Wednesday, November 11, 2009

West Coast Joy, Pain & Rejuvenation



I am still reflecting on how healing my recent Autumn Rhythm Rejuvenation journey to the West Coast has been. The first part of my trip took me to San Diego, for the joyful wedding celebration of Mr. & Mrs. Ellotia Hargrove III. It was wonderful to reconnect with my family members.

I shared a Yoga session with my cousin, Cynthia, as we discussed our plans for our bi-coastal "Big 'O' Birthday Bash" that we are planning for May of 2010.

God bless my Aunt Marcelett, who is winning her battle with cancer. My mother (Auntie's sister) lost her battle to cancer in 1998, which inspired my focus on and dedication to wellness. Auntie has been wearing my Mom's wig (kinda deep).

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My adventure continued in Marina Del Rey, CA, which is my favorite part of the Los Angeles area. I checked in on my storage unit to retrieve some of my treasures, as I continue to downsize and organize my life.The rest of the time I spent soaking up the ocean side vibe. I found myself slowing down from the fast-paced energy of New York and all the festivities of the wedding.

When I checked my RSVP for the upcoming Yoga Flava Session, I was delighted to find a message from my dear friend, celebrity chef Kai Chase.


Kai was Michael Jackson's personal chef at the time of his unfortunate passing on June 25th. Other notable clients include President Barack Obama, Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx, comedian Steve Harvey, FOX Television, Red Bull Corporation and Sony Pictures. Kai is currently working on two exciting projects: a cookbook and a cooking television show.




Kai Chase wrote
at 5:39am on October 24th, 2009
Hi Robin:

I definitely will be there! and I'm bringing a friend. Soooooo looking forward to it! You're the best and I am so happy to have you back here in L.A. to feed us mind, body & spirit!!

Love you,
Kai Chase


Kai sees the world through "feeding" and is sincere in her love of food and being a chef. We learned a lot from each other when we worked together as a wellness team for a V.I.P. client. I plan on putting together an event to showcase her sensually delicious dishes, such as "Nibbles" and "Skinny Dipping" in February 2010 for my "Sensual Healing with Yoga Flava Workshop." She is such a dear friend, and I just want to share that she has been in need of healing support to deal with the grief of the shocking untimely and tragic death of the King of Pop. Kai mentioned that during the frenzy of media coverage that she received as a witness during MJ's final days, no one took the time to ask her how SHE was doing. Please keep Kai in your thoughts and prayers. All this to say, I was honored to be of service to her and the others that showed up for Yoga Flava's Autumn Rhythm Rejuvenation Workshop.

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In order to be of service for the session, which was held at The Creative Chakra & Spa*, it was essential that I get myself into a deeply relaxed state.
I indulged in the tranquil environment of this charming sanctuary. I relaxed in the sauna, and as my pedicure was finishing up, the participants began arriving.There were several beginners, as well as one person with a stiff and painful knee.

Ahhh...as the Autumn Rhythm Rejuvenation session began, I got lost in the process of intuitively connecting with the needs of each participant and helping them get in sync with their authentic rhythm, flow and life force. I massaged the Autumn Equinox Essential Oil Blend to their necks. It was glorious to watch the tension melt away from stressed out bodies. At the end, I was able to bask in the sweet stillness and serenity that was reflected back to me by the students.

The rest of my journey I spent finding more quiet time for reflection, prayer and meditation as I headed back to the Empire state. Take some time to rejuvenate while you find joy in the Autumn Rhythm.

*Thank you: Cheryl Stone, Adlai Hayes, X, Sandie (Creative Chakra & Spa)

Sending vibes of rejuvenation - - Robin

www.YogaFlava.com

Take A Breather with Yoga Flava Video Snack



Take a breather this Fall to prepare for the holiday season and a New Year for a new you! Without the breath, we cease to exist. Most of us take breathing for granted. When you connect to your breath, you connect to your life force.

Fall is the season when certain disorders are more prevalent than at any other time of the year. Asthma, allergies and skin disorders can affect almost any one susceptible to them. Prevention is key. The lung and large intestine are the internal organs related to Fall. These organs are associated with the emotion of "taking in" and “letting go.” Taking in through the nose and mouth such as the breath of life is important as we transition from the hot season of Summer to the cool season of Fall. The nose is the opening to the lungs, therefore colds and flu are easier to catch. Keep your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Focus on breathing with the diaphragm of the respiratory system.

The diaphragm (pronounced: dye-uh-fram), which separates the chest from the abdomen, plays a lead role in breathing. The diaphragm is the primary breathing muscle. It is believed that many people have little sensory awareness of their diaphragm and have almost no idea of how to engage it more fully, or even of how it works. Due to the increasing stress of modern life and the resulting over-stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, (as well as of the idealised hard, flat belly) many people carry excessive tension in the belly, chest, and back. This tension makes it difficult for the diaphragm to move freely through its full range of motion.

Take a few minutes to view and then participate in a taste of this Yoga Flava video snack entitled "Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing:"




The Yoga Flava video snack is an excerpt from the full length DVD "Robin Downes' Yoga Flava for Relaxation." Give yourself and / or a friend the gift of relaxation.

Proactive Prosperity Workshop at the Penthouse


Proactive Prosperity Workshop
Saturday, November 14, 2009
11am - 1pm
Location change from Times Square to
Upper West Side Penthouse.
The Broadmoor (Penthouse)
235 west 102nd (broadway and west end avenue)
New York, N.Y. 10025

Fee for workshop $25.00 in advance to reserve your place.
Space is extremely limited for this intimate V.I.P. environment.








I have been using the wonderful Yoga Care Kit and I highly recommend it as a wonderful accessory to your Yoga Flava session. Aromatic Essential Oil preparations for your yoga experience. The four products can be used before, during and after your practice. A respiratory inhaler to open and expand your breath; a meditation blend to deepen your meditation practice; and 2 different muscle gels that are customized to target your need.



If you would like to have this waiting for you at this session - ORDER NOW FOR ONLY $25.00