Walk this way....

Venture Outdoors Tai Ji Players joined me May 1st for our first monthly Mindful walking practice with guided QiGong and Tai Ji . Can you glimpse the river on our right?

We had a wonderful time together in Riverview Park, Oakmont.

(See a related post from April "What Goes Around Comes Around:We are all Interconnected')

We had a delightfully diverse group for this first Venture Outdoors session. One young married couple in their 20's invited their mother-in-law -- a couple in their 60s joined us -- a serious runner interested in Chi Running and Chi Walking, two working women in midlife, my yoga and meditation buddy Gentleman Jerry (80+ years old) and last but not least, a Mom of three - who's husband arranged for her to attend - as part of his entire week-end birthday celebration package for her !!!

I had a lot of fun introducing one of my favorite Pittsburgh sites for walking and Tai Ji practice and we topped it off with a social walk along the beautifully landscaped walkway and some window-shopping up on Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont.

I'm looking forward to our next offerring -- June 12th - same location -- each month. New-comers are welcome to join us -- and maybe we'll have some returnees developing their practice.

If you are in the 'burgh -- check it out! Registration at http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/

If you are elsewhere on the globe and are practicing mindful walking and/or Tai Ji out in nature -- I'd love to see your pictures and read about your experience -- do add your comments at the bottom of this entry!

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

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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

I'm Back!

Wow -- I can't believe it's over a month since I posted here --with all great intentions to share with you several times a week --once I returned from the Caribbean Holistic Holiday. Not so suprising that with all the intensity of preparing for my presentations there and disrupting my own natural rhythms before and during the cruise, and with the four additional wellness journeys scheduled soon after my return, plus further abundance of wonderful special events I presented at in Pittsburgh April and May 1, I simply found myself in need of time out -- offline -- to restore inner balance along with managing my first laptop crash -- (she breathes out) interesting how our internal rhythms and outer forces dramatically mirror one another at times -- Sad to say my tango time and choir rehearsals also got shelved temporarily.

So little by little, I am restoring my energy and enjoying blooming where I am planted -- at home -- enjoying anew my re-established daily and weekly life-enhancing self-care practices and activities with like-minded seekers of peace and joy -- all the while continuing to Celebrate the Inner Healer! So how are you doing with the dance of activity-rest this Spring-Summer season of huge change?

I've included here a great photo of the unique Earth Day birthday celebration on the river in the 'burgh where I was honored to share some QiGong and Tai Ji Dance of the Five Elements. I was also guided to lead Joan Adibi's women's circle in a special birthday blessing spiral dance/chant. No picture of the dynamic spiraling hug to Joan --no mp3 of us chanting, but here is the lovely blessing written by the Sufi teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan:

May the blessing of G-d rest upon you,
May G-d's peace abide with you.
May G-d's presence illuminate your heart,
Now and forever more.

Namaste ~ I See You
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

World Tai Chi Day Pittsburgh + 70 cities worldwide

The April 24th worldwide Tai Chi Day heralded many community-building events -- I want to give you a glimpse of a local and global example from that day. I'm also dedicating my upcoming June 12th Venture Outdoors Mindful Walking with Qi Gong and Tai Ji event to the mission of WED World Environment Day and Water Matters Global Conference here in Pittsburgh on June 5th.

Here are 9 pages of CNN videos from around the world documenting WTCD events:

http://www.ireport.com/search/ireports?q=tai%20chi
You can further catch the wave of enthusiasm and harmony on http://www.worldtaichiday.org


PURPOSES OF WORLD T'AI CHI & QIGONG DAY:

1) To educate the world of the profound health & healing benefits of Tai Chi & Qigong for individuals, communities, and nations

2) To thank Chinese culture for creating and sharing these profoundly valuable gifts with the world

3) To bring together people across racial, economic, religious, and geo-political boundaries, to join together for the purpose of health and healing, providing an example to the world.

4) To give a powerful example of how the power of the internet can be used to foster global health & healing.

I'm in awe of how well these intents were accomplished -- shared vision is powerful chi!

I'm happy to report, BodyArts Therapeutics hosted a very sweet WTCDay gathering in Pittsburgh -- and though the threatening rainy weather kept us from The Point, we were very aware of the blessings of our waters as we danced and played at another favorite natural setting - Boyd Community Center. We had a few magic moments -- starting off as we walked silently,mindfully up the path to the entrance and enjoyed the small grove of flowering trees that began showering us --welcoming us --- blessing us with sweet pink blossoms!!! Concluding our practice - we learned that two of the players had birthdays that week-end - so we ended singing happy birthday to each and every one of us - deeply celebrating the inner healer in harmony with the nature within and around us.

Linked: One breath...One World.

Namaste, I See You
Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and Onenes,
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

PCRM Online Newsletter Nobel Prize Winner Praises New Book's Case for Animal Intelligence and Emotion April 2010

“Jonathan Balcombe is a rare being, a scientist who has escaped the narrow orthodoxies of institutional science, an intelligent human being who is more than ready to recognize intelligences of other kinds, an intuitive and empathetic observer who nevertheless does not abandon the highest standards of intellectual inquiry,” says J.M. Coetzee, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, who wrote the book’s foreword.

Find out more about the inner lives of animals at the talks and book signings listed in the link below. Check venue Web sites for addresses and to confirm times. Even Joseph-Beth Booksellers hosted a talk and signing in Pittsburgh this week! If you attended, I'd love to hear your review!






PCRM Online Newsletter Nobel Prize Winner Praises New Book's Case for Animal Intelligence and Emotion April 2010

Do baboons have a keen sense of right and wrong? Do chickens find certain human faces attractive in the same way people do? Do cats and dogs get their feelings hurt? In his new book, Second Nature, Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., an ethologist and biologist affiliated with PCRM, makes the case that animals, once viewed only as mindless automatons, actually have rich sensory experiences and emotional complexity.

“New scientific findings reveal that animals are perceptive, intelligent, and emotional in ways undreamt of a generation ago,” says Dr. Balcombe, whose earlier book Pleasurable Kingdom explored animals’ capacity for happiness. “Our new understanding should influence how we treat other species. It’s time for a new ethic and dramatic shift in humankind’s relationship with other animals.”

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

Healthy School Lunches (PCRM) : Join the Healthy School Lunch Revolution

Healthy School Lunches (PCRM) : Join the Healthy School Lunch Revolution

As you may know, Congress is writing a new law that would help schools provide healthier food for their students. I hope you find the following information on the Child Nutrition Act as exciting and compelling as I do.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (www.pcrm.org), a group comprising more than 8,000 doctors, nutritionists and dietitians is asking for support for a bill which would allow for healthier plant based options to be offered in schools

On April 21st American Moms and Dads, student activists, educators, physicians and other health practitioners will be contacting their representatives in Congress as Citizen Lobbyists voicing their concern for H.R. 4870 te Healthy School Meals Act of 2010. Now we need your help!

Request to your Congressman/woman:

Please co-sponsor H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act and make sure the provisions of the Healthy School Meals Act are included in the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization.

The Situation:

More than one-third of America’s children are overweight or obese. They are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, and many will live shorter lives than their parents.

Children need healthful, plant-based options in the lunch line because they are getting too much fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and not enough fruits and vegetables and fiber. Plant-based options are low in saturated fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in fiber.

Many schools can’t afford to serve healthier food. They need help from the government to offer all students healthful school lunch options.

Most schools do not offer students a nondairy milk substitute. Children who are lactose intolerant; avoid milk for religious or ethical reasons; or simply don’t like milk often have nothing to drink for lunch!
Many children are not getting calcium, vitamin D, and other key nutrients because schools do not provide them with a nutritious alternative.

The Solution:

H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, will help schools provide healthful, plant-based foods and beverages in the school lunch program. This important bill would make more plant-based foods affordable and accessible to schools; give schools an incentive to offer students a plant-based entrée option every day; and ensure that children are unable to drink milk get a nutritious alternative beverage rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D in the lunch line.

Here are some talking points you can use when you call your representative:

I am a concerned voter asking Representative [NAME] to support the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, H.R.4870, that will give students a fair chance at healthy school lunches.

I support legislation that will help schools offer students more fruits, vegetables, and other healthful foods.

To reduce calories and saturated fat in school meals, schools should include plant-based foods in their regular meal service.

All schools should also be able to provide nondairy milk upon request. In order to do so, they must have federal support.


I am very hopeful that we, the grassroots of America, can make a big difference on Wednesday, April 21, by becoming citizen lobbyists simply by calling to ask your representative in Washington to support H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010. You CAN make a difference ~~ Let your voice be heard!

http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/

PCRM's Director of Public Affairs Elizabeth Kucinich, who, along with a local student activist, will host a conference call on April 20th to coach how to get involved and lobby your Member of Congress. Hear more about the Healthy School Meals Act, why it is so important for the health of America's children, and how you can ask your Member of Congress to support it by contacting him or her directly on Wednesday, April 21.
Learn more at http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/
You can also register there as a Citizen Lobbyist. I did - and they even gave me all the contact info needed to reach my representatives. Sign up to be a citizen lobbyist and ask your friends and family to join in too!

What if we could have the greatest impact by hosting a call-in party before or after school for students, parents, and concerned citizens in your area? What if these groups mobilized throughout the USA? Would you agree that together we can make a difference for children's health?

For other questions contact: Ruby Lathon, Ph.D., PCRM's nutrition policy manager, at rlathon@pcrm.org.

You CAN make a difference ~~ Let your voice be heard!

http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and Community,
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

A New York vegan State of Mind

The roving reporter cruises on ...to the big Apple! In in the brief couple days we have together, I fully intend to continue the adventure of sampling fresh, local, organic Vegan delights - from the multitude of restaurants available.

The last time I was there I discovered Peacefood Cafe -- which I loved -- and is worth an encore. - On the Holistic Holiday at Sea I had the great fortune to dine with a lovely young woman and her lovely folks -- all from NYC. Of course, I got a great new recommendation -- that I'm eager to check out: Caravan of Dreams. I've already gotten a welcoming email from General Manager, Reilly. If time, I'm thinking about a return visit to Candle Cafe, or who knows where!

Patti Mock, another fellow travelor on the deep blue seas, had given me a couple great tips of making desserts -- and let me know that BabyCakes bakery in NYC now has a cookbook. Perhaps I'll stumble upon the bakery this time.. she also encouraged me to make some buckwheat chocolate chip cookies and vegan pumpkin pie (she and I agree about the wonders of coconut milk) Her recipes were adapted from Karina'sKitchen.com which I have not yet gotten to view. Have you?

Marilou Henner also had a couple of great websites for travels: HappyCow.com and HealthyDiner.com. I'd love to hear your reviews and other sites you'd recommend!

I'll share more of my own Spring recipes later! Hints: leeks, watercress, rhubbarb, millet.

Caoi Baby!

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and the Joy of Spring!

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

A Taste of Spring

I feel like the roving foodie reporter!

Coming off of the Wellness Voyage where we were served special menus for a week....returning home inspired to create a few new spring dishes and explore a couple local restaurants' Spring inspirations...then much to my delight, at the PPG Wellness Fair an in-house committee was presenting healthy dishes submitted by employees that would be voted on by a team of judges.

The recipes were available as hand-outs and I am taking the liberty of sharing one with my own adaptations. I had just spotted the first rhubbarb of the season at the East End Food Coop - and the Barley with Strawberries and Lime dish was calling for it! I'm also using more nut milks and a unique 'cream' made with almonds and cashews - that I thought would be a great substitute for the quart of skim milk in the original version ( and have I mentioned lately how keen I am on the vegan Coconut milk products sweaping the healthy super market shelves -- that would be my second suggestion)

Ingredients for Barley with Strawberries, Rhubbarb and Lime ala Sharda

1 lb fresh (organic) strawberies, thinly sliced

3 stalks rhubbarb baked to bring out flavor/just slice and boil til tender

Peel of one lime, finely chopped

Juice of three limes

2 Tbsp honey (I substitute 3 Tablesp Stevia)

1/4 tsp mint extract (or 3 fresh mint leaves)

1 lb box medium barley

1 quart nut cream/coconut milk

Water and remaining liquid from the strawberries to equal eight cups

Directions

1. Combine the strawberries, lime peel, lime juice, sweetener and mint

in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2. Drain the juice from the strawberry mixture. Reserve the juice.

3. Bring the milk, juice and water to a boil.

4. Add the barley and simmer covered for at least 45 minutes. Continue to

cook until the excess liquid is absorbed.

5. Add the strawberry mixture to the barley and mix.

6. (I suggest cinnamon garnish)

6. Serve warm or cold.

Bon Apetito!

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Beauty and food is medicine, food is LOVE,

Suzen Sharda Segall