Washington Wellness Associates

Well Being Newsletter

August 2007
Vol. 2 No. 8

WELCOME

Our words are so powerful--the words directed toward others, as well as the self-talk that is an integral part of our waking hours. I wrote this month's article to suggest a very loving way of arranging the words in our heads, so that what we hear supports wellness at our very core.

You are joyfully invited to attend the first anniversary celebration of The Dance Space at our Open House on Saturday, Sept. 1 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Come and enjoy a free Nia class, fun people and nourishing food!

The Sept. 8 Art of Exotic Dance Signature Workshop is filling up fast so please register soon if you plan to attend. The November cruise to the Mexican Riviera has a few more cabins available so if that interests you, please contact me. Let me know if you'd like to check out the exciting list of workshops that we have planned for our days at sea.

In wellness,
Susan Tate, M.A.
Editor
www.wawellness.com

BODY TALK

Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself, or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

~Don Miguel Ruiz

How do you talk to your body? If you like, just observe your self-talk as you go about the day today. Will you find yourself saying, "I'm so fat, I hate my thighs, look at those wrinkles, I am so tired, my arthritis is acting up again . . ."? Or will you say, "Wow, I like how my hair looks today, I love how strong my arms are becoming, I am so grateful for my health. . ." ?

Simply observing the little inner voice that criticizes you can be the first step in becoming aware of the thoughts that flow through your mind. This observing self is often referred to as the "witness"--the loving, non-judgmental voice that simply watches and listens. You can create a higher level of wellness consciousness simply by lovingly observing your self-defeating thoughts. Then instead of saying, "My thighs are so fat," you might affirm, "My thighs are toning up and looking better every day." If you say an affirming statement, and intend for it to happen, and take action on that intention, you'll soon find yourself making choices that create positive change.

I do want to point out that this idea isn't a magical fix. You can't tone your thighs by sitting on the couch, eating cake and ice cream every night chanting, "My thighs are toning up and looking better every day." Sorry, life doesn't work like that. Take action!

In his inspirational work, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz, suggests being "impeccable with your word." I understand this agreement to mean that we not only speak our word of truth to others, but that our self-talk also benefits from a truthful tone. Learning to speak lovingly to yourself holds a higher level of truth and integrity than talking to yourself in a self-deprecating manner. Observe how you talk to yourself and make choices that will allow your self-appreciation and your wellness wisdom to deepen.

NOURISHMENT COACHING

I love supporting people who want to live, eat and move with grace. Through Nourishment Coaching, I provide innovative solutions and soulful support for highly motivated clients who want to:

eat with pleasure
shape shift (lose weight)
move for fitness and fun
enhance energy
manage stress
cultivate overall wellness

If this work calls to you, please call me for an appointment. (425) 238-2885

You can learn more at our website.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFERS

Nourishment coaching by telephone: $1 per minute ***Save 25% off hourly phone consultation rate***

Buddy Special: Body & Soul-Based Nourishment sessions ***2 for the price of 1 when you schedule in Aug. or Sept.***

LOSE THE CRAVINGS

If you crave carbohydrates or sugar, you are not alone. When we consume high-glycemic foods, it causes an over stimulation of the release of insulin. The more we eat, the more we crave. Medical studies show that over 85% of the carbohydrates we consume in the Western world are foods that have a high-glycemic value. If you love bagels, breads, crackers, pasta, potatoes, rice and sugar--did I say, you are not alone? Fortunately, there is a way to reset the body at a cellular level to break the cycle.

I eat a good variety of wholesome foods, but for the last five years I have over-used chocolate to sooth my soul. My chocolate habit was clearly associated with the sweetness missing after experiencing a very painful divorce. I still LOVE chocolate, but I no longer need to eat it daily or in the amounts I was consuming. I finally realized that as high as my blood sugar spiked, it fell to a matching low and it did not fit in with my overall level of health and fitness. I was eating well, doing Nia several times week, enjoying a great spiritual practice and was still chasing down many meals with my favorite chocolate! It also kept me feeling constantly hungry.

Several months ago, I discovered a program that has successfully reduced my craving for high-glycemic foods. This clinically tested 5-day behavior modification program, recommended by Christiane Northrup, MD, has totally reset my metabolism. It's been four months now and I am sustaining its benefits. It is also proving to be successful in jumpstarting healthier eating habits in my clients. Please email me at susan@wawellness.com if you would like to know more.

NIA CLASS SCHEDULE

The summer schedule continues through the end of August. Katrina Koleto, Certified White Belt Nia instructor will be joining Anna Israelsson and me to provide more classes at The Dance Space beginning in September!

September

The Dance Space

124 N. 103rd Street

Seattle, WA 98133

Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 6:00 pm

Saturday 9:30 am* and 10:45 am**

*No Saturday classes on Sept. 15 due to previously scheduled workshops.

** No Gentle Nia classes on Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 3 & Dec. 15 due to previously scheduled workshops.

Check out the e x p a n d e d class schedule on our website!

Nia classes worldwide: www.NiaNow.com
Seattle classes: www.niaseattle.com

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & SPECIAL CLASSES

Complete descriptions available on our website.

The Dance Space Open House (Seattle)

Saturday, Sept. 1

6 - 7:30 pm

The Dance Space

The Art of Exotic Dance Signature Workshop (Seattle)

Saturday, Sept. 8

1:00 - 4:00 pm

The Dance Space

Creating Deeper Wholeness for You and the World (Charlottesville, VA)

Saturday, Sept. 15

1:30 - 4:30 pm

Studio 206

Body & Soul-Based Nourishment (Appetizer) Course - Part 1 (Seattle)

Saturdays, Sept. 22, 29 & Oct. 6

12:00 - 1:30 pm

The Dance Space

Seeking the Sacred and the Sensuous in Sexuality (Seattle)

Sunday, Sept. 30

3:00 - 5:00 pm

Women of Wisdom - BodySong Healing & Arts Center

Cruisin' with Susan to the Mexican Riviera (Mexico)

November 4 - 11, 2007

Royal Caribbean - Vision of the Seas

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. The rest will be given.

~Mother Teresa of Calcutta

COMMENTS

I welcome your comments and would love to hear how this newsletter supports your wellness journey. Please email me at susan@wawellness.com Please take a few moments to add this address to your email address book in order to give the Well Being Newsletter a better chance of reaching you.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is meant to support and guide you as you make choices to enhance your well-being. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare professional if you need medical assistance.

Feel free to reproduce, copy or distribute this newsletter with people you know who want to enhance their well-being. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Susan Tate is required. Joyful wellness is communicable! Thank you for spreading the word.