Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within."
~~~Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world! There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
~~~Marianne Williamson
~~~used by Nelson Mandella in his 1994 Inaugural Speech
Our BELLY DANCING CLASSES are filling up and we are having a great time! As we work to learn the moves and put them together in a dance, we are working our bodies in ways that tighten and strengthen our muscles, our spine and our internal organs. Beyond the physical benefits of the dance is the internal release of the feminine within. The dance allows us to "feel" our bodies in a different way and to encourage the release of our feminine power.
Next time let the music move inside and let the body move as one with the dance. Perhaps we should all try a little "improvisation" in our moves. I just may include that in your next class!!!
Love ya
Judy
YOGA

YOGA is a physical, mental and spiritual way of life that puts reality into perspective. Yoga doesn't change your stressful circumstances, but it will teach you how to react to them without neglecting or even injuring yourself.

DE STRESS BY "BREATHING"
Try this deep yogic breathing to release building stress:
Inhale for a count of three, then exhale for a count of four. Next, inhale for a count of three and hold for a count of three then exhale for a count of four - gradually working your way up to inhaling for four, holding for four and exhaling for a count of six.

Monday, May 18, 2009

"There is only one journey. Going inside yourself."
Rainer Maria Rilke
A LETTER TO GOD

(Reflection): Close your eyes and allow yourself to dwell on God, on soul. Observe whatever comes up that keeps you from being totally present with a higher power. What disillusionment or disappointment might you have experienced toward a higher power, or what anger and resentment might you carry? How does it feel to attempt to sit in the presence of your own spiritual nature and what does that bring up within you?

(Journal): Write a letter to God, beginning with, "Dear God," and closing any way that feels appropriate. Let God know not only what you are thankful for, but where you are disappointed. Let God see your anger as well as your love, your strength as well as your weakness. Say any and all that is on your heart that needs to be spoken in order to clear and deepen your intimate relationship with your higher power.
from: The Quiet Voice of Soul

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.compassionatehands.info

Carol has posted pictures from the Naugatuck River Festival of Judy's Gypsies!!
Look under "special events".

Monday, May 11, 2009

"Today, look at the blue sky, hear the grass growing beneath your feet, inhale the scent of spring, let the fruits of the earth linger on your tongue, reach out and embrace those you love. Ask Spirit to awaken your awareness to the sacredness of your sensory perceptions."
Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Simple Abundance"
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

WHETHER YOU ARE A MOTHER OR NOT, YOU CARRY WITHIN YOU THE SPIRIT OF THE "GREAT MOTHER" . Mothering yourself is a way of listening to your deepest needs, and responding to them in support of your inner child.

Take time to quietly meditate on the cosmic Great Mother who can inspire us all: the divine, feminine Spirit of nurturance known as the Goddess, so revered in ancient times and being rediscovered by women today. Perhaps we need to reacquaint ourselves consciously with the maternal and deeply comforting dimension of Divinity in order to learn how to mother ourselves. Make places in your home that "mother" you every day - comfortable places that invite you to sit, sleep, relax and reflect, restore, pamper and soothe.

There is no more beautiful way of honoring the love of the feminine divinity waiting to mother us than by celebrating the temple where her Spirit dwells on earth.
GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL AT THE NAUGATUCK RIVER FESTIVAL THIS PAST SATURDAY!!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS HOLISTIC CENTER'S BOOTH WAS MANNED BY JUDY, JEREMY, DAVE, WICKET AND DORA!!! I THINK THE TWO DOGS DREW JUST AS MUCH ATTENTION AS ALL THE GOODIES WE HAD FOR SALE. LOTS OF INTEREST IN OUR CLASSES AND PROGRAMS, SO HOPE TO SEE NEW FACES SOON!

JUDY'S GYPSIES WERE A SMASHING SUCCESS!! JUDY, MELANIE AND VICTORIA DID SOLOS (VICTORIA WOWED THEM ALL WITH HER HULA HOOP!) SHARON, LORRAINE, JOANNE, DIANE AND ABBY JOINED IN "SHAKING THEIR STUFF" AND IT WAS A GREAT SHOW. RUTH GAVE MORAL SUPPORT WHILE TAKING PICTURES AND JOAN CROWLEY (FROM OUR TAI CHI CLASS) ALSO CAME TO SHOW HER SUPPORT!

THANK YOU LADIES, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

"Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic."
--Rosalind Russell

CLEARING THE MIND

Setting aside time in the day to clear our minds allows us to perceive our world in a slightly fresher view and free ourselves of yesterday's mental clutter. In order to clear our minds, we need to take a break from "mental stimulation". A long walk, a yoga class, tai chi class or dance class or exercise class draws the attention to our bodies and slows the mental activity. Deep breathing is an even simpler way to settle and relax the mind. Learn to meditate or just take time to stare at the stars. When our mind is clear it is also open to spirit. Only in the silence can we hear God and learn to feel his presence and delight in it.

PILATES PILATES PILATES

NEXT WEEK WEDNESDAY MAY 13TH AT 7PM OUR PILATES CLASS WILL BE FREE TO THOSE NEW TO THE BENEFITS OF PILATES. PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO YOUR FRIENDS AND COME YOURSELF IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT YET!

PILATES TONES, TIGHTENS AND STRENGTHENS FROM THE INNER CORE WITHOUT BUILDING BULKY MUSCLES. REALIZE A TIGHT AND FIT BODY FOR THE SUMMER!

YOGA YOGA YOGA

Denise Walsh will be conducting a "Restorative" Yoga Class this Wed. May 6th at 4:30pm. If you have never experienced this type of yoga, you are in for a treat!!
Beginning next week yoga class will permanently be moved to Tuesday. May 12th yoga will be at 4:30pm as usual. The following week Tuesday, May 19th, Denise will add a 7:00pm class, also.
Tuesday, May 19th, will be also be a "free class" for anyone that is not currently taking yoga with us. However, we encourage all those already in the class to come. As you know, our space is limited so you need to hold your space and pre-pay for a minimum of 3 weeks. Check out our "savings" cards that are available!