The Iditarod and Autism

As an owner of Siberian Huskies, I’ve followed the Iditarod Races for many years. This year they’ve shared the beautiful story below in their recent newsletter as the Last Great Race approaches soon. ~Chris

Logan Erickson is a nine year boy diagnosed with Autism who lives in Unalakleet Alaska, a community that is full of wonderful people who have a deep appreciation for the Iditarod. Jeff and Donna Erickson, Logan’s mother and father, have five boys and Logan is the youngest member of the family. This fall Iditarod musher, Dee Dee Jonrowe,  was visiting Unalakleet. She brought with her a dog named “Mr. Miyagi.” Logan watched Mr. Miyagi with great interest. Then an amazing thing happened. Up until at day Logan had not spoken a single word. After Dee Dee left the Unalakleet Airport, Logan walked around the airport where his mother works and said, “Miyagi” several times. At first his mother did not recognize what he was saying but then she made the connection. That was a huge emotional breakthrough. Logan’s first word was the name of a loving dog!

Logan’s autism has developed to a point where he experiences problems sleeping and there are occasions when he wanders away. These are problems that service dogs can solve with warmth and affection. So that’s our goal… to raise $13,500.00 to obtain a service dog for Logan. Logan’s family and his community believes that a service dog will greatly enhance his life by providing him with the motivation to communicate and provide him with independence.

Logan is pictured above with his Mom.

2004 Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey’s IditaRider has graciously  donated her IditaRide to help raise the funds for Logan’s service dog. Click here to find out more about this very special opportunity to take the ride of a lifetime with an Iditarod Champion for a very special cause. If you are not able to bid on Mitch’s sled but would like to be a part of this fundraiser, please know that any donation will be greatly appreciated.  Click here to find out how easy it is to donate!

Sometimes Easier IS Better

One of the things I love about the warmer weather in CNY is the vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables that are available at our farmer’s markets and grown locally. When the colder temps arise I move toward soup and stew consumption but still crave some really great, tasty produce which are a little harder to come by. Recently I came across a really easy way to prepare roasted veggies.

The funny thing about this is that the veggies the recipe utilizes are really not some of the ones I would normally choose to eat: brussel sprouts, butternut squash, etc. But, I figured… “Why not, let’s try it out?”

They were soooo good, everyone in the house loved them and the best part is they are EASY to make!

Ingredients:

• veggies – anything you want really – I used brussel sprouts, butternut squash, zucchini, peppers and carrots
• basting oil
• salt & pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut all produce into 1 inch square sections (estimate size, not crucial). On greased cookie sheet spread cut produce out in even layer, drizzle basting oil liberally over entire area (use about 1/2 the bottle). Cook for 30 minutes, check after 20 minutes. When veggies are tender and look caramelized they are done.

Peace Within

A relative of mine shared the quote below, I hope you enjoy it and take the words to heart!

~~~
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Paulo Coelho Offers Free Books for One More Week

Paulo Coelho, one of my favorite authors,  is offering 3 free books until the first week of January 2010. The titles are in several formats: pdf, SonyReader, Kindle, and iPhone. Visit this website to download one or all 3 books http://paulocoelhoblog.com/internet-books/

The 3 books are:

THE WAY OF THE BOW

“The Way of the Bow” relates the story of Tetsuya, the best archer of the country, who conveys his teachings to a boy in his village. Using the metaphor of archery the author leads us through several essential thoughts : our daily efforts and work, how to overcome difficulties, steadfastness, and courage to take risky decisions.

STORIES FOR PARENTS, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN Read more

A Heartwarming Christmas Story

Below is a story my Uncle Nick shared with me, it’s a tearjerker, enjoy.
Chris 

This is what Christmas is all about…

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities.  But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors.  It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve, 1881.  I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn’t been enough money to buy me the rifle that I’d wanted for Christmas.  We did the chores early that night for some reason.  I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read the Bible.

After supper was over, I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn’t in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn’t get the Bible; instead, he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn’t figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn’t worry about it long though’ I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.  Soon Pa came back in.  It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. “Come on, Matt,” he said. “Bundle up good; it’s cold out tonight.” I was really upset then. Not only wasn’t I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the  cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see.  We’d already done all the chores, and I couldn’t think of anything else that needed
doing, especially not on a night like this.  But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one’s feet when he’d told  them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens.  Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house.  Something was up, but I didn’t know Read more

Honor Your Effort

Something I’m learning about yoga is that it is not only a physical practice but a mental and emotional/spiritual one as well. I continue to enjoy making time in my life to cultivate a regular yoga practice. It not only helps me to physically become stronger, more limber and toned but the words used by my instructor are very kind, empowering and respectful, toward herself and her students.

The session begins with “honor your effort to come to your practice today” and ends with “the divine in me salutes the divine in you” (or Namaste). The focused breathing makes me feel so full and open, energized and calm all at the same time. After practicing just a few times you will find you already have some favorite poses. I enjoy the release I get from downward facing dog and the cat-cow stretch as well as warrior 1.

Try Yoga, you won’t believe how good it makes you feel! Read more about Yoga here:  http://yoga.about.com/

~Christine Briel

Finding What Works Best For You

I’ve been sharing my story of my new found love of yoga over the past several months. As much as I love it I’m faced with challenges while trying to keep it in my weekly routine. My biggest hurdle is that I’m self-employed. Now that seems to be completely unrelated to finding time for yoga but in fact it’s not.

When you work for yourself the assumption is your time is yours, right? So why should making time for yoga be a challenge. It’s all about creating balance. I tend to put my work for others above my work for myself. Which means my customer’s work gets done, but my dishes don’t

So, I recently stumbled upon a real treasure that is currently working very well with my schedule. I found what I like to call a “daily yoga snack.” It’s not a full blown yoga class, only 30 minutes on Fit TV, but it gives me a break in the middle of my work day. A chance to stretch, breathe, focus my thoughts and regroup. Namaste Yoga, a gift to myself, Monday through Friday.

You see, if it’s really important you can and will make time. That’s a lesson I learn over and over again. If I don’t make the work that I need to do for myself important, no one will, and that includes the dishes… some days. Make time for yourself, find what works best for you and your schedule, take care of you, so you CAN take care of the rest!

Christine Briel
SkaneatelesTalk.com

Yoga on Wednesdays

I am now 3 weeks into my agreement with myself to attend a regular yoga class. The class that I found closest to my home was only available on Wednesday evenings. Initially I was kind of hoping for something on a Saturday morning. Apparently fate knew better than me.

My normal week is a little hectic (whose isn’t right?) and can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker building and building from Monday through to Saturday. Often times when Thursday arrives I feel somewhat drained and can have trouble concentrating well enough to take care of some of my work.

This is no longer true. As it turns out, attending my new yoga class on Wednesday evenings has made an amazing difference in the flow of my week. When Wednesday evening arrives I can’t get to yoga fast enough. I enter the Wicker Room at Stella Maris and we move the furniture to clear the middle of the room. Bonita, our teacher, and the rest of the students arrive and at 6:30pm we begin. For the next 1 and 1/2 hours we meditate, practice yoga poses, stretch, do various breathing exercises (still working on the “breath of fire” exercise) and then close the class with a beautiful cup of tea and some light conversation. Read more

Look how they shine for you, in everything you do!

My husband recently found this video and shared it with me. I wanted to share it with all of you, it’s beautiful!

There are many different styles of yoga

I am a newbie in the yoga world, I’ve only been to less than 5 yoga classes. Nonetheless, I’ve already found there are many different styles of yoga teaching. The key is to find the style that is right for you.

Initially I attended a yoga class that I would say is closer in style to a general fitness class. Meaning, very quick transition from one pose to the next pose. Although I definitely worked up a sweat in that one, it wasn’t really what I was looking for. There in lies the key, what are you looking for in a yoga class?

My second yoga class was at CNY Healing Arts Center with Kim Fischer. Ahh, I found exactly what I was looking for. A combination of a good yoga workout with the additional meditation and calming of the mind that I so needed. That particular evening my mind was numb from the racing thoughts and Kim’s class was like a prescription for calm.

I only had one hurdle, I spent over an hour in travel time to get to and from the class. Now, we all know time is precious and this was a bit of a hurdle for me. So much to do in a day and so little time

I knew I needed a regular yoga class but I also was determined to find one that was closer to home. Last night I hit pay dirt! I found what seems to be the best kept secret in town, a lovely yoga class with Bonita Shear that is held weekly at the Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, NY. The class was wonderful and had the 2 main ingredients I so needed: a physical workout as well as meditation for calming my mind.

If you have been searching for that perfect yoga class and are near the Skaneateles area, look no further. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, Yoga with Bonita Shear at Stella Maris. Come, you won’t regret it If you want further information about the class you can contact Bonita via email at bonitaim@roadrunner.com or by phone at 315.685.6759. Bonita is also a regular contributor here on MindBodySmile.com – click here to visit her author page.

Christine Briel
SkaneatelesTalk.com

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