Rose Cottage

  恭喜发财 - gong xi fa cai   Blessings in the year of the Wood Snake! May you be blessed as we move forward, shedding old skins and finding new opportunities! Blessing tree The year of the dragon (just ended) asked us to evolve, grow up and let go of old patterns. Three next several days (through February 3) seat the new energies.  In the year of the Snake, we enter young adulthood and can thrive with the strength to accomplish our goals.  Snake medicine invites us to explore and exemplify : Wisdom and intelligence. This is a time to seek knowledge and understanding Caution and prudence - plan your actions and reevaluate.  Mystery and intuition - pay attention! Resourcefulness and adaptability. Tenacious and diligent Transformation and renewal.  The Snake's ability to shed its outgrown skin is a wonderful example of letting go of that which no longer serves! And let what's underneath some! Protection and healing.   Gong xi fa cai   In Asian As...

 Happy 2024!  Though January 1 is 'simply a date on the calendar,' winter is a good time to take stock of how our habits and routines fit our current needs and lifestyle! Health and fitness are often at the top of the list.  Winter waves - high tide at Depoe Bay   When I lived at Breitenbush Hot Springs retreat center 30 years ago, we suspended our educational workshops during the winter holidays, and invited guests to join us for personal retreats. As had abundant free time, we added more in-house 'Daily Well Being' offerings, which along with with meals and 24 hour use of the hot springs, were included in their stay.  I was invited to lead a couple of Tai Chi/Qigong classes during my first winter on staff. I'd had a personal Chi practice for 8 years, and while several staff members taught yoga, I missed the flow of movement of Dance and Tai Chi! (I attended another 'guest teacher's' Chi class, before offering my own!) I loved teaching the classes, and...

 As a child, I loved playing, riding one of the neighbor's ponies or the bike I shared with my dad, and hikes on out frequent camping trips - but I wasn't fond of ball sports or PE classes!  Tai Chi demonstration I'm my late 20s, I began taking ballet, and then Tai Chi. Though it took awhile to achieve any grace, I love the flow, and enjoy many dance forms. As a massage therapist, I encourage clients to include daily movement, and to discover ones they enjoy and are a good for for their body! And for many years, I've recommended 'bite size' movement that can be done at your desk or in a small space!  Last summer, in a video by a health consultant, she recommended doing a brief morning warm up (6-10 minutes!) to get the lumph flowing, and mentioned that doing so increases lymph flow with ANY subsequent movement! (Reaching for a jar, bending down to tie your shoes, standing up) Barbara suggested using a rebounder, whilst in the comments, someone mentioned the Japa...