Organization Through An Intern's Eyes

Recently I had the pleasure to attend Puja's organization workshop and I had an interesting experience. I'm a senior and at 22 years old, most people my age aren't as concerned about their health as they should be. I had not a clue all of the steps necessary to effectively manage your medical paperwork before attending this workshop.

Puja went through her Health and Wellness organizer workbook which thoroughly outlines the steps necessary to manage documents and handle doctors appointments. I'm just now beginning the time of my life where I have to keep account of these things if I want to be on top of my health for years to come. Puja highlights six categories designed to help better organize yourself.

The yellow pages section discusses how to effectively organize your emergency and medical contacts. Including directory style contact list and steps outlining how to use it, this can be a time saver.

The next section informs you how to make medical decisions including how to reach out to those you'd like to include in your support system. I thought this section made it easier for you to access information you may need but may slip your mind when faced with medical emergencies. 

The third part in the organizer focuses on teaching you how to access your medical appointments. Visiting the doctor can sometimes be overwhelming and you may not always be ready to ask the appropriate questions. This section focuses on having a plan before you go into your appointment. 

Puja outlines the best methods to be used when following up with your doctor after your appointments. I didn't know this was an important step and the organizer sheds light on how that process can be effective. 

Steps on how to effectively organize bills, insurance and medical records. Puja outlines the best way to manage these materials and how to store them. I found that it was much easier than I would think and would help with later confusion.

And lastly "my reference library" focuses on how to organize research and materials needed that you may need for future reference.

The Health & Wellness organizer is perfect for someone like myself who is not experienced with organizing but values the importance of having important documents placed away efficiently. Having this information and workbook gives me a head start making me more confident on doctors visit. 

If you would like to order to Health & Wellness organizer for you or someone you love, you can visit the Roots & Wings website here: http://www.rootsnwings.com/products.html  

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Positive Thinking

The way you think has a large impact on your daily life and can help shape your future. Your state of mind is largely determined by the way that you choose to see things as opposed to outside factors that may influence you. Those who think negatively tend to focus on what they don't have instead of being grateful for what they do, which can lead to a more stressful being.

Thinking positively can help you realize what is really important to you while keeping you focused on giving those things more attention. It can be an empowering process that brings light into your life and those around you, therefore leaving you more rejuvenated. A positive person anticipates happiness, health, success and believes they can overcome any obstacle or difficulty that comes their way. 

Positive thinking has a residual effect that comes about into our everyday life such as body language, the way we carry ourselves and even how we communicate with other people. Some people may seem to "glow" and attract positive people and experiences to them because of this. 

Here are some tips that can you help you think more positively:

• Make it a practice at the beginning and end of each day to consciously think of all of the things that you are grateful for. This will help you focus on the good things in your life

• Visualize yourself doing something that makes you happy and try to capture that feeling

• When faced with a difficult task, imagine finishing with the outcome you desire

• Imagine accomplishing a goal you have set for yourself and visualize the feeling you will have once you have achieved it. Hold onto that feeling for motivation

• Practice focusing on the qualities you love in your close relationships rather than things that frustrate you. This will help you appreciate those close to you

• When you find yourself thinking negatively, play a piece of music that gives you joy and remember at times it won't be easy 

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Getting A Good Nights Rest

Getting enough sound sleep has a profound impact on your stress levels, immune function and disease resistance. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling sluggish, irritable, forgetful, accident-prone, and will cause you to have difficulty concentrating or coping with life's daily aggravations. 

Long-term sleep loss can also result in heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, and anxiety. While asleep, your body and immune system do most of its repairs and rejuvenation. A good nights rest is essential to making sure your days are as productive energy filled as possible.

Here are some tips that may help you get a better nights sleep:

• Turn off all monitors that may distract you from relaxation at least one hour prior to getting ready for bed

• Recall winding down techniques you practiced as a child to help settle yourself in for sleep. Read a book, brush your teeth, etc.

• Avoid eating junk foods too close to bed time. It takes a lot of energy to break these foods down and may disrupt your ability to fall asleep

• Try to get into a sleep schedule that allows you to maximize the hours you're asleep that will you leave you the most refreshed in the morning 

• Incorporate exercise into your morning routine so you begin the day with more energy. It also makes you more prepared for sleep as you are more exhausted at the end of the day

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Last Two Ways To Relax At Our Country Getaway!

Have an adventure! 

Nearby hang gliding, skydiving and parachuting venues offer gorgeous views and adrenaline rushes for the daring.

Take time for you! 

Pause your busy life and focus on your needs, whether that means being active, or taking time to breath. Roots & Wings Country Getaway is a peaceful environment with opportunities for personal transformation, insight and spiritual renewal. 

12 Ramah Lane New Paltz, NY

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Enjoying Time Indoors

As the weather continues to become colder, we're loser our opportunity to go out and enjoy nature. When the snow falls, it becomes uncomfortable to spend longer amounts of time outdoors but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy nature.

Enjoying nature can be comforting even if you are not able to go outdoors. When I have to remain indoors, I love to watch the sun going down, looking out from a comfortable chair. It's a magical time. I appreciate my houseplants, photos of beautiful places and guided imagery tapes set in nature.

Here are some tips from my book After Shock on how to enjoy nature indoors:

• Listen to a CD of ocean sounds or birdcalls. Let yourself drift off on a journey prompted by the nature of sounds

• Appreciate a beautiful houseplant, or a vase of freshly cut flowers. Smell, touch, linger...

• Look at a painting or a photograph of beautiful natural surroundings. Envision yourself being there

• Look out of the window from your bed or a comfortable chair. If there are no trees, look at the sky and play of light at different times of day and in different weather. Perhaps sunrise and sunset

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Get Organized Workshop

Puja had the pleasure to administer a lecture in hopes to help those who attended become more organized. The lecture was held at the lovely Desmond Campus at Mount Saint Mary College.

The turn out was great and the participants seemed blown away by the information they were receiving during the discussion. The lecture closely focused on her book designed to help manage medical visits and paperwork: My Health & Wellness Organizer.

Puja explains the ways the Health and Wellness Organizer can be used 

The participants provided wonderful inquiries and feedback to better be prepared for organizing their future paperwork. The book is comprehensive and covers topics such as a personal "yellow pages" and how to manage insurance, bills and legal records.

Participants were thankful for the well structured information they had at their fingertips that would help them become more organized. "It was spectacular - over the top!" Eleanor Sugerman says when asked if the content of the book was satisfactory.

Puja takes questions and engages in discussion

If you're interested in possibly purchasing the book or want to find more information about it you can visit the Roots & Wings website.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Two More Ways To Relax At Our Country Getaway

We have two more ways to make your experience at our Country Getaway an unforgettable one. Last week we suggested you personalize your Country Getaway experience and get moving physically by enjoying the outdoor activities the area has to offer. This week we suggest:

Explore New Paltz 

New Paltz is a charming and historic college town with restaurants and shopping galore. Perfect for antiquing, only seven miles from Roots & Wings. Walk down historic Huguenot Street for views of historical housing built in the late 1700's into the early 1800's that are still standing today. You can visit their website for more information: Historic Huguenot Street

Check out the Shawangunk Wine Trail

Enjoy nine family owned wineries nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River. Taste fine wines made in the tradition of the early French Hugenots and Walloons who settled in the valley over three hundred years ago. There are 14 wineries between the Shawangunk River and the Hudson River. You can find move information about visiting them here: Shawangunk Wine Trail

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvination Break - Lighten Your Mood

If you take care of yourself in ways that give you joy, you'll be stronger for all the hard work surrounding your daily life. Weaving pleasure in your life, is life-affirming. Garden, swim, play chess, watch a ball game, embroider, sing or choose any other activity that sparks your passion.

Like natures gifts that cost nothing, a smile, a hug, a word of thanks and "random acts of kindness"are free and easy to do. They can lighten the spirit of both the giver and receiver. 

Laughter too has long been recognized to be enormously healing. A good belly laugh can boost the immune system as it decreases stress hormones. It can also be good for the cardiovascular system.

Here are some tips from my book Aftershock that may help you lighten your mood through giving yourself pleasure:

• Pamper yourself - treat yourself to a manicure pedicure, or something else that will make you feel good

• Rent, or go to a movie that will make you laugh

• Take a friend out for a special dinner

• Do something out of character that you may suspect might be a lot of fun

• Slow down and enjoy whatever is around you. Pet your cat/dog

• Ask for a hug; give a hug

• Connect with a child

• Dream

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

How To Organize Your Medical Paperwork

Disorganization is hazardous to your health.

Good record keeping is essential, especially when you are faced with a health challenge.

Puja Thomson will be giving a practical workshop in which you will learn how to use her organization tools in order to simplify and track your record keeping. What matters is that you can find everything without fuss or stress, save lots of time and contribute to your sanity—and health. 

Puja will provide tools and tips such as:

• How to create your personal "yellow pages"

• How to make personal support and treatment decisions

• How to make the most of your medical appointments. ex. preparing detailed questions in    advance and following up after appointments

• How to organize your bills, insurance and legal records

• How to keep your resources and information

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 18th at the Desmond Campus of Mount Saint Mary's College, 6 Albany Post Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 from 1:00 - 3:30 PM.

Prior registration is requested by calling Mount Saint Mary's College at 845-565-2076. Material fee; $12 payable to instructor for the documents you will be receiving.


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Two More Ways To Relax At Our Country Getaway

The Roots & Wings Count Getaway provides those who stay there with endless opportunities for ways to spend their time. Last week we suggested participating in guided imagery and balancing your energy. This week we suggest:

Personalize your Country Getaway

Connect with Puja Thomson to plan a retreat that meets your needs. Focus your energy on: Relaxation and Inner Calm, Reconnecting to Love, Spiritual Renewal, or craft your own focus with Puja’s support.

Get moving! 

Roots & Wings is nestled at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains, a beautiful landscape excellent for hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. The “Gunks” are famous for world-class rock climbing. Roots & Wings is only two miles from the Mohonk Preserve Visitors’ Center, and five miles from Minnewaska State Park. The Walkway Over the Hudson is a newer attraction in the Mid Hudson Valley that offers an excellent view of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.

Shawangunk Mountains

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Taking A Hike

Now that Daylight Savings has come this past weekend, we have a limited amount of time before the winter season rolls around bringing with it limited opportunities to explore nature comfortably.

One of the best ways of maximizing your time outdoors before you are no longer able to, is by taking a hike. Being engulfed in the beautiful colors of autumn while breathing in the fresh brisk air surrounding you, will send you into a state of peace and tranquility. 

There are a number of great hiking destinations in the Hudson Valley area including Mohonk Mountain House and Lake Minnewaska. Both areas offer vast views of the mountains surrounding them with a variety of different trails available for all kinds of skill sets.

Here's a list of things you may consider of you intend on taking a hike:

• Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty

• Bring your lunch and plenty of water to drink

• Plan to spend 3+ hours as most trails tend to be long

• Bring cash with you. Most worthwhile hikes aren't free

• Be sure to have your camera fully charged. You'll want to see this again later!

• Don't forget to stop, breath and take in your surroundings

• You can go alone or with a group but make those who come along are ready to adventure

Taking a hike can be a rejuvenating experience, especially during the beautiful fall season. Get out before the snow starts to fall before it becomes impossible to do so.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

"Think Pink" - A Cliche or For Real?

With October coming to an end, so does Breast Cancer Awareness month. Numerous companies embrace the 'Think Pink' movement by adopting some form of pink merchandise available to consumers.

While most companies support Breast Cancer Awareness month, not all consumers are aware of the fact that many of these companies actually do more harm than good. Information has been shed on the fact that some companies slap on a pink ribbon during this month although their products may contain toxic ingredients that increase cancer risks.


Read the labels of products carefully and don't assume that any company advertising with a pink Breast Cancer ribbon, doesn't pose any health risks.


However, some companies have been proven their dedication to prevention. You can see some of them at the Breast Cancer Fund's website.


Moving into November, the focus will be on several other types of Cancer such as pancreatic and lung. Those facing these diagnoses also need our support.


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Two More Ways To Relax At Our Country Getaway

There are lots of ways in which you can spend time at the Roots & Wings Country Getaway. Here are two more that you may find enjoyable. Last week we suggested that you walk the labyrinth and treat yourself to a massage. This week we suggest:

Experience The Effects of Guided Imagery

While enjoying the relaxing environment and natural beauty of your Country Getaway at Roots & Wings, you can sample guided imagery and meditation CD's. It will help you rekindle your inner balance. OM!

Schedule An Energy Balancing Session
While massage is the most popular, our replenishing energy balancing session is also deeply relaxing. A healers touch channels a strong current of life force or chi. This works wonders as there are no oils involved and the participant remains fully clothed, either sitting or laying on a massage table. 

Check back next week where we'll have two more ways for you to spend your time the best at our Country Getaway!

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Write From Your Heart - Create Your Own Journal

Remember how wonderful it feels to be warmly welcomed with open arms by another. In a split second, the power of the affectionate gesture comes flooding into you straight from the heart of your loving friend.

When you take time to write to yourself with honesty and innocence from your heart, you are extending a similar gesture of openness and love towards yourself.

The act of writing freely about what is happening in your life can be profoundly significant. Writing gives you time for reflection, and thinking about what you have written may slow you down a bit and give you fresh insights. You may well discover that you are expressing much more than you expected, surprising even yourself.

You may embark on a rich inward journey where the person you get to know is you. Note the date and anything else that affects the writing process so that over time you get an overview of how simultaneously you are building a foundation to support you from beneath and gaining a new experience from above. 

Here are some helpful tips from my book Aftershock that may help you begin using writing in a journal as a means of reflection:

• Sit quietly with a blank sheet of paper, a beautiful notebook or your journal in front of you

• Breathe gently and when you are ready, allow your thoughts and feelings to flow from your heart through your hands on to the paper in this moment

• Express yourself freely in whatever way you wish; write, draw with colored crayons, pens or pencils

• Become aware of both what has happened during the day, and your feelings about it

• Consider writing a mini-memoir

• Contemplate special thoughts, blessings and wishes you'd wish to pass on to your loved ones and gently begin to write

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Ways to Spend Your Time at our Country Getaway

At Roots & Wings’ Country Getaway in New Paltz, NY, you can replenish the body, quiet the mind and rejuvenate the soul in an enchanting landscape. Your host Puja Thomson will welcome you warmly. Take advantage of the opportunities for healing and adventure at Roots & Wings’ Country Getaway in all seasons.

Here’s what we recommend.

Treat yourself!

Roots & Wings encourages you to relax. At Roots & Wings' Country Getaway, you can book a massage, a hands-on-healing session for energy balancing, a Bach flower essence consultation, and enjoy the sauna. Puja Thomson is a counselor, healing facilitator, educator and minister of natural healing in the Healing Light Center Church.

Walk the Labyrinth

Labyrinths are based on ancient geometric patterns considered sacred. Labyrinths are used by many cultures and spiritual traditions to bring discovery, insight, peace and happiness. The Roots & Wings labyrinth is open year-round, weather permitting. Walking the Labyrinth can help you reconnect with nature, earth’s energy and yourself.

Check back next week where we'll have two more ways for you to spend your time the best at our Country Getaway!


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Be Open to Creativity

Whether you appreciate the beauty  others have created or create beauty as an expressive outlet for your own imagination, it is now known that such activities have great nurturing power.

Through creativity you can become more aware and connected to the beauty or wonder of the world - and yourself. Your creativity need not be beautiful, artistic or perfect. Many people enjoy the sensation of molding clay, mixing colors together with wet pain or playing their favorite instrument.

Here are some tips from my book Aftershock that can help you become more open to creativity:

• Remember a hobby or some kind of creativity you enjoyed as a child. Let yourself play with that again in the spirit of a child

• Find a creativity group you'd enjoy in which you will learn something new

• Play waltz music and allow it to open your heart. If you can, dance

• As you listen to classical music allow it to flow right into you and the areas of your body that are most in need of healing   

• Every day choose some colored crayons and let your hands freely express your mood

• Sing along to the  music that you love

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Wedding Season

With the leaves descending from the trees with hues of orange, red and yellow, the wedding season has also come into full color. I am fortunate to unite couples from many different perspectives and walks of life who wish to pledge themselves to one another in marriage.

Gorgeous Fall Day

They enjoy working with me to co-create a ceremony that is meaningful to them, thus making their special day as unforgettable as possible. Creating a personal experience in this way has produced many many memorable days over the years.  

Chronogram Magazine did a good job of highlighting the importance of reflecting the personality of the couples in weddings in an article they did February 2014. With a wonderful fall photograph by Maggie Heinzel-Neel of another wedding I officiated.

Clear Skies and Sunshine

The weather has been generally fabulous this fall. But there have been days when I remind a couple if disappointed that the sun isnt shining, that indigenous cultures see rain as a blessing, which washes away and purifies the past so that a clear new future can unfold.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

SUNY New Paltz Career Fair

I had the pleasure to attend a career fair this week at SUNY New Paltz with the hopes to find interns who wish to find more experience in the publishing world. I got a chance to speak with a number of students with an array of talents from editing to graphic design.

It is always a treat to be on the New Paltz campus as I am able to connect with a variety of different people, in an effort to spread awareness of the importance of health and wellness.

My current intern Altimont and I

Curious students asking questions 

Overall it was a great turnout as many students seemed interested in learning more about the positive influence health and wellness can have on your life. I'm thankful for any opportunity I get to interact with the community of New Paltz and I look forward to contacting students to intern.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Using Guided Imagery

Listening to guided imagery or creative visualization studios can increase health, leading to experiencing a specific feeling such as tranquility, deepen relaxation and bring balance to the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Through the use of selected images, you can focus very specifically and purposefully towards a chosen goal, since imagery precedes action.

Visualization works best when you are able to relax at a time and place without the pressure of external demands. If you surrender to the guidance of words and background music, you will be able to enter a deeply relaxed, diffuse state, where the psyche will provide your own images of what is being suggested.

  

Here are some tips from my book Aftershock to further improve your capacity to use guided imagery to your advantage:

• Turn off the ringer on your phone and asked to not be disturbed

• Sit comfortably on a chair or lie on your bed

• Shut our eyes and let go into a few deep, full, cleansing breaths

• Put your hand on your heart and belly, a place where you can feel the breath coming in and out

• Set the condition that you will only go to a place or a situation that feels very nourishing and safe for you where you can let go of burdens you are carrying

• Through your gentle breathing, continue to release any tensions you no longer want and no longer need

• Call to mind your favorite beach, or create an imaginary beach in your mind. See yourself comfortably sitting in a beach chair on the sand or floating on the calm water.You have nothing else to do and nowhere else to be in these moments

For some people imagery is easy. If you are among one of these who can't quite seem to focus or quiet the mind enough to become aware of imagery, don't worry. It is a skill that develops over time with practice. Once you get it down, the benefits will directly reflect into your daily life.


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Keeping Your Energy Flowing

Like a stream that no longer moves, energy can become stagnant and polluted. This is not good for health.

Many complementary practitioners believe that it is a healthy practice to invite a strong current of "life-force" or "chi" to move through the body since any depleted, stuck or blocked energy cab manifest in symptoms of illness such as depression, back pain, cancer or anxiety.

Unfortunately we now live in an inherently unhealthy environment. The air is not pure, the water is not clean, and our cleaning products, cosmetics and food are largely contaminated. These contaminants stress the body's ability to function at optimum capacity. None of us can escape this planetary health crisis, but we can make healthy choices whenever possible.

Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthier lifestyle taken from my book Aftershock:

• Do simple stretching when you get up in the morning

• Walk every day. Include some brisk walking

• Join a yoga or tai chi class. Or choose some form of aerobic exercise

• Drink 6-8 + glasses of water a day

• Cut back on sugar and processes food. Instead, try to go organic

• Read labels of food, cosmetic and household products for synthetic and artificial ingredients, and genetically modified foods. Buy accordingly 

• Become aware of the vitamin and mineral supplements your body needs. To be safe, consult a doctor

Trying these things can lead to a healthier lifestyle which can dramatically improve your happiness as a whole. Remember, activities that keep your energy flowing are good for you.


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

NYC People's Climate March

I was lucky enough to attend the People's Climate March held this Sunday in NYC. I was one of 300,000 people in what is being called the largest climate-change demonstration in history. Demonstrators marched with the intent to bring awareness to the effects global warming has had on the planet.

In preparation for the gathering of world leaders at the United Nations for a summit meeting on climate change, this demonstration is bringing widespread attention to climate change. For more information on the rally, you can read these great articles:

NY Times

USA Today


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Quality Alone Time

Among the many challenges facing you is the need to "be" not only to "do." By putting aside periods each day to slow down, you will be able to give yourself the opportunity to become more fully aware of what you are actually experiencing from moment to moment. 

Quality time for "being," can open the door to your heart and your own ways of knowing. 

Here are some tips from my book Aftershock that will improve the way in which you spend alone time:

• While at home, turn off the telephone, your cell phone, TV and computer

• When you wish to have uninterrupted time for something you love to do, hang a sign on the door handle, saying: "Please do not disturb"

• Look for a place or several different places in your neighborhood to sit or walk without intrusion

• Think about the rhythm of your week. Are there natural breaks in your schedule where you can put aside routine tasks? There's great wisdom in the ancient practice of taking a complete day of rest every seventh day

• Become involved with a group that has little or nothing to do with the stress you have to go through daily. Sometimes it helps to change perspective and consciousness by changing the environment

It may be difficult to carve out time for yourself when you are caught up in the many activities and worries that consume your week, but it is a lifeline to health. Create your own wellness prescription by experimenting with the suggestions that appeal to you and you may feel better because of it. 

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

About Roots & Wings

ROOTS & WINGS is dedicated to helping you through transitions and change. We offer meaningful, heartfelt ceremonies, healing retreats, country getaways, and health / wellness publications and resources.

General Information

COUNTRY GETAWAYS:

You are invited to unwind and recharge your batteries in the restful setting of the Mountain Studio or the Garden Room. In all seasons, our unique, non-traditional, non-smoking, peaceful environment offers privacy and comfort in the midst of great natural scenic beauty. You may also turn your Getaway into a Healing Retreat by taking advantage of our health and consultation serv

ices.

Roots and Wings is a casual, informal, country getaway to escape from your regular life and slow down to a natural rhythm. If you are looking for an upscale, elegant or romantic B&B with a gourmet breakfast, we will happily refer you.

Start the day at your own pace. In each space, you will find fresh fruit on the table, and in the refrigerator all you need for a delicious continental breakfast.

Stroll the trails on the grounds, relax on the benches or on your private deck or patio. Walk the labyrinth, meditate, exercise or head out for an active day in the Shawangunks, or explore the Mid Hudson Valley.
The Mountain Studio - A unique studio apartment with private bath, efficiency kitchen, queen loft bed and private deck, (specially created for your relaxation and healing) with views of farm pastureland and cliffs. Rates - $149. per night. Discounts available for stays of 4 days and longer.
The Garden Room - a double bed, adjacent private bath and breakfast nook, patio; garden and woodland wildlife views from room, pasture & cliff views from patio. Rates - $135. per night. Discounts available for stays of 4 days and longer.

http://www.rootsnwings.com/getaways.html

PUBLICATIONS:

-MY HOPE & FOCUS ORGANIZER
A tool to simplify, track and support all aspects of your cancer experience.
Finalist in the 2012 National Indie Excellence Awards
and 2012 International Book Awards for the new "My Hope & Focus Organizer"

-AFTER SHOCK: FROM CANCER
DIAGNOSIS TO HEALING
a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way
Best Books Awards Finalist
Indie Excellence Finalist

-ROOTS & WINGS For Strength and Freedom
A 60 minute CD of guided imagery and meditations to transform your life

-ROOTS & WINGS WORKBOOK
- Companion For CD

http://www.rootsnwings.com/products.html

CEREMONIES:

In the spirit of your tradition or beliefs, Rev. Puja Thomson will help you create a heartfelt ceremony that uniquely reflects a special commitment or marks an important occasion in your life. Puja welcomes inquiries from couples blending different spiritual, religious, or ethnic backgrounds as well as those with a common heritage.

http://www.rootsnwings.com/ceremonies.html

Written by Cynthia Stewart for Roots & Wings

Rejuvenation Break: Connect With Nature

When life becomes too stressful, it is important to remember to take some time out to do something that gives you peace. Although we are not machines, sometimes we need to recharge our batteries as well. That is why it is important to remember to take a rejuvenation break. A great way of doing that is by enjoying nature before the winter months make it too difficult to do so.

The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting brisker. The seasons are changing which gives us a great opportunity to experience natures beauty.

Nature keeps us in touch with the miracle of the seasons and cycles of life - natural rhythms that remind us of our place in the larger scheme of things.

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy nature via my book Aftershock

- Walk as much or as little as you are able - anywhere, in your yard, your neighborhood, a public park or preserve

- Sit with your back against a tree. Feel and absorb its support

- Listen to the water of a flowing stream. As you relax into listening, become aware of both its many different sounds and the harmony of the whole

- Feel the wind on your hair

- Take a drive

- Stare up at a starry night

- Lie on the grass and pay attention to the contact you are making with the earth. Gently breathe and allow the earth's energy to be absorbed into your body

Follow these steps to rejuvenate your body and mind and you will have a much better week!


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings

Scottish Referendum: YES vs NO

I was lucky enough to visit my home country of Scotland this summer and something I got to experience was the impact of the controversial referendum vote on Scottish independence. It is only a few days away now on September the 18th and currently it is too close to call. Issues are very complex and will affect the entire British Isles.

As I made my way around Scotland, I noticed the 'YES' campaign as being very outspoken and pushy. There were many loud colorful signs and even a merchandise shop which promoted the idea of Scottish independence.

While the ‘NO Thanks’ campaign seemed much more restrained. I noticed subtle signs across Scotland that were not as aggressive but still made a statement that there were campaigning against voting for independence. 

But, as many Scots consider voting to be a very private personal matter, many are not likely to reveal what they will vote and may vote no.


Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings