News, Announcements & Events!
January 2010
- Welcome
- In Memory of Patty Dicarne
- Wellness Notes: Recent Research on the Benefits of Mind/Body Practices
- Check Out the Fall/Winter Class Schedule
- New! Training Programs for Mental Healthcare Practitioners
To our Silver Lotus family & friends... Please take time to read this message!
As a new year opens, we at Silver Lotus begin with a wish for all of us to share in the deepening of our practices of Tai Chi, Yoga or Qigong. I hope that you had a safe and warm holiday, and that the year of 2010 will find us in health and contentment as we move forward into a new decade.
The winter months are ideal for practicing and reflecting upon the psycho-spiritual aspects of Yoga and Qigong such as... peace; non-harming; non-judgment; contentment; truth; compassion (toward the self and others); only taking that which you need and no more; being moderate in your practice; not misappropriating your time, energy or love; and doing everything you do for the greatest good.
The winter months invite us to go deeply inward, to rest -- to allow the body/mind to "hibernate"," to sleep", to "dream" -- so that we can awaken fresh in the early spring with new ideas and intentions budding after our winter's inward solitude.
We here in the north find ourselves somewhat at odds with the cultural demands that say, "make New Year's resolutions," "start anew," and "discipline yourself" at a time when all natural inhabitants of the northern climates are moving into "winter." Have you ever wondered why most New Year's resolutions fail, or don't last? Well, that isn't because we fail. It is because our timing is off. The intention of any resolution requires RENEWED energy -- renewal, AFTER a rest -- not right after an exhausting, exhilarating, stressful and extroverted holiday season. The notion of "starting fresh" during the winter is totally inconsistent with the laws of our natural habitat, which instruct us to become quiet, to shed the old and to rest so that newness can form.
So with a natural process in mind, I invite you to maintain or begin a winter practice of Tai Chi or Yoga that allows you to be slow, introverted, quiet, and warm. Perhaps do your practice in front of a fire, before or after dark... perhaps reflect on the need for carbohydrates and fats (not junk food, but wholesome carbs and fats)... enjoy quiet conversation with close friends and family... read, study, allow yourself the indulgence of being pensive, harmonize your values, your physical practice and your spirit with natural rhythms.
Notice how these practices change your experience of winter. Typically in North America we fight nature -- we "resolve" to do new and disciplined practices. Imagine what your spring might be like if you embraced the "cave" experience. You might find that you awaken in the early spring to life renewed... not exhausted and desperate for sun because you have been fighting your natural impulse to rest throughout the winter.
This is a perfect time to think about self-judgment and to practice acceptance. Many of us have been over-indulgent, have taken more food or drink or have spent more money than we needed to during the holidays. Many of us have coveted other people's gifts, families, and friends. Many of us have felt discontent. Sometimes because of our indulgences, we feel we have to "start over," thus fueling the New Year's resolution idea!. Consider returning to the disciplines of true Yoga practice, which include accepting where you are, practicing non-judgment, or practicing moderation, peace, & contentment.
Here at the beach, many of us can really practice harmonizing with nature. Breathe deeply into your own dwelling. Enjoy self-reflection, candlelight, firelight and kinship. Spring is coming soon enough, and we'll all be rocking out...
Om shanti,
Susan
Susan Hamadock, LCSW-C, E-RYT500
Director of Programs
In Memory of Patty DiCarne
Our Silver Lotus community is saddened at the recent loss of Patty DiCarne, who passed away on December 17th, 2009. She was a very dear friend who brought joy and light to many of our Tai Chi classes and workshops. We will miss her greatly.
Patty lived a rich and varied life. She served in the Vietnam War, performing helicopter rescues with the medic corps, and worked for more than 20 years as a forensic psychiatric nurse. After retiring to Bethany Beach, she coordinated the Alternative to Violence Program at the prison in Georgetown. Patty began Tai Chi classes at Silver Lotus to help regain her balance after losing part of her foot to cancer. She immediately fell in love with the practice and became a regular fixture in our Tai Chi for Arthritis and Yang 24-Forms classes. Eventually she began attending Dr. Paul Lam's summer workshops and became a certified Tai Chi instructor herself.
Those of us who knew Patty will remember her as a kind, witty, fun and courageous woman who loved life, loved her family and friends and made everyone who met her smile. She touched all of us, and we are so grateful to have shared a part of her life journey. In lieu of flowers, Patty's family has suggested that memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21805; or the Sussex County Humane Society, 22918 DuPont Hwy, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Wellness Notes: Recent Research on the Benefits of Mind/Body Practices
Scientific research continues to confirm the health benefits of mind/body practices such as yoga, qigong, tai chi and meditation. Here are a few findings culled from recently published studies:
- Yoga reduces mindless eating: In a study conducted at the University of the Rockies, binge eaters who who participated in a 10-week yoga therapy program reduced the number of bingeing episodes per week by more than half. By teaching them how to be present, yoga helped the participants develop healthier strategies to deal with emotions that lead to binges.
- Tai Chi relieves Knee Pain: A research group at Tufts University School of Medicine conducted a randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of Tai Chi in treating knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Compared to controls, patients who practiced a modified Yang style form for 60 minutes twice a week had less pain and improved physical function. The results of the study were published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatology.
Check Out the Fall/Winter Class Schedule
Winter is here, and the New Year has arrived. It's a perfect time to begin, return to, or deepen your practice of Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong by attending classes. Silver Lotus instructors have partnered with the Quakertown Integrative Healthcare Center in Lewes to offer a variety of classes to meet everyone's needs. See the current schedule and find out more...
SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S OFFER -- Introduce a new student to Silver Lotus classes & share the savings!
Bring a Friend for Free
Prepay for the new session beginning January 2010, and your friend attends for free. Free classes apply to new students only. Please check with your instructor for payment details, which may vary.
Offer Expires: January 31, 2010
New! Training Programs for Mental Healthcare Practitioners
Susan Hamadock, founder and director of Silver Lotus Training Institute, announces the start of a new series of trainings designed specifically for mental health professionals. This program integrates contemporary concepts of body/mind psychology and the principles classical and Svadhyaya Yoga™, Tai Chi and Qigong within a clinical mental health perspective.
The first workshop in the series will be held Sunday, January 10th, at Quakertown Integrative Healthcare Center in Lewes. CEUs are avialble for Social Workers and Counselors (Category II) and for Yoga Alliance-registered teachers.
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