December 2014  

~A smile a day for the holiday cray-cray~

Life is so transient. Sometimes the things I have longed for don't matter so much anymore, or something I wanted ends up being a let down. Then there are things I underestimate and see no value in, and they end up being magical.

In the end, we have what we have. And what makes that so special or not is the value we place on it. As my husband says, "These are all first world problems." We have what we need to survive, and the rest are just preferences.

What aren't so transient are the deeper values we hold and cherish -- what matters most, inside -- the sentiments of love, affection, forgiveness, and understanding. The hug that can embrace a heart deeply, a smile that lifts someone's spirit and offers him a safe place to land.

So I've been thinking about this smiling thing a lot. Master Ou guided me to practice Pangu Yoga with a joyful heart and to smile when I practice Qi Gong to absorb and receive the most benefit. I didn't always get it, but I am certainly beginning to understand. Try it. Right now. Smile, even if it's forced. If you smiled, you are setting off a series of chemical reactions in your brain, building neuronal pathways and stabilizing your mood!

Research has shown that the physical act of smiling changes your brain chemistry, and that will automatically change your energy in a more positive direction.

Yes, it's true; this basic human expression that each and everyone of us possesses, beginning in the womb, has the potential to improve immune function, heighten spirituality, reduce stress hormones, boost mood, gain the trust and admiration of those around you and much more. The possibilities that exist in a happy expression can move mountains.  

Sometimes the day-to-day stress and challenges we come up against make putting a smile on your face seem next to impossible. But, the great news is that even a forced or fake smile has the same power to put you on the path to happiness, increase energy and reduce stress as a real one. The brain cannot tell the difference between a fake smile and real one.

So use it! The holidays are a mixed bag of likes, dislikes and preferences. The simple act of maintaining a smiling face is a powerful and affordable self-care strategy to optimize your physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Don't wait to feel happy before smiling. Smile and then you will feel happy. Find the magic in the ordinary drive home or your grocery shopping trip. Turn up those corners of your mouth! Life is good.

We're offering gift options for new and current clients alike! Be sure to get your Ananda Healing Arts Gift Certificates before the offer expires on December 22.

Purchase one for your loved one and yourself! Email Anisha or call (919) 389-1420.


New Clients

• 3 Acupuncture sessions, including initial intake - $270 (savings of $25) 
• 5 Acupuncture sessions, including  initial intake - $425 (savings of $40)
• 3 Ananda Salves of your choice - $26

Current Clients  

• 5 Acupuncture sessions - $400 (savings of $25)

Free Pangu Shengong Every Saturday!  

Anisha  and Paul offer a no-fee Pangu Shengong Moving Form group practice from 10:00 to 11:15 am, Saturdays.  

Get more info about all classes and events, including this month's Saturday schedule, at Pangu Yoga & Qi Gong Meetup, The Art of Life Force. 

Our offices will be closed December 23 through 25, so please schedule your appointments accordingly.  

Also, Anisha will be traveling December 28 - January 12, and will be offering Distant Healing services during this time. To schedule your session, call Anisha at (919) 389-1420 or email anisha@anishadesai.com.

We know how crazy things can get around the holidays -- or anytime of year for that matter. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please provide 24 hours notice, otherwise you will be charged for the appointment.

To inform us of a cancellation, please call (919) 389-1420 or email.   

Thank you!