Archive for May, 2011
Free Compassionate Communication Workshop
On March 13th, 2011 I celebrated my graduation from the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts with a certification diploma in Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner. This 1,600 hour course included Professional Massage Therapy, Master Life Coaching, Energy and Somatic Massage, Spa Services, and Family Health Services.
The Master Life Coaching Program is one of the premiere self development and healthy living courses in the world today. The scope and objectives of the transformational living and the professional life coaching mastery program are wholly unique and visionary in the world of optimum health, personal transformation and prosperity. Just to give you an idea, here is a partial list of the subjects that we explored in that program:
- Committed Relationships
- Compassionate Communication
- Present Moment Awareness Stress Release
- Releasing Mental Programs Emotional Mastery
- Creating a Healthy Home Language of Healing
… and so much more!
So I was thrilled to find out that my club, Club Sport of San Ramon, is offering a free workshop in “Compassionate Communication” to the public.
I checked today, and you do not need to be a member to attend this workshop.
When: Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 2-3:30 pm in Studio Two.
Address: 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane, San Ramon, CA 94582
(925) 735-8500
The “Compassionate Communications” module that I learned was taught by a company called NVC (Nonviolent Communication) which is a process developed by Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s and 70s.
It is a language of the heart where you learn how to cultivate the ability to listen and speak in a way that honors yourself and others. Engage with others in a way that is both non-violent and dynamic.
I will be there – hope to see you too!
– Angela
Note: NVC often functions as a conflict resolution process. It focuses on two aspects of communication: honest self-expression (defined as expressing oneself in a way that is likely to inspire compassion in others) and empathy (defined as listening with deep compassion).
NVC is based on the idea that humans are innately compassionate, while violence (psychological and physical) are learned through culture. NVC theory supposes all human behavior stems from attempts to meet a small set of human needs. Needs are believed never to be in conflict. Rather, conflict arises when strategies for meeting needs clash. NVC proposes that if people can identify the needs of others, and the feelings that surround the needs, harmony can be achieved.
The Story of Stuff
The Story of Stuff Project is an engaging and inventive animated series of videos about our
consumption. Creator Annie Leonard puts the spotlight here on the tragedy of bottled water.
Click and see the bottled water myths busted!
We can all rethink one product at a time. Help end the bottled water era!
I personally do not buy bottled water at all – I use filtered water inside a dishwasher safe plastic container, (preferably BPA free) or even better a glass container or jar, which are typically used for pickling or preserving foods of any kind. You do have choices and your choices to affect the environment and your own health and well-being!
– Angela
Being Frugal: The Original Sustainability
Enjoy…some green perspecitves I live by!
Here is a great video I came across: Being Frugal: The Original Sustainability
We will have MORE if we CONSUME LESS. Needing less, or using what you have, is at the core of reclaiming our center as people and citizens, instead of consumers.
“Frugality” is no longer synonymous with poverty or miserliness,rather empowerment and freedom.
Let’s keep blowing the dust off the word itself. It’s about not being fooled anymore into meaningless, rote consumption.
Listen to Chris Farrell, author of “The New Frugality”, and spread the word!
– Angela
VIDEO: The Power of Words
I came across this short u-tube video about the power of words. It touched me deeply and stirred up my emotions. This short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world.
– Angela
Eurovision Song Contest 2011
Since I have such a passion for music from all around the world, I really wanted to share a little bit about the Eurovision Song Contest. It just took place again last Saturday, May 14th 2011 in Duesseldorf, Germany. Last year Germany won with a song from Lena Meyer-Landrut, called Satellite, and therefore earned the privilege to host this massive event this year.
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the longest running television shows in the world. It was on the 24th of May, 1956, that Europe saw the first ever Eurovision Song Contest. After 54 runnings, the contest is one of the most typical European traditions and without doubt, Europe’s favorite TV show! After more than five decades featuring some 1,100 songs, the contest has become a modern classic, strongly embedded into Europe’s collective mind. You might even say that the idea for “American Idol” came directly from the Eurovision tradition. In 2005, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrated its 50th anniversary by picking the best entry to date. The event was won by the legendary Swedish group ABBA and their song Waterloo. The band had originally won the Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden in 1974 and became one of the most successful bands worldwide, selling more than 370 million records. Some 50 countries took part in the Eurovision Song Contest over the past 54 years.
My whole family would always get together and watch this performance every single year – we did not miss one – and I loved all the different kind of songs, costumes and languages the artists would display and perform. It was so cool to bring all the countries together in one gigantic show and at the same time learn something new about each country – there were countries I had never even heard of before, not to mention their locations?! It definitely brought all communities closer together – since we are all one and not separate from each other!
This year’s first prize was awarded to the country of of Azerbaijan with a song called “Running Scared” by the duo Ell/Nikki. (Germany took 10th place)
Here is the link to the official website if this is something that might interest you – which is all in english language – where you can listen to this year’s songs, learn about the history and statistics, hear interviews and get other interesting information.
– Angela
My 1st Movie Review – “I Am”
On May 8th 2011 – which was mother’s day – I got to have my way!
Nobody was about to argue with me when I voiced my opinion to go see a movie in Berkeley with dinner afterwards at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant on Telegraph Ave. called Asmara.
And what do you expect from a movie that plays only in Berkeley in select theaters? Yes, it was a little bit of a different movie – a documentary by and about Tom Shadyak (director of Liar, Liar and many other silly comedies) with the title “I AM”.
What did I take away from this film? I must say, the fact that society is going backwards as we become more and more competitive, when perhaps the more advanced societies are the ones that develop a higher sense of community and empathy.
In this documentary the director delves into the question “what is wrong with the world”? He interviews scientific and spiritual leaders from all over the world to find some answers and guidance. Several interviews lead to the idea that “we are one” and not separate from each other, whether it be humans, plant life, animals or any living organisms here on mother earth. He touches on Social Darwinism – that instead of competition, it is mutual aid and cooperation which guarantee the survival of the species. Sympathy and empathy (not competition) is the strongest urge in human nature. In another part of his research he investigates animal democracy.
Perhaps we will take action inspired by the group of deer in the documentary. They were trying to decide to which of several watering holes they would go. Some turned and faced towards one watering hole. Others turned and faced towards a different watering hole. Once 51% of the deer looked in the same direction, suddenly the entire herd moved together to that water hole, leaving behind bewildered aggressive alpha males who appeared to be wondering, “Hey! Where did everyone go?”
The movie does not give any answers, but sure made me think about our social behaviors, connections and new possibilities that we all can incorporate and share with one another.
Have you seen a movie that your enjoyed recently? I’d love to hear from you, please post a comment below!
– Angela
A Special Event Addressing the Issue of Gender
Straightlaced
This powerful new documentary by Academy Award winner Debra Chasnoff addresses the topic of gender. After the film, a panel of former SRVUSD students and current SRVUSD teachers will discuss the film. This event is open to students, parents, staff and the greater community. Refreshments will be served. View the flyer.
Hope to see you all there!
– Angela
A Few of My Favorite Quotes
Here are just a few of my favorite quotes. I will continue to add to this list, so check back often!
“LIVE SIMPLY SO OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE” (Ghandi) – my favorite quote right now!
“When we focus on abundance, our life feels abundant; when we focus on lack, our life feels lacking. It is purely a matter of focus.” – Susan Jeffers
“If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself.
Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.”
– Lao Tzu
“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
“Focus on the best you can in others: and when characteristics you want are missing, practice seeing them anyway-for when you practice the thoughts of the things that you desire, they must show up in your experience.” – Esther and Jerry Hicks and the teachings of Abraham
“One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.” – Henry Miller
“There is never any hurry on the creative plane; and there is no lack of opportunity.” – The Science of Getting Rich
It’s not the things we get but the hearts we touch that will determine our success in life.” – Mac Anderson
“Spiritual maturity does not look to heaven for perfection. It is mindful of the earth — just the way it is.” – Josalon
“I believe in neither what I touch, nor what I see, only my inner feeling seem eternal and certain to me.” Gustau Moreau
“Today is the only day you can do anything about.
You’re too late for yesterday and tomorrow has no guarantees.
Live today as fully as you can!” – Author Unknown
“It is your rules that make unlawful beings. You would get along better if you would just trust each other to treat each other appropriately, but you don’t. So you keep making laws — until you make criminals of everyone.” – Abraham
“The one who fears something the most is the one who has it most activated in their vibration. And so, it is logical that they would experience it.” – Abraham
“The only way that you can ever know if something is of value to you is by the way it feels as you are receiving it.” – Abraham
“Trust that they’re making their lives work in the way that they’re making their lives work. And just teach through the power of your example.” – Abraham
Do you have a favorite quote? Leave me a comment below!
– Angela
holisticgesundheit.com 