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Our own Kristen Brennan has just been featured in a great new article about birth doulas at sheknows.com, called "The biggest Birth Doula Myths, Busted". Click here for the link.
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We seem to believe that more is better– more projects, more commitments, more
activities...the list goes on and on. The truth? More is usually just more, and even if we’ve become so used to the stresses of daily life that we don’t notice the strain, our nervous system does. Living in “fight or flight” mode takes a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. The good news is, your nervous system knows how to reset itself–often, we just get in our own way! At Hudson Healing Arts, we offer a number of services to help you regain a state of balance and navigate the ups and downs of the day with a sense of calm, ease, and wellbeing. As HHA founder Beth O’Boyle says, “Think of it as riding the waves, rather than being overwhelmed by them.” Read on to learn more about how our wellness services give the nervous system some much-needed TLC... Hypnosis Counseling For those seeking insight or a deeper understanding of what may be causing frazzled feelings, hypnosis counseling is a great option. Often, when the nervous system is in need of a reset, there’s a feeling of unease, agitation, sadness, or a profound sense of tiredness. Through hypnosis, you’ll be gently guided to explore what’s present that’s seeking attention, but from a more neutral and curious perspective. Often the information arises in the form of images and metaphors – the language of the subconscious mind. We all have our own symbolic language and it can offer tremendous insight into restoration. Learn more about hypnosis here. Acupuncture Acupuncture is so effective at calming the nervous system that it’s common for people to fall asleep during sessions. Carla San Diego, one of our resident acupuncturists, explains that this kind of TLC is essential, because like any other system, the nervous system must maintain balance to work. She shares that the nervous system is “the original smart device, designed to protect you even when you don’t want to be protected.” “When you experience things such as insomnia, indigestion, or fatigue despite otherwise normal circumstances, your nervous system is essentially speeding up or slowing things down in response to an unbalanced system,” she explains. “An acupuncturist’s role is to interpret such signs and symptoms, use the appropriate meridians and points to connect them with the whole you, and basically give your nervous system a reboot so it can once again maintain balance.” Learn more about acupuncture here. Reiki Reiki is ideal for those who are overwhelmed, depleted, feeling out of sorts, or just don’t know where to begin. During a session, there’s nothing you need to do except rest and receive – the practitioner does all of the work for you. Our systems have an innate wisdom of how to restore and reboot, and Reiki is an immensely restorative treatment that’s well suited to this purpose. You can learn more about Reiki here. AshWorkEnergy Clearing AshWork Energy Clearing is a new paradigm in energy work, one that works on the underpinnings of an issue, gently shifting the pattern to create change. Perhaps the most refreshing part of AshWork is that you don’t need to go into great detail about the issue you’re dealing with, whether it’s a challenging relationship or an inability to let go of a past experience. Sessions are usually done by phone, offering you the ability to feel better right in the comfort of your own home. Benefits include feeling more relaxed, having a greater sense of ease in mind and body, being less focused on the issue, or gaining a new sense of perspective about the issue itself– all of which helps to reduce strain on the nervous system. Learn more about AshWork here. Self-Care Is A Ripple Effect At the end of the day, your nervous system knows how to take care of itself; your role is to cooperate by prioritizing time for self-care, despite the frantic pace of today’s world. Nurturing your nervous system helps you feel happier, less likely to overreact, more at ease, more comfortable in your own skin and with the world around you, and better able to think clearly. We’ve all heard the saying, ‘If mama isn’t happy, nobody’s happy!’ Children are uniquely attuned to their parents’ emotional state– especially babies and young kids. They’ll often mirror the tension back to you by becoming agitated or withdrawn, depending on their personality. If your child or children have been irritable or unusually quiet, consider the whole family picture. This same concept applies to all sorts of environments outside of the home, too; we’ve all felt the “contagious” effects of others’ emotions in the workplace, traffic, and even the check-out line! The services we offer at Hudson Healing Arts can help you find a way back to greater peace and harmony, not only for yourself, but for everyone you encounter. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to give us a call at (201) 653-7700 or email admin@HudsonHealingArts.com for more information! Summer is a season of simpler pleasures and just being, enjoying what’s right in front of us: sunshine, fresh fruit, bare feet in the grass, an ice-cold glass of lemonade. And, of course, the long, lazy days of summer were made for daydreaming.
Guided imagery takes the positive aspects of daydreaming up a notch. At Hudson Healing Arts, we offer this form of deliberate, directed daydreaming to encourage instant stress relief, deep relaxation, and even enhanced physical health. It’s a wonderful complementary treatment for those living with chronic illness or pain. You can think of guided imagery as a mental vacation with healing benefits, one that has as much impact as taking a physical trip! The best part? This powerful practice is accessible to anyone and everyone, and requires nothing but your own receptivity. And a little imagination, of course (don’t worry if yours is rusty!). A guided imagery session is like stepping into a portal of relaxation, one that already exists within you. What Are The Benefits Of Guided Imagery? It’s no secret that your mind has remarkable sway over your body and emotional state. Just briefly thinking about your favorite meal can instantly make your mouth water; the anticipation of an upcoming trip can create immense, very real happiness. The images we concoct in our mind’s eye can feel every bit as emotional and powerful as actual events. At the same time, this mind-body connection can also work against us. We’ve all felt the physical symptoms of worry and stress, whether it’s nausea, chest pain, or otherwise. Guided imagery taps into the powerful link between the mind and body to create harmony, with deep relaxation as the result. Because the healing images and messages are received in an altered state, they are able to bypass the “monkey mind” and truly resonate in your subconscious on multiple levels. Just a few potential benefits include:
What Is A Session Like? Guided imagery harnesses the unique power of visualization to improve both physical and emotional health, but no two sessions are alike. Hudson Healing Arts founder and practitioner Beth O’Boyle tailors each session to your specific needs. There’s no need to worry if you don’t consider yourself a “visual” person: Guided imagery is an experience that engages all five senses and is experienced through the body, not just the mind’s eye. There may be something specific you’d like to focus on, such as overcoming a fear or healing from a broken relationship. For those dealing with health challenges, guided imagery is a powerful, scientifically-backed method of focusing or redirecting the body’s energy to support increased wellbeing. Please note that guided imagery is not a substitute for good medical care. It can however, both complement and enhance the benefits in a safe and gentle way. It’s not necessary to have a specific “goal” in mind - you may simply be seeking relief from the general stress and anxiety of everyday life. Each session starts with a brief conversation about how you’d like to feel or respond so that it’s optimized for your unique needs and desires. When it’s time to begin, you’ll relax on a massage table, close your eyes, and the process of gradual relaxation will begin. Part of the reason that guided imagery is so powerful is because it catalyzes an altered state (similar to what is experienced in meditation and hypnosis, though there are a few differences). Beth has extensive experience gently guiding clients into deep relaxation, a rare respite from the normal stress and mind-chatter of our everyday state. This not only gives your nervous system a much-needed break, but creates the space for profound growth and opens the gateway for physical healing too. Even better, there’s nothing at all you need to do in a guided imagery session! Beth does all the talking, using specific words and thoughts to connect to your subconscious, and no response is needed. All you have to do is lie there comfortably and allow your energy to be directed in a healthier, more supportive way! Guided Imagery At Hudson Healing Arts Interested in experiencing the benefits of guided imagery yourself? We’d love to see you. Beth can be reached at (201) 653-7700 ext.1 and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. And of course, we encourage everyone to have a joyful summer full of daydreaming! Happy June, everyone! Here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’re excited to kick off the summer with a wonderful new addition to our team. We’d like to extend the warmest of welcomes to Kristen Brennan, a talented energy alchemist, Reiki healer, and birth doula (a first at HHA!).
Kristen’s ultimate goal is to empower clients to start their journey to true healing...and for each human to understand just how “worth it” they truly are. Kristen’s Approach To Healing For Kristen, part of the beauty of Reiki is that there’s no limit to the value that you can receive; Reiki is the energy of Universal Divine Love, and thus comes from an unlimited supply. As a Reiki practitioner, Kristen acts as a compassionate channel of that universal energy, transferring it through a gentle “laying on” of hands to wherever it’s needed most. This beautiful form of energy work has been likened to a soul massage and helps to restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit. By facilitating this equilibrium on all levels, Reiki activates your body’s natural healing properties, clears blockages, and promotes a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. The benefits that stem from this natural healing process can be reaped on multiple levels and in unforeseen ways. And when it comes to pregnancy, Reiki’s benefits can be all the more profound, offering support for mothers-to-be (and even their unborn baby) during a life-altering and transformative experience. Kristen is passionate about blending Reiki with her work as a birth doula and offers prenatal sessions at no extra charge. Kristen also offers a variety of additional services under the birth doula umbrella, all intended to create the most supportive birth experience possible. In fact, her mission is for her clients to have a spectacular birth...something that so many women aren’t even aware is possible. Her services as a birth doula include:
Kristen’s priority as a birth doula is to be your biggest cheerleader. Driven by a deep desire to support and empower mothers through this sacred process, Kristen acts as a constant guiding hand and calm, reassuring presence from pregnancy through postpartum. Research confirms the benefits, too, as doulas help to cut back on time spent in labor by up to 25% and lower the rate of medical interventions. “I work with you to make pregnancy and labor a spiritually enriching experience where you feel like a transformed and empowered woman, rather than traumatized,” she says. “The more relaxed you are, the more you can labor the way you need to. I am here to help you manage pain, ease stress, and support you 100% on your personal path to motherhood.” While some doulas offer just a few prenatal meetings, Kristen prefers to build a relationship with at least five to six sessions. She encourages communication and support as often as clients desire during pregnancy. When it comes to the day of the birth, she acts as your advocate in the delivery room to ensure that your birth plan is honored. She also adds unique touches to elevate the experience and relax you, such as setting tea lights and bringing a beautiful sarong for you to wear instead of a hospital gown. Kristen is also passionate about helping her clients harness the power of guided meditation and visualization to ease stress and facilitate a happy, successful birth. Currently, she’s developing an anti-tearing meditation to ease the common fear of tearing that so many expecting mothers have. “Studies show that having a doula present at your birth to reframe the experience in a positive light can almost completely alleviate postpartum,” Kristen says. “No matter how many times you give birth, it’s always going to be the most amazing thing, and I’m going to be there to remind you of that.” At the end of the day, Kristen is excited to join the Hudson Healing Arts team and wants clients to know that she is truly there to support them...and we are honored to welcome her to our sacred space! If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a free consultation, feel free to reach Kristen at (908) 418-2744 or krist10brenn@gmail.com. You can also get more information Last month, we discussed how we can shake off the cobwebs in our minds, bodies, and spirits as we move into spring. As the weather warms up even more, we feel it’s important to discuss the power that nature can play in ushering in new beginnings and enhancing overall wellness, too.
Likely, you’ve realized the healing power of nature intuitively, whether from a soul-stirring walk in the woods or a clear-headed sense of calm just from soaking up the fresh air. At Hudson Healing Arts, nature has a place in each and every one of our wellness offerings. Our team believes that the natural world offers an abundance of healing, which is why we use natural imagery in hypnosis and guided meditations, harness flower power through Bach Flower Remedies, and give a nod to the elements in various shamanic traditions (and that’s just the short list!). Below, we share a few fun, easy ways to get in touch with nature and nourish your soul at the same time... Sunshine Mindfulness Andrea Inauen, our resident social worker/counselor, and all-around infinite source of wellness wisdom, is a big fan of a simple yet powerful sunshine mindfulness exercise. “As the weather gets warmer and the sunshine is ever-present, shining light on that integral question of what is important to you and how to get there can be a great step to finding greater joy and peace this season,” Andrea says. She recommends finding a comfortable spot to sit that’s directly in the sunlight. As the brightness shines on you, re-ask yourself the age-old question: What is important to you? Jot down the first few things that come to mind without judging yourself or over-analyzing your answers. Next, ask yourself another important question: What has been occupying most of your time? “Consider if this answer aligns with those things that are important to you. If yes, fantastic, but if not, what is one action you can do, or one thing can you move out of the way, to allow greater focus on a top priority that has until now been getting less attention?” Andrea says. Before getting up, set your phone or timer for 60 seconds. Use that time to inhale as deeply as you can, hold the air for another moment, then exhale. As you release the old air, visualize some of the toxins/clutter that have occupied your heart and mind exiting your body. With each inhale, visualize the purity of clean air, the warmth and radiance of the sunlight, enter and fill you anew. Walking Meditation There’s something magical about the simple action of putting one foot in front of the other that stimulates creativity, reflection, and a sense of deeper peace. A walking meditation, also known as “meditation in motion,” is a simple yet profound way to reap these benefits and quite literally “ground” yourself. It can be helpful to focus on the feeling of your feet contacting the ground with every step. Hone in deliberately on the lifting and moving of your feet, the breath moving through your body, or whatever your eyes are naturally drawn to. Hudson Healing Arts founder Beth O’Boyle says there’s no “right or wrong way” to embark on a walking meditation, but she does have one important recommendation: Leave your phone at home! Doing so gives your psyche a much-needed refresher and allows you to fully take in the beauty that surrounds you. “It’s not about getting to a particular destination, but rather bringing the mind and body into sync. Just simply breathe, walk, and soak in the fresh air and sunshine,” Beth says. “The more you practice, even if just for a few minutes, the more the practice will grow on you.” Plenty of Options Both the sunshine mindfulness exercise and walking meditation are simple and free practices that harness the healing properties of nature. However, there are endless options awaiting you. A few more ideas...
Whatever the focus is, whether decluttering your mind or feeling better emotionally, remember that there are always options, and nature in particular offers an amazing abundance of opportunities for healing. Here’s to a wonderful, nature-filled summer! Spring has a magical way of ushering in fresh starts in all aspects of our lives. Just as clearing out our closets makes us feel somehow lighter, we also receive countless benefits from taking the time to scrub out the cobwebs that accumulate in our mind, body, and soul. There’s no better time to shed beliefs, ideas, and commitments that no longer serve you. Once you let go of that which has been weighing you down, you clear room for more of what makes you feel alive and joyful. With this renewed spring in our step, our loved ones feel the positive effects, too; in fact, everyone we encounter reaps the benefits when we’re more present and balanced. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun ways to open up to the energy of spring, and all the new life and possibilities it presents! We asked our practitioners at Hudson Healing Arts for their best ideas, and, as usual, they didn’t disappoint… Spring Cleaning For The Body From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, the liver is the general of the organs—and spring is liver season! Our nutritionist and acupuncturist, Joe DelGiodice, recommends incorporating foods, beverages, and lifestyle cultivation practices that directly benefit the health of your liver (and thus, your entire body). Food:
Lifestyle Exercises:
Spring Cleaning for the Mind Andrea Inauen, our licensed social worker and resident counselor, is a huge advocate for emotional toolboxes. While many events in life are out of control, Andrea believes it’s empowering to identify those we can control and work through to find joy in the everyday. She encourages clients to reevaluate their coping toolbox; that is to say, the methods in your proverbial back pocket to help you manage stress, anxiety, and daily challenges. This could include exercise, nourishing foods, massage, social time, sleep, or other self-care activities. “Identify if there are tools that have been dormant—can they still be helpful, or have your interests changed? Is it time to let go of one or two of those tools? Or, did you forget you had these tools, and maybe this spring is a time to re-institute them into your life and routines?” Andrea says. She encourages clients to consider one or two possible new tools, perhaps yoga, guided imagery, essential oils, painting, creative writing, or journal-keeping. You won’t know how a tool works until you try it! “Recognize that, as springtime emerges, it is a time where joy and peacefulness can abound, but having a freshly polished toolbox to take great care of ourselves can help us make the most of the season and find joy in the everyday,” she says. Spring Cleaning For The Soul Hudson Healing Arts founder Beth O’Boyle also shares that spring is the perfect opportunity to air out our emotional closets. She recommends AshWork, a gentle, noninvasive form of energy work that helps to encourage healing, release stuck patterns, and restore harmony. It’s also a technique that can help you make significant progress on emotional issues in a relatively short period of time (You can read more about it here.) “Clearing out old emotional baggage helps us lighten our energy. As you let things go, it frees you up to be more present in the world,” Beth says. “It may be a good time to hone in that one issue that’s been stuffed in your mental drawer: the one you meant to take care of, but haven’t. Airing out these issues can help you move forward in a lighter way.” Plain Old Spring Cleaning! There’s a reason “A clean home makes for a clean mind” is such a popular saying: it’s absolutely true! Our physical environment has a direct link to our head space, so pat yourself on the back for any decluttering efforts happening in your abode. Beth also offers some au naturale tips for elevating your spring cleaning routine:
We sincerely hope one of these ideas resonates and helps you to celebrate the season of renewal to the fullest! However, this list is far from exclusive...there are endless ways to get creative and welcome spring in your own style. Feel free to share your favorite “spring cleaning” rituals in the comments section below! It’s no secret that nutrition is an integral component of a healthy lifestyle. What’s lesser-known, however, is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to eating right. Each individual has different needs based on a variety of factors, such as their age, health history, goals, and, of course, their taste buds!
At Hudson Healing Arts, Joe DelGiodice (our resident acupuncturist, Chinese and Western herbalist, and naturopath) is passionate about helping clients enhance their health and wellbeing through personalized nutrition plans. A firm believer that everyone can benefit from a diet tune-up, he’s worked with people from all walks of life, ranging from 3 months old to 102! “Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a serious health condition, working towards a health goal, or looking to fend off flu season, nutritional counseling offers beneficial support,” he says. Here’s what else you should know… Benefits Of Nutritional Counseling In today’s busy world, we often accept constant tiredness as the status quo. According to Joe, this lack of vitality shouldn’t be accepted lying down...literally! The food you eat has a direct impact on your brain, for better or for worse. Nutritional counseling can be a huge help in putting the vim and vigor back into your step, which in turn works wonders for your mood and cognition. For those with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease, proper nutrition is also extra-essential when it comes to maintaining optimal health. Some other signs that you might be in need of nutritional counseling:
How It Works The first thing Joe asks clients about is their purpose: Are you looking to gain a bit of an edge, to become substantially healthier, or even to obtain supernatural health? This, ladies and gentlemen, is the power that a nutrient-dense diet has to completely transform your health (and thus, your life). Joe’s passion is helping you harness that potential in a way that works best for your dietary needs and lifestyle. When you work together, you’ll learn that eating healthy doesn’t have to be synonymous with “boring” or sacrificing flavor. He focuses on incorporating fresh, whole foods that come from the ground, explaining that “within that realm, there's a lot of options and variety for that person in that season, in both the year and their life.” Joe harnesses his in-depth knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and naturopathy to complete an evaluation at the beginning of a session and gain specific insight into a person’s health. “After I learn a client’s goals, I’ll create a tailored program that fits with what scientific research tells us, which is that diets that are plant-based and highly focused are the most effective in preventing and reversing degenerative health, maintaining a healthy immune system, and making sure you’re absorbing fewer environmental contaminants,” he explains. Personalized, One-on-One Sessions Just as every session is tailored to the individual’s needs, the frequency of sessions also varies. Some clients receive nutritional counseling during acupuncture, an add-in service free of charge with the acupuncture treatment. Others come in on a weekly or seasonal basis, as Joe focuses on the needs of different organs and systems during each season. “As we enter spring, for instance, it’s time to focus on the liver,” he explains. “Foods that work well for the health of the liver tend to be naturally a bit sour or bitter, like lemons, limes, grapefruit, and dark, leafy greens.” He also typically recommends a hydrating “lemonade” to encourage detoxification during this time of year, which consists of water mixed with a squeeze of lemon, cayenne pepper, organic extra virgin olive oil or walnut oil, and grade B maple syrup. “For people who stay with the plan we lay out, we tend to see a number of results: weight loss, improved numbers for things like cholesterol and blood pressure, more resiliant immune systems,” he says. “It also makes me happy to help people better manage conditions like diabetes or heart disease, or withstand the side effects of treatments like chemo.” Book An Appointment The bottom line is that everyone can stand to gain the benefits of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. When you learn the factors unique to your body and health needs, you can unlock greater levels of energy, vitality, and happiness...and enjoy some tasty new foods in the process! Interested in experiencing the health-boosting effects of a nutritional counseling session yourself? For the month of April, schedule the initial consultation and first follow up session for just $130.00 when you mention this blog post. With each New Year, we are offered a fresh start to realize our dreams, goals and visions. 2019 is themed with much goodness! It is a time where our Pure Divine (the purity of our spirit) will show itself more clearly than in the past and if we can harness the Grounded Clarity this year offers energetically, we will be in an even wiser position to see our true Soul Purpose.
Our Shaman, Cristina Maria RojasFernandez, has a few tips for welcoming this energy: 3 simple Shamanic/Earth Spirit Wisdom practices to support this in 2019:
Cristina Maria can be reached at (201) 653-7700 ext. 4. After the hullabaloo of the holidays, the New Year signals a fresh, clean slate. It’s a time to reflect on the successes and lessons learned in the past 12 months, and move forward with a recharged mindset in the direction of your happiest, most authentic life. It all sounds quite exciting, doesn’t it? But while New Year’s resolutions are supposed to send us on our merry way, they often get a reputation for being fickle—full of good intent, but quick to dissolve in the chaos of our daily lives. At Hudson Healing Arts, we believe that compassionate self-care makes all the difference in helping you commit to your greatest goals and dreams. We would also suggest that the act of committing to your own wellbeing is a wonderful goal in of itself, one that will benefit you in all areas of your life, from relationships to work. According to HHA founder Beth O’Boyle, wellness is more than just the absence of pain or illness: it’s a sense of harmony among all aspects of the self - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - a feeling of being at ease with yourself and with the world around you. At HHA, we treat you as a whole person and help your energy flow freely, unrestricted by limiting thoughts and feelings. Whether you come for acupuncture, hypnosis, massage therapy, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies, Shamanic work, a counseling session, or beyond, here’s how our services can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions and start 2019 off on the right foot! Counseling When we have a strong foundation, we’re in a much better place to reach for our dreams and desires (self-actualization). Licensed social worker Andrea Inauen provides counseling services that empower you to build a pattern of caring for yourself and uncover the answer to a worthwhile question: What’s important to you? No need to arrive with a “New Year’s resolution” in mind: Together, you will identify what’s important to you and build a life that incorporates this to a certain degree to make sure it doesn’t go neglected. “I want my clients to be defined by what's most important to them; for them to feel in control of what they want in their world, rather than trapped by it,” Andrea says. You can learn more about the benefits of counseling here! Hypnosis Counseling We’ve all heard the Nike ad “Just Do It.” If it were that easy however, we wouldn’t keep making the same resolutions year after year! Hypnosis Counseling can help you clarify your goals, release limiting beliefs, and see yourself in a whole new light. You’ll be guided to explore the ‘Why and How’ factors: Why do you want this change? How will incorporating a new habit or making this change enhance your life? Why is it important to you? The subconscious mind is a virtual treasure trove of information that our Hypnosis Counselor can help you access and focus in a new and beneficial way. You can learn more about how it works here. Guided Imagery Did you ever get scolded as a child for daydreaming? Well, you may be happy to hear that specifically directed daydreaming, which is called “guided imagery,” is actually a highly effective way to accomplish your goals or achieve whatever it is you’re seeking in 2019. For those dealing with health challenges, guided imagery is superb at helping you focus or redirect the body’s energy to support increased health and wellbeing. It’s an excellent partner to your healthcare provider’s recommendations for regaining wellness. You can learn more about the power of guided imagery here. Bach Flower Remedies If your New Year’s resolution centers around finding balance, Bach Flower Remedies may be a wonderful fit for you. This gentle yet effective system of stress management offers a way to safely bring moods and emotions back into balance, and to sort through limiting thoughts and feelings that may be holding you back from living the life you want to live (a lack of self-confidence, fear, worry, resistance to breaking old habits,, etc.). Our Registered Bach Practitioner can create a Bach Remedy mix tailored to your specific needs. Learn more here! Reiki There’s no better way to recharge and relax than a Reiki session! It’s the perfect remedy for post-holiday exhaustion and can help to refresh your energy in a way that’s specific to your individual needs, whether it’s renewing and recharging tapped-out energy levels or calming and soothing agitation. Learn more about the benefits of Reiki here. AshWork Energy Clearing Don’t have time to visit us or live at a distance? This form of energy work is a whole new paradigm in energy clearing. Sessions can be done at HHA, but are equally effective when done by phone. AshWork can address a broad range of issues, from challenges with relationships to problems at work to persistent thoughts and feelings. For more information about energy clearing, check out this article. Raindrop Aromatherapy Treatment Who doesn’t love a relaxing aromatherapy session? Raindrop Treatment not only is deeply relaxing, it’s also a helpful support for the immune system, particularly during cold and flu season. Learn more about aromatherapy here. Acupuncture Acupuncture can be a supportive ally in achieving your New Year’s resolutions because it quiets the overstimulated nervous system. “The support of acupuncture can help the mind and body let go of the surface noise so you’re able to listen more deeply and clearly to your true self,” says Carla San Diego, one of our two resident acupuncture practitioners. Getting started is always the hardest part. To help you make that first step, Carla is offering 6 sessions for the price of 5 (so the first one is free!) for all of January and February. Acupuncture is most beneficial on a regular basis, every week in the beginning. If you’re new to acupuncture, 6 consecutive sessions is recommended. For details, you can reach her at (201) 653-7700 ext.5. and you can also learn more about acupuncture here. Carla encourages doing a consecutive 30-day challenge to help build momentum toward your New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, a sleep ritual, a daily walk, or beyond, just 10 minutes each day can make a huge difference. If you miss a day or two, no need to fret; just get back to it! Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Shamanic Sessions 2019 is fueled with dynamic energy. Connect with your Soul Purpose through Shamanic Healing at Hudson Healing Arts with Cristina Maria Humming Bird Medicine, our resident shamanic practitioner and the only Medicine Woman in Hoboken! Cristina Maria helps your natural order (body, mind, and soul) find harmony...not a bad way to start 2019! You can learn more about shamanic healing here. ~ A Reading Session ~ is great to receive guidance and understanding through spirit/animal/ancestral guides around life goals, a specific intention and plan creation. ~ A Limpia will cleanse, restore and realign energy and bless the beginning of the year with clear and focused energy. ~ An introductory Platica/Talk Session by way of verbal and intuitive communication offers clarity around goals, visions or unresolved areas and helps with establishing a plan. ~ An initial Spirit Medicine Session combines a reading, limpia and healing/upgrade work gifting a profound sense of wellness, clarity and grounding to areas of need and with goals, intentions and plan creation. If you’re not sure where to start, call us at (201) 653-7700 ext. 1. With a brief description of your goals and challenges, we’ll be happy to guide you towards an effective program to help make 2019 a great year for you! “Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.” -Maltbie D. Babcock As children, we’re taught that “please” is the magic word. But the words “thank you,” when not just said but truly felt and lived, can produce truly magical results in your life. The concept of gratitude really comes down to acknowledging the good in your life, and it’s not something that’s easy for humans to do. The human brain is wired to concentrate on the negative and overlook the positive. To overcome this built-in negativity bias, we must intentionally look for ways to cultivate gratitude. The good news is, you can have a lot of fun doing so--and the payoff is enormous! Gratitude has the power to improve your mental and physical health, strengthen your relationships, increase your happiness and self-esteem, ease anxiety, and improve your sleep (and that’s just the short list). Plus, it can be instrumental in reviving that sense of joy and wonder you felt during the holiday season as a child. There’s no one “right way” to boost the gratitude in your life. At Hudson Healing Arts, our practitioners enjoy a diverse variety of simple practices, and it’s our sincere hope that you find inspiration in the ideas below. We encourage you to experiment and discover what works for you. And, as a holiday treat to express our gratitude to you, we’re also offering special discounts below! Cristina Maria Hummingbird Medicine: The Season of Gratitude & Giving is upon us. Deeply resounding hollowing trees and spiraling leaves in the changing winds of autumn. It reminds me of a beautiful excerpt taken from Rose Red Elk Medicine Stories, Red Feather Woman Series, Book 1, The Hawk and The Four Directions. It reads: “The direction of the East replied, “Your nourishment comes with breath. Your breath gives you your existence. Every breath is precious. As you speak, it is your voice that directs, teaches and gives hope to all those who listen. Every breath brings new enlightenment to Mother Earth, for it is she who gives you the air to breathe. Remember this and be thankful. Do not forget to remind all to be thankful. Every day is a new beginning."" Here are 3 simple ways to give thanks:
As the Wise Woman Tradition reminds us, "Keep it simple. Keep it true. Keep it nature. Keep it you." The connection with our breath (externally known as the natural element air/wind) is our life force. Through it we can create calm, peace and grounding, as well as demonstrate love, care and gratitude for all things. Visit Hudson Healing Arts Events/What's New page for information on seasonal specials on Spirit Medicine Healing, Shamanic Earth Spirit Teachings and More! May this season be filled with warm love, sweet joy and magickal blessings and may the divine light of your spirit shine eternally true! Carla San Diego: Here’s a beautiful passage from the Tao Te Ching: See the world as yourself. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as yourself; then you can care for all things. My interpretation: show up for yourself first, then you can show up for others and actually be there for them. Beth O’Boyle: A gratitude practice, like any new habit, can take time to cultivate. Regularity is important in developing any new pattern, so choose a consistent time or a few times during the day for it. You might begin your day with gratitude – always a wonderful way to set the tone for the day to come! Take a few moments to feel thankful for a new opportunity to have a fresh start. The best way to create a happy life is to first accept where you are and be grateful for what you do have. Ending the day with gratitude is also a good practice. Think of 5 things you’re grateful for today. If it’s been a challenging day, say thank you for getting through it and for being able to start over tomorrow. Remember the things we tend to take for granted all too easily: a place of shelter, food to nourish you, family and friends, good health. How about the senses that let you delight in the smell of a fresh cup of coffee, the sight of twinkling lights and the miracle of snowflakes, the feel of a warm sweater or a cozy scarf around your neck? Giving Back: When you’re making out your gift list, think about adding a donation to a charity. You’ll feel better for it and it will enrich another life in ways you may not even imagine. Volunteering is also a great way to pay it forward and remind yourself of the blessings in your own life. Take time to smile and say ‘thank you’ to sales clerks, waiters and waitresses, your local barista. Their good service makes your life easier and they deserve acknowledgement and a kind word – especially during the holiday season! Self-Care: What did you delight in as a child at this time of year? Chances are it will still enchant you! Instead of coffee, have a cup of hot chocolate or spiced tea. Take a few moments and breathe in the aroma, savor a sip, and remind yourself of life’s blessings. Andrea Inauen: The holidays bring a time of wonder, kind hearts, and special moments with loved ones, but the busyness and pressure to fit everything in can mask the beauty of the season! Please remember to take care of you during the season, to be consistent with what is important to you in your every day, and to set small, achievable goals for making this season memorable, enjoyable, and peaceful. A possible tool for your toolbox: Sunday morning 20-minute retreat: On Sunday or before the start of your week, do the following short exercises. You can do them more often than once per week, but starting with this achievable goal can make a world of difference! 1. Take 3-5 minutes in a tranquil space. Do slow, methodical breathing, inhaling for 10 counts, with the 8, 9, and 10 count being as deep an inhale of fresh air as possible, then exhaling for 10 counts until your belly and lungs have expelled the air from your core. Visualize an inhalation of clean, pure air, and the exhale of toxins, stress, and worry. This breathing can help re-center and give you a sense of calm and gratitude to let the joy and wonder of the season take shape. 2. After these 3-5 minutes of breathing and tranquility, ask yourself what you want your week to look like - note, not what you NEED to do, but what you WANT it to look like. Do you want it to be productive, peaceful, joyful, chaotic, predictable, surprising, quiet, social?...There is no right or wrong here, but identifying the tone you want for yourself can be a guiding force to build your week and remind yourself that you are in the driver’s seat of your day and week. 3. Then, start to make a list of the few essentials that you need to fit in - work, childcare, committed responsibilities - try to keep these to no more than a few if you can. You are only one person! 4. After the few big essentials are down, then fill in the remainder of your list with what you might want to do - buy gifts, see a movie, call a friend, make holiday cards.....recognizing that you will get to some of these, but in order to keep the tone that is most important to you, some of these may have to be moved to another week....and that is okay. 5. What is one act of kindness that you can add to this list? It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment - but rather phoning a relative, buying a coffee for someone who you think could use one, making a small donation to a charity of your choosing, giving a compliment to someone you work with...these small acts can remind yourself to be grateful for what you have and that you have the capacity to give. Add this somewhere on the list too. 5. That is it! Look at your list, remind yourself that you are in the driver’s seat, and that to find joy, peace, or whatever tone you want, at least to some degree, starts with you. Yes there are so many external factors that can change things in a split second. However, to start with what is important to you can give you greater navigation and a direction to return to when busyness and pressure try to take hold. Wishing you a healing and meaningful holiday season! December Specials: There's no better time to treat yourself to a Raindrop Aromatherapy Treatment then when you're feeling tired and frazzled. Enjoy the soothing and restorative benefits at a $15.00 discount during the month of December. Or take advantage of this treatment after the holidays when you pre-pay through December 31, 2018. Use code: "Raindrop15" when paying through our website, or mention this blog post when calling to book your treatment. Don't have time to stop in for a session? We've got you covered! Purchase one AshWork Energy Clearing session and receive the second session for 50% off when using the code 'AshBogo50'.This energy clearing is done remotely by phone, which means you can relax and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Sessions can be scheduled any day except Sunday. For more information on AshWork, please see our Tele-Sessions page. Joe Del Giodice is offering $15.00 off your first acupuncture treatment through December 31, 2018. He hasn't forgotten about existing patients - just ask Joe for your holiday discount when scheduling your session! Call Joe at (201) 653-7700 ext.3 to schedule your session. Cristina Maria has a very special offer for you this month - details are below:  |
AuthorHannah Chenoweth is a Hoboken-based conference producer and freelance writer who enjoys covering all aspects of health and wellness. Archives
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