Cynthia combines Polarity Energy Exercises and Iyengar Style Yoga to create a DVD that can be utilized by both the beginning and advanced student. She explains how the yoga poses can be modified in order to tailor them to your specific abilities and comfort. She also incorporates guided breathing exercises to open your body for health. This DVD also contains upper and lower body warm-ups, 6 poses for full-body toning, 7 standing poses for energizing and strengthening, 6 stretches for spinal health and a relaxation segment.

I enjoyed the beautiful imagery contained in this DVD, as well as the soothing music. Cynthia has a wonderful voice and is an expert yoga instructor. She knows how to combine the mind, body and spirit in her practice, leaving one feeling refreshed and calm. By teaching how to modify the poses, she allows her students to work at the level that is comfortable for them. As one becomes stronger and more advanced, the poses can be taken to a new level. I especially enjoyed the relaxation segment and found it to be a pleasant way to complete the session.

Cynthia has been a Holistic Practitioner/Educator and Massage Therapist since 1985. Since 1990 she has been teaching certification level Polarity Therapy. She has also been a Rejuvenation Yoga instructor since 1996. Her expertise and years of practice are evident in the quality of the work she has produced. I highly recommend this DVD to those who are wanting to enhance the strength of their body, the ability of their mind to relax and the vitality of their spirit.

Cynthia Pierro, BS, LMT, RPE, NLP
Content: Rejuvenation Yoga 80 min. How to Modify Poses: 12 min.
www.circle-of-energy.com

While most of us cannot even imagine what it might be like to bathe in a river, much less with tens of millions of others in one city, we can imagine the longing for freedom: liberation from the pain that is a part of life. During this time, we can in spirit imagine that we are all one. We can drop our protective armor; and be freed from the fear of the future in this life and beyond. Once we experience that level of liberation, perhaps we can carry it through to the rest of our days. It’s a generous thought and Jupiter is by nature generous. Let us hold this image as we move through the Winter of 2010.

Jupiter in Aquarius: Jupiter is moving quickly through the heavens. He moves through 2 lunar mansions this season. The first is Dhanishta: “a circle of women dancing and drumming.” It’s a great place for drumming up business and promises the economy will continue to grow. Then on January 21st, the Winter Solstice, he enters Shatibishik: “An old man carrying a bundle of roots.” Jupiter loves to teach and learn. This mansion is great for medical discoveries. Watch for news about medicinal roots or herbs through the year and particularly this season. Jupiter will leave Aquarius the first time on May 1st. For now, folks with planets in Aquarius get a collective boost. Call it a bath of insight and hope of liberation from the painful thoughts or desires that keep us separate.

Retrograde Mars: Mars appears to move backward from December 20, 2009 until March 10, 2010. Imagine that something that irritates you sits on you. It’s almost impossible to ignore hives or a headache or anger or the desire to serve. It is a delicate place for our nation’s leaders. This Mars tells me that the President was sincere when he said that there is a threat and need to send more troops. However, it also tells me that each of us, who have planets in Cancer where Mars lingers until the end of May, are also being called to weigh and assess threats. We are asked to make wise decisions and to stand up when that is right, while we review our personal desire in the face of something greater than self. Whew! You already feel the inner push, but it will take months before it is fully visible. Retrograde Mars is often difficult for business. Folks don’t want to act unless they are certain they are doing the right thing, but it is good for digging deep and pushing something valuable to success. Will it move through you or come at you? It’s hard to tell. The best I can offer is to be alert to what surrounds you. Don’t drive and talk. Notice your anger: what are the key words at the core of your righteous anger? Perhaps you feel trapped or unfairly judged or simply stymied by life. Any action can help dissipate the pressure. When Mars moves backward you may hear from a man from your past. No matter, you’ll think back and learn from men you knew then.

January 2010: We begin the year with a lunar eclipse on New Years Eve. We embrace the New Year open and sincere. During an eclipse, the eclipse path known as Rahu, the dragon’s head or Ketu, the dragon’s tail, appears to swallow the Moon or Sun like a giant serpent. Then the luminary is reborn. With the Moon, it is a rebirth of perception and emotion. The eclipse comes with the Moon in the mansion Punarvasu: A return to the light. The Sun opposing the Moon falls in a mansion that deals goading or prodding the soul to right action. Remember, a lunar eclipse always comes on a Full Moon. Then there is a Total Solar Eclipse on the 15th. The solar eclipse always falls on a New Moon. Here, the eclipse path known as Rahu swallows the light of the Sun. It is visible from central Africa through the Middle East, India and into China. Watch the news for these areas. The gift of this eclipse comes through understanding the lunar mansion where it falls: the mansion is Utar Ashada. It deals with universal virtues. Perhaps we can bathe in the gifts of tolerance. Perhaps we can liberate our hearts and minds from the judgment that any god or goddess is right for all.

We begin the year and month with a cluster of planets in Sagittarius. Venus and the Sun are traveling together. This helps optimism and may indeed be egotism. Mercury appears to move backward “retrograde” until the 15th. Right on time with the Solar Eclipse, we slow our thoughts and redirect them. We and our money embrace the beginning of a new decade. Ghosts of last January visit investors and they are tentative….for a while. The eclipse at mid-month stirs action in Africa, the Middle East and China. Money moves there and the defense budget gets a boost. Expect defense contracts as well as more economic stimulus: This time, it actually stimulates the economy. Romance is in the air from mid month on. Venus faces Mars in the heavens. The urge to merge and for mergers of all kinds is strong.

February: The money begins to flow. Mercury, the business planet, crosses Rahu or the eclipse path. We could lose our heads to desires. Most likely the desires stimulate risk and the push is on to move the giant shark of capitalism forward. Venus joins Jupiter in Aquarius. The desire to love is strong and insight into the joy of love and faith is even stronger. Think of the tens of millions of faithful washing away the pain of attachment: the pain of life. Does that mean that they are ready to die? Perhaps it simply means that they are ready to ascend from the pain and feel the “good stuff” of love and divine guidance. Perhaps it is the freedom to trust in something greater than greed or fear. Perhaps it is simply the Age of Aquarius revisited now. Do you have faith in human kindness? Will you trust the love you receive and are you willing to give it? It may not be the ’60s revisited, but the concept is the same. What is at the root of love and faith for you? It’s all about getting to the core piece of faith in divine justice, synchronicity and universal love. Could you love one of “those” people? No better time than Valentine’s Day this year to reach out. I expect plenty of new relationships and businesses to begin this month. Are you ready to wash away fear and past pain to try again? We are all granted the gift of amriti: the nectar of immortality and it is fed with divine faith and love…even with “those” people at the party.

March: The month begins with the Sun crossing Jupiter. Think of the Sun as life-force energy. Jupiter is moving quickly now. Jupiter is the great guru or teacher. Notice what you learn about life-force during the first days of the month. Put it on your calendar so you won’t forget. On the 3rd, Venus crosses Uranus, the planet of excitement, unpredictability and the subtle energy body. This is a great day to start something new or simply embrace a different perspective. Take note of what you feel during the first days of this month. When Jupiter crosses Uranus in May and June, we receive a healing gift. I don’t know what it will look like for you; but expect it to be delivered to every soul open. The lunar mansion where this happens is literally called the former happy feet! What made you happy when you were young? Can you dance or walk or skip or slide? This mansion is very busy for the first half of March. Venus is exalted from the 3rd through the end of the month. This is a great time to give and receive. It should bolster romance and the economy. Mars goes direct on the 10th: passion is ready to roar. Venus is stronger so the feminine force is a bit more daring than the masculine, but as Mars starts moving forward, men are catching up and reaching for the phone to call.

Exalted Venus is content and grateful. She sees beauty in what is and finds compassion for others. She isn’t foolish or indulgent. Rather, she feels the sort of connection that comes when you meet others with your heart daringly open. It’s a little gift of grace. Will you reach for it? Remember, hundreds of millions of Hindu faithful believe that the nectar of immortality flows through the Ganges. Perhaps it flows through the river of our faith in humanity’s ability to reach beyond for greatness. What we leave behind is our own immortality. What will you leave? During March the Sun, Moon Venus and Mercury will all face Saturn, the reality planet. We feel divine and anchor that experience into the tangible world. As they also trigger Pluto, we have the gift of transformation and the possibility of destruction. Don’t underestimate the power of greed and violence, but don’t focus so intently upon them that you miss the gift of love in the midst of the pain of mortality. Whew! Big stuff and a great party!

President Obama: Mars, the planet of action and aggression, begins the year on his point of open enemies. It will finally move backward, but continue to trigger him intensely. He is losing patience and his open enemies are many. The most open and most deceptive at once are the Taliban. I believe him when he states that he has good reason to increase troops in Afghanistan and I am truly grateful for the brave men and women who serve. Mars is the troops! Expect to see more of our Commander and Chief interacting with them this year. Expect the weight of casualties to sit heavily on his heart. The enemy will blame him for their violent acts.

Mars is moving backward, but this transit heightens the President’s desire for action: He wants to get it done. The house of open enemies is also the house of partnerships! I do not see anything in the First Lady’s chart to indicate difficulty. In fact, she is likely to have good press and plenty of opportunities to reach out and teach others. I expect to see more of her…and to like her more. She is coming out of the bubble and into her own strength. And this woman was born with a powerful Mars of her own. She is bossy and passionate and impatient and playful and wants to do something memorable. Watch her role grow this season. But there are other “partnerships” for the President not so favorable. There are changes in his staff and his Chief of Staff Emanuel may push the limits of trust and ego. Neptune triggers his chart, so we won’t “see” it clearly, but The President is likely already alert…at least he should be careful of an ego this enormous. May he bathe in the collective river of consciousness: May the President and we see who is wise counsel and who ties us to the pain of impossible decisions and treacherous partners.

Cynthia Novak is a professional astrologer. She can be contacted at metro 817-261-2984. Read Cynthia’s daily astrological message at www.HolisticNetworker.com/dailymessage/ or see www.CynthiaNovak.com
Come hear Cynthia’s talk at the Wellness Expo in Fort Worth on Sunday, February 28 at 11:30am entitled “Astrology & You”.

Dr. Thurman attended UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, where he received his degree as a traditional physician. He served his residency in anesthesia and then a fellowship studying pain management.

During his 10 years as a practicing anesthesiologist, Dr. Thurman’s gentle heart ached for the people who could not find relief from their chronic and severe pain through the traditional Western medical methodologies of drugs and surgery. Although, he loved his career as an anesthesiologist, he spent many hours studying the ways in which the human body reacts to its environment.

While studying nutritional biochemistry, prolotherapy (nonsurgical ligament reconstruction), bio identical hormonal therapy and other alternatives to drugs and surgery, Dr. Thurman became more aware that there was a large body of knowledge in alternative health care to which he wasn’t exposed in medical school. Dr. Thurman received his license to practice acupuncture from UCLA and then traveled to Shanghai, pursuing further education in Chinese medicine.

Combining his vast knowledge in both Western and Eastern medicine, Dr. Thurman leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit to change lives.

Q: Tell me about your practice.

A: Mine is a general practice using alternative modalities and bioenergetic testing to find the stressors that keep people locked in an illness pattern. Those stressors are many and could include emotional issues, toxic issues, chronic infections, hidden viruses, hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, neurological issues and dental toxins among others. What I have found is that the longer a person has experienced chronic illness, the more stressors are present.

Q: Who seeks you out as a physician?

A: Generally by the time people come to me for medical advice, they have run the gamut of traditional Western medicine, trying all kinds of drug therapies and perhaps even surgery. They don’t feel any better, and may feel even worse. They are disillusioned and feel betrayed by the system. They are looking for alternative therapies, feel desperate for help and maybe even feel that health is beyond their reach.

I am happy to say that I am able to help the vast majority of people who come to me. Withing a visit or two, we can pinpoint the stressors that are causing their issues and begin the road to health.

Q: With what kind of issues can you help?

A: People come to me with a wide array of issues. Some of the more prominent ones are: inability to lose weight – even on a low calorie diet, insomnia, diabetes, anxiety and/or depression, headaches, arthritis, chronic fatigue, indigestion, chemical sensitivities and allergies.

Q: How do you help with those issues?

A: The first step in the journey toward optimal health is to understand that your body is a healer. We find the stressors that are keeping a body from optimal health, treat those stressors with the appropriate therapy or therapies that might include, but are certainly not limited to nutritional supplementation, bio-identical hormones, diet, detoxification, acupuncture, color therapy, energy balancing, massage…and the list goes on.

Once the symptoms are relieved and the body is on its way to health, we encourage our patients to make lifestyle changes that might include yoga, meditation, hot baths, aromatherapy, exercise and other healthy choices that will aid their bodies in healing themselves and in staying in balance.

Q: If there was one thing you could say to people about staying healthy, what would it be?

A: Eat more vegetables!

Dr. Thurman has over thirty years experience as a physician. He attended Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas and completed a residency in anesthesia at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Thurman became interested in other ways to treat patients’ pain. He went to China to study acupuncture and began his journey into an integrative holistic medicine practice. He has studied many different alternative models. He uses a combination of these models to individualize his treatment of the patient. He will focus on finding the root cause of your illness. By using this process, he will work to remove the source of your illness and will help to build your body’s natural immunity.

Dr. Thurman will be speaking on Bioenergetic Testing at the Fort Worth Wellness Expo on Saturday, February 27 at 4:30pm

It’s easy to blame the media for the secularization of our holidays (“holy days”). Headlines scream about how much money will be spent on “Black Friday”, and how many “shopping days” remain before Christmas. Even movie releases are characterized by how much money is earned: “Bambi grosses $10.2 million this weekend!”

Let’s not blame the media for reporting on mundane news—that’s their choice. It’s our responsibility to remember the meaning behind the rituals and holidays in our culture. Do you need CNN to remind you to be grateful on Thanksgiving Day? Of course not!

As the creator of your life, you decide how to celebrate the holidays…and every other day. You decide whether to gather in spiritual communities and celebrate those things that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. You decide whether your heart is half empty, half full, or overflowing with gratitude.

Sometimes attention gets stuck on mundane matters — the 401K, the mortgage. Yet, we know that these things are impermanent creations of the world and like all things physical, they will pass.
When we are grateful, we see the best in what has been given to us; our hearts open and we experience a glimpse of divinity. When we are appreciative, our attention springs forth from our infinite core and radiantly blesses our world.

Holidays are your opportunity to share intangible gifts with your loved ones, colleagues and customers. Being grateful is not just an exercise in “happy thoughts”; by seasoning your consciousness with gratitude, you become a light, a bodhisattva, that helps relieve suffering in the world. There is no higher calling.

Gratitude opens a crack in consciousness that lets grace in.
—Harry Palmer, Author of the Avatar Materials

Recently my daughter was studying at Starbucks when she got into a conversation with a woman, who was clearly happy and excited about her life. She told my daughter how she had been afraid of losing her job. Someone then introduced her to Mary Kay Cosmetics, which she loved, and she decided to become an Independent Distributor. A few months later she was so successful that she had just earned a car from the company. She did indeed end up losing her day job, but by then she was all set with her new business. She took what could have been a very negative circumstance (losing her job) and transformed it into something wonderful (finding an exciting new career). Her enthusiasm was contagious and my daughter came home excited and uplifted by her.

I encourage you to look for opportunities and to seek creative solutions to life’s challenges. Focus on what is possible and what is under your control. The results may leave you pleasantly surprised and help you to find the joy and fulfillment you seek. Also, it can allow you to become a beacon of light and hope to others.

Love & Light,
Felicia Weiss

P.S. I hope to see you at the February 27-28 Fort Worth Wellness Expo. This is an inspiring and uplifting event designed to help people mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Here you will find “something for every body, mind and spirit”™.

Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
—Henry David Thoreau

]]> http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1048/opportunities/feed/ 0 http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1060/rest-for-the-soul-divinely-inspired-art-by-nicole/ http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1060/rest-for-the-soul-divinely-inspired-art-by-nicole/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:44:02 +0000 Nicole http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/?p=1060 Rest for the Soul

There is a time to be active and a time to rest.

The flow and the rhythms are what your soul needs to grow fully. So rest when you need to rest and play when you need to play. A new year is upon us and will take us to many unexpected and wondrous places. But we need time to prepare for our work. Allow the internal processes to take place, clearing out the old and making way for the new. Make firmer connections with your inner gifts, love of self, and gratitude for all your experiences. There is hope for brighter days ahead, so rest and prepare. The world needs us and all our glorious gifts.

©2010 Nicole Mizoguchi • www.nicolemiz.com • nicole@nicolemiz.com

]]> http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1060/rest-for-the-soul-divinely-inspired-art-by-nicole/feed/ 0 http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1076/book-review-entering-the-castle/ http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1076/book-review-entering-the-castle/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:33:45 +0000 Alec Franklor http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/?p=1076
Caroline Myss, Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul, Free Press, New York, NY, 2007.

For those craving to move beyond a ‘hybrid spirituality of intuition and mind-body practices’, for those wishing to be ‘mystics without monasteries’, Entering the Castle provides the grounded framework for your path. In this contemporary writing on the remarkable meditative text, The Interior Castle by St Teresa of Ávila, an extraordinary 16th century saint, Carolyn Myss utilizes prayer, contemplation and self-inquiry to slowly build your endurance for authentic mystical experiences.

Moving beyond Anatomy of the Spirit, a work focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection, in Entering the Castle Myss leads you from simply living with spirit to awakening to the deep mystical soul. Using the metaphor of a castle containing seven mansions to represent your soul and the seven stages of consciousness, Myss guides you though removing the illusions that blind you to your divinity. “How are you repressing your soul’s purpose from emerging in your life because you fear humiliation?” How do you use chaos to prevent change? Are there “parts of your life you consider off limits to God?”

Balancing the difficult work of facing your personal demons, Myss inspires you to continue your journey by offering stories of authentic mystical experiences and explaining the various ways you may “experience God, grace, and divine love as your soul and psyche awaken.” Choosing to embark with Myss on the journey into your soul’s castle will radically “transform you and your relationship with God and the world.”

Buy Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul at Amazon.com

Alec Franklor owns RetreatFinder.com, an online directory of spiritual and healing retreats.

]]> http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1076/book-review-entering-the-castle/feed/ 0 http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1075/book-review-real-success-without-a-real-job/ http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/1075/book-review-real-success-without-a-real-job/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:33:40 +0000 Alec Franklor http://www.holisticnetworker.com/wp/?p=1075 Ernie Zelinski, Real Success Without a Real Job, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 2006

It is possible to make money doing what you love; millions have done it before you! If you dream about a life full of fun and freedom, a more relaxed work environment, pursuing your passions, or living extraordinarily, then an ‘unreal job’ with your own ‘unconventional business’ is right for you. However, if having health insurance and a retirement plan are more important to you than the personal freedom to spend your time as you please (with friends, at the beach, etc), then the path to self-employment will be slower, or just not appropriate.

Rather than a guide to help you plan your way to your dream life, Real Success without a Real Job guides you through the first step—coming to deeply believe that such a life is even possible. Robert Sharma was an overworked but highly paid litigation lawyer who successfully leapt into his dream job as a writer and professional speaker.

David Bach was once the butt of jokes at the investment firm. Since leaving the firm in order to implement his unorthodox ideas he has become a financial guru. No matter your field of interest, or phase of life, Ernie Zelinski’s success principles will help you find and tap into your unique well of creativity as you redefine ‘career’ and ‘life success’ on your road to happiness.

Buy Real Success Without a Real Job at Amazon.com

Alec Franklor owns RetreatFinder.com, an online directory of spiritual and healing retreats.

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