Sandy's November Qigong Newsletter
Seeing More Clearly
I took my kayak out for a final paddle on Little Pike Lake this past week and was amazed at the detail I could see along the shoreline with the leaves now resting on the ground. Structures and homes that had been hidden all summer were now boldly displayed. The elevation changes of the landscape, now allowing streaks of sunlight through, created interesting visuals. Huge nests were exposed, and a stunning Pileated woodpecker was easily observable. AND, in the stillness of the chilly autumn waters, my heart found peace and I felt like I had come home.
Many things in our lives are hidden from plain sight, some more essential to our well-being than others. During Qigong practices, we use our mind intent to tune into the energy that surrounds and sustains us, hopefully becoming more and more aware of its presence. Sometimes referred to as our ‘life force energy’ or ‘chi’, this amazing gift is worth cultivating and cleansing on a regular basis to help us live our best lives.
I think deep down we all know that we are more than just physical beings, that there is a spiritual aspect to our existence that we long to understand and nourish. We acknowledge the ‘unseen’ and are ever-more convinced of its importance as we go through life experiences. We practice stillness in an attempt to glean glimpses of its messages for our lives, its wisdom for our souls.
What hidden treasures are waiting for you to notice? What needs to be cleared away or released for you to see things more clearly? When have you been successful at carving out space and time for ‘just being’ – for coming home to your true self?
During this month of thanksgiving, I want to thank each of you for practicing Qigong with me during this past year, whenever and wherever your lives allowed. I hope you understand that your presence nourishes me, as it does each person who joins the circle.
With much gratitude,
Sandy Salvo
P.S. Note the dates of the Restorative Evening Qigong Practices during the holiday season and consider inviting a friend or loved one – they are offered humbly as a gift of health from me to you.
Please accept these free offerings:
Restorative Evening Qigong Practices
Sundays, November 21st and December 19th, 2021
7-7:45pm Central Time via Zoom
Find your slippers and a warm beverage, then join us for a slow, restorative Qigong practice to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the week ahead. Restore your inner equilibrium and enjoy the holidays with a calm peacefulness that will nourish everyone around you.
Share the link freely with friends and loved ones. We will combine a flowing, standing practice with seated (or lying) meditation, so choose your space accordingly. Take a deep breath and just say, “ahhh”…
No fee – everyone welcome! To Join Zoom: CLICK HERE
Video Recordings Available
For those seeking some guidance and review for their personal, at-home practice, I have created some video recordings:
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Gratitude Practice (Qigong and Meditation) November 2020
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Bird Qigong Frolics and Crane Form
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Tiger and Bear Qigong Frolics
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Deer and Monkey Qigong Frolics
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Tai Chi Easy Form
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Monday Morning Qigong November 2021
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Note: These are not professional recordings, but merely my humble attempt to provide you with some useful resources for your personal use. Email me if you wish to receive all or any of these recordings.
Suggested minimum donation is $10 each, or the value you believe they will have to your well-being.
Payment Options:
Or mail your 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!
Weekly Qigong Classes:
Monday 9am CT Qigong via Zoom Join Zoom Class
Meeting ID: 825 4473 9236
Passcode: 100095
Wednesdays, 8:30am CT, Qigong at Marshall Park
Fees
Suggested Fee: $10/class for one-time drop in
Flexible Commitment Options:
Purchase classes in advance and use them as you are able for either the online
or at-the-lake options. (Good through 2021).
6 classes for $48 ($8/class)
10 classes for $70 ($7/class)
15 classes for $90 ($6/class)
I am committed to offering access to the healing power of Qigong to
all who seek to practice with us. Please don’t let financial hardship
get in the way of your health. Simply email me.
Payment Options:
Or mail check to:
Sandy Salvo :: 7521 Oak Circle Dr, Middleton, Wisconsin, 53562
TAHINI ALMOND COOKIES
These cookies are simple and delicious. Sesame seeds, which is what tahini is a paste of, is perfectly aligned with fall as they are sweet and grounding.
Makes 12 cookies.
2 cups almond meal
3/4 cups tahini
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
sesame seeds, chopped pistachios and/or cacao nibs to garnish
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Place the tahini, maple syrup, salt and vanilla in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium heat. Heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 – 15 minutes.
3. Add the almond meal to the tahini mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
4. Roll 1-2 tablespoons of the dough in the palm of your hand into a ball. Place each cookie on the prepared tray and garnish the cookies by gently pressing seeds, nuts and/or cacao nibs on top of each cookie.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Switch off the oven and let the cookies brown slightly in the hot oven for another 5 minutes before removing. Cool on wire racks. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week.
Note: Almond meal is finely ground almonds. You can purchase store bought or make your own by grinding whole almonds in a food processor or Vita-Mix blender.
This recipe was adapted from Yoga Kitchen.
