By WILLIAM J. BROAD
On a cold Saturday in early 2009, Glenn Black, a yoga teacher of nearly four decades, whose devoted clientele includes a number of celebrities and prominent gurus, was giving a master class at Sankalpah Yoga in Manhattan. Black is, in many ways, a classic yogi: he studied in Pune, India, at the institute founded by the legendary B. K. S. Iyengar, and spent years in solitude and meditation.
New research adds weight to the increasingly recognized theory that trauma is a factor in the development of chronic pain.
By Jennifer Davis
Muscle Deterioration In Patients With Lung Disease Seen Connected To Heightened Carbon Dioxide Levels In The BloodScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2009) — Muscle deterioration in patients with lung diseases might be a direct consequence of high carbon dioxide levels in their blood, an international team of researchers headed by Prof. Yosef Gruenbaum of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found.
2008
December 4, 2008
Janet Sullivan was the President of the National Qigong Association (NQA) of which I am a professional member. While I did not know her personally, it was clear to me that we hold a common passion for sharing Tai Chi and Qigong with the world.
Here is a quote from the NQA Announcement -
"Janet studied Qigong and completed teacher training under Dr. Roger Jahnke. She joined the NQA at Roger's recommendation in June, 2001. She was elected to the Board in 2004. She became Secretary during the Spring Board Retreat in 2005, and became Vice-President at Spring Board Retreat in 2006. Janet was confirmed as President in 2007, and was re-elected in Spring, 2008 for a 3-year term.
Janet was one of the most active and involved Presidents the NQA has ever had. She served on almost all the committees, and also initiated and undertook a number of projects on her own, including the development of a Policies and Procedures Manual and the compilation of a history of the NQA, to list but a few.
Janet loved the National Qigong Association, and her dedicated leadership helped steer our Association successfully through some very difficult periods, challenges and issues. We have become a much stronger and coherent organization because of her, and her laughing smiling down-to-earth spirit will be missed at our meetings."
I may not have known Janet personally but I, and countless others, are benefiting from her passion and will be forever grateful.
Safe Passage Janet, you will be missed.
Born December 15, 1928 - Passed away September 21, 2008
George was a student at our Garland Senior Center Tai Chi class and part of a matched set with his lovely wife Inez. He was very dedicated to Inez and their love for each other was clear to everyone who knew them. When they first came to our class, Inez was recovering from an illness that had left her very weak. George felt that our Tai Chi for Arthritis program would help her get stronger and sure enough it did. I remember fondly "getting onto" George for fussing over Inez as she tried to learn the Tai Chi movements. I threatened to seperate them during class so she could concentrate without his doting. When George's illness came back, they made a few more classes but he became too weak. They did continue to drop by occasionally to visit with us. Just as George had supported Inez, now it was her turn to again support him. We had a great time together and I grew to deeply appreciate their love and dedication to each other.George, you inspired me to care more and appreciate my health, to recognize and appreciate the bond I share with my wife and family as well as our students. Thank you for touching my life and sharing of yourself with me.
Born May 1998 / Rescued 5/27/2007 - Passed away 8/30/2008
I first met Charlie as one of the newest residents of In-Sync Exotics shortly after we started volunteering our time to the cats. He came in to the center with his siblings, from a facility that could no longer care for them. Unlike his siblings, Charlie was very scared and hissed at anyone that came near his cage. Even so, I felt drawn to him and empathized with his deep seated fear of humans. As time went on, he hissed less and would even perk up his ears when I would call his name. Charlie had a difficult life that was on its way to being much better when he fell ill. I am sad that he met such challenges but celebrate the time we shared together as having given me a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of life. Charlie, I think of you often and will miss your snarling face. ;-)
See more of Charlie Here - PHOTO GALLERY
Born March 1990 / Rescued 9/12/1991 - Passed away 7/30/2008
Last summer, in preparation for Kamin's Bar Mitzvah, he asked me to help him find a place where he could work with animals to complete his service hours. I ran across In-Sync Exotics in Wylie and a very special lady name Vicky (the owner) who was willing to train Kamin, Fayne and I to help out around her facility. We had such a great time getting to know the many cats that we kept volunteering well beyond Kamin's required service hours. Even today, we try to sneak away as often as we can to go spend time helping out Vicky, her husband Eddie and those amazing cats.
Tahoe was the first cat Vicky rescued and holds a special place in evryone who volunteers there's hearts. I am grateful to have shared some time with her and will miss her loving nature.
From the announcement - "We are all incredibly sad to lose this member of our family, but we know that Tahoe is now reunited with her beloved Ranger, and is probably giving him a long-overdue bath, much to his annoyance!"
In-Sync (a non-profit organization) is always on the lookout for willing volunteers to help out around the facility on a regular basis. Visitors are welcome on the weekends and donations are very much appreciated. PLease CLICK HERE for more information.
See more of Tahoe Here - PHOTO GALLERY
In Memory of Professor Randy Pauche
10/23/1960 - 7/25/2008
While I did not know Professor Randy Pauche directly, I count myself as one of the many millions he has inspired with the "Last Lecture" he presented in McComony Auditorium on September 18th, 2007.
46 years old, knowing he had a terminal illness, preparing to leave behind a beautiful young family, Randy decided to step away from his rigorous teaching schedule on his own terms. This lecture is his farewell and a very moving presentation on learning how to live your dream. Please take the time to watch this deeply inspirational piece and "don't let tomorrow ruin your today".
In Loving Memory of BeBe Bouguyon
1/2000 - 3/14/2008
As is a cat's true nature, they are free spirits and rarely stay in one place for more than a cat nap or two, or three. BeBe came to us from the wilds of Rowlett as a little black "fluff ball" that was barely weaned, scared and confused by these humans trying to help her. Being born outside, that was always her first choice but on ever more frequent occasions she would come in and reach out to one of us, extending a warm snuggle or two. Her sweet, gentle spirit was calming and warm hearted. Her golden eyes were genuinely loving and when she did come for a cuddle you knew it was from the heart. Over the past few years BeBe and I began to grow a very special bond of trust and companionship which I cherish dearly. She was taken from us in a most unfortunate accident on March 14th with so much love and life left inside her and me. I miss her dearly and will always look for my "little baby girl" in my dreams.
In Loving Memory of Bill Lovell
3/2008
Suffering from Parkinson's Disease, unsteady on his feet, and very afraid of falling, Bill joined the Carrollton Senior Center Tai Chi for Arthritis class back in the fall of 2005 in hopes of making his personal situation better. Immediatelty I could see he was very determined to make the most of the training we were sharing and his daily home practice was quickly making a big difference.
His balance improved, his memory and ability to concentrate were growing and he gained confidence with each new technique he learned. By December of 2007, Bill was able to perform the entire 32 movement Tai Chi for Arthritis Set with a grace and beauty that exemplified his consistent, dilligent training. Quiet and reserved, kind and gentle, new students looked to Bill as a role model for what they hoped to accomplish within their Tai Chi training. Thank you Bill for showing us what is possible and helping me to grow as an instructor. I think of you and smile each time we do the forms in the Carrollton Senior Center classroom.
Professional Member of the National Qigong Association