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Go sit down! (or stand, walk, or lay): A few tips for meditating

Cultivate a beginner’s mind in your meditation practice: Meditation is a practice that can be intimidating to many, and can simultaneously be extremely simple and challenging. It’s easy to get swept up in our busy lives and feel as if we don’t have the time or energy to meditate, especially if you’ve tried a few times and felt as if it was too frustrating or “wasn’t working.”

Even if we have sat on our cushion a hundred times, it’s easy to feel like you are starting all over each time. It’s important to remember that meditation is a practice, and as such isn’t about getting to any particular level or goal. Here are some helpful suggestions for anyone starting to meditate for the first or 500th time.

.....Take a few moments to prepare for your meditation. This could be as simple as taking a deep breath, taking your shoes off, turning your phone off, turning off the lights etc. It’s very important to settle into meditation instead of trying to go straight into a meditative state.

.....Find a position/place to sit that is comfortable for you. Don’t worry about sitting with your legs crossed or where to put your hands, just figure out a position where you would be comfortable settling into for a while. This can mean sitting in a chair or even laying down. Once you’ve found a comfortable pose, close your eyes or let them be softly focused.

.....start to focus on your natural breath pattern, gradually slowing down and extending your inhales and exhales through your nose with the mouth relaxed. Some people find it helpful to count their breaths and some do not.

.....As thoughts come into your head the key is to not get frustrated! This is normal. Acknowledge the thought and let it pass. Some people find it helpful to gently label the thought, saying “thinking” in your brain as you move your attention back to your breath, a mantra, or awareness of the present moment.

......You can continue on with this for as long as you want to. Some people like to set a goal time for themselves and set an alarm before they start their practice so that they aren’t wondering how long they have been meditating for.

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Stinging Nettle and Sharp Cheddar Omelet

Nettles, the amazing Springtime plant that nourishes blood, supports the liver, and calms allergies will feature in Stephen’s herbal workshop at this Saturday’s Open House: https://www.facebook.com/events/242374889570546/ BUT did you know it’s also tasty in an omelet??? http://nourishedkitchen.com/stinging-nettle-recipe-benefits/

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Making the Most of Spring: a Chinese Medicine Perspective on Renewal

We've moved together through the darkness and contemplation of winter. For many of us it represented hard times in the global and local political sphere, as well as a time of weighing how we can respond to oppressive changes around us. Whether we've been keeping our noses down and showing up for our families and communities, or organizing and rallying in the streets, we find ourselves in a new time with new possibilities.

Elemental Changes

In Five Element theory we recognize that the seasons correspond to the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - Spring, Summer, Late Summer (harvest time), Autumn, and Winter, consecutively.

All natural growth and change in ourselves and the world occurs in these five stages - each associated with a season, a paring of organs in our bodies, and more.

Here are some associations related to Spring:

* Wood element (new growth pushing up from the ground) * The color green (new life budding) * Yang nature (forward moving, direct) * Liver and Gallbladder organs * Feelings of anger

Here are some simple things we can do to nurture Springtime in ourselves:

BE OUTSIDE AND CONNECT WITH GROWING THINGS. Whether it's appreciating a potted plant on a windowsill, walking in the park, or hiking in the country being among green things helps to welcome the season in our minds, bodies, and spirits. Taking time to just sit in a sunny bench and appreciate the lengthening days can be uplifting, too.

EMBODY Stretching, walking, playing, and moving in ways that make our muscles reach and feel good. Liver is associated with our musculature and can help resolve issues of muscular tension. This is a good season to pay attention to the places we hold tension and explore ways we might give them ease.

DIG DEEP AND RELEASE Some of us might be feeling increased emotional tension and irritability. This is a challenge to us to extend our new growth up and out the same way a sprout does from the earth. We can't grow and change without discomfort and recognizing the need for change. The emotion related to Spring and the wood element is anger, itself not a harmful state when channelled in a positive direction. How can we use the energy of anger to move us and our communities forward? What do we need not just to survive, but bloom? Liver and Gallbladder are also associated with vision. What can we envision to bring us more justice, peace, and healing?

GREEN AND SOUR PLEASURES This is a good time to enjoy leafy greens, both fresh and steamed or cooked. Fermented foods can also help balance digestion and support the immune system in our gut. Cooking and serving food with with vinegar, lemon, or having some kombucha can help clean and balance us internally.

FRESH HOME Cleaning out our living space of things we don't need can be a potent way of focusing energy and intentions for the season, making way for newness.

OUR OWN HEALING For those of us dealing with chronic illness and disability (including mental health issues), the renewed light of the season may give us a boost and allow us to connect more with loved ones and community. All of us in this transition time can benefit from spring tonics that balance the liver, like nettle or milk thistle tea. It's also a good time to have an acupuncture treatment that helps align you with the season (in my humble and biased opinion.)

Wishing you a bold and loving season *

~ Geleni

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We had a good old time at the Flatbush Frolic last Sunday. Thank you #fdconline for creating this opportunity for the community to showcase and celebrate one another! How sweet to be stationed right in front our another neighborhood co-op with community members Billee & Nora! #flatbushcoop #thirdrootcommunityhealthcenter (at Cortelyou Road)

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It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. #thirdrootcommunityhealthcenter #milkandhoneybrooklyn @thirdrootclinic @milkandhoneybrooklyn (at Milk & Honey Cafe, LLC)

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It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. @thirdrootclinic @milkandhoneybrooklyn #milkandhoneybrooklyn #thirdrootcommunityhealthcenter (at Milk & Honey Cafe, LLC)

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Gerald V.

Age: 59

Preferred gender pronoun: he/him

Neighborhood you live in? I grew up in East Flatbush. I was born at Unity hospital. My family was living on east 37th street and Foster and I lived there until I was almost 17. I went to catholic grammar school just a few blocks away and I went to Saint Francis Prep which used to be in Williamsburg. So then we moved out to Long Island garden city. I loved Long Island, a beautiful place to live. Eventually I moved to Manhattan and I live on fifth street between 1st and 2nd avenue.

Length of time you've lived there: I've been in my apartment on the Lower East Side for 35 years.

Which services or classes do you participate in at Third Root? acupuncture

How long have you been coming to or involved with Third Root? 2 years Tell us your Third Root story! "Four years ago, while some tech company was having a street fair, there was a tent and Third Root had a booth where they were offering acupuncture. They were very nice. I remember they gave me some acupuncture in my ear, and I took their flyer. Time passed and I must have thrown the flyer away but then -- I have insomnia and a few years ago the insomnia was really out of control and I remembered that booth. I knew I'd recognize the name if I typed in Brooklyn and acupuncture, and I found it! I came in and everybody was so wonderful. I look forward to coming here. For a while I was coming two, three times a week. It's made a big difference in my life.Third root's sliding scale makes it affordable. I had some acupuncture done in Manhattan-- it's expensive. With the community acupuncture, there are other people in the room, but it's nice and quiet and relaxing.

Favorite thing(s) about Third Root? I really feel like I'm part of a community. I come here because I have relationships with the people here -- they're warm and friendly. I've been to other places where they do acupuncture in groups but the big difference here is that they have a door and a waiting area. So I can sit in the waiting area and talk to Katherine and have a conversation. Julia or Makeba comes out and we talk about the latest cause or movie. We have a chance to get to know each other. I come here because I want to see Julia and everybody. That's really the biggest thing -- I feel like I'm a part of a family.It's so gay friendly here. I had no idea -- it was just a nice coincidence. But I notice people in the neighborhood and how everybody comes in and it feels like we're very welcomed here by the neighbors. It's a community center.I love to walk around this neighborhood and look at the old mansions. It's old fashioned Brooklyn. The houses are bigger here than where I grew up. Sometimes I'll get a bite to eat, I'll sit out in the sun and enjoy. I love that the Q is just 2 or 3 minute walk."          

What are you up to in your life? I do volunteer work with men and women who are in recovery from alcoholism and  addiction. I've been able to stay away from alcohol and street drugs for 22 years. I've gotten a lot from the sober community, and I want to give back.I'm feel up for it, I love hiking and camping. I really love being in the outdoors -- in the mountains. Some people like the beach, I like the mountains. I like to go camping at gay campgrounds.

How can other Third Rooters connect with or learn more about you? I'm on facebook

Bonus Question! What's a favorite trick you use to stay healthy?               Acupuncture is my best trick. I tell people about Third Root all the time. I'm constantly referring people here and to acupuncture in general.

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We Are Third Root! with Emmett Findley

Emmett Findley

What services do you participate in at Third Root?

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Bodywork/ Massage, Yoga

How long have you been coming to or involved with Third Root?

4 years?

Favorite thing(s) about Third Root?

Third Root is a safe place for a lot of different groups of people. Third Root offers so many different classes, it's like there's always something to discover. The fact that I get to have a concert there in April! All the things are my favorite things about Third Root!

Tell us your Third Root story!

Third Root means so much to me. It's a place to call home, it's a place to meet friends, it's a place to ask hard questions and it's a place to find peace. It's an honor every week to walk into queer/trans yoga and feel so loved, accepted and seen (and, of course, it's a great yoga class!) I'm always amazed at the range of programs offered by Third Root for a variety of communities. I love how Third Root gets spruced up every year for the street fairs on Cortelyou Road, opening its doors wide for its neighbors and friends. I LOVE Third Root because it's just so easy to. I love the friends I've made, the classes I've taken, the workshops I've attended, the groups I've met. And for all the classes I've missed and people I haven't met, it's just nice to know that Third Root is there for all sorts of people who are looking for their place here in Brooklyn.

What are you up to in your life?

When I'm not at Third Root as a yoga student, I get to volunteer as a cleaner on Monday mornings at 6:30 a.m.! I like to write songs on my guitar, run (I am training for a marathon) and I like to spend time with friends! I love friendship and at parties I like to ask "What brings you joy?" rather than "What do you do?"

How can other Third Rooters connect with or learn more about you?

www.instagram.com/emmettjoon

Bonus Question! What's a favorite trick you use to stay healthy?

Headstands!

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Katina Douveas

Role at TR: Monday morning front desk volunteer

How long have you been coming to/involved with Third Root?

since before it opened for business.

What neighborhood do you live in, and how long have you been there?

Flatbush, for 12 years.

Which modalities or classes do you utilize at TR:

Acupuncture; Herbal Medicine; Bodywork/ Massage; Yoga; Buddhist Studies; Community building and activism to fight racism, classism, gentrification, sexism, homophobia and all oppression everywhere

Favorite thing(s) about Third Root?

-the rows of shoes under the bench in the lobby when classes and treatments and trainings are going on -the fact that there is a health scholarship available to folks (like me!) who otherwise would not be able to access services -the fish in the apothecary who greet me each week when i come in for my volunteer shift -all the people who work there / devote their time, energy, resources and love there -how anybody can walk in and be welcomed -the willingness of folks to learn about, listen to and respect difference and ʺnewnessʺ (even in themselves) -how even taking a yoga class at third root feels so radical. because it’s rooted in social justice - all treatments/ practices / experiencees are infused with this spirit and you feel it -- whether you're attending a sensitivity training or getting a treatment -the transformative healing and shifting that takes place, grain by grain

Tell us your Third Root story!

when i first went to third root, i remember feeling so much abundance - both in terms of our neighborhood, that we had a place like this to go to, and in terms of myself - that a place like this was actually accessible to me, too!  it was new, it was nice, and it was for everyone. it wasn't a place just for white people who wanted yoga - it really was for everyone, and it reflected our neighborhood's diversity and--for most of us--our working class background. you could go and just chill. people could just stop in. from the beginning, Third Root felt like the big fountain of love that was so desperately needed along cortelyou, especially after vox pop had been forced to close. it filled those empty shoes and now it feels like the neighborhood's heart. there's always someone to talk to at Third Root - someone friendly, kind, and you have the best conversations and make great connections. i randomly met a person who had lived in my old neighborhood in detroit.  i've also met a neighbor who's lived here for almost as long as i have for the very first time!  the world really shrinks -- and expands -- when you step through the door.

What are you up to in your life?

I’m a poet -- i love writing, reading, dreaming. i perform spoken word poetry whenever i can.

for a living, i am a do-er of odd jobs, as well as a kidsitter / caretaker / personal and photography assistant. i also just started teaching a student conversational greek! : )

my dream is to be able to buy myself my own place one day – oh, and be free of my student loan debt!

Bonus Question! What's a favorite trick you use to stay healthy?

i suffer from copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) - so chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, bullae, chronic pneumonia, frequent hospitalizations, etc.  it's not fun, and so my number one trick is PREVENTION -- eating right, doing yoga, getting acupuncture / acupressure and massage at Third Root, having social time with friends, exercising regularly, meditating, resting well, journaling, talking to friends during tough or stressful times, etc.  If I start feeling "sick" or "stuffed up" or "a tickle in my throat" (usually that's how it starts - a dry, scratchy throat which leads to a sore throat that drains into my lungs. so at the mere hint of feeling sick, i go into SUPER prevention mode.  here's what i start doing ASAP:

-drink tons of fluids - water, tea with honey (and sometimes a bit o' bourbon or whiskey if i'm having trouble sleeping), water with freshly squeezed lemon juice, chai, and hot soups (with garlic, ginger, lemongrass,and other herbs). bone broth is great.

-i strictly limit my sugar / dairy / white flour consumption, and consume absolutely NO caffeine.

-sleepSleepSLEEP as much as possible.

-meditate and RELAX as much as possible

-take hot, steamy showers and do my shower yoga

-gargle with lukewarm salt water often

-tell folks i'm not feeling well, and ask friends and loved ones to check in on me

-if i can get a massage, that always helps to relax me and boost my immune system

-chill out with my amazing cat who is always with me, purring healing vibes xoxo  (thank you, mr. t!  :)

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Shri Devi Grier: Interview with Yoga Teacher

picture credit John Ricard www.johnricard.com

Shri Devi Grier

Role at TR: Yoga Instructor; Flatbush resident; Acupuncture, Yoga and Body Work client

How long have you been involved with/coming to TR? 3 Years

Favorite Thing About Third Root?

One of the things I appreciate about Third Root's mission is the diverse offerings of holistic approaches to health & wellness. To have experienced practitioners in a space who embody different backgrounds says a lot to someone seeking community and wanting to feel welcomed & understood.

Tell us a Third Root story!

For me, it's important to be actively connected in the communities in which I am a part. Where I live is also where I work; where I work is where I teach; and where I teach is where I learn. These points of connectivity are necessary to building strong ties where we ALL contribute to the wellness of our community. Third Root offers a place where life/work/wellness can intersect. If my contributions add to what "community" really is, then my activism is enriched. I want my teaching practice to honor and be representative of these communities and to leave a positive impact long after I'm gone.

What are you up to in your life?

Part of my personal mission is to build a legacy that outlives my own years. My current profession includes practicing wellness through fiscal education & self-care. Since it's insufficient to labor without a cause, I'm fortunate that my work holds me accountable to my community and challenges me when there's a gap between resources and demand.

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Geleni Fontaine: Interview with Collective Member

picture credit John Ricard www.johnricard.com

Geleni Fontaine

Role at TR: Acupuncturist, Collective Member, Third Root Education Exchange (TREE) Employee in charge of Community Health Scholarship Program 

How long have you been coming to/involved with Third Root?

Almost 5 years.

What neighborhood do you live in, and how long have you been there?

Park Slope, 33 years

Which modalities or classes do you offer at TR: 

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Massage, and Yoga

Favorite thing(s) about Third Root?

Creating access as part of our mission and being in a community of people working for healing justice.

Tell us your Third Root story! 

When I first finished acupuncture school I was only working in my home practice and felt really isolated. I was wanting to work in a community and have colleagues interested in challenging the idea of holistic healing practices being spa medicine as opposed to primary care that people of all incomes deserve to access in an empowered way. 

What are you up to in your life? 

I'm a lifelong poet and have been published a few times. Most recently I've worked with a wonderful group of fellow sick and disabled queer people of color writers in an online workshop with Leah Lashmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. I'm an experienced facilitator and panelist on issues ranging from anti-oppression and healing justice, to anti-violence and body liberation. I also enjoy teaching self-defense and hands-on, participatory healing methods that people can fit into their lives in a sustainable way and share with others.

How can other Third Rooters connect with or learn more about you? 

http://gelenifontaine.com/

Bonus Question! What's a favorite trick you use to stay healthy?

Meditation - even a little goes a long way :)

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Julia Bennett: Interview with Founding Collective Member

photo credit John Ricard www.johnricard.com

Julia Bennett

Role at TR: Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Collective Member 

How long have you been coming to or involved with Third Root?

Since its inception, 7 years ago

Which modalities or classes do you offer at Third Root?

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Bodywork/ Massage

Favorite thing(s) about Third Root? 

I love that we've created a space where people really feel safe. Within that we are constantly being presented with life challenges, and I love that we are committed to looking at those challenges and working through them no matter how difficult it is. That's what's keeps the heart in this place. 

Your Third Root story:

I learned to do acupuncture in the underground activist movement back in the late 70s / early 80s. I knew some the people involved in developing the Lincoln Detox program in the Bronx. Some of them were my mentors, and I got excited about the work that was being done so I went there and learned the NADA protocol. It was still pretty much underground then; there were no certifications. I used to volunteer -- especially during the height of the AIDS pandemic. We treated a lot of people with AIDS and people who were addicted to substances.

Then I got my masters in education and taught in the public school system for a while. But still, I was doing underground activism and acupuncture without a license. There weren't many schools then and most of them were out of state. Acupuncture didn't have the momentum that it has now. In 2000 I went and got legal. I started to work, so to speak, above ground.

When I connected with Third Root founders Jacoby Ballard and Green Wayland-Llewellin, they wanted to bring practitioners together that would address the needs of the community -- especially queer people -- and people from diverse communities, people who weren't being respected or treated well. They wanted to open up a space that would offer services and honor difference, and they invited six other professionals to join in the project with them. We were all really excited because we shared similar visions and as activists in various communities, we understood the need.

This kind of activist work was very much in keeping with what I believe, and I was excited about the diversity and commitment to social justice. I have always wanted to work in community and build community so it was a good fit. At the time I was the only African American on board -- and the oldest person. There were two people of color. So of course that was exciting -- to be here for people of color to come in and feel like this was a place where we can feel welcome. That was my intention...the work around that needs to continue to expand.

What are you up to in your life?

In addition to my work at Third Root, I have a private practice. I work out of my home two days a week seeing clients. I'm also a part of the Audre Lorde Health and Wellness Project. I've been instrumental in helping to develop that. I try to keep up with my activist work and stay connected. I'm involved with the Griot Circle and we're working to establish a liaison between the elders in Griot Circle and the Audre Lorde Project. Many of us knew Audre Lorde -- so it makes sense for us to create an alliance.

For fun, I love hanging out with my partner, and there's never enough time. We're both committed to changing the flavor of the world so it becomes more sweet. It's an ongoing process and a lot of work! I also love music and live concerts. I'm going to Stevie Wonder in November. I love nature, and I love going for nature walks. Just being with the trees and the flowers and the critters. I could live outdoors. That's something that rejuvenates me. I love taking a ride out to the ocean. That's one of the things I love about living in NY with all the quick access to the ocean. Either to drive or take the train out. I love paying attention to my spiritual practice, sitting in my altar space where I can remember there's something greater than myself and all these selves -- where I feel rejuvenation and peace.

What's a favorite trick you use to stay healthy?

I take space to be quiet. Sometimes I just need to shut everything out and off and be in my own little cocoon. I can't stay there long though because I'm also hyper. But just having that available to me from time to time feels really good because it makes a huge difference in me regrouping.

I also try to listen -- part of my healing comes from outside myself. I rely on other people. I keep my heart open and my ears available when people give me feedback because there are times when I have imbalances and I don't always recognize them. I love that kind of ally energy and support because honestly I can't do this all by myself. I can't take care of myself alone. I take responsibility for my health -- supplements, walks, meditation, prayers -- and I count on my community too. 

Neighborhood you live in and length of time you've lived there?

Brooklyn off and on for 30 or 40 years 

How can other Third Rooters connect with or learn more about you? 

I work at Third Root on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and do both private and community-style treatments.