"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.

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.

Good for You! Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

Mix together:
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or white)
1teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups dry oatmeal

Mix together:
2 eggs
½ cup fresh maple syrup (honey can be substituted)
½ cup corn oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix well wet and dry ingredients above and add:
1 cup of chopped walnuts
½ package or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Drop heaping tablespoons full of batter onto lightly oiled baking try. Press cookies down to flatten and bake 20 minutes till lightly browned.

INTRODUCING THE THREE MINUTE EGG
.

Thanks to its unique ergonomic shape, the 3-MINUTE EGG offers a range of applications never before experienced in the ancient practice of Yoga.

On Wednesday October 24th, and Thursday October 25th,
Jason Scholder will be at ALL THAT MATTERS introducing his versatile and ergonomic yoga and fitness prop, the THREE MINUTE EGG.

Invented to provide a comfortable spinal stretch and alleviate back pain, the THREE MINUTE EGG has proven to be much more widely applicable than initially expected. Yoga teachers and physical therapists are finding endless news uses for the EGGS in working with their clients.

Be among the first to learn the power of the THREE MINUTE EGG, with private instruction from the inventor himself.

Here’s what people are saying about the THREE MINUTE EGG:

The THREE MINUTE EGG will change the way you do yoga. It is the ultimate body prop which brings much needed support for new yogis and invigors workouts for experienced ones.

Nearly every Yoga pose can be enhanced by use of the THREE MINUTE EGG. Restorative poses bring more blood flow to the organs, extended poses experience longer, healthier stretches, and traditional poses are held in better alignment.

Thanks to its unique ergonomic shape, the 3-MINUTE EGG offers a range of applications never before experienced in the ancient practice of Yoga.

THREE MINUTE EGG. It’s not just for breakfast anymore!

This article on Elsie's Yoga class was in the Providence Journal
For the Moment by Rita Lussier: Yoga’s tranquil language is a mind-bender
09/26/2007

Today is a beginning for me, not unlike kindergarten, complete with mats and pillows and blankets. I push open a door and catch a glimpse of a whole new world, a different way of thinking.
Credit my friend, Sharon, for inviting me here to All That Matters in Wakefield, for trying the beginner’s yoga class, first herself, and then letting me know she thinks I would like it, that it would be well worth my while.
Choosing a mat at the back of the room, I figure, could very well be the best move I make for the entire session. Not only am I inconspicuous, but as I soon find out, the wall behind me comes in very handy if — okay, make that when — I lose my balance.
Elsie, our instructor, stands at the front of the class, talking us through every movement, every breath, every stretch, every position. Her voice has a whimsical quality, soft in timbre and surprising in range.
As it turns out, her voice holds the key to my introduction to yoga. It’s not so much her instructions, which are specific, articulate and easy to follow. But what keeps echoing over and over again in my mind long after she says them are the words she is choosing to guide us, a curious counterpoint to the vocabulary of my everyday routine.
As your body allows…When you’re ready… If you feel
like it …
“This is not about performance,” Elsie says, as I sit on my mat, fold myself in half and try touching my head to my toes, even though it will only go as far as my knees. “It’s about practice.”
Maybe you can … As long as you’re comfortable … If you’d like …
While we’re stretching every muscle — and I do mean every muscle — Elsie is asking us to concentrate on our breath, the way we inhale, the way we exhale. Despite the fact that I must have been breathing all those years since I had children, my breath is something I haven’t thought about since, well, Lamaze class. Not that it did any good. But that’s a story for another time.
I take a lot of things about myself for granted. How every muscle, every bone, every cell work together every second of every day, just so I can exist. And yet, unless something goes wrong, I never give it another thought. Until now.
Awareness … Balance … Centering …
As we near the end of the class, we do something that I suspect I will be particularly good at. We lie down on our mats with our pillows and blankets. So far, so good. But then comes the meditation.
My body might be still, but my mind is racing. “I need to get air in my tires.” “When will the painters be done?” “What time am I supposed to pick up my daughter?” “Don’t forget we need Woolite.” “Did I leave water out for the dog?” “How can I stop thinking about these things?”
Practice … Not perform-
ance …
All too soon, we are getting up and getting ready to go back to our day, back to our lives, back to reality. I feel as though I’ve been on another planet, and now, all too quickly, I’ve got to function in this one.
You know. The planet where “Balance” means a washing machine with each pound of laundry carefully placed. Where “Awareness” has less to do with your breathing and everything to do with a gas gauge flashing EMPTY when you’re still five miles from the school. Where “If you feel like it” takes a distant back seat to, “If you don’t, you’re going to wish to God you had.” That planet.
I read once that yogis in India can make their heart rates slow right down just by saying the same word over and over again. I’m hoping there’s a word in yoga that could do that for my life. Maybe at the next class.
Rita Lussier can be reached at ReetsAL@aol.com or by mail c/o Features Department, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.
http://www.projo.com/lifebeat/content/RITA26_09-26-07_5B78IOR.1c219bd.html

September ramblings by Joan Dwyer....

So this is our 45th catalog, that is a bit hard to believe --even for me.

I was up at Kripalu (the place that inspired me to start All That Matters 13 years ago) this last weekend teaching, they are in the process of adding an additional 80 rooms. This means more and more folks are doing yoga, living well, and exploring the path of healing... world peace cannot be too far behind!

Want to turn more folks on the All That Matters and enjoy some free classes? Join us for Sampler Day - it is Sunday Sept 17th and the schedule for the day will be online soon. I know there will be two yoga classes at 11 and a health service forum later in day where you can get all your health questions answered.

There were two classes that we did not get into the catalog that are happening- Tuesday Nite Meditation and Children's Yoga. They are happening - pass it on.

We have 3 new teachers on our yoga staff this fall. Joy Bennett, who has taught mediation here - way back when we were in the what is not now the store- as our one and only studio. Joy is Kripalu certified and has done extensive "yoga and depression "training with Amy Weintraub. Liz Dufresne will be teaching Baptiste Yoga on Tuesday mornings - Liz has been assisting with the 40 day programs here and has offered Reiki here too. Heather Wiederkehr- our front desk and store goddess just completed yoga teacher training at the Yandara Yoga Institute, an Iyengar based training in Baja California. She is offering a Wed at noon class for an hour.

So are you ready to commit to your health and clean up all those little nagging problems. Join us for 40 days of Personal Revolution. This will be our 3rd time running this program- it is the most profound program we have run here at ATM (in my not too humble opinion). Really if you are meditating, eating good and doing yoga everyday and be supported through it all.... it is a revolution. Any questions just email me at joan@allthatmatters.com or come to the free talk Sept 17th.

A few of our Special Guest in September worth checking out....
Alison Gaines is offering a wonderful program on how to cleanse your body with foods- click here.

Robert Moss -well known author on dreams will be here talking on The Three ''ONLY'' Things —Dreams, Coincidence and Imagination - this is the title of his new book. click here

Shakta Khalsa is offering the ultimate retreat weekend for women- click here.

there is plenty more....cooking classes, yoga boot camp with Philip, Crystal Bowls with Rhys Thomas.....

We Just Made Registering For Classes Easier!

We have added a Shopping Cart program to our class registration.

Now you can just click and register- even for yoga !!

We are very excited about this... and did you know when you register online your do not have pay the registration fee!

Spirit Tree Yoga Teacher Training

200-Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Certification
with Cathy Cesario, E-RYT 500

“I wanted to create a teacher training program that not only provides the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching yoga, but also offers a spiritual and transformational space to evolve as a human being. Someone who radiates from within with the wisdom and compassion of yoga, provides one’s students with true inspiration and healing power, a gift that far surpasses the technical knowledge of yoga postures.”--Cathy Cesario

For more info click here

All That Matters was chosen

BEST OF, again by Rhode Island Monthly!

This time it for "best yogini source".

Here is a photo of me (Joan Dwyer)at the Best of Event and Corina who is holding up the magazine. Corina is the owner of Non Chanlant Mom- who also won a best of!

July ramblings from Joan Dwyer.....

Well, upstairs as All That Matters we have been busy putting the final touches on our fall catalog. It should hit the streets the first week in August. I think Stephanie has done a great job -putting together both the well loved programs and some new ones.... stay tuned. Some classes are all ready posted for fall on the web.

Downstairs at ATM - Chelsea Heffner is creating a mural.

Her artwork also hangs in our library. She had 3 lovely pieces hanging in the hallway - we all grew quite attached to them- and they sold!!!! We were forced to embrace non-attachment. But Chelsea lovingly offered to create an everlasting mural for us before she goes off to Grad school on the west coast. Thanks Chelsea- we will miss you.

I am really looking forward to Gary Renard coming this August I have read both of his books and have to say they have change my life... I know that sounds corny.. but we are talking All That Matters here.

40 days of yoga finished last month and I miss our group. Eating well, meditating and doing yoga everyday will create a lot of shifts and it is so powerful to do it with support of a group!! Our next one is scheduled in September. I figured that is a great time to re-align- before all the holidays kick in.

We will be doing this in conjunction with Philip Urso's studio.

Yoga on the Beach--- had 50 folks a week ago!!! Coral will soon need a microphone! She is away for a month - traveling the world assisting Shiva Rae - I sure she will come back with lots more to offer- if that is possible.

Hope you all are enjoying the sunshine- peace, Joan

All That Matters Welcomes
5 New Health Service Practitioners

We offer a selection of professional, holistic health services, 7 days a week, designed to meet your needs. Services include Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Reflexology, Facials, Reiki, Craniosacral, Life Coaching, Homeopathy and Resonance Repatterning and Holistic Counseling.Whether you want healing support, tension relief, professional care or simply a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which to unfold your own healing abilities, you will find it here.

Massage Therapist, Joe Swinski, Kelly Carpenter, Patti Buchanan

Reflexologist, Jessica Wolke

Acupuncturist, Seth Bock

for bio's on our stafff click here

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a timeless, sophisticated and elegant system of healing. Subtle and yet powerful; the combined modalities of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbalism, Nutritional Therapy and Qi Gong rebalance our physiology at a core level. This multifaceted system works on many levels, from the spiritual to the purely physical. Whether youre suffering from musculoskeletal pain, a common cold, or a chronic ailment Dr. Seth Bock is committed to helping you attain your health goals in a supportive and natural way. For more about Dr Bock visit http://www.newportacupuncture.com/

Congratulations to Margaret Trezza-

our Kundalini instructor here at All That Matters.

Her first CD is now available.

Sat Nam, Meditation and Motion.

Greetings everyone,
I am happy to let you know about my Album Release!!
"Sat Nam - Meditation and Motion" can be purchased at the Store at All that Matters in Wakefield and on the Spirit Voyage website www.spiritvoyage.com. My new website was launched yesterday www.meditationandmotion.com and you'll find meditations to go along with the tracks. I believe this will be a valuable tool for our students. So pass the word on to your students to "Sing, Dance, Chant".

"Imagine yourself holding hands with everyone on the planet. May this intention evolve as peace and loving light throughout the Universe."

Sat Nam, Namaste,
Margaret

June notes from Joan....
Our 40 day yoga program is more than half way through. This group of 25 folks are very committed- this is the week we all do a 3 day fast. If you think you are ready for a personal revolution- pick up Baron Baptiste book and join us in September.
This month we have hired two new massage therapist and a acupunturist- stay tuned for more information about them all. Talking about therapist...Tara our massage therapist and Heather a front desk goddess leave in June for a one month Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico.
Talking about traveling...Philip Urso (yoga teacher) is away assisting Baron Baptiste at a level 2 teacher training in Montana.
Doris Ann who used to do numerology reading here has written a book! She will be teaching this month and in August- the basics of numerolgy. Check it out by clicking here.
We are offering two great programs for anyone interested in working with Kids and Yoga. Please help spread the word about these- to teachers, therapist, moms....
One is June 23 and another Aug 25.
Will have more June babbles soon. Joan

Congratulations to the first Graduating Yoga Teacher Training Class

here at All That Matters

What a delight it was to have you here!

Spring notes from Joan Dwyer
Dr Paul Epstein is offering some great classes in May and June and private appointments here at ATM on Wednesdays. He will be highlighted in the May issue of Spirituality and Health Magazine. Check out his upcoming Wed nite series and Meditation Retreat by clicking here.
Our Homeopath, Jacqueline has been coming once a month to All That Matters- everyone (including my daughter and I) have benefited from her services. Starting in May she will be coming twice a month.
Argentum the jewelry and art store above ATM is moving down the street to a larger space May 1. It will be in the same building as the restaurant Crave (formerly Caylily's, which I miss very much.) Stop by and say hello to Luisa in her new home... tell her Joan sent you.
Rose, who many of you might know from working in our store - has opened her own store Orangelola with Robin Mollicone (kundalini teacher Robin.) It is right across the street from ATM and next time you are here stop by and visit them, or visit their web site Orangelola.com - if you mention this blog by May 15- they will give you 10% off at least one item!
May is graduation month! ATM will have it's first Yoga Teacher Graduation. 13 students have completed the program. It has been really great having them here over the last seven months- and watching their commitment and growth. Cathy put together a very solid program, Ed Cardinal PT came in to teach Anatomy, Dave Dwyer DC came in to teach assist, and the ATM yoga staff offered classes and discussion panels. The next YTT begins in the fall.
Our yoga staff is amazing- they are always active in continued education- did you know Coral assists Shiva Rae regularly all over the world, the same with Philip and Baron Baptiste. David is just returning from a neurology seminar (check out his new website tollgatechiropracitc.com ) and Mary has completed over 500 hours of Svaroopa training with with Rama Birch. More about the rest of the staff in my next babblings.
I recently wrote an article for the Kripalu Yoga Teachers newsletter and an interview with me is featured in a book titled Super Studios- if you would like to read either- email me at joan@allthatmatters.com and I will send you a word document copy.
Books! I just finished reading both of Gary Renard's books, he will be offering a workshop at ATM this August. His books are based on The Course in Miracles. For the first 200 pages I felt a bit punchy and overwhelmed with the perspective this book offers, but by the end I was really inspired and felt it cultivating a very different view of the world. I would love to hear your insights.

Did you notice in the catalog- our new book club? We will be discussing three of my favorite books . Click here for dates and times and titles.

Stephanie, our program coordinator, in house coach and healer, is busy putting together our fall catalog and scheduling into 2008. If you have any teachers you would like to see come to ATM just tell us- by sending an email. If you have contact information please include it. stephanie@allthatmatters.com

40 Days Personal Revolution- ended March 11 with great success.

There is one going on right now through mid june.

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT ONE TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER

38 of us are participating in the 40 days of personal revolutions program as layout in Baron Baptiste book. It has been a tremendous expierence for all! We commited to 40 days of yoga, meditation and eating well together. We will be running this again in the fall. To read about the the program visit our blog atm40daysrevolution.blogspot.com or click here.

Photos are from our ending celebration!

Click here for a list of what is happening at

All That Matters this month

Jobs Available
Healthcare Practitioners and Massage Therapist
We are looking for great licensed therapist who has interest in holistic health This is a part-time, sub-contractor position. Send resume to joan@allthatmatters.com please write healthcare therapist in the subject line.