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Directors' Message
Newsletter
You Are Welcome
Newsletter
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E-News from Crossings
Spring 2009 |
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DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Can we make
a difference in our own health and well-being? Yes, we can!
Welcome to
our first seasonal E-News issue. It seems fitting that we begin with the
energy and hope that Springtime represents! We hope you will use this as
a vehicle for supporting your wellness and sustaining harmony and vitality
in your body, mind and spirit-- as well as a way of informing a conscious, embodied
presence in daily living.
The E-News
format includes a personal essay featuring one Crossings practitioner and the
practices that help the practitioner develop and sustain conscious body living;
seasonal health tips that serve as the cornerstone for living well and fully;
and other insights and information to help you make more informed choices regarding
your health.
Given current
economic realities alongside the cost of health care, it feels especially
important to remember that prevention and self-care are always available to
us. Holistic care is by its very nature preventative. Now more than
ever, it offers us the medicine cabinet for our futures. Parents,
grandparents, children-- we must all learn the tried and true ways of listening
and caring for body and soul. As we embark on this new challenge, we
invite you to engage with us in creating the healthcare of our futures.
Jane Grissmer, M. Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Co-Director
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MEET CATHY MILLER
Cathy Miller practices a healing tradition called "Soul Lightening Acupressure." Human beings have many parts, but we are whole. Soul
Lightening Acupressure provides an effective and time-tested method for
integrating the whole-being: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. In this system,
the "soul" is viewed as the primary organizing principle of the whole
person, and is clearly distinguished from any spiritual practice or religious
dogma. It is considered the unique expression or vital essence for each
individual. When we live with clarity and a conscious commitment to this
aspect of ourselves, we are free to live to our fullest potential.
Trained as a musician from the age of seven, Cathy received a master's
degree from the University of Michigan's School of Music, formalizing her
lifelong passion for classical French horn. In her cross-country search
for an orchestral position, Cathy auditioned with The United States Army Field
Band in Washington, DC and was accepted. The job came with a promise to
pay off all student loans in exchange for a three-year commitment, and it was
an offer Cathy couldn't refuse. Cathy loved the work and stayed 20 years.
So how did Cathy go from working for the Military to practicing as an
acupressure therapist? It all began through a life-altering health crisis
and healing journey. A few blocks away from Crossings at the Walter Reed
Army Medical Center, Cathy was first treated for breast cancer on September 10,
2001-- the day before the Pentagon and World Trade Center towers became tragic
targets of terrorist rage. While the medical care she received at
Walter Reed was excellent, Cathy felt something was missing. During her
recovery from surgery a friend gave her a Process Acupressure session
as a gift. "When I got up off the table, I not only felt pain free,
but full of joy-- and hope." The fear Cathy had been battling began
to fade away as she reclaimed and reconnected what felt like disparate parts of
herself into wholeness. As she regained her health, she began exploring a
new-found passion for this alternative form of care.
"Believe it or not, getting sick was the best thing that could have
happened to me." Cathy used the recovery time to make sense of her
past and to ponder what she wanted next from life. She figured it out
quickly. Still working full-time with the last of her three children
living at home (two hours away on the Eastern Shore), Cathy traveled weekends
to study at the Baltimore School of Massage. She became a licensed massage
therapist in 2005, specializing in Asian bodywork and Shiatsu. In 2006,
Cathy retired from the military and joined Crossings.
At Crossings, Cathy's passion for healing service dovetailed with
Crossings HealingWork's pilot project at Walter Reed
Medical Center. She soon found herself working at Walter Reed offering SEVA
(Seva -- Sanskrit for selfless service -- and the Seva Stress
Release are short, simple versions of acupressure anyone can learn), and
tending to the same oncology nurse who cared for Cathy when she'd been
treated for cancer five years earlier. The circle was complete.
More than anything else about her work, Cathy acknowledges that
"being with people on their healing journey is an honor."
Cathy welcomes the opportunity to talk with you about therapeutic
acupressure, or acupressure training workshop. To book appointments with Cathy, please call Crossings at 301-565-4924, Ext. 313, or email sourcepointmail@aol.com
To learn more about Soul Lightening Acupressure, check out: www.SoulLighteningAcupressure.com
and www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MMqI4q51P4
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
Chinese Medicine Seasonal Workshop:
Sync Body and Soul to the Rhythm of Spring
Jane Grissmer and Cathy Miller
Saturday, February 21 * 9 am - 1 pm
$45
Learn Acupressure for Family and Self-Care:
The SEVA Stress Release
Cathy Miller
Saturday, February 21 * 2 pm - 5 pm
$50
A
Character Structure Approach to Trauma Healing for Professionals
Larry Heller
Friday,
February 27 - Monday, March 2 * 10am-5pm
$595.
CEU's available
Introduction to Soul Lightening Acupressure -
Cathy Miller
Saturday, March 7 - Sunday, March 8 * 9 am - 5 pm
$295. CEU's available
Family Constellations Workshop
The Constellation Group Sunday, March 22 * 9:30 am - 5 pm
$125 Register online at www.theconstellationsgroup.com
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SPRINGTIME CARE-- A tonic for liver health & more
A Springtime cleanse makes sense for many of us as an act of general self-care, and for some it can also be an excellent jumpstart to a balanced weight-loss program.
Below is my version of Elson Haas' detoxification Master Cleanser fast, originally designed as a 10-day rejuvenation program for overall health. It requires struggling to manage regular hunger pangs. Hollywood's stars made the Master Cleanser famous with claims of many pounds lost; however, I don't recommend a dramatic liquid fast or starving yourself to achieve positive and sustainable results. Unless you have time to go sit in a mountain top monastery to meditate and care for yourself away from the demands of daily urban life, I recommend a gentler, and ultimately just as effective, approach.
In Chinese medicine's 5-Element tradition, the season of Spring is associated with the liver and gallbladder, two organs that help us process fats. After a winter of eating richer, warming foods, our livers and gallbladders tend to be tired and in need of a rest.
One of the ways we can tell these organ systems are feeling the negative effects of too much rich food is not only the heavy feeling in our gut, but also the changes in our moods -- anger rises up in us more easily and there may be a sense of agitation or frustration. As Spring approaches we experience what can be a challenging transition from the deep-down still energy of winter into the upward, sprouting energy of Spring. Many of us feel stuck and struggle to get ourselves moving, literally and figuratively. The Chinese recognized that Spring's energy is about the vision we see ahead for us (in work and life) and how we can create and grow that vision like a seed grows into a flower or tree.
In fact, the Chinese 5-Element Medicine tradition recognizes the tree or wood as the element in Nature that represents Spring. But moving out of Winter's quiet into Spring's bouncier energy can feel bumpy, so a simple cleanse goes a long way towards not only helping our bodies but also our minds and spirits move forward with energy, vision and a "spring" in our step!
The ancient Chinese recognized that sour tastes help clear and soothe the liver, so think about getting more lemon, lime, and other citrus into your day, as well as strawberries. Eat plenty of steamed or lightly cooked vegetables that grow in Spring-- snap and snow peas, asparagus, sorrel, young kale, spinach, collards -- and enjoy with a squeeze of lemon or lime, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt & black pepper. Cook your proteins simply, without sauces.
In general during Springtime, sautee, steam or boil foods lightly, rather than frying, stewing, roasting or grilling. Add seeds like pumpkin and sunflower, to salads, over steamed veggies, or in granola.
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(HOT) LEMONADE SPRING TONIC
1 mug boiling water (or tall glass room temperature water)
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
Very light sprinkle of cayenne
Drink 2-3 times each day for ten days or more inbetween regular meals of freshly prepared light, whole foods.
Adjust amounts as needed so it tastes good to you, like a hot lemonade with a slight kick. If it's so sour it takes the enamel off your teeth, it's too lemony. And it shouldn't be so peppery it makes your mouth burn. This will help clear the liver and gallbladder of congestion so they can break down fats and process toxins more effectively- and so you can feel calmer and clearer.
Drink up as you visualize the positive changes you plan to make in the coming weeks and months. Enjoy!
Catherine Varchaver, NC, MAT
Holistic Nutrition Counselor, Body and Soul Nutrition |
A gentle way to lighten your energy, rev up your metabolism & move forward to create the life you want!
Here is a basic set of guidelines for anyone who wants to avoid the extremes of a fast and benefit from the sense of renewal and balanced well-being that comes with a cleanse.
Before beginning, be sure to consult your nutritionist or practitioner to make sure all individual health needs are addressed.
EVERY DAY for 5 - 7 days
- Take a probiotic supplement (Acidophilus, Bifidus).
- Each morning and as needed throughout the day, drink a mugful of the hot lemonade liver tonic. See recipe above.
- Take 5-15 minutes, preferably before you begin your day, to sit in a quiet, comfortable place. Concentrate on your breath, taking deeper, slower breaths. Notice the thoughts that come up and just let them go. Feel any feelings that show up. Meet them head on and sit with them lovingly. Breathe. As distracting thoughts come up, take note of them, and bring your attention back to your breath-or to your positive intentions for how you would like your day and your week to go.
- Move! Walk, run, ride a bike or work out 30-60 minutes to move energy through and sweat toxins out.
- Sip on filtered water or herbal teas, about 6-8 glasses, throughout the day.
TYPICAL MEALS YOU CAN ENJOY DURING THE CLEANSE
BREAKFAST (between 7 and 8 am)
- Cup or 2 of organic green tea (not too strong) WITH
- Bowl organic blueberries (frozen is fine) or 1/2 grapefruit and
- One bowl of hot organic oatmeal with currants or one bowl of low-sugar granola s/raisins and rice or soy milk OR if weather is warmer, a soy or rice-based protein powder smoothie with banana and blueberries is fine
- Chlorella & Spirulina supplement to help with detoxification, clearing arteries and building immune system
MID-MORNING (around 10:30)- Tall glass of organic carrot juice (Odwalla sells this now if you don't have access to a juice bar or your own juicer) w/1/2 tsp. Bragg's Liquid Aminos stirred in.
LUNCH (around 12:30 or 1)
- Small bowl of miso soup with seaweed
- OR Drink one tall glass of V8-like tomato/veggie juice (Knudzen brand is good.) PLUS:
- Warm or room temp soba or brown rice udon noodles (or quinoa or brown rice) with 3-4 steamed/lightly sauteed vegetables such as yellow squash, spinach & shitakes. You can season the cooked noodles with a little tamari and rice/apple cider vinegar --and hot pepper flakes, if you want to spice things up. If you have quinoa or brown rice, you can drizzle fresh lemon juice and olive oil or tamari on everything.
If you know you're hungry and will want more than this, add a helping from the legume family (black/other beans, lentils, or chick peas).
MID-AFTERNOON (around 3:30/4)
- Sip on 1 Emergen-C dissolvable packet dissolved in tall glass of water WITH
- Piece of fresh fruit like an organic apple or strawberries.
DINNER (around 7)
- Steam or saute in olive oil over medium heat about 2 cups of fresh greens/vegetables such as kale or chard, onions, green beans or snap/snow peas/asparagus and w/parsley or cilantro. After veggies are tender but not over-cooked, serve with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, and tamari or sea salt.
- Cook quinoa or brown rice for an easy to digest, nervous system soothing, high quality protein & complex carbohydrate
- One moderate piece of simply grilled or baked Salmon or other fish like cod, halibut, sole OR organic tofu or tempeh stir-fried with ginger and tamari.
BEFORE BED
- Drink a glass of papaya juice.
- Take a short hot shower; then blast yourself with a minute of the coldest water you can stand. Use dry skin brush after your shower to help remove any toxins coming out through the skin.
- Before sleep, close your eyes and visualize physical toxins, as well as the emotional toxins (frustration, anger, agitation, grief, etc.) dislodging and leaving your body. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Imagine toxins leaving your liver, kidneys, gallbladder, lungs, and heart; send the toxins out through your bedroom window and deep into the earth far away to be recycled into loving, compassionate energy. Visualize pure, vibrant pale green light inside your body, clearing our toxic energy, building creative energy and immunity.
IMPORTANT: When you start eating a "normal" diet again, start with. at least 1-2 days of very light eating to avoid too much shock to your organs. Light eating means a diet of lightly cooked fresh vegetables in season with whole grains, brothy soups, plenty of clear fluids, whole fresh fruits, simple bean/lentil/chickpea dishes, small amounts of tofu, and optional lean organic meat or simply prepared fish.
HAPPY SPRING CLEANING! | |
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E-News is produced by
Catherine Varchaver, Managing Editor
& Holistic Nutrition Counselor, Body and Soul Nutrition www.bodyandsoulnutrition.biz
Graphics by Kristen Dill & Amy Wajda
For appointments with a practitioner
or to register for a class, contact:
Crossings | 8505 Fenton Street, Suite 202
Silver Spring, MD | 301-565-4924
crossingshealings.com | |
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| Healing Stories |
CLIENT's
CORNER
Here is what one of Cathy Miller's clients has to say:
I recently received a massage and at the very end of the session, Cathy touched a spot on the top of my head and a spot ... right on the breastbone. Almost immediately a word sprang to my mind ... sacred. It was strong. I had to speak it. Cathy told me that those two points were the connection between the heart-spirit and the collective consciousness/
God/HigherPower/ whatever you want to call it.
I was stunned by the strength and power of this feeling. It was perhaps the first time... that I have felt something sacred in me that was me.... I have always felt and thought of spirituality ... as outside and separate from me. This was IN me. I felt awed by that fact.
I have not thought about this sacred place in me often since then, but when I do, it makes a difference. It feels like potential for good, and power, and hope----and it's always there, if I choose to remember its presence.
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DID YOU KNOW...
in 5-Element
Chinese Medicine,
SPRING
is associated with:
Element: Wood/Tree
Organs:
Liver &
Gallbladder
Other body parts:
Ligaments & Tendons
Taste:
Sour
Sound:
Shout!
Color:
Green
Emotions:
Anger &Frustration
Energies:
Upward movement
Growth
Change
Creativity
Vision
Action
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SPRING HEALTH
Chinese Medicine Meets Modern Day Mind-Body-Spirit
Well Being
The ancient Chinese observed that as Spring approaches, the emotions of anger and frustration surface more easily as part of our energetic push through winter's hard earth to reach the sunlight and grow.
In the body, anger is stored in the contractile muscles, the ligaments and tendons. Sports that engage and move these muscles provide an excellent way to release pent-up anger-- running, sports that involve kicking (soccer, kick boxing) or hitting (tennis, baseball) are great for moving anger and frustration out!
In the mind, when we want to look at life in a new way, break a rigid thought pattern or open a tight box, it helps to change physical patterns. Walk once in a circle in whatever direction comes naturally to you; now walk the other way several times. Or write with your non-dominant hand to get thoughts and feelings unstuck. These approaches stimulate a new center in the brain and open the mind to new possibilities....
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To learn more about the energy of Spring and how it applies to you and your mind- body-spirit health, contact Crossings for a copy of WHEN ANGER RISES - Ways to claim anger's gift to ourselves and to the world.
by Jane Grissmer, Co-Director.
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To
CONTACT US,
scroll down to the end of this E-News!
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You Are Welcome
Alaine D. Duncan, Co-Director
A dozen years ago when Jane and I started thinking and dreaming together about the place that was to become Crossings, we were sensing, reading a set of pulses that was rising, but not yet visible.
That pulse now throbs in our culture in vivid and tangible ways – the front cover of Time magazine, the sheer numbers of patient visits to complementary and alternative care providers, and the sense that we are increasingly becoming our patient’s first, rather than last, point of contact for medical services. When I started in practice people came to me as a last resort after seeing every medical specialist they could find. Now they come to me first and ask, “Do you think I need to see a doc?”
My dream for this new and improved Crossings, is that it will be a place for healing and learning – for expanding and connecting for an increasingly larger circle of people. We will offer healing and learning services in a way that serves all of us not just as individuals – but that will leave its mark on our culture and times as well
A more complicated pulse picture beats today than the one that gave rise to the creation Crossings a dozen years ago. Violence and the threat of violence at home and abroad has touched each one of us in ways we could barely have imagined before September 11, 2001. Global warming and our consumer culture have left us not only out of relationship with the earth as our Mother, but out of relationship with our true selves and our true needs.
I want to say on behalf of all of us – Jane and I as Co-Directors, all of our Associates, our Teachers and our Group Leaders that you are welcome here. Each and every one of you and all your relations are welcome here.
You are welcome when you have migraine headaches, PMS, allergies, back pain, fibromyalgia or cancer.
You are welcome when you long for lightness of spirit, when you long for deeper and more meaningful connection with your loved ones, when you long for freedom from the prison of addiction.
You are welcome when you want to learn new skills to cope with life’s stresses — skills like mindfulness meditation, yoga, t’ai qi, qi gong or mind-body skills.
No matter what your route to Crossings, you are welcome.
Our collective mark on our culture and times will grow out of the accumulation of many small steps — small kindnesses, small expansions of the heart. We can do together what it is impossible for any one of us to do alone. By learning and healing together, we might create a world with a deeper foundation for trust, with more creativity, richer connections, deeper attending to the needs of our children and ourselves, and more respect for both the similarities and the differences in the human family.
It has always been important to the next generation that the current one does its healing work. I think that is especially true today. It’s especially important today that we build bridges of peace and understanding, compassion and respect. It’s where world peace starts. It starts with each one of us. It starts with small kindnesses.
Each one of us is important. What we do and how we do it is important.
So, I say, you are welcome even if you think you don’t belong. You are welcome if you think your tennis elbow is too small. You are welcome if you feel you are too stiff, too old, too fat, too mean or too ugly. You are welcome if you feel inadequate or scared to try. You are welcome. You are welcome.
We hold your healing in this big a context. We invite you to hold it that big too.
A hearty welcome to the new Crossings. Please use us. Use us well. Use us for your sake and for the sake of the children and the children’s children.
Written on the occasion of the opening of our Silver Spring Center, February 9, 2003 — and still true today.
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