New Beginnings
The beauty about a “New Year” is we get to choose fresh ideas.  Happy New Year everyone!!  Hope your Holidays were wonderful, and are enjoying the wintry season with all its dormancy. I have had time to reflect on my practice and its growth. It dawned on me that even though my practice continues to grow, and my vision continues to expand, that I have yet to come up with a mission statement.

As I continue to grow professionally and personally, my convictions become stronger and my vision clearer.  So, I am excited to share with you my mission for my practice:

Now, I would like to give recognition to those individuals that have been instrumental in helping me.  My sister, Cindy DePue has probably been most instrumental in her support and answers to my endless questions to technology.  Her guidance has aided me in getting around the computer and into cyberspace.  Along with her undying patience, she has gifted me with her graphic art abilities, and has saved you all by her editing skills in each newsletter.  She also introduced me to the man who is responsible for my logo to “The Art of Touch”, Russ Miller , who I would also like to recognize for his aid in my business cards, and gift certificates.  His craft has given my practice a new look that excites me and speaks to my heart.  He has found a way to use contemporary art to express this heart connection between myself, and my clients.  I am deeply grateful to both Cindy and Russ for their time and abilities, and the part they play in my growth.

More excitement!! I now have a web page (as you've obviously noticed)!  However, I cannot take full credit for this news event, actually, I can't take any credit.  Bill Maloney , a client and friend, has been fruitful in opening a web page and its progression has been a direct result in his enthusiasm in getting me up, and running.  His computer and photographic skills has given my site a unique and fun look.  It is a work in progress and it has been interesting to witness its appearance.  Bill not only is gifted in his skills, but also in his light-heartedness to keep it fun and informative.  Thank you Bill for your continued support in my profession.

Winter Promotional Winners
I am excited to announce my first promotional winners in my November, December and January drawings.  For November Elaine Struble of Butler was my first winner.  December's drawing went to Roseanna Conti of Elwood Park, and January's winner is Anne Freeman Price of Hamburg.  Congratulations to all my winners and continued thanks to everyone.

Recently, I was out on an outcall.  While I was waiting for my client to get on my table, I went to stretch out on the floor.  Sabrina , a beautiful Pomeranian (which is a small German dog) greeted me.  She takes every opportunity she can to receive a massage. She was so happy to see me.  She started lapping up my face, as I was trying to stretch out. She was so obviously happy, and excited that I broke into a laughter.  The more I laughed the more excited she got, and before you knew it, I was rip roaring with laughter, and Sabrina seemed to be laughing too. By the time I got my composure, my abdomen was sore from laughing so hard! (Check out my Pet Tales page to see a picture of Sabrina.).

William F. Fry, psychiatrist and professor emeritus clinical professor at Stanford University has studied humor since the 1950s.  He was among those who coined the term “gelotology” that means the scientific study of laughter.  Dr. Fry explains, “Muscles throughout the body are exercised by mirthful behavior. Smiles produce activity of facial, neck, and scalp muscles.  Chuckling and laughter stimulates the muscles in the thorax, shoulders, and abdomen as well as the diaphragm and sometimes the arm, leg, and pelvic muscles.  All the well-documented health values are recognizable in mirthful muscle activity, and it does not differ in any crucial fashion from aerobic exercise.”  So for those of us that are too lazy to exercise, a regimen of frequent belly laughs could prove instrumental in improving our aerobic activity level.  But, for those individuals who are confined due to physical disabilities or illness, laughter could provide the workout that will stimulate the aerobic activity they would otherwise not receive.

Through the avenue of gelotology researchers have found that laughter not only boosts the immune system, but stimulates the release of endorphins, thereby decreasing the intensity of pain brought on by arthritis and muscular spasms.  With the stress and pressure many of us feel today, medical evidence has shown an increase in epinephrine and cortisol blood levels (stress hormones).  Often what follows, especially during prolonged periods of stress, is depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety, which further stress the immune system.  An increase in stress hormones will also affect blood platelets giving rise to their numbers, and the potential for an obstruction in the arteries and a rise in blood pressure.

Studies have reveled in the profound effects from “Laughter Therapy” in not only lowering stress hormone levels, but releasing mental stress levels as well.  For the body to heal it needs to be in its right-mind. When we go around angry and blaming others for our life, we can't heal.  Changing our conscious thinking to right-mindedness, releases the stress we once put on ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  The body doesn't know the difference between thinking and doing, it responds to our indifference.  Each day, we have the opportunity to choose whether we get out on the “right or wrong side of the bed”.  What better way to start your day, but with a smile?

Laughter has become so much apart of my practice.  I am sure the tenant next door wonders, at times, what's going on next door!! It is uplifting to know that not only am I contributing to my clients' general fitness and right-mindedness, but I am also receiving the benefits while I work.  For sure, more work places need to bring laughter into their arena. Not only is laughter freeing, but it empowers us as well.  The following is an awesome site, and well worth checking out: http://people.howstuffworks.com/laughter.htm

Valentines Day
Love is in the air.  For me, February 14 th is a day to celebrate my appreciation to all my clients, past and present.  Everyone's name will go into the love box, and one person will be drawn to receive a free one-hour massage.  Good luck everyone!  The winner will be posted in the next newsletter.

Testimonials in the Schools
This section is dedicated to the teachers and students who open themselves up to learning from each other.

My regular massage sessions have been an immeasurable tool in balancing the demands of work and a part-time college schedule. I can manage the stress much better with the healing therapy given by Linda Dominguez.  I think of it as “continuing education for the body & soul.” ~ Pamela Gordon, Dietetics major, Montclair State University

All jobs are stressful, with varying degrees of stress.  We all handle it differently.   Some people can laugh it off, others are screamers, some may even do lunch time meditation.  But no matter how we may try, stress invades our very being.  It can affect us physically and emotionally.  I am a teacher.  I teach preschool children with handicaps.  By the end of each day, I have dreamed of screaming, crying, killing some of the parents, spanking some of the students and ultimately going home and trying to relax off the joys of the day!  Laughing is good, but so is a glass of wine and a long soak in the tub.  Most of the time, however, laughing is as far as I get, albeit, stress builds up.  Sometimes, going into work stressed and having another day that is just as bad can be God-awful.  My neck gets so tight that I can hardly turn it, my back starts to ache, and I get headaches that make me feel like my head is going to explode like Mt. St. Helens.  It took me a long time to find the right cure for all that ails me; "massage".  The word itself is like magic.  I make sure that I take care of myself at least one time a month.  Just knowing that I will be going for a massage helps get me through the most torturous of days.  It eases body and soul.  When I get a massage, I can go to work and deal with crying, teaching the most difficult of students, deal with the most difficult of parents and get through a day without feeling like my body is as taunt as a bowstring.  When you feel good, you can give 150%.  Things that might have stressed you out yesterday are just a small problem today because your mind and body are relaxed and pain free.  I can think of no better tool to use in my teaching skills than to be stress free and relaxed through a massage.  It makes all the difference in the world and how you perceive the world.

~ Elaine Struble, Pre-school Teacher

Before trying massage therapy, stress from everyday life would build up, without myself even knowing about it.  I never imagined it would evolve into back injuries from sports, and affecting my time in school. Soon after receiving massages on a normal schedule, I was relieved of stress and tension in my muscles. Emotionally, I was able to easily take stressful situations and turn them into progress.  This helped my grades and attitude in school.  I was amazed by my progress, and thank massage therapy for that alone.

~Keith Agnello, 14-year-old student

And lastly, out of the mouths of babes, 4 year-old preschooler, Brandon knows all about the benefits of massage.  When I go to their house, Brandon always asks his mom and dad if he can get a massage.  So I asked him “Why he likes massages”.  His reply was simple, “Because it feels good”. Doesn't get much better than that!!  Thank you Brandon for the beautiful smile you always share, and for your innocence of always being honest.

My Referrals:
New to my newsletter and website is a referral section that will be used to promote a variety of services by people I know whom uphold values and ethics, as they look out for their clients' best interest.  This month's newsletter introduces Sheree Mylo Becker and Barbara Plyer.

Sheree Mylo Becker is a traditional Usui Reiki master/teacher. She has been a Reiki channel since 1987. Her work is astounding.  I have been on her table for Reiki, have been guided by her astounding knowledge in nutrition, and participated in a past-life regression session.  Her energy and passion to help clients in their healing process is sincere.  The energy she exuberates is both calming to the mind, body and soul.

To set up an appointment, please call her voicemail at 862-209-0759.  You can also request information by writing her at PO Box 731, Oak Ridge NJ 07438.  Sheree also offers Past Life Regression and Nutritional support consulting.  If you have energy blockages limiting your full potential for vitality, Sheree will work at clearing your energy field, so you can be empowered to heal yourself.

I met Barbara Plyer, my financial advisor, in 2004.  What attracted me to her was her sincere interest in guiding her clients to financial security.  Through her knowledge and keen listening skills she is able to meet the needs of her clients without making them feel pressured.

The most important part of a financial planning process is the relationship.  An advisor should be someone you are comfortable with in order to share your present and future needs and dreams.  Knowing that they are watching over your financial life and keeping in touch with you on a regular basis can be a comfort.  A few items to review: Making sure your goals are measurable, being realistic - shore up your emergency fund (3 to 6 months), get properly insured (life, LTC, property, auto), locate important documents, diversify your portfolio and reassess your financial goals.  Your Financial Planner should be looking at all of these with you.  If you have any questions or would like a review please contact Barbara Plyer at 973-618-4219; or Barbara.w.adamsplyer@smithbarney.com

More information on their services can be found on the referral section of my website.  It is my sincere hope that this may be a guide to your needs as they arise.

To be sure Saint Patrick's Day will soon be upon us. It's the wearing' of the green and the blessings of old that warm my Irish heart!  While thinking of a way to celebrate the day with my clients, a leprechaun came through my office door.  His back was aching from carrying his pot o' gold.

He said, “Ah, Lassie, I hear you be one who quells the pain of those who be hurting.  If ye do this for me, I will gladly reward ye with a dip of your hand into my pot of gold!”

I accepted the task, and the little man kept his word. He gave me many pieces of gold, and one special piece in exchange for lightening his pot!  Clients coming to my Butler office throughout the month of Saint Patrick's Day will receive a golden token of prosperity.

But who will pick the special token and a free one-hour massage?

Mind & Body Connection in my next newsletter coming out in May.  To be removed from this mailing list, contact me at simplylinda7@earthlink.net or 973-632-3797.

Past Newsletters:
Newsletter 1

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