Below is the incredible story of Arthur and his transformation from a place of struggle to one of freedom. How can we begin to transform ourselves? just as Arthur has done, one step at a time.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Suite 3 Renton, Wa. 98059 425.271.0200

“Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” 
― Walt Disney Company


 Sometimes we really feel our creative spirit. Maybe it's when we sing along with a favorite song, or maybe it's when we prepare a long loved dish. Often, through these activities, we become lost in time, we stop worrying about the future or obsessing over the past, and we just be. Right there in that moment, we just are. As children, we play and create with wild abandon, the world is open to infinite possibility. But as we age, the realities of life tend to push our inner artist a little deeper down. We may feel intimidated by creativity, embarrassed to sing out loud, or unsure if the dish will taste the same. Wild abandon becomes a concept, rather than a way of living.

How can you open yourself to creativity and awaken your inner child? Try any of these ideas:

• Ask more questions. When we ask questions, we're seeking answers. Many great ideas start with a simple query.
  
• Pretend. Not just for youngsters, pretending to be or do something different opens your mind to new ideas and concepts. 
• Play. Really play. Get outside and toss a football, or make up a completely new game.
• Embrace not knowing. Maybe you don't know where to begin, or know what you might like, or know if you'll be terrible at it. Imagine it anyway, be ok with the unknown, and allow time for the process.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Suite 3 Renton, Wa. 98059 425.271.0200

Almost everyone is familiar with the fable of the tortoise and the hare. We know the outcome of the story, we know the tortoise wins the race through steady forward movement. But have we ever considered the tortoise may have won not only because he moved slowly and methodically, but because he was aware of who he was and had no illusions of being like the hare. He accepted who he was a tortoise, and he understood his simple movements were the surest way to reach his destination. He understood the race was whatever he decided it would be.

What can that teach us about ourselves?

What's it like to really be in touch with your body? Can the simple act of moving slowly and mindfully transform your connection to self? In Sheng Zhen Qigong, experience the art of moving meditation.
Reconnect with your physical self while quieting the mind. Finding the balance between a busy life when our minds race and periods of rest when our world shrinks doesn't have to require major lifestyle changes. Begin with one mindful movement at a time. Let the tortoise remind you how.

More about Michelle:
Michelle Yamamoto first met Master Li Jun Feng and started her Sheng Zhen Gong practice in 1998,15 years ago when she lived in Manila, Philippines as an expatriate in Asia for 12 years.

Over the following years, she studied all the ten forms  with Master Li Jun Feng and during which time she also received extensive teacher training on and taught: Heaven Nature Gong, Heart Mind as One, Lao Tzu’s Return to Spring and the Sheng Zhen Healing Gong forms at his residence and at the Shangri-La Hotel Makati for several years until she relocated to Canada in 2001.

She is delighted to share her world travels of experiences with various Masters she has studied with and also enjoys meaningful discussions on cultivating awareness of an awakened heart whilst unraveling the conscious and unconscious knots of the mind to gain transformation to a deeply rooted, happy and compassionate life.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Suite 3 Renton, Wa. 98059 425.271.0200

Breast Self-Exam Instructions:

Check your boobies 6 days after your period (or on the first day of the month, if you no longer have periods). Click here to register for a free monthly email reminder to CHECK YOUR BOOBIES.


Do it in the shower, while your body is wet and soapy. Use the pads of 3 fingers to check each breast for lumps. Move your fingers in a row pattern. Up and down all the way across one breast and then the other. 

Areas to check:Outside: armpit to collar bone, and below breast Middle: the breast itself Inside: the nipple area

Things to look for after you shower:Liquid coming from nipples. Puckering of the skin. Redness or swelling. Change in size or shape.

We prefer the shower but you can also do a breast self-exam lying down in bed. Do it in a place that is most comfortable and effective for you. The important thing is that you do it. If you feel any lumps or changes, call your doctor. Remember most lumps are not cancer. It’s not about finding cancer; it’s about knowing what is normal for your breasts. If something does not feel normal, call your doctor.

Three Step Approach:Check Your Boobies recommends a 3-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes, depending on a woman’s age, a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams.

Monthly breast self-exam beginning by age 20. Clinical breast exam at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually from age 40 on. Annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40.

Women with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult with a health care provider. Screening tests may need to be done more often and/or started earlier than usual. As part of a total approach to breast health, women should become familiar with their own bodies, play an active role in their health, and develop a close partnership with their health care providers.

Remember, pay attention to you body, and if something feels new, different, or not normal to you, please contact your health care provider immediately.