span id=Chelsea's Vegan Wedding - who knew?

This just in --"insiders" have told Life & Style magazine, the food for the big day "will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes." So my fellow vegan gourmands - what would you serve?? And anyone who can get the scoop to our comments box on what is actually on her menu -- cuidos!!

Read more: http://www.slashfood.com/2010/07/28/chelsea-clintons-vegan-wedding/#ixzz0v0Ud8SK0
(No suprise that she's conceded and included organic animal based entrees for some guests)


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Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Return Mountain: Retreat in Berkeley Springs WVA

FRIDAY - MONDAY AUGUST 20 - 23, 2010

I am happy to report and extend to you this invitation to join me for the first Celebrating the Inner Healer Retreat in this uniquely restorative environment.

According to a Reuters Health News story, "Just five minutes of exercise a day in the great outdoors can improve mental health, according to study recently released, and policymakers should encourage more people to spend time in parks and gardens.

Researchers from the University of Essex found that as little as five minutes of a "green activity" such as walking, gardening, cycling or farming can boost mood and self esteem." Read more at:

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/05/03/eline/links/20100503elin010.html

How would your life be different with an entire week-end immersed in nature?

Of course as a BodyArts Therapeutics enthusiast I would add that this is true for - the 'green activities' of mindful breathing, fresh air yoga, QiGong and Tai Ji, soaking/ receiving an Acu-Aqua Massage in the mineral springs hot tub/pool, groovin' in the park to the concert with Down Home Roots, grillin' and munching plant-based delicious fare on the deck overlooking the Coolfont forest, window-shopping in town, and spirit drumming in the barn.

The retreat is being organically guided by the longings of the hearts and the local resources available this summer week-end.

We'll meet at the May Apple vacation home of Henry and Barbara Lynn in the Coolfont home-owners' estates, fifteen minutes from town (head for the castle -- yes the CASTLE!!) I've put together a special plant-based menu of some of my delish-nutrish signature dishes with a couple new recipes I just learned while at The Lighthouse Center July Retreat.

In the brief time we have to share together, I am excited to introduce some of my favorite gems -- in the town where George Washington bathed, where Native Americans from as far as Canada journeyed to the healing waters, and where many boomers migrated in the '60s onward...
Here's a sketch of the itinerary as of today:

Friday Evening: Our potluck plant-based supper will serve as our ice-breaker. Our opening welcome circle will include a guided practice with the Chi Gong and The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements on the deck facing the woods.These standing, ancient slow-motion easy-to-learn exercises are both refreshing and relaxing. With this Chinese Yoga we will connect in a new way to our inner nature while appreciatng the Eastern Panhandle Coolfont forest surrounding and grounding us.

Saturday: Greet the Day with my very own YeSSS! Method of Restorative Yoga and Guided Relaxation and enjoy a breakfast buffet before heading poolside -- where those who wish can experience the Aqua-Acu-massage with me in the hottub or enjoy a walk. We'll have a picnic lunch there - and after changing, head to town for a uniquely Berkeley Springs Fresh air concert with DOWN HOME ROOTS:
Led by noted musicians Tari Hampe and Sam & Joe Herrmann, this local roots music concert showcases several of the legendary musical families developed through the Morgan County Music Census. We'll hear everything from traditional bluegrass and country to gospel, people-watching all the while.

Concert runs from 5:30 - 6:30 pm so we'll have time to rest there some or walk in town some, visit some unique shops or visit The Ice House that features wonderful local artists work.

We have dinner reservations at Lot 12 around 8 pm ( and our teen guests may opt to go to The Star Theatre circa 1920's for Knight and Day and meet us for dessert) That tops off a very rich day in the country!

Sunday: Again, we greet the day with our two hour yoga practice and brunch. There will be some quiet, private time and a QiGong with Tai Ji practice on the deck before we serve an early supper on the deck. We'll head for The Barn for a special evening of Spirit Drumming (7:30pm) led by Bhagwan, Stan Sternberg from Michigan. We're opening the Drumming session to our whole community -- For details on all these modalities, please see my blog: Celebrating the Inner Healer

Please RSVP by phone or email for the Spirit Drumming Session (sliding fee scale for community friends and neighbors)

Monday: We pack up and Celebrate the Inner Healing Closing circle with our morning yoga and brunch departing about 1pm.


Check List - what to bring

Own pillow if you'd prefer; sleep mask if you want to insure full darkness
walking shoes
sandels/flipflops for poolside
layers -
bathing suit (2 - or use clothes dryer if need be)
robe
sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
casual comfy clothes
yoga mat
2 beach towels
You won't need bottled water, but you may want to bring empty gallons to take water home -- and a carry stainless steel water bottle (exception: there are lots of minerals in these spring waters - so if kidneys are vulnerable, you may want to go easy)
journal and pens for your self

All linens and towels are provided -- and we'll make up our own beds and bring the sheets and towels to the laundry area on Sunday.

NEXT STEPS: Please email me with any food limitations/concerns/any other questions.
Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of your check received by August 1st.

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Your Nose Knows: Making Sense of Scents

Aromatherapy is a way to improve the quality of everyday living on many levels – physical, emotional and spiritual. It is already a part of our everyday living, although we may not have associated the name to the experience.


Everyone has had emotional responses to certain scents, both pleasant and unpleasant. The idea behind aromatherapy is, first, to find the special scents, unique for each individual, that provide positive sensory feelings and emotions, and, then, to introduce those scents into our daily life to enhance our well-being. Scents keep us connected to Mother Earth. Essential oils recall memories and emotions. Awakening to the benefits of aromatherapy is like a re-connection to our roots. Essential oils are known to cause virtually no side effects if used properly; nearly all are inhaled or are applied directly to the skin.

Though aromatherapy is so well regarded and widespread in England, Germany and France that it is sometimes covered by insurance, the fact is it is not yet recognized here in the US by the powers that be. I received my massage therapy license in 1990 and have been exploring the world of Aromatherapy ever since.


Wives' tales or direct experience?

Fighting viruses, Aids, the process of aging, alleviating some symptoms of Alzheimers, as a deep sleep aid...
A blast of rosemary is said to fight headaches, while whiffing fennel may help fight flab....does peppermint oil help people stay mentally alert?....The late Princess Diana used orange blossom, a natural sedative, to curb her nail-biting and Goldie Hawn and Elizabeth Taylor smear on Aveda lipstick made with basil, a natural relaxant. Ever go into the steamroom/sauna and enjoy the scent of mint/eucalyptus?

In an introductory presentation, I briefly define aromatherapy and essential oils, give some history and guidelines for usage. I also point out some examples of how the medical community is looking into serious adjunctive applications for aromatherapy.

Workshop participants share some experiences with positive associations of scents – enjoy comparing the effect of the aromas on the mood, energy, and are coached on 'developing a nose' for some of the most common essential oils (there are more than 200).

Suggested introductory recipes are provided and recommendations for specific essential oils/blends for both personal use and those that can be used to support each room in the apartment. Workshop content is geared to the specific audience and length of allotted time. Often a two hour introductory presentation leads to an encore -- following-up next steps that emerge through our interaction. Health practitioners receive presentations addressing the application with their clients/patients.

Here's some of the feedback from a recent presentation at an independent living residence that included staff:
How meaningful the workshop was and how bonding for the staff -- impactful -lovely --enjoyable
Like therapeutic music and song, aromatherapy also accompanies all of my BodyArts modalities. These include Integral massage, the YESSS! Method of Restorative yoga, Tai Chi for Arthritis, for Diabetes, TaiChi@Work, Tai Chi for Kidz, Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements, vegan transition cooking, meditation and self-acupressure. There are aromatherapy applications to all rooms in our homes, all activities, and all self-care.

The American Cancer Society understands that aromatherapy may be helpful for cancer patients, including those with mesothelioma, a form of cancer, when used in harmony with conventional cancer treatment methods like chemotherapy. Aromatherapy is said to relieve pain and headaches, re-establish a sense of balance and calm, and may even promote immune system utility. For more information about malignant mesothelioma and additional content on complementary therapies for cancer patients, please visit http://www.Mesothelioma.com



Many Species...One Planet...One Future


Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, and Healing Fragrance,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

The Journey of the BodyArts

For me, Tai Ji, yoga and meditation are a wonder-filled lifelong inner adventure. My enthusiasm grows as the experience of pilgrimage within this dynamic bodymind temple continues to unfold. The gift of these BodyArts is to celebrate and to remember who we are in daily life.

I have been a yoga practitioner for almost forty years. In the 1970’s I was privileged to have studied with numerous world-renown yoga masters including Iyengar, Lilias Folan, Jyoti, Lee Chrystal and Pujashree Chitrabhanuji and just last March, with Amrit Desai and Chandrakant Heister aboard the Vegan Holistic Holiday at Sea.

I have taught both Tai Ji and yoga to populations with a wide range of capacities, ages, and nationalities. Over the years I developed one-on-one and couples BodyArts prescriptives usually presented in the clients’ own home as well as community classes in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Every corporate wellness program, wellness consult or massage/acupressure tablework session with individuals includes Chi Gong, Four Jewels Hatha yoga, aka The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga and pranayama (breathing techniques) with self-care homework.

Chi Gong, Hatha yoga, and Jain Meditation form the foundation of my career as a Certified Wellness Personal Trainer/Corporate Consultant, and guided me in the study of numerous body mind systems, often with the pioneering leaders of the fields. Each of my presentations of yoga and Tai Ji are informed by Energy medicine and psychology, Chi Gong (Chinese Yoga) as well as acupressure.

I was introduced to Tai Chi in the 1980’s after having studied Women’ s self-defense external martial arts. Working with yoga students opened me to more hands-on energy systems of massage, reflexology and polarity. Eventually, I was guided to study acupressure systems in the 1990’s while living in Berkeley Springs West Virginia. Much to my surprise, the integration of the two self-care systems I was personally discovering were already known in the world as a hybrid hatha practice called Acu-Yoga.

Soon, I was regularly practicing and teaching The Chi Gong Eight Silken Standing Exercises that were presented to me as a self-care centering system for Jin Shin Do acupressure practitioners and their clients. Along with acu-yoga poses I often end classes with a guided self-acupressure sequence to balance and harmonize all meridians (pathways of energy).

In midlife, my 21st Century BodyArts practice continues to evolve. Most recently, I have been studying in- depth practices of Energy Psychology, Medical Chi Gong and Tai Chi for Health systems including forms geared to arthritis, diabetes and kids. My most recent certifications as Tai Chi instructor are through Dr. Paul Lam. And with Medical Chi Gong, I am certified and mentored by Dr. Ted Cibik. In the 1980’s I was most inspired through my studies with George Young of NYC and Chungliang Al Huang.

As I described in the previous post, I currently incorporate Laughter Yoga in my Tai Ji programs as well as in the YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga sessions. I continue to collect and share therapeutic music, song and chants that complement both practices. Now, more deeply than ever, I explore these ancient self-care systems as joyfilled moving meditation with the most gentle and effective postures suitable for every body. Often props are incorporated in the yoga classes to support the body so that participants comfortably maintain and rest in very subtle stretches . These postures are drawn from the system of Restorative Yoga.

Today, the entire moving meditation practice cultivates the state of yoga nidra: expanding the capacity of one-pointed concentration, cultivating, maintaining and returning to the present moment. This practice brings forth and strengthens the observer mind and the practice and blessing of letting go. The intuitive self grows, the joy of movement and experience of oneness – calm, unity and integration becomes readily accessible.

With the practice of The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga, and Chinese Yoga (Chi Gong with Tai Ji) the glimpses of tapping into the source of infinite potentialities builds our reserves of prana/chi/lifeforce, builds our healing capacity and capacity for discernment. Over time, becoming more and more at home with inner harmony and balance, we organically seek to resonate with harmony and balance in daily life, making life-affirming choices and reaping both immediate and long-term benefits.

This week-end students of Jain Meditation and the philosophy of reverence for all life are enjoying these guided practices with me at The Lighthouse Center in Whitmore Lake, Michigan where orders are being taken for the soon to be released CD series of the basics of Celebrating the Inner Healer Volume I. A photo album was already prepared: http://lighthousecenterblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/3rd-annual-lighthouse-center-retreat.html
Thank you, Mukta Dean!

Reservations for an August week-end retreat have also begun and already include a Mother-daughter + friend trio from Ann Arbor as well as folks from Baltimore and Pittsburgh -- all to congregate at my special Wellness Getaway home of Berkeley Springs West Virginia -- a few rooms are still available for this first Celebration of the Inner Healer -- and a very special Spirit Drumming guide has also indicated interest in joining us for our evening celebration.


Many Species...One Planet...One Future


Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, and Joyfull Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Posted by Suzen Sharda Segall at 8:55 AM

That was Then...This is Now: BodyArts Therapeutics

When my sister Linda (Lakshmi) and I founded The Yoga and Meditation Center of Pittsburgh in the 1970's, we created the "Yoga" listing in the Pittsburgh Yellow Pages. I've never forgotten the suprising phone inquiry I got during our first year -- a guy called asking what flavors of yogurt we sell -- and he was serious!! Fast forward to establishing my company BodyArts Therapeutics in the 1980s and again I found myself stunned to possibly be mixed up with tatoo parlors offering body art!! Yikes!! Thankfully those were isolated incidents.

And to fast fast forward to the present, I find myself coining two new titles to describe my 21st century yoga system. Those who practiced with me at The Lighthouse Center in Whitmore Lake Michigan were the first to see an invitation to join me in practice of 'Four Jewels Yoga'; for the general public, I introduce this system as The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga. The Four Jewels refers to the essential virtues of Jaina Dharma - the Path of Ahimsa - non-violence: Amity, Appreciation, Compassion and Equanimity.

YeS = Say Yes and Smile! This gentle system is for Every Body...YeS = With this practice I am feeling better and better and better .. YeSSS = Enjoy Restorative Yoga with Suzen Sharda Segall
With the inclusion laughter yoga and the resting on cushy balls, we have essential props that not only release trigger points, activate acupressure points and also enhance the release of muscle tension throughout the body; and I mustn't fail to mention the best core and aerobic work gets done with the laughter; and all the while, preparing practitioners for meditation by cultivating one-pointed concentration -- the practice of being fully present in each moment --- and accessing deep states of calm and relaxation.

With each decade I have deepened and enriched my practice and my coaching of the core BodyArts systems, finding now in midlife, that I am delightfully further expanding the modalities to include mindful golfing "ChiGolf ", Laughter Yoga, and mostly adding to my own practice, Argentino Tango and Threshold Choir. Athought with these last two arts I have mostly been a student - BodyArts workshops are perculating for Tangueros, and some Threshold choir music has been deeply appreciated at the start and end of yoga sessions and in Tai Ji sessions.

Tune in next time for the in-depth story of The Journey of the BodyArts as we prepare to share sessions again at The Lighthouse Center this week-end as part of a unique retreat. http://www.lighthousecenterllc.org


Many Species...One Planet...One Future


Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years
Posted by Suzen Sharda Segall at 8:55 AM

Sensational Summerfest

Your roving reporter has been on the move alot this past month -- not posting does not equal no activity!! While still so fresh, I must rave about the NAVS - North American Vegetarian Society'spectacular summerfest -- held each July since 1994 at the Johnstown University of Pittsburgh Campus -- quite a pilgrimage for most of 600+ participants this year.

So many wonderful workshops - and the best food -- including a gluten-free/ oil-free station and a raw station -- and a do-it-yourself stir-fry station -- cool for the kids! This year's pizza station featured my new favorite fast food -- the non-soy non casein shredded 'cheese' by Daiya. Have you seen it in your favorite healthy grocery store? It's not yet in the mainstream stores.

What to highlight here first! How about the latest award-winning - groundbreaking release by TribeofHeart.org James Laveck and Jennie Stein:

Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home -- hopefully you'll be viewing this life-changing film in your city soon! My friend Premel Pat Takas gave me heads up that they showed it the previous week in Cleveland to a crowd almost as large as our whole conference! Go conscious Clevelanders!!

I was delighted with several reunions including celebrating Pittsburgh's own Jo and Michael Stepaniak presenting -- along with my hero Dr. Neal Barnard --who, since I heard speak on the cruise, has developed his plan for The Three Sisters Thanksgiving and inspired us to literally plant the garden as well as create a very special November 25th feast celebrating all life.

Also, his timely announcement that the 21 day vegan kickstart program begins September 1 -- see my links to the right -- this online support system is brilliant -- and I'm planning to hold some local Pittsburgh meet-ups to add to the momentum.

Neal also gave out the phone number for the Congressional Hotline - for all of us to let our voices continue to be heard regarding House Bill 4870 Healthy School Meals Act - ask congress to support the pilot program -- please call 202 224 3121.

More summerfest reports to come! Now, I'm packing the car to head for my summer Ann Arbor MI retreat. Next week-end I'll be honored to share a glimpse of my Yesss Method of Restorative Yoga (c 2010) (aka Four Jewels Yoga (c 2009)) and for the very first time, Introducing QiGong - Chinese Yoga with the Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements. The retreat, if you are in the area, is sponsored by The Lighthouse Center of Whitmore Lake Michigan was well represented at Summerfest, btw, with great materials shared by Royal Oak based folks from http://www.totallyvegetarian.org - more from them in posts to follow!

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and Reverence for All Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years