 Ask a simple question, and you may expect a simple answer. But when I asked my Facebook community, “What does Love Mean to You?” the answers that rolled in spanned from a single word to a commentary. It was a beautiful revelation of the meaning of love, and how it relates to each of us differently. I imagine this may depend on our life stories, past and present relationships, how we were raised. ... please leave your comments above There’s a beautiful meditation that opens your heart to the essence of love. You can try it now, if you’d like. Love Meditation Begin by focusing on your heart chakra located in the center of your chest. This is the seat of compassion and loving kindness. Take several deep breaths into this space, imagining a glowing light or star within. This begins the process of warming up the love within you! Now think of a person, place, or thing that makes you smile. Something that truly warms your heart, and makes you happy. Continue breathing into your heart chakra, now with the image of your inspiration, and allow the energy of love to expand throughout your being. Let it bring a smile to your face. Think about how it makes you feel and come up with a word, words, or phrase to describe it. When you’re ready, open your eyes, trusting that regardless of any given situation, you can always access this peaceful feeling. You can even use the description that came to you to bring it forth. Typically when I engage in this exercise, an image of my adorable dog appears with his big brown eyes smiling at me with such love and playfulness. I can’t help but smile and feel loved. For me, the meaning of love is being connected. Knowing when your loved one is hungry, and making the time to feed them. And having this sense of knowing reciprocated. When I’m tired or feeling down, my dog knows. He jumps up next to me and snuggles. He licks my face and stays by my side. What Does Love Mean to You? This is what my beautiful friends had to say. Holly Delgaudio It is everything Andy Willoughby Hard to explain how it feels when my children and my grandchildren hug me Josie Estill It means feeling completely safe with and cherished by my husband. And also feeling compassion and caring towards others …. This covers SO much …. Janine Muehleisen LOVE is an opening of hearts to the Universe and everyone and everything in it, regardless of whether it is good or bad, because it can bring more love and light into existence for all of us to share in and benefit from. To close our hearts for any reason diminishes our capacity to change the world for better. If we can raise the energy of even the darkest of people or situations just by being the light and the love that we are meant to be, we become our greatest of purposes for existing upon the Earth. If we close ourselves off to those things that make us cringe, we are denying our blessing to the world, and selfishly protecting ourselves by ignoring what we don’t care to face and stepping back from the harder task of raising up the beings and situations most in need of uplifting and healing. Love and Light bearers are here to heal the world, not to ignore what we find distasteful. We are warriors for the salvation of All. Let US be LOVE!!!!!!!! Nancy Houck It’s funny you asked….. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. One aspect of love that I recognize that keep the days rolling by is commitment. For feelings to stick I need commitment to someone and from someone. Linda Fulleda Wow, what a question. It’s a feeling of warmth security and confidence that I’d like to give to my close people and to have it reciprocated. The knowledge that there is nothing that can’t be said or shared, appreciation of each other and of the beauty around us, to not take any of it for granted. It’s almost a warm and energetic, internal feeling that you hope radiates outwardly to the people you care about and maybe radiates so much so that others pick it up, and it spreads. Lori Ventura Gordon You don’t say love, you feel love Brad Haynes Care Chris Cook Never having to say you’re sorry? (I never understood that, did you?) Charla Kucko Unconditional, hopeful, compassionate, genuine, eternal Andrea LiquidArt Caring and loyalty Dave Kaspersin speciallady.net Candy Bernhard Love is like your best fitting jeans Timothy Morris Listening Kathy Jackson Love means genuinely caring for someone else’s well being.. Wanting the best for them… Without an expectation.. Timothy Corbett It means I’ll always have a reason to smile and never feel alone Sherri Longyear Staying connected Lisa Calabresi Never ending forgiveness. Lifetime endurance and trying to understand and learn. Always giving your best, even when falling short, everyday is new. Velvet Spicer Trust, above all else Paul J Green Caring deeply Ask yourself what love means to you, and bring it into every aspect of your life. This article was published in the March 2022 issue of RochesterWomanOnline. Join my email list by sending a note to alana@alanacahoon.com 
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 At the beginning of every new year, I set intentions. What helps me to better define these is to reflect on all that I accomplished, failed, healed, and let go of in the prior year.
I shared this questionnaire several years ago. Let it guide you on your way to a powerful and joyous 2022! ... please leave your comments above Answer the questions quickly and honestly. What first comes to mind is often the best. Useful tips are shared to help you move along. As you reflect on the past year, you’ll gain wisdom to guide you in the new year. Are you ready? Here goes! The Year in Review
2. What was your greatest achievement? This may have been a goal that was on your list. It may have to do with your career, your family and friends, or yourself. You may have run your first 5K race, graduated from school, made it to the team, or signed on a new client. Or, you may have finally taken those braces off, or gotten engaged, or watched your child walk across a stage. 3. What was your most difficult challenge? Whether at work, at home or school something stands out. What was this challenge and how did you manage it? How did it effect your life? 4. Who was the most influential person in your life this year? How did they inspire you? 5. What was the most fun experience you had? Remember the day and time, whom you were with, where you were, what you were doing, and even what you were wearing! 6. What skill did you develop? Whether old or new. This could be drawing, skiing, singing, beading, hiking, baking, speaking, driving, writing. 7. What wisdom did you gain? Often in our pursuit of goals, we attain insights along the way. You may have learned a shorter route to the same goal. Or you may have found that the true goal was in the pursuit! Obstacles offer us insights into our very own nature. How we respond to them speaks loudly. It is much easier to notice the difficulties surrounding a situation. Self reflection is where the core lesson is held. 8. If you had a chance to do it over again, what would you have done differently? This is the opportunity we all wish we could have! Allow a few circumstances to arise. It may have been an exchange with a coworker or family member. Or it could have been a financial investment. Or a pitch to a prospective client. Or a new haircut! 9. What was your favorite season and why? Everyone knows their favorite season, don’t they? Does it stay consistent? Has yours changed? What makes your favorite season so wonderful? Imagine you are in that season now and breathe it in. Feel the sensation it offers. Excitement, relaxation, freedom, joy. 10. What was your favorite look or style? Did you have a new wardrobe? A new color palate? Did you try something new? Did you find yourself pulling out an old fav from the bottom of your drawer? What about the texture? What did you like about it? How did it make you feel? How did it make you look? The New Year Ahead 11. What are you excited about? You may have a fully packed calendar or a wide open one. What gets you excited about it? Is it the summer camp or winter visit? Will you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time? Or will you be getting that new car you’ve been saving up for? 12. What are your top 5 goals? These may change. Pick what comes first to mind. Place them in order of priority. And send them a blessing that they will all manifest in perfect accordance. 13. What skill will you either learn or strengthen? This could be the same one as last year or something entirely new. You may pull out a dusty guitar, a fishing pole, a sewing kit, a camera, a foreign language, a deck of cards or a bowling ball. 14. Who would you like to meet? You may know the person’s identity or simply the personality traits of the kind of person you’d like to know. Where might you meet them? 15. What character flaw would you like to change about your self? I know you are absolutely perfect exactly as you are, so you may need to really think about this one. It may refer to an inclination to judge or to offer your opinion overzealously. It may be self criticism or an excessive sugar craving. 16. What healthy habit would you like to start? I love this one! How about trying a yoga class? Or meditation? Or a course in mindfulness? Walking, exercising, eating organic. These are all great ideas to consider, and I can help you! 17. What would you like to avoid? This may be an unhealthy habit like eating potato chips from a bag while sitting on the sofa watching TV. Sound familiar? Or a toxic environment where you don’t feel comfortable. Or a person who does not treat you with respect. 18. What are you grateful for this moment? 19. How will you let your light shine? You are as bright as can be. This year, allow your self to shine even brighter. Surround yourself with positive people in a supportive environment. 20. What pledge will you make to your self? You are only responsible for yourself. Although you may feel like you’re responsible for others you are only responsible to them. How will you take care of yourself? What promise will you make to support, love & cherish your body, mind & spirit? HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! How to Heal Naturally please leave your comments above ~ It may be from an injury, an illness, or from an unknown source, but living with chronic pain can sometimes feel like … hell on earth. I was in a car accident at the age of 16. I was skipping school on the Friday before spring vacation. Bad idea! It was a beautiful spring day, and a group of friends decided to go to the beach. Lucy and I were sitting on the trunk of a friend’s car when the driver got in and started the engine. I thought this would be a good time to get off the car but just as I began to slide off, she began to drive forward. Now if I had some background in physics or engineering I’d probably be able to describe what had happened in a more scientific way. Essentially, I did not land on my feet but on my head. I recall a brief moment of consciousness in the front seat of the car with my head bleeding on my other friend’s lap. The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital, on a metal table with strange doctors speaking in a foreign language standing over me. A week had passed before I gained consciousness. It was Easter Sunday. And people were there bringing me chocolate. Only I had no appetite. I spent the next six months regaining my ability to walk and talk and study. And then as a typical teenager, I forgot all about the situation. I dedicated myself to studies and preparing to go to college.The past was in the past. But today I live in chronic pain, and have lived this way since the age of 26. I’ll never forget the moment when my back locked on me! That’s when I discovered through an MRI that I had slipped discs in my back and neck. In fact, I was told that I had lost the natural curvature in my neck. I have spent much of my life learning techniques to prevent, heal, and manage this source wound. If you are like me, and suffer from chronic pain, you may want to try out these techniques. Healing Naturally May you be inspired, find relief, and live a life of joy! #1 Education Gaining knowledge provides you with confidence and guidelines to work with. Whatever your pain is, look it up! Search under reputable sources like Mayo Clinic or WebMD. Your research may even lead you toward a new career path, as it did with me! #2 Source Wound My story illustrates how I discovered that the source of my pain was from an accident that happened many years prior. Knowing this leads you toward not only healing the pain, but the initial trauma. #3 Compassion You must be kind to yourself! I suggest you do this in every area of your life. Pain can sometimes prevent you from doing the things that bring you joy, and awaken the inner critic. Resist the urge, and instead lean into it. Bring natural healing with loving kindness. #4 Relaxation Breathe deeply. Relax. Be in the present moment. Meditate. This is a natural remedy for any kind of pain! The following meditation incorporates natural healing energy. Your very own! Meditation As you close your eyes, and bring your awareness to your breath, following it as you breathe in, and as you breathe out, focus on where the pain is. If it is in your lower back, for example, bring your full attention to that area. Imagine the air that you are breathing going to that area, filling it with fresh clean air, healing it with your exhale. Imagine the air becoming healing energy. If you believe in a higher power, ask that its healing energy join yours. Imagine it moving into the area of pain, doing all the work. You simply relax and guide the energy. #5 Yoga Stretch. Breathe. Flow. Strengthen. Stretch. Meditate. Yoga is both a physical exercise and a mental practice. Both bring you into the present moment, and fully into your body! Most asanas will be perfect for your spinal health, but with any physical injury or pain, modifications may be necessary. Ask your teacher. And if so inspired, train to teach yourself! #6 Chiropractic This was the first modality that managed my back and neck injury. It has many positive aspects worth exploring. #7 Physical Therapy This is a practice I highly regard. Some PTs actually incorporate a little bit of chiropractic techniques in their work. But it’s far less aggressive. And you almost always walk away with homework as in physical exercises to strengthen and lengthen your body. You’ll also be given tips to avoid future incidents. # 8 Massage Therapy I have to admit this is my favorite! I come out feeling not only better physically but mentally relaxed and spiritually rejuvenated. Look for a massage therapist that is right for you. You may prefer a lighter touch or a more firm massage style. I’ve been seeing Adrian now for a year and look forward to it every month! #9 Nutrition While your diet may not be the source of your pain, it may impact it. Learn to limit foods that increase inflammation like dairy. Stay at a healthy weight. Excess weight may add excess pressure. Take a look at any prescriptions you may be taking, and read their side effects. You might actually discover a direct link to persistent pain. # 10 Natural Health While all of the tips above may fall under this category, I’m giving it its own heading because my source wound was the motivation for me to become a Certified Natural Health Professional. Underneath this umbrella, I continued to quench my thirst for knowledge with studies and training in meditation, yoga, nutrition, reiki, energy healing, mindfulness, and exercise. I hope that you, too are inspired! Let your pain be your teacher. Learn to heal naturally. Alana Cahoon is the Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations: 55 Inspirational practices to Soothe the Body, Mind & Soul. www.AlanaCahoon.com.
 Creating a sacred space is as simple as placing a single flower in a vase. Then setting it on your desk, table, windowsill, or anywhere you will see it often. The idea is to create an ambience that supports your well-being. For some of you that may mean a full on altar where you can meditate. For others it may look more like wallhangings representing your passion whether it be baseball or origami. The result is the same. When gazing upon or entering into your sacred space, you instantly feel a sense of inner peace and belonging. Work environment Many of you are now working out of your homes. If you're lucky, you had already established a home office complete with desk, computer, and printer in a designated room. Some of you may have had to become more creative, carving out a corner of the laundry room, the kitchen, or dining room. Each of these spaces offer you endless possibilities! Preparation You'll be using all of your senses so take a big deep breath in and out. Ground yourself. Breathe into your heart chakra. That’s right in the center of your chest. And set your intention to create your own personal sacred space. Part 1 Begin by looking around at every wall, floor, ceiling. Notice the lighting fixtures, the window dressings. Sit down at your desk. Is it organized or cluttered? Listen to the background sounds. You may find that your overhead fan makes an unbearable whirring sound. You may be able to hear what’s going on in the rest of the house. Is it quiet? Loud? Breathe in and smell. That’s right. How does your office space smell? Is it sweet and fragrant? Or musty? Is it fresh and clean? Or stale and dusty? Keep going! We’re almost there. Feel the chair you're sitting on. Is it comfortable? Hard, soft or somewhere in between? How does the temperature feel? Does it feel cold or just right? Part 2 Which area of the room do you spend most of your time in? If it’s at your desk, you’ll focus on that area. If it’s in a winged chair by the window, focus there. Let’s take your desk for example. Going back to whether it’s cluttered or organized. An organized desk is like a blank canvas or even a clear mind. It is the perfect setting to begin your day with focus. How to organize Filing system. This can be done in your file cabinet, desk drawer or desk file organizer. Label all of your folders or place stickie notes on the top page of any project and paperclip them together. These options create a uniformed look. Place your pens and accessories in a drawer or holder vs having them scattered about. Keep your electronic equipment/devices available in order of their usage. ie. Desktop computer and monitor belong where else but on the top of your physical desk! I’ve been using laptops for the past decade. I like to move around, and they provide me with the flexibility of doing so. So, my laptop is placed … on the top of my desk or in the middle drawer of my desk. It is my first go-to. Make your first go-to readily accessible. If you have multiple devices like an iPad or iPhone (you can see I’m a big Apple fan!), keep those devices that are least used tucked away, ideally in a desk drawer where they can be easily accessible. Most people can’t be parted with their mobile phones, so yours is usually on you. Word of caution - you may want to keep your phone off of your person ie, don’t carry it in your pocket. Although small, the electrical currents carried do not serve your body. Back to your workspace Sit in your chair and ask yourself what could make you feel happier in this spot. What would brighten your area up? What would inspire you to do your most creative and effective work? Then let the ideas flow! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Fresh flowers - they not only bring color and life into a room, but often fragrance. Quotes - these may be from a spiritual deity or leader offering blessings. Or they might be from your favorite business leader offering you encouragement on your path. Photo - of loved family members whom may very well be why you’re working! Of friends whose presence reminds you to celebrate at the end of the day or week. Of nature - peaceful scenes to relax your mind and body. Of your passion like a ballerina posing an arabesque or a football player making a touchdown. Incense - appeals to your sense of smell. It also has spiritual associations and helps to restore relaxation. Crystals - each have their own magnetic healing properties. Learn about them and find one or more that bring you the benefits you seek. For instance amethyst may act as a natural tranquilizer, relieving stress and balancing your mood. It is known to activate spiritual awareness and intuition. Citrine is aligned with your third chakra located in your solar plexus also known as your power center. The crystal may be used to strengthen self esteem and empower any project you may be working on. How to activate them? Take several deep breaths in and out. Allow your eyes to relax while maintaining focus on your crystal, and set your intention. “I now bring positive energy around my project, my day, my self!” Have fun and place a candle next to your incense and crystals. Allocate an area of your desk for just these items. Place your flowers, photos, and quotes in another area. Your computer in the center. You’ve just created a sacred work space! Alana Cahoon is the Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations: 55 Inspirational practices to Soothe the Body, Mind & Soul. www.AlanaCahoon.com.
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Dubai was a beautiful land nestled along the rim of the Persian Gulf lined with sand & palm trees. Although there was a strict dress code to be adhered to when I lived there, many long & flowing silk-skirted women were seen walking to and from the souks. I was not one of them. Having just moved there from NYC as a singer/songwriter/actress, wearing modest clothing was not my strong suit. That hidden reserve from Catholic School days was brought back into my wardrobe. I did, however acquire a beautiful silk sari & choli top, the traditional clothing of India. The only time I’ve had the opportunity to wear it was at a halloween party! Similar to the Indian sari is the Arabic costume of the belly dancer. The bedia is a fitted top and belt both decorated in beads or sequins with a flowing skirt or harem pants. The fabric is often made of mesh or sheer material in every color of the rainbow. Belly Dance (Oriental Dance or Raqs Sharqi) or is an appreciated art form that visitors can admire at the many 5 star hotels and restaurants in Dubai. But wait! You don’t have to travel across the continent to experience the exotic beauty of not only the flowing garments but of the classic moves of the dance, and of course, the bellydancer herself. You can find it right here whether that’s Upstate NY or Upstate Nevada. Meet MARY MONROE, Queen Goddess of Belly Dance You may know Mary as the Multi-talented musician, strumming her harp or singing sweet vocals with her partner and band on stage. Or you may have studied any of the following instruments with her: harp, guitar, piano, ukulele, voice, violin. Or you just may have learned how to bellydance from her. Mary admits that bellydancing is a new form of art for her but one that the Universe has clearly guided her to lead. “During the pandemic I began to study bellydance online. I immersed myself in it. I loved the way it made me feel.” Once the world began to open up, Mary added a combination of salsa and bellydance to her musical stage performances with Nate & Mary’s World Music Quartet. Opportunities to teach began to show up effortlessly. “People in the audience would light up! Women were inspired to dance themselves. Three women approached me and asked if I would teach them.” That’s how it began. But her love for dance started much earlier in life. Mary’s first passion in life was not music but dance. She started ballet at the age of seven with the dream of becoming a ballerina some day. Eventually she shifted her focus to modern dance, then ballroom and latin dance, salsa being her favorite. “There are a few myths about bellydance. One is that it is a sexual dance. This myth needs to be debunked.” Admittedly it appears sexual with strong and deliberate movements of the hips and torso. But sensual is a more accurate description. “It is a kind of dance that tells a story between the drummer and the dancer. Often, you improv according to the rhythm.” “It’s such a spiritual form of dance. It’s freeing, not restrictive as compared to ballet.” She sometimes feels like she’s having an out of body experience, similar to a runner’s high or the effect one has during trance dance. “It made me feel much better about my body.” Like many of us, Mary has faced eating issues. Bellydance has improved her health and wellness and overall body image. “It makes me feel beautiful! Even having extra weight is desirable. I used to think my arms were big. Now I love them and show them off.” Mary especially appreciates her hips, and knows how to move them! “This dance form is moving to the audience, not just the beauty of the movement but joy in the dancer’s expression.” Mary admits that she’s not a master belly dancer. “Several people tried to put me down. Told me I was a musician not a dancer.” She just let it go and followed her bliss. She wasn’t going to let that stop her from bringing joy to others. “The joy is what’s most important. People feel it. Its’ contagious. That’s how you connect to others. When you’re aligned with the energy of joy.” I started dancing with Mary this summer. Magically a dance troupe was formed! You can enjoy the mystique and beauty of performances online and throughout NY. “Now we have a dance troupe! The Glowing Goddesses. We have gigs statewide and are now dancing with Buddahood.” On a final note: “You’re doing it because you like it. It makes you happy. Not to get approval or attention. When you’re doing it for the pure joy of it, I think that’s when it opens up.” Thanks Mary. See you soon ~ Mary Monroe & The Glowing Goddesses Upcoming performances Aug 21 G Lodge. Hannibal, NY w/Buddhahood Aug 22 Keertana Music Video Online Release Party Sept 3 Estival Festival. Caneadea, NY w/Buddhahood Oct 16 75 Stutson Street Venue. Rochester, NY w/Nate and Mary's World Music Quartet & Special guest Bakithi Kumalo and friends (bassist for Paul Simon) Nate & Mary’s World Music Quartet performs statewide combining the sounds of World, Ambient, Pop, and Americana. More familiar names in the music scene join her with Nate Coffee on guitar, Tommy Gravino on flute and Steve Imburgia on percussion. Alana Cahoon is the Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations: 55 Inspirational practices to Soothe the Body, Mind & Soul. www.AlanaCahoon.com. Read the article on page _ of the August 2021 issue of RochesterWomanOnline
responsible to pay. She commiserates, complaining about how awful her job is, her boss is, and just about everything else.
Then she stops. She thinks about it and asks what is the lesson? To be more careful with the sales process. That's too obvious, albeit true. Upon further contemplation, she decides to review her employee handbook, and discovers that there is a clause that may support her error. This offers Carol the opportunity to self advocate, something that doesn't come easily to her. To be honest, and take responsibility without blaming others, a true characteristic of maturity and emotional intelligence. In the end, she may be let off the hook or not, but she has moved closer to living an authentic life, one that will continue to be filled with challenges! There are no mistakes. Only lessons.
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We all remember the magic of play. Spinning around then collapsing onto the grass to watch the world spin around us. Pretending your doll was your baby. Fighting with plastic army men. In every case, we used our precious imaginations to take us away from the present world and lead us into a creative exploration of our own. These experiences empowered us. They brought us joy. When is the last time you played? Welcome to the world of Improv! When I was a theatre major in college, improv was one of my favorite practices. It allowed me to strip off the should’s and open my mind to the spontaneous. To trust that everything I needed was already within me just waiting to be chosen. To release rigidity. To have fun! The world of work can and often does, if not always takes us away from using the imagination to focusing on the practical. ie. What needs to be done today versus what would I like to do today? The value of play allows us to enjoy the to-do’s. Improv is a great segue between work and play. Meet Megan Mack When Megan and her partner visited for dinner, we were about to call it a night, when suddenly she mentioned improv. What followed was a gate opening in my heart and mind to the dreams & joys I had in my 20’s. We laughed. We played. We did improv! As it turns out, she’s an expert, so I asked her … What is improv? “Performing without a script. Everything is made up on the spot.” What does that mean? “You work with your teammates to discover characters, environments, relationships and scenes. I use the word discover intentionally because everything you need already exists in the space where you’re playing.” Ah. Yes. Words of wisdom. Megan reminds us that sometimes we just have to get out of our heads for the innate wisdom to shine through. How does this serve corporations? “A lot of what we learn in improv makes you a better listener and speaker. It helps you to think outside of the box. When you do this with a group of coworkers, the hierarchy seizes to exist. There’s no power dynamic.” Woah. How does that work? Do CEOs jump into this game or do they hesitate? “Once they get past their initial nerves of jumping into improv, 99% embrace it. They work together. It’s a great bonding tool.” Benefits of Corporate Improv Workshops • Team building • Staff relationships • Listening • Public speaking • Communication skills • Thinking outside the box Example of Improv Greetings Participants are guided to begin by talking to each other. Using their listening skills, they follow the direction of the teacher/coach. • Imagine you haven’t seen each other in ten years • Pretend you have a crush on this person • Act as if they owe you money Megan shares that during this practice, participants can experience a variety of emotional ups and downs. The act of mirroring helps to develop empathy for the other person, and becomes an effective bonding tool. It also allows everyone to be silly together. Being in the wellness world of conscious leadership, I asked Megan whether improv provided stress relief. Does improv reduce stress? "Absolutely. One of the rules is ‘Don’t think. Don’t get stuck in your own head.’ When you’re asked to go into a situation with a blank slate, you get to play! How often do you get to do that?” Megan Mack leads corporate improv workshops and teaches monthly improv classes at the Rochester Brainery https://rochesterbrainery.com/collections/acting-improvisation She is the Executive Producer of programs at WXXI, and can be reached at mack.megan01@gmail.com. Creative Coach & Author, Alana Cahoon leads individuals to grow their businesses, expand their minds & heal their souls. www.AlanaCahoon.com Read the article on page 324 in the May/June 2021 issue of RochesterWomanOnline
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When I lived in Dubai back in the 1990’s, I wanted to take pictures of everything; the sprawling mansions, the roaming goats, and the women clad in black. I got the first two but the last was not allowed. And I wasn’t interested in being attacked with acid. You’re curious now about the women clad in black, and the acid throwing accusers! We’ll start with the latter. You see, some people took it upon themselves to judge others, specifically women - being judged by men. Women had not been given any rights yet, none that I was aware of. Acid throwers were especially keen on doing so to women who were not dressed properly. An ankle shown, a forearm visible. I’d like to state that these restrictions have been altered since then. By what degree, I am not sure. It was quite a while ago. And Dubai is a beautiful place to visit! And so, as a New Yorker, fresh from 10 years in the music & performing arts scene, this was all quite radical. How much did I have to cover? Of my body, that is. Other than needing a written letter of permission from my husband to drive a car, I was permitted to dress as I liked. I was a westerner. But this freedom had its limits. God forbid I left the neighborhood. Just as in NYC, you had to know your way around. While one direction may take you to the theatre, another may take you to Hell’s Kitchen. So I learned early on to dress wisely and only drive in areas deemed appropriate. Back to photography. This may come as a shock to many of you, but in the mid-late ’90’s cell phones had only been introduced, and did not come equipped with a camera. Lucky for me, I was used to carrying my pocket-sized Minolta with me wherever I went. And I went as far as I could go! One of my early ventures out on my own (no - I was not wearing shorts) was to a nearby souk. This is the name used for a market. It was outdoors, and lined with tents resembling kiosks where men sold their wares. There was an older man selling spices of every color! It was a beautiful picture to capture. I first asked permission, showing him my camera, miming my intent. He carefully pulled the white scarf wrapped around his head down to cover his neck and ears, then nodded permission. Men, it seemed did not have quite the same reservation as women did about having their photo taken. Women feared that if you took a photo of them, their spirit would be captured into the camera, never to be returned. I pondered this. ‘Do they really believe this? Do men?’ As the saying goes, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans’. And so I honored these new customs, and learned to revere the spirit within each of us a little more deeply. I asked a few photographers today whether they ‘captured the spirit’ of those whom they photographed into their photos. Here’s a bit about them, and this is what they had to say …. Chrisom Bebe https://www.chrisombphotography.com/ When Grow 2 B U Studios was located in the Neighborhood of the Arts, Chrisom did as well. That was pre-covid. Although her main clientele is & was weddings, she offered to take photos of my studio. She did an amazing photo shoot of yoga asanas and sitting meditations. In my mind, she easily captured my spirit. “So when I hear ‘capturing someone’s spirit through photography’ it absolutely makes me smile. Photography not only freezes time, but it captures a moment, a feeling, a path to bring you back to that memory, and this is why I love what I do.” “We love our clients and love watching them grow through our lens. We pride ourselves in capturing the in-between moments, the moments that truly capture someone’s laugh, smile, tears, emotions. Our clients become our family.” I asked if she only photographed weddings. “Yes our main client base starts with weddings but then grow with maternity, newborns and family sessions. We love staying with our clients through all their special moments.” Like a doctor, your personal photographer is always there for you! Thanks, Chrisom for sharing your light. Dr Dawn Mamikunian Dawnsacupuncture.com Speaking of doctors and wedding photography … Dawn was my wedding photographer! She later introduced me to the healing benefits of Accupuncture. Just as Chrisom shared, our relationship continued and evolved. Dawn eventually became the PR photographer for my music career. Then, as I began my holistic health practice, she and I were in the same wellness group, Natural Alternatives. In classic Chinese Medicine style, Dawn shares the following in regards to ‘capturing ones’ spirit in a photo.’ Healing with Qi through Photography and Acupuncture I was told by a client that when she saw her photograph, she had a different appreciation of herself. A true healing and total self love. A spontaneous healing of love and light. To capture light which is energy, Chinese call it qi or ones body life force, a spontaneous healing can occur. Qi energy photography love. All the same. Dawn’s clients are mostly woman between their 30-70s. I’ve come to love Acupuncture and highly recommend her healing work. Renee Veniskey www.immaginephoto.com You’ve likely seen Renee at RWN (Rochester Women Network) events. She’s the charismatic creative carrying her camera around ready to click at a moment’s notice! Renee took an amazing photo shoot of me for my holistic business among the spring blossoms at Highland Park. "I truly believe that the spirit can, in fact, be captured in a photograph. However, not in a negative way. Our spirit is in our eyes, in our smile, in our glance. The delight comes from capturing it within the photograph to be saved and cherished forever. Even if it’s not a joyful spirit, capturing that pure emotion is still very special. As a photographer, there are moments with I know immediately, that I caught it. It’s rare but always beautiful.” Renée owns immaginé Photography. Her passion is working with Women-owned businesses, helping them to share their own passions through photographs. He approach is fun, casual, and relaxed. “I bring my camera to your life—at your place of business, or at your favorite place in the world.” Thank you to these amazing visual artists for sharing their gifts & insights! Rest assured that while your spirit may be captured in a moment, and that moment may live forever, your spirit is always alive within you! Creative Coach & Author, Alana Cahoon leads individuals to grow their businesses, expand their minds & heal their souls. www.AlanaCahoon.com Read the Article on page 354 of the April 2021 issue of RochesterWomanOnline Please scroll up to the top of the blog post to leave your COMMENTS You probably made your first dance moves at the age of two in your living room either dazzling your parents or getting in the way of your big sister and brother. From that day forward you couldn’t stop. There was a pulse that kept you bouncing, moving, dancing. You may have channeled that energy into sports like soccer, baseball or snowboarding. You may have hit the dance floor hard, either studying to be a professional ballet or broadway dancer, or you may have gone out clubbing. Chances are, you still are… Bouncing, moving, dancing. And if you’re not, you are missing out, girlfriend! Yoga-Rave I got my first yoga teacher certification six years ago. To celebrate, I attended my first yoga rave. It was being held by my teacher, Aimee Senise Connors, a long-time yogi expert in the area. I loved it!!! With full theatre swag, we layered light-up bracelets on our wrists, unicorn & evil-eye stickers on our arms, and fake jewels on our faces. It made the ensuing 75 minutes of synchronized yoga moves both doable & enjoyable. The DJ spinning a yogi’s dream mix was awesome, too. But the best part of the yoga-rave was the dance at the end. And did we dance! Strobe lighting streaked the high ceilings of Harro East ballroom. The party was on. Until we were were called to Savasana, that sacred zone where you bring your energy back, honing it into your heart chakra. Feeling a sense of peace and vitality. Needed: Lights, music, stickers, space Benefits: Fun! Socializing. Weight-loss. Fitness. Balance. Peace. Vitality Yoga-Dance The first time I took Yoga-Dance was at Kripalu, my favorite yoga & wellness retreat center located in the Berkshires. It was led by Jurian Hughes, a former Broadway Dancer. She combined dynamic yoga poses along with freestyle dance movement to create a playful session that wakes up not only your body but your soul. This style of combining yoga with dance is, simply put, fun! The best part? You don’t need any background in either, just a willingness to release inhibitions and let go. Needed: Openness to explore the ways your body can move Benefits: Theatre fun! Great workout. Release. Journey Dance I was also introduced to this style of movement at Kripalu. Led by the one and only Toni Bergins, a rock star of movement. Journey Dance is described as a movement that “… leads participants on a ritual journey of physical and emotional transformation.” This is a great reminder that when we truly get into our bodies and out of our heads, we are able to get in touch with inner wounds. Dance or movement allows the body to release this. Her website continues its description, "Through breath, sweat, and expression, you gain a palpable experience of yourself as pure powerful energy.” Awesome! That’s what we all want and need - to access our own inner power. Toni has trademarked her style and offers classes around the world. Goddess Dance Bringing it all together Back in the day when Grow 2 B U studios was in full swing, my colleagues and I collected our gifts, techniques & teachings to create Goddess Dance, a culmination of love-inspired movements, meditations, and activities. I was leading one of my Goddess Within Retreats during the summer. We were having so much fun, literally dancing in the parking lot with scarves and jewels. The feminine goddess had been awakened in each of our hearts! Simultaneously, Aimee Ruscio-Condon was leading her Women Circles throughout the month also in our studio space. Collaboration was a natural. Meet Aimee Ruscio-Condon Aimee’s background is all about dance. She trained in ballet from the age of 3 years old to 18, and followed it up with a variety of styles like lyrical, jazz, and tap, then exploring alternative movement like Tai Chi & Chi Gong. “You’re like riding these waves of energy,” she shares in reference to Tai Chi. Being a professional business woman and mother of two took her away from her passion of movement. In addition, she began to feel like she was getting too old to dance. Too old to dance? Never! It was a performance by Elizabeth Clark, a ballerina in her 70’s that inspired Aimee to think again! She decided to study with Clark, this time focusing on modern dance (my favorite!) “How can I think that I’m too old to dance? It’s silly what we tell ourselves. Anyway. That’s how I began to reconnect to dance.” Aimee’s studies continued for 5 years. She then began to accompany Clark as a co-teacher with children classes. Trance-Dance Now equipped with modern dance, Ms Ruscio considered yet another form of movement called trance-dance, also known as conscious-dance or ecstatic-dance. It has almost a hypnotic quality, like a runner’s high. At her beach house in Florida, she discovered a drumming circle that opened her heart & mind to this new form of movement. Looking at pictures of her, you can easily see Goddess energy pouring through her. “I’ve never felt more alive in my whole life.” “There’s a shamanic element,” she shares. “Now I’m dancing more with intention. It’s very powerful - to set an intention and then focus on it while you move.” Goddess-Yoga-Dance Join us! We’re continuing the journey of self expression through movement on Friday nights. Yoga-dance parties are held online using zoom. So far we are having a blast & would love to hold space for you, too. If you’d rather not be seen, step away from your device’s camera. If you’d like to feel like you’re in the middle of the room with everyone, get closer! Feel free to drop in for the evening or pop in and out at your own leisure. It’s all about fun, community and … Bouncing. Moving. Dancing. Goddess-Yoga-Dance With Alana, Aimee & Nicole Fridays 7:00 - 9:30 PM EST Zoom in at your own comfort level Feel free to stay for the whole session or pop in & out Benefits guaranteed to make you smile, increase your endorphins, lose a little weight, tire you - out in a good way, feel like you’re part of a community! Details www.AlanaCahoon.com https://wisteriahealingarts.com Creative Coach & Author, Alana Cahoon leads individuals to grow their businesses, expand their minds & heal their souls. www.AlanaCahoon.com Read the article in the February issue of RochesterWomanOnline
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AuthorAlana writes her monthly column 'Mind, Body, Spirt' for RochesterWomanOnline focusing on the balance of all 3 in a creative manner, filled with inspiration. Archives
May 2022
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LocationGrow 2 B U Studios
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