'Tis the Season!!

As we approach the end of this year, I am reminded of how quickly time can move, how quickly things can happen, and how quickly we can forget to be present. This is the season, which for some, can be painful: dealing with depression, grief, loss, financial burden, social anxiety, loneliness and even anger. This is also the season for many others, which represents the celebration of life, hope, giving, community, belonging and thanksgiving. Whatever season this is for you, I pray you are able to embrace it completely for ALL that it is: good, bad or indifferent.
Our society has confused us to be believe that pain should be dreaded and avoided, and the only "true" experiences are good experiences. I believe, however, that it is in our most painful moments, the ones that seem hopeless and never ending, that we develop our strength, our character, and our endurance to not only face tomorrow, but embrace it with enthusiasm! If we did not experience pain, loss, or grief, how then could we so greatly appreciate our wholeness, our gain, or our joy? It is healthy to question those things we do not fully understand, and even the things we think we do. It is also healthy to wrestle with those questions until we discover not only the answer, but what it is within the issue that causes us to be unsettled, uncomfortable and unnerved. I pray that as you settle into the comforts of winter, you begin to contemplate those unanswered questions in your life-maybe even the ones you have put off and avoided for what seems to be a lifetime, in order to begin the new year with clarity, closure and liberation!
New Year's means new beginnings. We have a choice to how we want to begin each year, the same as we do for each day. So, make the choice to bring closure to doors left open, wounds left undressed, relationships in need of mending, and friendships in need of nurturing. Closing doors allows us to be present in the room we are in! As you begin to examine and experience your new room, you will be able to absorb it more completely, experience it more freely, and learn from it more quickly since you are no longer trying to keep up with the room you just left.
The most precious gift we can give some one is our time. Make your time count by being fully present during the holidays, even if you don't want to be. You might be surprised what you learn about others, and yourself, when you lend yourself to them completely. 'Tis the season for selflessness! Many blessings to you and yours!

PRENATAL YOGA CLASSES!

The time is growing closer to begin another great class here! Because of multiple request, as well as my own personal needs, I have decided to begin an

EXCITING NEW CLASS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS!

This class will be centered around hip strengthing and opening, as well as focused breath and meditation. Because of the multiple changes our body undergoes during this time, it's important to focus in on particular needs and concerns. I would encourage you to consult with your obstetrican before beginning ANY exercise or activity. Because of difficulties in previous pregnancies, and the the typical concerns that accompany any pregnancy, many women wonder if starting or continuing their practice of yoga will cause problems or possible injury to themselves or their babies. To my knowledge, there has been no documented cases of miscarriage or injury to the fetus as a result of practicing yoga.

We will not be twisting into pretzels, standing on our heads, or lying on our bellies. We will be strengthening our centers, engaging our cores, and energizing our bodies with movements that will give you more stability, strength and focus during your birthing process! We will also be spending time on meditation, visualization and breath that will help you ground and center your body,mind and breath during labor. I can not wait to share this class with you! I look forward to sharing this incredibly special and exciting journey together! And I look forward to the celebration and community we will develop as women undergoing such an amazing preparation-

MOTHERHOOD!

Feel free to invite any one you believe would enjoy and benefit from such a wonderful class. Space is limited, so you will need to make preparations to attend! Just bring some water, an open mind, and the desire to expand both physically, and emotionally!

Classes will be held on Monday nights from 5:30-6:30

Classes are $15 each

Namaste!

The Rashel Foundation

For many of you, inquiries into the wellness of my dear friend Rashel has become a regular occurrence. And for many of you, you have never even heard of her. So I want to take a moment to inform and update you on the current status of my sweet friend, Rashel Ross.
In May of 2005, Rashel was the youngest woman in our state to be diagnosed with breast cancer. It was found in her milk ducts, but fortunately had not spread to her lymph nodes. The doctor's decided to begin aggressive therapy which began with a double masectomy, and chemotherapy shortly after. It is expected for her to undergo approximately 6 months worth of treatments and surgeries.
Rashel is a 28 year old single mother of an adorable 5 year "man-child" named Max. She's self-employed, and although she does have insurance, this only covers about 80% of her medical expenses. In order to encourage others to give, a tax deductible fund has been created in her name. Although the current funds are used for her specific needs and expenses, there are great plans to utilize these funds in the future. Some of the plans discussed have been consultation to organize care teams for after-chemo home care, as well as meals. Another big one is transportation for patients to and from treatments. Each time she goes, there is someone there to bring her to and from the hospital, as well as someone to stay with her for the duration of the next 48-72 hours. But not all patients have the same support system, in fact, many of the patients have NO support system, and are forced to drive themselves. I know how I feel if I have the flu driving myself to and from the doctor, it's horrible! I can't even begin to imagine the discomfort and difficulty to have to tend to yourself after such invasive treatment.
Seeing Rashel go through this has been profoundly moving and inspiring for me. Life can throw us so many unexpected curve balls, and we so often bunt or strike out. But she has been hitting hers out of the park with an amazing attitude of hope. She is such a strong woman not only physically, but emotional and spiritually. I believe I try living life to the fullest with appreciation for my health and strength, but then something so horrible hits the life of someone so close to me, and I realize that there are so many things I take for granted, and I don't want to do that.
Since May, there has been a collection jar in my office to help with additional expenses for Rashel and her son.

In the month of May, you guys gave $140.

In June, $51.

In July, $35.

In August, $40.

In September, $132.

I'll be sure to continue updating this information once it has been added up. I am blown away by the generosity of MY immediate community. You guys have consistently asked how she is, showed your concern, as well as your support by giving the change that continues to grow in the jar. I am so grateful and blessed to have such amazing people in my life who are self-less, generous, loving and prayerful. I can not say enough how special and precious you all are to me!
I pray that Rashel's journey is an inspiration for you to live life with wreckless abandon to fear and hesitation. May you not take for granted your healthy lungs to breathe in fresh air, nor your strong legs to run and jump. May you draw your children close to you, and love with all you have those that are close to you, and even those who aren't. Because life is so fragile, so short, but also so awesome and inspiring!

If you would like to make a donation, you may submit checks to:

THE RASHEL FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 850

Alabaster, Al 35007

Also, if you would like to receive regular updates on Rashel, please email me with UPDATES PLEASE listed in the subject box. I will be happy to forward you the information as it comes.

p.s....i'm PREGNANT!

Many of you may know by now, but for those who don't, p.s..

I'M PREGNANT!

My husband and I have been praying for a while as to whether or not we were to grow our little family, or stay where we were. On May 8th, during our Mother's Day service at church, there were approximately 15 families on stage for baby dedication. One of our dear friends stood there so proudly with their baby boy, and as soon as they stepped forward, I immediately heard what was the inaudible, yet unmistakable voice of God gently whispering, "It's time. You're to have a son!" I found myself a bit emotional and overwhelmed; not only a baby, but a baby boy!

I thought to myself, 'okay, let's just tuck that information away for later', but immediately, Adam leaned over to me and whispered, "you know we're supposed to have a baby!?", and I said, 'yea, I just heard that too!' What an incredible experience knowing you've just connected with the Holy Father, who so clearly spoke to not one, but two of His seeking servants.

As we left church, Adam asked if I heard what we were having, and I responded yes, a boy. He responded that he had heard the same, and we rejoiced with glory-bumps together!

Now, know that I will not be finding out the sex of our expected, but I will let you know as soon as HE arrives. We are trusting that what we both heard was true, and are referring to the baby as 'he'; I'll be excited to share the definite sex upon the arrival.

Thanks to all of you who have been so understanding and sensitive to me during this time. You guys know how healthy & determined to stay healthy I am, and I won't miss an appointment unless I'm on my deathbed. But there have been a few days were this baby has just wiped me out, and I've been worthless. Thanks for your willingness and flexibility to allow me to cancel when I've been unable to come in. I feel I can't say enough how wonderful you all are to me-

YOU GUYS ARE FAMILY!

Many of you have already inquired as to the future of your treatments and your yoga. Please know I plan to work as long as I am physically able, and for now, that's determined one day at a time. I'm just going to continue listening to my body, and as we draw closer to the end of the pregnancy, see how it goes. It may be that as we draw nearer to February (which is the due date) my days will grow shorter. Please know that your needs have been heavily prayed over and thought of as the decision was made to have my dear friend and fellow body worker Bonnie Price come in to fill the gap while I'm gone. She will be in the office

Monday-Thursday from 10 am-1pm,

so for many of you, your current day & time may change. My hope is to keep as many of you on your current schedule, but I know for some, your schedules will not permit for much change. If you foresee these times as a problem, please let me know and let's see if we can work out a time for you that might work with her at her office. As always, your flexibility will be greatly appreciated.You will still receive your treatments at the office of LifeSource, unless other arrangements need to be made. Bonnie has been kind enough to work on my behalf while I can not, and still share the income so that mine does not come to a screeching halt.

THANK YOU, BONNIE!

While treatments are received by Bonnie, gift certificates and package rates will be temporarily unavailable.

I know that this will be an inconvenience to many of you, but please understand that because I will not be available to fulfill the gift certificates, it is only fair that I do not sell any. For any certificates sold prior to January, the cancelation dates will be extended to accomodate those sold. As far as packages, to minimize confusion and paperwork, I am requesting your pre-purchased packages be wrapped up in December. You will still be able to utilize any purchased prior to Bonnie, but no additional ones will be available until I return. Just a FEW changes-

it won't last long, gang!

I think Bonnie is an amazing, caring, and gentle bodyworker, and I know that you guys are going to love receiving her work as much as I do! Please know that if you fall in love with her work, my feelings will in NO WAY be hurt. All bodyworkers have very different techniques and gifts, and Bonnie's are many; so know if you wish to continue on with her once I've returned, I will be nothing but supportive and encouraging of that- because I think she's great!

As far as yoga, I'm still praying about the direction I wish to take. There are few yoga instructors in Birmingham that I would entrust you guys to, especially for individual work, so I'll let you know when I've come to a definite decision. We will continue classes as scheduled, and I will probably return to teach long before I return to do bodywork. I will let you know of some options available to you for classes, because you all know how important it is to me that you maintain your schedules-

PLEASE DON'T STOP YOUR ACTIVITY BECAUSE OF ME!

If you chose to back off your routine until I can reconvene, we will be starting off at square one, and we all remember how hard square one is, right? So keep up your movement, keep up what you've already learned, and keep up YOUR practice! I want to see you all still able to touch your toes when I return!

I look forward to "growing" with you, as well as sharing this new season in life!

I will be giving you contact information for Bonnie as the time grows nearer. Until then,

thanks & NAMASTE!

Serenity in Meditation & Prayer...

I frequently receive questions about meditation, especially from those curious to its relationship with my prayer life. So I thought I would take a moment to address them both. Many people fear meditation because of the unknown relationship to eastern religions, cultures and traditions. Because of the intent behind meditation, regardless of where or how it originated, we should not approach it with fear and rejection, but instead with curiosity and open-mindedness. There is a beautiful bridge between eastern and western cultures, religious beliefs and traditions that, when learned about, can bring great revival, transformation and awareness to our current spiritual practice and prayer life.
The purpose behind meditation is to still the mind, learn to rest in the midst of distraction, and bring focus and clarity to consciousness. Stilling the mind can be a great preparation for focus, intent and prayer. The traditional eastern monks all sit for hours in meditation and prayer to gain clarity, insight and understanding. The eastern culture adheres to and respects the principles of stillness and meditation learned and exemplified by their ancestors. The western culture, however, revolves around involvement, busyness, and production. This Ferris wheel is not only in the world of business, but also in many churches, schools and homes. Many have lost the focus of prayer and come to God strictly in the outpouring of request and concerns. God encourages us to be ourselves, to be open, to pray for our friends, families, even ourselves. But we've gotten so good at talking AT God, we have forgotten how to listen to and be still with Him. Not only have we forgotten to listen, but we've neglected the importance of our thoughts throughout the day. We've become the specialist in emergency prayer and scripture regurgitation for the sake of approval and acceptance.
Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." God not only cares about our prayers, about our openness to listen, but He also cares about the constant thoughts and meditations of our hearts and minds. How can my meditations be acceptable if I'm so preoccupied with them I can't even slow down to hear Him? And how can my mind be acceptable if I've closed it to any other ideas of truth?
The Buddhist call the mind the tyranny of the drunken monkey. Our minds are usually restless, bouncing from one thought, demand or fantasy to another. We give into its drunkenness by humoring those thoughts creating a plethora of problems ranging from stress, ulcers, fatigue, even obsessions and addictions. To continue to mull over, hash out, and relive our thoughts is a lack of trust and faith in the One who gives us peace. This is my attempt to control, manipulate or transform a thought, person, situation or circumstance that God has given me NO authority over. I do believe He entrusts me with responsibility, discernment, decisions, and consequences- but I also have a choice as to how much power I am going to give those people, thoughts, circumstances and situations in my own life. I have a choice to meditate on the things of man, my mind, or of Him, His word, and His goodness.
So how can we stop the swirling whirlwind in our minds? By learning the technique of detachment through meditation. Meditation is not just about sitting still, breathing slowly and saying 'OM'. Its a practice of surrender, of trust, of obedience and of strength. It requires trust to let go of all those thoughts in your mind. It requires obedience to sit and meditate on God's truth, your life, and how the two paths unite. It requires surrender to release the illusion of control that we try so desperately to cling to. And it requires strength to see what you've got, acknowledge it for what it is, and decide to transform it, grow from it, be hampered by it, or hand it over. To hand it over is the first step to detachment.
If I can accept ALL that is happening in my life-financial needs, sickness, pain, grief, romance, success, the lack of success-embrace it, acknowledge it and appreciate it instead of fighting and resisting it, then I have learned another step of detachment. Detachment is recognizing what is, and making a choice to keep my emotions and expectations out of the mix. If I chose to focus on one of these particulars- become obsessed in my mind of how I'm going to alter, improve or take from this-then I'm not allowing the process it's place in my life. Instead, I'm trying to figure out every detail, weigh every possibility, measure every corner, and figure out how the rest of my life is going to accommodate and function with it, around it , or without it.

THIS IS AN UNNECESSARY DISTRACTION IN WHICH I HAVE A CHOICE TO ENTERTAIN.

As do we all. Through meditation, these LARGE distractions can be become quite small when I make a decision to refocus instead on my breath, my awareness, the stillness of my body and mind, or something positive and beautiful like a prayer, scripture or mantra. When I give way to the insanity of my circumstances, I lose control of what is one of the FEW and ONLY things I actually have some control over- MY MIND!
"How do you do that?", people ask. In my classes, I often encourage everyone to, "release your thoughts-if any come your way, just allow them to roll by you like clouds." Now, for me, when I began practicing with an instructor, I would find this task UNBELIEVABLY difficult. I would think, "what does she mean, 'let them roll by like clouds!?'..she has NO IDEA what all I have on my plate!" But the more I surrendered to the idea of releasing those thoughts, and the more I began to instead shift my awareness to my breath, I found it became increasingly easier, and to my surprise, more powerful each time I let go. Not only did that release become easier for me in my mediation; it became easier for me in daily life. For me, it was a process of trusting that I COULD let go of my thoughts. I've always had so many TV's and internal dialogues going on at once, that I thought that was normal. I thought everyone always had to have a lot going on, or else they just had nothing going on. I also thought I had to have control over everything happening in and around me, but I began to realize THIS IS A LIE! God does not want my mind distracted and cluttered, nor does He want me so overwhelmed with my life that I am unable to clear my head and relax, and most importantly, let Him do His job-BEING GOD!

I am constantly reminded in scripture that my job is to be, to wait, to listen, to abide, to be obedient, to seek His will, to go where I am lead, but most of all, simply ABIDE! Are these not the characteristics of meditation and of prayer?

TO BE, TO WAIT, TO SEEK, TO LISTEN, TO BE OBEDIENT,TO ABIDE?

God wants me to rest, and that don't just mean layin' down for a nap! He wants me to REST, cause He's got it all figured out, I DON'T HAVE TO!
Psalm 37:7-9 .. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.

To rest, cease, and forsake anger require practice. These things are not encouraged in our culture, nor often understood. Meditate on rest. God wants me to meditate-in fact, He's pretty dern specific on what He even wants me to meditate on, and it ain't the ache in my big toe!
Philippians 4:7-9 .. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Psalm 4:4 .. Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and BE STILL.
(emphasis mine)

God assures me that in my obedience to diligently practice ALL His ways, I'll be rewarded with gifts more valuable than the world can ever allot me.

1 Peter 1: 4-10 .. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in you knowledge, self control, and in you self-control, perserverance, and in you perserverance, godliness, and in you godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of you Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or shortsighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you PRACTICE these things, you will never stumble.

It really is that simple, guys. And here you thought there was more mysticism and excitement to it. I do so hate to disappoint. I assure you there is no disappointment in learning the value of silence. To know God requires communion, communion requires meditation, meditation is active practice, and practice renders us neither useless nor unfruitful. I pray you are inspired to sit still today. Allow me to lead you in your first meditation, and for the old timers, allow me to lead you with a mantra (or thought of meditation).

Find a sacred space, clean of debris and distraction. Sit comfortably so that you are able to stay awhile. (Avoid lying down, because that often leads to sleep). Close your eyes, and slowly breathing in through your nose, and out through your nose. As you inhale, slowly count to 6, and as you exhale, count to 8. This will be your first step to taming the mind and awareness, it's hard to think when you are counting. Do this about 10 times, more if you are highly agitated or unable to settle. Once your mind is clear, inhale and repeat in your mind, TO ABIDE. As you exhale, repeat in your mind, TO ABIDE IS REST AND PEACE. Now, for beginners, this may bring on a flood of thoughts behind the idea of abiding, and I would encourage you when you are done, to return to those thoughts and even journal them. It is in the stillness that we hear the still, small voice. But for now, just focus on the phrases. When you've done this for approximately 10 breaths in and out, then you may return to the stillness, and wait for the magic. For some, this is where the breath of God weighs heavy with you. You will feel airy, light and free without thought or distraction..NAMASTE to you! For some, you will distinctly hear His wisdom, His answers to prayer, and specific directions for you day..NAMASTE to you, as well. And for others, you'll be just as confused, distracted, and bogged down as when you began, and that's alright too! This is a practice which takes time, often years to cultivate, so don't beat yourself up if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing, and in time it will come.

May you be blessed in your meditation, prayer life, and journey today!

Namaste!

(ok, what's that mean, April?..It's a greeting of presence & acceptance without judgment; basically, the Divine in me greets the Divine in you!)

To lose is gain...

May I first just take a moment to say thank you to so many of you who prayed for and asked regularly about JoJo the past several months. Your kind words and sincere concern have been greatly appreciated and comforting. I experienced the loss of my "surrogate" grandmother over this Mother's Day weekend. My JoJo was diagnosed last year with an inoperable brain tumor, and was told to begin her preparations for death. Although we knew the time was growing near, I don't think anyone can ever be fully prepared for the loss of someone so dear and special. It took a few days for the loss to even hit me, simply because of the overwhelming peace of Christ; the knowledge of knowing she's at home with the Father, well and alive uplifts and inspires me to celebrate her death, but I also know that to mourn is a healthy part of the loss as well. She was ready to go, and made the sweetest comment to me on one of our last visits. She spoke of knowing she would be reunited with her mom & dad, her husband and grandson. She knew she would be meeting the Lord, and was eager. But she said she was even more excited to meet Peter. I laughed and said, "why Peter?" (who is also one I anxiously await to meet). "Because I think he was a groovy guy! He dealt with some struggles and problems, but his heart was always for God; he was always obedient!" I just think of the statement, 'we are attracted to what we are", with honor and gratuity knowing that that was her. JoJo dealt with some struggles, some problems-but her heart was ALWAYS for God, and she was diligent in her obedience. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to have known and been known by such an amazing woman! A woman that knew me better than even my own grandmothers, so much that I claimed her as my own! I marvel in knowing my loss is her gain, for what better place could she be than in eternity, with the King! I pray that you all have the opportunity to experience such an amazing person in your own lives. Thanks again for your prayers, and for letting me share!

My experience at GrayBear...

I want to share with all of you the amazing experience I had at special place called Gray Bear Lodge. I went with the intention to learn Thai Massage, which is an AWESOME, EFFECTIVE, EMPOWERING healing art form that is very much assisted Thai-Yoga therapy. But as I was approaching this place nestled in the beautiful hillside of Hohenwald, Tennessee, I found myself saying I would return to this place which I had yet to arrive- the pull was just that strong. I was relaxed just driving through the countryside filled with yellow flowers and cattle, silos and old farm equipment. I arrived to see a sign on the door which requested I remove my shoes before entering, and greeted by a lovely creature named Diann. I met my "roomies" from Mississippi and Indianapolis, and then wandered briefly around the grounds to appreciate the fresh, cool mountain air and lush, green foliage on the surrounding trees. I was home. I instantly felt at peace, at ease and accepted for who I was without any judgment, questions or fear.

Our first evening we dined together, all 12 of us, on small pillows at tables short to the ground, with food made for the gods! We opened our time together in a circle sharing who we were, where we were from, and what brought us there. Answers varied between bodyworkers, those considering to become so, partners & friends, and yoga instructors. Then we ended with a relaxing yoga class led by Diann. What a way to begin the weekend! It's a beautiful thing to be surrounded by body workers, because the energy is high, the nurturing is genuine, and there's lots of discussion about life, the body and ESPECIALLY the spirit.
The following morning, I was awoken by the sound of a deep church bell. This was our call throughout the weekend for group, meals, and any other gathering or event. Each meal was prepared with love and care; decadent, potent, recharging and most definitely satisfying! All the food was from fresh, organic produce, and all courses were without meat, which was cleansing and invigorating for me (but also gas producing! :) ). I left my home thinking I could cook, but realized quickly I had nothing on these folks! I returned home wanting to throw everything in my pantry away..how could I eat that way for nearly a week and return wanting the same 'blah' I've been having- I couldn't and haven't. I was inspired to begin a new diet which is slowly eliminating meats, and increasing my vegetable, fruits and grains. My mind has never been more sharp, and my body fully charged-I'm lovin' it!

Our instructor, Michael Buck was phenomenal! He was an amazing teacher who was not only knowledgeable in this incredible "folk-art", but very personable, approachable and engaging. It's a rare jewel to find a teacher that is all of these, and I will forever respect him for that. He was respectful of the history, lineage, application and intent of this work, which was also impressive and appreciated. I felt I learned so much, not just about the bodywork, but also about the culture that created it. I felt a new found respect for bodywork in general, as I honed in on the spiritual aspect of what I do. I thought I was sensitive while giving work, but he indeed assisted me in becoming even more respectful and mindful.

I received a special gift from Adam, Diann's husband on my last morning called Watsu. Watsu is hydrotherapy, where I am engaged in what I will call a water dance, with the therapist, Adam as the director. The treatment took place in a stone pool, shaped as a womb, and filled by the waters which come from the hillside of the land. As I totally surrendered to his promptings with trust, he assisted me into a meditative state of relaxation and release. I had memories of being lifted from the womb, as well as seeing my daughter lifted, which was powerful and exciting. I was guided through a series of slow, nurturing poses where my body was left to the guidance of his rhythmic movements and the gentle pull of the water. At one point, I was cradled as an infant and pulled to his chest. With my distant ear under water, and the slow rhythmic beat of his heart against the other ear, it was as if I were cradled against my mother and being lulled to rest by her breath. It was one of the most nurturing and beautiful experiences I believe to have ever encountered, and I'm grateful to have received the work from such a tender and caring spirit! When I was assisted to a sitting position, and prompted to open my eyes, it was as if I were using them for the first time; life was bright and inviting as I scanned the canopy of the pool in search of something recognizable. As my feet rested on the stone floor of the pool, the heat permeating them became nearly unbearable, as if the stones were going to forever scar the bottoms with there imprints. My pace was slow as I became reacquainted with the earth, and again, feeling as if I had never walked. This was truly a rebirthing experience that will forever be remembered as perfectly profound!

I arrived with no clue as to how deep my spirit was in need of this rest, relaxation, nurturing, education and liberation! I left with a plethora of new knowledge and insight, and could not wait to come home to embrace my family and my clients with this new found love for my life and my work! I know that the workshop I attended will not be desirable for everyone, but there are indeed, multiple things available at GrayBear, which I would encourage you to investigate. This lodge will forever hold a dear place in my heart, and I hope that you will feel the same.

You can check out more information at their website:

www.graybear.org

It will be quite some time before I bring the full Thai experience to the office, but I have already begun to incorporate many things on the table. Just know that once you get a taste of it, you're never gonna wanna go back to the 'old' style on the table! It's always nice to have something to look forward to, eh?

Namaste!

Tuesday Night Classes

Tuesday Night Yoga Classes

Starting May 3, from 5:30 to 6:30, we will begin a small yoga class.

Because of continued request from so many of you, I've decided that it's past time to begin. Because space is limited, you'll want to be sure to arrivc early for a spot. There's only room for 6.

In fact, if you think you will be coming, you might want to call ahead to ensure a spot.

Yoga mats will be provided, unless you just wish to bring your own.

Classes will be $15, unless you are currently receiving individual sessions, which will cost you only $10.

I look forward to our new evenings together.

Seniors Yoga Challenge, June 13- July 23

The date has been set, and I'm now excepting registration for the first ever

Seniors Yoga Challenge!

This will be a great opportunity for my 'seasoned' clients to learn more extensively the fine art of aging with movement and awareness. The course is designed, but not limited to, beginners.

This is a 6 week commitment, 2 times per week plus 2 Saturday classes. The classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:15-9:15, and the 2 Saturday courses will be on June 18th & July 23 from 8:30-11:00.
We will be taking current measurements before and after the course for posture and range of motion improvements. We will explore and discuss common beliefs about aging and how to overcome them; common concerns & health related issues to aging; preventitive, self-care techniques; nutritional needs & concerns; basic anatomy & physiology effected by aging and the benefits of Yoga; and learn gentle postures to improve balance, coordination, increase flexibility, stamina and strength.
The total cost for the course is $275, plus a non-refundable $50 registration fee.

Contact April White, LMT/NMT at 205-401-5010

to receive your registration packet.

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED, so don't delay!

Massage & Yoga Price Information & Schedule Policies...

Standard Pricing:

$55

1/2 Hour Massage

$75

1 Hour Massage

$110

1.5 Hour Massage

$35

Individual Yoga Session

$50

Couples Yoga

$100

1 hour yoga+1 hour massage

Package Pricing:

There are no package rates for 1/2 hour sessions

$125

5, 1 hour individual yoga sessions

$200

5, 1 hour couples yoga sessions

$325

5, 1 hour massages

$495

5, 1.5 hour massages

Group Rates:

Yoga Party for up to 6 people:

$175

1.5 hours of instruction + hands-on adjustments

Yoga Party for up to 15 people:

$250

1.5 hours of instruction+hands-on adjustments

Please call to schedule all appointments. Because of heavy demands, earlier scheduling is preferred. You may, however, call to try scheduling an appointment for the same day. Payments are expected at the time of visit, unless other arrangements have been made. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy, so if you are unable to call or attend, you will be charged for the session even if you did not receive it. If you have pre-paid for the session, the one missed will simply be deducted. Cash & Checks only, please.

Let us begin the journey together...

Considering I am one of the most computer resistant individuals you may ever meet, this page will come to shock many of my friends and clients...it's even a bit shocking to me. But as much as I want to resist the boarding call for the technology train, I do realize that I can either wave you guys off as you zoom past me on the platform, OR, I can jump on and enjoy the ride with you..SO ALL ABOARD?!?
God has blessed me with so many amazing opportunities to administer His restorative healing, as well as witness it in the lives of those around me. So I look forward to sharing these things with you as my life as a therapist and healer continues to grow and transform. I wish I could claim all the credit myself for the amazing things I've seen God do in my own life and office, but I can't (that's the self-gratifying, self-glorifying, self-serving part of my human nature I can't deny as much as I would have you believe differently)..He gets ALL the praise and glory for that! I can, however, shout from the roof tops and testify to the amazing things He has done, and will continue to do in my life, and in the lives of my clients, who are also my friends & family.

This is YOUR space too!

So many of you have shared these things with me, so please know this is a sounding board for your end of the healing! I can say all day that I've witnessed people under the burdens of stress and depression crawl through my office door and float out on a cloud of redemptive peace and restoration; that individuals under the discomfort of chronic pain and debilitating injuries have received full use of their bodies without pain; people with supressed memories of trauma and abuse awakening to the muscle and emotional memories they've hidden in their bodies and beginning the walk towards recovery; barren couples who have longed for children, ready to begin fertility treatments, but not quite there, and then be able to conceive, bearing forth beautiful, healthy babies...but without your input and personal testimony, it's just MY story, and it's NOTHING. So please, exemplify His goodness by sharing your experiences.
I wish everyone could experience something so radical that they have NO CHOICE but to acknowledge it was beyond human explanation-that they might come to recognize His power and His invested interest in our lives! I think God uses our bodies to teach us about ourselves, but primarily, He wants us to learn about ourselves so we can learn about Him.
I can't say that ALL of my clients have experienced this, but the ones who have...well, it's precious, and OH SO AMAZING... THAT I MAY TESTIFY TO THE GOOD WORKS HE HAS DONE!
I'm excited about this journey together...and I'm excited about having my own space on-line (I feel so computer savvy knowing I can do this by myself!) There will be an INCREDIBLE webpage coming to you soon, so keep your eyes open for that!
Luke 4:18
Please note their is a COMMENTS space at the bottom of the page..this is where your journey unfolds.