Posts Tagged ‘Craniosacral Therapy’

Coming in June: A gift taken and shared: four weeks, four classes, for change

Friday, April 30th, 2010
gift of yoga

gift of yoga

It had been some time since the  last immersion had been offered, and so I was surprised when a couple  of students mentioned that they missed them, and would like to jump into another one.  after having the previous two immersions canceled due to  lack of interest, I wasn’t sure that offering another one would make sense, but my guidance assured me that yes, it would happen and that it was timely and would benefit those who chose to attend.

So, without being attached  to the outcome, I “put it out there” that an immersion was imminent, and over  the course of several weeks, people began to sign up… interestingly, most of  the people who signed up for this immersion were new to this work; and though  it was not apparent to me at the time, this proved to be important.

It  proved to be important because the immersion itself was different.  The  fundamental focus remained the same, but the hiatus or pause since the  previous immersions offered and provided enough space to allow for a  re-framing of the way the immersion happens.

There was clear guidance  on the day to day formatting and sequencing of the various meditations as well as the body of the practices.  Watching all of this unfold helped me to  see anew the power of practice itself… and here’s what I  really want to convey and to share with you.

more than once in a blue moon . . .

more than once in a blue moon . . .

Although we’re all  practicing all of the time, most of what we practice serves to  simply perpetuate what is familiar to us (keeps us ensconced firmly in  our box, and so committed to our perspective..) but when we dare to  try something new on, and I mean literally to wear it, then our perception does indeed shift as a consequence, and so to our lives.

We’ve all helped to create this wonderful space and place we call OmBase - a place where we have the unbridled permission to step out of our costumes and our accustomed ways of being to uncover and so discover something  new… but very few of us are really taking advantage of this gift and embracing what it has to offer us. Typically we drop into a practice here and there, with little commitment to really lean into- to wear and share- what we  uncover and discover as a consequence of our practice. And instead of  allowing it to really move us – even though we may be moved by the practice –  we opt instead to revert back to our more familiar refrain of insisting on resisting.

What I witnessed again through this immersion was just how powerful it is when people simply commit to showing up, and then simply sink into the practice of being—it’s literally life changing and the really good news is that this is the most natural thing one can “do”…. so if  you do show up, it happens.

yoga June

four weeks, four classes in June

So I invite you to consider what keeps you from availing yourself of that which is supporting you?

Could you dare  to give yourself the gift of even committing to just one class a week for  four weeks during the month of June?

Why not ask one of your friends to  join you in this commitment – it’s easier when you have someone to help you -  “….and you’ll also be helping them… and as you show up to  class, not only will you be benefiting, but by helping  OmBase, your presence literally extends this gift to  others.

So let’s give this a shot.. a little experiment.. Four  weeks, Four classes, With a Friend… receive the gift and extend it to  others… and be open for the types of shifts that these recent participants shared below:

“Hi Todd,

Thank you for holding such a great space for the Yoga Immersion class. It was my first entry into yoga other than a few classes here and there. It was the dropping habits focus that actually drew my attention more than the yoga.  Although, I didn’t drop any habits per se, what I discovered was a different connection with myself. A way to tap into that inner knowing – to connect with what do I want. So much of what I do is impulsive or reactive so it was such a pleasure to have a space and time devoted to reconnecting with me that I could work with in my day-to-day life to minimize reactivity. I have been told twice this week that I have softness to my eyes and seem centered. WOW! That is huge as I always feel a bit spinney. My point is when someone on the outside notices a shift then a shift has taken place. I thank you and all in class who shared that space – a yoga sangha!” —  D.D.


“…When I walked out of the studio into daylight, the air felt crisper, the colors brighter, and overall I felt more connection to the universe.What I discovered was a different connection to myself that I have not felt in my years of meditation practice. I connected with my body and moved closer to really feeling into what do I want. I finally understand what it means to get completely out of my head and drop into my feeling self. And, most importantly, I find myself stopping and asking more often what do I want. Taking that minute to ground myself before responding….”.  — D.D. Read the whole blog post


“Hi Todd,

Just saying Thank you for your hard work and the enlightenment you have brought into my life. Thanks for your entire staff to promote Yoga and the great music you have introduced me to. My husband John thanks you too as we like the meditation music but didn’t know which ones to purchase.

The last 3 weeks have been an incredible journey discovering my energy, guides, and a renewed perspective of the river we all share. I believe people close to me are seeing my positive changes. They may not say it, maybe not even conscious of it, but their actions reflect what I feel. Less thinking, more feeling. I love your saying.  — D.C.


To  help support this, I’ll be offering the first Satsang Sarong – Come and Be Embraced about half way through this four weeks (Saturday, June 19th at 6 pm.  It’s free)…. I’d love it if you  joined us… Come and steep in the  energy… there’ll be time for questions too… it’ll be  fun
!

FREE talk with Esther Gokhale on becoming pain-free

Monday, April 12th, 2010
Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.


Education – Lecture

Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Location:

OmBase Yoga Studio
6357 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 922-3100

Esther Gokhale, L.Ac. is a world-renowned pain expert and author of” “8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back.” Her work is acclaimed by many and praised by Physicians, Internal Medicine Doctors, Neurosurgeons, and recognized by the Mayo Clinic.

Esther is in town this week teaching a workshop and has agreed to give a FREE TALK at OmBase Thursday, 4/15, from 12-1 pm.

We are inviting all that are interested to come and join us! Teachers, students, friends, anyone that has ever experienced back pain or wants to learn more about Esther Gokhale’s artful, sound guide to better posture and freedom from pain.

Esther teaches the The Gokhale MethodSM which uses healthy posture and movement to help you re-establish your body’s structural integrity and regain a pain-free life.

Her class, the Gokhale MethodSM 101— is a 6-session course that gives you lifelong tools for healthy, pain-free posture and movement. You learn to use everyday movements, like lying, sitting and walking to lengthen and reshape your spine. No special equipment or exercise is required, and effects are often immediate.

Please visit her website: egwellness.com for more information.

Esther Gokhale

Esther Gokhale

Esther Gokhale (go-clay) graduated from Princeton with a degree in biochemistry and earned her C.A. from the San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. After personal struggles with back pain, unsuccessful back surgery, and a dismal prognosis, she began what would become a lifelong dedication to understanding and addressing the root causes of pain. After a five-year study and certification in Aplomb®, a French movement re-education technique, Esther traveled to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to study posture and movement in populations with a low incidence of back pain. She also continued her academic studies, taking courses in anatomy and anthropology at Stanford. Her education, training, and research enabled her to develop a unique, systematic method of restoring pain-free posture and movement, which she teaches at her Palo Alto clinic. Her technique is now detailed in her first book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back’. She currently divides her time between her family, teaching and training in the Gokhale MethodSM, the design of products to support healthy movement, speaking engagements, and ongoing research and data collection.

News from OmBase – April 1st Edition

Thursday, April 1st, 2010
rainbow's end

rainbow's end

There are a lot of changes in the air
at OmBase scheduled for April!

Some teachers change days/times,
and we say goodbye to one of our long-standing teachers…..
Plus Todd has his first Yoga Immersion in months,
as well as a new class on Tuesday night.


Yoga Immersion
with Todd

4/5-4/23  every weekday 6:30-8 am

Cost: $150-180 sliding scale/pre-registration

Todd Williamson

This is a chance to gather and practice three-five sessions a week. These healing immersions focus on healing and balance through visualization, meditation and yoga asanas. It’s easier to do this “work” around others who are making the same choices… so take advantage of the others’ presence (presents) and join in.

This is the year for change. (the year of the Tiger).  The change is happening, and we’re all immersed in it – you’re immersed in it -  Spending just a bit of time with others who, like you,  are curious about, and more consciously choosing for – uncovering and discovering – something new – a new way of being -  will afford you an ease now, during these times which otherwise may seem daunting and fraught with overwhelming challenges.

In allowing yourself to be supported, you invariably align with, and tune into your Self, and so find yourself supported by the very change you felt at odds with… Open to the magic…

You can find out more about Immersion here.

Please call OmBase, or email Todd/OmBase if you want to sign up.

Decision to hold immersion will be made several days prior to start date, so don’t wait till last moment to let us know!

Yin Yoga at night!
with Todd

TUE 7:30-9 pm, every Tue in April

Cost: drop in donation class

Yin Yoga

Todd will be teaching a yin yoga class every Tuesday in April. You can arrive like to any other classes, and either use your class card or pay a donation.

Come explore what Yin Yoga is all about. Whether you are new to yoga in general, or a seasoned yogi, this is a class you’ll get a lot from.

One of the interesting things about the yin approach is that it benefits the more active person (runner, biker, etc) as well as the less active person (couch potato).

Saying goodbye to Jay….

Jay Fields

Most of you know Jay. She’s been with us from the very beginning of the start of OmBase, and we have known her long before that. She has always been committed to being a part of our family.

Jay is moving on, and she will not be teaching classes at OmBase, but we know we will see her again…

Please join us in wishing Jay the very best in her new endeavors!

Jay has a beautiful new website, and a blog, always worth reading!

www.revelationaryliving.com

Dear friends,

Thank you so very much for being a part of my journey of learning and teaching at OmBase. It’s hard to leave because I will miss the family I have at OmBase, but the “nest,” as it were, has served its purpose–I’m now ready to fly in to new ways of being that are most in alignment with who I am in my work and life now. I feel quite joyful to let go and let myself be taken by the flow of things, which right now means having more time for my private spiritual counseling practice, for workshops, and for writing. Feel free to visit my new website to see what I’m up to…

And I trust that part of the journey is to stay connected to Om as a student, friend, and collaborator.  Until that mystery unveils itself…

Much love,
Jay

Same time, different teachers

Yoga Time!

Yoga Time!

We’ve rearranged the schedule a bit starting in April, and the permanent changes are as follows:

TUE 6-7:25 pm 
The Alchemy of Yoga
/Stasia

WED 5:30-7 pm
Hatha Yoga Flow
/Adriana

THU
6-7:25 pm
Hatha Yoga Mix/Vittoria

Please see more on these classes on the class schedule page or on our class description page.

Family Yoga!
with Rachel & Lauren

SAT 4/24 at 2:30 pm

Cost: $10/adult, $5/kid
Please pre-register for this class!

Rachel Plies & Lauren Clark

So many of you have asked about this class, so here it is being offered as a one time event.

Rachel and Lauren have fun with kids and families, and this promises to be a great class for all ages.

Kids, parents and grandparents welcome!

Read more about Rachel and Lauren at BoundlessMotion.

May Preview!
Yin Yoga
MON/WED/FRI 7-8:15 am

Yin Yoga

Todd will be co-teaching the Yin Yoga classes in the morning w/Emily, as Emily will be teaching Yin Yoga as well starting the following month.  This is a series and pre-registration is required.

Look for more info & how to sign up on the website. More on Yin Yoga here.

Introduction to Yoga class series (4 classes)
Join 4 of our teachers
for 4 weeks and discover yoga!

4 weeks, 4 instructors

4 weeks, 4 instructors

This series is for all the people that are uncertain about dropping in to one of our classes because they either have not done yoga, or haven’t been to a class in a long time….

Series will include the basics of:

• yoga poses
• breathing fundamentals
• how to use props

and getting to know four of our teachers here at OmBase.

Time To Be Announced, but most likely it will rotate month to month, sometimes in the evenings, sometimes during the day.

Stay tuned for more!

BodyTalk & Astrology offered
at OmBase….

Emily Trinkaus

Emily Trinkaus

Many of you know already Emily, as she’s been with us from the beginning (and before that!).

Emily is now at OmBase on Fridays, seeing clients.

If you are interested or curious about what she offers, check out her site.

You can contact her directly for an appointment

Enlighten Up!

Enlighten Up!

Movie Night!

Yes, we’ll be having a night every month set aside for a movie which we’ll be showing projected on the large wall of the yoga studio!

When: SAT 4/10 @ 7pm
What: Enlighten Up!!
(very appropriate as it’s about yoga).
You can go here for a link to a trailer.

We’ll accept a small donation if you like, and will donate to a local cause…

Sorry, no kids and no snacks…. :(

We love to hear from you!

Your Yoga Story

We want your feedback!
We want to hear what yoga
has done for you,
how it’s changed your life.

It’s a place for YOUR comments…

We want to hear what you have to say!

Send us your stories (long and short) about how yoga & OmBase or a specific teacher has helped you improve your life, healed your body, quieted your mind, and whatever else!

We’ll post the long stories on our blog, to inspire others.

Your deep stretch class is helping me a lot.  I definitely want to come the whole month of August.  I’m not taking a vacation this summer.  Taking your class is like a mini vacation for me every Monday evening!  You and Todd have cultivated a very peaceful and positive environment at your studio“.~ Don

“We’ve both really been enjoying your class and the benefits are already apparent. R. saw his neurologist yesterday and he told us that he could see a noticeable difference in R.’s stance and balance since he saw him 6 months ago. Really good news! Thank you for helping that happen”.   ~ B.

Come to class! & let us know what you’d like….

Spring Daisies

Spring Daisies

Finally, a note from all of us here at OmBase…we need your support now.

We know how much you love the studio, and if you haven’t come to class in a few weeks or more and you’re still reading this, obviously you want to be part of our community.

Please help us spread the word, come to class!  We can’t be here without your assistance and participation.

Also, if there are times/classes that you would like, please let us know.

We’re extending our blessings to you  for
a beautiful, warm and happy spring!


News from OmBase – March 1st Edition

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Pink Dogwood

Pink Dogwood

Once of the most beautiful things about Portland
are all the blooming trees at this time of year.
It’s the best announcement that Spring is here!

Please read on for some of the changes
coming up this month,
as well as special offerings.

See you in class!

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Mom & Toddler OM Yoga Class!
with Rachel & Lauren

WED 3/10 – 11-11:45 am

Cost: $14 drop-in

toddler

Mom & Toddler OM Yoga

Rachel Plies and Lauren Clark will be teaching a special mom and toddler OM Yoga  class on Wednesday, March 10th.

This class is already full but you can email or call us at 503.922.3100 to be put on the waiting list.

As we have more moms (or dads!) signing up we will create another day and time for this popular class!

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Rachel Plies & Lauren Clark

Rachel Plies & Lauren Clark

Rachel and Lauren believe that yoga is available to everyone, even kids! They work with kids in all environments, from after school programs or classroom visits to family yoga workshops and hula hooping themed parties! They provide a safe and comfortable environment that is tailored to each age group to make sure the kids have a fun and nurturing experience.

Read more about Rachel and Lauren at BoundlessMotion.

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Seasons Change

Seasons Change

Class changes/cancellations/updates

· The TUE 7:30 pm class has been canceled at this time. Stasia will be back next month with another time/day!

· Vittoria is now teaching the THU 6 pm class until the end of March, and maybe longer. It will be our $5 drop in this month, so come and check it out! It’s a Hatha Yoga Mix.

· The Yin Yoga in the mornings will be a SERIES again next quarter. You will be able to sign up for 3 weekly classes, for the first 3 weeks of each month.

· Keep your eyes out for Movie Night! Coming soon on a Saturday night!

· Louise Lorente is taking 6 weeks off and will be back April 13th. Todd and Cass are taking turns subbing her classes!

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Egyptian Inspired Bellydance!
with Adriana

FRI 7:15-8:15 pm

Cost: $10-$5 sliding scale

Adriana

Adriana

Discover the ancient art of bellydance with Adriana, a light-hearted & thoughtful dance artist and instructor with over 15 years experience. Adriana offers a holistic approach that gives freedom to express your own personal flow of creativity from within.

Bellydance is a great form of exercise for women of all ages, shapes & sizes! You can develop body awareness, grace, balance, strength, & fluidity and embrace your Divine Beauty. It’s a natural complement to a woman’s bone and muscle structure with movements coming mainly from the torso. You will learn how to isolate different parts of the body, moving them independently as well as layering movements in fluid patterns and in quick short accents, weaving together the entire feminine essence, and using the movements as a form of creative expression.

Adriana

Adriana

This class will have a strong focus on proper technique and foundation movements, as well as learning choreography. This will eventually allow you the freedom to improvise, and we will explore this in class.

We will also delve into other bellydance styles, fusion and the use of props, such as veils & zylls.

Wear loose comfortable clothing and a hip-scarf.

To read more about Adriana,
see her website at:
http://followyourbliss.info

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Spring Equinox Shamanic Sound Healing
with Dagmar

SUN 3/21 – 6:30-8:30 pm

Cost: $25 by 3/14, $30 after

Dagmar Luenser

Dagmar Luenser

In the way of the shamanic tradition, Dagmar will lead you through a sound journey to help release blocks and discordant energies, restore a sense of wholeness and well-being and connect you with your own inner guidance. Through the sound of her voice, shamanic tools and instruments such as drums, rattles and singing bowls, rituals unfold that awaken your heart’s intelligence and serve as a gateway to transformation and awareness.

Dagmar is a sound and energy healer with a private practice in SW Portland. Trained in shamanic work, sound healing, Spiritual Response Therapy and Reiki, she helps individuals come into balance and connect more deeply to their soul’s path.

Contact Dagmar Luenser
503.490.3671
hallowed_sounds@q.com

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Did you miss Todd’s meditation?
You can hear it here!

Todd Williamson

Todd Williamson

New Show: Free Range Meditation
Weekdays at 8AM
PDX.FM Channel Two
Hosted by Todd Williamson

You can now hear Todd’s meditations, recorded during class.

“When I close my eyes, I see my childhood in Africa; wild animals, blankets of stars, clear waters full of fish, and me, lying in the arms of a tree swaying gently in the breeze. Nature caught me in her grip early, and the feeling was unmistakable. In later years, when I found myself in more urban settings, I was always looking for ways to find that same feeling – the vastness, the embrace, the unmistakable feeling of being a part of it. It was yoga and meditation that took me there. With each 30 minute session that we share, I hope that I can help you find your own sanctuary amidst the rapid movement of life. There are stars, wild animals and tall trees in our own everyday world. It is my goal to help you sway in the breeze.” ~ Todd Williamson

Go to http://freerangemeditation.pdx.fm/ for more.

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Need a wedding photographer?
Call Josh!

Joshua Seaman Wedding Photography

Joshua Seaman Wedding Photography

Josh Seaman created our website as well as has taken most of the photos on it. He’s passionate about photography and people. If you are planning on an event, or a wedding, or want to capture any other meaningful time in your life, he’s the man you want to call!

Joshua Seaman photography is at your service for wedding photography, engagement session photos, bridal photos, artistic wedding photography for your Portland or destination wedding.

The photographic memories of your wedding day are eternal, so let Joshua’s eye for artistic wedding photography capture it all as your wedding photographer. Whether for  local Portland wedding, rural Oregon wedding, Seattle wedding, or destination wedding photography, Joshua Seaman is always willing to travel to be there as a dependable wedding photographer. He enjoys everything from the grand wedding, to the intimate  wedding ceremony, he is always happy to help you find a compatible wedding photography package to suit your needs.

www.relicpro.com

See a gallery of wedding photos HERE!

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News from OmBase – February 1st Edition

Monday, February 1st, 2010
Offering

Offering

Our new classes this past month did fabulously well, surely in part because of our $5 drop in offer. We know many of you will keep coming back to OmBase to continue taking those classes and others as well!

And because so many of you appreciate the lower price, we’ve decided for now to add one $5 drop in class each month. Please read on for more about this, as well as other new offerings!

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Sound Meditation & Toning Circle
with Dagmar

THU 7:30-9 pm
starts 2/4/10

Cost: by donation

Dagmar Luenser

Dagmar Luenser

During this weekly offering, we start with a sound meditation, where you simply sit or lie quietly and allow the gentle sounds of bells, crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls and chimes to soothe your body and mind. Then you are invited to tone together as a group, where you are encouraged to use your voice and let sounds come through you.

Toning is the elongation of a note or tone using breath and voice. It is an active vocal healing meditation that can help you re-discover your authentic voice, reduce stress, restore balance and connect you with the deeper rhythms and vibrations of your being. No singing experience is required.

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Dagmar is a gifted sound and energy healer with a private practice in SW Portland. Trained in shamanic work, sound healing, Spiritual Response Therapy and Reiki, she helps individuals come into balance and connect more deeply to their soul’s path.

Dagmar Luenser
503.490.3671 or
hallowed_sounds@q.com

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Guided From Within: Tools for Revelationary Living
with Jay Fields

SUN 2/7 – 7 pm

Cost: FREE!

Jay Fields

Jay Fields

This event is a talk Jay will be giving. Please come early to get seated. Chairs and zafus available, or bring your own cushion.

From Jay:

“I will share with you the Revelationary Living Cycle, a model that I created that is based on Erich Schiffmann’s approach to yoga and on the theories of deep ecology and integral education. A mixture of personal stories from my life and my work with clients, current research, and simple experiential explorations, in this talk I will reveal how:

· The Revelationary Living Cycle is concerned with how to be more consistently in tune with your relationship with Spirit and offers simple tools for how that connection can inform your every day actions.”

Feel free to email Jay with any questions you may have.
jay@revelationaryliving.com

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February’s $5 class
Blisyoga
with Todd

WED 7:15 pm

We have decided to offer the $5 drop in class every month for a while!

Todd Williamson

Todd Williamson

Take advantage of this month’s class: Wednesday’s Blisyoga with Todd every Wed at 7:15 pm.

About Blisyoga:

Typically starts with a 20-30 minute guided meditation, breathing, and sounding  followed by some gentle movements to warm up.

Often we’ll stay on the floor for most of the class, but each class is different and we may find ourselves on the bars. We use a lot of props, as they lend and offer support in a wider range of movement possibilities.

Many, if not most of the movements and poses may are different from what you may have learned in more classic hatha and vinyasa style classes.

- Mixed levels

For more on BLIS Yoga, please see our class descriptions. More at BLIS Yoga.

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Annie Meyer’s art
NOW at OmBase

Annie Meyer

Annie Meyer

You can see Annie Meyer’s art hanging at our studio now!

Annie is a local artist Todd and I found a few years back and we love her art!

From Annie:

“I consider myself a painter, but work in 3 different mediums: Painting (primarily oil and acrylic paintings), monotype prints, and ceramic tiles. Essentially my work is the same theme, but expressed differently due to the difference in mediums. My subject manner is the human figure, and abstract French Landscapes. I have been drawing the figure since high school, and I work directly from a live model.

All of my work is original. I have no reproductions.”

Everything that is hanging at OmBase is for sale, so ask the front desk for more info, or check out Annie’s website.

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Calling all old calendars…

Megan Hooker

Megan Hooker

Have you seen Megan’s work at OmBase? She makes lovely recycled cards out of calendars!

What better way to recycle your calendar? Knowing that somebody, somewhere, is receiving the image you’ve looked at for months….

If you still have a 2009 calendar (or older!) that you have no use for, please bring it to OmBase and we’ll get it to Megan.

Favorites are nature, pets, scenery of any kind.

Namasté

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Hawaii, here I come?

Kailua rental

Kailua rental

You all know Joanne in a sense, as she’s the architect that designed OmBase.

You can see the beauty she has helped created every time you come to class.

Joanne has a sweet rental home in Hawaii she wants you to know about. You can go here to find out more.

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