CORE CONNECTION Volume 1 Spring 05 Nia: An Invitation to Move, to Feel, and to Heal by Barb Wesson Looking for an opportunity to exercise, have fun, be creative, feel free, and tap into the body’s healing power all at the same time? Try a Nia class at CORE/El Centro! Nia was created with the idea that bouncing and jumping are out and expressive movement is in. Nia is a cardiovascular work-out guided by an instructor who gives directions. There is sweating involved and it is a group exercise, but that’s about where the similarities with traditional exercise end. Nia was created to offer a way to exercise the body, the mind, the emotions, and the spirit. Everything is connected, therefore everything should be exercised! Nia is a combination of nine dif- ferent movement modalities: Tai Chi, Aikido, TaeKwonDo, Modern dance, Duncan dance, Jazz, Yoga, Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais®. Physically, Nia provides the body with a seemingly limitless variety of movement combinations as the disciplines are interchanged freely in each class. Switching from Tai Chi to Jazz stimulates the nervous system and helps tone our quick response abilities. Mentally, each modality carries its own visualization pat- terns and challenges both sides of the brain by crossing patterns as the left and right sides of the body execute different movements. Emotionally, the modalities provide different expressive opportu- nities. TaeKwonDo offers powerful strikes with sound behind them. Duncan dance encourages us to throw our arms into the skies and yell yes with passion! Aikido blades sweep and we sound a grounded no! Modern dance has us giggling as we create funny shapes with our bodies. With Nia, one can express oneself from the soul and let the spirit play. Nia does not subscribe to any one spiritual or religious practice, but it does support acknowledging our spirit and allowing that to enter into the dance. This, and so much more, makes for a very wonderful way to get fit and play at the same time! Nia uses music that inspires and carries its own ability to move a person in different ways. Movement inspires all persons to tap into their creativity, expres-sion, feelings, and abilities of their body. As individuals feel this expression of energy, they recog- nize the strength, abilities, and healing potential within their own body. Nia invites us to move, to feel, to heal. Nia leads to benefits for each individual. Some individuals heal old wounds, others develop greater confidence, many lose weight and feel more energized. Individuals often let go of painful emotions, work through psychological challenges, invite greater joy into their lives, and recognize the healing power within the self. Nia encourages us to recognize body movement and expression as a way to dance through life! Classes with a variety of wonderful instructors are offered daily in the beautiful movement space of CORE/El Centro, Milwau-kee’s largest dance studio. Come and move, feel, and heal with Nia! See our “Mentoring with Movement & Meaning” page 2 What’s Inside CORE/El Centro provides for personal and global healing through the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Founders Co-Executive Directors Jayne Ader Madeline Gianforte, CSA Board of Directors Diane Ames Maria Acevedo Rosie Gianforte John Gianforte Noor Jawad Mary Mollison, CSA Marcos Ramos Contact information: 611 W. National Ave Milwaukee WI, 53204 (P) 414-384-2673 (F) 414-384-4585 (E) info@core-elcentro.org Creative Director Jeff Seipel Photographer Sue Bartfield Writers Barb Wesson, Sue Emlen, Jillian Holy Editors Pat Bogenschuetz, CSA Jillian Holy Translation Fernando Velasquez Araceli Arevalo Printing donated by Assurant Health Graphic design donated by Blue Star Creative Dancing Nia with a big Yes! at CORE/El Centro Health & Knowledge . . . . . . . .2 Nia Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Founders’ Greeting . . . . . . . . .2 Journey to Wellness . . . . . . . . .3 Funds & Friends . . . . . . . . . . .3 Program Services . . . . . . . . . .3 Volunteer News . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Seasonal Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . .4 CORE Connection Barb Wesson is Milwaukee’s first Nia instructor. She has been an instructor for eight years and teaches six classes weekly at CORE/El Centro. Health and Knowledge Corner by Susie De LaRosa Move and Burn! A calorie is a unit of energy or heat measured in joules. Most of us associate calories with food, but they really relate to anything containing energy. For example, 1 gallon of gasoline = 31 million calories. For this article, we will focus on calories in food. Food labels use a measure of calories. In order to just survive (breathe, move, organ function), energy in the form of calories is being used. Calorie breakdown: 1 gm carbohydrate = 4 calories 1 gm protein = 4 calories 1 gm fat = 9 calories We burn calories from the food we eat through a very intricate metabolic process. Carbohydrates are broken into glucose and other sugars, fats are broken into glycerol, and fatty acids and proteins are broken into amino acids. These molecules are transported via the blood stream to our cells where they are used for energy. There are three main factors involved in determining how many calories your body needs per day: your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. BMR is the amount of energy our bodies burn at rest. Thermic effect is the amount of energy our body needs to break down the foods we eat. The number of calories burned during physical activity varies in accordance to our weight. One hour of the following activities, based on body weight, will burn: Body weight 130 lbs 155 lbs 190lbs General aerobics 354 422 518 High impact 413 493 604 Low impact 295 352 431 Child care 207 246 302 House cleaning 207 246 302 Dancing, Nia 354 422 518 Tai Chi 236 281 345 Gentle Yoga 148 176 216 Active Yoga 260 315 365 Walking 207 246 302 Kickboxing 590 704 863 Jogging 413 493 604 In summary, the more we move, the more calo- ries we burn. Come to CORE/El Centro and try out a movement class. That topic will be addressed in a future issue. Susie (Sulema) De LaRosa, R.N., LAc, MSOM, has been a registered nurse for 28 years and a practitioner of Oriental Medicine for 4 years. Mentoring with Movement and Meaning by Jillian Holy Being part of the CORE/El Centro (CEC) community and practicing Nia have brought about unique opportunities and connections among three women from various walks of life. Barb Wesson has taught Nia for eight years. Her connection to CEC and her passion for Nia allowed her the opportunity to mentor two women from Milwaukee’s Hispanic community as they have journeyed towards becoming Nia instructors. Maria Acevedo and Alicia Barajas found healing and personal growth through Nia at CEC. Maria expressed, “Nia has allowed me to become one with myself, connect with my spirit, and embrace who I am. It also helps to release stress. After Nia, I feel balanced. I go home and am present for my children.” Alicia found joy and self-care through Nia. “I liked dancing ever since I was a child. I fell away from it when I got married and had children. Nia brought me back to movement. I started to be more conscious of taking care of my body.” Barb Wesson saw these women grow as they embraced Nia. With her encouragement and the financial support of CEC, Maria and Alicia participated in Nia White Belt Teacher Training. Barb helping Maria and Alicia with steps and beats Learning from Nia and one another has been a powerful opportunity for all three. Maria felt that Barb’s support was essential in nurturing her teaching skills to embody what Nia is all about. “Barb spent time and energy in helping me with the steps and music. Due to her patience, I felt more confident. I learned from her, shadowed her for a year, and grew into my own teaching.” Alicia also has tapped into her abilities through Barb’s mentoring. “Barb answers my questions and helps me find strength, confidence, and overcome my fears. She helps me push myself further because she knows I can do it. She believes in me.” Barb has benefited from the opportunity to work with these incredible women. They have inspired her and built up her confidence as a teacher and mentor. “Mentoring is important to me because I believe Nia should be taught true to its integrity. These women have abilities and skills to bring the joy, spirit, and integrity of Nia into Milwaukee’s Hispanic community.” Directors’ Greetings! Welcome to the very first edition of our CORE/El Centro newsletter, which will be issued three times a year and is designed to inform and inspire! We passionately believe that the most effective healing happens when natural healing modalities are integrated with traditional medical practices and that ALL people deserve to have access to holistic healing. In January of 2002, we opened our doors in the Esperanza Unida Building in the heart of Milwaukee’s Hispanic neighborhood. We strive to offer people of all income levels a space to gather to form community and break down barriers of social isolation, ethnic, racial, and cultural separation. We provide opportunities for people to access the healing power inside of them. The community’s response has been overwhelming, and the demand for our services keeps escalating. We are delighted to share our story with you and invite you to join us in our mission of healing! When you finish reading this, please pass it along to your family and friends! Jayne Ader Madeline Gianforte CORE/El Centro Welcomes the Community Volunteer News Programs and Services CORE/El Centro Services: Bodywork Services: Massage (Prenatal, Swedish, Neuromuscular), Acupuncture, Reiki, Brennan Healing Science, Color Therapy, Healing Touch Movement classes: Yoga, NIA, Pilates, Trance Dance, Walking Club, Capoeira, Children’s ballet (pre-registration required) Outreach: Wellness presentations for workplaces, schools, or other organizations. Bodywork fees are paid per session. Monthly movement fees include unlimited classes, and can begin at any time during the month. The first movement class is always free for new clients. Our mission is to increase access for all people, so our fees are based on a sliding fee scale which is determined by household income and number of dependents in the home. Everyone can afford access, and those who can pay full price not only receive quality care, but also subsidize another’s services. Everyone wins; individuals heal, families and communities become healthier, and the world is a more peaceful place. Let’s Get Together Join us for orientation/training! Interested in volunteering at CORE/El Centro? Or are you a current volunteer and would like to connect with other volunteers? Join us for an orientation/training to achieve greater understanding of the integrated healing model of CORE/El Centro. Our next volunteer orientation/training will be held on Tuesday, April 12th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. We welcome massage therapists, acupuncturists, energy workers, and movement instructors. We also need volunteers in the areas of office assistance, publicity, and children’s activities. Contact CORE/El Centro via telephone or e-mail for more information. Thank You Celebration In appreciation of the gifts of our volunteers, we will unite in celebration and share a festive Brazilian meal together on April 12th. Volunteers will share their stories, knowledge, and joyful healing energy with one another. CORE/El Centro relies on the time, dedication, and healing skills of our valuable volunteers. Thank you, on behalf of the CORE/El Centro staff, clients, and community. Focus on Our Helping Hands With deep appreciation, we recognize the two years of dedication of massage therapist Andrea Kremer. Andrea began her time at CORE/El Centro as a volunteer and eventually moved into a staff position. Through her massage, kindness, sincerity, and dedication to the mission of CORE, Andrea has touched the lives of many and positively shaped how CORE has grown. We wish Andrea luck as she begins a new full time position in counseling. Her passion for healing others will be remembered and will continue to inspire staff and clients. My Journey to Wellness by Reymunda I was experiencing breathing problems and anxiety which led to sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, headaches, and pain. As a single mother of five and a full time social work assistant, I felt unable to muster the energy I needed to function. I needed to push myself through daily activities. My parish priest recommended that I try out breathwork treatment at CORE/El Centro. I remember how I felt on my first visit to CORE/El Centro prior to my breathwork treatment. I was so tired, I could hardly open my eyes. I experienced relaxation and less anxiety immediately. I gained knowledge of techniques that I can use to help myself when I am anxious and cannot sleep. I also received acupuncture for the extreme dryness in my mouth. This dryness often led to a choking sensation and difficulty breathing. Acupuncture helped alleviate the dryness and enabled me to sleep better through the night. I feel comfortable and respected when I communicate with natural healing practitioners at CORE/El Centro. I feel like a partner in my own healing. I am thankful for the healing and sense of aliveness that I have achieved through treatment at CORE/El Centro. Fun, Friends and Funds We celebrate the success of our second annual fundraiser, which occurred on November 13th, 2004. The event consisted of wellness presentations, a silent auction, a craft marketplace, children’s activities, a drumming circle, and a grand finale of performances by flutist Christy Snow and the multicultural ensemble One Drum. This event could not have happened without the planning committee, volunteers, donors, and attendees of the event. Thank you! Together, we raised over $20,000 for the mission of CORE/El Centro. Save the date of November 12th, 2005 so that you can join us for another fundraising celebration. CORE Connection is available in English and Spanish Reymunda Yoga for Seasonal Transition by Sue Emlen Spring is a time for new beginnings. It is also a time for cleaning house. Why not try a yoga class this spring? Yoga offers a way to detoxify the body by combining stretching, strengthening, and breath work along with relaxation techniques to cleanse our bodies and minds. We learn to listen to ourselves and look inward with greater awareness. One of the wonderful aspects of yoga is that our own body is all we really need to begin practice at home or in a class. Postures can be adjusted for all levels of physical ability. Yoga is for everyone! It meets us wherever we are in terms of strength, flexibility, and balance. CORE/EL Centro offers several classes weekly, and beginners are always welcome. So this spring, let’s get off our couches, join others in a class at CORE/El Centro, and allow the body to stretch, detoxify, and engage in spring cleaning of its own! NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI PERMIT NO. 3819 Upcoming Events Volunteer Orientation/Training: April 26th, 6:30pm-8:00pm For current volunteers and those interested in volunteering in the future. This orientation will feature the topic of the integrated model of healing services at CORE/El Centro. NIA Challenge - (English) begins April 5th and meets Tuesday nights from 8pm-9:30pm (Spanish) begins June 4th and meets on Saturday mornings from 8:30am- 10:00am. Nia offers a very special opportunity that is particularly helpful for those dealing with the challenges of diabetes, weight loss, stress, and depression. This program consists of 13 consecutive sessions. Children’s activities will be offered at this time. Jana Stanfield concert: May 20th in the CORE/El Centro movement space. Call Barb Wesson for more details 467-5862 Living Activism evening at the Coffee House: May 15th, 7:00pm Join CORE/El Centro to support our programs and mission by enjoying quality live music. 631 N. 19th Street, Milwaukee. Free will donation, all proceeds benefit CORE/El Centro Trance Dance Weekend: June 18th-20th, Call CORE/El Centro for more details. Transformations in the Workplace: 3:00pm-4:00pm Free admission and casual networking will follow presentations. This program consists of 3 sessions to include: Session 1-Corporate Health: March 31st, Presenters: Marcos Ramos and Sheryl Stern: Session 2-Purpose and Passion Precede Success: April 28th, Presenters: Jim Morningstar and Di Eisold Session 3-Empowering Sales: May 24th, Presenter: Mary Moss Reiki level I Training - Reiki is a nonintrusive method of hands-on healing which addresses chronic and acute conditions promoting balance and healing, Call CORE/El Centro for further details. Healing Touch Workshop Learn and experience healing through this energy-based treatment. Call CORE/El Centro for further details. Thank you for being part of the CORE/El Centro community by taking an interest and being aware of our mission, events, and programs. Please help us to enable this newsletter to better serve you and our community. All feedback, comments, client stories, and future article submissions are welcomed and appreciated. Contact Jillian: (414) 384-2673 or email: jillianh@core-elcentro.org Sue Emlen has been teaching yoga for over 10 years throughout Milwaukee and the North Shore area. Her background of study has been in the Iyengar tradition, but she also has worked in various styles including ashtanga, anusara, viniyoga, and two years of studying with visiting monks of the Jian order. Bryant adjusts yoga warrior posture CORE Connection is available in English and Spanish CORE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER WHAT’S INSIDE Health & Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Nia Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Founders’ Greeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Journey to Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Funds & Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Program Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Volunteer News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Seasonal Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson CORE/El Centro 611 West National Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-384-2673 (core)