Holistic Networking Group Welcomes New Members in Westchester, NY

After more than a decade, Westchester Holistic Network (WHN) is not just surviving—it’s thriving. “We are Westchester’s leading holistic group,” says founder Paula Caracappa. “Our new members come from many varied walks of life—financial advisors, medical professionals and therapists, as well as holistic practitioners seeking connection with like-minded colleagues. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about body-mind-spirit wellness.”

WHN’s mission is to educate the general public about various integrative wellness practices. To that end, the group hosts monthly gatherings and participates in outside events such as the semiannual Awaken Wellness Fair. Members also teach at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence’s substance abuse counselors training program. “With exciting new collaborations and partnerships being born all the time, each meeting of the Westchester Holistic Network evokes an energy of partnership,” Caracappa says. “One attendee, after her first encounter with the group, described them as ‘the nicest, warmest, most welcoming people I have ever met!’”

WHN meets throughout the year, the second Tuesday morning of each month, at the Divine Compassion Spirituality Center in White Plains, New York. In addition to offering an opportunity to make new friends and connections, the meetings include a home-cooked, organic breakfast and a speaker program intended to both educate and inspire.

For more information, visit WestchesterHolisticNetwork.org, email info@WestchesterHolisticNetwork.org  or contact  WHN at 914.422.1784.

Pilates is for EVERY Body

By Adriene Ingalls

She was inspired by an infomercial. When “Ann” rang the bell at my Pilates studio for the first time, we had already spoken briefly by phone; she’d told me she was excited to start Pilates because she saw on TV that anyone could “tone up” and lose weight in just a few sessions. She wanted to “tone up” a bit.

So here she was, about to step into my studio with great expectations. I’d planned to approach the situation with a dose of comic realism—but changed my mind when I opened the door. In stepped Ann, a very pleasant woman in her early 30s who was, I guessed, about 5-foor-4 and at least 200 pounds. That was over 10 years ago…

Ann was right about two things: Pilates is effective, and anyone can do it—the old and the young, pregnant women, athletes, couch potatoes, even paraplegics. Because the exercises can be adapted safely to an individual’s proficiency level, Pilates is excellent for injury recovery as well as weight loss. My mentor, Kathleen Stanford Grant, referred to Joseph Pilates as “the first physical therapist of his time.”

There were no infomercials in the early 20^th century, when Pilates developed his groundbreaking exercise method. But if there had been, he might have used his famous line: “In 10 sessions, you will feel a difference. In 20 sessions you will see a difference. In 30 sessions you will have a whole new body.”

Plus, Pilates is fun. The method involves a wide variety of exercises—over 500, not including the archival work—which means you never get bored.

How Pilates Works

The six key principles that make up the Pilates Method are concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing. Here’s how they all come together:

Pilates is a series of rhythmic, balanced movements done in a controlled way, with an emphasis on proper breathing, body alignment, and mental focus. The movements strengthen and elongate the muscles without adding bulk. They also improve abdominal strength, increase flexibility and joint mobility, and enhance posture, balance and coordination. They can even boost bone density.

The six Pilates principles teach students to use what Joseph Pilates called the “Powerhouse”—the muscles in the center of the body, back and front, between the ribcage and pubic bone, which include the abdominals, hips, buttocks and low back muscles. In Pilates, the Powerhouse is always engaged and initiates movement while the rest of the body moves freely. The result is overall strength and fluidity of movement. Over time, students will see their body change to one that is uniformly developed, with long, lean muscles, improved posture, balanced joints, and a powerful mind/body/spirit connection.

Benefits of Pilates

The fact of the matter is that this system works—for everybody. It’s great for people battling disc and other spine-related problems. It’s also effective for those with joint injuries, scoliosis, whiplash, multiple sclerosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, osteoporosis, stroke and even diabetes. Clients preparing for or recovering from pregnancy or surgery use Pilates to help them rehabilitate and get back into shape quickly. Pilates is also a wonderful complement to sports, weight training, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and many other therapeutic or physical fitness systems.

Pilates is for Every Body.

Remember Ann—5-foot-4 and 200 pounds? After I explained that no, she wouldn’t be “toning up” in a couple of Pilates sessions, that it was going to take a lot of consistent, hard work, Ann wasn’t very happy. Ultimately, though, she committed to the idea of a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Small, realistic goals led to bigger ones, and as she attained each goal, Ann became stronger in mind, body and spirit. After a year and a half of Pilates training and cardiovascular exercise, Ann had lost 100 pounds—and she’s kept the weight off for a decade. She continues to do private Pilates sessions twice a week.

Adriene Ingalls owns Premier Pilates and Yoga, 200 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY. To make an appointment, call 914.235.1250. For more information, visit PremierPilatesNY.com.

New Rose Center in Rye, NY, Blends Yoga & Psychotherapy

Lauren Rose

After nearly a decade in a flourishing private practice, psychotherapist Lauren Rose has seen how her clinical work helps people live stress-free, happy lives. As a certified yoga instructor, she knows first-hand the therapeutic effects of this ancient practice. So, charting new ground, she has opened The Rose Center for Mind and Body in Rye, New York, offering clinical psychotherapy services as well as Therapeutic Yoga. “The Center evolved from my desire to integrate the mindfulness, relaxation and stress-reduction techniques I teach to my traditional yoga classes with the insights I’ve gained from psychotherapy,” she says.

The development of a Therapeutic Yoga program was a logical progression from her clinical psychotherapy services, she notes. “Through the integration of asana practice, yoga philosophy and traditional psychotherapeutic techniques, Therapeutic Yoga encourages active physical and emotional participation in healing and personal growth,” she says. Participants work first on self-awareness and self-acceptance; then they can begin to correct ineffective coping mechanisms and behavior patterns. “Many students have not experienced this type of connection between their bodies and their emotions before,” Rose says.  While Therapeutic Yoga can benefit anyone, she says, it also helps those with emotional issues including depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating or body-image issues, and the emotional effects of chronic illness or infertility. The Rose Center offers drop-in Therapeutic Yoga classes as well as individual and group Yoga Therapy.

The Rose Center for Mind and Body is located at 17 Purdy Ave., Rye, NY. For more information, call 914.937.3566 or visit RoseCenterNY.com.

Planet Watch for February 2011 with Pamela Cucinell

Groundhogs and Rabbits
On February 1, use evening hours to make enthusiastic plans for the upcoming weeks. A New Moon initiates a networking cycle on February 2 (Candlemas and Groundhog Day). The Chinese New Year of the Rabbit begins on February 3, emphasizing strategy and diplomacy. February 4 awakens careful consideration of finances. Enjoy February 5 with water, snow or music to recharge you one hundredfold.

Share Food Together
February 6 is productive if you remember that overextension has repercussions. Make a beeline for your dream on February 7 and 8. February 9 supports inspired conversation around a meal. A battle of wills on February 10 is unproductive; table the discussion and break bread together instead. Lack of awareness on February 11 can invite a bad business decision or hasty purchase.

Share the Love
Favor spiritual development over individual goals on February 12. Visit friends, the library or a bookstore on February 13. Valentine’s Day can bring discord, but mutual respect keeps the boat afloat. If you’re not feeling love in your life, start with the source: your love for you. An optimistic frame of mind on February 15 inspires options. Consider the consequences of impulsive actions when the party mood hits on February 16 and 17.

The Fish Breaks the Ice
The Sun enters the sign of Pisces on February 18, indicating a possible thaw in frozen activities. The Leo Full Moon that day transforms dreams into practical applications. Get your house in order on February 19 to delight in little things. On February 20 create harmony and enjoy cultural pursuits. February 21 offers growth and communication when both sides look at the root of the issue. On February 22 consider financial, mystical or personal matters (which may all be related!). Follow through any idea with a logical assessment on February 23.

Lay the Groundwork
Don’t start big plans on February 24 until you’re confident that your faith can weather setbacks. February 25 is not the time for investments or chances, but for reevaluating and examining alternatives. Avoid getting into arguments on February 26; if they come out of nowhere, leave them there. February 27 offers the potential to work through a challenged relationship. February 28 is excellent for negotiations in partnership or finances, whether business or personal.

Pamela Cucinell

Get Pamela Cucinell’s in-depth daily forecast delivered to you via email at InsightOasis.com. To gain perspective to make decisions with confidence through personal revelations, call 917.796.6026.

Shaman Performs Weddings and Other Meaningful Ceremonies

Mikki Baloy Davis

Traditional societies have often celebrated and honored life changes and events with ceremony. Today, ceremonies can still be used to recognize transitions in life or nature, set intentions, connect to Spirit, release the old and welcome the new, says shamanic practitioner and minister Mikki Baloy Davis of Pamo Healing.

“Weddings, baptisms, and funerals are the big events we tend to think of first,” says Davis, who professes a passion for creating ceremonies, “but we can also mark retirements, divorces, new careers, new homes, and any transition that feels significant.” Davis says her ceremonies help people to pause, make space to acknowledge where they are, and be witnessed in the process. “People notice a shift,” she says. “There’s richness and wonder that wasn’t there before.”

Davis offers ceremony writing and healing sessions in her Pleasantville office. Special packages are available for engaged couples and new parents. Ordained in the Circle of the Sacred Earth, Davis works with clients of many faiths and backgrounds to honor the cycles and transitions of life.

Pamo Healing is located at 29 Marble Avenue in Pleasantville, NY. For more information and to make an appointment, visit pamohealing.com or call 917.620.0444.

Creating a Full Service Center for Women’s Wellness in Cortlandt Manor, NY

The Women’s Center for Holistic Healing

Holistic Chiropractor Dr. Marianne Messina has launched a new practice location in Cortlandt Manor with the vision of creating a full service center for women’s wellness. The Women’s Center for Holistic Healing currently offers Chiropractic, Craniosacral therapy, Reiki, and Massage Therapy. Dr. Messina will continue to broaden the center’s offerings with holistic practitioners who have special knowledge about women issues from an integrated body, mind, and spirit perspective. “This community will bring a nurturing holistic approach to women’s wellness,” she says.

Special events, workshops and movement classes are also within Dr. Messina’s vision for the center, which she calls a true passion. “It gives practitioners a community setting,” says Messina, “while caring for one woman at a time.”

The Women’s Center for Holistic Healing is located at 97 Locust Avenue in Cortlandt Manor, NY. Contact Dr. Marianne Messina at 914.309.4741.

Mystical Energy in Putnam Lake, NY, Introduces New Classes, Workshops in 2011

Mystical Energy, a New Age gift shop and spiritual healing center dedicated to the teachings of the metaphysical world, is introducing new classes and workshops for 2011. They will draw on the talent and experience of Mystical Energy owner Diane Hamilton, an intuitive reader, certified counselor and energy healer, as well as that of psychic medium Pamela Landenburg and polarity therapist Kathy LaLonde.

Located in Putnam Lake, New York, Mystical Energy offers readings, closed-shop psychic parties, meditation, Reiki classes, psychic development, and energy balancing, among other services and classes. (A full list of 2011 classes and workshops is available online at MysticalEnergy.org.) “We offer many ways to start your new year off right, to start feeling better in mind, body and spirit,” Hamilton says. “We also have a well-stocked inventory of candles, incense, crystals, gemstones and more, for all of your spiritual needs.”

Landenburg, who is also a Reiki Master, is known for her psychic readings and spiritual counseling. “I work with spirit to bring proof, love and hope to empower my clients,” she says. (Learn more about Landenburg at WorkingWithSpirit.net.) Formerly of Hygenia, Kathy LaLonde has 20 years’ experience in energy healing work. “Polarity therapy can bring the physical and energetic systems into balance and alignment,” LaLonde explains. “A feeling of stability, ease and light-heartedness will quickly be apparent in your mind and body.” (For more about LaLonde and polarity therapy, visit ThePolarityProcess.blogspot.com.)

Mystical Energy is located at 83 Haviland Dr., Patterson, NY. For more information, call 914.500.7732 or visit MysticalEnergy.org.

“Transcendence and Skillful Living for Couples,” & Other Events at SunRaven This Winter

Dr. Michael Finkelstein, MD of SunRaven

In honor of Valentine’s Day, SunRaven holistic health center in Bedford, New York, is introducing “Transcendence and Skillful Living for Couples,” day-long workshops intended to bring couples closer in their search for personal health and fulfillment. They will work privately with SunRaven founder Dr. Michael Finkelstein, MD, and Robin Queen, the creator of a unique body-mind approach to health and life, to develop a unified model for “Skillful Living.” The workshops are among an array of special events and consultations hosted by SunRaven this winter.

February 24-March 4, Finkelstein will lead a week-long Group Juice Fast. “If you’ve been thinking about undertaking a true ‘cleanse’ or detox, a green juice fast, along with a comprehensive protocol developed by one of the leading experts in the field, can be an extremely valuable experience,” he says. Coinciding with the Fast is the first 2011 meeting of the SunRaven Book Club, discussing Women Food and God by Geneen Roth, March 1 at 7 p.m.

Finkelstein will also offer an off-campus workshop, “Restoring Balance in a Chronic Culture,” providing physical, emotional and spiritual tools for dealing with a chronic condition in oneself or a loved one. The workshop will be held at The Yoga Loft at The Bedford Post Inn on February 15, as well as in a two-part session at Gilda’s Club March 8 and April 12.

For book club information or to receive Finkelstein’s Skillful Living Newsletter, visit SunRaven.org. To schedule a consultation, register for a workshop, or join the Juice Fast, email Michael@SunRaven.org or call 914.234.6646.

Mastermind Groups Forming at Lifestreams Healing for Westchester and Putnam NY Residents

Joan Angarano

Joan Angarano and Lifestreams Healing invite Westchester and Putnam residents to join a collective of like-minded people seeking self-mastery through the power of a mastermind group. Angarano says that mastermind groups are infused with the energetic expressions of each individual, which raises the energy of the group’s purpose and allows each participant to soar to their highest potential.

“It is time for us to embrace our true natures as the masters and creators we are,” Angarano says. “This group experience is only for those willing to reach beyond the experience of who they know themselves to be, into the discovery and mastery of who God intended for them to be.”

The program begins on March 6. For scheduling purposes, individuals must reserve a place in the group by February 24. For more information, visit lifestreamshealing.com and click on “Services,” then “Mastermind Group.”

Gene Krackehl’s Award-winning Book, “You Are the Healer” Now Available on Kindle

Gene Krackehl’s award-winning book, You Are the Healer: Discover Your Miraculous Potential to Heal Yourself & Others, is about to go into its third printing and is now available on Kindle. Gene has been teaching his methods for years, and his local best-selling book serves as an instruction manual for the popular energy healing workshops that he gives across the Northeast.

“Each of us is a potential healer capable of performing real miracles on a daily basis,” says Gene. “The only thing stopping us is our own belief that we can’t. All that is required is to have love and the sincere desire to give that love to others.” Gene’s unique energy healing sessions attract people from all over the world, and many have described them as “extraordinary,” “truly transformational,” and “phenomenal.” Gene will be offering a free lecture on “Healing with Love” and signing his books at Hudson Valley Hospital’s Dempsey House on Thursday, March 24 at 3 p.m.

For more information, visit amazinghealer.com or email Gene@AmazingHealer.com.