Rachel Astarte Piccione
Our latest STICK OF THE WEEK is Rachel Astarte Piccione, founder of Healing Arts New York, an online home for her private practice as well as a free directory of wellness practitioners who employ the arts in their work. Rachel is also in the NOW as teacher and creator of The Open Self, a mind-body wellness workshop and ongoing practice. Participants are invited to discover and celebrate their true selves through guided meditation, journal-writing, and discussion. Rachel is a writer, Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, educator and a Mom.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
The Open Self is designed for those of us who have reached the point in our lives when we want to -- need to -- discover and celebrate who we truly are, and not what others expect us to be, not the roles we play or the labels we are given (and give ourselves!). We do this through guided meditation, journal writing, and deep, honest discussion in every class.
Each class has a different theme or focus. A few recent ones were: Self as Image, Connection to the Divine, Clearing Obstacles, and Intention and Manifestation.
A lot of students come because they are in a state of flux -- recent retirement, chronic illness, broken heart, death in the family...whatever it is, something has pushed them to make a change, to connect to themselves in a way they have not tried to do before. It's good, hard and necessary work. Mainly, we have an immense amount of fun generating our unique energies and playing with them!
One of the students calls those who attend the class, "seekers." I like that. We owe it to each other as living beings and to the creative power of Source to be what I call Ambassadors of Grace -- to go out into the world, shining the light of our true selves so that others can benefit and perhaps begin to seek and reconnect with their own light. Creation is not in the business of making things that fail! Each one of us is an individual gem in the universe. Figuring out who that individual is and celebrating him or her is what The Open Self is about.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
The work we do is fully cooked every time! I'd say the attendance is simmering. Word needs to get out there about what we do so that we all can benefit.
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
If you have the inclination to live a creative life, you owe it to yourself to do it! Whatever it may be. If you have a big project in mind, break it down into doable pieces. Set goals. Believe in yourself. Sounds trite, but it's true! Surround yourself with people who believe in you. If you don't think you have anyone, send me an email and I'll believe in you.
It's important to remember that taking on the creative means living that way every day! Begin small. Do one thing that gives you joy. Doodle. Write a little vignette about the last time you felt bliss. Do a happy naked dance in the living room. Teach your favorite song to your kid. That kind of thing. Make creativity part of your being.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
After my son was born, I had a bad bout with Postpartum Depression. I realized I was not living up to my full potential. I wanted my son to witness his mother doing what she loved so that he could learn that doing what you love is always the right path. But I wasn't doing that. I was a writer who wasn't writing. A healer who herself was drowning in hormones and self-pity. I took a good look at what I wanted to do, what skills I wanted to employ, and decided to go back to school to be a mind-body wellness practitioner. (Many thanks to my husband for his support!)
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
As a mother, my son inspires me. If I live the life I feel I am meant to live, he will be raised by a centered, happy woman. Ideally, in turn, he will follow his own bliss and be a centered, happy man.
As a creative person, I am inspired by other artists and seekers -- wherever they are on their path.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Her name is Jaimee. Best. Sitter. Ever.
But seriously, I am blessed to have assistance a few hours a day so that I can do my work. I made that a priority so that I would be able to be present for my son 100% when we are together the rest of the time.
If you have the inclination to live a creative life, you owe it to yourself to do it! Whatever it may be. If you have a big project in mind, break it down into doable pieces. Set goals. Believe in yourself. Sounds trite, but it's true! Surround yourself with people who believe in you. If you don't think you have anyone, send me an email and I'll believe in you.
It's important to remember that taking on the creative means living that way every day! Begin small. Do one thing that gives you joy. Doodle. Write a little vignette about the last time you felt bliss. Do a happy naked dance in the living room. Teach your favorite song to your kid. That kind of thing. Make creativity part of your being.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
After my son was born, I had a bad bout with Postpartum Depression. I realized I was not living up to my full potential. I wanted my son to witness his mother doing what she loved so that he could learn that doing what you love is always the right path. But I wasn't doing that. I was a writer who wasn't writing. A healer who herself was drowning in hormones and self-pity. I took a good look at what I wanted to do, what skills I wanted to employ, and decided to go back to school to be a mind-body wellness practitioner. (Many thanks to my husband for his support!)
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
As a mother, my son inspires me. If I live the life I feel I am meant to live, he will be raised by a centered, happy woman. Ideally, in turn, he will follow his own bliss and be a centered, happy man.
As a creative person, I am inspired by other artists and seekers -- wherever they are on their path.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Her name is Jaimee. Best. Sitter. Ever.
But seriously, I am blessed to have assistance a few hours a day so that I can do my work. I made that a priority so that I would be able to be present for my son 100% when we are together the rest of the time.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
I'd love to open a Healing Arts New York Studio here in Nyack. I don't mean a yoga studio; we have enough wonderful spaces for yoga here! I'm interested in a full-service mind-body wellness center that offers a wide range of modalities toward opening the self to its ultimate potential.
But first I need to finish the laundry.
I'd love to open a Healing Arts New York Studio here in Nyack. I don't mean a yoga studio; we have enough wonderful spaces for yoga here! I'm interested in a full-service mind-body wellness center that offers a wide range of modalities toward opening the self to its ultimate potential.
But first I need to finish the laundry.
Check out Healing Arts New York or go to Rachel's personal website HERE
The Open Self course is offered at the Birchwood Center in Nyack every
Tuesday from 12.00-1:00 pm and beginning May 1st, an additional class
from 7:00-8:00 pm.
The Open Self course is offered at the Birchwood Center in Nyack every
Tuesday from 12.00-1:00 pm and beginning May 1st, an additional class
from 7:00-8:00 pm.
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