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Peninsula Hot Springs has plans to provide
accommodation facilities and a Wellness Center on its 42 acre (17
hectare) site on the Mornington Peninsula. While it has the
necessary council approvals to do so it requires time to see their
sensitive integration onto the beautiful site of rolling sand dunes
and teatrees. In the mean time we would like to introduce visitors
of the springs and our "virtual visitors" to the world of wellness.
To do this we have requested the assistance of well known wellness
advisor and practitioner Neal Hoptman to guide us along the path to
good health. Neal will be making a monthly selection of what he
considers to the be the best podcasts on health and wellness on the
ever expanding web to support you in your daily goals of optimal
health and wellbeing. This is the beginning of a much larger plan of
bringing the world of health and good living knowledge to you here
at Peninsula Hot Springs' virtual wellness center.
 Neal is a Welllness Consultant and Creator of the Health
Enhancement
Lifestyle Program and book "HELP Yourself To Health".
Neal's brief introduction to the podcasts will assist you to choose
the one that is right for you. He will be helping us on a regular
basis to find resources that will support you in your daily goals of
optimal wellbeing and 'Help Yourself To Health' when you cannot be
at Peninsula Hot Springs.
So stay tuned and pass on this page to one's you love as our way of
transforming not only our own individual health but also the health
of the planet."
If you should come across health enhancing podcasts or resources
that you think may be of interest to others please feel free to
email them to Neal at
nealhop@yahoo.com and he will be happy to review them.
Neal's Podcasts
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1. Emotional Health
In this podcast entitled "Forgiveness and Freedom of Letting Go" we have
the opportunity through music, uplifting images and the printed word
to reflect on the power of forgiving both ourselves and others in
our journey of personal development. Forgiveness is the mental,
emotional and/or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment,
indignation or anger against another person for a perceived offence,
difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or
restitution. |
There is much evidence in both the medical literature and practice
that the strong emotions that we harbor from the past directly
impacts on our health today.
By taking time out to watch this
podcast and reflect on the messages it brings up within you, it is
possible to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Sometimes we
do not even realize what we are still holding onto from the past.
Reminders like this can help us to tune in and let go. |
Watch Video |
2. Exciting Research For Pain Relief
In this podcast, we discover that real physical pain
can be caused by the brain based on the feelings we carry within us
rather than the physical area or injury where the pain seems to come
from. An amazing documentation of the application of what is known
as mind/body medicine. This is an exciting field of medicine as it
has led tens of thousands of people to experience dramatic relief
not based on surgery or pain killers but rather through releasing
repressed feelings and emotions. John E. Sarno, MD, is
Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine,
New York University School of Medicine. His most notable
achievement is the diagnosis of tension myositis syndrome (TMS).
According to Sarno, TMS is a mindbody disorder causing chronic back,
neck, and limb pain which is not relieved by standard medical
treatments.
Sarno has successfully treated over ten thousand patients by
educating |
them on his
beliefs of a psychological and emotional basis to their
pain, and evidence of the success of his method abounds.
In 2006, his latest book, The Divided Mind: The
Epidemic of Mind/body Disorders was well received and included
chapters contributed by six other doctors and addressing the entire
spectrum of mind/body disorders and the history of psychosomatic
medicine. |
Watch Video |
3. Inspiration
In this podcast entitled "Albert Einstein - inspirational words of
wisdom" we experience through uplifting images and peaceful music
the power behind the words of one of the most influential people in
history. All of us are aware of many things we could do to improve
our own wellbeing and that of others around us. What is often
lacking is the inspiration or motivation |
to do so. It is
the aim of including this podcast to have those simple yet powerful
reminders accompanied by a relaxing and peaceful format of
presentation, to give us the boost we may need.
All the goals in the world will be nothing more than
illusory New Year resolutions without the motivation and
inspiration to make them happen in your life. We hope this
little gem assists you on your journey. |
Watch Video |
4. Global Community Health
Environmental Wellness is
part of the big picture of holistic health and wellbeing and as we
as make changes in our lifestyles this is reflected in the world
around us. In this "Interview With Dr David Suzuki", award-winning
scientist and environmentalist, he talks to WWF-Australia about why
humans are the real reason our planet is degrading at such a fast
rate and how we can turn this around. Dr David Suzuki is a Canadian
science broadcaster and environmental activist. Since the mid-1970s,
Suzuki has become known for his TV and radio series and books about
nature and the environment. He is best known as host of the popular
science magazine, |
| The Nature Of Things, seen
in syndication in over 40 nations. In Australia, we are blessed
with incredible alternative energy opportunities and have some
of the worlds best geothermal provinces, some of the best
provinces for wind and solar power in the world and a plethora
of technology to take advantage of all of this. Dr. Suzuki
reminds us of the urgency of our current situation and the
importance of taking action now. |
Watch Video |
5. Education on Nutrition
Dr. Jonny Bowden PhD, CNS
is a board certified nutritionist with graduate degrees in
nutrition and psychology. In this podcast of "The Popular
Diets" he reminds us that we have to look at our own
needs and let go of the trends of the day. He looks at some
of the strengths and weaknesses of |
the most
popular diets being advocated.
Dr. Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss and
nutrition in the USA.
His latest book. His
mission in life is “to inspire, motivate, teach and entertain; to
help cut through all the misconceptions about health and diet; and
to help people understand what’s really important for living a
powerful, magnificent and healthy life.” |
Watch Video |
6. Experiential
In "Red Heart, from The Heart of
Australia by Vicki Hansen" we experience |
Didgeridoo trance music
with stunning visuals of the Australian outback, by renowned
photographer Ulli Hansen. Vicki is herself also an accomplished
multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and sound
designer.
A wonderful podcast to experience the power of an Australian healing
journey with indigenous imagery and sounds from
"The Heart of
Australia". |
Watch Video |
7. Research
"Messages From Water" by Dr. Masaru
Emoto is a ground breaking study that will amaze you. Dr. Masaru
Emoto was born in Japan and is a graduate of the Yokohama Municipal
University and the Open International University as a Doctor of
Alternative Medicine. His photographs were first featured in his
self-published books Messages from Water 1 and 2. The Hidden
Messages in Water was first published in Japan, with over 400,000
copies sold internationally. Dr Emoto says that if human thoughts
are directed at water before it is frozen, images of the resulting
water crystals will be beautiful or ugly depending upon whether the
thoughts were positive or negative. Emoto claims this can be
achieved through prayer, music or by attaching written words to a
container of water. Since 1999 Emoto has published several volumes
of a work titled Messages from Water, which contains photographs of
water crystals next to essays and "words of intent". The
implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can
positively impact the earth and our personal health.
8. What is Health and Healing
In these podcasts on "Healing", Deepak Chopra speaks to the subject
"What is Health and Healing?" He explores the meaning of healing as
a state of well-being far beyond the physical health of the body.
Deepak Chopra is both a medical doctor and writer. He has written
extensively on diverse topics in mind-body medicine. The major
influences are the teachings of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita from
his native India, and quantum physics. His unique approach to
wholistic health and spirituality combined with his medical
education and training, have made him one of the most well known
presenters in Integrative Medicine in the world.
9. Reiki, Imagery, Music and Inspiration
In this “Reiki
Slide and Music Show” you will learn a little about the
Reiki healing techniques and with beautiful images and
Japanese flute, be taken on a journey of healing. To get the
most of out this video, take a few |
| moments to
remove all possible distractions from your environment. Then take a few moments
to just close your eyes and attune to your breath. With each
exhalation feel yourself letting go of events or thoughts
that are not necessary right now to focus on. Each
inhalation, visualize yourself taking in whatever it is you
feel is missing in your life right now. Get into a nice
personal space and then click on: |
Watch Video |
10. Simple Service and Planetary Wellbeing
The power of random acts of kindness is demonstrated in
this true short music video. In the “Free Hugs Campaign” a man
decides to spend a few hours each week giving free hugs out to
anyone interested. This simple act of kindness leads to a hit song,
and a worldwide free hug movement based on a Youtube video which
catches on like wildfire all around the globe. Inspiring other to
offer free hugs as well and now a Foundation is being set up to help
others and promote peace….all from one Sydney man sharing hugs.
Enjoy the music, the hugs, and most of all be inspired to share with
and help others. There is powerful research showing when we reach
out to help others we are also healing ourselves. Help promote peace
on the planet with the most powerful forces in the universe,
kindness and compassion for one and all.
11. Could Aging Be Looked At As A Curable Disease?
“Aubrey de Grey: Why we age and how we can avoid it”
Aubrey de Grey, a British researcher on aging, claims he has drawn a
roadmap to defeat biological aging. He provocatively proposes that
the first human beings who will live to 1,000 years old have already
been born. This shocking challenge to conventional wisdom, Cambridge
researcher |
Aubrey de Grey
argues that the process of aging is merely a disease --
and a curable one at that. De Grey, a computer
scientist and biogerontologist, believes humans could live for
centuries, if only we approach the aging process as "an engineering
problem."
He outlines the seven basic ways people age, and how to
"solve" each one. And if we get to work now, he says, humans alive
today could live to be 1,000. |
Watch Video |
12. Environmental Wellness
This interview highlights the importance of not only personal
wellness but |
also environmental
wellbeing in AUSTRALIA.
The talk by the highly respected author and Professor Tim
Flannery, has been put together by the World Wildlife
Federation. Professor Flannery talks to WWF about the reality of climate change for all Australians and
why we're running out of time. |
Watch Video |
13. Embracing change as an opportunity to grow and create
In this video, “Change is the prelude to Growth”, the subject of
personal change is presented with amazing images and uplifting
music. The combination of powerful messages and beautiful images and
music helps us to attune within.
“Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.”
~Richard Bach |
The key to making changes is to accept the necessity of change;
Change is part of a creative life and of creating a LIFE. Creative
expression and sharing are keys to a health enhancing lifestyle.
This video can help us create new options by taking time to reflect. |
Watch Video |
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14. Herbal Remedies From The Australian Bush
Herbalist Ian White takes us on a journey through the
Australian bush gathering flowers that are then
distilled into essences. These herbal remedies are
making their way around the world bringing healing
benefits to many. Flower Remedies are not new. The
Australian Aboriginals have always used flowers to
heal the emotions, as did the Ancient Egyptians. There
has also been a very long tradition of use of Flower
Essences in India, Asia and South America and they
were also very popular in Europe in the Middle Ages.
Hildegard von Bingen (12th century) and Paracelsus (15th century)
both wrote about how they collected dew from flowering plants to
treat health imbalances.
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Ian
grew up in the Australian bush where he learned a
profound respect for nature and went on to become a
practitioner and a pioneer working with and
researching the rare remedial qualities of Australian
native plants.
Australia has the world's oldest and highest number of
flowering plants exhibiting tremendous beauty and
strength.
Also Australia is relatively unpolluted and
metaphysically has a very wise, old energy. |
Watch Video |
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15. Introduction to Massage and Its Benefits
Once seen as more of a pampering, luxury or indulgence
for those fortunate enough to receive it, massages are
now known as an excellent component of any smart
personal health care regime. The focus of hundreds of
medical studies worldwide, massage is clearly much
more than pampering. This video helps to introduce
the research on massage and give you a sense of what
massage can do for you. This is a very different work
out than our physical exercise program and falls into
the health enhancement area of promoting an Easeful
Body. |
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The ease of the body is often neglected in most health programs but
as we know, that is often the most frustrating aspect of growing
older and acquiring injuries, and any modality that can make our
movements more easeful as we go about our day -in addition to the
many physiological and psychological benefits of massage-makes it a
high priority in your personal health regime. |
Watch Video |
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16. Yoga Basics for Stress Release and Conditioning
Yoga has become extremely popular over recent years and these
podcasts are just a taste of a very diverse range of offering
available to you. Most people approach yoga for the benefits on the
physical level in terms of improved ease of body so we will start
there for now. These podcasts offer an introduction to yoga for both
the beginner and those who are a bit more flexible. It is important
when practicing yoga to find the style, teacher, and type of yoga
which is appropriate for you.
Please remember that yoga is far more
diverse then just physical movements and offers many other tools to
promote peace of mind, and a balanced and harmonious lifestyle
through information on the mind/body connection, meditation, diet,
sound, work, environment, philosophy, service, relationships,
healing, and much more.
Yoga can be integrated into all aspects of your life for personal
transformation without in any way being in conflict with your
personal religious or spiritual orientation.
There have been
numerous medical studies done on the benefits of a wide variety of
yoga practices and a search on the internet will yield many
fascinating insights in how much more than physical movements yoga
is.
For now, let us just begin with these two podcasts to get us
started on the yoga journey.
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17. A Health Enhancing
Lifestyle
Dr. Dean Ornish on Preventing or Reversing Heart
Disease, Prostate Cancer, Obesity and Diabetes by
Changing How We Live
Dr Dean Ornish has been a pioneer in proving that
lifestyle is the most powerful determinant of health,
and that through changing our lifestyle we can
actually reverse such serious challenges as heart
disease and prostate cancer. His lifestyle program is
based on 4 areas: nutrition, exercise, group support
and stress release. He has conducted his research at
traditional medical setting through his Preventive
Medical Research Institute in California and has run
clinical trials over the last 30 years showing how
significant lifestyle factors are in reversing disease
and wellbeing. His results have been published in the
leading medical journals and he has also written
several books on various aspects of his findings. The
origins of his work are based on the teachings of
Integral Yoga and he has applied these ancient
teachings to the leading causes of death and disease
in the Western World using the latest technology to
prove that they work and are far more powerful than
surgery and medications at addressing the source of
true healing.
In depth podcast
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18. Introduction To Energy Healing
The energy healing techniques go by many different
names and come from all over the earth but whether it
is called Energy, Qi or Prana, the fundamental
phenomena is still the same. Whether the techniques
you choose are named Reiki, Pranic Healing,
Acupuncture, Prayer, or hundreds of others, energy
medicine has been and continues to be one of the most
widely used forms of healing intervention around the
world. This podcast, “Introduction To Energy Healing”
is a nice place to start in exploring this amazing
phenomena which everyone can access in some way, shape
or form and integrate into their healing tools both to
transform their own health and help others.
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19. The Science Behind
A Long Life
Despite all the challenges of old age, many people are
fascinated with health secrets that may promote longevity. There
is now a dynamic anti-aging movement as well as numerous potions
and diets claiming to |
tap into ancient
secrets of longevity.
In
this podcast, we discover what science has to say about the
aging process and what could be done to extend life spans in the
future. From a Wellness perspective we are interested in quality
of life and a bit wary of longevity as an end in itself.
Ideally, longevity and wellness can go hand in hand in the
future. |
Watch Video |
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20. A Guided
Meditation On The Breath
Just click on this link and then close your eyes and let this
guided meditation take you into a peaceful and relaxing state.
It is often far easier to practice breath meditation at first
when guided by someone else. This allows us to keep the
awareness focused so the mind does not constantly drift away.
Because of the neutral and ever present nature of breathing, it
is a very effective bridge to take us across the turbulent
waters of the mind to the calm oasis of the spirit of peace
within us. Ultimately, we will cultivate the silent witness
within that |
| allows us to watch not only the breath but also the
waves of the mind without identifying with either. Once we
become familiar with a breath meditation technique that works
for us, we can then integrate it into our life wherever we are
just by taking the awareness to our breathing. As with most
things in life, the more time we dedicate to meditation, the
greater will be the ease, the depth and quality of the
experience. |
Watch Video |
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21. Permaculture
When creating a Health Enhancing Lifestyle, a quality
environment is one of the keys. Our physical, emotional and
mental health is a by-product of the environments that we
create. Yet, many of us feel powerless as to how to create
healthier environments. One of the ways to address this is to
explore the many resources (books, courses. Dvds, consultants
and even a podcast) now available about Permaculture This
podcast introduces BILL MOLLISON who is a practical visionary.
For nearly two decades he has travelled the globe spreading the
word about permaculture, a method of sustainable living
and agriculture that |
| he devised with the
support of many people. Mollison has proved that even in the most difficult conditions,
permaculture empowers people to turn wastelands into food
forests. Exploring other permaculture resources may provide you
with interesting ideas in designing your home and workplace
environments with health enhancing benefits for both you and the
planet. |
Watch Video |
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22. Laugh Yourself To
Health
John Cleese takes us on a journey to India to experience
Laughter Yoga. He interviews an Indian Dr who decided to create
laughter yoga groups, a phenomenon which is now spreading all
over the world. There is a significant literature on the many
benefits of comedy and laughter that have been documented over
the years in books by such people as Norman Cousins and Dr.
Patch Adams. Laughter reduces stress and boosts the immune
function. The findings all points to the importance of our
emotions and how they impact on how our body functions.
This
serves as the basis of the mind/body connection also described
as pychoneuroimmunolgy (pni) in the medical field. |
| There is vast
research available now on how our beliefs, attitudes, emotions,
intimacy, social interactions and service can be used as a tool
for transforming our wellbeing. Rather than being a victim of
our emotions, we can learn how to activate our inner chemistry
to heal what ails us. As we study more and more the impact of
our emotions, thoughts and lifestyle on our health, it becomes
apparent that ultimately we are one of the most powerful forces
in our own health care strategy. |
Watch Video |
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23.
The Healing Power of Love and Friendship
Numerous research studies have shown that the power of intimacy
in our daily lives is one of the keys to abundant health and
healing. We are social beings and when we can share our thoughts
and feeling with others and not be judged but accepted for who
we are, it is one of the |
| most powerful
elixirs available for what ails us. Knowing that we
have others around us that care for us based on who we
are-faults and all-in an unconditional manner, can help us
recover from some of the most potent of challenges we may face.
In this podcast we are reminded of the importance of love and
friendship through powerful images, uplifting words and soothing
music. |
Watch Video |
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24.
Yoga paths are many!
Yoga means to yoke or unite, bringing together our consciousness
with our true nature, which according to yoga teachings, is
bliss absolute known as ananda. The yoga journey into our true
nature or bliss involves cultivating an easeful body (without
being attached to it), releasing expectations of ourselves and
others and thereby developing a peaceful mind, then sharing the
benefits of both ease of body and peace of mind by having a
useful life through selfless service. Our yogic bliss can be
realised through many different styles and approaches embraced
by the “Integral Yoga” saying, “Truth Is One, Paths Are Many”.
One of the most popular approaches to accessing the yoga
teachings these days is doing a balanced class for an easeful
body and peaceful mind that can include postures/asanas,
breathing/pranayama, relaxation/yoga nidra.
Full Yoga Class
Watch Video
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To get a feel of a complete yoga class in New Zealand,
click on the Full Yoga Class. |
Peaceful Mind
Another branch of yoga is known as Gnana/Jana Yoga
the path of self inquiry. Swami Satchidananda help
us understand one of many easy to grasp teachings of how
to apply Gnana Yoga in daily life click and cultivate
a Peaceful Mind.
Watch Video |
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Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga
If you want a taste of some
Intermediate and Advanced Yoga poses/asanas to
help cultivate an easeful body click on: |
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Vinyasa Flow Yoga
For a preview of yet another style that is
currently popular watch Vinyasa Flow Yoga below |
Watch Video |
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25. The Next
Scientific Revolution
In this short one minute video, Marilyn Schlitz, Vice President
of the Institute of Noetic Science, shares with us some food for
thought on how a single concept can change the world in which we
live.
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| Whether it be the likes of an Einstein or Galileo, from
time to time a discovery brings about a shift. This video
speculates on what the next shift may be as science, technology
and spirit begin to merge and reveal a very different reality
then what we have previously imagined. In just a minute, we can
get food for thought to contemplate for years. What comes up for
you as the next Scientific Revolution? Is this story feasible
from your point of view?
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Watch Video
or go to website link
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26. Our
Food Choices And Their Effects
In this documentary, John Robbins (former heir to the Baskin
Robbins 31 Flavours ice cream franchise) explores with the
implications of the food we choose to eat. He interviews Drs.
Researchers, Farmers and a host of others to look at how the
foods we buy impact on us.
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ignorant of the effects our diet has on the planet, our health,
animals, and much more. To say we did not know will no longer be
an excuse after watching this film. Take the time out to view
this documentary in its entirety, even if you disagree at times
with the conclusions and then at the end, decide how to proceed
in choosing foods to consume that are the best for your health,
nature and the fragile planet that we share. |
Watch Video |
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27. Feldenkrais Achieves What Traditional Medicine Could Not
It is always a thrill to come across an inspirational story
about the body's ability to teach the brain. A baby born 20
years ago without a third of her cerebellum was given a grim
prognosis by medical doctors: she could never walk or talk. Now
the young woman enjoys a nearly normal life and is a college
student. She and her family attribute her amazing recovery to
Feldenkrais, a unique therapy developed in Israel and based in
part on the belief that the body can actually teach the brain
and it is now used by more than 4,000 practitioners around the
world.
The Feldenkrais Method is an educational system centered on
movement, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self
through awareness. It attracts those who wish to improve their
movement repertoire (dancers, musicians, artists), as well as
those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and
many who want to improve their general well-being and personal
development.
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movement as the primary vehicle for gaining awareness, it is
directly applicable to disorders that arise from restricted or
habitually poor movement. The Feldenkrais Method holds that there is no separation between
mind and body, and thus learning to move better can improve
one's overall well-being, it can expand a person's choices and
responses to many aspects of life: emotions, relationships, and
intellectual tasks; and it applies at any level. |
Watch Video |
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28.
Why Meditate?
There are a great number of benefits to developing meditation as
an art and science of life. Dr. Deepak Chopra explains some of
the different stages of the meditative process from basic
relaxation to self-awareness.
What you will experience through meditation impacts not only in
the realms of physical health and wellbeing but goes far beyond
the body and the mind. In this overview of the art of meditation
we can begin to understand this journey within and can develop
the deep motivation necessary to commit to this powerful
practice. Ultimately through a dedicated practice, meditation
will not be something that we start and finish at a certain
times each day but rather a state of awareness that we
cultivate.
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meditative lifestyle of Being amidst the daily ups and downs of
Doing, we can go beyond the waves of the mind and the limits of
the body. Through this Art of Being, we begin to attune to a
rhythm and an awareness of peace and joy within, that remains
unaffected by the impermanence of all that we are Doing each
day. Experiencing once again, the difference between a human
being and a human doing. |
Watch Video |
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