Monthly Memo
Dear Friends,
One of the most intense eclipses in a long time … the Total Solar Eclipse in Aries- exact on Monday April 8 2:21 pm EST.
Both eclipses in this cycle are on a Monday – the weekday named after the Moon…
Exact at 19° this total solar eclipse activates a very rare phenomenon:
A triple conjunction of Sun, Moon and Chiron, with Chiron at exactly the same degree and minute – 19° 24” in Aries.
What’s even more exciting is the emphasis on new beginnings!
19° reduces to 10 and 1 – number of beginnings.
This is a total New Moon Eclipse.
Sun and Moon are conjunct the North Node (symbol of the future).
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, signifying a new era.
Most of the planets are in a conjunction – a symbol of new beginnings!
All 7 Planets will be visible in the sky at the moment of the April 8th Eclipse. This type of event with all 7 planets is beyond rare.
Do not forget to look for the devil comet as well. It is visible by Pisces now.
On April 8, the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun, creating a solar eclipse. It will be the last time for more than 20 years that Americans will be able to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun. If you can be outside on April 8, you are probably going to want to be.
A total eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, happens about every year and a half. And it is not common for the same places to see one more than once in several generations. According to NASA, the same spots on earth only see eclipses for a few minutes once in every 375 years.
The next total solar eclipse we will be able to see from the contiguous United States will not be until August of 2044. If you want to see the Moon pass entirely in front of the Sun, this is your chance for this generation.
April ~ Stress Awareness Month
This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place.
I have been thinking about motivation. Why we do what we do. How to make changes. Why we create certain things in our lives. It comes down to effort many times. We seemed to be pulled in many directions. Some things take effort to make happen, but it is worth it. Small changes can make a big difference. I hope this month you set out to find the joy in your life through intentions/goals; the doing to experience happiness.
Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to-do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you are not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities pile onto our plates. The thing about stress is, that a little bit of it is not necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find a healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life.
A small amount of stress occasionally is a good thing because it means you are working hard and you care about what you are doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you are living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress does not allow us to think straight and is overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, etc.
This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place. We are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high.
Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.
1. Exercise. You have probably heard this one before, and even though it is probably not exactly what you want to do when you are feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
2. Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are helpful.
3. Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music, and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings. Creating a Gratitude practice.
4. Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it is tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
5. Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
Spring is here it has been filled with snowstorms and sunny warm days. Hope this season is treating you well. I enjoyed the wonderful spring skiing at Killington; completed 51 days, (my record). I swim for the low-impact cardio exercise and am looking forward to exploring new hiking trails.
If you need to schedule an appointment, I am happy to find a time for you. My schedule will make seasonal changes. Reading this Monthly Memo and Current Offerings pages will provide updates. Below I have listed weekly, monthly, and quarterly offerings. Please note this page is updated frequently.
Spring Wellness Appointments:
Scheduling Monday ~ Saturday. PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com or (802)345-5244.
Sessions are scheduled by appointment only. Please check out my latest Wellness Wednesday recording.
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Yoga~
Thursday Yoga, 12:30-1:30 PM
Registration required for group classes, space is limited to 10 guests per class. $15.00 per class.
Weekly Thursday Yoga classes featuring different themes to bring you into the Vermont seasons of change with comfort and joy; combining the best of Kripalu, Subtle, Mindfulness, Restorative, and Astrology; including monthly topics/lessons/reflections in the Chakras, Yamas and Niyamas.
April: monthly class topics are:
Chakra is the Throat. The throat center is the smallest energy center and responds to sounds and chant as an activating practice. Use sacred chant or toning the bija sound HAM 16 times to open the center. If you find that you have difficulty speaking up, speaking your truth, or speaking honestly - this is the center that needs refinement. Sing, speak compassionately and find higher levels of creativity and organization as a way to tap into the power of the throat center.
April Yama is Brahmacharya - Nonexcess, (see below for details and weekly exploration)
Wellness Events in May
Thursday Yoga, 12:30-1:30 PM
Restorative Yoga, Friday 5/17 at 5:30-6:30 PM
Yomassage Class, Monday, 5/6 at 4:30-5:45 PM
Reiki Share for Reiki Attuned Practitioners, Thursday, 5/30 at 10:00-11:30 AM
Video Library has complimentary Yoga Classes for you to enjoy.
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, meaning to unite, come together, or yolk. It’s a union of body, mind, and soul with universal consciousness. The physical postures of Hatha Yoga prepare the body for sitting by making the body more supple and by stimulating the systems to expel toxins caused by our modern diet and lifestyle. It also plays an important role in preparing our bodies for the following limbs. There are eight limbs of yoga. They are — ‘Yama’ (abstinence), ‘asana’ (yoga postures), ‘Dharana’ (concentration), ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘pratyahara’ (withdrawal of the senses), ‘niyama’ (observances), ‘dhyana’ (meditation), and ‘samadhi’ (absorption).”
I will share a monthly opportunity for you to learn and reflect with the Yamas and Niyamas with weekly exploration. Using the book 'The Yamas & Niyamas Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice' by Deborah Adele. A weekly recording found in the 'Wellness Wednesday' page.
Yamas ~
The Yamas address the fact that we are social creatures, alive on a planet of other life forms where we need to learn to live together and share the goods. The Yamas, or restraints, invite us into an adult relationship with the world, where we see past our own needs into the collective good. Guiding us into harmony, peace, and the right relationship with the world.
April
Brahmacharya - Nonexcess
Whether we find ourselves overdoing food, work, exercise, or sleep, excess is often a result of forgetting the sacredness of life. The fourth jewel, literally means "walking with God" and invites us into an awareness of the sacredness of all of life.
~ Deborah Adele
Exploration week four: This week contemplate your own divinity. Are you willing to be sacred?
Write down three practices that connect you to your passion and your sacredness.
Be true to the purpose and limits
of each thing in existence.
Behave purely and serve purely
the reality of what you are given
by making every human function
without exception
a religious act
of sacrifice and worship.
~ Joseph Campbell
MEDITATION
~ Weekly: "Wellness Wednesdays", short meditation. Found in the Wellness Wednesday page.
~ In the Video Library are 2 free meditations: New Moon and Full Moon these are short meditation recordings to use as self-care guides with reflection and journaling options.
Leap Year Day Meditation 2/29 ~ https://youtu.be/-hEV9swVq4E?si=cMnXNHcO44FJh-Ze
21-Day Restful Reiki Renewal meditation recording (15 mins) ~
~ January 22 ~ https://youtu.be/4vaeP4-T2ps?si=p2i8RTwX2WxI9NEE
~ January 29 ~ https://youtu.be/ihssq_q6nxA?si=1rE1RLOMXrkolklj
Imbolc Meditation ~ https://youtu.be/I846Bv0bT_E?si=PDZW9SZDkxALahg9
Winter Solstice Meditation ~ The winter solstice marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year. This meditation may be enjoyed as a Yoga Nidra; getting completely comfortable, warm and supported in a relaxation pose like Shavasana. May it's wisdom ripple through your life. Let stillness and darkness be your teachers as the old year ends and the new year begins. 12/21/23
https://youtu.be/9DSNtchoMTI?si=BYc3lHc7ny3fTfd1
The New Moon phase is when you make time for yourself. Awaken and align your energy with this practice and plant the seeds of your future dreams, make wishes and commitments to yourself, and to set your intentions. The New Moon is in a different zodiac sign each month, exploring meditation, and an opportunity for journaling as a self-care tool. Suggestive supplies: journal paper and pen, water. See Monthly Memo for information. Free recording, found in Video Library and view here: https://youtu.be/aWapvI0r6Qw
April 8 ~ Super New Moon Eclipse in Aries
At the time of the eclipse, a portal is opening up for you to quantum-jump into the next chapter of your life. To access this portal is to spend the week in as high-vibrational a state: chant, do yoga, walk in nature; do whatever it takes for you to feel good, as you daydream about your life.
Healing ~ Power ~ Second Chances ~ Change-making
Step up and do what needs to be done. Take action. Set intentions. This will provide the needed support for you to embrace changes.
New Moon Wishes and Intensions:
1. My current biggest, most audacious goal, wish, or intention is: __________________
2. Turn it into an affirmation. Write it as if it has already happened.
3. Action steps:
3a. In the next 24-hours
3b. In the coming week
3c. In the month ahead
On this New Moon cycle, I bring in success
and financial abundance. I bring in a healing
to my body. I bring in the abundance
of love. I bring in peaceful energy to all my
relationships with other people. I bring in
confidence and courage. I bring in positive
energy to my mind, words and actions.
I manifest all my goals.
The Full Moon is the high point of the lunar cycle. It is a very powerful time for inner work. The Full Moon takes place in a different sign of the zodiac each month. In this session, you will experience two healing meditations: the Full Moon Forgiveness and Gratitude practices. Suggestive supplies: journal paper and pen, water. Free recording, found in Video Library. View recording: https://youtu.be/CspiNV1DIwE
April 23 ~ Full Moon in Scorpio
The Full Moon is always about finding balance. In this case, we have the Sun in the sign of Taurus and the Moon in the sign of Scorpio and are being asked to find a balance between being practical and feeling all our feelings.
~ Aftershocks ~ Adjustments ~ Release of jealously ~ Healing
"Under the glorious Full Moon,
I forgive everything, everyone, every experience,
every memory of the past or present that needs forgiveness.
I forgive positively everyone.
I also forgive myself of past mistakes.
The Universe is Love and I am forgiven and governed by Love alone.
Love is now adjusting my life.
Realizing this, I abide in Peace."
Warmest Wellness Wishes,
Petra
Book: The Yamas & Niyamas, by Deborah Adele
Book: One Word That Will Change Your Life, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, Jimmy Page
https://jongordon.com/book/one-word/
Book: Breath ~ The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book
Book: The Vital Spark by Lisa Marchiano LCSW
https://nationaltoday.com/national-nutrition-month/
https://downshiftology.com/holiday-recipes/easter-recipes/
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-just-do-it-day/
https://nationaltoday.com/international-mind-body-wellness-day/
https://www.almanac.com/what-new-moon
https://medium.com/promptly-written/sound-garden-9574013e8c7b
https://chopra.com/articles/9-practices-for-seasonal-detoxification
https://downshiftology.com/diet/whole-30-recipes/
https://b985.fm/voted-best-of-the-best-surveys-are-these-really-accurate/
https://nationaltoday.com/national-vermont-day/
https://www.vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/onlinemarket
HOURS:
Open: Monday through Saturday
Closed: Sunday
Scheduling by appointment only
Petra O’Neill, Petra‘s Wellness Studio's sole practitioner has provided holistic integrated therapeutic wellness in Vermont since 1996.
Thank you for your patronage and honoring me with the vote in two categories; Best of the Best for 2023. 1. Best Massage Therapy and 2. Best Facial/Skin Care.