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Refresh & Renew

The other day I went to see my acupuncturist, Traeger. While we were talking, he said, “So why are you here?”

I explained my craving for sweets after the holidays. I said, “I just wanted to check in for the new year, to see what my body is doing?”

Most people go to see a doctor, therapist, acupuncturist when something is wrong–when their system is way out of balance. What I’ve learned over the years is that going for a session when I feel good is extremely beneficial.
 
After taking my pulses, Traeger, knowing that I enjoy back treatments, decided to work with my yin organs. He placed needles down my back, going from one side to the other as he made his way down my spine. Traeger explained that some redness occurred around my liver and spleen. After being in wine country over Christmas, and eating plenty of sugary foods, I was not surprised. He left me alone for awhile to allow the points to clear. As relaxing music played in the background, I let my mind wander.

When Traeger returned, he said, “The points cleared completely.” Thankfully, my system is excellent at finding balance given some guidance.

As we continued with the session and my pulses became stronger, Traeger said, “Your body really likes acupuncture.”

I smiled and said, “I know, that’s why I am here.”

It is nice to know what works for you. In many therapy sessions, I tell my clients that I push their reset button. By showing the body where it is holding and how it can let go, it resets itself. This brings about a sense of renewal. It’s not always an immediate response, but usually within a day or two, the system feels refreshed. Balance is restored and they go on with their lives, in a better state of mind, body and spirit. Refresh & Renew–sounds good to me. Be well... Nancy T.

* To Refresh & Renew yourself, contact Nancy @ www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

**
“Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life” (2nd edition & eBook) contains more information about acupuncture.



In a split second

Recently, I was party to texting and driving. By that I mean, I was in the passenger seat while my nephew was texting. This made me highly uncomfortable. I asked whom he was texting and he said, “My girlfriend.” The texts went back and forth nearly the entire drive. Finally, he called her to confirm arrangements that I thought were verified 10 texts ago... or the previous day.

That was my first experience with a driver texting and let me say... the two don’t mix. Steering with your knees may seem simple enough, but the road can change quickly. Phone calls behind the wheel seem just as dangerous, yet they happen constantly, laws or no laws. Hands-free seems better, but studies show that drivers are still distracted.

I understand using a cell phone for emergencies. But, what I witnessed was mundane conversation that only distracted my driver. Several people’s lives were at risk in our vehicle, let alone those facing us on the twisting road.

Last year, I worked with two clients who were hit head-on by a driver who was texting at 60 mph. Nothing happened to him, he was totally unaware of what was about to transpire as his car drifted onto the opposite side of the road. But for my clients, it was life changing. They were severely injured, they were in terrible pain, & they couldn’t work. All of that was the result of poor judgement.

I’m bringing all of this to light, not because I judge my nephew or anyone else using a cell phone or gadgets in their cars. However, I do hope that my words strike a cord and people pay more attention to the road and their surroundings than inane conversation via their mobile device.

As I spent time with my nephew, gratitude filled my heart. He put himself out to fill my trip with wonderful memories. But, I also know that in a split second it could have all been completely different.

For the sake of everyone involved, ask yourself, is texting or talking while someone is operating a motorized vehicle, traveling at speeds that may exceed 70 mph, really worth it? Can what you have to say wait? Do you really want to put those you love at risk of life threatening injury?

Being cell phone free my chances of texting are null. However, at this point, I am reevaluating talking to my friends and family while they are on the road. I surely don’t want to put them at risk of injury. That would be an awful end to a pleasant exchange of love and conversation.

In a split second it all changes. My fall from a cliff in 1982 taught me that. One second I was basking in the sun overlooking fantastic autumn foliage. The next second, I was laying on a boulder staring at the heavens wondering what just happened. All in a split second.

Although we may be able to multitask, it isn’t always the wisest choice. Perhaps doing one thing well would serve us better and make all of our lives a little bit more peaceful. I do know that driving is challenging enough without adding outside influences. So, if I happen to call and you are in the car, please ignore it or let me know that it is not a good time to chat.

Be safe in 2012. Keep your cell phones out of your hands AND, let’s be careful out there. Be well... Nancy T.

Wishes, Resolutions, Goals... oh, a New Year

No matter how you ring in the new year, I encourage you to do so with consciousness and love. This may entail a time of reflection or a time to sketch some plans for the future. Being aware of what we project is important.

Personally, I don’t have a specific ritual for the new year. I do some writing and that always awakens more peace and love. Writing helps me to clear out the cobwebs and create a visual for my future. I do quite well with visuals.

When I worked in a health club, January was the busiest time of year––the effect of New Year’s resolutions. Most people hit the gym hard to work off that extra pouch left behind from the holidays. Inevitably, the populace faded as the year progressed and the couch looked more and more inviting. Of course, the most effective way to succeed in any endeavor is to create achievable goals. Slow and steady is better than fast and furious.

This year I will ring in the new year with friends. I like that idea. Laughing and sharing time with people I love is a great way to shed the past and expand into the new year. I look forward to 2012... and all that it brings.

May 2012 be filled with love, peace and consciousness for all.

Happy New Year! Be well... Nancy T.

Stress & Financial Gain

Did you hear me right? Yes, you certainly did. Stress & financial gain can go hand in hand.

These days, most people are either cutting back, trying to find financially sound investments or just scraping by. In these stressful times, it is even more important to take care of ourselves. In fact, the best investment that you can make is in your health.

Stress is one of the leading causes of illness. It is difficult to release stress, especially when it feels like the world is closing in on you. Each step that we take to gain some financial peace seems to be undercut by another fee or higher interest rate.

When I walk my neighborhood these days, I no longer see For Sale signs, I see For Rent. Instead of taking a huge hit, people are willing to hang on for a bit more cash, someday. Others have walked away from their homes– a solution for owing more than the property is worth. I never thought I would see the day when people walked away from their homes after investing in them for years. After-all, real estate was considered our best investment.

However, truly your “best investment” is YOU. Your greatest financial gain is your health and well-being. Quite honestly, I don’t know why my phone is not ringing off the hook. With the amount of stress in the world, people should be flocking to therapists for stress relief. Financial gain arrives when stress dissipates and a clear-headed individual takes charge of their life.

Invest in your future today... take care of yourself and de-stress. Happy Holidays! Be well... Nancy T.

* To schedule an appointment with Nancy, please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com or call (928) 717-1251. Gift Certificates are available for all occasions.

Meaningful Gifts

‘Tis the season... the season to give.

At this stage in my life, there is little that I need materially. I am grateful for all that I have and all that I am able to share in this world. I continue to share the gift of health and balance with my clients. My books are reaching a greater audience in eBook fashion. And then, there are my friends and family.

These days, the most important gifts are the personal ones. I love spending time sharing with my family and friends. With the recent loss of my good friend O’s, I was able to connect with old friends. We shared stories from our teens as well as O’s tales. He touched our lives deeply and he will be missed. That’s a good thing. Missing people demonstrates how they mattered to us and how our lives were shaped by their presence... true gifts!

I’m happy to share time with people at this time of year. Well, anytime is good for me, but that is not always the case for everyone. Life takes us all in different directions and we fill our time with many activities. For me, nothing is more important than spending time with people that I love. It is what life is all about.

Commercials show people buying new cars, jewelry, electronics, games, everything you can imagine, as a measure of love and giving. Although that is nice, it isn’t necessary in my view. Personally, I will buy some gift certificates for the homeless and continue to contribute to causes that touch my heart. Professionally, I have “Gift Certificates” available... the gift of health and relaxation is a gift that ranks high in my book.

For the holiday, I will be spend time with my nephew Andrew in Napa, CA. He is a chef out there so I’m sure we will have some good food and wine. Now, that is a meaningful gift to me.

Consider a meaningful gift for someone you love. I know I’ll never regret the memories that I share with the people I love. RIP O’s. Be well.... Nancy T.

* Gift Certificates are available through Natural Massage Therapy... (928) 717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com. $10.00 OFF through the holiday season.

Challenge Yourself

“Wait.. what? Challenge myself? Why would I do that?”

“Well, staying in that comfort zone may feel good but it doesn’t stretch you?”

“Stretch me? Why would I want to do that?”

“To learn more about yourself, to find what else brings you joy, and to feel change.”

“Ahhhhh, I’m scared!”

“Don’t worry, life is here to be experienced. Just step into something different and know that you can always exit. Nothing needs to be permanent.”

Recently, I have challenged myself, stepping into something completely outside of my comfort zone. Each week it is a challenge and yet, I enjoy it. It’s amazing what my mind tells me. Excuses come like rapid fire. But, once I let go and feel what my body is capable of doing, I enjoy myself.

I’ve been reading “Cycle of Hope– A Journey from Paralysis to Possibility” by Tricia Downing*, which has been a challenge for me. Yet, I can’t keep myself from reading her story. The beginning parallels my life... a spinal injury at T4. Mine extended to T5, & T6. Tricia’s hospital experience brought my own history to the forefront of my memory. However, our story divide when I am able to get up and walk. Tricia continued her journey in a wheelchair.

It’s odd when guilt comes. I doubt others feel guilty over their ability to walk. Yet, for me, it does enter my mind... why me? Why did my body come back to me? Why am I able to use my legs?

However, as I have continued to read “Cycle of Hope...” I see how we all have challenges and we can take the opportunity to face them. Tricia is participating in “Iron Man” competitions... quite a challenge for anyone. I admire her ability, her focus and her drive.

As I continue to read her story, I remind myself to feel my legs, to experience my body fully, to challenge myself, and to be grateful. Guilt won’t get me anywhere near the top, but gratitude will. I’m thankful to Tricia Downing for sharing her journey and for showing me how challenges open the door to possibilities.

So you scaredy-cats, challenge Y O U R S E L F ! ! ! Be well... Nancy T.

P. S. Happy Thanksgiving.

* www.trishdowning.com/

 
“Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life” by Nancy M. Turcich available at http://www.naturalmassagetherapy.com/



A New Day

There are times in life when we feel off. Nothing extreme, just not in the zone. Sometimes returning from a trip makes me feel that way. Catching up on things takes time and energy. It seems like a daunting task, so I just do bits and pieces. Eventually, things even out and I find my rhythm again.

In my Feldenkrais® ATM (Awareness Through Movement)* class this week we took on a new challenge, sitting half-on, half-off a stool. During most lessons we lie on the floor. Sometimes I think that posture draws many of us to class. After-all, it’s not often that we take time to lay down to be present with ourselves and our bodies. ATM® is the key that has allowed me to open many interior doorways. Although this lesson had its hurdles, I found myself resting when I needed to rest, following instruction to suit my body, and finding patterns that had escaped me. I was in the “Feldenkrais® Zone,” taking care of myself. During the rest of the day and night, I absorbed the struggles as well as welcomed the adjustments.

That evening, I happened into a “Oneness Blessing.” ** Individually, the group shared what awakening was to them. For my part I stated, “Awakening is being me.” The more that I am me, the better I am in this world. The more I share, the more I want to be with others to listen to them share. Being one is wholeness. The being that I love to be. And that opens me more to love.  

Today I awoke and felt rejuvenated. Several aches and pains were gone and I was able to move through my day in a better state of mind. It is good to know that my body heals well and that I am back in the zone. There are countless ways to get there. I hope you take the time to open up to a new day yourself. Be well... Nancy T.

* To learn more about the Feldenkrais Method®, please read “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life.”
   www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

**
Oneness Blessings: http://www.onenessuniversity.org/

Surprise

Some people like surprises while others do not. For me, it really depends on the surprise.

This week, when I arrived home from Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to find my box of goodies from the Caribbean. The box was mailed on July 14, 2011 and it arrived the week of October 10, 2011. Not bad for a 4-6 week delivery estimation.

When the six week marker passed, I doubled the estimate. Figuring in “island time”, it should be at least doubled. For weeks, in my mind, I saw the box sitting on the front porch. Eventually, I let it go, thinking maybe it wasn’t going to make it on the slow boat from “China”.

What a great surprise to find it, intact, without water marks nor glass rattling around inside. As I went through the box, it was like Christmas in October. Fins, mask, puzzle, glasses, mug, t-shirts, on & on. I was back home in the Caribbean. What a great surprise... and great memories.

Somehow, someway, things do seem to work out. I don’t know what route this box could have possibly taken. What a great surprise ~ my treasures have found their way home.

Another great surprise is my eBook. It is up and running throughout the world. On the iPad, my YouTube videos can be seen in all of their glory. It feels good to say, “Go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes to download your copy.” A really good surprise!!!*

Wishing you great surprises in the weeks and months to come. Be well... Nancy T.

* Reviews and ratings count. Please go to your favorite eReader or bookstore and post your review/rating of “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life.”

Making Room For Change

Change is something that we all say we want, but when it arrives we wonder, what has happened?
 
A client recently stated: "Change is the only constant." This was not a new statement, I've heard it for years. With change being the only constant, acceptance seems the next logical step. Acceptance isn't always easy. The difficulty comes when we feel the change is not in our best interest or we are fighting the change.
 
I flew into Chicago last night which is quite a change. Ironically, the weather is better than in Arizona.. a nice change. The leaves are changing color. Reds, yellows, browns... natural change. I've always loved the fall colors, but the incoming cold is not my favorite change.
 
With the addition of my eBooks and switching to a POD (print-on-demand), I am working with change. Of course, with change comes more change. It is a BIG learning curve. I realize that I have no idea what I am doing, but I am following what appears before me. I ask for guidance and help all the time.
 
Another change is coaching. I signed up for personal coaching to help formulate my plans and ideas and to welcome change into my life. So far, so good.
 
Making room for change, welcoming change, inviting change... YIKES~ Change is a comin'. I've been riding the change train and it will continue. I'll make room for change by letting go of what is not working in my life... a good thing to do all of the time. Whatever comes my way in the form of change, I know it is in my best interest and I am being guided toward my greater good.
 
I wish you all a wonderful, changing day. Be well... Nancy T.
 

3 - 2- 1- BLAST-OFF

Bez Publications* (that’s me) is proud to announce the launch of the eBook, “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life” on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Hip-hip-hooray ! ! !

On September 16th, “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life,” became available on Amazon-Kindle. When I saw my book in cyberspace, excitement filled my belly... small champagne flutters bubbled up and brought a smile to my face.

With jubilation in my cells, I purchased my copy. Now, it’s your turn to purchase your eBook today. Barnes & Noble-Nook will be available in the next day or two. iBookstore-ipads/iphone will arrive in cyberspace over the next week. I added video and reference links to create a unique reading experience.  

My cousin Andy asked, “But how do you get the author to sign it?” There’s an app for that... I will get to it soon. Nancy, my friend, said, “I think you are the first author I know on Amazon... congratulations.” “Finally,” that was my sentiment.

With the recent publication of “The Greatest Gift,” in the APTA Fall Energy Newsletter, my publishing trend continues.

Ebooks are certainly a new way to read a book and a new entity to market. It will take some time and effort. With your help, my path will be a bit easier. Please help spread the word. **

Be the first,” my request for reviews still applies. I realize that it takes a bit of effort for people to write a review, but it sure helps with ranking and recognition. So, once again I humbly ask that you take some time to write a review and rate the book. AND if you have an eReader... purchase the book for only $7.99.

With joy in my heart, I thank each and every one of you. Be well.. Nancy T.

* Special Thanks to Brooks G. Bays, Jr., Signe Nichols and Beth L. Meyer.

** NMT Endeavor video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCTrDujkqR4

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