NEWSLETTER

Dear Heartwood Community,

I hope that by now those of you who have been without power due to the storm on Monday have had it restored and are now cooling off in your homes. We had lots of neighbors and friends stopping into the center to charge their phones and computers and try to get some work done. The energy here at Heartwood felt much like it did in February after the big snow, a real community spirit!

This issue of our newsletter highlights some of the wonderful community partnerships we are forming: our meditation class for teens at the Evanston Public Library Summer Reading Stop, located right across the street in the Evanston Plaza shopping center. If you haven't seen this wonderful summer library please consider stopping in. We are also teaching meditation and yoga for cognitively challenged kids at Evanston Township High School's summer program and just finished a meditation class for the Evanston Police Department. We will end the month by hosting the Evanston Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Lunch.

If you have an idea for other community partnerships for Heartwood please email me and let me know. And don't forget that July is a perfect time to stop by our center to cool off with one of our fun summer classes, just check our website. Come join the Heartwood community!

Warmly.
Nancy Floy
President, Heartwood Center

Hello Heartwood Community,

If you are looking to bring more energy, healing or play to your life, we offer several new classes starting in July that may have what you need. Please see Darlene Nelson's article on Sanskrit Mantra, a form of sound meditation which she teaches Saturdays. We invite you to read below about the variety of new classes and partnerships which are expanding Heartwood services in the community.

We are always looking for feedback from our readers. Please let us know if there are subjects which you would like us to cover in future issues of the newsletter!

Warmly,
Marsha Smith, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Diane A.Testa, Leadership Coach
Heartwood Newsletter Coordinators

Sanskrit Mantra: An Ancient Solution for Modern Challenges

By Darlene Nelson, Certified Sanskrti Mantra Instructor

Sanskrit Mantras are sacred sound formulas that can attune your body and mind to the higher intelligence within you. Through this form of meditation called japa (repetition), you become like a magnet attracting the spiritual energy of the mantra and allowing it to assist you with life's daily challenges. This powerful force field of energy can be directed for the physical, emotional or spiritual transformation of the one who uses it and also for others. Power packed, yet easy to learn, these sacred sounds can be said aloud, whispered or repeated silently. The use of Sanskrit Mantra can take your yoga or meditation practice to a higher level, and it is also helpful in combination with any of the healing arts for the body, mind and spirit.

Although the origin of Sanskrit Mantra is in the Vedas — the oldest spiritual scripture of Hinduism — chanting Sanskrit Mantra does not require you to change your lifestyle, core beliefs or religion. It is a complementary spiritual practice to enrich your life.

How Sanskrit Mantra Works
Sanskrit Mantras are fundamentally about energy. They can be translated to have a general meaning; however, the only lasting definition is the result or effect it has on the person saying it. There are 50 letters in the basic Sanskrit alphabet. These letters correspond to the 50 petals on the six major chakras (energy centers) that go from the base chakra to the brow chakra along the spiritual spine. When a mantra is uttered, the letters contained in the mantra vibrate in resonance with the chakra petals. These vibrations have a stimulating energetic effect that is healing to the physical and spiritual bodies. Mantras combined with intention bring in new "clean" energies, raise the consciousness and attract positive life experiences to the chanter.

Sanskrit Mantras empower us to become aware of our personal knots, and they work to unravel them. Chanting Sanskrit Mantra as part of your daily routine enables you to unleash the creative power that has been held dormant and reveal your true essence.

OM SHAMBHU SHANKARAYA NAMAHA – HAPPINESS to ALL

In her vibrational energy healing practice, Darlene Nelson assists others in becoming more “whole.” She is certified as a Sanskrit Mantra instructor by Sanatana Dharma Satsang, an organization dedicated to the study of mantra and meditation. Her teacher was Namadeva Acharya, Thomas Ashley-Farrand, one of the West’s foremost authorities on the application of Sanskrit Mantra.

Darlene’s mission is to enable people to transform their lives through the power of sacred sound. She offers Sanskrit Mantra for Daily Living classes at Heartwood on Saturdays at noon. All are welcome to this ongoing class. No previous chanting experience is necessary. Private consultations are also available. Call Darlene at 773.420.7356 or click here to email.

Read more >>