Archive for January, 2009
Meditation Resources in Baltimore
Beginning a meditation practice can seem overwhelming at first especially if you are already familiar with self-doubt, anxiety and racing thoughts. “How will I ever get my mind to slow down?” is a common question that patients raise, and “I’ve tried meditation but I just wasn’t good at it!” is a common barrier that our inner critics can use to block the healing process. Fortunately, meditation is the healing tool that can help unblock those places of resistance and eventually ease and slow the mind. All it takes is practice… In Baltimore we are blessed with wonderful resources for those looking to begin a meditation practice and implement the benefits of a still and peaceful mind in your everyday life. Meditation has been shown in numerous research studies to reduce symptoms of pain, decrease anxiety and lower high blood pressure.
- Vitkatadamshtri Buddhist Center has Baltimore area locations in Charles Village and Lutherville. General Introductory classes at Charles Village location on Thursdays from 7pm-8:30pm. Anyone is welcome to drop in – first class is free and $8 suggested donation after first class. Learn more at: www.meditationmd.org
- Baltimore Shambhala Meditation Center is located in Charles Village in the first floor of the Marylander Building at the corner of St. Paul and University. Open House Nights on Thursdays from 7pm -7:45pm followed by Social Tea and Open House talks. This center draws a welcoming and diverse community from all over Baltimore. Learn more at: www.baltimoreshambhala.org
- The Baltimore Yoga Village in Hampden often offers Meditation Courses and gentle yoga classes that incorporate different elements of meditation into the practice. Visit: www.baltimoreyogavillage.com
- Evolve Well Healing Arts Studio in Roland Park is offering an Introduction to Meditation course on Tuesday evenings beginning February 17th. Learn more at: www.evolvewellstudio.com
A Dose of Creative Medicine
Recently a friend and I explored a new art store that opened on North Avenue in Baltimore City. Walking amidst the paints, decorative papers, and array of colored pencils, I felt the gentle stirring of my slumbering creative soul. At a time when the word medicine is so strongly associated with ingesting something – natural or pharmaceutical – to reduce symptoms, it is important to remember the other less tangible forms that medicine can take such as a deep breath, an experience in nature, or an out-pouring of thoughts onto a journal page. These experiences are nearly as capable of positively shifting your biochemistry as many drug agents.
Often I “prescribe” the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron for patients looking to incorporate creative elements along their healing path. This book was a saving grace to me during my naturopathic medical training, particularly the inclusion of “morning pages” (daily non-judgemental journaling) and “artist dates” (weekly self-adventures that support your creativity). Taking yourself on an artist date is like taking a dose of medicine for your creative soul. Below are a few ideas for exploring the arts in Baltimore:
- Strand Theater Company – A new theater company in Mount Vernon with an emphasis on producing plays by women. www.strandtheatercompany.org
- American Visionary Art Museum – Current exhibit The Marriage of Art, Science & Philosophy. www.avam.org
- The Walters Art Museum – Upcoming exhibition The Saint John’s Bible Feb 15th – May 24th. The first illuminated manuscript of the Bible created since the advent of the printing press 500 years ago. www.thewalters.org
Redefining Health -Tai Sophia Feb 7th & 8th
After hearing both Bob Duggan, MAc, MA and Dianne Connelly, PhD, MAc speak at separate integrative medicine conferences last year, I was truly inspired by both the depth and simplicity of their healing words. As founders of the Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD, they share their message of healing with the greater community through their signature workshop “Refining Health” which will be held Saturday February 7th and Sunday February 8th at Tai Sophia. I am looking forward to finally attending this well-loved and respected program and I encourage anyone looking for a new way to view the world and yourself to consider registering.
To learn more, please visit the Tai Sophia website at: http://www.tai.edu/EdProgProfWorkshops.aspx
Unwind with CranioSacral Therapy
Have you noticed your shoulders creeping a little closer towards your ears lately? Whether it’s huddling up to stay warm on a cold and blustery day or staying up late on the computer searching for a plane ticket to Florida, the season of winter can cause further tightening of already stressed muscles and connective tissue leading to headaches, jaw tension and shoulder pain.
Let Go with CranioSacral Therapy.
CranioSacral therapy is a gentle non-invasive form of bodywork which allows for unwinding and releasing of old injury patterns and chronic tension in the body. Even patients who have difficulty letting go during a massage session generally find that cranio-sacral therapy allows their minds to slow down and relax. Patients receiving cranio-sacral therapy tend to notice a decrease in headache frequency and severity, relief of jaw pain, increased range of motion in arthritic joints, improved sleep quality and calming of anxiety.
Children and adults can benefit from cranio-sacral therapy for specific health concerns or for general wellness support.
Learn more about cranio-sacral therapy for TMJ pain in Dr. Emily’s interview with Delicious Living Magazine (http://deliciouslivingmag.com/health/conditions/oral-health/dl_article_2361/).
