The
Consciousness Collaborative Update
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Congrats
GraduatesOn January 23rd, founder of The Consciousness Collaborative, Joanne Lutz, along with two network members,  Dawn Lipinski and  graduated from The Institute for Conscious Counseling and Coaching. This marks the first graduates of a two-year intensive program, created by Institute Director, April Prita Manganiello, MS, LMHC, LMFT, BCPC. The program of study, entitled "New Pathways and Re-Education of Emotional and Somatic Patterns," trains students to coach and counsel with "Clarity, Connection, and Compassion - the building blocks from which all of the class work, practice sessions, and personal work manifests." Each student learns the value of this work from the inside out, beginning with their personal growth work, tapping into self compassion and presence that inherently extends outward toward clients and community. |
Happy Feet
Happy Heart
February is a month of contrasts. The cold of winter intensifies outside, while we bundle warmly and snuggle up to the fireplace inside. Similarly, our bodies contract, responding to the bitter cold in drastic contrast to the openhearted theme of this month's holiday: Valentine's Day. To promote warmth and connection this month, Dawn Lipinski is offering two "feel good" clinics at Whole Life Health Care near Portsmouth, NH. Happy Feet
A 30 minute treatment, combining a tingly peppermint foot scrub and therapeutic massage to support the circulatory system.
Tues. February 9th
9am - 1pm &
Thurs. February 11th
1pm - 5pm
Fee: $20.00
Happy Heart
This 30 minute session brings focused attention and supportive energy to the heart through the healing touch of massage and Reiki, and will include a complimentary flower essence mister and essential oil. Wed. February 10th
5pm - 8pm &
Sat., February 13th
9am - 1pm
Fee: $50.00
Allow yourself the space to reconnect with your inner warmth! Call Dawn at 603-436-2205 or email her today to reserve your space. Both clinics will be co-facilitated by Deb Brett, esthetician and owner of Essentia Botanica. |
Recipe of
the Month
Honey-Macadamia Halibut
Serves 4Prep time: 5 mins Cooking time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- ΒΌ C macadamia nuts - 4 (4-Oz.) halibut fillets (1-inch thick) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tbsp coconut oil - 3 tbsp honey/agave nectar
Directions:
1. Chop nuts, spread on a cookie sheet, and toast in the oven at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Check every minute or two and stir or spin tray around to toast evenly. 2. Rinse fish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Heat oil in a skillet. 4. Cook one side of fillet over medium heat for 4 minutes. 5. Flip each fillet and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. 6. While fish is in the pan, spread a layer of honey/agave nectar on each fillet and add a layer of nuts on top. 7. Flip over and cook for 2 minutes and add honey and nuts to the top side. 8. Flip again and cook 2 minutes. 9. Halibut is cooked when the meat is no longer translucent. Remove from heat and serve. This dish goes great with steamed string beans
Need more recipes? Check out the Recipe of the Month page for previously published eats. |
Meditation of the Month
Heart Breathing
First, "breathe through your heart" by imagining that the way you take in air is through the center of your chest. Just breathe in and out, through your chest, allowing yourself to open up ever so gently.
A mantle of softness and kindness envelops you. Let yourself sink deep inside yourself. Go down, down, down, to that beautiful, secret place of the most high within you. Everyone knows where it is inside of him or herself. We all have different ways of visualizing it. For you it may be a garden. For others it can be a stream, a river, an ocean, a favorite spot in the woods - wherever it is that you feel safe.
And while you are there, as you sit, you are willing at this very moment to do everything you can to make love possible. And call forth that within you that will guide you and bring you to love.
You feel a tap on your shoulder, and as you turn, there is a luminescent being standing there. This being looks at you with such kindness and truth that you cannot avoid contact with it. You feel drawn to this being of light. And this being asks for you to give to it everything that you value. It puts before you a bowl, and it says, "Please pour everything that you value into this bowl."
You say, "I have not brought anything with me."
But the being is asking you for pride...
attachment...emotion ... passion...memories... guilt...shame. Things you hold within yourself about being victimized.
Please, pour it all in - Everything - all your successes, all your failures. Right now. Pour your work, your mate, your children, your ideas, your hopes and ambitions. And you see that the moment they touch the bowl, they disappear. Because the energy we are pouring into the bowl is dream stuff. It is unreal.
This luminescent being then asks, "Is this all you have?" Have you held back from it? Pour more.
And now, pour yourself into the bowl. There is nothing left.
In truth, the being tells us that we can keep nothing in this life. Everything is neutralized in the ocean that is love. The drop becomes the ocean. We become one with everything. Let yourself dissolve into the bowl and feel that sense of humility wash over you. Humility is the space for silence. And silence is the space for love.
Let yourself have this moment. And wherever it is leading you right now it is good, be it in tears or in laughter. This is not about a high, but about a space. All that exists for you right now is this moment. If you feel like moving, move. Sway. You have found the very core of your own presence. You are free. Take this feeling. And in everything you do and every moment that you have, today, tonight, and tomorrow, this celebration exists in you. This celebration is who you are. This celebration is Your Life.
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Greetings!
Writing is not one of my gifts. For me, writing is an ability of compensation, not a gift of genius. Knowing that, you can imagine how writing this column challenges me! This month it required many showers, a film, and a written passage to prompt my prose. The result will be a three part series. To begin, I invite you to consider your unique gifts. In my experience, these talents often seem ordinary to the person who possesses them. The ability feels so completely natural and easy, you might not even consider it special because the assumption is that "everyone has/can do that!" My husband, Mark (pictured above), possesses the gift of "Woo" ( StrengthFinders 2.0). He's the "Hey, howya doin'? Great to see you!" chat-you-up-for-a-few-energetic-minutes-guy and then he moves on to the next person on the other side of the room to spread a little more Woo. It boggles my mind. How does he do that? He makes it look so easy! I believe, for Mark, it truly is that easy. Wooing others is one of his gifts. Even if he tried to stop himself, the capacity is within him and springs from his essence. This gift provides him with incredible support to blast through any possible limitations, and allows him to live in his "Zone of Genius" ( The Big Leap). Conversely, when the talent is used as a protection - a defense from intimacy - it becomes the limitation. Each of us has within things we can't help but do - genius in our essence that simply emerges. A list of examples would know no bounds, and the combination of an individual's gifts (ie: baking talent, intuitive "common" sense, compassion, and an ability create comfort), is as exceptional as each of us. The challenge is appreciating the fullness of what we have within us. Discovering one's gifts is such a richly charged topic, we spend an entire day identifying and celebrating them during the What's Next?! Workshop series! So, what's your Woo? Allow yourself the time and space to bring attention to your uniquely personal gifts. Begin by noticing what the things are that you cannot help but do. You've probably always done them in some way, since you were little. It will be something easy for you, so absolutely obvious, that you may have a moment of doubt as to whether THAT could possibly be considered a gift. Appreciating what you have within you is a powerful step on the path of self-awareness; plus it's fun and may give you a little boost to recognize just how special you truly are! With my gift of genuine curiosity,
Joanne LutzCoaching~Consulting~Referral ResourceFounder of The Consciousness Collaborativewww.TheCCsite.com ~ www.WhatsNextWorkshop.comJoanne@TheCCsite.com ~ ph. 617-827-0803 ~ fax 781-777-1899 |
Why Do We Lie?! If you've ever told a "little white lie" or "lied by omission" and later regretted that you didn't simply speak the "whole truth and nothing but the truth," join Joanne Lutz for this informative seminar... Communication Without Caretaking
How many times a day do you creatively couch something in a brighter light or use softer language to protect someone's feelings? Or maybe you say nothing at all, to avoid dealing with the other person's emotions. Whether you are speaking to a friend, a co-worker, or a family member, how often do you tell...just a little white lie? We may convince ourselves we're lying to "spare the other person's feelings" or to "protect him/her" in some way. If we tell the microscopic truth, we usually lie because we don't want to experience our own feelings of discomfort, anger, fear, sadness, or frustration. We attempt to take away the other person's right to simply feel his/her feelings because we want to avoid what that reaction might evoke in us. And then a wall starts to build. One lie begets another, and soon we may believe that if someone really knew us, they wouldn't like us. Telling the truth now, would be like showing them the mold in the back of the refrigerator - on purpose!
How, then, do we stop lying and engage in clear, honest communication...every day...in every conversation? Learn to connect with yourself and practice caregiving. In this class we will: ~Learn the difference between
Caretaking and Caregiving.
~Explore how we learned Caretaking.
~Try on Caregiving and practice it in class.
~Become empowered to choose,
once you know the difference.
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 Breathing in Life
It's the New Year and perhaps you've resolved to make changes in your life, but your enthusiasm is beginning to fizzle. Does the next step feel overwhelming, as though your life force drains through the floor? Consider connecting with a flow of energy that is, literally, only a breath away. Many of us take for granted the complexities of breathing. We know we "should take a deep breath," creating a little space when stress threatens our sense of peace; however, breathing is both voluntary and involuntary. When we bring conscious attention to our breath and the muscles involved, we employ the voluntary. Meanwhile the central nervous system controls the involuntary aspect, sending oxygen and blood to feed our muscles, organs, and brain with each breath that we take. Our brilliant bodies inherently choose life again and again, with each inhalation. The deeper we breathe, the more we nourish our cells, muscles, organs, and consciousness. We encourage a state of relaxation as we breathe deeply and slowly. Shallow, quicker breaths allow us to adapt for various forms of exercise. By altering the quality, pattern, and intensity of our breath, we influence levels of awareness and emotional states. Through conscious breath, we derive energy, as though equipped with a personal windmill. The power of breathing with awareness transforms a moment from apathy (when you notice your enthusiasm for an activity fading), to vital, by simply taking a deeper breath. Interested in trying this? Breathe into your belly. Breathe into the fullness of your lungs (they extend up to your collar bones). And consider "breathing" into tense places in your body, reminding those muscles that they are alive and empowered to thrive. Enjoy the reconnection to yourself, the enhanced awareness, and the overall sense of relaxation that you feel as you nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Support your new breathing habit! Join me,
Thursday, February 25th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm
for an evening of focused nourishing breathwork. This event will take place at Whole Life Heath Care near Portsmouth, NH. Please call 603-436-2205 or email to secure your space. The fee for this class is $35.00.
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 Emotional
Re-Education Workshop
If
you've participated in this workshop before, you know that this weekend
retreat of self discovery and connection, lead by April Prita
Manganiello, provides a safe environment to explore old emotional
hurts, decisions, and beliefs - cutting through the stuck places that
inhibit your ability to live fully in yourself and to give and receive
love. "It is a process of recognizing, releasing, and re-framing,"
explains Prita. "You will be encouraged to challenge limited
self-beliefs and definitions and to try on new attitudes
and ways of being."
This workshop provides a healing
space to melt traumas, whether from intrusions, absences, betrayals,
illnesses, accidents, or losses that have been frozen in our bodies.
Designed for intense emotional exploration, release, and re-education,
this workshop is intended for participants who currently have the
regular support of a therapist or coach. The processes are facilitated
in a group setting, where we realize our concerns are shared and that
we can be supported by others. It is also an opportunity to experience
non-invasive bonding, a basic human need sorely neglected in our
culture.
Many members of The Consciousness Collaborative contribute to this retreat through co-facilitation and support of the participants. For further information about the Emotional Re-Education Workshop visit the Classes & Events page. |
 Experience Your Soul in the Beauty of Sedona Connect
with your spirit, supported by the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, through: ~ Music
~ Meditation
~ Mandalas ~ Movement
~ Mindfulness
An
environment that inspires and allows for mindful awakening in which you can
simply BE.
The
harmonizing energy vortices of Sedona have called to people from all over the
world, from ancient times through present day.
"These vortices are renowned for their balancing energy," explains Anya Sophia Mann of Conscious Journey, "they invite us to connect in this sacred
space for a powerful and transformative retreat."
This
April, Anya will guide you on a journey of transformation and healing. "This will be the 4th piece of work I've lead
in Sedona. Over the past 20 years, I
have facilitated workshops and retreats internationally, and for me, Sedona
resonates deeply with my soul. One
participant described the experience: 'I thought my heart was open until today.
The energy in the room was tangible and it brought us to a healing place.' His
words honor the results of the work when people come together in a healing
environment and then bring it out into their world by connecting in deeper,
more meaningful, ways," says Anya. April 18 - 20, 2010 Public Event Fee $595.00
April 22 - 25, 2010 Exclusive Private Retreat for Personal Transformation Fee $1,500.00 Register On-Line Today
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If You Are What You Eat...
What In the World Are You? 
Is your pantry stocked with Fruit Roll-ups, Goldfish, Twinkies, and Cheez-it's?
Could you describe your family as "grazers" who walk by the refrigerator or pantry and grab a handful of whatever looks appealing several times a day?
As parents, have you gotten used to snacks as a way to stop whining or avoid tantrums?
Parents are bombarded with requests for snacks. It's not unusual to see children snacking at recess, after school, and before and after sporting events; basically, at every extracurricular activity. With such busy schedules, the preferred choice to relieve the burden often includes packaged, processed foods: cookies, crackers, and sodas.
And let's face it; the companies who create these products have got our number! As scheduled activities increase, marketers target busy parents and kids with mini packs of cookies and other junk foods, making it easy for mom to toss one into a backpack for a simple afterschool snack. What they don't include in their brilliant marketing scheme is what The New York Times reports: "According to the Agriculture Department, American children get 40 percent of their calories from food of poor nutritional quality."
It may feel overwhelming to radically change your children's snacking options. I understand completely. So, what is a concerned parent to do?
- Add lots of colorful, fresh vegetables and fruits! (the deeper the color the better - more phyto-nutrients!)
Serve a variety of whole grains, beans & legumes - Select seasonal and local produce - visit a farmer's market
Prepare your own meals as often as possible - then you control what is put in your food and into your body. - Shop the "perimeter" of the grocery store and avoid the "inner" aisles
- Read labels!
I'm curious to know how your family snacks. If you'd like to share, email me. And if you feel you want to reassess snack time and would like support and a discussion about specific options, call me at 617-538-1818.
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Peace Begins with Me
 The words "peace begins with me" shot like a heat-seeking missile to my heart, when I saw a picture that was going around the internet. It was a picture of a soldier holding a child on his lap. Both were sleeping. Her family had been executed, and she had miraculously survived extensive gunshot wounds to her head. Unable to sleep at night, the only heart embrace that could cradle her was that of this soldier at the hospital. They had slept sitting up, in a simple folding chair, for the fourth night. She continues to recover through the healing power of love that emanates from the peace within.
Why those words "peace begins with me" I thought? Because every thought I think about that scenario, affects the whole of it in the collective consciousness. I could actually feel within me the power of peace. It is palpable in its' presence. My heartfelt tears melting me into a compassionate heart, for all sides of this situation. I saw in this picture the basic goodness of humanity. The physical heart-to-heart connection of their body position, awakened a knowing in me that we really do know how to be healers for, and with, each other. The love of who we are, underneath everything, heals.
We as one human family are innately connected. We live in the illusion, and delusion, that we are separate. I recently wrote an article for Life Coaching Magazine called "What If A Billion People Change A Single Thought?" The single thought, that limits us, is that we are separate from each other, and the whole of the Universe.
If 'peace begins with me', I thought, 'what can I do to expand that feeling of peaceful, pure, unconditional love for all?' Continue to watch my thoughts, mindfully, about all situations that come to my attention. Continue my meditation practice, which takes me even deeper within the silent space. There cannot be a war outside if there is peace inside.
I know from experience that I can hold in my heart the picture of this soldier and little girl, and that they will receive the resonance of healing, through the bonds of love. I know and believe that we are all connected and that each one of us matters. I picture a world where we all hold the highest good for all in our hearts, consciously.Photo credit: David W. Gilmore Jr.
Be with the healing power of love. Please join me in a group setting where we meditate with each other for a peaceful world for our human family relations. The power of love emanates from the "Peace Begins With Me" Meditation Group. We meet on a tele-bridge on the first Sunday of each month at 10am EST. To register for the bridge number CLICK HERE. Our heartfelt love makes a difference.
- Contributed by Anya Sophia Mann of
Conscious Journey
To learn more about the story of this soldier, click here.
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