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Embracing the Quiet (But First…)
by John Muraco
 I invite you to take a look around, or better yet, take a listen. . . . What is the landscape of your SOUND environment? Are you at work? Are you at home or in a waiting room? Perhaps you are reading this somewhere in nature! Regardless of where you are, listen. Try closing your eyes, and ‘seeing’ if you can ‘tune’ in to a new sound arrangement as your sense of hearing becomes sharper. What sounds do you hear? How are they entering your body?
I have found recently, that to really ‘embrace the quiet’ it can be helpful to take inventory of our own SOUND ENVIRONMENT by becoming aware of what is generating sound around us.
Embracing the quiet doesn’t necessarily mean finding total quiet (is that even possible?). You can invite some quiet and stillness into your body and mind simply by altering the type of sound you are taking in. For example, specific forms of music can help to facilitate relaxation such as acoustic guitar, Himalayan singing bowls, Native American flute, or trickling water. Try this sample and see what you think.
» Read more
John Muraco, ATR, RYT, is an art therapist, registered yoga teacher, and holistic lifestyle and wellness counselor. His work since 2000 has integrated diverse approaches to creative expression and wellness to support clients in regaining personal power and reducing stress. John's approach to individual and group therapy for teens and adults is person-centered and customized. His holistic wellness consultation includes herbal remedies, tea blends, relaxation techniques and nutritional education. Contact John at john@heartwellhouse.com or 315-256-7767. For more information go to www.heartwellhouse.com.
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Additional Resources Regarding Sound and Silence:
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Book Review
 Healing at the Speed of Sound
written by Don Campbell & Alex Doman
Book Review by John Muraco
I haven’t finished this book yet, but I am feeling the need to share as it is so relevant to our topic this month.
My main takeaway thus far is the idea of SOUND AS NUTRITION.
Until recently, I have not given a whole lot of thought to how sound, in a 24 hour cycle, effects our body, our nervous system, our emotions, our relationships, and our life in general. This book explores many tools for creating the best and most optimum sound environments. It explores ways to enrich our hearts, focus, and more deeply relax through music and sounds we hear in our everyday environment. It is awesome to think of sound in the same way we might look at the type of food we ingest.
In my personal response to this book, I have begun to look at EVERYTHING as if it is food. Does it nourish my body? Does is make me feel whole? Or is it draining and depleting? Including my digital diet (what types of movies I watch); to the people I choose to spend quality time with, and of course my sound diet! It is all nutrition and all of it affects how nourishing life can be to the body, mind and spirit.
» Find out more about the book
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Featured Program
on Embracing the Quiet
Embracing the Quiet While Creatively Exploring Your Natural Rhythms
A CEM Workshop
Wed., 1/27, 7:30-9pm
Join us for an evening of deep relaxation and creative expression as we explore what it means to embrace the quiet and connect to your natural rhythms of movement and rest.
Connection, Expression and Movement (CEM) is a monthly workshop series focusing on body-mind integration. Each month the discussion and activities center on a specific theme such as stress management, emotions, and finding balance in your life. No experience or previous training is required.
To RSVP or to learn more contact Brittiney George at 610-389-7866 or movebackintolife@gmail.com or go to our page on Meetup.
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New and Upcoming Events
Therapeutic Writing and Neuroplasticity –Recon Mission of a trauma survivor's brain
Saturday, 1/23/15, 9 to 11am
Cost: $45 ($10 for CEUs)
*Approved by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors for 2 CEUs*
Therapeutic writing is an easily accessible and affordable way to assist clients in their path to recovery. This 2 hour experiential workshop for therapists is based on a paper published by the facilitator. The workshop will explain how therapeutic writing is different from “regular†writing and how it can be used with trauma survivors. It will explore four therapeutic writing techniques and discuss how writing impacts neural pathways in the brain.
To register and learn more, contact Anjana Deshpande, LCSW, at 610-506-2861 or anjanadeshpande@yahoo.com.
Mindfulness Based Therapy Group for Women
New group forming. Day and time to be determined.
If you would like to deepen your mindfulness meditation practice and get support putting the principles of mindfulness to work in your life, this group may be right for you. Commitment to the group and a daily mindfulness or yoga practice is a pre-requisite.
Please contact Jen Perry at jenperry7@mac.com or (215) 292-5056 for information.
Most Radiant You- A Self Expression and Empowerment Group for Teens
Now Enrolling. Begins February 15, 2016.
This 8 week program will teach tools to manage stress, build self-worth, and gain skills for self-expression and communication. Utilizing the chakra energy system and yogic traditions we will build awareness of the mind, body, and spirit connection to enhance the development of these skills.
For more information, visit this website or contact John Muraco and Elizabeth Campbell at 315-329-9838.
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