We won for best RI yoga studio
Thank You!

a note from Kendall Sheldon on upcoming

Anusara class with Deb Neubauer on May 3rd

If you have ever practiced with an Anusara teacher, you will know a little about their style, and Deb is one of the most experienced Anusara teachers in the US right now. If you have never practiced with an Anusara teacher, this is an awesome opportunity to practice with a gifted teacher, and a unique style of yoga. And, if you have or know any students who would like help with alignment in any part of your practice, anusara offers a system (universal principals of alignment) that can be put into practice with every part of your yoga. The internal focus (and thus awareness) can free you up from "muscling through" your practice if you (or your students, clients) ever experience this, so you shift into the grace experience....and, what a nice way to practice. It can also be extremely helpful if you have injuries that you are working with. I don't know if you have seen any of the new dvd series with Desiree Rumbaugh, but they are called "Yoga to the Rescue" and use anusara techniques for all kinds of injuries because their principles are amazing for this, without having to focus on the injury. You can check out the class description in the catalog, and you can check out Deb and her website at : http://www.anahatayogacenter.com/ I hope you will consider it for yourself and mention it to others who would like a great yoga retreat day.

A special speaking engagement with author and international teacher

Michael Mamas
Saturday, May 3 12:00 – 1:00 pm here at All That Matters

Michael Mamas dedicates his life to helping people discover their full human potential by facilitating the natural development of human consciousness.
He speaks from a place that brings everything together within the heart of each individual. His work with people touches their divinity and embraces their uniqueness, nurturing and sustaining all aspects of their being - mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
From a place of true inner knowing, Michael simplifies complex and abstract concepts. His unique speaking style gives people an actual experience of his words as well as an intellectual understanding. He is able to deeply address any field of human interest. Michael merges Eastern and Western thought, unites science with spirituality, unifies religious teachings, and integrates all fields of study. All areas of life harmonize together in a way that satisfies the intellect and soothes the soul.

Micheal is an author and international teacher for more infomation click here.

Food Matters

I thought you may be interested in knowing about a discussion and workshop May 2 and 3, 2008. The program is called Every Bite is Divine: An Alchemy of Science and Spirit for Whole Body Health and will be presented by Annie Kay. Annie Kay, MS, RD, LDN, RYT, is a writer, speaker, spokesperson and teacher. She is the author of Every Bite is Divine and is a graduate of Cornell University (nutritional biochemistry) and Boston University (nutrition communications). Annie has numerous scientific papers and national magazines to her credit including Cooking Light ; she also has appeared on CNN and in the national media on topics of health and wellness. Register Here with this link.

Downtown Wakefield Festivals
Mark Your Calendar!

June 22, Sunday Block Party 5-8PM Band Red Shoes
July 10, Ladies nite Ladies nite- shopping, wine, sales and fun! July 19 & 20 Main Street Independent Film Festival Church of the Ascension
August 17, Sunday Block Party 5-8 PM Band Chiva Bus

Job Available at ATM

PT receptionist - front desk goddess

This position requires high energy, excellent people skills, and the ability to multitask effectively. You will also need to be competent with computers and interested in or inspired by the field of holistic health. Includes evening & weekend hours.
If this sounds like the right fit for you, send your resume to jmason@allthatmatters.com. In your reply, please write "receptionist position” in the subject, and be sure to mention your interest and/or personal experience in the holistic health field in the email.

Please click here for information on a special discussion with Tzen, Aztec physician and instructor of the traditional health system known as Wewepahtli, is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 7:30-9pm.

The fee for this introductory talk is just $20.00.

He will also be offering workshop in April.

Tzenwaxolokwauhtli (Tzen) Tzatzoehetzin is the Carrier of the Medicine System in Tetzkatlipoka Tradition. His name means “the spiral movement of the eagle that generates unity” and “the container for the fluidity of the wind.” Tzen is a Mexihka (Aztec) physician and instructor of the traditional health system known as Wewepahtli. Tzen is responsible for the preservation of this system that has been passed down from father to son, mother to daughter and instructor to apprentice for hundreds of generations. As part of his early education he was sent to live with different families to learn the techniques that they were guarding and maintaining. The knowledge of the medicine practice of Ketzalxiuhteotl (”beautiful brilliant energy”) was taught to Tzen by his maternal grandfather.

this article can be found in the latest RI Monthly

Q+A with Joy Bennett, All That Matters Yoga Instructor

Joy Bennett struggled with depression for years until a regular yoga practice helped her recover. Today, as a LifeForce Yoga instructor, she visits studios from Lincoln to Wakefield to share a yoga style designed specifically to manage mood.

How did you discover yoga?
Quite by accident, actually. A number of years ago, I was in the throes of a deep depression and started attending a gentle yoga class on Thursday mornings, mainly because I was sick of being alone all day. After a few classes, I noticed that Thursday became the one day of the week that I did not cry. So I kept practicing yoga, and I kept getting better. I realized that going to class was not about accomplishing the perfect posture but learning to build a new relationship with my body and spirit. It made such a difference in my life that I eventually decided to reach out to others who are suffering—first becoming a yoga teacher and then studying further with LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute founding director Amy Weintraub.

What is it about this type of yoga that helps relieve anxiety and depression?
The breathing techniques work to bring prana (life force) into the body. Depression is an absence of prana. Working through the postures and the breathing, the person is able to let go of obstructions and drop some of the loss or grief stored in the body. Yoga can also balance the biochemistry of the brain and stimulate the endocrine system to create a state of healing relaxation. There are aspects of the class you might find in others, but Amy took the things that are most powerful for balancing the mood and packaged them into a greatest hits line-up.

Doesn’t all yoga help mood to some extent?
Not necessarily. Some styles are very vigorous and practiced in a heated room, which can actually exacerbate an anxiety attack. For someone who is depressed, I think there are two speeds of yoga: slow and slower. A relaxing style is going to do more for them than a vigorous class with demanding postures, which could set them up for failure and bring them over the edge.

If someone’s in the depths of depression or on the verge of a panic attack, what is something simple and effective they can do that might provide some relief? First, I’d tell them not to forget to breathe. At this point they might not be ready to do a more complicated posture, but here’s a helpful pranayama technique: Count the beats of your breath with a pause at the top of the inhalation and the bottom of the exhalation. So, you might inhale for four counts, hold for another four, exhale for six counts and hold it out for two. You can tailor the counts to what feels best.

Should people practice LifeForce Yoga on its own or in conjunction with other treatment methods? LifeForce Yoga can be an important component of mental health, but I encourage my students to explore all the resources available, which also include medication and talk therapy. My husband is actually a psychiatrist, and I help out in his office, so I’ve seen the positive affects of medication, too. Some people who try this type of yoga think it will help them get off of their medication, but I think it can all work together.

—Jenna Pelletier

Take a 10 minute break in your day!

new audio cast from ATM

We will be adding regular pod cast or audio files to our web site.
The first one just got added today. To listen to a 10 minute guided meditation --
click on the side bar. This is provided by our Kundalini Yoga Instructor Margaret.

We now offer NIA and Pilates Classes

NIA New Series will Begin March 4.
Celebrate the mind, body, spirit connection with The Nia Technique. Choreographed to great music, routines combine martial arts, healing arts & dance arts to create a unique form of fusion fitness. Whether you're looking for an energized workout, to round out your yoga practice, cross train for any sport or just like the feeling of moving to music, Nia will teach you how to experience the "Joy of Movement" and the benefits of moving "Your Own Body's Way."
Suitable for men & women of all ages and ability levels. Wear comfortable clothing & bring water.No shoes required. For more information about Nia see: Nianow.com
The only way to see what it's all about is to try a class!

Pilates Mat Classes

A fun and invigorating workout focusing on your core.
Teaches the basic principles of Pilates
Enhance your strength, flexibility, control, balance, and posture.
Create long lean muscles.
Strengthen your body and your mind.
Improve the way you look and feel!
Pricing: $10/ $12/$14 series/ open pass / drop-in

Tuesdays 4:45pm & 5:45pm
ALL LEVELS WELCOME. Offered by:
Tracie Kedzierski Certified Pilates Mat Instructor

The Store this month...

Just like spring, there is alot of new "life" in the store....new jewelry designs from Art By Any Means -hand wrought sterling silver and gold, very feminine with spring inspired colors. We have also been getting ready for Easter with lots of wonderful gifts for easter baskets....."blue" eggs are back in sizes from wren to geese! we have "eggling gardens", matchstik gardens, and some of the coolest frogs doing yoga for your garden.....and there's more....prayer flags that like to move in the breeze, prayer wheels that spin your worries away, little buddhas, little angels,angel tokens, angel pins, peace tokens, peace pins... we hope you stop in.

This article was in SORI magazine in Feb 2008

Say “Namaste” to Yoga
The atmosphere at Wakefield’s holistic Mecca All That Matters is simply divine, the aura as soothing as soft South County sand on bare feet. But one of the first things yoga instructor Coral Brown tells me is that “anyone that can breathe can do yoga.”
Having just put out a cigarette, this may not be true. Yet despite the whole breathing thing – Brown’s soft, calming voice, the wafting incense, mellow music and candlelit ambience in the practice room – have put me at ease, and I am ready to say “Namaste,” a traditional greeting, to yoga.
The class consists of men and women of all different ages. We bow hands at heart to begin and I soon find myself moving on the mat, my legs, arms, back and body transforming in and out of poses like the appropriately named downward-facing dog to the Power Ranger-like Warrior II. The tingling inhales and the relaxing exhales of my breath ebb and flow as I work my way, somewhat awkwardly, from pose to pose. I stumble. I get up. I balance. I contort. I sweat. I adjust. I breathe. I am relaxed, yet I am working out.
Yoga, it turns out, is quite individualistic. There is no rush to keep up with the group, no sense that my inexperience is a hindrance. My workout is what I make it; I define my own pace. At the end, the class is given ample time to explore poses on their own. Some stand on their heads, others practice stretching in ways I could only achieve by accident and with great personal injury resulting. I enter into Savasana, the corpse pose, which allows you to lay still, eyes closed, your body in total relaxation. Now this is a pose I can master.
Having never stepped barefoot into a yoga class before, I am told I fared pretty well. And despite some loudly creaking bones, a pound or two of sweat and the occasional stumble, my body, Brown tells me, is actually quite balanced. “Yoga is the union of opposites,” Brown explains. “The body wants to be in balanced. Yoga brings us back to balance.”
And it is the balance that Brown says keeps all types of people coming back to yoga – the liberating union of physical health and the mental state of realizing that all that usually matters – if only for a brief and fading hour – does not.

I was the guest editor for the Feb issue of SORI- if you did not get to read the write up- here it is. Joan

As resolution time has come and passed, now’s a good time to ask, “How is your health? Your time management? Your daily energy? How are you enjoying life?”

If after a bit of soul searching you come up with a resounding “Great!” my guess is that you are investing in some form of preventive or holistic health practices. If you come up with a so-so rating, some of the articles in this issue might inspire you to begin to explore.

Preventive health cannot just be penciled in for January 1 -- it is a lifestyle that more and more folks are adopting. And not just because they want to be free of disease, but also because they want to be excited by life, feel their vitality and do great things.

Each person’s food, rest, community and exercise requirements are different. Getting to know your body’s needs is the first step to being well. Feeling better does not come from adhering to one doctrine, set of beliefs or teacher. It is an individual path nurtured through turning inward and listening to your own inner wisdom.

“Easier said than done,” you might say. That is true. In this fast paced world we live in, the emphases is on doing and producing, not on breathing and being. So it takes a bit of courage, curiosity and determination to etch out the time to learn and invest in daily practices that support your health. But I can guarantee that it is worth every bit of courage you can muster up.

We keep hearing about these “new” or “alternative” treatments, but there is nothing new about holistic health. It synthesizes ancient wisdom, proven practices, health discoveries and fresh insights for world traditions. Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and herbal remedies have all been around for centuries. They are tried and true practices.

So even though resolution time has come and gone, find the time to really invest in yourself. Whether it be a massage that brings you to a deeper place of relaxation, a yoga class that opens new doors of awareness, or a book that jumped off the shelf, the process of self-discovery and healing is activated. Just remember, nurturing yourself is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Joan Dwyer is the owner of All That Matters in Wakefield.

What is Sound Healing?
Sound Healing, as the name implies, is the use of sound to create balance and alignment in the physical body, the energy centers called "chakras", and/or the etheric fields. The sound may be applied by an instrument or by the human voice.
The use of sound as a healing modality dates back to the earliest cultures, when the shaman chanted and drummed to heal people. In the ancient mystery schools of Egypt, Greece, India, and other centers of knowledge, the use of sound and music for healing was a highly developed sacred science. Today sound healing is in the forefront of alternative therapies. More and more people are finding relief from sound therapy from stress, anxiety, pain, depression and much more.

This weekend at All That Matters we have 2 exciting workshops to experience the powerful benefits of sound to balance and open the chakras. Read below for details.
In addition, once a month we offer Sunday Chanting Meditation and the popular Gong Bath Meditation Circles on the third Friday.

Remember that you carry with you at all times your own sound healing tool- your voice. So shift your vibration with a good belly laugh or whistle a happy tune, sing in the shower or car and most of all remember to take time to BREATHE!

Here are our 7 January Health Tips!

Beginning a new year always has us reflecting about the improvements we want to make for our selves in the coming year. Choosing a healthier lifestyle is always one of the biggest improvements people chose to make because the benefits are so far reaching in every aspect of our lives. Often this idea can be a bit daunting...how and where do I begin? Do I need to look at a wellness retreat in the mountains or a spa vacation in the tropics to get me started? These are some wonderful considerations AND what if we told you it is easy than that and you can start right now?

At All That Matters we are all about living a health lifestyle and offer many options to meet you right where you want to begin or continue.

Here are 7 Tips and Options for Support that can get you started right now and establish the behavior to keep you on track:
TIP #1.
Choose foods that are fresh and free of additives and preservatives . When shopping at the grocery store- read the labels- if you don't know the source of an ingredient or better yet can't pronounce it- make another choice.
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
Making Good Food Choices

TIP #2
Plan your meals ahead, this helps to cut back on eating out and binge or empty calorie eating. Don't under estimate the value of good home cooked meals. Take the time to sit down and chew (30% of digestion goes on in your mouth) be mindful around what,when and how you are eating.
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
Whole Foods Cooking Classes
Finding Your Natural Body Weight
Every Bite is Divine

TIP # 3

Keep Your Body Moving.Walk, dance, practice yoga and tai chi, take up a sport. Whatever exercise you chose, it will keep the body and mind limber and flexible and support your vitality.
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
40 Yoga Classes to choose from each week along with specialty workshops
Tai Chi classes
Belly Dance classes

TIP #4
Quiet Your Mind. Stop and take a breath, sit down with a good book, learn to meditate, take a yoga class. In this fast paced world we live in, the emphases is on doing and producing, not on breathing and being. Choose to start somewhere- the benefits are worth it!
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
Monthly Gong Bath Meditation
Monthly Book Group
Monthly Zen Meditation Circle
Foundations of Meditation
Establishing A Home Yoga and Meditation Practice

TIP #5
Express Yourself through dance, song, writing, painting, drumming, and joining in community with like minded folks. Nourishing your creative side and having outlets for expression is crucial in rejuvenating the spirit. How do you express yourself?
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
The Artist's Way
Writing from the Heart
Belly Dance or Tai Chi
Community Yoga

TIP # 6
Support your health and healing. Explore the many benefits of acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, reflexology and many other complimentary health services to maintain your wellness or speed your recovery from illness.
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
Schedule a Health Service Appointment
Exploring a Homeopathic Approach Wellness Series
Saving Your Sight
Juice Cleanse for Health and Vitality
Free Wellness Talks

TIP # 7
Explore something new or learn a new skill. Whether you are looking to increase your skill sets or experience life from a new perspective, inspiration and motivation enlivens the mind, body and spirit, reduces stress and creates more fulfillment in life. The resulting benefits are many.
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT:
Certification Programs
Self Discovery Workshops

40 Days to a Personal Revolution will begin again January 23!

Are you ready for a revolution!? During the 40 day program we commit to doing Yoga and Meditation daily and eating well. This will be the 4th time we are doing it here at ATM and each time it seems to be more powerful. If you would like to check out our last blog click here.

"The test of literature is, I suppose, whether we ourselves live more intensely for the reading of it." --Elizabeth Drew
Mind Matters,The All That Matters book group, began in June with The Alchemist and finishes the fall with The Faith Club in November. In between we also read A Thousand Splendid Suns; Eat Pray Love; Life of Pi; and Three Cups of Tea. Our guiding principle is to find compelling stories (fiction or non-fiction) that are insightful, inspirational, and educational without being overtly preachy or didactic. At the meetings so far we've had an enthusiastic group of book lovers who often have differing opinions on the selections. Our lively and thoughtful discussions, however, deepen everyone's personal experience of the book. If this sounds like your "cup of tea," there's room for you at our table.

While at a reunion in Texas recently I told my family about this club and my sisters, aunts, and cousins all wanted a copy of the book list. So it seems within my clan at least we'll have a cyber-subgroup along with the brick-and-mortar one here in Wakefield.
----Marna Krajeski, local author, book lover, and Mind Matters facilitator

Sneak Preview of the 2008 Mind Matters Book List
Start the new year with us as we discuss love, loss, and spirituality.
Jan. 22, 2008 Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa This historic work reveals the inner spiritual life of one of the most beloved and important religious figures in history.
Feb. 26, 2008 Peony in Love by Lisa See By the author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, a historical novel of an arranged marriage in 17th century China explores love, redemption, and letting go.
Mar. 25, 2008 The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion The author's intensely personal memoir of grief after the loss of her husband and illness of her child.
Apr. 22, 2008 Kabbalah: A Love Story by Lawrence Rabbi Kushner A contemporary novel of seeking, finding, and opening oneself to love.
May 6, 2008 The Reading Across Rhode Island Selection (to be announced.) Join us as we participate in the "One State, One Book" discussion and event.

Tips on coming to your first yoga class

1. Wear clothes you can move in. A t-shirt and lounge pants are a good bet for most classes, but if you're trying a power class you'll probably want to wear a tank and shorts. Yoga is done barefoot.
2. Use a yoga mat- our studio provides them. After your hooked you will want to purchase your own! We give ATM yoga students a $10 discount on their first mat.
3. Eat only lightly before class. It's not wise to practice on a full stomach. If you're famished, a small stack an hour or two before class is should be enough to fill you up without weighing you down.
5. Stay hydrated. Like massages, some postures release stored toxins in the body, so it's a good idea to drink lots of water before and after class to help detoxify, and to replace H20. If you coming to a hot class- bring water, a towel and your own mat.
6. Arrive early. Honor yourself and the class by showing up about 15 minutes before the scheduled class time. That will give you ample time to check in, find a comfortable space, gather proper props like strap or block and start to center yourself.
7. Check in with the teacher, if necessary. Let your instructor know if you have injuries or limitations so he/she can be sure to show you modifications or clue you in to postures you'll want to avoid.
4. Listen to your intuition. Don't worry about what other people in the class are doing, and don't push yourself beyond what feels right for your body.
8. Rest if you need to. It's okay to take breaks throughout class. Just transition into a resting pose, like child's pose.
9. Don't give up after the first class. It's normal to feel uncomfortable for your first class or two, as you learn the postures and get used to the yoga style.
10. Try something new. Yoga styles and instructors can vary widely, so if you've tried a few sessions and you're still not feelin' it, try switching to another type of class or teacher.

We just sent the Jan - April 2008 catalog to the presses
and if you are on our mailing list it will be in your mail box soon.
BUT.... you do not have to wait all the classes are already loaded online!
Click here and pick your classes now!

Going Green with Products from the
Store at All That Matters

CLOTHING:
Prana works on new ways to fold sustainable fabrics such as hemp and organic cotton into every thing they make. “Everything we make is inspired by our passion for nature and an endless desire to blend beauty and function” says Beaver Theodosaki, Founder.

Their “Earth Conscious Offering” (E.C.O.) Yoga Mats are biodegradable and made with non-toxic materials.

Also, in an effort to create clean energy awareness, Prana began a Natural Power Initiative to offset electrical energy at all of their retailers, preventing the emission of 22,112 tons of greenhouse gases per year. Learn more at prana.com/naturalpower.

Beckons Clothing uses the finest organic cotton and sustainable fabrics and partners with its domestic manufacturer to create eco-conscious garments.

Be Present Clothing A small family owned business that values close relationships with their customers, Be Present uses environmentally friendly practices. Every item is proudly made in the USA.

YOGA PRODUCTS:
Jade Yoga Mats are made with natural rubber, a renewable resource, have no PVC products, and in partnership with Trees for the Future, Jade Yoga Mats plants a tree for every mat sold.

Yogitoes Mats and Towels are adhesive free, hypoallergenic (no latex or PVC), and recyclable. Toxic free production from beginning to end means good for you and good for the planet.


SKIN CARE:
Dr. Hauschka Naturally and ethically obtained natural pigments and therapeutic botanicals from organic and biodynamic farms are blended to create luxurious, certified BDIH natural skin care and cosmetics.

Pharmacopia is inspired by traditional healing and rejuvenation remedies culled from herbalism, aromatherapy, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It remains true to ancient methods by creating gentle herbals infusions with oils, herbs and plant based ingredients.

Weleda Body Care pioneered the use of biodynamics and organic ingredients in body care and medicine to promote natural healing and health. Free from any synthetics, preservatives, fragrances or colorants.

Badger Balms use pure, natural products based on simplicity and thoughtful preparation with the intention to soothe and heal. 100% natural, organic ingredients

CANDLES:
Quoteable Candles are made from 100% natural palm wax and cotton wicks for cleaner burning.

Big Dipper Beeswax Candles are made from handcrafted 100% beeswax, with natural essences for aromatherapy benefits.

Bluewick Candles are made from 100% US grown soy wax.

OTHER Cool Items
Envirosax Help stop the consumption of paper and plastic by shopping with these re-useable bags for shopping or your yoga mat. Great colors, including an organic cotton line.

All That Matters Water Bottles Roll up and re-use your water bottles with these great for the planet water bottles from Platypus


Some Green Titles

· 365 Earth From Above
· Nourishing traditions
· Healing With Whole Foods
· 365 Ways to Save the earth
· One Planet

Here at ATM we recycle all of our plastic bottles and packaging materials and paper, and use recycled paper products.
And, 100% of our centers energy is offset by certified green-e wind generated power thanks to Prana Clothing.