News from Midwood Martial Arts & Family Center

African Dance

Pia Murray's African Dance class starts on Thursday night, June 5th from 6-7PM.

In Africa dance is celebrated by the whole community and we'd like to
make it the same here. So come alone or with your children. Kids age
five and under will be free with a paying adult.

You will get a great workout while learning dances to exciting music.
We usually have a live drummer accompanying Pia.

If you have never taken a class with us before, please come take a
free trial. If you are already a student with us you can pay by the
class or use your class card.

For more info please go to our website or write back.

Thanks and we hope to see you soon.

Alison & Alfred
Midwood Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center
1302 Avenue H
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-258-KICK
www.MidwoodMartialArts.com

Striking a Cord

I can't believe this... but yet yes, I can understand! Yesterday, I listened to a beautiful CD of classical music given to me as a gift, and I found myself sobbing. Why, you might ask. Well,over the last few weeks or so I have been overwhelmed with emotions because of a changes going on in my life ... good changes though. Trying to juggle all the responsibilities, I held everything inside, but the minute I stopped, listened and I heard "Vivaldi..." and then "Bach..." the cords just vibrated down into my soul. I released everything so much so that my husband came running quickly to find out what was wrong. I could not put into words what was happening but in minutes I felt instant relief from all my stress and anxiety!

Zagreg - Suma, a 45-year-old elephant and long-time resident of the Zagreb Zoo, was bereaved and inconsolable after her pachyderm partner of tens years died of cancer. Until she heard Mozart... read more by clicking on this link Music Therapy for Elephants
Do elephants have a soul? They obviously have emotions as we do. It causes one to think. Something so simple as a musical cord can elicit a response from a creature who we do not have any verbal communication with; yet have this same deep rooted connection. What and how does that speak to your place/my place in the universe?

This caught my attention and I had to stop and think about what I value, who I choose to associate myself with and my relationship to things in this world. As simple an act as this was on each side, it shows to me I am more connected "by and to" than I am "separate from". Moving forward, I have chosen to look more with care at how I allow certain issues and relationships guide my life. While a good cry doesn't hurt anyone, we can certainly chosen to shed as many tears of joy as possible on each plateau of living.

Weeks and days go by keeping us at an ever hectic pace. When do you have time to just sit back and watch a movie, read a book or simple enjoy a long hot bath! As we move from day to day it is important that we take time out in each day to just find time to relax. As the fall enters in, think about thinks that will start your day off right. Do something different. Have a cup of herbal tea. Actually take time to see the leaves turn color. Don't just sweep them away! Here's a concept, sit down and have breakfast!

One thing that we all need to realize it that we only live once. Today is gone and tomorrow is not promised. In everyday there is an opportunity to stop and and regroup. My husband will often look at me during one of our trying days and ask me simply, " Did tell you I love you today?" That seemingly small statement changes my world. If I'm fustrated at that point, feeling overwhelmed or blue it causes me to stop. I stop and remember that all the things we may find frustrating in our lives at that moment are not bigger than the two of us.

You can't always get on a plane. So here are some suggestions on sometimes you can do to unwind.

1) Laugh! Laughter is a great stress releaser.

2) Find a quiet place and just sit. No TV, no radio just the sound of your own breath.

3) Always on the go? Take out the good dishes and serve yourself up a homemade meal.

4) Light some candles and run a bubble bath.

5) Get an oil diffuser and scent your home with fragrances like lavender or ylang ylang


What ever you do it doesn't have to be extravagant, just effective.