A Winter Pause

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

OPEN DOOR Integrative Wellness www.opendoorworkshop.com __________________________ As I began to think about writing this December note, I was overwhelmed with all the disturbing events that I could react to ...we all feel them...it is a challenging time. Truly, not to be reactive, to not feel overwhelmed requires an abundance of equanimity. I realized maybe we need less fuel in the fire, maybe these words could be offered as a reminder to be mindful of the potent impact of gratitude and compassion. In my classes I remind people to go toward what feels good, what brings ease. Our minds so easily drift toward what is not working, what is uncomfortable. During these crazy,busy days, we could pause and notice how the winter's light casts a lovely,quieter hue, the mountains beckon us to play, the fireplace offers respite from the biting cold... These moments of appreciation can be a powerful tool to reframe our perspective. We all need to remember to open these gifts...presence, gratitude, graciousness. So, may you just take this as a simple reminder...maybe right now...pause, look up, go toward what feels right in the world and love that deeply, wholly... May you be well- Kate and all of us at Open Door. Please join us December 15th for our day of Gratitude: We at Open Door have been so fortunate to find a home in WRJ over these past few years and would like to take a day to give back. On December 15th we are happy to offer the following free classes and services to members of our community. Schedule 10-11am Tai Chi 11-2pm Chair Massage 2:30-5pm Group Acupuncture 5:30-6:30pm Restorative movement class   Please email Miriah at  to register for classes or to reserve a space for massage or acupuncture. Do you bow your head when you pray or do you look up into that blue space? Take your choice, prayers fly from all directions. Mary Oliver Discussing Sexuality with your Children Parents and guardians of upper elementary and middle school children are warmly encouraged to attend this informative session on talking to kids about sexuality. The presentation and discussion aims to guide what sexuality topics are developmentally appropriate for 11-14 year olds and how parents and guardians can overcome the discomforts of talking about sex with their children. Please join us with an open mind, sense of humor and many questions!  Cindy Pierce educates and entertains audiences with her message about making healthy choices and navigating cultural pressures. She is the author of Sexploitation: Helping Kids Develop Healthy Sexuality in a Porn-Driven World.  Dr. Michael Lyons is a family physician who has provided care to kids and adults in the Upper Valley for over 20 years. He is also a clinical assistant professor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine.    Winter Solstice Winter Solstice Ceremony at Open Door and Veteran’s Park, White River Junction, VT  December 21st 6:30 - 8:00 All are warmly invited to the second annual Winter Solstice Ceremony in White River Junction, Vermont. On this shortest day of the year, we will pause to honor the stillness and movement both inside and out.   Opening Ceremony  6:30 Open Door Contemplation on the Solstice, silent meditation  6:45 - 7:30 at Open Door Procession to and through the Labyrinth at Veterans Park 6:45-7:30 Closing Ceremony 7:30 Open Door This will be a contemplative gathering, so all are invited to observe functional silence throughout the event. Please come a bit early, so we can begin punctually.                 New Team Member: Open Door welcomes Julie Clemons, our newest massage therapist, to join our team. Her background as an adventure educator informs her practice by infusing it with the joy of discovery and the spirit of problem-solving. She integrates Swedish relaxation massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, and proprioceptive techniques in her work. During her training, she completed her internship under the tutelage of Kevin Comeau here at Open Door. She enjoys working with all clients, but particularly those who want to improve their daily adventures with freer, more spacious movement. To schedule with Julie email or call her directly.  603-304-5227. julieclemons@gmail.com December Nutrition Notes Holly Westling December is the time to gather indoors, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate the holidays. Nutrition is often not on our minds during these gatherings. Often we will indulge in holiday treats and foods that look and taste wonderfully -again, and again, because they are just “soooooooo good”. But after the holidays, we are left picking up the wellness pieces and trying to get back on track with a healthy lifestyle in the New Year. To avoid this frequent post-holiday regret, I challenge you to practice mindful eating while you are enjoying those holiday treats.Through mindful eating practice, you will eat less, and more likely eat foods that make your body feel good.December is the time to gather indoors, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate the holidays. Nutrition is often not on our minds during these gatherings. Often we will indulge in holiday treats and foods that look and taste wonderfully -again, and again, because they are just “soooooooo good”. But after the holidays, we are left picking up the wellness pieces and trying to get back on track with a healt A few tips on how to eat mindfully: 1) Assess your hunger before you eat by asking yourself these questions: Am I actually hungry? How hungry am I? 2) Choose your food carefully. Is it a food that will nurture your body. If not, is it a food that you truly enjoy and want to eat? 3) Focus your attention on your food. Try to sit at a table in a pleasant environment and be with your food. 4) Taste each bite carefully. Try taking small bites and chewing slowly and thoroughly. Chewing for at least 15-20 times per bite allows you to thoroughly taste your food while slowing down your eating. Try putting your utensil down in between bites to help slow things down. Here is a recipe for one my favorite long-time holiday treats that will leave you feeling satisfied with no regrets. This chocolate bark is full of nutrients and anti-oxidants from the dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Enjoy. Dark Chocolate Bark Ingredients: 8 oz high quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate ( 70%+) chopped 8 oz high quality bittersweet chocolate (I use King Arthur for my chocolate ingredients) chopped 2 1/2 cups of your favorite, unsweetened nuts, seeds and dried fruit; I like to use pistachios, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dried berries such as dried blueberries, gogiberries, cherries or cranberries (fruit juice sweetened) Directions: 1) Place a piece of parchment paper face-down on a pan that has edges. 2) Melt the chocolate in a pan (or double boiler) over a pot of water 3) Pour the melted chocolate on the parchment 4) Add your nuts and seeds evenly 5) Let sit for 2 or more hours to harden at room temperature 6) Cut into pieces and ENJOY! For those of you who would still like some guidance on how to start the New Year back on track with healthy eating habits, I will be offering the Open Door New Year Cleanse. Please check out our website to register and for details.   ABOUT US Through our wellness programs, Open Door offers clients the tools to be self reliant and resilient, and to achieve vibrant health and well-being. We take a fresh approach to healthcare that encourages the use of preventative practices and collaboration between client and providers. We work with clients in private sessions and group classes in our studio. We also bring our services to the workplace and out to the community. Learn more about our Services> *   *   *   *   * Host an Event at Open Door Open Door offers an elegant and versatile space to hold a celebration, board meeting, or workshop. Contact us for details. Learn more> OPEN DOOR Integrative Wellness Contact Us: opendoorwrj@gmail.com 802-698-8006 www.opendoorworkshop.com Find Us: 18 N. Main Street, White River Junction, VT Don't want to receive emails from us? Just click here: Unsubscribe from this list  Share Forward Facebook Website ABOUT US At Open Door, we offer clients the tools to achieve vibrant health and well-being and to be self reliant and resilient. We take a fresh approach to healthcare that encourages the use of preventative practices and collaboration between client and providers. We work with clients in private sessions and group classes in our studio. We also bring our wellness services to the workplace and out to the community. Learn more> *   *   *   *   * Host an Event at Open Door> Open Door offers an elegant and versatile space to hold a celebration, board meeting, or workshop. Contact us for details. Learn more> OPEN DOOR Integrative Wellness Contact Us: opendoorwrj@gmail.com 904-626-5284 www.opendoorworkshop.com Find Us: 18 N. Main Street, White River Junction, VT Don't want to receive emails from us? Just click here: Unsubscribe from this list  Share Forward Facebook Website

This email was sent to *|EMAIL|* why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences *|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|* *|REWARDS|*