Year: 2016

Our 4th MIND-BODY STRATEGIES FOR HYPERMOBILITY AND CHRONIC PAIN class is today – December 2nd!

It’s hard to believe that our MIND-BODY STRATEGIES FOR HYPERMOBILITY AND CHRONIC PAIN program is almost over! Thank you to everyone who has registered and help support this important and fun initiative. A follow-up email including information shared in all 4 classes will be sent soon. Promise. For Real.  Our 4th class – Vinyasa Flow for Hypermobility and Chronic Pain will be a full 50-60 min class. Our final class will blend Hatha Yoga mixed with Gentle Vinyasa Flow Yoga. We will remain mindful of proper positioning and alignment for hypermobility and chronic pain but will move at a bit quicker pace during this class. However, this will still be a restorative practice. All levels welcome! This series of 4 classes are being held at The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, MD. Classes begin at 1:30 pm. Please allow extra time to park and get set-up so that we can be mindful of the use of the studio and those who need it after our scheduled class is over . Address for The Mindfulness Center: 4963 …

What matters is that we showed up – together. 

Powerful class today.  12 people total showed up – vulnerable, open-minded and honest. I did the same.  We are all in this together.  While I’m learning to teach yoga and mindfulness to our community, versus solely speaking and writing about it, those who’ve come to our last three mind-body classes, have showed up to face their own fears surrounding movement and anything that may cause additional pain or trauma. What matters is that we showed up – together.  What matters is that we allowed ourselves to be vulnerable and open-minded.  What matters is that we know that we are not alone.  What matters is that we allowed ourselves to focus on the positives and what we can do, not just what we can’t – even if it was for #just5minutes.  I’m blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to walk this journey with all those who open themselves up and allow me to walk with them. Not lead them, but walk beside them.  Today was humbling.  Thank you to Deborah Norris, Ph.D. and everyone at …

Our 3rd MIND-BODY STRATEGIES FOR HYPERMOBILITY AND CHRONIC PAIN class is tomorrow – November 18th!

We had fantastic 1st & 2nd MIND-BODY STRATEGIES FOR HYPERMOBILITY AND CHRONIC PAIN classes!  Thank you to everyone who came out! A follow-up email including information shared in the both classes will be sent soon. Promise.  Our 3rd class will focus on the mindfulness for hypermobility study that was conducted at NIH a few years ago, John Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness program, and will include a 30 mins restorative yoga practice.  All levels welcome! This series of 4 classes are being held at The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, MD.  Classes begin at 1:30pm.  Address for The Mindfulness Center: 4963 Elm St., Suite 100. Bethesda, MD 20814 (Above the Wells Fargo Bank) We have several people registered, which is great! If you are already registered or are interested in joining us tomorrow or for our final class in this series on December 2nd, here are a few suggestions to help ensure your safety and comfort: – If you have a yoga mat, you are welcome to bring it. However, The Mindfulness Center has plenty. I often recommend using …

Just another liberal disease

I just shared this article (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/15/minnesota-woman-allergic-to-husband.html#) on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) written by FoxNews on my personal Facebook page. Considering I published Dr. Afrin’s book on MCAS called ‘Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity‘ (Dr. Afrin was the “online physician” who was quoted in the article), I can say without a doubt that MCAS is more than real, and can be incredibly disabling, not to mention isolating. It can also cause death. People are dying because of constant misdiagnosis, medical errors that can be avoided, and because of ignorance such as the comments in the images below. Dr. Afrin’s book currently has 92 five star reviews on Amazon.com — and for a good reason. His book is doing so well because MCAS is far from another “liberal disease” that people can use to get disability. Dr. Afrin is also anything but an “online” physician. He is one of the few physicians in the world that MCAS patients have on their side to …

Emotional Aromatherapy Workshop (1 hr)

Emotional Aromatherapy workshop at The Mindfulness Center! “Emotional Aromatherapy- Empower yourself to live Healthfully AND Happily! Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their healing properties for mind and body. Learn how aromatherapy using pure, therapeutic grade essential oils has the power to affect our brains and biochemistry to promote feelings of peace, cheer, motivation, passion, and forgiveness. Join Jessie Taylor and Dr. Tina Lightner-Morris to experience the oils for yourself and embrace a healthier, happier you!”

What is Joint Hypermobility versus Hypermobility Syndrome?

‘For these people, hypermobility may even be considered an advantage, for example, athletes, gymnasts, dancers and musicians might specifically be selected because of their extra range of movement. For a small percentage of the population, however, instead of being advantageous, hypermobility may be associated with joint and ligament injuries, pain, fatigue and other symptoms’ (Hakim A – www.hypermobility.org). The exact cause(s) of joint hypermobility is unknown; however, “loose joints” are believed to be caused by various mutations to one or more of the components that help build our connective tissues. Research is suggesting that both genetic and epigenetic factors play a role in the presentation signs and symptoms, as well as the severity of issues associated with joint hypermobility. In some individuals, joint hypermobility is an indication of a type of hypermobility syndrome, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – hypermobility type (EDS-HT). Hypermobility syndromes are classified as heritable connective tissue disorders or connective tissue diseases. There are several types of hypermobility syndromes. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a type of hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – Hypermobility …