Symposia Community Events – February 2014
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer” Albert Camus
$8 Yoga Class – Every Wednesday at 7 pm
Have you always shied away from Yoga because you thought you weren’t very flexible?
Symposia is now opening its doors to a new environment for yoga practice: small classes, taught in a supportive, non-competitive manner, with individual attention. Students will be gently guided through basic yoga postures, yogic breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
After the class, feel free to linger, have a cup of tea, chat. Refreshments will be served.
Certified Yoga Instructor Carmen Rusu
For more information, contact Carmen: 201-805-1739 or carpathian_air@yahoo.com
FREE Breastfeeding Support Group for Pregnant Moms-to-be and Nursing Moms – Friday, Jan. 31st at 7 pm
Come in and share your breastfeeding journey/plans and gain support from other breastfeeding moms in our community. We will discuss health benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, ways to achieve your breastfeeding goals, common problems and anything else on your mind. Discussion is welcome!
It’s open to all pregnant moms-to-be (breastfeeding education should start before you give birth) and nursing moms (breastfed babies are welcome, nursing covers not needed).
Very limited space. Registration required. To register, email Veronika at BamboolaBaby@gmail.com by Wednesday, January 29th.
More info:
www.BamboolaBaby.com (http://bamboolababy.com/services/breastfeeding-support/)
Mental Illness, the Civil Rights Issue of Our Time – Presented by Brenda Luchetti, psychiatric counselor at Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken on Feb. 6th at 6 pm
Mental illness is common not unusual. People who struggle with this illness ordinary or extraordinary, are as different from each other as is the case with everyone else. As a group of people I see mental illness as the last diversity issue. We have stigmatized, shunned, and excluded those who suffer from mental disorders just as we have done to other groups we considered to be “different,” such as non-white racial groups and homosexuals. Mental illness is the last territory to be explored and normalized. It is time to find ways to include those who suffer from it in our society. Compassion and human dignity demands it.
We live in interesting times for people with mental illness. In addition to the usual negative media stereotypes in the media that dramatize and magnify the violence perpetrated by individuals that have a mental illness, there are new positive and powerful role models. These role models are people that struggle with schizophrenia and also have successful lives and careers. The New York times has been running stories about these role models that create new hope and a new template for what is possible.
Elyn Saks is a successful attorney who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her book tells about her experience with extended stays in psychiatric hospitals while she was pursing her degree at Yale. Patricia Degan a woman who was told that she would never work after being diagnosed with schizophrenia went on to get her PhD and to create a company where she sells products that teach mental health professionals what it feels like to hallucinate and teach consumers how to talk to their psychiatrist about the medication they are taking. She encourages consumers to dream and to create lives for themselves and to fight to keep hope alive. Both of these women inspire others who struggle in the same way they do. Sid Barrett, the voice behind the successful rock band, Pink Floyd struggled with schizophrenia. Martin Ramirez considered by some to be among the finest artists of the 20thcentury created his works while being institutionalized. Granted these people are the stars, and this is not possible for everyone but their voice creates a new template. Is there life after schizophrenia? I say Yes.
For more information, contact Brenda at bluchetti@Hobokenumc.com
Public Voice Salon presents: A Humanizing, non I-podded, Face Citizen Dialogue – Friday Feb.7th at 7 pm
Husband and wife media producers John Bredin & Claudia Canasto bring their democratizing TV show Public Voice Salon back to Symposia Bookstore—where they launched it in 2010—for an evening of humane, unscripted citizen conversation.
The show’s main themes are education, the arts, and social change. Within this broad framework, the talk is encouraged to unfold and develop in a non- structured, organic, and meandering way. Like a stream winding its way through the forest. Or an improvised piece of jazz music. In our often harried, stressful world of deadlines, obligations, and over-work, this is a rare space to slow down, think and talk with others, and reclaim our humanity. Stories, transformations, and epiphanies are welcome. So are reflections on art works that have moved you, in the past or recently, along with the sharing of art (a poem, piece of an essay or novel, painting, song, etc.) Goals of this project include inspiring hope for a better world, overcoming alienation, and fostering a sense of connection and community.
The main panel will be limited to 8 people, sitting in a circle, with room for a small audience. The program will be televised and aired in NYC, where it is wired to a million homes on pubic access cable, and also in Hudson County.
Light refreshments will be served.
The event is free, but e-mail info@publicvoicesalon.com if you want to be on the panel.
Lily’s Lessons in Love – a Valentine Event for All – Saturday, Feb. 8th at 7 pm
Imagine a world where love is taught to all who come. Young and old, are you ready spend a night that will transform your life? Come and join me, lily of the valley, for a night of poetry and song that connect us all. This is a preview of a show that is yet to come.
-Original songs
-Sing-a-longs
-Writing poetry together
-Guitarist who has come from across the land
-Old classic love songs
-My experience will love. Which will leave you laughing.
A suggested donation of $5 would be appreciated
For more information, contact Lily at Lily.suda@gmail.com
Ph: 646-318-0935
Lovefest – Valentine Party – Feb. 11th at 7 pm
Come celebrate LOVE with us at Symposia at our annual Valentine’s Day Party!
Bring some delicious food to share, as well as some thoughts on what love means to you. It could be anything – a favorite poem, a drawing, a photograph, a craft, a song, a story, or a talent. Let us know how love has impacted your life in 2013, and why you couldn’t imagine living life without it!!!
For more information, or to sign up, call Carmen at 201-805-1739 or write to carpathian_air@yahoo.com
Find Your Voice, Tell Your Story & Achieve Your Dreams – Thursday Feb. 13th, 6.30 to 8.30 pm
Everyone has a story to tell. When we begin to find our authentic voices, through a program of journaling, memoir-based writing, and open dialogue with others, our personal stories—often long suppressed through lack of nurturance and other oppressive structures—begin to emerge and take shape. Stories are valuable not only because they’re fun and entertaining to tell and listen to, but for their therapeutic and cognitive properties as well. According to psychologist Jerome Bruner’s research, human beings actually think in terms of story. As we learn to make better sense of our past and present through the wisdom of story, we gain better control of our future stories: a process that helps us move forward to achieve our biggest dreams. These dreams might include creative achievement, success in business and personal life, and making the world a better place.
This empowering, life changing workshop will be led by professor, author, and Hoboken resident John Bredin. John has inspired his students to find their voices, tell their stories, and go for their biggest dreams at Rutgers, Stevens, Montclair State University, and CUNY—and lots of other places too: including in community-based dialogues he likes to initiate. A graduate of Fordham and NYU, he is the author of, most recently, My Life as a Novel, and hosts a weekly cable tv show on education, the arts, and social change called Public Voice Salon.
The class is 2 hours long, is limited to 15 students, and costs $25 (cash or check, paid on the day of class).
Please register at jfbredin@hotmail.com. Bring a journal and pen, along with your stories and dreams!
The Spiral Path to Health and Happiness –with Natalia Brasnova, Feb. 18th at 7 pm
Life is an exciting journey, full of joy and sorrow, health and sickness, triumphs and falls.
Changes in our life are as natural as changes in nature even if we do not see it at first.
I would like to share with you teachings as old as humanity yet forgotten by people dwelling in the urban environment. Knowledge that would help you live a happier, healthier life.
This is not something new to you though, rather it is a treasure hidden inside you.
It would be my pleasure to help you find it.
Through discovering your very own treasures you will be able to be more intuitive, proactive, alive and joyful, create your very own medicine bag, or tool bag if you prefer.
Life is a constant dance, delicate balance of extremes and there is an art and science about it.
There are plenty of tools and I will introduce you to quite a few so you can choose those that work best for you. It could be dance, collage, storytelling or meditation. The choice is always yours.
I will teach you how to create your own rituals and show you ways to discover your very own map to follow, your very own story to create and tell.
This is not a path of enlightenment. This is a path of integration of all aspects of yourself, light and dark alike, all of it. A healthy dose of humor and ability not to take yourself and authorities too seriously is very helpful!
Natalia Krasnova studied Earth Science and presently she is practicing as a Shamanic Minister and a certified Shamanic Breathwork facilitator. She received her certification at Venus Rising University of North Carolina. VRU is the only Shamanic Psychospiritual University in the world!
http://venusrisinguniversity.org/index.php/about-vru/welcome-to-vru
She is also a certified Qoya teacher and practices movement as a way to remember who she is and stay true to her heart.
Qoya is a shift in consciousness through movement that evolves the way we have been taught to move our bodies as women. Drawn from the wisdom of yoga, creative expression in dance, and the pleasure found in sensual movement, Qoya helps women enjoy and revel in their feminine bodies.
Qoya classes combine the traditional benefits of fitness — including strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and agility training — with a unique empowering approach that is feminine, expressive, and, most importantly, fun. – See more at: http://www.rochelleschieck.com
For more information, contact Natalia at krasnatal@gmail.com
A Change of Season (Part 1) – Chinese medicine workshop – Thursday, Feb. 20th at 7 pm
Join us for a conversation about Traditional Chinese Medicine.
See how you can transition from Winter to Spring Smoothly and avoid that Seasonal Spring allergy cold with TCM Preparation and Prevention principals.
Traditional Chinese doctors were rewarded for preventing disease, and punished for allowing their patients to get sick! Wow, that is a great concept for today’s wellness mindset.
Let’s use this viewpoint to look at key aspects of the TCM 5 Element Theory to illustrate the importance of cooperation that will allow us to transition smoothly from Winter to Spring.
Learn and Practice a simple an important Energy Gate for headaches and sinuses and a Wu Ming Qigong Movement that you can do daily to ease Spring into your life.
Learn 5 easy tips you can do to increase your immune system
Taste and discuss healing foods, recipes and herbs that will optimally support you from Winter to Spring.
I look forward to meeting you.
Qifully,
Janine Berger-Gillet
qiforwellness.com
Guitar Circle – Every Thursday at 8.30 pm
Come jam with local guitar players in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Share your favorite songs and learn new ones. All playing levels and styles are welcome!
To register or for more info, contact Carlos at chaase@chdesignsolutions.com
PUPPETONIA – Puppet Shows for Babies and Toddlers
Since its inception, Puppetonia has taught children so much more than just their ABC’s and 123′s. The music and puppet shows incorporate important social skills, early academics, thinking skills, motor skills, and self-expression.
The music is fun and upbeat, and the children are encouraged to move to the rhythm, follow verbal instructions, practice sequential movements, and have a great time. And there are bubbles galore!
For a sample of our shows, check these links:
REGULAR SCHEDULE:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10 and 11 am
Mon: 4 pm
BABY PUPPETONIA: Tue and Thu at 1.30 pm
SATURDAY SHOWS ARE SPORADIC. STAY TUNED:)
Two new shows every week.
No reservation required.
For more info, call or text: (201) 805-1739
Email: puppetonia@gmail.com or visit www.puppetonia.com
Puppet Yoga for Babies – Every Wednesday at 1.30 pm
PUPPETONIA has added a new class for babies (5 weeks to crawling)
You will learn baby yoga techniques that will help with your infant’s sleep cycles, digestion and fussiness. Silly songs, toys, puppets, hugs, kisses and giggles make this a not to be missed class experience for you and your infant.
Gentle baby asanas and massages are also incorporated to help you learn how to calm and teach basic motor development to your baby. You will learn appropriate, therapeutic strokes for each area of the body, as well as ways to bring body awareness to your baby, without overstimulation.
Yoga practiced with your baby is a powerful way to connect with your new child and opportunity to join or create a community of new mothers and friends with similar goals and parenting styles.
Instructor: Carmen Rusu, Yoga Alliance and Karma Kids certified teacher.
Price: $10
Register by text at 201-805-1739 or by email at carpathian_air@yahoo.com
For more information, contact Carmen at 201-805-1739 or Carpathian_air@yahoo.com
