Inside this issue:

Explaining Energy

Medicine

2

Using Yoga to Control

Your Fear of Speak-3-4

About

5

How to add the

dark, leafy greens

6

Your Corner 7-8

Dust off Winter,

Prepare for Spring

8-9

Come visit our website to find out more about the

practices and natural techniques to good health:

www.nextstepstrategiesllc.com

609-758-1048

Visit our Website

SAVE THE DATES

-April 8-10 Mind, Body, Spirit Expo , Edison, NJ mindbodyspiritexpo.com Keynote Speakers: Deepak Chopra, Deborah King, Braco .....Come visit our table! -May 6 & 7 WellnessSummit at Georgian Court Univ.* See us there! -May 19-22 Health & Martial Arts Fest. & Symposium Kutztown** See us there!

-August 13-17 T’ai Chi Chih Retreat w/ Sr. Antonia Cooper in Aston, PA REIKI I & II – Pls. let us know yr. interest. Classes are forming for Spring!!! June 18 - Reiki I *Details to follow in upcoming issues **Contact me for more information

Locations for classes: -New Egypt -Brick -Kingston -Hazlet -Langhorne, PA

We are always open to coming to

YOU! For classes and 1-on-1

sessions.

View From Within

IMPORTANT CLASS UPDATES

Special Points of

Interest

• Exciting insights

• Interesting news

• Class updates

NEXT STEP STRATEGIES, LLC

Siobhan Hutchinson, MA Holistic Health Practitioner

609-752-1048

Siobhan with Donna Eden “Graduation Celebration - 2 yrs. in Eden Energy Certification Program”

See page 2

March 2011

Volume 1, Issue 3

In attempting to write this article about Energy Medicine, I discov-ered there is no short easy answer available in any book or Website. Most of the practices that I do are best demonstrated or experienced by the interested party, rather than in trying to explain them. If one was to try to explain the game of baseball to someone who has never seen it, could they capture the es-sence of the game better in words or having the person view a profes-sional game or, better yet, playing the game itself? How does one ex-plain the thrill (let alone the heart pounding action) of catching a fast flying ball or sliding into base and the Ump calling it “safe”? Energy Medicine refers to subtle energies, which are in two catego-ries: putative and veritable. These are fancy-sounding words that mean some of the body’s energies cannot be measured by the scien-tific tools available now, but have been theorized for thousands of years and form the basis of many indigenous methods of healing, and those energies that are currently measured and proven by science such as electromagnetic. Interest-ingly enough, quantum physics may be used at times to support energy medicine and current research is just now reporting the benefits of the various practices (Reiki, T’ai Chi, acupuncture). This brings to mind Einstein’s famous quote- “spooky action at a distance.” The National Institute of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains

that Energy Medicine is also “….based on the belief that all living things possess and emit energies and can be affected by external energies” (p. 65 Ex-panding Horizons of Health Care: Strategic Plan 2005-2009). There are a number of books, even movies, which I can recommend for deeper ex-ploration on the topic. Those of you who have known me for a while, already know that I was a reluctant T’ai Chi Chih teacher and I was even more skeptical/hesitant about Reiki. It took me years to fully embrace both practices. That changed when I had my own profound and moving experi-ences. Only then, did I surren-der to them and desired to teach them. All the reading in the world, would not have gotten me to that point. “Energy Medicine is the oldest, safest, most organic, most ac-cessible, and most affordable medicine there is”- Donna

Eden.

Energy Medicine taught by Donna Eden resonated with me right away. Not only could I feel things physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually shift for me, but there are ways to “measure” the effects right then and there. Consider your body as a biofeedback entity and kinesiology as one of the “tools” to measure the effects. We all have our own Achilles’

heel. If you get back pain every time your in-laws visit or your stomach turns at the mention of a particular name, you are getting signals/biofeedback from your body. The first time I was chosen for a demonstration on how quickly my energy could change, as well as “measuring” the effect; I would not have believed it except that it happened to me. Mehmet Oz, M.D. is a big proponent of integrative and natural approaches to healing and has stated on many occa-sions that “the next big frontier….in medicine is energy medicine.” Noted expert on pain management, C. Norman Shealy, M.D., concurs with Dr. Oz. In fact, Dr. Oz has included energy practi-tioners in his surgical practice. With this in mind, a number of NJ hospices and hospitals (i.e. Vitas, Care Alterna-tives, Homeside Hospice, RWJ Cancer Hospice of NJ, CentraState Medical Center, & Morristown Memorial Hospi-tal) offer Reiki, an Energy Medicine, as part of their care. Just this past year the NJ Hospice and Palliative Care Organi-zation recognized Reiki in its annual awards ceremony. Everyone can learn Energy Medicine. It is fun, easy to learn, and the effects can be awesome. A one-on-one session with a trained/certified practitioner may provide deep relaxation, pain reduction, releasing, and an overall sense of well-being. It is very personal and unique for each individual. The environment I wish to offer each person is a safe-haven for personal exploration in tap-ping into the body’s natural healing ability. It is time for self-empowerment in growth, transformation, and possi-bilities. © 2011 – Siobhan Hutchinson

Energy Medicine: An Explanation for the Rest of Us! Siobhan Hutchinson, MA- Holistic Health

View From Within Page 2

Using Yoga to Control Your Fear of Speaking By Stephen Fraundorfer

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 3

For so many people, one of life’s

terrors is giving a speech. Sir

George Jessel said “The human

brain starts working the moment

you are born and never stops un-

til you stand up to speak in pub-

lic.” Many people are more afraid

of public speaking than they are

of dying. In the television episode

“I wish I were Gus” of the series

Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray

has to give the eulogy at his

Uncle Gus’ funeral. Ray

would rather be in the casket

than give the eulogy. His fear

of speaking translated itself

to “FEAR” – Forget Every-

thing And Run.

Being able to present yourself to

an audience is necessary in order

to be a good manager and leader.

Being able to speak can mean

making a sale, convincing top

management to approve your

ideas or getting that promotion.

Speaking in front of a group does-

n’t have to be a life threatening

experience. First we have to get

our audiences attention. A funny

comment or a question as an

opener gets the listener to think.

At this point you have their atten-

tion. Of course, the opening has

to relate to your topic. Next you

have to organize your main points

giving two or three examples of

each point to be made. Your audi-

ence needs to relate and stories

work best here. The wrap up is

where you summarize

the points you made.

So how do you build

your confidence and re-

duce your fear? What

can you do so as not to

look like a fool in front of an audi-

ence? You have to control your

nervousness. It is okay to have

some nerves but you have to

learn how to use them to your ad-

vantage.

I use Yoga as an effective to way

to control my nerves. Since learn-

ing Yoga, I have controlled my

breathing and relaxed myself be-

fore giving a presentation. I use

Speaking in front of a group doesn’t have to be a life

threatening experience.

the three part breathing exercise by

inhaling all the way in and then letting

all the air out slowly. Repeat this 3

times and you will see how relaxed

you feel. All your nervousness will be

under control. While some nerves will

give you energy, it’s important to use

that to your advantage and not let

them take you over. Yoga is important

to health by learning stretching and

breathing exercises. These two things

will help relax the body and control

your fears.

Many speakers work on their opening

to get the audience’s attention and

they are fine with the middle of their

presentation. But nervous presenters

let themselves down with the ending.

By having a weak close, they lose the

impact of their message. The close

can be a ‘call to action’ or a summary

of their speech. You can always use

the basic rule, tell ‘em what you’re go-

ing to tell ‘em, tell ‘em and tell ‘em

what you told ‘em.

You must practice your presentation.

PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE!!!

Knowing your material will make the

nerves stop. Practicing yoga before-

hand will relax you and make you

comfortable in front of your audience.

While there are different styles of

Yoga, I started taking Yoga to control

my breathing but have since realized

the many benefits of Yoga. I have

learned the health benefits of flexibil-

ity, strength, balance, breathing and

good posture. It is a good way to

stretch, breathe, relax and tone the

body and mind through gentle Yoga

postures and exercises. I recommend

Yoga to all my clients who want to

control their nervousness while

speaking in front of a group of people.

Stephen Fraundorfer is the President

of Professional Empowerment. He is a

life and career coach, trainer and

speaker. His passion is helping people

and organizations grow through

coaching, training and development.

For information feel free to call

Stephen at (732) 796-3708 or email

ProEmpower@aol.com.

Page 4 View from Within

About Your Guide

Visit me on the web @ www.

nextstepstrategiesllc.com

New Egypt, Kingston, Hazlet, Brick, NJ

&

Langhorne, PA

Phone: 609-752-1048

Fax: 609-286-9107

Email: Siobhan@nextstepstrategiesllc.com

N EX T S TEP S TR ATE GI ES , L L C S i o b h an Hu t ch i n so n , M A Ho l i s t i c H ea l t h Pr ac t i t i o n er 609 - 752 - 1048

Six Healing Sounds of T’ai Chi Chih– All together!

Siobhan (Shiv-vaun) Hutchinson

Y our G uide to N atural H ealthY our G uide to N atural H ealthY our G uide to N atural H ealthY our G uide to N atural H ealth Working with a wide range of clients in chal-

lenging situations, Siobhan encouages them in

a warm partnership for self-empowerment in

healing. Clients have experienced increased

range of motion, balance, relaxation, reduced

stress, and an overall sense of well-being. She

has studied in China and continues her studies

with a variety of holistic practitioners. Her

passion is stress relief and walking in serenity.

*Master’s Degree in Holistic Health, Georgian

Court University

*Bachelor of Arts, Franklin and Marshall Col-

lege

*Accredited Teacher- T’ai Chi Chih®, Seijaku,

Guigen Qigong

*Certified Reiki Master/Teacher

*Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

*Facilitator PSYCH-K

View from Within

We are looking for Your Story! Yes, we all have a story to share. Something inspira-tional, life-changing, a tip, a poem, an experience with holistic healthcare and you just need a place to voice it. Or, perhaps you have a question, an idea, a recommendation of a great book or movie and you want others to know about it. Maybe it’s a healthy snack or recipe that others may benefit from, too.

What’s Your Story? Share with Us YOUR Great find! Please

Contact us by e-mail or phone today!

Page 6

How can you easily add “Greens” into your meals? We are talking about those dark leafy greens, like Kale and Collard Greens, not lettuce. Sometimes the good stuff is thick, chewy, and may not have the flavor you desire. Cutting the leaves into thin strips or pieces is an easy way to add them to your soups, salads, stir-frys, and sandwiches. Try making tacos with Romaine Lettuce as the shells. Just try one new good habit (one at a time) and your body will thank you for it and it is just one step….not a whole ladder to climb!

Thank you Lisa for sharing this great tip with me!

Page 7

Your CornerYour CornerYour CornerYour Corner

From Brenda: “Since I’ve taken up T’ai Chi Chih, I’ve noticed some definite improvements in my health. These include sleeping better, reduced knee problems, and im-proved overall balance. These changes have been very gradual, over a period of several months, and although I can’t be sure that they’re associated with my T’ai Chi Chih practice, they certainly seem to be. In any event, I am very grateful for them.” From Jeanne: “I want to let you know how much I enjoyed learning T’ai Chi Chih with you. You are a very fine teacher and a very caring person. I’m glad I got to know you. I do T’ai Chi Chih several times a week at home now, most of it from mem-ory of what you taught. I use Pam’s video to help me from Pulling Taffy to the end, the least familiar and more difficult of the movements. I am amazed at how much my balance has improved. I can now do all of it in the living room where I don’t have anything to grab onto if I start to fall. But, I

Volume 1, Issue 3

manage to keep upright. I’ve also noticed how much longer I can stand on just one leg, which is the test of balance that the doctors use. I wish you well in all your healing endeavors in your life. Thanks for shar-ing your gifts and your passion so generously.” ((((Jeanne wishes everyone to know that she started T’ai Chi Chih

classes 3 1/2 years following a stroke). ********************************************************************************

Lisa Saez, PT, CCRT owns and operates Responsive Physical Therapy, Inc. with

offices in Sea Girt and Toms River for her human patients and Dalia’s Doggie

Rehab, LLC in Toms River for her canine or feline patients. Dalia, her 14 year

old Chocolate Labrador retriever is her partner at RPT. She can be reached at

732-223-7484 for humans and 732-272-6099 for doggies or kitties.

See page 9 for the story on preparing for spring!

Page 8 View from Within

Dust off Winter, Prepare for Spring!

By Lisa Saez, PT, CCRT

As winter winds down and spring is around the corner, we are all itching to dust off that

winter sluggishness and maybe shed those few extra pounds. We all tend to be less active

in the winter, finding our genetic hibernating genes. So as the sun begins to rise sooner,

our minds also begin to awaken and drift toward the activities we have been missing all

winter. Couch potatoes become weekend warriors. Muscles and ligaments slumbering

through the cold and snowy months are stretched and pulled to new lengths as we see

the dead and dry leaves blowing and the buds peeking out as the snow melts away. Soon

our bodies are aching and crying out! What are we asking them to do after such a win-

ters rest?

Now is the time to start to prepare for your spring activities. Stretching routines and

warm up exercises will bring those sleeping muscles and ligaments to life. Dust off the

bicycle, dig out your sneakers and don’t forget your canine buddy’s leash! Your pal has

been a little sluggish, too most likely, snoozing away those bleak winter days when the

sun has hidden behind the clouds. Start your walks modestly with a comfortable pace.

Stretch your hamstrings and calf muscles after the walk. You will see your dog stretch

too. They are our best teachers when it comes to remembering to stretch. A dog or cat

never gets up without giving their limbs or back a stretch or two. Start with some

partial squatting exercises to prepare your legs for bending when you begin to garden

and do your yard clean up. And don’t forget to lift with your legs and not your back, espe-

cially those heavy bags of dirt and mulch!

So what happens if my advice is too late? You’ve already twisted your back or pulled

your shoulder. Your friendly and knowledgeable Physical therapist is there to help. We

can work out those knots and trigger points, teach you to lift and bend properly and de-

sign a complete exercise program to help get you back on your feet. If you are worried

about an old nagging injury from last year, don’t wait till it crops back up. An ounce of

prevention is worth a pound of cure as the old saying goes. Strengthen before you re-

injury an area you neglected during those quiet winter months on the couch with a good

book. Is your 4 legged pal limping around too? Therapy is available for them also! Your

dog or cat can benefit from the same treatments you can and feel like a pup or kitten they

have been chasing in their dreams. So get yourself ready for that beautiful spring sun-

shine and feel as good as the warm sun rays!

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 9