This week, the hit NBC show "The Office" dealt with the concept of grief. Michael, the buffoonish boss character played by Steve Carell said: "There is such a thing as good grief. Ask Charlie Brown..." The thing is, he's right. Grief can be a good thing.

One of my favorite subjects is the concept of identity crisis. I feel that any change--no matter how positive, necessary, or desired--brings with it an element of identity crisis. In order to change and develop and grow into new, fabulous shapes, we need to let go of the shape we were formerly in. To do this, we need to grieve what we are losing in order to enjoy what we are gaining.

For those of us who strive to constantly change and grow, this can mean a lot of grief! Who ever said change was easy? Several years ago, when I realized that I was no longer feeling spiritually and emotionally fulfilled by pursuing an acting career, I found joy in working as a holistic counselor. As happy as I was to have realized a new passion, I had to take the time to grieve that I was no longer an actor. It was only by fully exploring and moving through that emotion that I became able to wholly be in this exciting new role.

Often it is this unconscious fear of having to grieve that keeps us from pursuing that which will ultimately make us happy. Even if we're not thrilled with the way things currently are, at least they're familiar, right? But it is only by acknowledging and moving through the vital stage of grief that we can truly be free to grow into our most fully realized selves.

The fall season is a perfect time to address this dilemma. Traditional Chinese Medicine aligns the grief associated with change to these autumn months. (In fact, this issue will be addressed in my upcoming Fabulous Fall workshop mentioned below.) So take a few moments to look at where you would like to develop. In order to accomplish that change, what will you have to let go of? What will you need to grieve? Are the benefits and rewards to be reaped from this change worth it? I would say that 99% of the time, they are. THAT is the "Good Grief": the grief that allows us to become the phenomenal beings we know we can be.

Wondering how to ease the transition from the sultry days of summer to the crisp fall season? Not sure how to keep your energy high while the temperature drops? You need to Tune In to the Season...it's Fabulous Fall!

In this two-hour mini workshop, we'll explore how to adapt to Autumn's rhythms through food, focus, and fun. This workshop will also serve as an introduction to the week-long optional group cleanse, where we'll be using a specifically designed menu to help re-align our bodies to this special time of year.

In this class, you'll receive:

• Handouts, recipes, and a special "goody"
• Tasty samples of fun fall foods
• Week-long cleanse menu and guidelines
• Membership in the online cleanse support group
• Daily group and personal email support
• Personal phone support during the cleanse

And of course, you'll also receive a deeper understanding of the fall season, reach greater connection to your inner self, and have a great Sunday afternoon!

Date: Sunday, October 22nd
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Location: Nurture's Path, 1133 Broadway at 26th St., 10th floor, Suite 1020
Cost: $30 for workshop and cleanse, $15 for cleanse only, both FREE for current clients

Attendance at the workshop is not necessary to join in the cleanse. If you are interested in participating in either the workshop, the cleanse, or both, call 646.246.7250 or email trishbalbert@gmail.com to register today!

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorite fall veggie, like squash!)
olive oil
salt and pepper
fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 35 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375.
2. Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized pieces.
3. Place in a large baking dish with high sides.
4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to lightly coat each vegetable. (I like to toss the vegetables with my bare hands.)
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.

Any combination of vegetables will work (I love adding beets or fennel somtimes). Roasting just one type of vegetable also makes a good side dish. Try experimenting to find your favorite flavor combination.

I am thrilled to announce a new opportunity for healing: Reiki! This modality has been a remarkable force in my life and I am so happy to be able to share this practice with others.

Reiki is a hands-on, clothes-on Japanese healing technique used for relaxation and stress reduction. It is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that anyone can access. Reiki has been effective in helping virtually every known malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It can work in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve tension and promote healing. This powerful but gentle practice will leave you feeling centered, grounded, and full of positive energy.

To make this wonderful technique accessible to as many people as possible, private sessions are only $40 for one hour. Call 646.246.7250 or email trishbalbert@gmail.com to schedule your appointment today!

email: trishbalbert@gmail.com

phone: 646-246-7250

web: http://www.awakenwellness.com