA
"The Ba Duan Jin ("Eight pieces of brocade") is a Taoist medical qigong set of eight therapeutic exercises that dates back over 1,000 years. Over the centuries, many have experienced its numerous health benefits, and it is one of the most famous of all qigong forms.
There are several variations of each exercise that combine gentle movements with breath coordination, and they can be easily modified for people of varying fitness levels. In addition to increasing strength, flexibility and improving posture, this set can provide benefits to the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and lymphatic systems. The exercises are relatively simple to learn, and one begins to feel their subtle, yet profound benefits after only a few weeks of practice. You will feel energized, yet calm and balanced after each of the sessions."

For more information contact the Open Center at 212.219.2527 or registration@opencenter.org
The Open Center is located at 83 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012

Living in the Moment, a one day meditation course

at theChakrasambara Buddhist Center
with Kadam Morten
Saturday, February 21st, 10:00 am - 3:30pm
($30/free for cardholders)

Often we feel powerless in the face of difficult external circumstances and respond by becoming frustrated or unhappy. But we are not powerless. According to Buddha our mind determines our experience of the world. Therefore if we change our mind, we change our world. Buddhist meditation gives us the power to change our mind and transform the problems in our life into opportunities for spiritual growth. Through training our mind in this way we gradually become the joyful and creative person we wish to be. Our relationships become deeper and more harmonious; our life more peaceful and solution-oriented. Our world becomes full of possibilities and we discover we have something of great value to share with others in our life – a peaceful and loving heart. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, call (212) 924-6706
The Chakrasambara Buddhist Center
322 Eighth Ave | Suite 502 | New York | NY | 10001 |

Happy New Year!

In 2009, make space in your life for health and wellness.

Begin your new year with Awakening the Heart, an introductory meditation course at New York's Chakarasambara Buddhist Center.

In this class, you will learn meditation and the Buddhist approach to training the mind. Applying these methods in your everyday life will lead to happiness, a sense of purpose and harmony in your relationships. This is a beginner course open to everyone. Dress comfortably. Cushions and chairs are available.

Classes for January are on:

Saturday, Jan 10, 1 - 2:30pm
($12 / free for cardholders)

Saturday, Jan 31, 1 - 3pm
($12 / free for cardholders)

For more information, visit the Chakarasambara Buddhist Center online at http://www.meditationinnewyork.org/index.php

Upcoming Events at the Prenatal Yoga Center!

Free Prenatal Yoga Classes!

Prenatal Yoga Center Teacher Training Program students will be teaching the following classes as part of their final examination. (Each class is also supervised by Prenatal Yoga Center Teaching Staff.) Admission is FREE, however please sign up in advance, as classes are limited to 10 students each. Please call the Prenatal Yoga Center at 212-362-2985 to sign up.

January 3 1:30-3:00
January 5 12:00-1:30
January 7 3:30-5:00
January 14 3:30-5:00
January 21 3:30-5:00

Childbirth Education
Two-Day Intensive

$225 per couple
Saturday 1:00-5:00
Sunday 10:00-2:00
(see below for dates)

January 10th and 11th
January 24th and 25th


New Mom Support Group

8-week series (not a drop-in class)
Mondays 2:30-3:30
January 12th through March 9th (No class February 16th)

This facilitated weekly support and discussion group for moms and babies (newborn - 6 months) is led by Jessica Shapley, a certified social worker and mother of two. Find the power to embrace the journey of motherhood with more confidence through connection with other new moms just like you. Share experiences, ask questions, and make some new supportive friendships. Topics include: mom and baby wellness, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introduction to solids, sleep issues, staying at home versus working outside the home, isolation, childcare, family life, self image, and more.

Benefit for NYC Midwives and a New Center for Healthy Birth!!

As a doula and acupuncturist who specializes in fertility, pregnancy and labor care, a question I often receive from my clients and patients is “why is there just one birthing center in Manhattan?” Living in one of the largest, most progressive cities in the world, and being personally and professionally surrounded by an overwhelming number of women who are passionate about healthy and natural birth, I, too, have been puzzled by the scarcity of choices available to this population. While the quality of care that does exist is marvelous: the amazing group of homebirth midwives, the St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Birthing Center, the Brooklyn Birthing Center, and the plethora of obstetricians and hospital midwives throughout the city, I am giddy with excitement over the much anticipated 2010 opening of the New Space For Women’s Health, an independent center for birth, breastfeeding, and women’s health care.

Please join me at the 6th Annual Miles for Midwives and New Space 5K Run/Walk and Picnic in Prospect Park on October 5th, 2008 at 10am. Proceeds from the event benefit the New York City Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the New Space. I’ll have a table at the event entitled, “Childbirth Acupuncture.” Please support healthy childbirth, stop by my table to say hello, and enjoy a beautiful fall Sunday in the park to boot!

9/11 Charity Run

On Sept. 11th, 2001, my good friend and colleague, Frank Vogt L.Ac. (www.nyhealingpoints.com), lost his beloved uncle, firefighter Stephen Siller. Stephen ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the burning towers where he lost his life after the buildings collapsed. The annual Tunnels to Tower 5K Run was set up to honor him and all the FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. All proceeds raised by the foundation will go to pediatric burn units and to children who lost one or more parents. Please join me in the run/walk/street fair on Sunday, Sept. 30th, 2007. To register, make a donation or find out more information, please visit http://www.tunneltotowersrun.org/.