You will know if your right-brain is sleeping because your pursuits at creativity are stifled or blocked. For instance, we may resist exercise, even if we feel good when we exercise, telling ourselves that it is a waste of time, or that we don’t have time to exercise. Maybe we are continually inspired to take the same class but say that we can’t afford it or in other ways block the impulse to this right-brain activity. Mind Body Spas provide right-brain activities so that you can really take a break from the left-brain rat-race and do some internal healing, realigning yourself to yourself. To register for an upcoming Mind Body Spa, click here.

Here are some examples of right-brain exercises.

Right-brain exercises are many, and are as varied as your creativity. Doing something that inspires you is a right-brain exercise. My husband is a graphic journalist. That means that he draws pictures and creates dialogue with characters in his imagination. Kind of like making a cartoon or a graphic novel. When he comes home from work, he does not feel complete until he sits down and gives vent to this right-brain activity.

Writing, walking, exercising, painting, playing a musical instrument, working in the garden are all right-brain activities, as long as you can lose yourself in it. Only you will know if it is the right one for you.

Here is a great exercise to try if you are feeling bereft of inspiration. This is a conscious, intentional exercise to stimulate the right-hemisphere of the brain. It is a very simple exercise and can be done in a few minutes.

To do the exercise, begin in a seated position. Take some deep breaths, and relax. Begin to be conscious of your breathing, and take slow relaxed breaths.

Now imagine your brain, as if you could see your brain in your head. Notice the brain is divided into two hemispheres. Begin to use the breath to breathe light into your right-brain. Just see your right-brain flooded in light with each breath in. With each inhalation see the breath lighting up the right-brain, feel its stimulation. Continue to stimulate the right side of your brain for a few minutes seeing it grow brighter and brighter. Sit with that for a few minutes. Your body will be able to achieve profound relaxation when the right brain is stimulated. The sharp-edges of the left-brain world are softened. All the edges of your life are softened. You are able to see your life from a more global perspective. There is an unconditional objectivity that is achieved by taking this global perspective.

Once you begin consciously stimulating the right-brain, you will begin to be inspired to do things that don’t agree with your left-brain mindset. You may be inspired to take a class or exercise, and you will present all of the arguments as to why you can’t. But, the more you give-in to these right-brain urges, the more fulfilled you will feel, even if your present circumstances don’t change. In you continue to spend more and more time in the right-brain, your circumstances will change. I encourage you to reply to this post with experiences you have as you begin to stimulate your right-brain-hemisphere.

All the best,
J’net

A cancer diagnosis for you or a family member can be extremely frightening. Even more frightening sometimes are the side effects of medications used to treat this terrible disease. However, as with any disease but especially with cancer, it’s important to focus specifically on the positive and what you can do, not what you can’t do. No treatment course will work without your support, faith, and complementary efforts. Even the American Cancer Society supports the use of holistic care in order to get the best results from cancer treatment.

The biggest thing any cancer patient or family member can do to fight this disease is to place themselves in a state of spiritual well-being. This might mean joining a church, temple, or other organized religious group, or it might simply mean taking time each day to center yourself mentally and emotionally through meditation and/or prayer. Remaining calm and happy throughout the treatment process will help your body to heal itself as well as assisting the medications in doing their jobs properly.

Meditation is a fantastic way to relax and re-center at any point in your life, but is greatly beneficial during cancer treatment. Regular meditation can help treat the insomnia and chronic pain that come along with both cancer and the medications used to treat it, as well as simply giving you a chance to focus your thoughts on something other than the treatment for a short time. Meditation has also been shown to reduce anxiety responses to stress, and stress is of course something all cancer patients and their families face. Meditation is a trusted and proven method for relaxation, again recommended by such reputable organizations as the American Cancer Society.

Many people choose a mind-and-body approach to cancer treatment because they feel it gives them more control over their treatment plan. One study showed that men who chose complementary medicine for their prostate cancer treatment did so because it made them feel less like victims. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046021/) While fighting more aggressive forms of cancer, such as mesothelioma or bone cancer, without traditional medications is less likely to be successful, your treatment is about your body. You need to take an active role in maintaining a state of spiritual well being and a positive attitude. Mind and body healing can help you take that active role in a way that makes you more involved in your treatment plan and will allow you to do something to help yourself during this frightening time.

Learn more:  Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance

First of all, on Friday morning I received word that three of the retreat participants would not be able to come to the retreat.  I asked myself if I should cancel the retreat… the answer, “No.”  I had to go to the store to buy the extra food that I was expecting these people to bring,  which caused me to get a later start than I had planned.  By some miracle, I was able to maintain my equilibrium through it all.  I picked up Emily.  When we got to Gearhart, we discovered that there were already people inhabiting the retreat house.  I contacted the owner of the house and discovered there had been a scheduling mix-up.  Is this the end of the retreat, then I ask?  “No.”  I contacted a friend I know in Seaside to ask her if she had any ideas.  She made a phone call and within minutes, we had another place to stay.  I called the other retreat- participants, and we settled into our “new” place.  It was funky and different.  It didn’t have our “high vibrations.”  We had a lot of adjusting, spiritually, physically, and gastronomically (because other food items were absent).  We had to be flexible and accommodating.

I realized that at any moment in this journey, I could have chosen to call the whole thing off.  Friday morning, I could have called it off when there were 3 cancellations.  But I continued to flow with it with the guidance provided.  As a result, I was supported energetically, and spiritually like never before.  We had allies and spirit-guides available to us; we were borne up on the wings of the Eagles and we experienced the most powerful ride of our lives.  Our lives were transformed.  We will never be the same as a result of this retreat that never should have happened.

Thanks to Kevin Marshall who provided a very transformative crystal and Tibetan bowl concert.  Thanks to Rebecca Collucci for sharing your inspiring poetry.  Thanks to Susan VanWie for your expert healing talents.  Thanks to Emily Rowan for once again using your shamanic magic in the creation of mouth-watering food.  Thanks to all Spirit-Guides and allies who contributed to this magnificent weekend.

I would love to invite all of you to a cooperative retreat.  The next one will be Shamanic Healing and Drum Making March 17, 18, 19, 2012.  Here’s the link:  www.mindbodyspa.org/registration/

In April we will be having a cooperative retreat, “Writing as a Tool for Self-Discovery”

May 4, 5, 6 we will be “Celebrating the Divine Feminine,” a women’s retreat.

ReTREAT

January 20, 21, 22, 2012

In Gearhart on the Oregon Coast

In addition to our usual array of energy healers, we will have a variety of sound healers.  Using voice, harp, singing bowls, drums, rattles, and (?) we will come together to transform our lives through harmony.   This cooperative-retreat is designed for anyone who wants to explore the healing power of sound, and movement.  Those who wish to, share their gifts and all are enriched. We will also spend time in healing circle and empowerment circle.  This is also Jeanette’s Birthday Retreat, so there will be extra fun and treats for everyone. A great way to start your year!

Here’s what we are planning:

*Sound Healing

*Reiki Body work

*Drumming

*Belly-dancing

* Tibetan Metal Crystal Singing Bowls

* Harp and other instruments to contribute to a harmonic demonstration.

Do you have an instrument (or a voice) to bring?

*Empowerment Circle

*Healing Circle

*Morning Yoga and Meditation

*Create a Vision-board, Planting Seeds for the Coming Year

*Ideas????(You are important in this co-creative process—

What would you like to see or do?)

It’s your TURN!  You won’t want to miss this weekend of relaxation and fellowship with healers and nurturers.  This cooperative-retreat is designed for anyone who wants to explore the healing power of fun, movement and creativity.  Lots of healers from various modalities will be on hand to share their gifts.  Participants will be enriched by others who have gifts to share, and all are welcome to share the wisdom and knowledge unique to them.  There will be plenty of time for sharing energy medicine in the healing circle.

As with all of the retreats, we will have fabulous food, prepared by Emily Rowan.

I hope you will join us as we prepare a reTREAT you will never forget.

You should come.

You deserve it!

The Cooperative Retreat

Welcome to the concept of the cooperative retreat.  This means that each person will bring a portion of food to contribute to the menu, and to help with kitchen duties and clean up. Of course, we will have terrific food.  The meals will be thoughtfully and deliciously prepared, offering mostly vegetarian cuisine.  We will offer dairy free and gluten-free alternatives for those with sensitivities.

Mind Body Spa

Builds community as it creates the space for folks to fully relax and experience authentic connection to self and others who wish to achieve mind/body/spirit balance.  Come share your unique self with others and be enriched by the deep healing you will find here.

Facilitators:

Jeanette Chardon, MSW “I believe in the ability of each retreat participant to heal themselves and others.  I believe in the synergy of group intention and dynamics.  When we call each other to our highest and best, when we expect that of each other, the community that we form is incredibly powerful.  Each  retreat is a powerful and supportive  community in which we are safe to be our true, beautiful, delicious selves.”

Emily Rowan “I’m a modern shaman, kitchen magician, artist extraordinaire and devotee of sacred storytelling. My work (and my cooking) is flavored by many traditions and cultures from around the world because the Wisdom of The Way is found everywhere.”

Room Rate Schedule:

$85.00 per person:  Dormitory sleeping with shared bath (must be able to go up stairs)

$135.00 per person:  Double Occupancy with shared bath

$160.00 per person:  Double Occupancy with private bath.

$210 per person:  Single occupancy with shared bath.

Limited number of scholarships are available for work trades.

Payment Options Below

The retreats begin Friday evening, at 6:00 p.m. (although you may arrive as early as 3:00 if you wish) and conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Call for reservations 503-866-3192 and send an e-mail with your name, address, email address and phone numbers to mindbodyspa@gmail.com

$50.00 deposit is required and is refundable if cancellation is made at least two weeks prior to the retreat.  You may send deposit to 5827 SE Tikki Ct., Milwaukie, OR  97267,

or go to www.mindbodyspa.org and use PayPal.  Remainder may be paid ahead of time or at the retreat.

If you have dietary constrictions, please let Jeanette know when you send your deposit or in your e-mail.

Upcoming Retreats:

Shamanic Healing and Drum-Making:  March 2, 3, 4, 2012

Celebrating the Divine Feminine: May 4, 5, 6, 2012  (For Women – Mothers/daughters, sisters are encouraged to attend)

Here are some things you may look forward to during this healing weekend:
* Morning Yoga
* Chakra Balancing
* Chakra Clearing
* Reiki
* Theta Meditation
* Delicious Vegetarian Cuisine
* Pranic Healing
* EFT

This cooperative-retreat is designed for anyone who wants to relax, retreat, and have fellowship with healing practitioners. The primary intention of the retreat is to give each person a chance to showcase his or her talent or skill. This makes for some very rich trading, networking and friend-making. Like-minded people come together to hold space. for you to experience very deep healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. Opportunities abound to experience yourself, acting and responding from your Highest and True Self and to receive the healing you need.

You will also have the opportunity to share and showcase your talent, skill or gift. In addition, we will be doing some very FUN, CREATIVE stuff, like seed bead necklaces and bracelets, soul-collage. Attunements to Reiki may be offered for an additional cost (ask if interested). If there is anything you would like to present or share, let me know!

Welcome to the concept of the cooperative retreat. This means that rather than have a set theme the topics and tenor is born as a result of the cooperative energy of those who attend. Those who are willing to present some of their unique expertise create the topics. There are always many energy healers who practice various types of healing and we eagerly share with each other, so everyone relaxes and is nurtured. Other topics are also encouraged. If you have a special gift you would like to share, please think about doing so. In addition, each person is asked to bring some of the food to contribute to the weekend menu, and to help with kitchen duties and after-retreat clean-up.

You will be assigned specific menu items to bring with you that will contribute to the expertly prepared cuisine. In addition you may bring any food items you wish to share.
**Room-Rate schedule:
$85.00 per person : Dormitory Sleeping with shared bath (must be able to go up stairs)
$135.00 per person : Double Occupancy with shared bath
$160.00 per person: Double Occupancy with Private bath
$210.00 per person: Single Occupancy with shared bath.
Limited number of scholarships are available for work trades

The retreats begin Friday evening, at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Call for reservations 503-866-3192 and send an e-mail with your name, address, e-mail address and phone numbers to mindbodyspa@gmail.com or to 5827 SE Tikki Ct., Milwaukie, OR 97267.
A $50.00 deposit is required and is refundable if cancellation is made at least one week prior to retreat. You may send deposit to the address above, or go to www.mindbodyspa.org and use PayPal. Remainder can be paid at the retreat.
(If you would prefer to escape all cleanup duties for an even more relaxing experience, you may do so for an extra charge of $25 per person)

It’s your TURN! You won’t want to miss this weekend of relaxation and fellowship with healers and nurturers. This cooperative-retreat is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about energy medicine or for practitioners of energy medicine (such as Reiki or Theta Healing), naturopaths, acupuncturists, Qi Gong teachers, yoga teachers, massage therapists… Attunements to Reiki will be offered for an additional cost. All participants will be enriched by all the others who have gifts to share, and all are welcome to share the wisdom and knowledge unique to them. There will also be lots of time for sharing energy medicine with others. Massage therapists who come may be willing to share massages, as well, for additional charge. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to present, and if you will require any additional charge. Namaste’, Jeanette

*The Cooperative Retreat: Welcome to the concept of “cooperative retreating.” This means that rather than have a set theme for the retreats, the theme is born out of who comes and who is willing to present some of their unique expertise. There are always many energy healers who practice various types of energy healing and we eagerly share with each other, so everyone relaxes and is nurtured. Also, each person is asked to bring some of the food to contribute to the weekend menu.

Here are some of the optional topics that will be available for our weekend enjoyment and enrichment:

* Theta Meditation
* Healthy spine, Healthy mind (stretch and yoga)
* Chakra Balancing
* Chakra Clearing
* Use of the Rattle in Healing
* Aromatherapy
* Reiki
* Reiki I or Reiki II Attunement workshop
* Art / Craft / Creativity
* Belly Dancing / Movement
* Sharing Energy Healing (Reiki Shares, Theta Healing, etc)

Recently I was able to participate in such an encounter with a shadow in myself.  The person with whom I was interacting, also met her shadow.  Circumstances like this are very significant.  If two of us are pushing one another’s big buttons it is an opportunity to look at some of those buttons without excusing them away, so that we can change the limiting beliefs beneath them.  This is the transformational process.

How do I then respond?  By listing all the ways in which I am right?  By pointing out how the other person was wrong?  By dwelling on how hurt I feel?  All of this justifies the shadow, encouraging it to continue to block the way to being who we truly are.  Who are we, then?

I want to be an expression of unconditional love.  That is my stated goal.  I want to accept each person as the Source within me accepts each person.  In this role, I am your sister.  I have committed to becoming more personally intimate with you as we work alongside each other.  And we cannot dwell together without discussing the elephants in the living room.  Big energy (emotion) will happen.  But we cannot let a little big energy get in our way.  Let us instead, use it to create greater harmony.  This is the way to authenticity and peace.

We think that the classes, healings, retreats that we do is our work, our mission, our purpose on the planet.  Truly, however, our real work is aligning with our True Self, our Highest and Best.  If this is our striving we will automatically bump into instances where we are not aligned and that mal-alignment feels bad.  Once we feel the “badness” of it, our best recourse is to find any way to align with ourselves as we are, truly.  Then, the perspective of Source will transform the “badness” into creative energy into which we shall expand.

Let us name the limiting beliefs beneath the buttons that are being pushed.  Let us challenge the truth of the beliefs that limit us from being all that we are.  I want to take my consciousness to new levels as I daily confront the beliefs that stand in my way to the next level.  I hope you will feel free to call me on my “stuff” as I behave and react in ways that do not communicate my Highest and Best.  I hope we can be honest and open with one another in an authentic way.  I hope you all will continue to be my teachers in this.  I know we have a lot to learn from each other.  I gladly enter into living consciously with you.

Love,

Jeanette

Mention this article at the retreat and receive $15 off the total price of your retreat. Pay deposit below.

• Healing Circle:  We will have time during the weekend in which all of the modalities, talents and skills (any who wish to participate) are offered simultaneously for the healing of the individual on the table.  Very powerful!  We will have practitioners of the following specialties at the retreat this weekend:  Reiki, Theta Healing, Pranic Healing, Reconnective Healing, EFT, Shamanic Healing, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic (and maybe more I don’t know of yet).
• Silk Dying and Fabric Painting:  We will be playing with dyes and fabric paints and applying them to a variety of fabrics.  Silk scarves will be available, or you may bring your own white or light colored t-shirt. There will be additional charges for materials ($10-$15).
• Intuitive Palm Reading
• Soul Collage:  Materials will be available to create a picture of your life.  You may choose to create a snapshot of your life as it is.  This is a very powerful tool to becoming more attuned to yourself in this current moment in time.  Or you may wish to create a picture of your life as you want it to be…  a vision board.
• Therapeutic Massages will be offered to each participant at no additional charge.
• Reiki/Power Moving Meditation:  Our state of mind is directly affected by our posture and the subtle energies employed in the way we use our body.  This gentle and in-place moving meditation will release negative feelings that might be present and will bring in strong, healthy energies.  You will become centered in your own power.
• Theta Meditation
• Qi Gong: It is amazing how powerful these simple movements and visualizations are in producing more energy and balanced minds and bodies.  Spring is the perfect time for this cleansing of our bodies, minds, emotions and spirit.
• Great food

At our opening circle we pass around a blank schedule and we fill in the slots with the gifts we wish to offer to the group.  If you have handouts, or promotional materials for your business, feel free to bring these things.  This is a great time to network, as people can really get a sense of who you are and how you ply your trade.

Whew!!  I bet you thought this was going to be a relaxing weekend!  Actually (take a deep breath), all of this is optional.  In fact, there will often be two things offered at once.  Sometimes you will opt to do nothing, except walk on the beach.  Sometimes the sun will come out and we will all walk on the beach.  Hopefully you will find a balance of fun, spirit and healing (and good food, of course).

May 20, 21, 22, 2011 - at Gearhart, on the Oregon Coast - ONLY $75.00**

This cooperative-retreat is designed for anyone who wants to relax, retreat, create, and have fellowship with healing practitioners.  At this retreat, we will hold space for you to experience very deep healing – physical, emotional and spiritual.  A variety of practitioners from several modalities will join together, to share this experience.  Opportunities abound to receive the healing you need or a welcome massage.

You will also have the opportunity to share and showcase your talent, skill or gift.  In addition, we will be doing some very FUN, CREATIVE stuff, like silk-dying, soap-making, and making soul-collage.  Attunements to Reiki may be offered for an additional cost (ask if interested).  If there is anything you would like to present or share, let me know!

Welcome to the concept of the cooperative retreat.  This means that rather than have a set theme the topics and tenor is born as a result of the cooperative energy of those who attend.  Those who are willing to present some of their unique expertise create the topics. There are always many energy healers who practice various types of healing and we eagerly share with each other, so everyone relaxes and is nurtured.  Other topics are also encouraged.  The May retreat will have the overarching topic of CREATIVITY, so if you have a special gift you would like to share, please think about doing so.  In addition, each person is asked to bring some of the food to contribute to the weekend menu, and to help with kitchen duties and after-retreat clean-up.

Workshop Topics (other topics will be added as more folks join in the fun)

* Theta Meditation

* Morning Yoga

* Chakra Balancing

* Chakra Clearing

* Soul Collage

* Silk-dying (materials fee:  $10.00)

* Reiki

* Massage

(topics and offerings are optional and subject to change)

Call for reservations 503-866-3192 and send an e-mail with your name, address, e-mail address and phone numbers to mindbodyspa@gmail.com.

A $50.00 deposit is required and is refundable if cancellation is made at least one week prior to retreat.  Please send your name, address, e-mail address and phone numbers to Jeanette Chardon, 5827 SE Tikki Ct., Milwaukie, OR  97267.  Remainder can be paid at the retreat.

Directions and additional information will be sent upon receipt of your deposit.  Also, let me know topics you would be interested in discussing (see list of topics or add topic).

You will be assigned specific menu items to bring with you that will contribute to the expertly prepared cuisine.  In addition you may bring any food items you wish to share.

The retreats begin Friday evening, at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

**Room-Rate schedule:

$75.00 per person :  Dormitory Sleeping with shared bath (must be able to go up stairs)

$125.00 per person :  Double Occupancy with shared bath

$150.00 per person:  Double Occupancy with Private bath

Limited number of scholarships are available for work trades

You should come!  You deserve it!