Sandy's Sept/Oct 2024
Qigong & Mindfulness Newsletter
Enjoy the bounty of the season!
One of our backyard vegetable gardens...and its' weeds!
If you can't beat'um, get creative!
Weeds and Flowers
Dear Ones:
As I prepare this newsletter, we are in the final 3 weeks of the Summer season in the northern hemisphere, with gardens and farmer’s markets overflowing with an abundance of healing food and colorful bouquets…the fruits of our labor, to be enjoyed and shared.
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And if your garden beds look anything like mine, they also have an abundance of weeds and vines, happily taking over any unused inch of soil or brick! We toil and weed, pull and trim…doing our darndest to stay ahead of their enthusiastic maneuvers and never-ending root systems, until…UNTIL…
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One day we notice the pretty purple flowers, the unusual leaf patterns, all adding variety and at times, even beauty, to our sacred garden beds, and we sigh with awareness (and to be honest, with relief!) that the time has come to relax and let the seasonal changes occur, both inwardly and outwardly.
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As my Qigong and Tai Chi teacher, Dr. Roger Jahnke reminds us, “The most relevant insights and AH-HAs arrive from within, with cultivation over time. The true gift of Fall/Autumn is not so much getting what we wished for, but rather the gift is that which we have received - whether preferred or not. From cultivating Qigong, we know that what actually occurs is far more profound than what we might have wished for…”
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Soon we will join other cultures from around the world celebrating the energetics of the Harvest Season and the Autumn Equinox. Drawing upon ancient wisdom, one faces West during fall Qigong practices to absorb the medicines, powers (the elixirs) of the season of completion and reward, storing the energies of the West in the marrow of our bones.
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I love this reflection from Dr. Jahnke, as well, where we look at each day as a cycle: “In the course of a day, the morning is Spring, noon is Summer, and Fall is evening. EVENING…the process of making things even, leveling, balancing. Not only are the days even (equal daylight and night darkness), but Fall invites us to an evening - a balancing.”
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What are you balancing? What needs 'evening' this season?
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And finally, on a related note, I just did a wonderful meditation this morning that asked me to consider whether I am more focused on Eliminating the Weeds or Growing the Flowers? I hope you will ponder this question on your own and perhaps also join me on Wednesday, September 25th at Harbor Wellness at 11am (immediately following Qigong) to personally experience this meditation . It’s a free Pop-Up for members!
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May you find joy in the final days of summer as you slowly turn your practice toward the WEST and ALLOW in the harvest blessings you have been cultivating this past spring and summer.
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Take good care,
Sandy Salvo
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P.S. According to "Island Wisdom", a little book Kathi Vos has loaned me after their recent trip to Kauai, the Hawaiian Art of Patience reminds us to "remain in a constant state of gratitude for whatever shows up in our lives, especially during times of hardship and challenge." Perhaps we can all apply this wisdom to our lives, including those overgrown garden beds. :)
Our Qigong sister, Kathleen Paris, was recently interviewed by Leigh Mills, WMTV, in honor of National Grief Awareness Day. Kathleen’s book is
Gentle Comforts For Women Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Life Companion. Here is the interview link.
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing your insights and gifts with us all through this book!
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Mark Your Calendars:
Mindfulness Meditation
Pop-Up Sessions
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Harbor Wellness Center , Middleton, WI
September 25th, 11am: Are you more focused on eliminating the weeds or growing the flowers?
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(No Pop-Up in October)
Cross Plains Area
Mindfulness Meditation Group
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All are welcome to join this open learning community focused on exploring mindfulness meditation practices to cultivate compassion and mutual understanding while enriching our personal faith journeys. No experience necessary.
Meeting monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month, 6:30-7:45pm on a drop-in basis at various outdoor locations for the summer, weather permitting. Our back-up location is St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 2427 Church St, Cross Plains, WI.
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September 16: Forest Bathing at Festge County Park (4894 Scherbel Rd, Cross Plains)
Bring a journal and something to sit upon.
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October 21st: Meditation lead by Jeff Postle at St. Martin's Lutheran Church
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Questions?
Contact Sandy
Come as you are. Come when you are able.
Morning Qigong at the Lake - Yes!
Stretching our connective tissue while cultivating Lake Qi!
Weekly Qigong Classes:
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Monday 9-9:45am CT: Qigong via Zoom
Click Here for:
Monday 9am Qigong w Sandy via Zoom 2024
Meeting ID: 871 8831 7798
No Class Oct 21.
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Wednesday 8:30-9:15am: Qigong at the Lake
Meet near the Boathouse, Marshall Park, Middleton
No Class on Sept 4.
Last class of the 2024 season: Oct 16th!
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Refer a Friend, Get a Free Class Yourself!
Any time you refer a friend who tries a free Qigong class, you will receive a free class yourself! It’s that simple - you keep track on your own. Let’s keep spreading the word about this amazing form of self-care!😊
Suggested Qigong Class Fees for 2024*
- No Inflation Increases Here!
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One-time drop in: $12/class
Class-Pass Bundle of 6: $54 ($9/class)
Class-Pass Bundle of 10: $80 ($8/class)
Class-Pass Bundle of 15: $102 (6.80/class)
*These rates apply to weekly online Zoom classes (Mondays, 9am) and weekly outdoor classes April-October (Wednesdays, 8:30am). Feel free to mix ‘n match as your schedule allows.
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Payment Options:
Or mail check to:
Sandy Salvo :: 7521 Oak Circle Dr, Middleton, Wisconsin, 53562
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Venmo option available by request.
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Two Options for 2025!
Transitions and New Beginnings Retreat
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February 7-9 Moon Beach Camp, St. Germain
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APRIL 4-6 St. Anthony's Spiritual Retreat Center, Wausau