Dear Friends,
As the holiday season fast approaches, my focus is firmly on gratitude. I could think, speak and write about gratitude for hours – and I’ll spare you. I wish to thank you so much for your support in the decade I’ve been offering qigong workshops, healing retreats, and healing support services. I would greatly appreciate being ‘followed’ on Facebook and ‘rated’ on Google+, both which help others get an idea of what they might expect when working with me.
Your great feedback on my articles, services and events informs me that my impact is – as I intend it to be – positively healing! I hope you are warm, happy and vibrantly well throughout the holidays and into the new year!
Calling all wise ones! Would you consider embracing an opportunity to contribute to a compilation book I’m inspired to write on the topic of wisdom? I hope so. I’d really like to include your thoughts! A call to action!! Please share the (top) three pieces of wisdom/advice you would give your 15-year-old self-today, if she/he was sitting next to you with respect and awe. For instance, what would you have liked to have known back then, to help you navigate life better? Please submit your ‘wisdom trio’ by email. (I need the full name and current age of each contributor. NOTE: only your first name and age will be noted in the book.) Contributors whose wisdom is used will receive a complimentary copy of the Wonder Horse Words of Wisdom e-book. I look forward to your replies!
In this issue, you’ll find:
- Articles: Listening to the Whispers, Do Good and Forgive All
- Upcoming Events! Holistic Holiday Experience
- Event Briefings for Crow Wing Crest Healer’s Retreat, Crescent Cove Symposium, Sauk Centre Class, and Woman Spirit Network Retreat
- A Positively Healing Gift for you! SFQ and Clearing Away Suffering lecture and meditation
- Bliss Retreats Recipe: Spicy Coconut Curry
- Film recommendation
Positively Healing,
Rhonda Battisto
Owner, Wonder Horse, LLC
Improving the quality of life through love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
Listening to the Whispers
After the last Wonder Horse newsletter was delivered, a lot of positive feedback came in regarding the article: ‘Checking In: A Practice’. It is wonderful that many of you valued it and began practicing (or expanding) your ‘self check-in’ each day!
For a recent check-in question at the weekly qigong practice I lead, I chose to ask group members what ‘whispers’ they’ve been hearing in recent weeks. The variety of experiences, messages, and ways people shared them was amazing; quite wonderful! I suspect that many of us KNOW. We hear the small (or resounding) voice of wisdom which lovingly directs us toward living in true alignment with who we are deep down, that keeps us safe and directs us toward goodness and greatness.
It is important to pay close attention, even when it seems inconvenient! Some of us stay so busy we cannot hear the whispers, resisting for a host of reasons; fear of the unknown is a biggie. Some long for this guidance and do our best to respond in a good way. When we follow it, trusting the ‘whispers of our souls’, we are often divinely supported, protected, and greatly enriched along the way. It can be supremely enjoyable – even life changing – to take time each day to simply stop and listen.
I am encouraged and uplifted by your sharing. I’m interested in whether and how this practice may change (or change you!) over time. Please do stay in touch!
Do Good and Forgive All
Many years ago I volunteered at a Spring Forest Qigong Level Four workshop, taught by Master Jim Nance, at the SFQ Healing Center in St. Louis Park. I enjoyed receiving Level Four instruction as I worked alongside another dedicated qigong student. It is always good to re-take levels and deepen the understanding of learned and practiced concepts – especially through the eyes of another respected instructor. I always thought Master Nance’s instruction was ideal for students at levels 3 or 4 because of the depth of his experience and practice of SFQ, and I was so pleased to be there with him! At one point in time during class he said simply, “Do good and forgive all.” Wow. That really struck me as a potential life goal. I’ve been striving to live that way ever since. Through rough times or wonderful times, we are provided with endless opportunities for this practice! Years later, Master Nance was speaking to another group about forgiveness. He spoke of the upcoming holidays, and how we often know in advance that ‘Uncle Joe’ (the usual suspect in the family) will push our buttons by behaving badly and triggering strong feelings in those gathered. Master Nance shared a brilliant response to this, what I call a preview of chaos, “Forgive them in advance.”Do it before you get there: forgive the people, animals, and situations which are likely to pop up!I love this ‘qigong solution’ for family and community harmony.It is a vital part of the living goodness of ‘do good and forgive all.’ Why waste time struggling?Forgive them in advance!And while you’re at it, forgive yourself for allowing others to trigger you in any way. May you enjoy many days, seasons and holidays with blessings of goodness galore and forgiveness for all!
Upcoming Events
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017
- Free Amethyst BioMat sessions!
- Healing Sessions with Master Healer Rhonda Battisto
- Lingzhi tea or coffee sampling
- Aromatherapy
- Shop for the holidays…crystals, stones, art, painting, & mosaics
- BioZen, Helo LX, Sleep aids, Books and Surprises!
Hosted by Marita Rahlenbeck in a private home. Please RSVP to receive address
Friday, November 24, 2017 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- FREE PRACTICE GROUP WOODBURY, MN
Join our SFQ Practice Group each Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at Peace of Mind Education Center, 9025 Tamarack Road in the library. Ring bell for entry. Dress in comfortable layers. Participants consistently feel much better at the close of practice than when they arrived! - MONDAY CLASSES! NE MINNEAPOLIS
Adults of all ages are invited to attend our SFQ classes on 2nd & 4th Mondays monthly. Holistic Gateway Center for the Healing Arts 2nd floor walk-up studio. Each class stands on its own merit, has a specific theme/focus. Each class also builds on the previous content offered.
Interested in receiving in-person, telephone, or distance healing support, or have questions about our services? Contact us!
How can Wonder Horse support you on your healing path?
Autumn Event Reflections
The September Crow Wing Crest Healer’s Retreat in Akeley, MN was a much-needed respite for regulars, some who return each year, as well as new guests! It is always enjoyable and uplifting to spend a weekend with like-minded healers, taking care of one another and reveling in this ideal lakeside setting.
On September 28th & 29th dozens of experts, caregivers, family members, service providers, staff and volunteers participated in the Crescent Cove 3rd Annual Pediatric Palliative Care Symposium in Minneapolis. The Crossroads of Caring for Another and Caring for Self program launched with an interactive segment of empowerment and self-care for all, with Spring Forest Qigong healing movements. There were informative individual and panel speakers who brought forth a variety of ways to cope, care for ourselves, and even thrive in the midst of caring for others. It was a positive and informative two days!
October 22nd held great promise and light for a great group of students at the Wonder Horse guided Level One Spring Forest Qigong Workshop in Sauk Centre, MN. Most had previous experience with hands-on and/or energy healing. During this full day of empowerment through qigong concepts and practices, the participants had great questions! They showed enthusiasm for putting SFQ techniques into practice in their daily lives. I am grateful to Gwendolin Seitz for inviting and hosting me as I shared the power and beauty of qigong. I look forward to returning soon to support the Sauk Centre SFQ practice group. Thanks so much, Gwen!!
The autumn Woman Spirit Network Retreat brought another amazing weekend filled with powerful, authentic, fun women! Providing healing support and qigong instruction to dozens of interested, open, and motivated women is always an honor and pleasure. Flanked by two lakes, Camp Knutson in Crosslake, Minnesota is a fabulous setting for reunion, remembrance, healing, renewal and empowerment. The generosity of spirit shared by three generations of women is astounding! Drumming, sauna, bonfire, sacred ceremony, and crafts were some of the ways guests and volunteers found to connect and enjoy the weekend. Every year, the camp staff takes great care of us and feeds us with warm hearts and capable hands!
A Positively Healing Gift for You!
My students and clients have long requested recordings of my meditations. (Message received!) Last year I was invited to do a lecture and meditation by live webcast for Spring Forest Qigong.
My gift to you, SFQ and Clearing Away Suffering, is now available here:
https://thewonderhorse.biz/2017/10/sfq-clearing-away-suffering-lecture-meditation/ Stay tuned for future custom Positively Healing guided meditations.
Recipe: Spicy Coconut Curry
One of my favorite dishes tp enjoy, this is a version of a recipe used for the Wonder Horse Explore Your Bliss and Art of Bliss 2017 Retreats, modified to suit my preferences. Feel free to add and remove ingredients to suit your palate! Add red peppers, pumpkin seeds, or whatever you’re in the mood for.
Ingredients
Phase 1
1 cup water
16 oz coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 sweet potatoes
1 cup broccoli
1-1/2 cups mushrooms
1 medium onion
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz can water chestnuts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T fresh ginger, minced
Phase 2
1-1/2 lbs cooked chicken breast
1 T red curry paste
4 T lime juice
16-20 oz raw spinach
Directions
Wash/rinse/drain potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and chicken, then cut into cubes.
Combine ingredients from Phase 1 in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and add ingredients from Phase 2. Stir well, and cook 12-15 minutes.
Gluten and dairy free. Makes 6 servings. May be served with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Subscribe
ABMP Member
