October Treat ~ $20 off any MASSAGE!

Long day at work? Stressed? Tired of the cold?

Here at Yoga Garden, we don’t think Halloween treats should only be for kids.

Combine the stress-reducing, healthful benefits of yoga with a relaxing and revitalizing massage.

Take $20 off any 60 minute or 90 minute massage (including prenatal massage) offered in our tranquil Wellness room.

Buy here or book an appointment now.

For more information on individual therapists - View Therapists here.

Use promotion code fall2011 when checking out to receive your discount.

(No limit. Must purchase before October 31.)

Massage location added!

As I'm embracing and welcoming change into my life ;-), I now offer massage at Momentum Chiropractic on Fridays 1:00pm-7:00pm, both 60 and 90 min sessions. Here are the details below:

Momentum Chiropractic
1360 9th Avenue (between Judah and Irving)
SF, CA
415-661-1772
www.momentumchiropractic.com

Contact me if you have any questions!

New class. New changes.

Man! It's been awhile since I've written in my blog. Lots of changes and shifts happening and I will write about them later, I promise!

I wanted to announce a NEW yoga class that I'm teaching on Tuesday evenings.

Yoga Basics
Tuesday evenings
8:00pm-9:00pm
at the Yoga Garden of San Francisco

Yoga basics is open to anyone interested in practicing Yoga in a safe, beginner-friendly environment. Fundamentals of yoga practice are taught for all styles of yoga. These include standing poses, seated poses, and reclining poses, movements such as sun salutations, and beginning breathing techniques. Each class explores how to practice yoga in a way to best realize the benefits of health and well-being.

I'm so happy to be teaching, as well as providing massage, at the Yoga Garden. It truly is a wonderful community of teachers, students and practitioners of yoga. I hope to see you there!

Also, don't forget about the Massage Special for 2nd time clients! Receive $20 off when you book your 2nd massage with me!

August Massage Special at the Yoga Garden!

Take advantage of this wonderful promotion for a massage at the Yoga Garden of San Francisco!

All current members, including Introductory Members, get $20 off a one hour massage now through August 31. No limit to the number available; must be used within 1 year from date of purchase.

Click here to book your appointment, and go to the "massage" tab.

Lymphatic Massage: A way to clear the clutter in your body

Have you been feeling tired or sick? Have you been traveling a lot this summer in the car or on planes? Has there been more stress in your life? Or, have you decided to let go of an old way of being and live a more energized, optimal way
of being? Lymphatic Massage is a wonderful way to de-clutter the body of toxins from the foods we eat, the environment that surround us, and even stress (physical, mental, emotional) that may throw our bodies and minds off balance.

The Lymphatic System works with the Immune System of the body as a detoxification system. We have many lymph node stations in the body that collect and move anything toxic or foreign out of the body. The toxins leave our bodies through mucous, sweat, and when we go to the bathroom. Unlike the Circulatory System, which has the heart to pump the blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, the Lymphatic System relies on stimulation through exercise, breathing, and, of course, massage/bodywork.

A Lymphatic massage will boost your immune system, give you more energy, and release any pain or discomfort in the body due to trauma (i.e. car accidents, surgeries, grief and loss). It also helps you process through a time of transition or change because when we worry or feel a little depressed, our bodies, especially the Immune System, are effected.

Lymphatic massage is my specialty and I have benefited tremendously from this work myself. If you would like more information or to book a Lymphatic Massage session, contact me today: 415-637-5825 or lizsfilippone@gmail.com.

Yoga Garden Massage Special!

Book a massage session with me before July 17 and get a great offer from the Yoga Garden of San Francisco!

I now see clients on Saturday afternoons noon-6:00pm. Right now, the studio is offering $60 for 60 minutes and $85 for 90 minutes until July 17. To book a session online, click here to go the Yoga Garden website. Click on the "massage" tab, then on the link to book session.
(you will have to create an account if you haven't visited Yoga Garden)

I combine Swedish, Lymphatic, Deep Tissue, Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy, and Structural Foot Balancing in my massage sessions.

Trust and you shall receive

For years, it was really hard for me to trust myself and the decisions I made. I usually just went along with what everyone else did because it was just easier that way. No one would say anything or question me. Then I met my husband and it all changed. When we are talking about what we want to do for the evening or over the weekend or what to cook for dinner, if he decided something, I would just agree. He immediately would pick up on this and say, "Well, what do you want?" I would respond, "What you said. That sounds fine." Then he would said, "No, really. What would you like to do/eat?" This would start to send me into anxiety mode and I would start getting all flustered. And for what? This was the question on his face, and in later years, the question reflected right back to me.

Of course, over the past 4-5 years, I've learned to really check in with myself when questions or ideas are presented to me. I also have learned not to say, "yes" to everything because, in the past, that led to overbooking my time, leaving me with no time for what I wanted to do. Even if it was nothing! But allowing myself time and space to think and feel about choices is just one of things that yoga offers us. It's that quiet time that we give ourselves in meditation that allows us to connect with that deeper part of ourselves. It's the essence and the spirit/soul. It's trust and love.

I am ALLOWING myself to TRUST my intuition MORE around what I want to do along my path. Because it is MINE. Right?

It's not my mom's, my dad's, that ex-boyfriend's, the governments; it IS all mine. It's about what I want for myself in my relationships, health, career and business. Not what I should have, or HAVE to do.

For instance, I had an interview at a health club for a Massage Therapist position. This health club is very exclusive in the San Francisco Bay Area, and being located in the Financial District, it caters to the corporate community. I was early for my interview, and as I sat drinking my peppermint tea, I people-watched. "Wow" I said to myself. In the past, I would have said, "What am I doing here?!" with a lot of contempt. I also would have had the nervous flutters of butterflies in my stomach, but instead I was relaxed, comfortable, and going-with-the-flow. The chatter said, "Something must be wrong!" But in my heart, everything was perfect. The interview went so well, they asked me back for a practicum to demo my skills. I walked out of there feeling so confident and joyful! Then I recalled that email the day before from another business contacting me to come in for an interview and demo, and I my joy factor went from a 10 to a 100,000!

I'm realizing how manifestation and intention works, AND I'm receiving it! When an opportunity comes along, I'm open. I'm VERY aware when the chatter may chime in, but I know it's not true and it's not who I am or want. I'm trusting what comes and I'm not afraid of failure.

I welcome all opportunity and possibility. I listen to my intuition and heart because that's who I am.

I am not my thoughts. YOU are not your thoughts.

Trust in yourself and you will receive what you asked or prayed to the universe or higher being. You deserve it. So believe it!

More accomplishments and celebrations

Although I didn't entirely complete my intentions for April, I've accomplished more than I thought. I did call the NY State Education Dept and get info about transferring my massage hours there, so that was great and, also relieving! I also partially finished the questions on "Culivating your own practice", so there's another check+.

I also accomplished more with my massage program hours at the New Living Expo last weekend. It was a wonderful event, full of inspirational speakers, classes, and exhibitors, ranging from raw food enthusiasts to psychics and other healers. My school had a booth so I volunteered and tacked on some hours to my program, plus got free admission to the Expo too! So, Woo Hoo to that! In addition, I completed my biz 1 module on Wednesday, when I made up a class I missed, which was the BEST one I got to attend. There were three speakers, who came to talk to the students about opening up a healing center and being an entrepreneur in the healing arts. I got so much information and inspiration from these speakers, I didn't know what to do with myself after the class. I felt more clear about some things about what I wanted my healing practice to look like. Being very clear and honest with what you want will get you there so much quicker! I think this is totally true with anything you're passionate about.

One more thing I want to celebrate is having a mellow weekend ahead of me. I don't have a lot of obligations, and I can really take it at any pace I want. The pace I chose: slow. I'm all about the present these days, so slow works so much better.

Have a great weekend!

Inspirations

I've done so much cleansing (energy cleansing) I don't know where to begin. I think it's funny I've been doing a cleanse, when a little while ago I said I didn't want to do a cleanse or detox, but I guess the Universe didn't mean the "food kind."

For the past month, I've been receiving weekly energy sessions, in exchange for Reflexology to complete my case study for my massage program hours. Let's say I've been REALLY getting into my body and soul/spirit. The following things I have been acknowledging and letting go of because they don't serve me anymore:

• money stories -- BYE BYE!
  
• religious/catholic stories (ie. "I'm going to hell" was the biggie!)
• fears, in general (especially about moving back to the east coast)

I definitely want to go into detail about each and every one of these things and I will. However, I want to express my inspirations, which are like my monthly intentions, but I want to do it without any meaning to it. In other words, just say what they are without any attachment or expectations, which I feel I've done a lot of, especially around my movement work, yoga and massage practices. After clearing, cleansing and letting go of this old energy, there's more room for inspirations. This is so very exciting for me, so let me dive right into it:

1. Movement work/practice - allowing myself to play with it without putting meaning or labeling to it. Over the past 3 years doing solo work, I feel my performances had to have meaning to it. My chatter was, "it has to mean something" or "it should mean something" and "people will think it's boring." I'm so done with that because I know what I do is wonderful, expressive, and engaging to others. Like art.
   
2. Yoga practice - allowing myself to play and create as I go along with my personal and and teaching practice. As with my movement practice, I can get stuck by the chatter. However, lately, I've been starting my yoga practice and classes with personal intentions and/or dedicating the practice to yourself or other people in your life. I want it to be a joyful, celebratory experience for me and others.
3. Massage practice -- I always want this to be FUN! Also, a wonderful way to connect with others and share my knowledge. Also, as I'm still completing program hours, I want it to continue to enrich me and provide more and more knowledge, so I can be the BEST Massage Therapist EVER.
4. Moving to the east coast -- being present to everything that comes up, especially the fear of the unknown. Although, I'll be surrounded by family, I want to always self-connect to my true being and allow myself quiet, meditative time when needed. Also, I want to remember I can still and always connect with my west coast community whenever I need to. They will always be with me. But, once again, I want the experience to be FUN!!!!!

So "FUN" is what I'm creating here. No matter what happens, allowing the experience to be fun because we're always learning as we go, and carrying knowledge from past experiences. I'm creating presence. It's not meant to hold us back, but to help us grow and transform. What holds us back is the chatter, or the "shouldas" or "what ifs." Thank you, but I'm good.

April Intentions

Man! Before we know it, April will be over! Ha! Even though, I will be continuing many of my intentions from last month, I wanted to set some new ones for this month:

• Call NYS Education Dept regarding massage license transfer (this one is going to be such a HUGE process, I need to do this in baby steps!)
• Attend a yoga class
• Purchase SD card for my Macbook laptop, so I can transfer video easily
• Finish questions on "Cultivating a Private Practice" for movement group/practice

Since we're into the second week of April, I feel this is a good, do-able amount for me. I've been REALLY good about not being hard on myself and I want this to continue. I'm all about the flow these days.

Emotional Storage Space

Last week, I received some bodywork/energy work and had an emotional release during the session. I felt better, but it didn't last. The very next day my throat started getting sore. I felt fine otherwise; no fever, or other cold-like symptoms. I decided to just watch it and see what happens.

The week went on, the sore throat got worse, but still, no other symptoms. I came to one conclusion that this was more energetic/emotional than an actual microbial infection. I was having memories from middle school; the sixth grade. I had reoccurring tonsilitis; and my parents just got divorce. I know at the time I was storing a lot of anger and grief about that, and at the time, didn't know how to express it. But now I'm so much more aware and have the tools to support me with expressing my emotions and needs. I know as an eleven year old, I was needing some understanding!

Then I received a lymphatic massage session on Saturday, which drew me to my other conclusion. I felt LOTS of stuff move, and even felt nausea for a moment. Also, every time my practitioner worked on my left hip side (pelvic/ovary area), which is a lymph node station, my body would tense and resist. Afterward, I received some coaching, which was really nice. I got clear on some other things I've been holding on to. I've held a lot of fear in my pelvis. Fear of being feminine. Fear of my intuition. Fear of my power. My practitioner pointed out to me that I could be going through a mini-death; a transition from an old way of being to a new way of being: Being a mother. In the past, I used to hold a lot of fear around being a mom and being pregnant. My chatter was, "how can I take care of someone else, when I can't even take care of myself?", "I'm too screwed up to be mom", or "I wouldn't be a good mom because I don't take care of myself or my relationships." I know I'm not the only one who has this chatter. I realize now that a lot of women have the same fears.

I want to be more aware and committed to nurturing this part of myself. I want to acknowledge that old way of being and embrace, accept and love the new way of being. I feel it in my body that I want to have a baby. It feels joyful, happy, and my right.

According to Anodea Judith's book, "Eastern Body, Western Mind", she explains the seven chakra centers as our seven rights. Since this past week was about my 2nd and 5th, the 2nd chakra (lower abdomen/pelvis) is the right to feel; and the 5th chakra (throat area/mouth) is the right to speak. In the past, there were many reasons why I didn't feel/think I had the right to feel or speak up for myself or express my emotions. But now I want to celebrate them! I want to move that energy in a positive, healthy way. I'm done with storing and hiding it away. I want it to be present.

Do you have a storage space in your body?

Releasing and going with the flow

I'm celebrating because a lot of my March Intentions are happening! This week: I attended a wonderful yoga class last night at Divine Essence Yoga in Potrero Hill; also did a yoga dvd; I ran 5.2 miles one day; I completed one of my papers for a massage class; I spent quality time with my hubby a few times this week; I've celebrated something I'm grateful for everyday; and I've been super present with my emotions and reactions. I would love to give an example of everything, but, quite honestly, I could do a blog post for each of those things! One day.

I received a massage yesterday by a friend and fellow classmate. I didn't think I needed it as much as I realized. She integrated swedish, deep tissue and Vibrational Healing Massage. The Vibe work is what REALLY helped me release a lot. There is an area of my back where it gets knotty, and when Massage Therapists go over that area, it jumps like an electric charge. It doesn't hurt, and I always reassure them of this. The area my friend worked on was on the left side of my spine, by the erectors and lower ribs. The knot was so tight and sharp. But she continued to do the finger-work from the Vibe technique on this area. I continued to breathe, make sounds, and even voiced some things that came up such as, "It's time to go", "You're no longer serving me", "I want softness." Then the release happened. I began to cry very hard and I let myself go to release all the energy around that area. My friend kept working there and guiding it out. My legs and feet tingled. After I cried, I felt fabulous!

It all made sense to me, and even more now. As I had set those intentions (in a previous post), things began to happen. I decided to go with the stream of the river, instead of against it. Also, that spot in my back has been a collection bin of things of the past, old patterns, and a general holding.

It feels good to move it out, and move on. What things of the past are you still holding on to? If you could let them go, how would you feel? What would your life be like?

March Intentions

• Complete one homeplay assignment for massage per week
• Complete and send in application for massage license
  
• Attend a yoga class or do a yoga dvd once a week
• Run 3 (or more) miles 3-4 times per week
• Celebrate something I'm grateful for everyday
• Spend time with butoh/movement practice--either discussion and/or with exercises once a week
  
• Spend quality time with hubby--dinner, movie, walk, etc.
• Be mindful of my emotions and reactions

This sounds doable. Otherwise, it's not gonna happen.....

Celebration time

I, finally, finished my physiology modality for massage. YAY! I'm so excited to be completing the hours I missed. Although, I have all my required hours in for quite sometime, it's nice to actually clear some of the energy around that.

I was talking to one of my massage classmates/friend last night about it. She feels the same way, in that she's ready to clear the energy around completing the program. Even though, we got the state-required hours, getting that certificate of completion from school feels needed too. I guess we all have different intentions around that. I say, "why not just do it!"

So YAY for checking that one off! And there will be more "YAYS" coming soon!

So I guess I'll...

I haven't really been inspired to write lately. Or maybe I have and I'm just thinking about it too much.  So I guess I'll just start writing and see what happens. 

This past weekend I was suppose to have my last massage class EVER, and it was cancelled. Unfortunately, I wasn't notified, so I showed up and was told that it was canceled. Oh well. But WAITA MINUTE! Then again this is how my school operates sometimes, and everyone knows it.  So that annoyed me, but I was happy I didn't let it ruin my weekend because the weather was beautiful here.  I also got to attend a free two hour workshop on Optimizing Your Health. Another plus! But it's healthy to rant, right? Right!

I'm also preparing an application for a performance series.  I want to present some recent work I did with my friend/collaborator, so I've been kicking myself in the butt to get that done. However, I'm close and it's due this Thursday, so I've got time on my side.

So I guess I'll just rant (which I pretty much just did).  Right now, I wish I didn't have to work my day job.  Right now, I want to teach, connect, share, dance, show, be, run, jog, laugh, cry, scream...I think the list could go on, but I'm gonna stop there before something happens at my work desk right now, where I  scare or trigger someone (like my boss) around me. 

Wow, sometimes ranting can make it all good.

A VERY Happy Birthday to me!

June 16 was my birthday and it was very happy.  I took the day off from work, which was very necessary.  I think everyone should have their birthday off to do whatever they want to do for themselves.  I mean it is probably one of the most important days of your life!  You were born! Celebrate it!

I decided for my birthday I was going to pamper and nurture myself.  I started my day having a relaxing, quiet morning with my husband (who also took the day off! I love you, Joe!) drinking tea and eating breakfast.  Then I had a massage at 11:15 a.m. It was originally at 11:00 a.m. and scheduled for 90 min, but, due to some last minute schedule conflicts, they could only give me an hour. Instead of getting huffy about it, I was understanding to the spa receptionist, explained it was my birthday, and ended up getting $10 off. So everyone won!  The massage was EXACTLY what I needed.  I literally melted into the table.

Then Joe picked me up and we went to Best Buy.  I received some birthday money from family, so I bought the Nintendo Wii.  I can't remember the last time I bought a "toy" for myself. Something really fun.  After the pampering I got from the massage, it was time to nurture my inner child and buying the Wii was a great start.  We met up with my friend, Sarah at the SF Giants County Fair, a mini carnival with rides, games and carnival food.  We went on the swings, which is always fun because it lets you be that little kid and start yelling things like ,"Weeeeeeee! and Yaaaayyyy!" We viewed the petting zoo, which was a  little depressing so I won't go into that.  The best part was the Bumper Cars.  I was laughing so hard I couldn't control that car for the life of me.  Then you look at your friends and they're laughing so hysterically, you just do the same.  Lastly, we ended with a sno cone, which, for some reason I couldn't keep off of me. Then again, I was wearing a white shirt; maybe not the best idea. 

Now on a sugar-water high, we walked along the bay looking out at AT&T Park.  It was a gorgeous day.  What more could I ask for!

Something definitely shifted inside me after this day.  It's as though my inner child had been screaming for attention for a long time, and I finally let everything else go to acknowledge and nurture it.  For the past few years, a lot of shifting has occurred in my life, and sometimes we forget those simple, little things that are so big.  Even though, we're a certain age, it shouldn't stop us from showing our inner child.  I turned 32, but I allowed myself to be 12 and even younger.  Yes, things have happened to us in our childhood that may have left scars behind, or wounds that may have been left opened.  I know I've reopened some of those wounds in order to heal from certain events from my childhood, but the most healing was I got to be fun, playful, giddy, excited, surprised and child-like again.  I didn't once worry about anything "grown-up." Why not do this more often. 

I love giving and receiving massage

I have to say being in massage school has been a blessing. Not only do I get to see the coolest people ever every week, but I get the opportunity to give and receive massage. I have been receiving massage for about 8 years now so I definitely know what I like and don't like. But to be able to give someone a swedish massage is really an awesome experience. You're totally connecting with this person on a different level. They totally vulnerable, yet you hold the space with safety, kindness and openness. You're there to guide them through their own healing.

However, I learned how important it is to take of myself as a practitioner. Stretching before and after is key. I realized when I woke up this a.m. I didn't stretch after class. So I sit at my desk, I notice my body yearning for some stretching, especially after giving swedish.

It's so fun learning this stuff and I don't wanna stop.

Passed!

I passed my exam for the first section of anatomy classes in massage school! Yaaayyy! Now as long as all the info stays in my noggin, I'm good to go :-) What an amazing language anatomy consists of. All those greek and latin-sounding names really make you feel sophisticated (when you get the pronounciation right). I find it so fascinating and mind-boggling the way our bodies work. how are muscles start in one place and insert in another; muscles help each other out; they protect vital organs and nerves; the list goes on and on. My brain definitely feels more full.