Demonstrations of Constellation Healing scheduled

Lake House Health & Learning Center will host a series of eight demonstration sessions, "Constellation, Ancestors And Healing," about a new intergenerational healing method starting July 26 with Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP, a licensed clinical social worker and educator.

The method is Systemic Constellation Work, an unconventional therapeutic method which began in Germany about 30 years ago and is rapidly expanding throughout the United States and the world and is being applied to organizational development and education.

Carnabucci will discuss the process and lead a demonstration; a psychotherapist and educator specializing in mind-body and alternative therapies, she has been recently certified as a facilitator through advanced training with the Stark Institute of Germany and The Hellinger Center of D.C.

Systemic Family Constellations are unlike cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapies in their origin, form and purpose. They succeed by diminishing the unconscious impulses that drive destructive and self-defeating behaviors and allow new connections to emerge.

The method involves very little talk and focuses on body sensations and feelings that people experience when placed to represent one's family members, including ancestors that are unknown. Those standing are moved until the representatives feel a sense of peace. Much of the work focuses on family rank and what are
called "orders of love." It shows little of what most would call traditional psychotherapy and does not follow traditional psychological ideas.

The two-hour mini-demonstration sessions will include: 

•       A discussion of the background of Constellation Work and how it was developed.
•       The approach of the method and how family rank and love are viewed.
•       A demonstration of the process.

Dates include: 

• 3 p.m. July 26
• 10 am. July 29
• 3 p.m. Aug. 2
• 10 a.m. Aug. 7
• 3 p.m. Aug. 16
• 10 a.m. Aug. 19
• 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24
• 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31

In addition, Carnabucci will present a full-day program, "Stories of the Ancestors," from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Lake House. The day will focus on opportunities to address personal issues and is open to laypersons and professionals with continuing education and psychodrama credits provided.

Professionals and laypersons are welcome to attend and may observe or participate. There is no fee for the mini-demonstrations although a free will offering or donations to the Racine County Food Bank are welcome. In some cases participants may be able to use their health insurance for the session.

Interested persons may attend as many sessions as they wish and should call (262) 633-2645 to register or with questions. Space is limited and reservations are suggested.

Lake House is located at 932 Lake Ave., Racine. Directions and more information are online.

'Intuitive healer' hosting series of classes and events in Racine this month

Intuitive healer Markus Kasunich (right) will host a series of classes, lectures and events in Racine this month. Kasunic lives in an ashram in Southern California, but has developed a local following in recent years. Below is a schedule of his local events:

Tuesday, July 20

“Life in Balance – Exploring and Applying the Universal Laws”
Location: Studio 237 – Images by Camela, 237 Main Street, Racine
Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm. Presentation at 7:30 pm.
Cost: Free will donation will be collected benefiting Eat Right Racine

Enjoy a discourse and discussion about the universal laws, understanding human energy dynamics, and how we can apply these principals in our personal relationships and our every-day lives. Drawing on his diverse background and years of spiritual training with Shamans, healers, mystics, and Masters from all over the globe, Markus Kasunich brings a personal, uplifting, and inspiring perspective to the topic of “Living in Balance,” making the sometimes obscure spiritual world practical and applicable for people from all walks of life. Join us in this engaging evening of discussion and exploration. Bring your questions!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

“My Spiritual Journey”
Location: Olympia Brown Unitarian Church, 625 College Avenue, Racine
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm

Markus Kasunich has lived the life of a true seeker. Studying with spiritual teachers and mentors worldwide, exploring his own intuitive gifts and connection to the Divine, his dauntless search finally led him to his Guru. In this evening’s discussion, he will share stories of his own spiritual journey and experiences as a healer, as well his life at Prema Drala Ashram, where he has served as Personal Assistant to Spiritual Master Louix Dor Dempriey (Bhagavan Sri Pranananda) for the past 10 years. Join us for an exciting and inspiring evening of reflection and self-discovery.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Pranayama Breathing
Location: DeKoven Center, Assembly Hall, 600 -21st Street, Racine
*LIMITED AVAILABILITY - RSVP @ http://www.meetup.com/Mind-Body-Spirit-Wisconsin
Time: 7:30-10:00 pm
Cost: $30 per person

Pranayama (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "restraint of the prana or breath". The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and "āyāma", to suspend or restrain. It is often translated as control of the life force (prana). When used as a technical term in yoga, it is often translated more specifically as "breath control".

This ecstatic breathing practice is done lying on the ground, using a specific breathing technique designed to move you into altered states of consciousness. Markus will facilitate by assisting each individual to maintain the breath and move energy within the body, as well as assisting in the removal of blockages and the integration of the pranayama experience. Be prepared for a journey into unprecedented states of consciousness. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Healing Circle
Location: Your Yoga Lifestyle, 518 College Avenue, Second Floor, Racine
Please RSVP @ http://www.meetup.com/Mind-Body-Spirit-Wisconsin
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm
Cost: $50 per person

Take this journey and exploration into your Self. This is a perfect opportunity to work on present life issues and circumstances, to receive guidance, and tools to transcend current life patterns and issues in an intimate, respectful, and safe setting. Markus will utilize various physical, energetic, and spiritual healing techniques used for centuries by healers, Shamans, and mystics to assist you, (wherever you are in your present life journey) to develop a deeper sense of self awareness, enrich your connection to spirit within, and assist you to gain higher states of consciousness. Please bring a note pad and pen, and a yoga mat or cushion.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

“Understanding Gurus and Spiritual Masters”
Location: DeKoven Center, Assembly Hall, 600 - 21st Street, Racine
Please RSVP @ http://www.meetup.com/Mind-Body-Spirit-Wisconsin
Time: 7:30-10:00 pm
Cost: By Donation

For the past ten years, Markus Kasunich has devoted himself to his own personal training and growth, alongside and under the direct guidance of an Enlightened Master Louix Dor Dempriey (Bhagavan Sri Pranananda). He currently serves as Personal Assistant at the world headquarters of the global organization. In this capacity, he has had the privilege of immersing himself in the peoples and cultures of more than fifteen countries, as he travels the world, assisting in facilitating spiritual retreats and pilgrimages, which have blessed and inspired profound healing in the lives of thousands…

In this evening of Satsang, Markus will share film footage and discourses from the Master, intimate and revealing stories from his own intense and deeply-personal training. He will help to dispel the myths, misconceptions, and fears, about Gurus and their role in our ever-changing world. He will also offer his own insight and understanding about Enlightenment, unconditional love, healing, and how this ancient esoteric knowledge applies to our modern lives. Bring your questions…We Invite you to a loving and respectful discussion on all facets of this topic. Be prepared for an amazing and revealing evening of exploration.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Guided Meditation and Discussion on “Divine Parenting”
Location: Franksville United Methodist Church, 10402 Northwestern Avenue, Franksville
Please RSVP @ http://www.meetup.com/Mind-Body-Spirit-Wisconsin
Time: 7:30-10:00 pm
Cost: $30 per person

Markus will assist in cleansing the body, mind, and spirit and opening up experiences in the consciousness through guided breathing along with interactive visualization, and a meditative inner journey accompanied by soft music.

In response to many requests, Markus will lead a discussion on parenting, from a spiritual perspective. He will assist parents to better relate and understand the psychology of the child’s mind, offer a perspective to help parents to better guide their children on their own spiritual evolution, and to offer a unique perspective on the potential for healing that is available in their relationship with their children. Bring your questions, concerns, and life circumstances for an amazing interactive discussion and exploration.

Heidi Fannin working to help Racine 'eat right'

By Mila Dechant

The human body has got the miraculous capability of healing itself when the right food is fed to it. You are what you eat and cultivating mindfulness is crucial. 

Heidi Fannin, 44, is immensely passionate about food and wholesome nutritional food at that. Her passion for food just explodes the minute she starts talking about it. Heidi is no stranger to freshly grown produce as she grew up eating what was grown in her mum’s garden. “We made our own breads and cheese,” exclaimed Heidi. 

Heidi became more focused on the importance of good nutritious food when she took note of the quality of the food that was served to the children in her daughter’s kindergarten. As a concerned mum, she had approached the principal of her daughter’s kindergarten to discuss about the quality of the food that was served to the children. What came out of the principal’s mouth took Heidi aback. “What are your credentials?” She thought that being a mum itself is a credential to have the absolute right to question what is being served to her own child in school. When she started making lunch for her daughter for school, people started telling her daughter to eat “kid’s food." “What is kid’s food? McDonalds? Pizza?” She wanted wholesome food to be fed to her kids and not refined poison. That is when “Eat Right Racine” started.

Heidi soon decided to embark on a whole new journey. She was gung-ho about changing and educating people about nutritious food that was unprocessed and unrefined. She decided to go to New York’s Institute for Integrated Nutrition. Heidi wants to share the knowledge of how eating right can benefit one’s body, mind and soul. She says, “ Everyone is so busy that they are not taking time to make a home cooked meal anymore. Most of the food is from a can or from the frozen aisle."

“Eat Right Racine” holds a monthly meeting that is open to the public. She is targeting a larger audience. She wants people to come and share the good eats. “It feels great supporting each other to start a healthy lifestyle” expressed Fannin. One of the biggest impacts we can make is via food - good, nutritious food. 

Fannin is a massage therapist and a body worker. She guides her clients to where they are supposed to be in their eating habits. It is so refreshing to have a group that motivates and educates the public about nutritious food that is healing to the body in Racine. Health is the biggest form of wealth that one can inherit.

Check Eat Right Racine on Facebook groups.

Internationally recognized InterPlay comes to Racine in July

Cynthia Winton-Henry plays like her life depended on it. One day she heard a voice: "These are the directives: Clarity of Vision, Efficiency of Energy, Courage to Love."

Out of these experiences, she and Phil Porter developed InterPlay during the last 20 years and it has spread around the world. Now it comes to Racine.

InterPlay, an internationally known organization that has ignited a global social movement that promotes fun, movement, storytelling and play as a route to health, community building and spiritual growth, will come to Racine in mid-July with a variety of workshops and special programs at three separate locations..

The events include a free program and book signing on July 12, a low-cost participatory evening program on July 13 and a two-day intensive with Cynthia Winton-Henry, the co-founder of InterPlay.

InterPlay is great for anyone interested in reintegrating body mind heart and spirit in an elegant, creative manner. It also has great applications for spiritual directors, psychotherapists and clergy.

The schedule includes:

“The Five Great Freedoms,” a free public workshop and book signing from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 12, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St.,

Come experience your Five Great Freedoms: move, vocalize, tell, connect, be. Cynthia Winton-Henry, co-founder of InterPlay, will demonstrate InterPlay's surprisingly simple steps to help you notice and welcome body wisdom that you may not be using fully. She will read from her new books “Chasing the Dance of Life and Dance” and “The Sacred Art: The Joy of Movement as Spiritual Practice” and sign books at the end of the evening.

The program is free but persons who reserve with JoAnn Hansen, local organizer, at jhansen120@wi.rr.com by, July 7 and attend the event you'll be entered to win a special prize.

“InterPlay Basics: It's All About Rediscovering The Connection” from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, at the Lake House Health & Learning Center, 932 Lake Ave., Racine, with Georgia Jane Kaftan and Jane Siarny. Siarny, a longtime teacher for children and adults, has been a Chicago InterPlay leader since 1995; Kaftan is a retired attorney who has been leading InterPlay groups since 2003.

Suggested donation is $5 to $10. For questions and registration please contact Georgia Jane at gkaftan45@yahoo.com or (920) 743-6265.

"Praying the Body” is a two-day intensive workshop on July13 and 14 at the DeKoven Center, 600 21st St., Racine, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leader will be Cynthia Winton-Henry, the co-founders of InterPlay. She is a teacher, performer, writer, and organizer. With Phil Porter she provides leadership to InterPlayers around the world and others interested in reintegrating body wisdom in their life and community practices. Her books include “What the Body Wants,” “Dance: A Sacred Art: Discovering the Joy of Movement as Spiritual Practice,” “Chasing the Dance of Life: A Faith Journey, “ and Having It All: Body, Mind, Heart & Spirit Together Again at Last.”

July 13 will focus on “InterPlay as Soulwork” Too many words? Seeking peace? Want a practice that aims for joy? Wondering about body and soul?

Come for a soulful place to welcome the wisdom of the body through movement, voice, stillness, and sharing stories. Beginning with easy, doable tasks—one-hand dances, one-breath songs, hand-to-hand movement with partners and thirty-second stories about light- hearted topics—you will discover new ways to do the work of the soul. You will discover the direct relationships between InterPlay's practices and traditional prayer as well as learning many new ways to do soulwork.

July 14 will focus on “Deepening Our Body Wisdom.”

This is what she plays with everyday. What are you playing with? If you are ready to move, breathe, give expression to your dreams, go deeper, claim your truth or just play because it gives you joy, this day is for you!

Tuition is $200 or $100 per day. Lodging and meals are also available for persons who wish those services. A commuter rate of $30 includes up to two meals.

To register, contact Stephanie Pile at (510) 465.2797; Questions should be directed to Harriet Platts, event organizer, at 206-227-6107 or harriet@interplay.org.

For more about the InterPlay program and for information on the Monday book signing and the two-day intensive, see InterPlay at http://www.interplay.org.

For more information about the program at Lake House Health & Learning Center and directions, see http://www.lakehousecenter.com/calendar.

Local Reiki Master practices 'pure' healing energy

By Mila Dechant


Love is the purest form of energy and any form of pure energy is healing energy. Reiki is one of the commonly known forms of pure healing energy.

Reiki practitioners and participants experience clarity, peace, wellbeing and are often in a state of ease. When carrying out Reiki, the practitioner places their hands over the participant’s particular areas of the body. Then the practitioner lets the universal flow of energy does it work with ease over a length of time.

Reiki is not a religion but spiritual in nature. I have personally experienced Reiki and it does wonders to the state of mind and well-being. More and more people are getting into this wholistic healing art form. I had the humble opportunity to speak with a Reiki practitioner.

Karuna Krinsky (right) is a Reiki Master and has been practising this healing art form since 1999. Karuna shares that Reiki has changed her life tremendously. After taken the reiki classes, she had experienced an epiphany. She experienced that she was aware of what she was holding back. Reiki allowed her to overcome her physical issues. Karuna’s Reiki teacher even noticed a change in her. Karuna’s disciplined practise of Reiki made her calm and composed.

Although Karuna was never interested to teach Reiki, she felt obligated to make this art available to others to improve their well-being. She started teaching in the summer of 2002 and has not stopped sharing and teaching ever since. Karuna shared that Reiki can be used for mental afflictions.  She also shared that it can create turbulence when you force it. Reiki can be practised on yourself or on someone else. When Reiki is carried out, you experience comfort and ease through your body. Karuna has been a lacto Vegetarian for 33 years. She became a vegetarian for personal reasons.  She did not want to subject herself to the pain and depression of an animal being slaughtered. Being a vegetarian has helped her practise reiki more efficiently but she does not recommend anyone to become a vegetarian for the sake of it. Each person has to have an epiphany in order follow a vegetarian diet.

Karuna is a board member of Institute for Wholistic Education, a non-profit organization. She carries out 4 classes a year for Reiki. Each class takes place during each season. More information is obtainable on her website www.reikiteacher.org

Energy is what moves matter. Everyone of us posses the healing art form when attuned in the right manner.

Relay participants remember cancer victims -- and do something to fight the disease

Applause for cancer survivors taking the first lap around the Relay track

As track meets go, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, now under way at Case High School's Hammes Field, is unique.

Men and women participate; young and old; healthy and ailing; some with a full head of hair, others with a bald pate signifying chemo and radiation treatment. They started walking around the track shortly after 6 p.m. Friday night, and won't finish until about 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Some walk; some are in wheelchairs; some shuffle along in walkers. 

Before the Relay started, there were 93 teams registered; 957 individuals. Between them, they had already raised $68,010.88 for the fight against cancer. (Update: They raised $205,000.) Every team promises to have at least one member on the track throughout the night, "because cancer never sleeps."

First around the track Friday night were cancer survivors, many of them wearing purple t-shirts proclaiming their own personal victories: "Had it. Fought it. Survived it." The survivors' lap was followed by a second group, the care-givers, followed by everyone else, all present to fight back against the disease. They marched to bouncy rock 'n roll; the more energetic taking time out for an hour of Zumba.

The track was lined with luminaries celebrating the lives of people who have battled cancer, and remembering loved ones lost. At dusk, candles were lit within each hand-decorated bag bearing the name of a person touched by cancer; participants then walked a lap in silence. 

Luminaries celebrated the victories ... and remembered those who lost

Zumba drew scores with boundless energy to spare

Here are three photos taken by Dan White, after the luminaries were lit at 9 p.m.

  

Racine gives world something to chew on...

Bite me! say two former Racinians!

Racine native Alex Seidel is on the cover of Food & Wine (that's him in the center of the back row), making an appearance in the magazine's 10 Best New Chefs issue. 

A 1991 graduate of Park High School, Seidel was nominated this year as a James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist for Best Chef Southwest. Later this week, he will participate in Aspen's annual Food & Wine Classic.

He owns Fruition, a 52-seat, award-winning restaurant in Denver that has been featured in Bon Appetit, Gourmet and USA Today.

And where does he like to eat when he's back in Wisconsin? Seidel cites Kopp's custard and Wells Brothers pizza.

Go here for Food & Wine's article about Seidel -- and also for one of his recipes.  

Read more about him here in the Journal Sentinel.

The city's second taste of fame this morning comes via a different sort -- thanks to Kristin Bauer, who plays the vampire Pam in HBO's series True Blood, which opened its third season on Sunday. 

Pam co-owns the vampire bar Fangtasia in the series, and this is going to be her year to take charge.

Kristin's career began in 1994 with an episode of L.A. Law, and she spent a year on the Fox comedy, The Crew.  But her most memorable character -- until now! --  was as "Man-Hands Gillian," Jerry's girlfriend on Seinfeld. 

The Journal Sentinel profiled her this weekend, and there's more about Kristin and the sexy character she plays on HBO's website here.