SGC Admin Bits and Pieces, Inspirations...

SGC: From our inbox to you; “Creating Space in the Body by Madisyn Taylor”

Creating Space in the Body
by Madisyn Taylor

As we move deeper into meditation, the state of our mind expands thus allowing us to create more space within our body.

Our minds and bodies are interconnected, and the condition of one affects the condition of the other. This is why meditation is such a powerful tool for healing the body, as powerful as physical therapies. When our minds are cluttered with thoughts, information, and plans, our bodies respond by trying to take action. When the body has a clear directive from the mind, it knows what to do, but a cluttered, unfocused mind creates a confused, tense body. Our muscles tighten up, our breath shortens, and we find ourselves feeling constricted without necessarily knowing why.

When we sit down to meditate, we let our bodies know that it is okay to be still and rest. This is a clear directive from the mind, and the body knows exactly how to respond. Thus, at the very beginning, we have created a sense of clarity for the body and the mind. As we move deeper into meditation, the state of our mind reveals itself, and we have the opportunity to consciously decide to settle it. A meditation teacher pointed out that if you put a cow in a small pen, she acts up and pushes against the boundaries, whereas if you provide her with a large, open space, she will peacefully graze in one spot. In the same way, our thoughts settle down peacefully if we provide them with enough space, and our bodies follow suit.

When we settle down to examine and experience our consciousness, we discover that there are no hard, definable edges. It is a vast, open space in which our thoughts can come and go without making waves, as long as we let them by neither attaching to them nor repressing them. As we see our thoughts come and go, we begin to breathe deeper and more easily, finding that our body is more open to the breath as it relaxes along with the mind. In this way, the space we recognize through meditation creates space in our bodies, allowing for a feeling of lightness and rightness with the world.
SGC Admin Inspirations...

DailyOm on “Taking Counsel in a Circle” By Madisyn Taylor

Taking Counsel in a Circle

by Madisyn TaylorImage result for free glitter graphics healing circle

The use of a talking stick during counsel assures every voice is heard fully without interruption.

When we sit in a circle together and share our thoughts and feelings, we participate in a powerful, unifying practice whose origins stem from the very beginning of human time. All early cultures practiced some form of this ritual, which gives each individual in the group a voice, and at the same time reveals the one voice, and the ultimate unity, of the group. This profound and simple way of talking and listening has experienced a modern rebirth in counseling, social work, and spirituality.

Most circles benefit from the presence of a leader who opens the circle by calling in angels, spirit guides, and ancestors – beings of light who will be present with those taking counsel. The leader may announce a theme for the circle, or one may simply evolve from the unstructured expressions of each participant. The circle continues for as long as feels right, at which point the leader may summarize what has been said, perhaps leading everyone in a moment of silence before the circle disbands. One of the most powerful components of this work is the talking stick, which can be any object – a crystal, a flower, or a candle – that is passed around the circle from person to person. The person holding the object speaks until he has fully expressed his feelings, and no one else interjects, interrupts, or even responds until they are holding the stick. This enables people who have a hard time speaking out to express long-buried feelings and points of view. This is powerful because in a community it is often what is not said or acknowledged that causes the most pain and suffering.

The circle, which contains no hard edges or angles, is the ideal container for these difficult truths. As we hear the many perspectives the subject at hand inspires, we begin to see that our individual truth is just one of many. Our own hard edges begin to soften as the circle flows from one person to the next, and each wave of words cleanses us of one more layer of mental and emotional armor, freeing us to be closer to the people around us. Try using counsel during your next family meeting, school class, or any setting where you feel a centering communication method is needed.
SGC Admin Bits and Pieces, News and views

Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter Tours and Memorials Key West Florida: Captain Victoria Impallomeni-Spencer

SGC Admin: When we lose a loved one, it is difficult to say goodbye, we will always miss them.. and choosing the most thoughtful or ideal way to intern or release our loved ones isn’t always easy…Our family recently said goodbye to a loved ones “earth suit” in the most beautiful and peaceful way .. From the back a small boat into the clear ocean water of Key West surrounded by mangroves…

photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter
photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charters website

Captain Victoria and Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter services was the right choice for us and we feel it was right for our loved one too..

Photo: property of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter

Captain Victoria also offers other charter tours beside memorial ones… :)

The moment we met Captain Victoria and her assistant Kandy we felt comfortable. Captain Victoria and Kandy guided us on board and helped us to stow our things.. They even produced blankets, just in case the wind was cooler than we had dressed for.

We really weren’t sure what to expect, but we are so glad we said goodbye to our loved one this way… Captain Victoria took us out to see the dolphins, they came, it was magical… :) we felt blessed and joyful… We even saw an Osprey  fly right across the bow… it was amazing…

We chose a beautiful Mangrove grove… the water was clear, everything was just right… Captain Victoria explained the importance of the Mangroves to the whole life cycle… :) A spiritual and healing feather ceremony was held, it was calming, soothing and peaceful…

Captain Victoria has many years of experience, she looks at the water like we would look at a road map… Her knowledge is boundless, and it is wise to listen well when she speaks… :)

Kandi (If she is there on your charter)  is kind and caring, always at hand when needed, taking photo’s and video’s and happy to answer questions and keep you comfortable, while Captain Victoria guides the boat… and wow it’s wild … :)

For more information, pricing or to book a charter with Captain Victoria please check out

SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes

Transiting Mars into Taurus March 2017

Shiny blue Mars sign on black background. Stock Vector - 24012004

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  • Astrological Event: Mars moves into Taurus
  • Date:  March 9 2017
  • Time: 7:34 pm (ET) 4:34 pm (PT)

 

What does it mean?

Mars is the male planet, he is action and can be aggressive, he can be rash and selfish, but also work in heroic ways to help us move forward, speak up for ourselves and others and pushes us to experience new frontiers. He is the ruler of Aries and corresponds to the head, the blood and the muscles.

 

  • Taurus is ruled by Venus (the opposite of Mars)
  • Taurus is connected to the 2nd house of financial and material security.
  • Time to put the brakes on for a while and slow down. Taurus doesn’t like to be rushed it only upsets her.
  • Frustrations are likely for those who “demand” answers right away or expect results at the drop of a hat
  • It’s a good time to talk about plans, but not always the best time to move ahead
  • Some of us are going to be more stubborn about certain things… and won’t do anyone any good to try and get us to change our minds or our direction… advice is always appreciated though even if we don’t take it.
  • It’ s not a time for quick action or for reaching goals quickly, however it is time to plod along slowly and deliberately, gathering information along the way, so in the end our results will be firm and long-lasting.
  • Because Taurus rules the 2nd house and Aries (ruled by Mars) rules the 1st house, it’s possible that some folks may find this a good time to check out their personal finances and assess their material security (as in where they live and job prospects). We will want to take care of our needs, and while the welfare and comfort of family and friends will also be in our minds, self-care will be at the top on the list.
  • Venus rules Taurus and is the most feminine of the planets, her main interests are money, beauty and an easy way with relationships (Venus turned retrograde March 4)… Taurus needs to feel comfortable and enjoys  fine food and drink…
  • Mars is the most male of the planets, his interests are action, heroism,  his own needs first, and war… He rules Aries…
  • With Mars being in Venus, some of us may experience frustrations regarding our personal relationships, especially if one partner wants to move quicker within the relationship then the other… Breakups may happen under this influence and while new relationships can happen now they will work out better if expectations are kept to a minimum.
  • Take care regarding big purchases
  • We may be more frugal with our spending under this influence
  • Some folks may feel confused about their finances, spending now and wondering why the heck we bought something or spent so much one this influence has passed.

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Copyright: Greta McKenzie astrology: updated March 7 2017
SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

Improv 55+ with Julie Ditta Bowmanville

  • Improvisation (Improv) 55+
  • Mondays, February 27- April 3
  • 7:00 – 9:00 pm (6 weeks)
  • 26 Beech Ave., Bowmanville
  • Phone: (905) 697-2856
  • $25.20 members
  • $32.75 non-members
  •  Bowmanville Older Adult Association    
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  • Did you know Improv reduces stress, improves memory, and boosts your immune system?
  • You’ll increase your confidence and connect with others through creative activities in a fun and nurturing environment.
  • You don’t have to act or be funny to participate in this course.
  • Improv uses spontaneous group games and situations to keep your mind and imagination sharp.
  • The result is an increased sense of mental, social, and emotional well-being. “Laughter is the best medicine.”