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Breakthroughs and Connections:
A Monthly
E-Newsletter from the desk of Patti
Ashley | |||||
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January 24,
2007 |
Volume 1, Number
2 | |||||
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“We
find ourselves in the quiet moments, when the earth pauses and we are
still.” Unknown I decided to start the January newsletter
early (Jan.5th) as the snow continues to slow down my
psychotherapy practice and I have a bit more time to write. Many days of not being able to
work due to blizzard conditions, have left me with a lot of quiet time to
sit, rest, relax and be creative.
The above quote has been on my mind as I feel the earth pause and I
watch the quiet snowfall from my window.
I remember this quote: “We find ourselves
in the quiet moments, when the earth pauses and we are still” from a card
that was given to me in junior high school from a Franciscan nun who holds
a very special place in my heart.
Sr. Claire was my 7th grade math teacher. Every day at lunch time students
would run to her as she walked onto the school yard where recess was being
held. She had the ability to
“see” children and be completely present for them. I can’t remember why she gave me
the card or even what it said on the inside. I only know that those words
resonated with me for some reason and I cut out the quote and taped it to
the cover of my very first
journal. When I recognize my need to slow down, I
think of that quote and Sr. Claire.
She passed away a few years ago after a lifetime of “seeing”
children and adults for who they really are. I remember so many moments with
her when I felt completely mirrored and loved for who I am, no
expectations to be anything other than me! I suppose in some way she lives on
through my psychotherapy practice where I hold each individual’s truth
with a sacred honor. I know
she lives on in so many ways in my life and
others. At my recent high school reunion, I sat
next to one of my former classmates who had been especially fond of Sr.
Claire since Math was his favorite subject. He is currently an accountant in
The stillness of the snow has allowed me
to re-connect with myself.
Sr. Claire is a part of me.
She lives on as I witness the lives of those around me, as I “see”
them and remind them to be still. What if we all took some time to
pause our world and be still?
What would we find in the
stillness? Sacred Circles of
Self
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Why Create a
Mandala?
o
The meditative process opens the heart and helps shift our
focus to unconditional love. o
It gives expression and form to our intuition and
soul. o
It can bring joy as it heals some of the broken parts of our
self. o
It has a relaxing and calming effect on the body and
mind. o
It can strengthen and focus the desire to
heal. o
It makes the invisible
visible. o
It can connect each individual to the collective
whole. What is a
Mandala?
The word mandala comes from Sanskit and means “sacred
circle.” Native American
medicine wheels, Tibetan sand mandalas, windows in Gothic cathedrals, and
labyrinths are some examples of mandalas. Carl Jung used mandalas in his
psychotherapy practice and his personal life as a tool to reveal, heal and
transform images from the unconscious. “An ancient circle motif
found across time and culture, mandala symbolizes the ultimate
wholeness of the psyche in all its aspects, including the relationship
between humankind and nature.
It holds the potential of healing—a means of `Knowing
Thyself’.”
Paul Heussenstamm, A mandala artist from New Millennium Moms : Mothering Beyond
Image
Parent Heart
Mentoring Starting in 2007, I am
expanding my practice to include in-home and in-school consultations. I will be the local
“Super-Nanny!” My mentoring
practice will include post-partum visits with new mothers; behavior
management consultations; and parent advocacy in the school system. I will come to your home and/or
attend meetings at your child’s school. I have provided parent education
services for pediatric practices and other organizations, and I want to
bring my expertise to your home to help your family feel more connected
and loving. Cost is $25 per
15 minutes (including drive time).
Breakthrough
Psychotherapy
As I continue my
psychotherapy practice this year, I am deepening my work with spirituality
as a portal to the healing process.
Breakthrough psychotherapy allows you to discover limiting “core
beliefs” and break through to your Authentic Self. Using cognitive and
client-centered therapies, dreams, mythology, guided imagery, mandalas,
and intuitive guidance, I help you break through barriers to your True
Self. Cost is $125 for a one
and a half hour session and is not covered by insurance. Current clients get a $25 discount
on the first session. I look forward to hearing from
you! Call or e-mail me at
720-565-3388 | |||||
