These classes will provide an introduction to various meditation techniques. The goal is to help us find better ways to deal with stress, fear and anxieties, to increase our patience, and to improve our abilities to relax and feel good - something we could all surely use! During each class, Ofer will provide an explanation of certain techniques, and then we will have time to discuss them and practice them. He'll cover techniques that can be used to deal with short-term situations, as well as techniques that can be used to develop a life-long daily practice.

January 22 & 29, February 5 & 12
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
$64 for the series
In Walnut Creek near John Muir Hospital

Cancellation policy: Within 2 weeks or more notice, refundable. Less than 2 weeks notice, no refund.

Upon registration, we will provide you with the location of the course (a private residence).

For more information about the series, contact Suzan Carmichael at (925) 977-9746 or suz_car@yahoo.com.

Are you suffering from pain in your feet, legs, hips and/or back?

Do you work on your feet all day?

Are concrete floors ruining your life?

Dr. William Scholl, designer of the Dr. Scholl's foot product line, often commented, "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over."

Most businesses have replaced the wood floors from 50 years ago with concrete, which is damaging to the lower extremities because it provides minimal resistance and no shock absorbency. In 1983, the American Podiatric Medical Association reported that 83 percent of the U.S. industrial work force had foot or lower leg problems resulting in discomfort, pain or orthopedic deformities. It is becoming obvious that the percentage of employees that have foot and lower leg pain is increasing because of the longer standing requirements on the cement flooring. Complications can evolve into problems in the knee, hips and back.

So, what can you do about it? Come to this two hour class and learn self-help techniques and exercises for keeping the body mobile before, during and after a long day on your feet. This mobility will increase your body's ability to adjust in a challenging situation. Also, learn new attitudes to support you in getting the environment you need for a healthy body and mind. Discover natural, non-invasive solutions to your pain.

Thursday, Jan. 8
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
$25
(Registration deadline Tues. Jan. 6)

Discover the amazing benefits of SugiTouch! This workshop reveals the interesting history of the development of SugiTouch, the basic concepts of the method and practical techniques. Even if a more in-depth training is not for you, come and learn simple ways to improve your life now! The new SugiTouch Training Program begins in February 2009.

Saturday, January 17
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Fee: $35

SugiTouch is a healing system designed to improve health by improving movement.

SugiTouch uses a unique array of simple techniques for increasing the communication between the mind and body. Light touch and gentle movements easily create profound change.

This workshop provides a general introduction to the professional training program offered by Sugi School of Health and Fitness.

Become a Certified Massage Therapist (C.M.T.).
250 hour training program in SugiTouch begins in February 2009. Approved by the State of California.

• Training dates are one weekend a month
• Cost is under $3000

Have you noticed a repetitive behavior in your family? Are they attitudes relating to intelligence, gender, race, or age? Perhaps manifesting as being a victim or a bully, guilt or blame, helplessness or arrogance, depression or anger, physical illness or eating disorders, manipulation or indifference. What's the skeleton in your family's closet? Or the elephant in the room that no one talks about?

Embracing Change - Breaking Free of Family Patterns is a course that offers the opportunity to identify and break free of these long-term attitudes and patterns of behavior. Our work together will tap into the inner workings of the soul and what you have come here to learn. The course will provide you with a new definition of self and identity based on the genuine expression of your deepest spirit instead of your family's old baggage.

The course will include the use of flower essence therapy, artistic expression, Reiki, journaling, reading assignments, movement to remove physically stored patterns and other tools for self-inquiry, support and understanding.

Course dates: Jan. 31, 2009 - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Feb. 28, March 28, & May 2 - 1p.m. - 5 p.m.
$320
Attendance is required at all four Saturdays.

Contact Amy Erez at 925.934.3120, amy@SugiHealth.com for more information and registration.

Does this time of year bring forward tough feelings? Do you struggle with anxiety and depression? Are you constantly projecting your fears from past experiences into the unknown future? Join us for the weekly course in A Course in Miracles.

A Course in Miracles is a spiritual practice that provides practical tools for attaining peace of mind.

"Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter.
It must begin with your own thoughts,
and then extend outward.
It is from peace of mind
that a peaceful perception of the world arises."

We will spend each week discussing the lessons in the workbook from A Course in Miracles. Weekly practice at home will be required for attaining the most benefit from this class.

Please purchase the book ahead of time. To purchase the book go to the Sugi store at http://www.sugihealth.info/store.php or to your local bookstore.

Everyone is welcome in this class. No previous experience necessary.

Wednesdays, Jan. 14 - Feb. 18
7 - 8:30pm
Fee: $120 for 6 weeks
Drop-ins welcome for the first class ($20) as an introduction to the course.
Registration deadline Friday, January 9.
Pleasant Hill

Reiki is a wonderful tool for boosting the immune system by reducing the general buildup of tension through daily self-treatment. It also offers a great way to take care of yourself on the go because, no matter where you go you can't leave your Reiki hands behind! It's a simple and unobtrusive practice that offers deep relief and healing, calm and relaxation.

The Reiki I workshop connects the student to the Reiki energy, provides tools for first aid and skills for self-treatment and supporting loved ones.

Reiki II offers a continuation of study with the life-changing benefits of Reiki.

Amy's Workshop Schedule below:

Reiki I
January 22 - 25 (Registration deadline Fri. Jan.16)
(Th./Fri. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., and Sat./Sun. 1 - 4 p.m.)
$200

Reiki II
I know many of you like to plan ahead, so here's the next second degree class.
March 5, 7, 8
Thu. 7 - 9 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 11a.m. - 4 p.m.
$500
Registration deadline, Fri. Feb. 27
Pleasant Hill
To register, contact Amy at 925.934.3120

Reiki Night

If you already have taken Reiki, you may enjoy getting together with others once or twice a month to practice Reiki with other Reiki enthusiasts.
Contact Amy at amy@SugiHealth.com to get on the Reiki email list.

15 Minutes of Relief

Relieve neck and shoulder tension, the holiday tension headache, that aching back from too much shopping! Experience the best fifteen minutes of your life!

Receive a relaxing mini-session of Reiki and SugiTouch - 15 minutes for only $5!

Sat., Dec. 13 11:30 - 12:30 and 1:00 - 3:30
First come, first serve.
At Harvest House, 2395 Monument Blvd., Concord

Mom - Take Care of Yourself
Moms and Dads this program is for you! Make a commitment to taking care of yourself this fall. Come once a month for a stress-reducing session with Amy for only $70 an hour (regularly $85). If that's not often enough for you, come twice a month for only $120 (two one hour sessions).

To schedule your appointment with Amy,
call 925.934.3120. Remember to mention the discount program of your choice.

Referral Special for October - December
Too tired to complete your workout? Getting injured when you try to exercise? Come see Ofer for fast relief. Get 50% off your next session of SugiTouch or Sugi Fitness training with Ofer when a friend you referred comes for their first paid appointment.
To schedule your appointment with Ofer,
call 925.934.3120.

Healthy Movement Evaluation
Ofer is now offering an opportunity for you to learn about the quality of your movement and how it is affecting your health. A full evaluation takes about 20 minutes and is done in standing, sitting and lying down on the back, belly and sides. This is a complimentary service for new clients only.

To schedule your appointment with Ofer call 925.934.3120.

Sixty for Sixty!
Did you turn 60 this year? Are you enjoying life after 60? It's time to make a commitment to yourself and your ongoing quest for health. This new program offers you relief from stress, aches and pains for only $60 a session (regularly $85). Come once a month for a regular tuneup or more frequently to gain deeper healing for troublesome symptoms.

To schedule your appointment with Amy,
call 925.934.3120. Remember to mention the discount program of your choice.

During the dormancy of winter, the celebration of light and spirituality is seen in the winter holidays of Hannukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. A lovely extension of that focus is to connect consciously with the spiritual center of the crown chakra.

The seventh or crown chakra offers us a direct connection to the Divine. When we are feeling dis-spirited and alone, feeling a lack of faith as so many are during these changing times, awakening the seventh chakra is very important. Gaining clarity in the crown chakra is necessary in order to deepen faith, and uncover the quiet voice of divine guidance, shining light out of darkness.

Violet, the color of the crown chakra, is very popular these days so it should be easy to find an example of it for your imagery. This is a great exercise for answering questions or simply cultivating a deeper sense of listening to the voice of the inner divine. Here's the December exercise, enjoy!

NanoGreens10

The latest scientific research shows that phyto- nutrients may:

• Lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke
• Boost the immune system, increase resistance to infections, and diminish allergy symptoms
• Improve brain function and memory
• Reduce inflammation, keep bones strong, and relieve stiff and achy joints and muscles
• Enhance energy, cut food cravings, eliminate toxins and more!

Try this lovely salad for your holiday feast.

Ingredients:
2 pears, your favorite firm pear
Red leaf lettuce, 1 small head
Butter lettuce, 1 small head
Half a Red onion, sliced thinly
Stilton cheese, crumbled approx. half cup
Dried cranberries, approx. half cup
Pecan pieces, lightly toasted, approx. half cup
Sherry vinegar, 1 Tbsp.
White Balsamic Vinegar, 1 Tbsp.
Half a small lemon, juiced
Olive Oil, 3 Tbsp.
SeaSalt and black pepper to taste

1. Mix lettuces, washed and torn into bite-size pieces, together in a large salad bowl.
2. Remove the cores from the pears and thinly slice. Add pears to lettuce.
3. Add sliced red onion and cranberries.
4. Drizzle with vinegars, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Toast pecans in heavy iron skillet, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
6. Crumble stilton and toasted pecans on top and enjoy chilled.

Sugi Store