National Yoga Month - EMBRACE

September Is National Yoga Month

National Yoga Month is a national observance and awareness campaign held during the month of September to educate about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. The awareness campaign consists of yoga classes, concerts and other special events during September to celebrate National Yoga Month and inspire people to practice yoga and to create a more balanced lifestyle. 

In 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month, one of a select number of national health observances. 

Here is the Yoga Flava PLAYLIST FOR SEPTEMBER 2020

 to inspire you to EMBRACE your yoga practice all month.

We will be going LIVE every Sunday on Facebook - CAREGIVERS EMBRACING ELDERCARE

Read more Yoga Flava Articles:

Yoga Flava Sports Illustrated

Sneak Peak: Documentary Outline / Trailer /Timeline For "Silver Hair and Elder Care"

Embracing Silver Hair and Elder Care 

In The News

Featured On Essence.com

Featured on Black Doctor.org

 Dementia Careblazers Youtube Channel 

5 Tips To Spring Into Summer With Yoga!

I confess I need a little more Spring in my step as I make plans to - Spring in Summer 2014 with Yoga Flava. 

Here are 5 tips to help keep you motivated as we prepare our mind, body and spirits for the remainder of Spring, moving into Summer.

1.  Easy does it - Have a taste.

My Yoga Flava YouTube videos offers you the opportunity to observe and learn;  anatomically-correct descriptions of each pose, guided meditation, interviews and news.

2. Find a Yoga Flava Playa
 
Everything is better when you have someone to share it with! Convince a friend at your same experience level to attend some classes with you. This will allow you to let your guard down and enjoy the experience a little more.  Find out more about my private and / or couples session in-person or online.
Email: robin@yogaflava.com

Go virtual via Skype: YogaFlava

Related Post:  Melt Winter Tension: Sensual Spring Shoulder Moves

4. Do What You Can

Come to your mat each time with an open mind and a compassionate heart, and you will be surprised at how much easier the poses will come to you!

Lots of students give up their practice when they cannot conquer Crow pose after only two weeks. Understand that when you enter the world of yoga, all the rules about competitiveness, comparison, and deadlines that we are raised with go out the window.


5. Pace yourself and enjoy the journey

Yoga is about simply enjoying the journey. Your journey. Not the journey of the person on the mat next to you. Your uniquely beautiful journey.

For more motivation enjoy the Yoga Flava TV Episode:
Spring 2014 | Yoga Flava TV| Season 9 - Episode 2:

Check Out These Yoga Flava Posts:

Yoga of Success: Message, Marketing, and Money

 

Yoga for Empaths: Creating Effective Boundaries

Michelle Obama Encourages The Practice of Yoga

 

Yoga: Top 10 Benefits [VIDEO]

What is Skype Your YogaFlava?

"Yoga" is an ancient science designed to restore the mind, body and soul (on both gross and subtle levels) to its connection with the source. It does this by massaging and cleansing unprocessed (blocked) emotion from your energy channels, while implementing techniques that cleanse and focus the breath, mind and nervous system. With clear channels and a steady breath, you are prepared to enter the practice of meditation so that you can experience your intellect free of corruption and begin to tap into that contemplative, raw, truth-touching, life-altering experience of what you are really all about.

"Flava" is a hip expression for contemporary style.  I will personalize a program for your style / level / health condition.

"Skype" is a revolutionary program that anyone can download onto their computers for free and use to video chat with anyone else who also has skype -world wide.
So put these two things together and we’ve got a revolutionary method of practicing yoga by bringing ancient science and modern technology together.

Imagine having you very own tailored yoga practice and imagine learning it in the comfort of your own private home.

Who is it for?

Skype your Yoga Flava is for practitioners of all levels, however if I find you to be extremely advanced I may prefer to teach you in person or otherwise will happily recommend a teacher who is more equipped to accommodate you than I.

How is it Done?

Each sequence is designed specifically for your unique mind, body and spirit. I have created a questionnaire designed to unearth energetic strengths and weaknesses that once completed allows me to gain the insight necessary for the creation of your practice.

I am able to lead you through your practice by verbally guiding you as well as visually demonstrating the asanas. And because I am able to watch you I can offer you verbal corrections, as well as explain to you what it is that we are doing, why we are doing it and how it is helping you.

1. All that you have to do is set up a consultation (email: robin@yogaflava.com) and I will email you a waiver and questionnaire. Once I receive you answers I can begin to review and summarize a yogic approach that is going to work best for you.

2. I will email you my findings and we can take a little time to delve into any areas that need clarification. We can do this consultation process via email or via skype so we have a chance to meet and you can make sure that you are happy with what I’m saying and you want to move forward with me.

3. Once we agree on a approach, I will design your method. Each sequence contains components of  asanas, pranayama, visualization and meditation techniques that address and nourish you personally in every way, internally and externally.

4. Then we set up a date for your first session, whenever you want.

Also read: Slow Summer Simmer To Soothe Your Soul

5. I call you on skype. You answer. We turn on our video cameras. You set your computer up on a table and I demonstrate and guide you through your practice.



This is a proven program. The system works. Though I am not there to work with you hands on, there is an element of empowerment delivered by making corrections on your own via verbal communication. This empowerment is key to your growth.

It will take work and dedication on your part, but you can do this and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

What You Will Personally Gain

• Clarity on what is causing you stress and discomfort in your life and how to start fixing it now.
• A firm grasp of the yogic techniques that are best for your unique mind and body.
• The ability to start off (or changing foot) on the right track so you can stop wasting time and wondering if you are heading in the right direction with yoga.
• Confidence in taking proactive action in initiating a deeply beautiful spiritual and physical regime.
• Knowledge of your temperament and why harnessing this knowledge is the cornerstone to your yogic success.
• Knowledge of your dosha, and how this guides you in the direction of reclaiming perfect balance.
• The realization that there is something more, something deeper and how to access it.
• Exhilaration at the realization that you actually CAN make any move you want to make in your iife.

So what do I need to do it?

• A good internet connection.
• Skype.
• A video camera for your computer.
• Speakers are a bonus.
• A private space of comfortable temperature in your home where you can be free of distractions (kids, phone, etc.) for the duration of the practice.
• A Paypal account.

Continue your home study practice: Click Here For The Link To Your Yoga Flava Home Study Products  

Check out my recommendations : Wellness Products

Please "LIKE" the Yoga Flava Facebook page! 

Sign up for the FREE NEWSLETTER - http://www.YogaFlava.com/ 

Yoga Flava TV - Free Online Classes - http://www.youtube.com/yogaflava

Get A Fresh Start For Fall 2011! Yoga Flava Sessions.

Get A Fresh Start For Fall 2011

Yoga Flava Sessions

LOCATION:  Bridge For Dance
2726 Broadway, 3^rd floor 
(between 104 and 105 St.)
 

Choose:

Friday Nights 7pm – 8:30pm

Saturday 10am – 11:30am

Sunday 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Private Sessions

See details below and / or email your question: robin@yogaflava.com

Friday 7 – 8:30pm,
 
Unwind From The Week
Friday 7 - 8:30pm
10 Week Series
October 14, 21, 28.  November 4,11,18, 25.  December 2, 9, 16.
$100 For Series

Single Session Drop In - $20.00 (Cash at the door)






Saturday 11 – 12:30am
 
Real Men Do Yoga
Saturdays 11:00 - 12:30am
10 Week Series

October 15, 22, 29.  November 5, 12, 19, 26.  December 3, 10, 17.
$100 For Series

Single Session Drop In - $20.00 (Cash at the door)




Sunday 6 – 7:30pm
 
Relax, Renew and Rejuvenate - (Sunday Night Prep for Monday Monday Pep)
10 Week Series

October 16, 23, 30.  November 6, 13, 20, 27.  December 4, 11, 18.
$100 For Series

Single Session Drop In - $20.00 (Cash at the door)

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday nights 7pm – 8:30pm

Harlem Location!

Asali Yoga

243 west 135th street Garden Floor.

Mid-Week Melt Away The Stress

10 Week Series- October 19, 26,  November 2,9,16, 23, 30.  December 7, 14, 21.
$100 For Series

Single Session Drop In - $20.00 (Cash at the door)
Join the FACEBOOK Event page

Personalized Private
Customized Sessions and Series Packages
email: robin@yogaflava.com
www.YogaFlava.com

Having the ability to relax, gives you the ease to be dynamic. 

- Robin Downes, Yoga Flava

ORDER YOUR MAJI SPORTS MAT

Order Home Study DVD

   

Yoga Flava Home Study Resources And Wellness Support

Greetings Yoga Flava Playas,

Thank you for joining me on the Yoga Flava journey. It has been over a decade and I continue to develop and produce classes, workshops, retreats, CDs, DVDs, Video Snacks, Radio Snacks, Blogs and I am currently a distributor of wellness products to support your health and wealth. Please review the following products and make the investment toward your well being by supporting me to continue to be of service to like minded individuals like you that are attracted to this information.

If you have any difficulty placing your order online and / or any questions or comments feel free to email me at: robin@yogaflava.com

I look sincerely forward to your thoughts and testimonials.

Love and light,

Robin Downes
Yoga Flava

AUDIO CD  "EXHALE WITH ROBIN DOWNES - GUIDED RELAXATION & MEDITATION"
"Robin's voice is so soothing. it's her soulfully artistic style of teaching Yoga that adds the flava." - Vanessa Williams, Actress. Listen at home at your convenience, while you are guided through two restorative and meditative sessions. Excellent for beginners, simply lie back and relax.
This CD will help you to reach the ultimate level of inner peace and enhance one's level of self love and tranquility which leads to happiness and bliss.
$20.00 plus shipping and handling

YOGA FLAVA for Relaxation (DVD)
The original session that put Robin Downes on the Map! Soulful rrooves with ancient healing moves as Robin Downes guides you through a gentle yoga session appropriate for everyone.  Featuring introduction with John Salley and interview with Russell Simmons.
"Robin's style is gentle with detailed instructions on the practice of yoga.  I practice yoga because it benefits me physically, mentally and spiritually" - Russell Simmons, Multi-meda Hip Hop Mogul.  Have the experience - Order today! 
$25.00 plus shipping and handling

SPIRiTUAL SPUNK IN THE TRUNK - DVD Join Robin Downes and the Wordsmith Out of Watts, Ali Bey, as they explore Tree Pose.  Tree Pose is a wonderful posture that creates balance in your body and mind as you secure a meditative state.
"Prepare for a serenity-inducing, transformative journey back to your roots" - Heart and Soul Magazine "Soul Position"
Join us on the journey. $20.00 plus shipping and handling

Order Your Copy for the investment of only $20.00 plus shipping and handling

Here is a excerpt:

Check out these Wellness Products.

Prosperity consciousness is my foundation - Prosperity in health, relationships and yes cash flow.  

http://www.yogaflava.com 

As always sending positive and prosperous vibes to Elev8 - Robin Downes

3rd of 10 Week Program: Seated Postures / Yoga Sutra - Contentment

Black Yoga Instructors You Should Know

Seated Postures

Yoga Exercises - Seated Poses

There are many different Yoga Poses which are performed while sitting. Some of them are classic postures which are usually done in Meditation, while others are performed for their therapeutic effects. No matter what Seated Pose you want to do, just make sure to listen to your body and stay within your limits. Know the various Seated Poses in this section:

	Easy Pose (Sukhasana) This is one of the classic Meditative Poses and is usually performed after doing the Corpse Pose. The Easy Pose helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping your mind still.
	Spread Leg Forward Fold (Upavista Konasana) The Spread Leg Forward Fold is a Yoga Posture which works primarily on the hamstrings and adductors. This energizes the body and promotes inner calmness. In this section, know more about this exercise and learn how to perform it properly.
	Hero Pose (Virasana) One of the fundamental seated postures is the Hero Pose. This serves as the initial position for several Asanas. It strengthens the arches of the feet, stretches the ankles, and improves posture. This Yoga Pose is ideal for people who have flat feet.
	Lotus Pose (Padmasana) The Lotus Yoga Pose is usually done in Meditation. It is a classic seated posture which strengthens your ankles and knees, enhances concentration, and improves flexibility of your legs. Know how to perform the Lotus Pose in this section. (Read more)

Yoga Sutra -
Santosha (सन्तोष) (contentment) is one of the niyamas of Yoga as listed by Patanjali.^[1] Contentment is variously described, but can be thought of as not coveting more than you have and is therefore very different to the way some modern western societies encourage the population to acquire more 'stuff' to achieve contentment. It may be seen as renunciation (of the need to acquire).
The alternate spelling of Samtosha is also used.

There are several ways to cultivate contentment. We can practice yoga postures, pranayama (deep breathing) and meditation to keep our energies balanced and our mind serene--qualities that lead toward contentment. We can keep a journal of things for which we are grateful. The deepest contentment comes at those moments when we feel we are in the flow of life, when we are communing with nature, when our energies are positive and when we have no desires. By being conscious of these moments, we can strengthen, expand and sustain the feeling of contentment for longer periods of time. Even when we are surrounded by chaos and disharmony, we can return to this feeling and find ourselves back in a place of peace and quietude. The state of contentment becomes a familiar place when we observe it throughout the day. The key is to bring our attention fully to it when it occurs and not hurry on to the next activity. And by affirming our place in the cosmos, our connection to others and our interface with the divine, it is harder to lose our way when disturbances arise.  (Read more)

Here is the link to the: 2011 Winter Series Yoga Flava Facebook Event Page

Here is my link to: Every Day Health (Calorie Counter / Meal Planning)

Here is the link to the Weight Loss Challenge Blog Page

Practice with the Yoga Flava Youtube Channel

Reach out for free consultation and order Yoga Flava home study products and nutritional products. email: robin@yogaflava.com

Inpirational Poem "Promise Yourself" (Read More)

Promise yourself to be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Plan To Cleanse & Detoxify For Autumn 2010

Staying Healthy With The Seasons.

We need to incorporate nature's cycles with our own cycles. I want to encourage you to prepare for the change of season by planning your cleanse and detoxification program.

The seasonal cycle is really the most important in regard to natural detoxification periods. If we can harmonize with these, we can do much to stay healthy.

The seasonal changes are the key stress times in nature and the times where we most need to lighten up our outer demands and consumptions and turn more within to listen to our inner world that mirrors the natural cycles. Autumn is the key time for detoxification. At least a one- to two-week program is suggested at these times. In autumn we may dine on other harvests, such as apples or grapes, and the many vegetables.

Autumn
7-10 day cleanse between September 11 and October 5, such as:

* Grape fast--whole and juiced--grapes, all fresh.
* Apple and lemon juice together, diluted.
* Fresh fruits and vegetables, raw and cooked.
* Fruit and vegetable juices--fruit in the morning, vegetables in the afternoon.
* Juices plus spirulina, algae, or other green chlorophyll powders.
* Whole grains, cooked squashes and other vegetables (a lighter detox).
* Mixture of the above plans.
* Basic low-toxicity diet with herbal program.
* Colon detox with fiber (psyllium, pectin, and so on) along with enemas or colonics.
* Preparing and planning new autumn diet, enhancing positive dietary habits.

The following products I recommend to support you with your detoxification program for the entire Autumn Season From Sept. 21 - December 21:

(Click on the product name for more details and how you can order today to prepare for Autumn 2010)

1. Ultra Cleanse
2. Super Digestive Support / Pro-Digest
3. Cran-Aloe
4. Triple Life Line / Omega 3-6-9

You can order separately or commit to a customized wellness package by consulting directly with me for step by step De-tox coaching support email:robin@yogaflava.com
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
$133.00 - ALL PRODUCTS LISTED ABOVE & DE-TOX COACHING with Robin Downes

It would not be appropriate for those with deficiency problems such as extreme fatigue, underweight people, those who experience coldness, or those with heart weakness. There are even more contraindications for fasting, which releases more toxins than this program does. Releasing too much toxicity can make many sick people sicker; if that happens, they will need to increase fluids and eat again until they feel better. People with cancer need to be very careful about how they detoxify. Prior to or just after surgery is not a good time to detoxify, but after healing, say about four to six weeks later. Pregnant or lactating women should not do any heavy detoxification, though they can usually handle mild programs.

Fall is the traditional harvest season. Some of the fruits and vegetables that may be used include:

Fall Vegetables

* beets
* broccoli
* brussels sprouts
* cabbage
* celery
* garlic
* kale
* mustard greens
* parsley
* spinach
* cauliflower
* onion
* swiss chard
* squash

Fall Fruit

* apple
* pear
* grape

CLICK HERE: For more information on Wellness Products distributed by Robin Downes.


http://www.yogaflava.com
email: robin@yogaflava.com

Melt Winter Tension: Sensual Spring Shoulder Moves

The winter chill kept your shoulders up by your ears, with Spring officially arriving on March 20th, it's time to melt the unconscious Winter tension
that has built up in the shoulders, neck and back. Feel better with these sensual spring moves. Spring it On!




The following is the text breakdown of what you can do. Also be sure to view the Yoga Flava Video Snack at the bottom of this blog and join me in this healing practice.

Standing Forward Bend

Uttanasana (Sanskrit - ancient east indian name of Yoga Pose)
(OOT-tan-AHS-ahna)
ut = intense
tan = to stretch or extend

Step by Step

Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), hands on hips. Exhale and bend forward from the hip joints, not from the waist. As you descend draw the front torso out of the groins and open the space between the pubis and top sternum. As in all the forward bends, the emphasis is on lengthening the front torso as you move more fully into the position.

If possible, with your knees straight, bring your palms or finger tips to the floor slightly in front of or beside your feet, or bring your palms to the backs of your ankles. If this isn't possible, cross your forearms and hold your elbows. Press the heels firmly into the floor and lift the sitting bones toward the ceiling. Turn the top thighs slightly inward.

With each inhalation in the pose, lift and lengthen the front torso just slightly; with each exhalation release a little more fully into the forward bend. In this way the torso oscillates almost imperceptibly with the breath. Let your head hang from the root of the neck, which is deep in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.

Forward Fold (Uttanasana) can be used as a resting position between the standing poses. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It can also be practiced as a pose in itself.

Don't roll the spine to come up. Instead bring your hands back onto your hips and reaffirm the length of the front torso. Then press your tailbone down and into the pelvis and come up on an inhalation with a long front torso.

Shoulder Rolls
Roll the shoulders down and back, starting with small circles and working up to larger circles. Do 10 circles backwards and then repeat forward circles.

To see how it's done have a taste of this Yoga Flava Video Snack; Forward Fold and Shoulder Rolls:



For more information: www.yogaflava.com

PUT YOUR BACK IN IT - Yoga & Sexual Union

The meaning of the word YOGA is "to join together," to "make union." In the Kama Sutra (The art of making love) and Tantric tradition sexual union is considered the highest form of Yoga. In all transcendental sexual experiences a healthy and relaxed body is an ally for exctasy and liberation. Many of the Yoga poses were inspired by flowers, animals and other creatures whose name they bear. The following yoga poses are entitled Cat and Cow, promotes a sense of ease for the spine, so you can put your back in it.

Cat Pose: marjarasana
Marjari= cat





Cow Pose: bitilasana



The Cat-Cow pose combination is a tremendously popular and beneficial exercise used in yoga, Pilates, and other forms of physical exercise. This simple pose combination helps to stretch the back and relieve pain, strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen and the back, increase coordination, and energize the body.

Cat Cow pose benefits:
Stabilizes the sacrum to release lower back pain
Supports back by engaging abs
Stretches the low, mid and upper back, the front torso, the hips and the neck
Loosens spine
Stretches hips
Massages and stimulates kidneys and adrenal glands, and tones the uterus
Creates emotional balance
Relieves stress and calms the mind

Contraindications:
People with neck injuries should be sure to keep the head in line with the torso.
Getting into the Cat and Cow poses: Step by step

Step One (preparation): Begin in “tabletop” position: your hands on the ground at shoulder width, elbows and shoulders in line with the hands and your knees on the ground hip distance apart and directly under the hips. Your spine should be neutral and the eyes will gaze towards the floor slightly in front of the fingertips.

Step Two (Cat Pose): On an exhalation, begin to round your spine towards the ceiling, engaging your stomach muscles to pull the belly towards the back body and tucking your head and chin towards the chest. The gaze should be toward the chest and belly, yet avoid forcing the chin to meet the chest. Feel the expansion across the shoulder blades. If rounding the very top of the back is difficult, ask a friend or yoga teacher to lay her hands just above and between the shoulder blades to help you activate this region.

Step Three (Cow Pose): On an inhalation, drop your belly toward the floor while lifting your sit bones and your chest towards the ceiling. Your gaze can either be directly in front of you or towards the ceiling. Keep the shoulder blades down and back away from the ears.

You can repeat this sequence a few times, making sure to follow the breath, inhaling into cow and exhaling into cat. You may wish to finish this sequence by resting in child’s pose.

Check out the following Yoga Flava Video Snack for the demonstration.



http://www.yogaflava.com

Yoga Flava Products

AUDIO CD "EXHALE WITH ROBIN DOWNES - GUIDED RELAXATION & MEDITATION"
"Robin's voice is so soothing. it's her soulfully artistic style of teaching Yoga that adds the flava." - Vanessa Williams, Actress. Listen at home at your convenience, while you are guided through two restorative and meditative sessions. Excellent for beginners, simply lie back and relax.
This CD will help you to reach the ultimate level of inner peace and enhance one's level of self love and tranquility which leads to happiness and bliss.
$20.00 plus shipping and handling

YOGA FLAVA for Relaxation (DVD)
The original session that put Robin Downes on the Map! Soulful rrooves with ancient healing moves as Robin Downes guides you through a gentle yoga session appropriate for everyone. Featuring introduction with John Salley and interview with Russell Simmons.
"Robin's style is gentle with detailed instructions on the practice of yoga. I practice yoga because it benefits me physically, mentally and spiritually" - Russell Simmons, Multi-meda Hip Hop Mogul. Have the experience - Order today!
$25.00 plus shipping and handling

SPIRiTUAL SPUNK IN THE TRUNK - DVD Join Robin Downes and the Wordsmith Out of Watts, Ali Bey, as they explore Tree Pose. Tree Pose is a wonderful posture that creates balance in your body and mind as you secure a meditative state.
"Prepare for a serenity-inducing, transformative journey back to your roots" - Heart and Soul Magazine "Soul Position"
Join us on the journey.
$20.00 plus shipping and handling