Inverness County was host to 40 enthusiastic Tai Chi’ers this past weekend as the Cape Breton branch of the Canadian Tai Chi Academy celebrated its first National Level Workshop.  With participants from the island including people from Belle Cote, Inverness, Mabou, Port Hood, Judique, Port Hawkesbury and Cleveland, there were also participants from Antigonish, the South Shore, Parrsboro and Amherst.  As well, two participants joined the group from British Columbia and the Instructor, Darren Pryke, was from Ottawa.

Friday evening was an introduction to the theme for the weekend – “Finding Balance with Tai Chi”.  Participants reviewed movements from the 108 Moving Meditation, and then played with parts of the movement to fine tune and tweak their technique.  Over the weekend we connected with each other, shared some great exercise and food, and finished with a great sense of accomplishment as everyone was able to participate right to the end.

There were some great observations of changes as the group learned how to work together, the movements smoothed out into a soft, flowing sequence – the kind that many people have observed in city parks and been mesmerized by.  Some people felt an increase in flexibility through their spine, some people opened up their stretch, calmness was felt by all as the clock disappeared with time, and some found new strength in joints and muscles.  After Friday evening, one participant even found enough strength in her fingertips to be able to squeeze her pill box open, which she hadn’t done for months.  Small but important changes were happening everywhere.

The Cape Breton branch has class running through the summer on Tuesday and Thursdays.  Tuesday is in Judique at the Community Hall from 6:30 – 8:00, while Mabou is on Thursdays at the Greenwell’s, (4614 Route 252) from 7 – 8:30, (at Dalbrae Academy in the music room until July).  There are two workshops planned:  July 2 6-9 pm at the Judique Hall with Yvonne Waines from West Kelowna Branch, and July 4 6-9 pm at the Renewal Center with Doug Waines from West Kelowna Branch.  The cost for the workshop is a month’s membership with the CTCA at $10 for 55 yrs and older, and $20 for under 55 yrs.  As well, a toonie is collected at the door for the hall rental.

Active living is happening in Cape Breton, and Tai Chi is one incredible choice we have for finding strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, energy and enthusiasm.  Tai Chi is possible for all mobility possibilities and can be taught from a chair.  New people are always welcome to come and check it out, and we encourage new participants to have patience with themselves to learn a little at a time.  A little goes a long way in changing movement patterns and opening up the possibility of rejuvenation for the body.  For more information check out www.canadiantaichiacademy.org, www.dancedebut.com or email Michelle Greenwell at info@dancedebut.com or call 945-2967.

Spend a day educating yourself about how herbs can raise the energy level of the systems in your body, how to grow and nurture your own unique herb garden, and how to harvest the results of your efforts for months of enjoyment with specialty teas, cooking and seasoning.

Who:   Deb Hayward, Herb specialist from Anamchara Farms in Mabou, and Michelle Greenwell, Energy Kinesiologist  from Dance Debut in Mabou,

What:  A morning with Michelle will open your opportunities for    understanding how herbs work with the body to raise its energy level and support health and wellness, and an afternoon with Deb in the garden will open your knowledge of growing and nurturing your own plants and harvesting them.

Where: Dance Debut Studios and Anamchara Farms in Mabou

When:  By Appointment or during our special workshop days –

                   Thurs. June 6, Wed. July 10, Wed. July 24, Wed. Aug 14

9-12 with Michelle, 12 – 1 break for lunch, 1-4 with Deb

Why:  To broaden your expertise to new possibilities for enjoying herbs and using them to support and build energy for your body.

Cost:  $140 with 2 instructional manuals

Additional options:  Herbs $4 per, or build a pot for $22 with 4 plants

            Western Herbs Resource Book by Evelyn Mulders $40

For more information and registration, please contact Michelle Greenwell at 902-945-2967, info@dancedebut.com, www.dancedebut.com or Deb Hayward at 902-945-2551 or faeirylights@hotmail.com.

The true desire of the herbs and plants is to heal the planet, All we have to do is listen! - Evelyn Mulders

The Morning with Western Herbs

Introduction:  How the energy systems of the body are organized based on Eastern knowledge:  Meridians, and Chakras

Muscle Testing for BioFeedback from the body:  The Pendelum and Anterior Deltoid for Self-monitoring or Partner Monitoring

Sensitivity Testing:  Screening herbs for C1 and Ear Acupoint

Herbal Support Protocol:  Herbal Meridian Balance and Herbal Chakra Balance

Herbal Power: Supporting the Triangle of Health – Body, Mind and Spirit

Chakra Herbal Chart

Herbal Guide

Herbal Meridian Chart

Etiquette of Harvesting

“The Eastern Philosophy embraces an energy model which views the body as a whole, including the invisible energy body which is simply a network of energy fields and systems that receive and transmit information on various levels of frequency.  The energy system is like a network of transformers, relaying information from outside our body to the inside of our body.  Part of this energy system is the meridian system, which then transmits this information to organs and glands.” “Herbs bring balance to the meridians as easily as acupuncture or food.”  “Consuming the herbal remedies supports the physical body.  Exploring the emotion related to the herb supports the energy body. Listening to the healing message from the herb offers support for the spiritual connection.”  Author, Evelyn Mulders: “Western Herbs for Eastern Meridians and Five Element Theory”

Michelle Greenwell specializes in healing and reprogramming the body to move and function more efficiently.  Her specialized kinesiology knowledge began with Touch for Health and has increasingly expanded to include such skills as Medical Intuitive Training, Sound Essence Therapy, Primary Reflex Reprogramming, Energy Medicine, Allergies, Qi Gong and Tai Chi to name only a few other healing modalities.  Michelle is passionate about dance and movement, and loves helping people find new ways to bring more energy and vitality into their lives.

The Afternoon With Western Herbs

A Practical Guide for Growing Herbs

by Deb Hayward

Introduction:

To include a brief tour of my garden and history of the use of Herbs

1. culinary use
2. medicinal use
3. aromatic use

Garden Selection:

Site selection regarding size, layout (which could be artistic in nature), location, drainage

and the building of appropriate soil composition

Garden Preparations:

Soil testing, sod removal if necessary, tilling by hand or machine

Potted herbs as an alternative to open garden

Soil Mixtures:

(It may be necessary to build total soil for a new garden)

Amending soil (as needed), fertilizing

Planting:

Seed and or plant selection

Starting seed and or transplanting into garden

Caring for Plants during the Season:

Watering, fertilizing, thinning and cultivating

Harvesting and Storing:

Tools, harvesting time and amount harvested

Fresh use, drying, and freezing

The ultimate in creative self care begins with your own hand-dyed scarf, inspiring music, and freedom to move and dance into bliss.  Combining artistic talents, Ann Schroeder, fabric dyer and quiltmaker, and Michelle Greenwell, dance and healing specialist, will provide you with a fantastic day of art, dance and healing.

 In the Morning: 

At 9:30 am Ann will meet you at her Mabou Harbour Studio with a spectacular ocean view.  You’ll play with colours and patterns to dye your own large silk scarf to wear and use in dancing.  No experience is necessary and you don’t have to be “artistic” to create a beautiful scarf.

Lunch at the shore:

At 12:30 you’ll have an hour and a half to relax, enjoying cuisine from one of the local restaurants or your bagged lunch at West Mabou beach.

In the Afternoon:

At 2:00 Michelle will meet you at her Dance Debut Studio in Hillsborough for three hours of dance and movement fun.  Using specialized kinesiology technique, participants will access the needs of the body and determine what kind of movement will help the body to feel its best.  Using inspiring music, Michelle will lead you through a series of exercises that allow you to dance with your new scarf and heal the body in the process.  Helpful handouts will go home with you too.

Class is:  By Appointment or during our Special Workshop Days – Monday June 10,  Monday July 22, Monday August 12, or Wednesday Aug 21

Cost is:  $150/person with 3-6 people, and includes: silk scarf, dyeing supplies and handout, studio space and instruction for dyeing, dance studio time, dance manual and instruction as well as a personalized program based on muscle testing to determine the body’s needs.

For more information and registration, please contact Michelle Greenwell at 902-945-2967, info@dancedebut.com, www.dancedebut.com or Ann Schroeder at 902-945-2744, ann@annschroederstudio.com, or www.annschroederstudio.com

The lines, angles and directions revealed in the character manifest as follows:

1) a) the direction we push either straight out(e.g. grasp bird’s tail)
1) b) up or down at 45 degrees(e.g. fair lady – up hand or brush knee – down hand)
1) c) or straight up and down (during turn and chop with fist or at the end of stork cools wings)
2) the line of the back from head to heel in full-length step forward step,

3) the angle of the lower leg to the floor in forward postures – perpendicular

4) the angle of the lower leg in “back postures” – 45 degrees to the floor

5) the angle of the spine to the floor in “back postures”

6) the angles we rotate through in transitioning between moves – usually, multiples of 45 degrees

Weight Loss Goals on Target

Looking for 10 individuals with a weight loss goal this New Year!  Launching a new program of self-discovery, goal setting, emotional recharging and habit changing, this program will lead you into the new desires and goals with ease and steadfastness.  The group will gather on Monday mornings from 11 – 12, or Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 8:30 for 10 weeks.  The cost for this program is $70 and includes tips and tools to assist your goals.  The class will meet at the Greenwell’s.

Allergy Relief

Are you plagued by allergies that are specific to animals, foods, chemicals, or situations?  Michelle is looking for individuals ready to let go of these life challenges and to accept that life does not have to have irritating reactions!  The cost for a session with Michelle is $65.  This will include a 60 to  90 minute  healing session with Michelle and a follow-up appointment of up to 60 minutes to tweak anything new that may have come up as a result of the changes made to the body.  Appointments will be accepted on a first come first served basis with this promotion being held for the month of January.

Take a Deep Breath and Sleep Easier

Have you been challenged with snoring, plugged sinuses, sleep apnea, shallow breathing or more?  This session is designed to teach you about breathing tools that can assist the way you sleep, play and go about your daily activities.  Healing tools will include looking at the emotions that may be hindering the breathing opportunities your body is experiencing.  Monday evening from 6:30 – 7:30 for 8 weeks.  Class will be held at the Greenwell’s.