Well Within:
A nonprofit holistic wellness resource center
Well Within is a warm and welcoming nonprofit wellness resource center that offers innovative programs and services to those who seek well-being and healing of body, mind and spirit.

Classes & Workshops - May - August 2008

Registration and Fees: Call 651-451-3113 or e-mail wellwithin@qwest.net to register for classes prior to the first scheduled class date. Use the link provided in the left-hand menu for more information on registration, class fees, scholarships, and materials fees.

WELL WITHIN CLASSES (in  alphabetical order)
Register at 651-451-3113 or wellwithin@qwest.net

Breath Song Introduction (introductory session required to join weekly practice group)
Date: Saturday May 17, July 19
Time: 9:00-noon
Presenter: Ginny Helfrich, MRE, LMFT, Sound Healing Trainer, Musician
As seen on Fox 9 News, our instructor and creator of the Breath Song program, Ginny Helfrich, is the recipient of the Women Venture Award for Women in Transition. Treat yourself to the untapped cleansing and healing possibilities of sounding your breath. Hum and chant Sanskrit syllables, sing eastern ragas with body movements and drum ancient rhythmic patterns that make up the “Breath Song” program. Feel free to bring a drum if you have one.

Build a Titanium Immune System
Date: Tuesday June 3
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Presenter: Dr. Brenda Kress, Aspire Chiropractic
Learn how to strengthen your immune system to slow the aging process, fight colds, allergies, cancer, and other illness while empowering you to live your life to the fullest for yourself and your family.

Experience Walking Meditation
Date: Thursday Aug 14
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Presenter: Nancy L. Anderson, MDiv
Do you have trouble sitting still for meditation? Does your body long to move? Experience the benefits of meditation along with movement while learning techniques of walking meditation.

Finding Your Footing When the Ground Shakes
Date: Monday July 21
Time: 6:30-8:15pm
Presenter: Martha Franke, Family Life Coach and Therapist
Any number of circumstances can cause the “ground to shake” beneath your life: a serious illness or diagnosis,
disability, job loss, relationship ending, a death. You are left feeling uncertain about what may be next and how to live your life as what was once certain no longer is. This session teaches 10 basic strategies for finding your way through uncertainty, and to start moving forward into your changed life. These are simple strategies, which grew out of the speaker’s own experience with a life changing event. Participants will be provided with a tri-fold guide for future reference, which they can share with others who have had the rug pulled out from under their feet.

Finding Your Passion
Date: Wednesday June 4
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Presenter: Lucille Dotte’, Motivational Speaker and Certified Life Coach
Are you feeling a sense of restlessness or discontent? Do you find yourself asking, “Is that all there is?” and, “What happened to my zest for life?” Come and learn 5 easy steps for rediscovering what is really important to you, reconnect with your passion, and begin the process of giving it life.

Finding Support: Using Physical Awareness to De-Stress, Decompress, and Revitalize
Date: Thursday June 12
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Presenter: Beth Hartman, GCFP, Feldenkrais Teacher and Practitioner
Do you find yourself listening to negative self-talk? Those negative thought patterns, stories, and habitual emotions can be combated with various strategies. You will learn some of the ways that we can support ourselves (literally and figuratively) when we become aware of our physical selves, and some specific ways to “come back to earth” when you get lost in those constrictive thought patterns. We will also guide you through a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson that focuses on breathing.

Introduction to Esoteric Healing
Date: Tuesday May 20
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Presenter: Patricia Enstad, MS, CMT; Certified Esoteric Healing Instructor
This class introduces the philosophy and methods of Esoteric Healing. We will discuss the Human Energy System and how to access and work with it to affect healing shifts and balance. Class activities will include centering mediation, a Soul Awareness Chart, and exercises to sense energy. We will also discuss the 7 major energy centers (known as Chakras).

Spring Forest Qigong Workshop (Suggested donation $15. Please register—min. 15 people. )
Date: Wednesday June 11 or August 6
Time: 12:30-3:00pm
Presenters: Bonnie Blanchette, MS; Kathy Backberg, MA, LSW
Qigong (pronounced “chee gung”) is an ancient Chinese healing art that can help you relax, balance your energy, and bring more harmony into your life. Master Chunyi Lin developed Spring Forest Qigong to increase the flow of energy throughout the body so you feel better and heal more quickly. It has been used to treat headaches, arthritis, heart problems, depression and a wide range of other health problems. Since it strengthens the immune system and helps people maintain a more positive outlook, many people, including cancer patients, have used it in combination with conventional Western medicine.

Introduction to Mind/Body Skills
Date: Thursday July 17
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Presenter: Mary Treacy O’Keefe, MA
Mind/Body techniques are important for anyone who wants a new approach to overall health and wellness. Come and discover the newest approaches to improving vitality and strengthening immune systems. This class will focus on developing coping tools and techniques for managing stress and anxiety that inevitably affect us all. Special emphasis will be placed on health-enhancing tools such as meditation, visualization, nutrition, breath work and more. Many people who utilize mind/body techniques are seeking ways to relax in their daily lives and improve their overall health.

Love is Pure Joy—Or Not
Date: Monday June 16
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Presenter: Valerie Lis MA, EFT-ADV
For some people love hurts. Are you one of the millions of people suffering from love-pain? The death of a loved one or a failed relationship can bring misery, sometimes lasting for years. Learn how to eliminate stressful feelings in this Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) workshop. With love-pain gone, you are free to discover joy in life and freedom in love.

The Power of Breath: How Breathing Can Help You Cope with Life’s Challenges
Date: Thursday May 29
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Presenter: Beth Hartman, GCFP, Feldenkrais Teacher and Practitioner
This class helps you tune into your breathing and use it as a gauge to measure how you are feeling. You will learn useful breathing exercises to use in anxiety-inducing situations or in moments of pain and discomfort. We will also guide you through a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson that focuses on breathing.

Spring Detoxification with Organic Foods: A Spring Cleaning for Your Body
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Dotto, P.L.L.C., Twin Cities Chiropractic and Nutrition
Spring is here, and so are the allergies! Kick your body in high energy with healing organic foods that cleanse the body and restore its natural immunity to fight those allergies! This step by step program will help decrease allergy symptoms and weight accumulated over the winter. Easy and simple—does your body good!

Spring Forest Qigong Workshop (Suggested donation $15. Please register—min. 15 people. )
Date: Wednesday June 11 or August 6
Time: 12:30-3:00pm
Presenters: Bonnie Blanchette, MS; Kathy Backberg, MA, LSW
Qigong (pronounced “chee gung”) is an ancient Chinese healing art that can help you relax, balance your energy, and bring more harmony into your life. Master Chunyi Lin developed Spring Forest Qigong to increase the flow of energy throughout the body so you feel better and heal more quickly. It has been used to treat headaches, arthritis, heart problems, depression and a wide range of other health problems. Since it strengthens the immune system and helps people maintain a more positive outlook, many people, including cancer patients, have used it in combination with conventional Western medicine.

Weaving the Threads of Our Journey: A Woman’s Wisdom Circle
Date: Thursday May 22
Time: 1:00-3:00pm or 6:30-8:30pm
Presenter: Julie Goldstein, Storyteller and Retreat Leader
Today, many of us hunger for the warmth and wisdom of community. Storytelling and story listening speak eloquently to this deep human need. Come explore the power of story to enchant, heal, and transform as we listen to our tales of courage, strength and wisdom. Our instructor will tell stories and include poetry, relaxation exercises and healing metaphors. Participants are invited to tell stories or just listen and enjoy. Call to reserve a spot at one or all sessions.

WEEKLY

“Breath Song” Practice Group
Date: Mondays afternoons
Time: 3:00-4:00pm
Presenter: Ginny Helfrich, MRE, LMFT, Sound Healing Trainer, Musician
Treat yourself to the untapped cleansing and healing possibilities of sounding your breath. Hum and chant Sanskrit syllables, sing Eastern ragas with body movements and drum ancient rhythmic patterns that make up the “Breath Song” program

MONTHLY and SEMI-MONTHLY

Integrative Healing Cancer Support Group for Women
Day: Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Facilitators: Mary Treacy O’Keefe, MA and Jane Klein, RN, MBA
Find understanding, companionship and support in this inclusive group of women dealing with a variety of cancers. Participants will also learn an array of integrative techniques and practices for use at home.

Support Group for Those Looking to Live Well Even When. . .
Day: Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Facilitator: Martha Franke, Family Life Coach and Therapist, MLCP, LICSW
Support Group for Those Looking to Live Well Even When. . .you end the sentence. It could be that: you are a
caregiver; former caregiver; busy mother or father; you or someone in your family is living with a serious or chronic illness; you’re divorced or widowed; you live with a difficult spouse; life has gotten too full, too hard, too unfamiliar to know how to live your life well. Join with others who are also looking to find their way to a more balanced, joyful life, even when . . . .

Spring Forest Qigong Practice Sessions
Date: First and Third Mondays, except August 18
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Presenters: Bonnie Blanchette, MS; Kathy Backberg, MA, LSW, Holly Brackett, Mary Jo Synnott
When you practice the gentle movements and meditations of Spring Forest Qigong with a group, the energy is very powerful and healing. After a 5 to 10 minute discussion, the leader will guide everyone through active exercises and a meditation. Those who wish to may participate in healings at whatever level they like—the technique is very simple and can be taught to everyone, but those wanting to just receive a healing or simply watch may do so. Please register for the Spring Forest Qigong Workshop (page 4) to understand the philosophy and practice the active exercises and meditation. Contact Kathy at 651.645.4165 or k.backberg@comcast.net if you have any questions.

The Textures of Your Life
Dates: First and Third Mondays of the Month
Time: 12:30-3:00pm
Presenters: Joanne Finnegan
Reflect the rough and smooth places in your life as you experiment with various media in this introductory art exploration and support group. Have fun and enjoy delightful companions while developing your creative, expressive self. Newcomers and all levels of artistic experience are ALWAYS WELCOME!

T’ai Chi Chih Practice Group
Dates: Second and Fourth Thursdays of the Month
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Presenter: Phil Phipps
T’ai Chi Chih (pronounced Tie Chee Chuh) is a series of 20 simple, easy to learn movements that, practiced 20-30 minutes a day, can relieve stress and promote physical, mental and emotional health. This beautiful, flowing, relaxing movement is also referred to as a moving meditation.

Renewing Life TM (*Free – except for $15 Materials fee*)
Dates and Times To Be Determined – Call 651-451-3113 to place your name on the registration list
Renewing LifeTM offers practical tools and guidance for transforming one’s life out of illness. It is filled with
opportunities for personal growth. Current research shows that many of the concepts taught in Renewing LifeTM have positive effects on the immune system. This program was created by cancer survivors and is offered in oncology centers around the country. Previous participants have found this course to be insightful and life-affirming.
(*Commitment to attend all sessions is requested.*)
Week One: Renewing Life Out of Illness
Week Two: The Healing Partnership of Mind/Body/Spirit
Week Three: Creating a Nourishing Circle
Week Four: The Possibilities for Growth in the Feelings You Hate
Week Five: Fear and Love
Week Six: Forgiving, Making Meaning, Reframing
Week Seven: Using Your Inner Healer and/or Higher Power
Week Eight: Loving Yourself Enough

Reiki I ($125)
Dates and Times To Be Determined – Call 651-451-3113 to place your name on the registration list
Presenter: Barb Palmer, Reiki Master
Reiki is an easy-to-learn, gentle, hands-on integrative healing method that fosters self-healing by balancing energy. Reiki treats the whole person; body, emotions, mind and spirit, and promotes relaxation and feelings of peace, wellbeing and security. Learn Reiki in this hands-on class to support increased wellness for yourself or others. Each class session builds upon the previous week. This course can be used as the first level toward becoming a Reiki practitioner.