readers write

...every month...i eagerly browse each page to find those interesting little shaded boxes with poignant wisdoms that capture my attention! ah! there! look at all those other people from our past and present...who literally say out loud those important truths of our time! real gems of wisdom! and right there in the magazine for me to look forward to and savor every single month! thank you muchly, wnc-woman magazine... pamela thomas

I was elated to see that the “First Word” in the March WNC Woman highlighted my practice: Aikido. Indeed, Aikido has taught me how to blend my energy with others, to see my “opponents” view...and to use the point of “conflict/contact” as a place where I can move from. This has been especially useful for me as I used to think that peace was the absence of conflict. Through my practice of Aikido I have been able to study just what role conflict has in my life.

In my experience Aikido, and probably most practices, are easier understood in words than they are in application. I didn’t learn how to play basketball by reading a book but by getting on the court and playing. The same is true for me with Aikido. In my Aikido practice, every time I step onto the mat the conflicts and enemies in my life appear for me to practice with. This week it was “No Grabbing.” The week before it was “be more flexible” and the week before that is was “remember to exhale.” No matter when I practice, I have an opportunity to learn how I connect with conflict. When people ask me about Aikido and “decking my opponent” I explain that my goal is to ensure the safety of all and assist my attacker in going in the direction that they were going.
O’Sensei said “ The Universe is our greatest teacher. Look at the way a stream wends its way through a mountain valley, smoothly transforming itself as it flows over and around the rocks. The world’s wisdom is contained in books, and by studying them, countless new techniques can be created. Study and practice, and then reflect on your progress. Aikido is the art of learning deeply, the art of knowing oneself.”
A picture is often worth a thousand words so I am attaching one of my photos which I call The Flying Aikidoist: an image I strive to embody.

For those interested in practicing Aikido here in Asheville, they are welcome to visit the Asheville Aikikai at 939 Riverside Drive or call 828-258-1330 for a class schedule. See you on the mat!
Kathy Dee Zasloff

I love WNC WOMAN! It is so unlike the vast sea of look-alike publications for women: it is heart-to-heart rather than pocketbook-to-pocketbook!
Rosalind Whiteley

I was absolutely uplifted and inspired by your January edition of WNC Woman. Your cover story: "Women Minding Their Own Business" was filled with exquisite stories about a wide range of personalities and interests. As a young, independant business owner, I identified with aspects of all the women portrayed. Keep up the great writing!
R. Brooke Pridely

We are so fortunate to have you and Sandi in our midst. The paper just gets better and better. Congratulations on all the well-deserved rewards coming your way.
I’m putting out a stack of each month’s issues in my office.
Helen Andrews

I think you all have a very special publication and yes, I will encourage more women, even in the Florida area to read WNC Woman. Y’all Rock!!
Keep it up! Hugs and Kisses!
Jenn McGrede

Thanks so much for holding such an incredible event. [ Grounding and Loving Workshop with Warren Grossman (warrengrossman.com)] It was wonderful, and has already had a major impact on Kathy (but I’ll let her tell you that story), and I’m feeling great! We definitely would be present for a follow up, or any other thing you guys want to come up with! wowie-zowie! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Blessings, Penny Bond