halcyon house

a worker owned holistic wellness cooperative

  • Getting the most out of these long days with extra time outside

    Getting the most out of these long days with extra time outside

    As the days get longer, it’s easier and easier to squeeze in extra time outside – more dog walks, biking to the store to pick up the missing ingredient for dinner, visiting friends for back yard hang-outs, skipping rocks, more dog walks, etc. I have been noticing a shift in people’s mood with the uptake in greenery and vitamin D.

    • +10 cheeriness
    • +5 stopping to admire gardens
    • +15 smelling blossoming trees
    • +10 walking all over the place

    Another thing I have noticed, not only in others but with myself as well, is a tendency to use the overload of activity during summer to distract from the goings-on of the rest of the world. And while we DO need to take mental health breaks, rest, and recharge, we are now seeing our neighbors who we didn’t see all winter, more people stopping to chat in the front yard, and people visiting from around the country. Use this extra time outside to connect with your community.

    Seeing more people? Take advantage and build community

    Now is a great time to grow our network of real community connections. For some people, it comes naturally; for others, it takes some practice. And there are various levels of effort depending on your comfort level. Here are a few ideas, from small to large:

    • Equipment sharing – yard tools, power tools
    • Offer to be help neighbors in a pinch (i.e. their car has a flat tire and they need a ride to work)
    • Find a local mutual aid organization to donate time or needed items
    • Get involved with a cause you care about (from local, national, and international)
    Josh Jones
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  • Sara’s Sensory Corner – Proprioception

    Did you know your brain can feel your body’s position?

    Continuing my theme of our sensory experience, another of our eight senses is a sense called Proprioception.  This is the sense that tells us where our body is in space, how our muscles are working, helps us with our posture and assists in how we move through the world.  It helps us feel grounded to the earth, coordinated and connected to ourselves.

    Sensing Spring

    Here in the Northland, May brings the promise of newness. Green grass pushes up through the ground. Birds have returned and we wait for the bees to wake. The world is alive with subtle movement and our bodies are waking with it. When we intentionally notice our body position- bending, stretching, reaching and carrying-we connect more to ourselves after winter’s stillness.  Even simple actions like balancing on uneven ground, or lifting your face to the sun tune your proprioceptive sense and invite steadiness.

    This month, position yourself with intention.  Your nervous system in learning to trust expansion and growth-and mindful awareness of your body’s positions can help you step into the season fully.

    But what do I know?

    My passion as an occupational therapist in Duluth is helping people to understand how they sense their environment, their body, and their emotions and how they process those signals. When we are either having difficulty sensing any of those things or having difficulty processing what we are going through, it can be uncomfortable (as we all know). I’m here to help educate and work with you towards better well-being!

    More about Sara
    Sara Sheppard
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  • Liver Season is in full swing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

    Liver Season is in full swing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

    This is a time for renewal, growth and awakening. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Liver governs smooth flow of energy throughout the body. If it gets out of balance you might experience:

    • Tension in the form of headaches, eye issues, jaw tightness, neck tension.
    • Emotions might come through as increased irritability, frustration, struggles with sleep and feeling stuck.
    • Digestion issues with increased bloating, indigestion and gas.

    Spring is a good time to clear out energy that no longer serves you:

    • Clear out physical clutter, organize one area of your house that always seems a mess.
    • Mental clutter that might be ready to be released, fears and stories you might tell yourself that no longer serve you, limitations you placed on yourself you might be ready to push through.
    • Set digital boundaries for yourself, prioritizing more time outdoors, taking in fresh air and allowing your bare feet to touch the earth.
    • Create a list of what you were grateful for from this past season

    TCM and Acupuncture in Duluth, MN

    I’m always interested in talking about nutrition as it pertains to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Check out my other blog posts for recipes!

    Posts by Jakki
    Jakki Overby
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  • Listening, Intuition, Knowledge, and Learning – Massage in Duluth MN

    Listening, Intuition, Knowledge, and Learning – Massage in Duluth MN

    In the practice of Zen Shiatsu, the founder Shizuto Masunaga was very adamant about reading the Ki and rebalancing it using a “mother” hand that is listening and a “son” hand that is working.

    The technique

    I have been practicing massage using that concept for over 20 years (10 years of practicing massage in Duluth MN) and am still humbled by the power of this simple technique; one hand listens to what the body is saying, the other is creating a change.  Recently, I have been practicing this technique with the Zen Shiatsu Bladder Meridian Channel along the spine all the way down to the little toe. My mother hand listens from one of the points along the thoracic spine while my son hand works the meridian until I feel the Ki moving under my mother hand. This has produced surprising changes in some clients. I wasn’t sure why this meridian was so universally powerful until a conversation I had with Jakki, our Acupuncturist, sparked a connection.

    The meridian

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has mapped Shu points along the Urinary Bladder (UB) meridian. These points interact with each of the other 11 meridians. Balancing the Shu points can have a systematic effect on the body. What I had picked up through intuition and listening has a long history of knowledge and treatment.

    I don’t claim to have this knowledge, I am still in discovery mode. Next summer I am diving deeper into TCM education with the distance program at the Zen Shiatsu school in Evanston, IL. This Summer I am taking the Beginning Zen Shiatsu class to brush up on my Shiatsu knowledge. I am excited to bring my practice back full circle to my first love of massage which is Zen Shiatsu. This time with 20 years of massage experience behind my touch. If you or someone you know is interested in doing this program at the same time please reach out to me! I would love (a) study partner(s). The Beginner Shiatsu Class is open to everyone with no prior massage experience necessary. I am doing the July intensive. https://zenshiatsu.edu/ce/beginning_zen_shiatsu/

    More about Jennifer
    Jennifer Montgomery
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  • Body as Place

    Body as Place

    Sara and I were invited to present at Svalja Whole-being’s Community Conference in Duluth.  We are so excited to explore “body as place”.  We will experiment with what makes you feel at home and safe in your body.

    The conference starts Friday 5/29 from 6:00-9:00pm and continues 5/30 from 8:00-6:00.

    Contact http://www.svalja.yoga/community-conference for more information Join us for a two-day immersion into the heart of our community.

    Flourish is an invitation to ground ourselves in the wisdom of this place while leaning into the possibilities of what we can create together. From a soulful Friday night of live music and poetry at SOLCA to a Saturday filled with movement, guided storytelling, and deep reflection, this gathering is designed to nourish your nervous system and spark your creative spirit.

    Throughout the weekend, experience a curated Art and Poetry Exhibit coordinated by Savannah Ottillia, offering a visual and written landscape of our shared journey.

    Robin Davidson
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  • Article about Halcyon House from MCCD

    Article about Halcyon House from MCCD

    Halcyon House Featured by MCCD & Important Duluth Parking Updates

    Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) recently published a wonderful feature article about Halcyon House. We are incredibly honored by their spotlight. MCCD continues to be an invaluable resource for the local cooperative community. They provide expert guidance and advice to cooperatives in both urban and rural areas across the state.

    Here is a fun cooperative fact for you. Minnesota actually leads the entire United States in cooperative formation! We are incredibly proud to be part of this thriving, community-focused movement. If you want to learn more about our specific history, business formation, and cooperative development, please take a moment to read the full piece.

    Read the Article

    Advocating for Better Parking in Downtown Duluth

    We also want to provide a quick follow-up to our recent discussion regarding the new downtown Duluth parking changes. Our team directly contacted the Duluth Parking Commissioner, Mark Bauer, at 218-730-5177 or emailing him. We shared how these new parking adjustments directly impact our community. Right now, we are actively advocating for better downtown accessibility. We are also pushing for longer maximum limits on all on-street parking spots. If you want to help, please consider calling the commission to voice your opinion too! 218-730-5177 or email them.

    In the meantime, we want to help you avoid parking tickets. If you usually need 90-minute or 120-minute parking sessions, we recommend skipping the meters. Instead, try using the Muffler Clinic lot on Michigan Street. Another great option is the Tech Village parking ramp located right behind Pizza Lucé.

    To pay, simply scan the QR code displayed on their lot signs to set up your parking session. We completely agree that the online payment system can be frustrating. If you ever need a hand figuring it out, just let us know. We are always happy to help you navigate it!

    Muffler Clinic Lot

    Josh Jones
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  • Opening Reception – Artist Paul LaJeunesse

    Opening Reception – Artist Paul LaJeunesse

    May 9th at 5:30PM

    Paul LaJeunesse creates large-scale, site-specific murals that reflect the historic, identities, communities and locations. His work is rooted in research, collaboration and storytelling. Through his process he transforms public spaces into a shared narrative.

    “My research revolves around the concept of place and how places are assimilated with personal values to create meaning for our lives.”

    Join us to welcome this talented artist into the Halcyon House gallery. Meet Paul, drink some tea, have fun, look at inspiring art.

    Framed prints available for purchase for a limited time at Halcyon House.

    • Framed: $150
    • Print Only: $75

    Paul LaJeunesse: Contemporary Landscape Painter and Public Mural Artist

    First and foremost, Duluth-based artist Paul LaJeunesse has established a distinguished career spanning fine art education, international fellowships, and massive public art installations. His academic journey culminated when he received his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in painting from Bowling Green State University in 2006. Shortly after earning his degree, his technical mastery earned him the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant. Consequently, this initial success paved the way for a 2007 Fulbright fellowship in Iceland, where he fully immersed himself in creating a celebrated body of Nordic landscape paintings.

    International Exhibitions and Academic Leadership

    In addition to his early-career milestones, LaJeunesse has developed a prolific exhibition record both nationally and internationally. For instance, he has held solo fine art exhibitions in states like Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Missouri, Indiana, and Minnesota, as well as solo showcases abroad in Iceland. Furthermore, his work has been featured in high-profile international group exhibitions, specifically within major cultural hubs like Saitama and Tokyo, Japan.

    Alongside his studio practice, LaJeunesse is a highly regarded fine art educator. Over the years, he has shared his expertise across multiple institutions, having taught at:

    • Western Oregon University
    • Georgia State University
    • The College of St. Scholastica
    • Leading creative spaces like the Anderson Ranch Arts Center and The Grand Marais Art Colony

    Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Painting at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where he continues to mentor the next generation of contemporary painters.

    Community Impact Through Public Art and Murals

    Meanwhile, LaJeunesse has significantly expanded his creative footprint into the realm of community-driven public art. To date, he has designed and executed seven major site-specific public murals, along with numerous collaborative community paint projects. By utilizing research, public collaboration, and historical storytelling, his large-scale murals actively transform ordinary public venues into deeply meaningful, shared spaces.

    Ultimately, whether working on a canvas or a city wall, his artwork investigates the intricate relationships among individual memories of time, space, and place. In this way, he uses visual storytelling as a medium through which we assign meaning to our human experiences and actively construct our sense of identity.

    More about Paul
    Events
    Josh Jones
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  • Updated Website

    Updated Website

    Halcyon House Launches New Website with Expanded Health Resources

    Big changes are happening! We are officially migrating our website to a brand-new platform for easier updates and an improved user experience. If you are looking for local holistic care, please explore the updated Halcyon House Website today.

    Our new digital home allows us to share information much quicker than before. We are expanding our educational resources by adding a dedicated blog. Some of you might recognize these articles from our monthly email newsletter. Now, they will live online permanently as a helpful wellness guide. We are also fleshing out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to give you instant answers. Additionally, we are adding comprehensive details about our mission, history, and upcoming community events.

    More Practitioner Profiles and Treatment Information

    Most importantly, the new website features significantly increased practitioner and treatment information. We want you to feel confident and informed when booking your wellness sessions.

    Our updated practitioner pages highlight our growing team of local experts. You can easily view each provider’s background, therapeutic styles, and specific certifications. Furthermore, we have built out detailed sections for every treatment we offer. Whether you are looking into holistic occupational therapy, nervous system regulation, or specialized manual techniques, you will find clear descriptions online. We explain exactly what to expect during your appointment and how each therapy benefits your overall health.

    Help Us Improve Your Experience

    We will continue adding new features, profiles, and resources as we go. Because this is a fresh launch, we would love your feedback. Please let us know if you experience any technical issues or broken links while browsing.

    We are incredibly happy to provide this improved resource to our Duluth community.

    Visit our Posts
    Kobi
  • Downtown Parking Update

    Downtown Parking Update

    It has happened – the city of Duluth has removed the parking meters on Michigan Street. I had made a social media post with the same information as follows, and what do you know? It was our most viewed post to date. Parking is a hot-button topic in Duluth! We do love to talk about urban planning, but this is more for informational purposes only.

    This update has a few ramifications for our clients.

    1. There were a few “free spaces” where parking meters were missing that will no longer be free. It is now using zones only instead of space numbers. Sorry! We’re sad to see those go, but they often were filled with Minnesota Power employees who started their day early in the morning.
    2. Luckily, it looks like the maximum time limit is still 2 hours as it was before. However, for those who schedule 120 minute massages, we don’t have the ability to add time past the 2 hour limit. If you do schedule 120 minute massages, we suggest parking in either the Muffler Clinic lot which is along Michigan Street or the Tech Village lot with the entrance on 1st Street.

    We plan to get in touch with parking services to advocate for clearer signage, posting the enforcement hours, clearly mark parking spaces, and find out if they intend to install a kiosk on Michigan Street.

    Josh Jones
  • What are fight or flight muscles?

    What are fight or flight muscles?

    These are muscles that activate when we are in a sympathetic reaction (fight or flight). This can be in reaction to something in our environment that doesn’t feel safe, something happening internally (a physical stressor) or in our mind (stress).

    One of these muscles is the Psoas. This muscle does several actions that support us in fight or flight. It helps lift our knees up to run (flight) or defends our core (fight). If these muscles activate and then turn off again, we might not feel any consequences. It’s when these muscles turn on and stay on that we will notice symptoms. These could include hip pain, back pain, restricted breathing, fatigue and nervous system dysregulation (anxiousness, depression).

    The tightness of the psoas muscle will also be increased with prolonged sitting.

    The Halcyon House staff have many practices/treatments that will support you in releasing tension in the psoas:

    • Acupuncture
    • Massage
    • Craniosacral therapy
    • Somatic based movement/yoga
    Part 2
    Part 3
    Robin Davidson
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