Sunday, November 29, 2009

Maxims

Constructive Living Maxims

A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue.

Constructive Living: Acceptance, Action, Appreciation, Attention, Aim

Attending to symptoms, we lose our purpose.

Constructive Living: When the student is ready, the teacher disappears.

Feeling good isn't everything.

Feelings - a kaleidoscope shaken by reality.

From the top of your head to the bottom of your heart will never equal "from the tips of your fingers."

Get yourself together after you do what you need to do.

Give and give until you wave goodbye.

It doesn't get easier, only different.

Mindful is as mindful does.

Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.

School is always in session, no breaks and no recess.

Shinky Me: How I kept worrying and lived my life.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving CL

Is there a family member you are dreading seeing this holiday weekend?  Or are you stressing out about all the things that need to do beforehand?

The recipe for Constructive Living contains two special spices from Japan---Morita and Naikan psychotherapies.

In Naikan, we reflect on how the world is supporting us rather than what harm it is causing us.  For instance, that irritating family member is a perfect candidate for your Naikan reflection.  Take a deep breath when washing your hands before the meal and remind yourself to find ten things for which you can thank that person.  It could be something as small as passing you the peas.  Or perhaps that family member brought a particular pie that you love to eat on Thanksgiving day.  Consciously take note of these gifts that you are receiving, sometimes even while feeling irritated.


In Morita, we pay close attention to the moment and what is occurring in front of us.  While fretting about the turkey's timing or making the gravy, can you breathe and pay attention to something in front of you?  For instance, what color are your napkins?  How many can you see?  What color is the sweater your aunt is wearing?  What smells or sounds are alive in your reality right then and there?  We often spend so much time wrapped up in our own mind that we miss out on the very real details of the present.

Have an aware and appreciative holiday---and notice how that effects your day!
Don't forget to check out our reduced prices below :)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Holiday Prices!

My mother and I are offering holiday discounts on our Asala Center services.  From Dec. 5 through Jan. 5, enjoy the below discounts.  Constructive Living's Naikan reflection is a great tool to use in preparing for a New Year.  We are available for reduced price workshops and classes as well, especially in utilizing this tool during the holidays.

Contact information:

Lauryn and Diana Peterson
Asala Center
1502 Bailey Ave.
423-653-5578
www.asalacenter.com coming soon!
constructive.livingTN@gmail.com
www.asalacenter.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/asalacenter
www.twitter.com/asalacenter



Our services include:

*Constructive Living sessions----$40/hr  for individual sessions.   Holiday Price: $30/hr

Constructive Living is a pragmatic life-way based on the blending of two Japanese therapies, and it is a tool to living one's life more realistically and practically. This approach is different from traditional Western psychotherapy and focuses on staying present, taking responsibility for behavior, and noticing how the world is supporting you.  CL is offered to individuals in a teacher-student relationship through counseling sessions, but the real learning takes place in one's daily life.  We can meet regularly, but the goal is not to foster a long term counseling relationship but rather to allow the student to gain the tools necessary to meet goals in their lives and then apply them as needed.  CL sessions can also be done by phone and email.  Lauryn and Diana are both certified Constructive Living instructors and in 2006 brought Dr. David Reynolds, founder of CL, to Chattanooga for an intensive training.  http://www.constructiveliving.com/ has some great links to explain the benefits and goals of CL.

*Private yoga lessons----  $45/hr for office sessions, and in-home sessions are available for extra.  Holiday Price: $35/hr

Lauryn was recently certified as a yoga teacher through the Asheville Yoga Center, thanks to Clearspring Yoga's teacher training program.  Lauryn has taught yoga classes at Zanzibar Studio, Northshore Yoga, Moon Haven Studio, and Madia's Studio.  She has an on-going Yin Yoga class at Madia's Studio on Main Street on Fridays from 12-1pm.  Lauryn specializes in teaching Beginner's Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Yin Yoga.  She is passionate about offering yoga to all body types, including those with limited mobility.  There is yoga available to all, and please write/call her for more information on what she can offer you specifically. 


*Private tribal fusion dance lessons for women---- $45/hr for office sessions, and in-home sessions are available for extra.  Holiday Price: $40/hr

Lauryn is an instructor at Zanzibar Studio and offers private lessons along with the other Zanzibar Studio instructors.  Lauryn can utilize her office at Asala Center for times that may not be available for private lessons at Zanzibar Studio.  See www.zanzibarstudio.com for classes and information about this great resource.  Lauryn also currently teaches Introduction to Bellydance at Dalton State College in the Continuing Education department and has offered many demonstrations to local non-profits, showcasing the benefits of this ancient art form.   Lauryn also performs with Mirabai Bellydance (www.mirabaibellydance.com) and is available for events, parties, fundraisers, etc. 

*Resume' writing assistance--- $20/hr  Holiday Price: $18/hr

Lauryn spent the last year working with the Young Adult Enrichment Program as a Job Developer and enjoyed offering resume' sessions to young adults needing to showcase their talents.  Hate updating your resume'?  Lauryn found that she has an odd love for helping people figure out how to market their skills!   Help with cover letters and mock interviews also available. 


Thank you, and let us know if any of these wellness services can be of use to you!
Lauryn