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May 2013     
Greetings     
                 
 

Sedona Awe-Inspiring, Powerful and Resilient...these were the words that came to me as I drank in the breathtaking beauty of Sedona, Arizona on April 12.   Less than 72 hours later, on April 15, I was back in Boston and blindsided by the emotional rollercoaster that ensued following the Boston Marathon bombings.  

 

As the new normal has begun to settle into Boston, as it did in the weeks and months following 9/11 in New York City, those same words that resonated with me as I scanned the magnificent vistas in Sedona, surface as I continue to witness the amazing ability of the human spirit to bounce back from adversity; tenacious and strong...Awe-inspiring, Powerful and Resilient.  

   

Wishing you resilience, 

Pam

In This Issue
Pam's Blog
Meditation Maintenance Schedule
Picking Up the Pieces
Mindfulness Meditation Raises Test Scores in College Students
Learning to Breathe
Self-Care Gifts of Renewal
Learn to Meditate with a Friend
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 Pam Ressler
Pam Ressler
 
Visit my blog

I invite you to read AND comment on
my blog. I write reflections and post links to articles of interest on the intersecting topic areas of resiliency, healthcare, stress management, mindfulness, and life!
 Meditation Maintenance
Flowering Blossoms Meditation Maintenance Sessions 
are a great way to give yourself a monthly self-care "tune-up" by joining with fellow meditators to discuss insights and challenges of your practice.

Due to my teaching schedule the evening session in June will be on the third Wednesday (6/19).

You are welcome to attend each month or simply on an occasional basis. You will find a supportive and welcoming respite in the midst of your busyness.

Come sit with us and share a cup of "tea for your soul". 

Spring Schedule


Evening sessions meet 7-9 PM


Wed, May 8

Wed, June 19--weather permitting, we will walk a labyrinth during this session (details in June newsletter)  

Daytime sessions meet
12:30-2:30 PM


Fri, May 10

Fri, June 14
-weather permitting, we will walk a labyrinth during this session (details in June newsletter)  

Both evening and daytime sessions are held at Stress Resources' office (97 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA). Please pre-register for sessions as space is limited. 

Meditation Maintenance sessions are $15 per session. Register by e-mail or by phone (978-369-5243).  

Stress Resources and Pam Ressler are on TWITTER    

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for updated resources and links to relevant healthcare articles and research 

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Picking Up the Pieces
Boston Strong
I often write about the topic of resilience -- the ability of humans to face adversity and somehow be flexible enough to bounce back, perhaps in a way they could never have imagined. Boston Strong became the mantra after the tragic events of the Marathon Bombings on April 15.

But what does "Boston Strong" really mean? Boston Strong means what happens and unfolds after the streets are cleaned and the reporters have gone home. Boston Strong means how we continue to not only survive but often thrive in some new unimaginable way. Travis Roy exemplifies Boston Strong and how resilience has sustained him. I hope you will take some time to read his poignant reflection of how to pick up the pieces when life seems irreparably broken.

Click here to read Travis Roy's reflections
Mindfulness Meditation Raises Test Scores in College Students
Student
Are you a student who wants to score higher on standardized tests, like the SAT or GRE? Step away from the non-stop studying and learn to meditate a new study reports.

Researchers at The University of California at Santa Barbara studied 48 undergraduate students preparing to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and found that those who were instructed in Mindfulness Meditation raised their average scores from 460 to 520 after two weeks of training as compared to students in the control group. Certainly this study had limitations and included a very small sample size, however compared to a standard prep course (Kaplan's GRE Prep Course costs $1299.00), this is certainly cost effective!

Click here to read a report of the study
Learning to Breathe
Learning to Breathe
Are you a frustrated meditator, a wanna-be meditator, or someone who says "I could NEVER meditate"? If so, I have the perfect book for you: Learning to Breathe.

Priscilla Warner has written an amazingly honest, refreshing and accessible book chronicling her yearlong quest to bring calm into her life. You may recognize Priscilla's name, as she was a co-author of the New York Times Bestseller The Faith Club.

I had the pleasure of meeting Priscilla recently and I can assure you she is the real deal -- funny, articulate, and humble. She allows the reader to join her in navigating her journey to find more mindfulness, hope and peace in her life.  Filled with compassion and self-acceptance...a great read for summer.  
Self-Care Gifts of Renewal
We all need reminders, small ways of checking in with ourselves throughout the day to bring us back to the present moment. Stress Resources has put together some great tools to help you re-MIND yourself to refresh, renew and relax everyday.
 
Here are some of our offerings.....

NEW Breathe Mugs

What a lovely reminder tBreathe Mugo simply breathe with each sip of coffee or tea.  These beautiful black and white ceramic mugs are designed by Stress Resources and come with a spoon attached in the handle.

Opening the Door to Meditation

CDA gentle meditation CD to help guide even a reluctant meditator into a sustainable mindfulness practice.  Meditations by Pamela Katz Ressler, MS, RN, HN-BC with original music composed and performed by guitarist Louis Arnold.

Breathe+Meditation Gift Set
  Special price on Breathe mug along with Opening the Door to Meditation CD, beautifully gift-wrapped and sent off to a special recipient with a hand written gift card attached.



Handcrafted Stress Resources' Lap Labyrinths  
Yes, they are now back in stock with a limited quantity available! These lap labyrinths are designed and Lap Labyrinth crafted for only for Stress Resources. Our exclusive classical design, with a flat side that nestles close to the body, makes holding a labyrinth on your lap and tracing the path with your finger comfortable and easy.  Labyrinths are popular tools for increasing concentration, promoting relaxation, deepening meditation, for all ages.  The repetitive movement of the hand on the labyrinth often helps to reduce anxiety -- great addition to classrooms, waiting rooms, homes or offices.  Our labyrinths have a hand-rubbed shellac and wax finish that mellows and develops a patina with age and use.

Check out all our products on our secure order page  

Learn to Meditate with a Friend   

Stress Resources offers individual and semi-private training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sign up for semi-private sessions with a friend and one of you trains for 1/2 price ($200 savings).

  

Flexible MBSR/Private and Semi-Private  Mindfulness Training: This unique option offered by Stress Resources allows the individual to set the pace for training but maintains the essential framework of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in private or semi-private sessions.

The Flexible Mindfulness Training
:
  • Includes four 1-hour sessions that may be sch eduled in the morning, afternoon or evening to meet your scheduling needs.
  • Materials provided include 5 CDs (downloadable to mp3), copy of Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, training workbook and reference guide.
  • Allows your MBSR training to take place over 8-12 weeks at your own pace and schedule with individualized coaching
  • Add a friend option allows you to learn the skills of MBSR with a friend and train for 1/2 price! (BCBS discount cannot be combined with this special rate)
For more information about Flexible MBSR Training, click here