During our meeting on May 31, we delved into insightful discussions and explored valuable resources that I believe will benefit us all on our journeys through the second halves of our lives. Here's a brief recap of what we covered:

Chronic Pain:

• Dr. John Sarno: His books on journaling and retraining the brain have helped many overcome chronic pain.
• The Mindbody Prescription
• Healing Back Pain
• The Divided Mind
• Nicole Sachs, LCSW: A psychotherapist dedicated to treating chronic pain. Her book, The Meaning of Truth, and her online course, FREEDOM FROM CHRONIC PAIN, are guiding many to lives of freedom. Nicole Sachs Website
• Dani Fagan: A yoga teacher specializing in Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), which is the result of mild oxygen deprivation signaled by the autonomic nervous system. My TMS Journey

Podcasts and Videos:

• This Naked Mind Podcast
• YouTube Video: Reimagining aging and longevity: Is mindfulness the secret? | Prof. Ellen Langer

Resources Shared:

• Fabulous: An App – A tool for building new habits, with a portion dedicated to ADHD. Developed at Duke University and led by renowned Behavioral Economics Professor Dan Ariely, it transforms tiny habits into profound long-term changes. Fabulous Website

Group Insights and Future Directions:

• Open Conversations: We emphasize the value of open conversations where no one is right or wrong.
• Listening Partnerships: We highlighted the importance of holding space for one another. Marilupe De La Calle will guide us through a live listening partnership in our next meeting on June 7.

In Our Next Meeting: One of our members, Marilupe De La Calle from Hand in Hand Parenting, will guide participants through the powerful experience of deep listening in the safe space created by our collective presence. Marilupe's Profile

Looking Ahead:Next Meeting Flexible Agenda:

• Community Building: Creating a supportive community where we can study, network, and uplift each other.
• Trusted Information: Building a repository of expertise and referrals of doctors specializing in menopause.
• Knowledge Sharing: Continuing to share knowledge, resources, and experiences to support each other.
• Discussion Topics: We invite your input on what topics you would like to explore in our next meeting.
• Possibility of creating a Google group.
• Possibility of creating a book club for Dr. Sarno's or Nicole Sachs’s books.
• Free yoga class next Wednesday, June 10 - details to follow.
• Expert Talks: Scheduling 20-minute expert talks, beginning with our members who want to share their knowledge and expertise.
• Meeting Schedule: Discuss the possibility of meeting on a Friday or Thursday evening in the future.

Meeting Structure:

1. Breathing Exercise, Movement, and Intention Setting
2. Introductions
3. Expert Talks or Community Talks or Check-ins
4. Reflection: Reflect on two things we learned or how we felt during our gathering.

Next Meeting Details and Registration:

• Date: June 7
• Registration: Register here (as of December 2024 registration is processed through my own website)
• Time: 11 am - 12 pm
• Location: Be Well Collective - 225 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, USA

Meeting Guidelines:

• We may sit on yoga mats during the meeting. If you require a chair, kindly inform Daniela at [email protected].
• Please remember to remove your shoes upon arrival.
• Environmentally conscious group: When possible, bring your own mug instead of using paper cups from the studio.
• The meeting will begin promptly and must wrap up by 12:15 pm.
• For those interested in continuing conversations, we can reconvene at a nearby coffee shop.
• You can access information about previous meetings in this blog.

We look forward to reconnecting with you on June 7 for another enriching session filled with inspiration, learning, and camaraderie. Until then, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
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I'm truly excited about the direction our Midlife Cafe is taking and the opportunities for growth and support it provides. Thank you for your continued participation and contributions.
Looking forward to our next meeting and the enriching conversations it will bring.

​Warm regards,
Daniela Lejtneker
Midlife Cafe Founder & Yoga Teacher

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