Finally-my office is complete!

My new rug is here finally all the way from California with a tan and a laid back attitude that says "it's all about comfort, dude."
See my schedule above, and if you have any questions about shiatsu, don't hesitate to contact me, email is best (see above.) My intro rate is only $55 till the end of March.

Art & Spirituality

Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life. Picasso

The art above, was being created to be a 3 part screen for an altar or wall to be sold. I went through some difficulty with it, as many creatives know, one gets to a point of crisis-where the poem or painting is not working. At that point-sometimes-it just happens by itself, and it feels like Grace, it just flows. This piece came about that way, and at a certain point became alive. The process of sewing it to fabric and adding finishing touches is the stage of work this weekend-- so it can grace my office. As at that point where it became energized, I realized it was meant for me to keep.

The dust of life is the illness and death of my dear cantankerous kitty Basho, 15 years old. Making art-this piece- was what supported me during these difficult last days of his life. time; he was clearly suffering. So I want to send him my love and appreciation for his fierce loyalty and companionship over so many years and transitions. May he be at peace in freedom.


Basho (l) & his brother

New Shiatsu Office III

OK well the rug mishap is on the mend. "O" company did respond very well-providing excellent customer service on my return. I chose to reorder from http://www.naturalarearugs.com. The new rug is wool and according to their web site, here are some things that I didn't know about wool:

• Fire retardant
• Controls interior humidity
• Hypo-Allergenic-does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria
• Air Purifying-wool actually absorbs and neutralizes many polluting gases
  

• 

So yes it looks boring but it's soft and larger and it's neutral tone will complement the warm colors in the office, and lend a healing vibe. I really did not want a polypropelene??? rug (of course I've lived with acrylic type rugs and worse all my life, like most of us.) But I wanted natural and healthy-so I'm happy.

Rug Mishap

Remember trying to save money can lead to bad decisions! Take this rug for example bought online from unnamed very large company whose name starts with same letter as very well know talk show host! O. Anyway, so after reading many reviews about several different rugs, stating that "it looks nothing like the photo;" I still went ahead an ordered a lovely looking rug for my office (it had no review.) It appeared neutral, the colors were stated as "black, brown, and tan" it looked very subtle and elegant even, in product photos. Well....
In fact I kind of like it it's just that it looks NOTHING like what I thought I had purchased. So I hauled it to my office to at least give it a chance. Only to find out well, it's also too SMALLLLL which is where the saving $ comes in. I figured and wanted to believe that a 5x7 rug would be fine, big enough. Well not really-I wont't bore you with photo of it in the space lookin'like a abstract art postage stamp. Uggg so now I need to find one so I can start using my office. Because doing shiatsu one works with client on a futon on the floor-so hard wood floor for therapist knees is not good. I also want a warm feeling to the space and so fabric/textile will soften it. Well Home Depot or some smaller local place-here I come! I just am not familiar with the area that much to know where to turn....so.

My new shiatsu office... & more

Well it's been a few days, a rug has been ordered it's on it's long way from Texas. Some wicker has moved in...and a lovely screen has been made, by me. Should be ready for shiatsu in a few days, at this point. Curtains will be draped, not hung. They are of a sari fabric procured in NYC many years ago. In Queens, NY to be precise in a store with lots of gorgeous fabrics-I loved this color. So here are some photos of this stage.
Also a lot of folks don't know what shiatsu is, and have been asking me. So Iv'e decided to give a bit of a overview of how a practicioner using Five Element theory may come up with a treatment plan. The best way to do that is to come up with a composite individual presenting certain problems, and then examine why a certain shiatsu session may emphasize some meridians over others. Hopefully this will be helpful and make the theory behind shiatsu clearer. In the next day or two I'll begin that. And again check FAQ for info on shiatsu.

My new space

New Space "Before"

So today I have found a wonderful space for my shiatsu massage practice in the heart of lovely Shelburne Falls. Please call or email if you have questions not answered on the FAQ page or to make an appt. My first day will be Sat Feb. 14th and I have afternoon appts available. Now till end of March, one hour is only $55. I will do a before and lots of after so here is before transformation. Notice the cool ceiling and wood floors of this 1815? house. It has a nice nooklike feeling which is wonderful for massage!

The first workshop of the Self Care Series

The first workshop of the "Self Care Series: Arms & Hands Repetitive Stress/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"
was a success! I define success, as the participants seemed pleased and genuinely took away new information on some ways to manage their discomfort. It was also for me a success to pull together information and techniques which I have learned but may have put aside for a time. The review of anatomy of the hand and arm was very helpful. And reminded me of hours spent cramming long funny sounding names into my brain. Email me if you are interested in attending the next repeat of this workshop.

WORKSHOP: Self Care Series:
Arms & Hands Repetitive Stress/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you spend hours working at the keyboard? Are you starting to have pain in your arms, wrist and hands?
Friday 2/6- SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE-for at door registration or Paypal
Come learn techniques that can help get at the underlying causes. Attend this experiential workshop to learn:
• Simple yoga based exercises for the shoulder, arms and hands
• Self massage techniques and shiatsu points
• Mindfulness & relaxation techniques
These techniques will give you control, they can be done anytime and are non-invasive and gentle. You will receive a handout
with the stretches and relaxation techniques.

Kalavati, has been a yoga teacher for 15 years and is a licensed massage therapist. She has taught yoga and stress management at colleges, health clubs and yoga studios. Questions: email Kalavati at yoginikalavati@gmail.com

Register early (see below) as this workshop is expected to fill!
Cost: $22. Pre-registration is required.
When: Sat. Feb 7th, 2:00-3:30.
Where: Shelburne Falls Yoga, 1 Deerfield Avenue, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
To wear: comfortable cotton clothing, all the movements we will do can be done sitting.
Preferred method is to register online with Paypal (below,) you
do not need a Paypal account to use the service.
It's quick, easy and their site is secure!

Self Care Series:
Arms & Hands Repetitive Stress/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cost: $22. Pre-registration is required.