Monday, July 25, 2011

Return Mountain: Return to The Garden



Get Grounded, Centered and Joyful with Fresh Air QiGong and

The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements

Summer seemed to be flyin' by and I felt the urgency to plan a couple of reunions in Pittsburgh for Tai Ji Players who enjoyed times past with me in Fox Chapel, Oakmont, Verona, Berkeley Springs, SouthSide Slopes and Aspinwall wonderful community park settings, and for new-comers who'd like to put their toe (and then both feet!) on the earth with us.

I had a very unique invitation to be hosted at the Feng Shui Garden Sanctuary of special friends of the arts, the children, the earth; who are heart-centered community-builders and meditators. (I could really go on!)

So if you are nearby, you are invited to go barefoot and get grounded in my playshops in the 'burgh and I encourage those who are elsewhere in the world to do the same in your own yard/cement porch. Simply lying on the grass - or sitting and reading - barefooted are effective practices - if you can stay there at least forty minutes (the recommended time researchers have stated)

In Victor and Vincenne's feng shui garden, Saturday Aug. 20 and Thursday Aug. 25th 9:30 am I'll be guiding some specific favorite centering and grounding simple exercises - from qigong and energy medicine and sharing The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements that has served me well for more than thirty years.


Breathing in the natural beauty, love and light the guided standing barefoot practice will surely be inspired and inspiring - with dear friend Victor Beltran posed behind the video camera. So stay tuned for a few video productions I will finally have to share - and geography - space and time will not again be limiting the opportunities to share the practice!!


Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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







Saturday, July 23, 2011

Return Mountain: Immersing ourselves in Self-Care




The old people came literally to love the soil. They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. It was good for the skin to touch the Earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with their bare feet on the sacred Earth. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.

Ota Kte (Luther Standing Bear)
Lakota Sioux writer, educator, and tribal leader


Well, what a wonderful suprise vacation I'm beginning tomorrow! Invited to share the driving to Lenox, MA for a few days of R and R at Kripalu Institute - a breathtaking natural setting in the Berkshires - where I can practice what I preach... Great timing really, as I'm planning special events every Saturday in the 'burgh - Self-Care Summer Saturdays in the City........rich with the bounty of summer vitality - in a splendid variety of venues for my BodyArts fans.

I am deepening my personal practice at Kripalu communing with the trees and earth sparked this week having taken in Warren Grossman's book as well as his set of essays.
No doubt the upcoming August BodyArts workshops I'll lead will be sparkling with some fresh jewels from these gifts.


The first Self-Care Saturday in August is a collaboration with Patty Lemar--another passionate foodie who loves sharing and encouraging others with easy prep yummy gluten and casein-free organic foods. We'll all prepare lunch together and even a healthy high tea. We're even including exploring the East Liberty Farmers' Market and there will be some special grounding outside of The Waldorf School -

The second week-end's natural setting will give us the opportunity to be inside a Green space - and outside mindful walking enjoying the unique new permaculture project . Both this August 13th and August 27th - similar programs -different venues offer a great way to 'put your toe in the water' and get an introduction to BodyArts Therapeutics with the creator of The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga plus Chinese Yoga (qi - pronounced 'chee' - gong) and The Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements. Also included is a guided mindful eating practice and a Wellness Resource packet.

During the floor work, using special props, each participant receives prescriptive suggestions on how to feel better using this system - taking home some simple, easy to use techniques for first-aid if bothered by pain, stiffness or fatigue.


And although not a full day immersion, the Return Mountain: Return to the Garden two hour events also in the 'burgh, promises Getting Grounded, Centered and Joyful with Fresh Air QiGong and The TaiJi Dance of the Five Elements in the pristine Feng Shui garden complete with waterfall Koi fish pond, and delightful hospitality by the visionary artist who designed it. Those who dare go barefooted will experience a new dimension in literally re-connecting to nature...those who re not, I promise alternative direct connections...(ya just gotta be there!) (August 20 and 25)


Each of these Self-Care Saturdays are recommended for seasoned practitioners as well as new-comers.

Stay tuned for reports of my adventures in paradise (Kripalu) and later on from participants in these guided Self-care explorations Celebrating the Inner Healer - the oneness of nature. And do tell of yours!!

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,

places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal

and give strength to body and soul. John Muir

Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Meet Nomi and Friends: Fresh Raw ideas FYI




You might think that as a raw food author and chef that she would think she had "tasted it all". But much to her delight,Nomi Shannon was tantalized by many of the recipes she discovered in inviting contributions from her universe. Adding several new spices, oils, and flavors to her own recipes, she said 'I was like a little kid in a candy shop!My already yummy marinara sauce became ambrosial by adding a few drops of essential oil of basil!)'

Try these recipes yourself and *dazzle* your taste buds.

Cantaloupe Cactus Cooler
(by Cecilia Kinzie, from her chapter in What do Raw Fooders Eat?)


Yield: About 32 ounces

1 Nopal Cactus Leaf (spines removed)
2 cups coconut water
2 cups chopped Cantaloupe
2-4 drops liquid Stevia
squeeze of lime

Carefully remove spines from the nopal cactus and chop
into pieces.Add all ingredients to the blender except for
the lime. Taste for desired sweetness and top off with a
squeeze of lime.

Luscious mango-cucumber soup with fresh citrus oil
(by Amy Bacheller)


Yield: 4 cups, 4 servings
Time: 30 minutes


2 mangos peeled and cut in chunks
2 cucumbers peeled and cut in chunks
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
¼ cup coconut water, filtered water or orange juice
¼ teaspoon Himalyan salt
¼ cup mint leaves
2-4 drops 'Citrus Fresh' Young Living Essential Oils
¼ cup sprigs of mint for garnish


Blend all but last two ingredients until smooth and creamy,
adding more liquid if needed. Add Citrus Fresh essential
oil to taste and blend briefly.


Garnish with mint leaves and serve. This yummy soup can be
stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up
to five days.


Raw Coconut Yogurt
(by Amy Bacheller)

3 cups Thai young coconut meat (approx. four coconuts)
½ cup Thai young coconut water
¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon probiotic powder (I use Ejuva)
2 drops Ginger Young Living Essential Oil
1 drop Nutmeg Young Living Essential Oil


Blend coconut meat and coconut water until smooth, creamy
and slightly warm, adding more water as needed. Add
remaining ingredients, blend briefly. Pour the mixture into
a covered quart glass container, leaving room for expansion.


Place in a warm area, covered with a cloth. Allow to rest
for about 12 hours, depending on the desired tartness.
Store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator for
up to one week.


Comments: Try flavoring with different Essential oils such
as Cinnamon or Clove. Sweeten with Young Living Stevia
extract. Mix the yogurt with fruit and top with granola
or chopped nuts.


Both Amy's recipes above are adapted from the eBook: 'Using
Essential Oils in Raw Cuisine' by Amy Bacheller.

Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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




http://tinyurl.com/rg-dressings

Monday, July 11, 2011

An Urgent Plea


YouTube - ‪TerriTaylor1000's Channel‬‏

Today, I am introducing as a guest blogger an old friend with a unique challenge. Please read her urgent Plea below and join her supporters in whatever way you are moved.


My Dear Friends,


Last year I was diagnosed with an extremely rare colorectal cancer. Sophisticated chemosensitivity testing indicated that I was unlikely to respond to conventional treatment.


Following the diagnosis, my journalistic research mind revved into high gear, and I sought out the top experts, scoured scientific papers and clinical studies and investigated every reasonable alternative therapy. There had to be a better way to beat the cancer and regain my health. And there is!

I’ve now found a solution, and am asking for your help to get me to where I know I need to go.

Photodynamic Therapy is a cancer treatment I actually reported on back in 1998. It’s been approved in the U.S. for a few cancers – unfortunately not for mine. You can watch that story here: youtube.com/user/territaylor1000

Since then, cutting edge advances in China have led to Sonophotodynamic Therapy, or SPDT. This technique photosensitizes cancer cells with non-toxic liquid chlorophyll and then eliminates them with light and sound waves. The success of SPDT in treating even very late stage cancers is unprecedented, and nothing short of phenomenal.

The bottom line is that SPDT affords me the greatest chance of a complete recovery, and I plan to travel to China on July 15th to begin treatment.

I’ve raised the lion’s share, but I still immediately need to raise a bare minimum of $20,000 to help pay for a five-week cycle of treatments. It’s awkward for me to reach out like this, but I have to!

Contributions can be made online at www.everribbon.com/r/territaylor, or by check made payable to “Terri Taylor Donations,” 211 S. Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15208.

If you’ve already made a donation, know that I am tremendously grateful!

I’m excited about this journey -- both the prospect of getting well and my ability to share such a revolutionary advancement in health care with others.

I’ll be blogging from Renkang Hospital in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, so please join my mailing list by clicking here:

http://eepurl.com/eAHXQ.

“Friend” me for mini-updates at http://www.facebook.com/territaylorcancernews.

And please note that my new email address is: territaylornews@gmail.com.

I deeply appreciate your support, and ask that you forward this urgent appeal along to others who may want to help and learn more.

Much Love,

Terri

Terri Taylor
Reporter / Producer
Skype: territaylor

Email: territaylornews@gmail.com Blog: www.territaylornews.com

Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Community
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Cancer Project / Fourth of July Menu

http://www.vegetariansummerfest.org/

The Cancer Project / Fourth of July Menu

I can't say enough about the valuable resources of The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine - founded by Dr. Neal Barnard. The link these recipes can be found on is his Cancer Project division - and you can even view a video of Marilu Henner's recommended Ginger Jalapeno Summer Slaw there. Do click on the title of this blog entry to see the great menu, recipes and photos. I'd love to hear what you try - and what where your biggest hits.

What are you serving/being served on the 4th?? I'm gonna also prepare some burgers -taken from The New York Times Veggie Burgers - and I bought a prepared barbeque sauce by Annie that sounded healthy and good - to marinate some tempeh which should grill nicely.

Here's the Engine 2 Burger recipe - which was inspired by the Esselstyns -- who - by the way are also featured at the NAVS Summerfest in Johnstown PA - Tuesday through Saturday - July 5th -9th. Rip, professional athlete-turned-firefighter and son of surgeon and researcher Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr, MD --Rip sprung into action after learning that some of his fellow Engine 2 firefighters were having serious health problems. Everyone who followed his plant-based Engine 2 Diet lost weight, lowered their cholesterol and improved their overall health -- so with these amazing results - why not prepare this great burger recipe - baked not fried -- or even saute on medium heat in a sprayed nonstick skillet for 5 miknutes on each side until both sides are browned.

Perhaps Patty Lemer and I will guide our Wellness workshop participants in making this great burger at our August 6th special event in the 'burgh.

Pre-heat oven to 450 F Process the first seven ingredients using an immersion or regular blender or food processor. Remove contents into a large bowl, and stir in oats. Form into patties, place on sprayed baking sheet (I use canola) and bake for 8 minutes. Turn oven up to broil and cook for 2 more minutes until the tops are nicely browned. Toast the buns and pile on your favorite toppings.
Buon Appetito!

Yield 8 patties

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can tomatoes with zesty mild chilies, drained
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup parsley or cilantro
2 cups quick rolled oats
8 whole grain sprouted buns
Plus great fresh veggie toppings and multiple healthy condiment choices.


Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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


Refreshing, Simple & Healthy Sorbets


Watermelon Sorbet

Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 small seedless watermelon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups ice cubes

Directions:
Place ingredients in blender (or a Vitamix).

Turn on low speed and slowly increase to high to blend as little time as possible so that the mixture stays cold.

Eat immediately or freeze. How simple is that!!





This next recipe is thanks to Jason Wyrick found in 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health by Neal Barnard, M.D. my hero!



And for all you lucky Pittsburghers, Dr. Neal is making a special appearance at our Homewood Carnegie Library -- before he travels to the NAVS Summerfest in Johnstown to be honored and to speak there. Don't miss this FREE introduction to this latest book of his - on July 7th - Thursday 7 pm. The library is at 7101 Hamilton Avenue
15208.


Mango Lime Sorbet





This dessert is a silky smooth sorbet inspired by the lush flavors of Thailand. Mangoes and limes create a refreshing combination of sweet and tart. The beautifully bright color of the mango is an indication of its richness in antioxidants, vitamins, and disease–fighting phytochemicals.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

2 cups pureed partially frozen mango
1/2 cup agave nectar
Juice of 2 limes

Directions

This recipe works best if the mango is frozen, and then allowed to thaw for about 15 minutes. Once it has partially thawed, puree the mango along with the agave and lime juice. Pour the puree into a shallow glass or metal bowl and then place it in the freezer. After 30 minutes, stir the puree, then repeat every 15 minutes thereafter until you are ready to serve.

To make it simpler, use store-bought frozen mango to avoid peeling and deseeding several fresh mangoes. (note: I love Trader Joe's frozen chunks)

Also note: The freezing process accentuates tartness and reduces the sweet flavor. That means the puree should be slightly less tart and slightly sweeter than you expect the final product to be.

Nutrition Information Per serving (1/6 recipe)

calories: 139; fat: 1 g; calories from fat: 1%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 0.5 g; carbohydrates: 35 g; sugar: 33 g; fiber: 2 g; sodium: 2 mg


Third and probably my all time favorite has NO added sweetener:

Simple Mango-Cantelope Sorbet
Just two ingredients! Peal and Slice 3 mangos ( or as above, use two packages of Trader Joe's frozen chunks) Peal and chunk 1 small cantelope or 1/2 of a large one. As with the previous recipe, puree and pour into a shallow glass or metal bowl and then place it in the freezer. After 30 minutes, stir the puree, then repeat every 15 minutes thereafter until you are ready to serve.



http://www.vegetariansummerfest.org

>

Many Species - One Planet - One Future
I See You ~ Namaste ~
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall
This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com http://www.wellnesstraining.com/ http://www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com/ 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