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Sandy's September/October 2023
Qigong & Mindfulness
Newsletter

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As you start to walk on the way,
the way appears.   
                        Rumi
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No one told me
it would be like this—
how growing older
is another passage
of discovery
and that aging is one
grand transformation,

and if some things become
lost along the way,
many other means show up
to bring me closer
to the center of my heart.

No one ever told me
if whatever wonder
waits ahead
is in another realm
and outside of time.

But the amazement, I found,
is that the disconcerting things
within the here and now
that I stumble
and trip my way through,
also lead me
gracefully
home.

And no one told me
that I would ever see
an earth so strong
and fragile, or
a world so sad
and beautiful.

And I surely
didn't know
I'd have
all this life
yet in me
or such fire
inside my
bones.

~Susan Frybort~ With gratitude for this Soul Deep Poem

Archaeology for the Woman's Soul

Never Too Old

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, and maybe a part of us has even come to believe it. “I’m not sure I’ve got the brainpower anymore”, “My energy isn’t what it used to be”, or “I’m too old to start something like that!”, are all adages I’ve heard myself and my friends say at one time or another.

I’d like to suggest we start challenging these limiting mindsets and instead start asking ourselves, “What is it I’d still like to try?”, or “What would it take to accomplish the dream of being/doing…?”, and How might I live my best life with vitality and purpose?”.  Most importantly, “How might I share my gifts unashamedly with others to help them see their own potential?”.

According to Psychology Today, “Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences.  Historically, scientists believed that the brain stopped growing after childhood. But current research shows that the brain is able to continue growing and changing throughout the lifespan. The importance of neuroplasticity can’t be overstated: It means that it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving and to develop new mindsets, new memories, new skills, and new abilities.”

Twenty-two years ago my life was changed for the better when I took my first Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course and I have dreamed of being a mindful meditation instructor ever since.  Meanwhile I became certified as a Qigong Teacher, which included teaching meditation, and which built upon my earlier career teaching stress management courses and numerous fitness/wellness classes.  Today I can proudly announce that I have successfully passed the rigorous requirements for an international accreditation and can call myself, at long last, a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher!

This fall I will begin teaching Mindfulness Meditation Courses and to use what I have learned to enhance my Qigong practices and future retreats.  If Qigong has taught me one thing, it’s that we each have amazing potential within us to be the best version of ourselves.  I for one, intend to keep growing in knowledge and hopefully, in wisdom, as I explore who I am and what I can become.

Another way you will see this being played out this fall is with the integration of an ancient Qigong form called Tao Yin (pronounced Dow Yin), which I am currently being trained to teach.  I have already begun to weave in some elements of Tao Yin and plan to expand to some more challenging postures and mat work designed to teach us each how to guide and direct energy throughout our meridians. Some exercises resemble yoga and Pilates, but with flowing movements to keep the body’s pathways open.

So if you are looking to take your Qigong or Mindfulness practices to a new level, I invite you to join me this fall (see details below) with a renewed commitment to your own health and well-being.  I’ll be right there with you, pushing my boundaries and watching my limiting thoughts melt away!

Saying, “YES!” to new pathways,

Sandy Salvo

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Artist Credit : Jess Stride

If you inherently long for something, become it first.
If you want gardens, become the gardener.
If you want love, embody love.
If you want mental stimulation, change the conversation.
If you want peace, exude calmness.
If you want to fill your world with art, begin to paint.
If you want to be valued, respect your own time.
If you want to live ecstatically, find the ecstasy within yourself.
This is how to draw it in, day by day, inch by inch ..

~ Victoria Erickson ~



 

Tao Yin Qigong
(Click below for a short video)

I am excited to share an ancient form of Qigong called Tao Yin (pronounced, “Dow Yin”), which means to guide and direct our lifeforce energy (Qi) through our meridians for health and vitality. Remember, “Flowing water never goes stagnant!.”

Intro to Mindfulness Meditation  

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45pm

5 Weeks:  October 3, 10, 17 and November 7 & 14

Jade Studio, Harbor Wellness Center (2711 Allen Blvd, Middleton, WI)

 

Learning to live with awareness and acceptance of what is happening around and within us can free us from unnecessary worry, anxiety, and stress which adversely affects our mental and physical health. Mindfulness meditation gives us tools for living life with purpose and joy.

Meeting weekly for 90 minutes in a small group, we will explore the foundations and benefits of mindfulness meditation, focusing on learning through experience and self-reflection.  Students will be provided with an electronic workbook to print and will be encouraged to practice various forms of mindfulness at home between sessions.  No experience is necessary, but a curious mindset is key!

Fee: $99 for Harbor members, $114 for non-members

To register, call (608) 831-6500 or go to: Harbor Registration

Register early - class size will be limited.  

Questions? Contact Sandy  

"If you ever wonder what's the big deal about mindfulness, you might remember this...Mindfulness (or vipassana meditation) is the technology for shifting from being ensnarled in suffering to being curious about it."  ~ Ruth King

Cross Plains Area

Mindfulness Meditation Group

 

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 St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 2427 Church St, Cross Plains, WI.

September 18th - Centering Prayer, with Ann Boehnen 

October 16th -  Being vs. Doing, with Brian Koenig

Questions? 

Contact Sandy  

Come as you are. 

Come when you are able.

Looking for someone to offer Mindfulness Meditation or Meditative Movement for your group or event?
Perhaps you need someone to help plan a Retreat?

I enjoy helping people explore mindfulness meditation in a variety of ways and experience the benefits of Qigong and/or Tai Chi Easy.  I am also a Retreat Planner and find great satisfaction co-creating retreat or workshop experiences.

 

Please consider introducing me to your event coordinator or group leader the next time an opportunity arises.  We can chat and see if my skills and gifts align with what your group needs.

Options might include:

  • Creating a simple Qigong practice tailored to the event theme 

  • Leading a seated, standing or walking meditation tailored to the theme

  • Offering a Mindfulness Meditation course

  • Offering a retreat for your group

  • Co-creating a retreat with you or your group leader

Thank you for helping to spread the word - I am grateful for your support!

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Weekly Qigong Classes:

Monday 9-9:45am CT: Qigong via Zoom

No class Sept 4, 18, 25 and Oct 23.

Click Here for Monday 9am Qigong w Sandy

Meeting ID: 891 1999 2696

 

 

 

Wednesday 8:30-9:15am: Qigong at the Lake

Meet near the Boathouse, Marshall Park, Middleton

No class Sept 13, 20 and Oct 25.

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 2023*

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-November (Wednesdays, 8:30am).  Feel free to mix ‘n match as your schedule allows. 

Payment Options:

PayPal

Or mail check to:

Sandy Salvo :: 7521 Oak Circle Dr, Middleton, Wisconsin, 53562

Centered-Connections Website

For more information about my services, please use the menu bar at the top to explore my website!

 

Save the Date:
Transitions and New Beginnings Retreat
APRIL 5-7, 2024
St. Anthony's Spiritual Retreat Center

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