Strengthen the Body, Strenghten the Mind

Summer time is a perfect time to get outside and breathe in some fresh air.

We can get so caught up in are everyday activities that before we know it, we have not taken the time to live n the moment.  I would like to encourage all to hit the pause button more often and really look into the eyes of our loved ones, really embrace children before bed and take the time to live intentionally.

A great thing about our bodies, is that they have memory. Memories of when life was not so stressed and we took the time to take a walk and breathe…memories of a time when it was fun to grab a blanket and put out in the back yard with a book and take a lazy summer nap…memories of that really relaxing yoga stretch.  All it takes is a moment really to pause, relax, stretch, strengthen and live.

The amazing thing is, that when we take time for ourselves and our bodies, then we have time for those we love around us. Time to do what we need to do and contribute to the greater good in life.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~Karen Ravn

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Steph

Virginia Satir, “Five Freedoms” and an Inspiration to…ME!

One Who Inspires Me~Virginia Satir

The American author and psychotherapists known as Virginia Satir to some and the Mother of Family Therapy to others has been such an inspiration to me and my work.  One of her pieces of work I find most inspiring and I use often to great success, is her “Five Freedoms”.

If you do not know her work, I encourage you to take a moment, read and reflect…just be STILL and let her message truly sink in.

Five Freedoms

The freedom to see and hear what is here, instead of what should be, was, or will be.

The freedom to say what you feel and think, instead of what you should.

The freedom to feel what you feel, instead of what you ought.

The freedom to ask for what you want, instead of always waiting for permission.

The freedom to take risks in your own behalf, instead of choosing to be only “secure” and not rocking the boat.

~Virginia Satir

 

If I do not do anything else today but pass on the work of this brilliant lady who no longer is with us, than I am OK.  Spend some time this weekend reflecting and writing in your journal on how you can use these words to be the best YOU!

“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.” ~Virginia Satir

Hugs,

Stephen

To Live Intentionally=Happiness!

Live Intentionally

Like bird wings that open and close so you can fly you need an active heart
that can be open yet close when necessary. Most healing comes from discovering
the “middle place”.

I want to share with you one of my favorite Rumi poems—I
have several.

“Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing                                                                 there is a field. I will meet you there.”

Today is “Thankful Thursday”, as my friend Denise would say. Open your eyes to the beauty around you, ignore all the ignorance and focus on living intentionally!

Peace to you,

Steph

Bill T. Jones Speaks to My Roots and Inspires Me

Tony Award Picture Under Creative Commons

Hello Everyone,

If you are unfamiliar with the 2010 Tony Award winner, then let me tell you a few things that I find inspiring about him and his work.  The Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zanes Dance Company emerged onto the international scene in 1983 and had a hand at the way society looked at American dance.

Bill T. Jones is known for utilizing visual imagery and  stylist movement to dance;  forms I also use in many therapy sessions.  When one is trying to connect with their inner self, working past years of hurt and confusion, various visual representations and movement can often bring out emotions that have been left under lock and key.

Stay tuned as I explore over the next few weeks movement and therapy, and how together they can heal and strengthen the soul.

“If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you
will have a lot of peace. If you let go completely, you will have complete
peace.” ~Ajahn Chah, Thai Buddhist Monk

Spend some time in reflection today,

Steph

Changez Salon 4th Anniversary…Come in and Celebrate with Us!

Hello Everyone,

It is week two in our month-long celebration of our 4th anniversary!  All of the love and support has been amazing thus far.  In the first week, we added over 100 new “likes” to our Facebook page…A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

If you did not participate in our activities last week, start today!  Today is Wild Wednesday and if you come in and wish us a “Happy Anniversary”, then you can receive a free brow wax!  Afterwards, head next door to Cup.Cakes for one of their “Changez’” cupcakes…designed ecspecially for us.

Friday we will be offering complimentary wine and cheese again to our clients 21 and over, along with a Merle Norman discount during this time and a masseuse on hand for a massage.  I hope to see you there.  Visit our Changez Salon Facebook page and comment that you read this blog…I am conducting a test .

Have a great day!

Hugs,

Steph

80th Celebration of Merle Norman has Been a Blast!

New Look of Merle Norman

What a wonderful week I am having at the 80th celebration of Merle Norman in LA!  Jason and I have met some wonderful people.  We are so excited about Merle Norman’s vision for the future, the colors are amazing!

See everyone soon,

Steph

Inspired by Anna Halprin

Anna Halprin...Truly an Inspiration

As a practicing psychotherapists and life coach, I utilize movement and the power of breath to enhance the life of many.

“At the age of five, I danced for the fun of it”.

“When I was a young girl, I danced to rebel!”

“When I was half a hundred, I danced for peace and justice.”

When I was seventy-two, I danced to understand the ants, the insects, the birds, fish, the mountains, deer, the rolling hills, and the ocean.

And when I will be eighty, I will seek to be a healer.

And when I become ninety, I will dance the essence of things…

And when I’m a hundred, I will sing and dance REALLY hard!”

If these after reading these quote, you are not inspired to truly embrace and live life, please give me a call and let’s get you started on a session today!

These words of inspiration and wisdom, can be read with more detailed information about Anna written by Rita Gardner in conjunction with the Writer’s Center of Marin.

Anna Halprin inspires me and I hope that during this season that celebrates life, you will find that which inspires you!

~Steph