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April 2009
Information Celebration
Fern Life Center
710 5th Ave. NW
Issaquah, WA 98027
Special Features
*Earth Month Savings!
*Mother's Day ideas!
*Mother/Daughter Belly Dancing!
*Allergy & Hayfever info!
*Education opportunities!
*Sangha- Finishes for you!
*From Julie's Kitchen to you!
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| Education Opportunities
April
4/15 Intro To Ayurveda
4/18 Marma Points for Healing
4/18 Balancing Our Emotions
Through Taste
4/19 Meditation Retreat
4/25-26 Reiki Training
May
5/9 Kitcheri Cooking Workshop
Mother & Daughter Belly
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Enjoy a 10% savings on all our "green" retail items during Earth Month!
Recycled sari clothing
Massage balls and oils from Nepal
Candles
Uncle Harry's Products
Fern Life body creams, bath salts, spices
Fern Life Naturals weightloss formulas |
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| Offer Expires: April 30th, 2009 |
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Need some tax relief?
Schedule your FIRST Pancha Karma treatment in April or May and receive one day FREE!
(a $400 savings!)
Repeat PK clients receive 10% off a week long PK treatment during April and May!
(a $200 savings!)
Mother's Day is around the corner!
Ways to say "I love you"....
*Treat your special Mom to pure relaxation with a Fern Life gift certificate and receive a complimentary body cream!
*Give her a night of luxury at home with a Fern Life bath experience pampering kit!
*She will feel rejuvinated with a Yoga Pass!
*Let her escape with a great book or CD from or Library!
*Aromatherapy will lift her spirits- our nebulizer and oils are a blissful treat!
*She will discover her inner beauty at our one day meditation retreat!
Pure Ambrosia Organic Skin Studio
Feel the love...
This Mothers Day Give and Receive the Gift of Wellness!!!
Bouquet of Roses for Mom Package
Featuring a Sweet Red Rose Facial and Foot and Leg Treatment $135.00 ($160 value)
Nurture and love your skin back to its youthful firmness and fill your senses with this tantalizing aroma of crushed Organic Sweet Red Roses. Custom European Facial and complete Lower Leg,exfoliation,hydrating mask and warming massage.
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 Keesha's Corner
Allergies and Hay Fever
The spring season marks the beginning of allergy season for many people. It is also the time of year when the accumulated kapha from winter begins to liquefy due to warmer temperatures and increased activity. So, not only are we plagued with an overall increase in mucus trying to clear itself from the body, but an increase in airborne irritants can lead to a reactive bronchial system resulting in other discomforting symptoms. The more allergens present, the more intense the reaction of the body. The severity of the response to allergens is also dependent on the nature of each individual's system and how hypersensitive or overloaded with toxins it is.
Ayurvedic uses natural methods of improving quality of life in this season, such as taking herbs and practicing yoga. Pancha Karma will kick kapha out of the system and cleanse the body so that histamine release is slowed faster than anything. It's time for a spring cleaning of the house and the body! This is the time to do your seasonal detox and Pancha karma. Check with Brenda about our latest Pancha Karma special; you won't be disappointed!
Reduce food allergens by eliminating processed foods, particularly foods that contain additives, preservatives and food colorings. If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet may be the most effective tool to improve health and eliminate the offending allergen. (This is usually the easiest way to treat children.) Common food allergens are soy, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, shellfish, nuts and citrus. Reducing the allergen load in your diet will improve digestion and strengthen your immune function to better protect against allergies. Kicharee is the easiest elimination diet we know of!
Diet
An Ayurvedic diet is a healthy one, rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. For the general treatment of asthma and hay fever, follow a kapha pacifying diet, favoring foods that are light and drying. For more information on this diet, please click www.fernlifecenter.com. Here are some other general considerations:
-Eliminate dairy products which are typically mucus-forming, particularly cheese and ice cream.
-Avoid alcohol consumption. Many types of alcoholic drinks contain sulfites, a common allergen. Alcohol can also impair immune function.
-Increase fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C.
-Limit salt intake. Several studies, like the one done in 2005 by researchers at Indiana University, have found a higher reactivity of the bronchial membranes when salt intake is high.
-Sip hot ginger, cumin, coriander and fennel tea throughout the day to aid digestion and help to cleanse the body of toxins. Lifestyle
Herbal steams can do wonders for clearing up congested sinuses. Try adding a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling hot water. Put a towel over your head. Lean over the bowl and inhale the steam for several minutes.
Neti is a process of cleansing and purifying the nasal passages with a nasal rinse cup and warm water or saline solution. This practice can be extremely beneficial for people with asthma, allergies or sinus problems. This can be done several times throughout the day and brings immediate relief.
Herbs
Banyan Botanicals Lung Formula blends pippali, licorice, cane sugar and other herbs to nourish and support healthy respiration. Lung Formula helps to strengthen and rejuvenate the respiratory system while bolstering immunity.
Trikatu can be most beneficial in aiding digestion, eliminating toxins and drying up excess mucus in the body.
Immune Support can boost the body's natural defenses and help to decongest the chest and head. It can be taken preventatively before the start of hay fever season or exposure to an allergen.
Include Triphala to support elimination, detoxification and tonification of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Nasya oil is medicated oil administered through the nose. Regular use helps to protect the nose and throat against impurities. Nasya helps to keep the nasal passages clear, increase awareness and improve mental clarity.
Yoga
When the body is tight and stiff, you will have more difficulty breathing than when the body is open and relaxed. The practice of yoga allows the muscles and joints of the body to become more mobile. The tissues become more fluid and supple allowing the body to receive full nourishment of the breath. Poses that directly target the lung area, such as Camel and Bow, are effective in opening the chest and intercostal muscles. When your ribs are able to move better, your lungs will be able to fill with more air.
Yoga can also help to improve posture. Poor posture can be a contributing factor of an asthmatic condition, making diaphragmatic breathing difficult.
The adrenals also play a vital role in protecting the body from asthmatic conditions. The hormones cortisol and epinephrine activate receptors which lead to relaxation of the bronchial muscle and opening of the airways. Child's pose is an effective yoga pose to tonify the adrenal glands.
Pranayama
Practicing deep yogic breathing helps to cleanse and exercise the entire respiratory system. Many times in asthmatic conditions, abnormal breathing habits can create tension within the respiratory muscles. This is why pranayama is best practiced after yoga or meditation when the body is open and relaxed. The key for allergic response recovery is to strengthen diaphragmatic breathing. Simply bringing awareness to the breath for several minutes can help to slow the breathing rate, increase lung capacity and calm the nervous system.
Here is a simple practice to help strengthen the respiratory muscles and promote healthy breathing:
Recline comfortably on a blanket.
Breathe normally and allow the body to relax.
Place the hands, fingers spread wide, on either side of the rib cage providing a slight resistance.
On inhalation, begin to direct and expand your breath into your rib cage, expanding the ribs outwards, into the pressure of your hands.
With exhalation, allow the ribs (and fingers) to move closer together.
Providing resistance with the hands will engage the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
Continue for 10 breath cycles.
Be sure that you are not holding tension in your face, neck or back. Allow the breath to move as smoothly and as naturally as possible.
Rest with your arms at your sides and breathe normally for 10 breath cycles. Meditation
Though it may be difficult to try meditating while experiencing the distracting and persistent symptoms of an allergic condition, it may offer some peace to your daily life. Meditation can help reduce stress levels and curb emotional upset, a possible trigger for asthmatic conditions. Try sitting for meditation during the time of day when symptoms are most mild. The calming and relaxing effect of meditation helps to regulate breathing patterns and improve respiratory function.
Particularly when practiced with yoga and pranayama, meditation can be an effective tool in addressing suppressed emotions. It is common for asthmatics to have a need to address a psychological component regarding not having enough "room to breathe" or lacking support or freedom to express themselves. Meditation is a way to give space to an individual, allowing emotions or feelings to come to light. Treat yourself to learning meditation the right way and come to the April 19th Spring Meditation Retreat with Ajayan. Beginners minds are welcome!
Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes.
If it were always in a fist or always stretched open,
you would be paralyzed.
Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding,
the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated
as bird wings.
- Rumi
Ayurvedic Recipe: Digestive Cleansing Tea
5 c. pure water
1 T. fresh grated ginger root
1 T. turmeric
1 T. dried licorice root
1 T. fennel seed
1 T. cumin
½ T. coriander
4 cardamom pods
1/2 tsp. Black pepper
Bring water to a boil. Add herbs. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink. May add lemon or lime and honey when ready to drink.
This is especially helpful for the person with an inflamed and congested gut. The ginger is used to break down waste, ama. The turmeric is used to purify the blood, and the licorice to calm inflammation. It would generally not be used where there is inflammation without ama, as ginger could adversely increase heat.
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Join us for Rejuvinite!
An Introduction to Ayurveda Workshop
with
Wednesday, April 15th
7pm-9pm
Complimentary
Need a tax break? How about a life balance stimulus plan? This is your opportunity to bring that special friend, co-worker, loved one and yourself to Fern Life for an evening of rejuvination and education! Keesha will introduce the wonderful benefits of Ayurveda and how it can bring balance to body and life.
This ancient science teaches how to understand the individual body type which empowers us to:
Lose weight Treat autoimmune illnesses naturally
Reverse/Slow aging Treat chronic conditions naturally
Increase energy Treat sexual dysfunction
Sleep restfully Treat depression naturally
While your guests are being enlightened with Keesha's introduction to Ayurveda workshop, we will pamper YOU with seated chair massage and a relaxing yoga practice.
Pre-registration is required; please contact Fern Life Center.
Marma Chikitsa
Vital Ayurvedic Points for Healing
with
Nickole Thornton
Saturday, April 18th
10 am - Noon
Cost: $45
Marmani the "energy points" mapped throughout our body is closely related with our nervous system. Each marma directly connects to specific organs and function in the body. These points house the 3 pillars of life Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When Doshic imbalances take place our free flowing energy becomes blocked.
Manipulation of the points provides balance removing stagnation, releases stress, increases circulation, alleviates nervousness and anxiety. This ancient technique opens the door to increase physical and mental clarity.
This will a be a hands on class: dress comfortably in loose fitting clothes.
Nickole Thornton LMP, Ayurvedic Practitioner, & Yoga Instructor
Nickole has traveled to different yoga centers across the United States providing lectures, consultations, and panchakarma since 2005. Her passion for holistic health is a lifelong quest. Nickole looks forward to working with you!
Pre-registration is required; please contact Fern Life Center.
The Power of Being
One-Day Meditation Retreat
with
Ajayan Borys
Sunday, April 19th
9:30am-5:30pm
Cost: $115
The Power of Being offers a direct experience of exceptionally deep meditation, and it is accessible to anyone, whether you have never meditated before or have been meditating for years. Based on principles of the Raja, Jnana, and Kundalini Yoga traditions, the Power of Being efficiently and effortlessly draws the conscious mind to its source, pure consciousness or Being. It heals and vitalizes both mind and body, filling you with increased energy, clarity, creativity, and joy. This course, open to anyone, represents the culmination of the 36 years Ajayan has dedicated to exploring a wide variety of meditation/yoga practices. You will not find an easier, more effective program of meditation anywhere!
Ajayan has been exploring and teaching a variety of meditation practices since 1970. In the early 70's, he studied in residence under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the TM Program. After teaching TM for many years, he traveled the globe continuing an impassioned exploration of various meditation practices. Having made a study of meditation his life, and having instructed and guided thousands in meditation in North America, Australia, Europe, and India, Ajayan has gained wide renown as a consummate meditation teacher.
Pre-registration is required; please contact Fern Life Center.
Balance Our Emotions Through Taste
with
Nickole Thornton
Saturday, April 18th
1:pm - 3 pm
Cost: $45
Explore the stages of digestion. We will examine how each taste relates to our organs and the digestive process. Emotions live in the organs and create cravings. Cravings create dispositions in our health. We will look at different foods and their energetic effect in our everyday lives. You will leave his class having a better connection with yourself and how to shift your emotions through your diet.
Nickole Thornton LMP, Ayurvedic Practitioner & Yoga Instructor
Pre-registration is required; please contact Fern Life Center
Reiki Training
with
Keesha!
Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26th
9am-5pm
Tuition: $350
with a $150 non-refundable deposit
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy," known as Ki in Japanese and Prana in Sanskrit and Chi in Chinese) flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's prana is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. There is a strong link!
Keesha Ewers, ARNP, Master of Ayurvedic Science, is a Reiki Master trained by William Rand (International Center for Reiki Training). Keesha has been using Reiki for over a decade, healing thousands of people throught her unique blend of the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Shamanism, Angel Therapy, Reiki, and Western medicine.
Classes to follow:
May 16-17th: Advanced Reiki Training
Master Training: date tbd this summer
Pre-registration is required; please contact Fern Life Center.
Mother and Daughter
Belly Dance Workshop!
with
Caryn Law
Saturday, May 9th
1pm-3pm
Tuition: $15
Spend some quality with Mom AND learn to belly dance! Tribal Style Bellydance is both a celebration of the female spirit and a physical display of the strength and beauty of women. It's roots can be traced back to the rituals of past matriarchal cultures and to the secular entertainments evolved as the gypsies traveled through India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. What could be a more perfect way, then, to celebrate motherhood than by learning to belly dance with Mom?
All ages are welcome and no dance experience is necessary. We'll teach you the basics from the ground up, get you moving, and get you shakin' those hips!
If you're interested in taking our upcoming class series, this is a great way to see what you'll be learning in more detail!
Kitcheri Cooking Workshop
with
Julie James
Saturday, May 9th
9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $85
Is your kitcheri less than inspired? Is it a tastless much of mung beans and rice? If you have answered "yes", this is the cooking class for you! Please join our amazing chef, Julie James, and learn why kitcheri is Ayurveda's answer to the perfect one bowl meal. We will cook up a couple pots of delicious kitcheri, cover vegi, protein and rice options and in general hope to get all your questions answered. Imagine kitcheri as part of a healthy meal plan; always tasty and never boring!
Winter Yoga with Diana Bonyhadi
Diana Bonyhadi, Certified Yoga Instructor, began her yogic journey in 1995. Her style reflects her commitment to wholeness through strength, flexibility, and self-awareness. Her classes draw upon the wisdom and teachings of the Hatha, Lyengar, Ayurvedic, and Vinyasa Flow yoga traditions.
Diana has studied with many exceptional teachers, including; Theresa Elliott, Kathryn Payne, Kelly Rush, Doug Keller, Aadil Palkhivala & Rodney Yee. She has been deeply moved by the teachings and wisdom of Judith Lassiter, and continues her studies of the Sanskrit sutras of Pantanjali.
Diana recently completed her second teacher training workshop in Yoga Therapy with Doug Keller, as well as an anatomy and well-ness workshop with Judith Lasater. Working with students to personalize their practice to address specific health concerns is one of Diana's particular area's of interest.
Diana is certified at the 200 hour level with Yoga Alliance, a nationally recognized yoga certification organization.
Yoga Tune-Up- Start Feeling Great Now!
Yoga is a vital part of our ayurvedic tradition. As a physical practice it supports the healing work we do with diet and herbs. As a mental practice, it supports and prepares our body and our mind for meditation. As a daily practice it helps us to walk upon the earth with greater clarity and compassion.
You know that yoga is good for you. Not only does it strengthen the body, it helps to clear the mind and pacify the doshas. Maintaining a regular yoga practice has been linked to improvements in overall health in, not to mention increasing the quality of life for those suffering from asthma, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal distress, and heart disease. Actually the list goes on to include many more dis-eases common in our society. Yoga is also beneficial to those recovering from sports injuries, back pain, and surgery.
I know, getting to class is sometimes difficult. Maintaining your home practice can also be a challenge. But have you ever thought of signing up for a private lesson? Privates can be scheduled at your convenience. Privates are geared to your specific needs and are designed to help you get the most out of your yoga practice.
Let your practice be inspired and energized by a class designed just for you. Call soon to book your private yoga tune-up. Start feeling great now!
Private Therapeutic Instruction
For those wishing to deepen their understanding of yoga on a one-to-one basis or if there is a specific health concern, this is the class for you. Start from the very beginning, deepen your existing knowledge, reach towards your edge, and/or explore more advanced techniques. Diana can work with you to develop a yoga practice which will help to heal and strengthen your body and mind as you transition from a place of dis-ease to a place of wholeness and well-being. Scheduling at your convenience.
Yoga I-III
For the strong beginner through intermediate student, this class will explore all aspects of yoga, including pranayama, asanas, and meditation. Each student will be encouraged and supported to engage at their own level of skill and experience. Focus will be on alignment, technique, engagement, and the deepening of the mind-body connection. Vinyasa Flow Yoga
This class carefully combines yoga asanas (postures) in a graduated sequence of rhythmic movements of body and breath to create a dynamic, challenging, and meditative flow. The asanas, combined with body alignment, physical conditioning, and breathing exercises (pranayama) will help you discover many paths to strength, flexibility, healing, and mindfulness.
(Appropriate for beginners to the very experienced participant)
Yoga I - Introduction - we will be starting a new series soon, call FLC to schedule.
This is the perfect class for anyone interested in learning about yoga or returning to yoga. This gentle and nurturing class is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of yoga. In this six-week session, the students will gain an understanding of the basic yoga positions, learn correct positioning and alignment, receive detailed instruction on combining breath and movement, and experience the peace and clarity of meditation.
Monday
6:00-7:00pm *Private Therapeutic Instruction
(call Diana for appointments)
Tuesday
9:30-11am Hatha Yoga Levels I-III
Thursday
6:45-8:15am Rise & Shine Levels II-III
9:30-11am Vinyasa Flow (all levels)
*To schedule Private Instruction, call Diana at 425-765-3173.
Cost: $ 96 6-class pass
$ 180 12-class pass
Drop-ins welcome!
Kids and Teens Yoga
with
Jennifer Cain
Please join Jennifer Cain for Kids and Teens Yoga!
Kid's Group Yoga
Tuesdays, 4-4:50
Ages 3-11yrs
This offers children an opportunity to share time with other children while learning ways to care for their bodies, hearts, and minds. Through yogic postures, breathing, stories, and guided imagery, children will develop tools to understand themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically while relaxing and having fun. Children are encouraged to bring short stories, art, and music as a way of deepening their awareness of expression while relating to the world they are part of in a manner congruent with compassion and understanding. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring water, and come ready to have fun!
Teen Group Yoga
Tuesdays, 5-6pm
Ages 12-18yrs
Classes begin on January 20th at Fern Life Center
This class offer teens an opportunity to learn yogic techniques to reduce stress, improve sleep, studying, general body awareness and health, and for relating to oneself in a compassionate, joyful manner. Through breathing, physical postures, and relaxation exercises, the class has the capacity for addressing specific personal issues that one brings to class. Teens are encouraged to bring stories, music, art and other forms of expression to class as a way of connecting to one another and one's self through the core values that yoga has to offer. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring
water, and be ready to deepen your journey of self-understanding.
Jennifer Cain comes to us with a 15-year background in Integral Yoga. Jennifer began yoga as a teenager, pursued her studies throughout college, and is currently a student at the graduate level endeavoring to bring yogic philosophy into the realm of education. Elements of Ayurveda and yogic philosophy infuse her yoga classes with the dynamism that her students can carry into their lives out of class. She is committed to supporting deep connections between people and their communities, nature, and the divine presence in all life and encourages children and adults alike to express their experience through creative arts, life-intentions, and service to others.
Fees for Teens and Kids:
$40 for a 4 class pass
$15 drop-in
Pre-registration is suggested; drop-ins are welcome!
Spiritual Exploration with Rev. Halima Levkovitz
April 29th
7:30pm-9pm
Cost: $15/class
Rev. Halima Thea Levkovitz is a Cheraga (Minister) in the Universal Worship of the Sufi Order International. A student of world faith mystical traditions for more than thirty years, she has studied with Sufi, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Yoga and other spiritual teachers. She guides retreats for environmental activists and was facilitator of the Partnership for Religion and the Environment.
Drawing on spiritual practices, chants, meditation, prayers and scriptures from the world's religions, we will journey together discovering the One Heart that inspired the Prophets, known and unknown, of all humankind. We will be joined by guest Rabbis, Sheiks, Shamans, and other luminary spiritual leaders in the Pacific Northwest.
To register:please contact Halima at 425-443-4013
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Fern Life Sangha Space
Sangha is a Sanskrit word that means community, or a gathering of people with common goals, vision or purpose. It is traditionally used in the East to refer to a spiritual community. We are blessed with a caring and compassionate community at Fern Life Center! Each of you are an integral part of this talented and dynamic group. Each month we want to feature a service that one of you offers to the community. We also know that because of our special connection we can help meet each other's needs. If you have a special need or talent that can meet another's needs, please allow us to give it a voice through our montly newsletter. We want to connect you and strengthen our sangha. Think of this as our own local "Craig's List". Please forward your information to Brenda at Fern Life Center by emailing at info@fernlifecenter.com or call at 425-391-3376.
This month we want to connect you to Michael Pennington, owner of Fantasy Finishes Inc.
Fantasy Finishes Inc. in business since 1984,is an artistic services company fully licensed and bonded, providing all manner of every conceivable home personalization and esthetic improvement. From simple wash finishes to very complex multi colored and textural effects.We offer custom color consultation, refinishing of floors, furniture and kitchen cabinetry, marble repair, and any touch ups necessary to eliminate wear and tear to suit even the most difficult color matching or client requirements. Our reputation is for unmatched quality with demanding deadlines on projects others have failed with or deemed impossible.If a mural specific to an activity or personal interest is desired, we can provide any style from very abstract, to photo realism. Samples and an accurate quote and timeline are provided to qualified clients. We have successfully completed hundreds of projects in Washington, California, and Hawaii, as well as others in Florida, Texas, and the midwest. Our approach involves getting to know our clients personalities, desires and a sincere willingness to listen. We have many referrals gladly given by past clients. From some of the most well known personalities in the business and entertainment industries, hotel operators and churches, to large contracting firms in the Seattle area.
Please feel free to schedule a consultation by calling Michael Pennington at 206 898-1275 or by writing to ipaintwithsound@yahoo.com. Thank you.
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From Julie's Kitchen...
Poached Pears w/ Saffron and Cardamom
A simple breakfast or an elegant desert.
4 pears Bosc or D'Anjou are good
Apple or pear juice
a pinch saffron
4 pods green cardamom, smashed
Peel the pears, cut in half and core. Cover the bottom of a wide pan with about 1/4" apple or pear juice. Add the pinch of saffron, crumbled and the crushed cardamom pods. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring. Add the pears, cover and simmer until the pears are easily pierced. Serve warm.
This is also easily done with apples or a mix of pears and apples.
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