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Skip the mall this Valentine's Day! Get Your Sweetie Infinity Jewelry

The Infinity Jewelry Story:

Joan and Jes, a mother and daughter duo in Grahamsville, NY have both had a passion for rocks and crystals since childhood. Over time, this resulted in extensive personal collections. Joan became aware of the physical/energetic properties of gemstones and began to experiment with using them with intention. Eventually she introduced them into her energetic healing work with wonderful results. Joan is a Reiki Master and Holistic Healer for Women using the Arvigo Mayan Technique.

Their collection expanded even further. At the same time, Jes began to create earrings using sterling silver and semi precious gemstone beads for herself and as gifts for family and friends. As the demand for her jewelry increased, Joan offered to help and their attraction to crystals combined with the joy of creativity finally gave birth to their homegrown business, Infinity Jewelry. Our friends and neighbors began to challenge us with different requests for special occasions such as weddings, and this led to our custom services.

Joan says

"We love to observe people as they go through their selection process. The stones they are attracted to are usually the ones whose individual properties match the person's needs. It is so satisfying to have a special piece of jewelry find its special owner, one whose enthusiasm matches our own."

To get this special gift for your Valentine, contact Joan or Jes at infinity8jewelry@gmail.com. You can also fan them on Facebook!

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Valentine's Day: A Day to Express Our Love... by Jahnavi Foster

February 14th is widely recognized as the day when we express our feelings of love to our beloved. The sending of Valentines began long ago when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Today, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular and celebrated holidays; it is a holiday of love—a day when we hope to feel that extra special love from someone special. This feeling of wanting to be loved and wanting to love is most natural; it comes from deep within us. Love is the basis of our being; it is an expression of the soul.

When we express and receive love, we nourish our souls. There is something inside of us that lets us know—we need love. And so we look to find our perfect partner, our soul mate—our “Valentine”—someone to share love with. We have this sense that there is someone out there for us. We hope to find "Mr. (Mrs.) Right", someone who will love us—completely and unconditionally. Unconditional love is the purest expression of the soul. To love one another [unconditionally] on a deep soul level is the greatest gift; it is the foundation of true happiness. Because we have an intrinsic connection to one another, we will always seek out relationships... “No man is an island”... We seek true love for this is what gives us the greatest joy. We look for that long, lasting romance. We hope to find the “right” person—and this we can.

We first need to love our-selves. We need to care for ourselves in every way—body, mind, and spirit. We need to nourish our bodies, heal our minds, and connect to our souls. Through various practices such as yoga and meditation, we can connect to who we are—deep inside. As we connect to our true, inner selves we become whole again. When we are whole, we can love with our whole hearts—and experience that long, lasting romance. When we know who we are, we can find that special someone—someone who complements us, who shares a common vision; someone who loves us for who we are, and who brings out the best in us. When we are with that special someone, we will want to show our love every day of the year...and every day will feel like Valentine's Day.

Love: it's what we need more of...it enriches our lives and heals our world.

“True love is life sustaining.”
“An eternal bond of love exists amongst us all.”
“Bliss comes from true loving unity.”
“We are eternally bonded through love.”

Quotes from Divine Love: The Spirit Behind the Law of Attraction

Express your love in a healthful way: give your beloved the gift of massage; take a yoga class together; cook a special meal (infuse it with love). Visit http://www.quietmountainsanctuary.com

For the past twenty-three years, Jahnavi Foster has been a devout student and adherent of perennial (Vedic) wisdom. She is a certified empowerment coach, a (NYS) licensed massage therapist, and a certified yoga instructor. In 2008, Jahnavi published her first book, Divine Love: The Spirit behind the Law of Attraction. From her home in the Catskill Mountain Park, Jahnavi runs Quiet Mountain Sanctuary, a private mountain retreat aimed to inspire individuals to live a more balanced, fulfilled, and meaningful life.

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EVENT: Hudson Health & Harmony Wellness-Yoga Retreat, Saturday, February 27

The mission of this retreat is learning how to optimize our health by integrating daily breathing/movement exercises, affirmations and positive dietary guidelines into our busy lives.

Hudson Health & Harmony Wellness-Yoga Retreat
Saturday, February 27
20 Jane Wood Road • Highland, NY 12528 • 845-594-1254
Activities: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Seminar entitled: Optimize Your Health ~ Nourish Your Qi
• Home-cooked Organic lunch (meat/dairy/gluten/soy-FREE!!!)
• Chakra Balancing & Yoga Workshop led by special guest: Jeanne Shanin
• Browse through Amy's Apothecary (products will be available for purchase)
• Personal health concerns will also be addressed

Registration Fee: $125
Overnight Guests: $195
(Discounts apply to students and couples!)
Call Us Today!
845-594-1254


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EVENTS: Classes with Pat Crosby in Roscoe, NY

Pat has unique experience working closely with spirit guides.
Each class will be uniquely attuned to the needs of those present. For more information, visit http://PatCrosby.com or http://ILoveForGIVEness.com



VALENTINE'S DAY, NEW MOON
Love & Light & Healing with the Angels.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 14, 2010 1 - 4 PM
$77

CLEAR YOUR HEART AND HOLD MORE LOVE. Special Healings to help create the New Haiti and the New Earth.Connecting to and understanding the galactic healings happening on our planet and with each of us right now.


Full Moon Workshop
How To Communicate With Your Guides And Angels
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 27, 2010 1 - 4 PM
$77.

This class will cover:

• Setting the boundaries for inter-dimensional communication.
• Creating the Inter-dimensional Opening.
• Invocation of our spirit guides, ancestors, angels, deities, and our divine source.
• Golden prana particle meditation to clear, cleanse, and expand our connection to source.
• Meditation as we connect with our guides.
• Guided Meditation and Group healing with our guides.
• Journaling our experiences.
• Q & A.
• Group sharing and discussion to clarify, ground, and comprehend our experiences.

Raindrop Technique for Healers
SATURDAY - MARCH 13, 2010, 11 AM - 5 PM
$275 includes oils used.

The Raindrop Technique is a method of using Vita Flex, reflexology, massage techniques, etc., and essential oils applied on various locations of the body to bring it structural and electrical alignment. It is designed to bring balance to the body with its relaxing and mild application. It will help align the energy centers of the body and release them if blocked. This class includes video, explanation, training, and hands-on application.



Classes offered at
Covered Bridge Studio: School of Healing Arts
63 Stewart Avenue, Roscoe, NY‎ - (607) 498-4554‎
http://www.dreamweaverenergyworks.com/id201.html


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EVENT: Satya's 5th Anniversary Party

Satya's 5th Anniversary Party
Satya Yoga Center, Rhinebeck

Saturday, February 27, 2010 5:30pm
Food, Festivities, and Kirtan with Gaura Vani and As Kindred Spirits

Tix: $15; Kids and Satya Students FREE

Please join us as we celebrate 5 years of Yoga at Satya! It'll be a very special evening, beginning at 5:30, with food, fun and doorprizes. Then at 7pm, it's Kirtan with Guara Vani and As Kindred Spirits.

What is Kirtan? It has been described as the beating of the heart of the soul; Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting whose roots go back over 500 years to India. It's a form of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion) and has the power to open the heart. The singing is accompanied by musical instruments and rhythmic drumming and the audience is encouraged to participate by chanting, clapping and dancing. You will not be able to resist the urge to join in! To learn more, visit GauraVani.com.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit http://www.satyayogacenter.us/workshops.html#invite


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EVENT: Infinity Jewelry Social!

Valentine's Day isn't just for Sweethearts!

St. Valentine gave cards to those who needed uplifting, needed to know someone cared. I have found great joy in celebrating Valentine's Day this way. More recently I have added myself to the list of people I celebrate with a little gift. It really is uplifting!

In the original spirit of Valentine's Day, Infinity Jewelry would like to invite you to an

Infinity Jewelry Social

Sunday, Feb.7
2:00-5:00 PM

82 Denman Mtn. Road
Grahamsville, NY (view map)

Refreshments - Door prizes - Raffle

Please RSVP: Joan or Jes (845) 985-7141



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Introduction to Buddhism classes at Kadampa Meditation Center - NY

NEW 8-Week Series Beginning February 4
Thursday evenings 7:30-9:00pm


Many people are discovering Buddhism offers clear answers to questions and real solutions to problems that cannot be found anywhere else.

In this 8-week course in the World Peace Temple, Buddhist Monk Gen Samten Kelsang with warmth, clarity and humor will show how we can apply these very practical instructions in our daily life to easily achieve greater happiness and freedom from problems.

Each class will include a teaching, guided meditation and discussion.
Beginners welcome!

No class 2/11, 3/4 or 3/25.

$10 per class ($5 seniors/students)
$70 for the series



Come for an FREE Introduction to Foundation Program
Sunday, February 7th 3-5pm. Regular class will begin at 6pm

In February 2010, we will begin to study Universal Compassion. The heart of Buddha's teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspired explanation of the popular Buddhist poem, Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso reveals powerful
methods for us to develop these joyful altruistic states, providing us with practical, inspiring solutions for difficult times.

At KMC New York, FP is taught by Resident Teacher Gen Samten Kelsang, and weekly classes are held in the blessed environment of the temple.


These classes include:
· Guided meditations
· Commentary to the text by the teacher
· Group discussion
· Question & answer opportunities
· The company of like-minded spiritual friends


For further information or to register:
(845)856-9000 or education@KadampaNewYork.org

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About Art Therapy by Patricia Quinn, MS

Art therapy is as old as mankind. When larger numbers of psychotherapists discovered that using art in treatment was greatly beneficial for adults as well as children, they incorporated as the American Art Therapy Association in 1969. Art therapy, in a sense, restores the original purpose of art as an expression of all that is glorious as well as problematic for human beings. It is based on the premise that the drive energy Freud theorized motivated our high or low acts can be put into the service of growth via creative outlets like art, music, drama, writing and other human pursuits.

Having worked with addicts of all kinds who have very poor frustration tolerance, and have often had impoverished childhoods with little exposure to art supplies or artistic encouragement, I see Freud’s theory proven over and over. People don’t need to have a knack for art, just the willingness to try a new way of expression. It can feel awkward at first, the anticipation of which often stops people from trying art therapy. (Even practiced artists feel uncomfortable facing the blank canvas, or formless marble). Taking the first step, and then another and another, and then you are in the flow of creativity that Csikszentmihalyi talks about. This “flow” of the haptic-sensory part of the limbic system helps us feel and experience life more clearly and thus engage mindfully in our everyday life.

People often discover an innate enjoyment and or facility with the arts, which have been unfortunately underemphasized in our educational system. The ability to create something new and wonderful and perhaps innocent, is proof of inner, untapped resources. My greatest pleasure was when a middle aged person who had grown up hard, had been discarded by family and society, had not touched a crayon since 4th grade, discovered a hidden enjoyment and facility in art in drawing a soaring eagle from a photograph. This person discovered a whole other aspect, which was symbolized by the eagle’s freedom.

Psychologically the arts help us to expand our self awareness and get beyond rigid defenses to tap into memories in a new powerful way. Art allows the unconscious mind to communicate symbolically. If we have trauma, the art helps to split the focus so that we are not overwhelmed as we organize the experience on paper for processing later. Art projects onto materials our interests, our experience and our essential selves. This enhances our understanding and acceptance of ourselves, which strengthens our identities. This is one of the most important aspects of the developing child and in recovery from addictions, where the identity needs defining or becomes blurred.

I have been trained in Ericksonian hypnotherapy for 3 years in order to help those with trauma to change the impact of these memories and sense experiences in the mind. In addition, I offer my training as an advanced Reiki practitioner and Deeksha giver as energetic aids to healing. My regular fee is $75.00 for an hour session. I offer a sliding scale fee to make it affordable for all.

Patricia Quinn,MS, LCAT, ATR-BC, CASAC and NBCCH is a licenced art therapist and addictions counselor certified in hypnosis, Reiki and Deeksha. She is based in Florida, NY and can be contacted at patriciahquinn(AT)frontiernet(DOT)net.



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FREE EVENT: Celebrating Oneness Deeksha Meditation

Join Patricia Quinn for a special Deeksha Meditation

What:
Celebrating Oneness A Deeksha Meditation
For Healing, Relaxation & Enlightenment

When:
December 27 from 12:30-1:30.

Where:
Iyengar Yoga Center at 54 Main St. Warwick NY



What is Deeksha / Oneness Blessing?
Deeksha (also called Oneness Blessing) is a transfer of divine, intelligent energy. The deeksha process works by creating a neurobiological shift in the brain and awakening the energy centres (Chakras) in the body. This shift in consciousness frees you from the suffering created by the mind, balances the body’s natural healthy and healing energies and attunes the brain with the fields of unity, bringing an end to the illusion of “apparent separation”. Once initiated, it is a gradual Awakening process that leads you naturally to a lasting state of Oneness, Inner peace, and Well-being. Learn more...




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FREE EVENT: The Gift-of-Wellness Day at Sat Nam Yoga Spa

What: The Gift-of-Wellness Day at Sat Nam Yoga Spa
When: SUNDAY afternoon DECEMBER 20TH
Where: Sat Nam Yoga Studio and Spa (directions)

Come enjoy a day of wellness at Sat Nam Yoga Spa to learn about different healing modalities and connect with like minded community members. At the door we will have $1 raffle ticket to give you a chance to win a 10 min massage with Ken or Ivan or Body Harmony with Saniye or any other private consultation with any of our guest speakers. The event is FREE. Lunch is $10. There will be a donation basket if you wish to practice generosity. Fresh Squeezed Juices will be available during the afternoon on request for $3.50


EVENT PROGRAM:

1pm Our Wellness day will start with a delicious home-made Lunch.

1:30 pm Gong Relaxation Therapy - 15 min

1:45pm Ken’s Talk on Essential Oils and Raindrop Massage

2:15pm Ivan’s Talk on Shiatsu Massage and demo

2:45pm Yoga – Sun Salutations 15 min

3:00pm Chinmayi on Colonics

3:30pm Saniye –Body Harmony

4:00pm Pranayam 15 min

4:15pm Tea, Biscuits and Pies & Regina on Financial Wellness

4:45pm Trans Dance 5 min

4:50pm Dr. Nancy Eos – Alternative Medicine

5:15pm Jo-Ann from the Sunflower Health Food Store

5:30pm our Gift of Wellness Day ends with 1h Yoga Class, Bliss of Pranayam.


GIFTS OF WELLNESS:
Gift Certificates will be available from all our guest-speakers, healers, so you can treat yourself or your loved ones to the Gift of Wellness this Holiday Season. Special discounted prices will be offered.

Please consider giving a healthy, wise and scrumptious gift certificate for Yoga, massage or healing work. Many blessings in this holiday season.


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Catskills Wellness Healthy & Local Holiday Gift Guide

The Holiday season is upon us and if you’re still looking for original gifts we’ve got a few suggestions you won’t find at the mall. Check out some of these wonderful local resources for original and hand crafted gifts made right here in the Catskills.


Nourishing Wisdom Products

Check out these great natural beauty products, bath salts and cookbook from Holly at Nourishing Wisdom. Her Heavenly Bathing Grains (14 oz. for $20.00) caught my attention and Vogue Magazines too! Healing salts and flowers, and pure essential oils to help you relax and an “Off to Sleep” blend to balance you before bedtime. And if the winter is drying out your face, try her Nourishing Face Cream made with natural and local ingredients in Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood and Unscented formulas (price range $20 - $40).
Shop online!





From Me 2 You Candles

For me holidays are always associated with scents… spruce, cinnamon, warm baked goodies. That’s why I love this collection of holiday scents from April Hannah’s local candle collection called From Me 2 You Candles. The Christmas Wreath Square Jar smells like lots of pine and greenery- with a touch of cinnamon spice, but there are also Candy Cane, Egg Nog and Gingerbread scents to stimulate your sense of cheer (Price range $5 - $14).
Shop Online!




Luna Chica Products at Turquoise Barn

Luna Chica designs, available at the Turquoise Barn, offers a variety of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind products including jewelry, altar boxes, photos, and mixed media works along with local and raw honey. I’m really enjoying their Etsy shop that is slowly growing with both handmade items and vintage collectibles. (Price Range from $6.50 - $75)
Shop online!





And don’t forget the Catskills Wellness Guide Online Shop!

Explore a selection of Amazon.com products handpicked to serve as resources in creating your healthy lifestyle here in the Catskills. Find great books on healthy living, natural health & beauty products as well as relaxation and fitness tools. Though they are not local, your purchases will support the catskillswellnessguide.com website!
Shop online!




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EVENT: KMC Day Course: Eight Steps to Happiness

Bring a friend for free! December Day Course: Eight Steps to Happiness

Compassion is a mind motivated by love that wishes to protect others from suffering. It is the basis for a meaningful life and a source of great joy and happiness. In this day course based on one of Buddhism's best loved teachings, "Eight Verses for Training the Mind", Gen Samten will explain practical ways to develop the precious mind of compassion and how to apply it to all situations we encounter during the holidays and in our daily life. Taking these eight verses to heart will ensure that we are equipped to travel the right road to happiness. Gen Samten Kelsang is the Resident Teacher at KMC NY.

Give the gift of happiness- bring a friend for free to the Eight Steps Day Course Saturday, December 19 9:00am-5:30pm $45, includes special holiday lunch Call (845)856-9000 and mention this offer or online registration www.KadampaNewYork.org


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EVENT: Sympatico Concert and Benefit!

Want to come out and dance to irresistible rhythms and support Family of Woodstock? In honor of the winter solstice, Sympatico, Woodstock's new rhythm/percussion ensemble, will be performing a dance concert benefit on Sunday, December 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at MAMA, 3588 Main Street (Route 209) in Stone Ridge.

What started out as a weekly jam session two years ago among friends has evolved into a cohesive groove unit, capable of moving easily through African, Brazilian, Cuban, Middle Eastern, and other world rhythms. Sympatico members include Bill Ross, Kevin Johnson (aka Timekeeper), Nathan Brenowitz, Peter Blum, and David Budd. Along with congas, djun-djun's, djembes (many of them hand-crafted by Kevin), shekeres, claves, and bells, the rhythms are augmented by guitar, vibes, and trumpet played by members of the group. In addition, this performance will feature a special appearance by French horn player Bill Cochran, playing through a variety of special effects. For samples of recent recordings, check out http://www.rosswriting.com/sympatico

A smorgasbord of delicious home-made deserts and soft drinks will be available for purchase (all proceeds to Family). Family of Woodstock is the nation's second oldest continuously operating hotline. Performing myriad community services, including free store, food pantry, on-going in person counseling, as well as suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence prevention, Family will be celebrating 40 years in 2010. In this time of state and national funding cutbacks, local community support is needed more than ever. A minimum donation of $10 will be asked.

For more information, call Family at 845-679-2485.


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Supplement your Yoga Practice this Saturday morning with a Talk by Jo-Ann Yawn,Owner of Sunshine Health Food Store, Liberty

After 9 am Beginner's Yoga Class, Saturday, December 5, Jo-Ann will help unravel for us the mysteries of magnesium and calcium and the balance between the two. Deficiencies in magnesium have been linked to muscle spasms and cramping, insomnia, constipation and irritability.

Jo-Ann will help us also to understand how to best intake calcium -- this necessary mineral for bone health. Enjoy her talk with tea and snack from 10:45-11:15 a.m. On the Mat in Mountaindale.




On the Mat in Mountaindale
63 Main Street, CR-55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
for weekly schedule:
yogaonthemat.com
(845) 866-7822


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THIS WEEKEND! Sullivan County Holiday Farmers Market

The last Sullivan County Farmers Market of the season will be held on Sunday, December 6th from 10am-2pm at the Delaware Youth Center, 8 Creamery Road in Callicoon, NY (map).

There will be fresh fruits and vegetables (some organically grown), artisan crafted wines, goat cheeses as well as traditional dairy cheeses, maple syrup from Anderson's and Muthig's, baked goods from Flower Power Bakery and hand crafted jewelry, all locally produced here in the Catskills! Come on out and support our farmers, food producers and artisans and find the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family!

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Some Post-Thanksgiving Yoga Goodness!

Feeling Fat? Step On the Mat
. . . in Mountaindale.


* Tone Muscle
* Strengthen Your Core
* Align the Spine
* Have Fun!


May the fullness of Thanksgiving enrich your life (and propel your yoga practice) this week and throughout the holiday month. This week, bring a friend (newcomer) to the yoga studio to any class FREE!



Post-Thanksgiving Yoga-Class Schedule

Tuesday
Beginner's
Align the Spine
5:30-7 pm

Thursday
Gentle Beginner's
Inner Beauty/Outer Thighs
Noon - 1:30 pm
and
Beginner's II
5:30-7 pm

Friday
Restorative Yoga
Renew and Restore on the Radiant Heat Floor
5:30-7 pm

Saturday
Beginner's
Belly Laugh: Explore our Core
9-10:30 am
***Followed by Tea and a Talk by Jo-Ann Yaun, owner Sunflower Health Food Store in Liberty
Free.

Sunday
9-10:30 am
Advanced
Awesome Asanas

11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Tone and Strengthen with
Yoga Therapeutics
All Levels Welcome!




On the Mat in Mountaindale Yoga
63 Main Street, CR-55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
yogaonthemat.com
(845) 866-7822


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Thanksgiving Yoga in the Catskills

We've got a few yoga events happening today to celebrate Thanksgiving.


Sat Nam Yoga Spa Thanksgiving Yoga Class and Pot Luck
Here at Sat Nam Yoga Spa we will celebrate Thanksgiving on Wednesday with FREE 12 Noon Yoga class, and short Meditation followed by POT Luck Lunch. You are invited.
Sat Nam Yoga Spa
333 Mount Cliff Road, Hurleyville, NY 12747
http://www.satnamyogaspa.com/
(845) 866-3063



On the Mat in Mountaindale Yoga
You are most welcome to enjoy a Mixed Level yoga class, Wednesday, November 25 from Noon to 1:30 pm at On the Mat in Mountaindale. Afterwards, we can savor a piece of Lisa's delicious homemade apple pie and a cup of hot, sweet chai. Because of the holiday, there will be no yoga classes Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds from Pie and Chai events in November and December support Sullivan County Food Pantries.

On the Mat in Mountaindale Yoga
63 Main Street, CR-55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
http://www.yogaonthemat.com
(845) 866-7822



And don't forget...

Thanksgiving Feast at Kadampa Meditation Center in Glen Spey, NY
Relax and unwind with a guided meditation on gratitude in the blessed and inspiring Kadampa Temple for World Peace. Then sample savory hors d’oeuvres in the World Peace Café, followed by a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving meal fire-side in the dining room enjoyed with spiritual friends. Read on!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!


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Black Friday special event at the Emerson Country Store

Join us at the Emerson Country Store on Friday, November 27 for our annual Black Friday special event! Visit with Santa from 6-8 pm, enjoy the Woodstock Brass Quintet from 4:30-7:30 pm, meet local authors for a book signing from 6-8 pm, and relax with complimentary eggnog and cookies. Spend $25 between Black Friday and December 20th and be entered for a chance to win a 32” HD LCD television! For more information, call (845) 688-5800 or visit www.emersoncountrystore.com.

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EVENT: Join us for a Transition Town Pre-Thanksgiving Bash!

Join us for a "No waste" Potluck Dinner
Saturday, November 21, 6 to 9 PM
at Cornell Cooperative Extention, Liberty, NY


Agenda:

"No waste" potluck dinner where everything you bring goes back home with you to be used again including any leftover food. Reusable napkins, cutlery, dishes, cups, etc. Please buy locally grown food as much as possible as that is one of our goals. Vegetarian if you can.

After the potluck we will view a documentary applicable to our mission.

Short planning group reports to let us know where our movement has carried us in our first 6 month.

I'll try to get Tina from CACHE to come and talk a little about their home heating audit program and to offer the forms that can be filled out which will get us connected with the program. You can have an income higher than you think would qualify you yet find that CACHE has set a pretty high limit on qualifying for a free audit.

I am working on getting musicians there to help us have a celebatory sing along of our old favorites as a way of ending the evening. Any one want to help out musically? Any other ideas for celebrating?

Questions? Contact Tim Shera at 292-2279

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Get Some Pre-Holiday Clarity! Upcoming Meditation and Yoga Retreats in the Catskills

As the holidays are fast approaching, there's lots to think about. Holiday plans, family dynamics and gift ideas are just a few of the extra balls that need to be juggled in addition to our hectic schedules of the rest of the year. The best way to prepare myself for all that's to come is to do a little clarity work before all the hub-bub sets in. Daily meditation and yoga is a must, but in times like these I also reach to our local spiritual resources to provide an extra dose of disciplined relaxation. Here are a few upcoming events that can help you get clear, and in tune with your own sense of grace, to really make for a peaceful holiday season...


What: Empowerment Event at Kadampa Meditation Retreat
When: Friday November 27-Sunday, November 29
Where: Kadampa Meditation Center New York
Sweeney Road, Glen Spey, NY 12737

"Manjushri is the embodiment of the wisdom of all Buddhas. By receiving his blessings in this empowerment ceremony and then relying upon him with faith, we will naturally increase our wisdom. When we have wisdom we do not feel confused or unhappy, our mind is peaceful, and we understand things clearly and easily. With eyes of wisdom we will always know what is best to do. Gen Samten is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center New York. He will grant Manjushri empowerment and give the teachings this weekend." Read More...




What: Peace of Mind Meditation Retreat
When: Friday December 4-Sunday, December 6
Where: Kadampa Meditation Center New York
Sweeney Road, Glen Spey, NY 12737

"Whether we are seeking relaxation, improvement in our health, or a calmer and more stable mind, Kadampa Meditation Center introductory retreats provide us with an opportunity to take a break from the hectic pace of life." Read More...




What: Yoga and Stress Management Weekend
When: Friday December 4-Sunday, December 6
Where: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch
Budd Road, Woodbourne, NY 12788
"Stress is a daily struggle that we must learn
how to cope with. Yoga provides practical
methods to reduce stress and to manage our
life in a healthy and balanced way. Develop
tools to use in daily life. " Read More...

Know of other upcoming events that should be listed here? Email us at webmaster(AT)catskillswellnessguide(DOT)com


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Recipes for a Healthy Holiday Table

Holly from Nourishing Wisdom Nutrition was kind enough to pass on these wonderful recipes to complement your Thanksgiving meal in a healthful way. Thanks Holly!

Also, many of you asked for the recipe to the Gluten Free Cranberry Tart I made for the last Sat Nam Yoga potluck. You can find that recipe here: Tart and Tangy Cranberry Bars from Elana's Pantry.



Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Apples

If you don't feel like shredding the brussels sprouts, you could do a version of this recipe cutting them into quarters instead - a bit quicker as far as prepping the ingredients goes.

Adapted from 101cookbooks.com

20 brussels sprouts cut in half, then sliced in ribbons – or just cut in half
1 large apple cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 cups of leeks sliced
1 medium clove garlic, minced
a couple pinches of fine-grain sea salt
4-6 T butter
small handful pecans toasted and chopped

Saute apples in butter for 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl. Sauté leeks in 2 T butter until beginning to brown, then add more butter and the brussels sprouts. Put the heat to medium-high and let the contents begin to brown. You can add more butter if pan gets too dry. Stir the apple mixture back into the skillet along with minced garlic and stir to combine. Turn off heat and let sit 2 minutes. Scoop into serving bowl and sprinkle toasted pecans on top.


Carmelized Carrots With Thyme Butter Glaze

10 carrots sliced on the diagonal
1 bunch thyme or 2 Tablespoons dried
Splash of olive oil
A few pats butter
Salt to taste

Saute carrots in a little butter and olive oil on med-high heat. Don’t stir too often so they carmelize. Add thyme and sprinkle salt. When carrots are soft and kinda browned, they are ready. Taste and add more salt.


Sizzling Apples With Maple Coconut Cream

5 apples or pears or combo
Butter
Cinnamon
Coconut milk
Splash maple syrup
Pinch salt
Platte clove granola for topping

Saute apples/pears in butter on high. Add dash cinnamon. Place in bowl and drizzle coconut milk with dash of maple syrup. Top with granola.


Holly Anne Shelowitz, Certified Nutrition Counselor
Cooking classes, nutrition counseling and so much more
www.nourishingwisdom.com 845.658.7887




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Thanksgiving Holiday Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to the traditional family/dinner/turkey scenario, check out a few options for Thanksgiving Day. They’re a unique way to tune in to your innate sense of compassion and gratitude.

Thanksgiving Feast at Kadampa Meditation Center in Glen Spey, NY
Relax and unwind with a guided meditation on gratitude in the blessed and inspiring Kadampa Temple for World Peace. Then sample savory hors d’oeuvres in the World Peace Café, followed by a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving meal fire-side in the dining room enjoyed with spiritual friends. Read on!


Vegan Potluck "Living Thanksgiving" with Jenny Brown, Co-Founder of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Woodstock, NY
The Berkshire Vegetarian Network Announces a Vegan Potluck "Living Thanksgiving" at 1:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day at the United Methodist Church Of Lenox, 6 Holmes Road, Lenox, MA. Read on!


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EVENT: All Bodhisattvas Day at Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, NY

Want to give your Halloween celebration a Dharmic twist? Check out this upcoming event at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, NY!

On this "All Bodhisattva's Day" we'll celebrate together carving pumpkins, baking bread and pumpkin seeds, and sitting by the fire. We'll tell stories of great Chan masters of the past and teachers we've had personal contact with. By reflecting on our tradition's ancestors, we gain strength in our own practice of generating the "Bodhi mind" of great compassion.

EVENT: All Bodhisattvas Day
DATE: October 31, 2009
TIME: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Dharma Drum Retreat Center Dining Hall
CONTACT: ddrc@dharmadrumretreat.org





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