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The Peace Within Massage Therapy Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2009
Greetings!
 
     
   I found this picture and said "Now that looks peaceful!".  Wouldn't it be great if we all could find a moment and a space where we can get to this peaceful moment?  It's not as hard as it may seem - Really it isn't!!
 
   The place you find may not be as beautiful as this or as quiet seeming on the outside, but with the right frame of mind, a "bubble" of calm can be found even in the most hectic location.  I have always marveled at my sister's ability to remain calm and centered amid her family's chaotic lifestyle (that's the way it seems to me, anyway!).  She has 3 young children and owns an organic, Community Supported Agriculture farm, and there is constant activity at her place.  She has found her center and lives there daily!
 
   Have you ever had that moment in "the bubble", where you know that your surroundings are loud and busy, but you have felt like, well... like you were in a "bubble"?  I can go there if I have a good book to read or something to concentrate on.  I believe that we all can accomplish this stillness whenever we wish to, all it takes is mindfullness and a desire to do so.
 
   Even a few minutes of this stillness can do wonders for our minds and bodies.  So be aware of those moments in the "bubble" and try to create more of them!
Staying in the NOW
    
    Last month I asked if any of you would be interested in a small meditation study group.  I have heard from a few people, but would like to get more involved in the group.
 
    We could get together maybe once a week to discuss and practice meditation at my studio.  Let me know what you think of the idea.

Please email me at slhammond@earthlink.net.
Stress Relief through Stretching (Part 4)
 neck pain
As always I welcome ideas for this article. Let me know if you have an area that you would like addressed soon, and I will put that in the next issue.
 
 
Forearms: 
 
I am sure that many of you don't think about your forearms until that moment when I run my thumb between the ulna and radius and you think "hmm, didn't realize I was tight there".  With all the computer work (and play) we do these days, our forearms DO get a lot of use.  These stretches can help keep carpel tunnel syndrome from occuring.
 
The simplest thing to do is take a break for a few minutes from the computer and stretch your wrist as follows:
  • Bend your arm and let the hand fall with the palm down.  Take your opposite hand and Gently press down on the top of that hand.  You can try various positions to find the one that feels the best.
  • Now lift that hand up and turn the palm to face you.  Reach around the "back" of the hand and grab the pad of the thumb.  Gently twist the wrist.
  • Now turn the palm so that it is facing the ceiling.  Gently press down on all four fingers.
  • Repeat on the other arm!

Here are a few that get both arms at the same time:

  • Place your hands in "prayer" position at chest level.  Lower your hands together, keeping them close to the body, until you feel a gentle stretch in the wrist.
  • Now turn the hands so that the backs of the hands are touching each other. (An upside down "prayer" !) Let the elbows drop and raise the hands until you feel that stretch.

Enjoy your stretches!!! Until next time....

 
Hope everyone had a great Valentine's weekend!! 
I look forward to seeing you soon!

Shawn Hammond
The Peace Within Massage Therapy
704-564-2289
In This Issue
Staying in the NOW
Stress Relief through Stretching
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Would you be willing to share your thoughts about my business?  I am always trying to improve my services.  Answer the following questions and I will add 15 extra minutes onto your next visit!
 
E-mail me at:
slhammond@earthlink.net.
 

1.        What did you like best about my business or my services?

2.        What did you like least about my business or my services?

3.        If you would refer me to your friends, what would you say to them?

4.        Other comments or observations?  Anything I can improve?