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It's the beginning of December, and in years past I would immediately and frantically start making to-do lists for gifts, searching the Web for holiday treats and cheap flights, and trying to remember where I put last year's wrapping paper. The overwhelming feeling begins to wash over me. The irony of me driving around like a maniac trying to determine the perfect token to buy for the people who matter the most is not lost on me.
So here I am again. Trying to engage a different kind of thinking about the holidays and our consumer-crazed culture. I've been asking myself, what exactly IS the "holiday craze"? Sometimes it feels like a collective anxiety and chaos from all directions. Sometimes it feels like the disappointment of how I want it to be and how it actually is.
The question I ask is, is it really out there or in here? Is it really about family members or the unwillingness to have harmonious relationships with them? Is it the shopping and long lines or our obsession with "stuff" followed by our denial of having said stuff? Is it the rude drivers or our inability to soften, broaden our hearts, and show compassion anyway? What if the holidays are just another excuse to distract ourselves from working on the inner stuff by focusing on the outer stuff?
I know some of your responses right now may be, "Heck yeah, it's all those people out there making my life hard! I'm just trying to go about my day, and they're all crazy!"
What exactly is the "craze" for you? I'm not sure I'm even buying into it anymore, because when I break it down, it doesn't exactly make sense.
What if the holiday craze is actually the experience we have when we are unable to deal with ourselves? I'm not saying I'm RIGHT, I'm just saying "what if?" And in doing so, maybe I offer you another possibility, and perhaps another opportunity to see the holidays from another angle.
Maybe if we shift our perspective to the other end of the spectrum, we can find an answer, and in finding an answer, perhaps we become more aware of the Truth in any situation we encounter, especially during this season.
After all, family is family any time of year. People are people no matter what.
I guess I'm just a firm believer for what really makes the holidays so special:
our family and friends, a sense of tradition and history, and a good bit of fun!
Perhaps the way there is all on the inside. What are your ideas for reclaiming yourself, your relationships, and the holidays, and making this season about what you and your family truly value? I'd love to hear from you.
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Pangu Yoga - an infusion of life
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A student's reflection on home practice
When Master Ou was here in May (2103), he told me to practice three hours a day, so I strive to hit this mark daily. I have strong weeks and weeks where I can't seem to get past 1.5-2 hours.
For the past six weeks, I've really made an effort to practice 3 hours every day, and I am slowly feeling better. I've been able to do Pangu Yoga again, thanks to Anisha who converted it to a chair practice since it's pretty painful for me to get up and down from the floor. I joined the Pangu three-hour-support club, too. There's an American in the group who often practices for six hours a day - Amazing! He motivates me to hit the three-hour mark for sure. I've been slowly learning Pangu Tai Chi from Paul, which I can barely do, but I feel the energy strongly moving during practice; so, I know it's helping. It also honors my inner tough and scrappy side. Fun Fun!
Group practice helps me stay motivated, and I absolutely love seeing, hugging, and catching up with my "Pangu Peeps." I feel like I've gone into warrior healing mode with you as my biggest supporters. Thanks for being there, for your support, and for keeping me going.
Everyday I walk a little straighter and a little longer. I daydream about my pain from rheumatoid arthritis being just a part of my past ... a part that made me stronger, wiser, and kinder.
~Cristen
Join Anisha for Pangu Yoga!
East Hampton, N.Y. 
6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, December 6
Contact Sandy Foster to register.
Bliss Body Yoga
Weekly Class: 9:30-11:00 am, Tuesdays
Intro Workshops: 3:30-5:30 pm
Saturdays, December 14,
January 4, and February 8
4035 Lake Boone Trail
Suite 111
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Refresh & Transform:
A Healing Spring Mountain Retreat
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April 25-27 in the Blue Ridge Mountains
 Anisha and Colby lead this transformational weekend of yoga, healthy meals, blissful spa treatments, relaxation, and much more April 25-27 at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, N.C. Give yourself a gift that will nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
Join us for a free informational session, from 7:45-8:45 pm, Tuesday, December 17, to review the itinerary, discuss travel and lodging, ask questions, and enjoy delicious snacks! |
Master Ou in the House
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Be sure to mark your calendars!
 It's always a good, good thing when Master Ou brings his energy and wisdom to our hearts, and we are especially pleased to know he will be with us twice in the first part of 2014.
Master Ou in Gainesville, Fla.
January 10-14, 2014
Academy for Five Element Acupuncture - register here!
Contact John Paul Gallagher with any questions.
Master Ou in Raleigh, N.C.
March 14-17, 2014
Check Ananda Healing Arts for details soon!
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Hmmmm . . . the elusive perfect gift
| We've got you covered!
Can't decide on that perfect gift for your easy and not-so-easy to shop for family and friends? Problem solved!
 Ananda Healing Salves, are a unique, custom blend of comfrey leaves, olive oil, and healing oils infused with powerful healing energy and LOVE!
One size fits all, and at $10 each, or 3 for $27, the price is just right. Or opt for an Ananda Healing Arts gift certificate, and let your loved one do the choosing. (Contact Anisha for gift certificates.)
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Pangu Shengong Practice - FREE
| Cultivate life force in a group - join our Meetup Group!
Students of the Pangu Shengong Moving Form are invited to join Anisha and Paul for a no-fee group practice Saturday mornings. Join our Pangu Yoga & Qi Gong Meetup, The Art of Life Force, to stay up to date on meetings and activities.
Practices are held from 10:00-11:15 am, Saturdays at a host's home. Learn more and find the November schedule at Ananda Healing Arts.
Strengthen your Qi, heart, and soul!
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The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another. ~ Jack Kornfield
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