Michelle Obama "Let's Move" Challenges Childhood Obesity

First Lady Michelle has announced a nationwide program called "Let's Move," which will address the problem of childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16% of American children between the ages of 6 - 9 are overweight or obese. Obesity is more prevalent among African-American children than any other group of children. The numbers have been steadily climbing. If left unchecked, obesity can lead to heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, and a list of other ailments.






There are four key "pillars" to the campaign:
1)Better nutritional and exercise information for parents
2) An increase in physical exercise for children
3) Improving the quality of food available in schools
4) Making healthy foods readily available and affordable

Tip: Include healthy snacks in your child's lunch. Tasty suggestions are sliced apples, celery sticks with peanut butter and trail mix.





Tip: Yoga is an excellent (and fun!) way for you and your child to get and stay in shape. It increases cardiovascular health, strength, agility and flexibility.

Haiti in Our Prayers-How You Can Help

"L'Union Fait La Force- Strength Through Unity"


Yoga Flava would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti and their loved ones worldwide. Here are two ways you can help.

1)Please join us in sending love, light, and healing energy to Haiti. Never underestimate the power of prayer and positive intentions.

2)If you can, please make a donation:

The American Red Cross

Yele Haiti

Hello Beautiful and Aura Energizer video snack to spread JOY!

Exciting news! Robin Downes' Yoga Flava is now blogging for "Hello Beautiful". "Hello Beautiful" is one of the platforms of Interactive One, which also hosts the television network TV One.

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May your Aura (energy field) spread your JOY to the world!

Strengthen your resolve to keep your JOY no matter what outside circumstances may distract you.
EnJOY this Yoga Flava Video Snack "AURA ENERGIZER" to help
prevent being drained by other people. Uplift the vibe of those around you as we gather to give thanks and celebrate this holiday season.




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What is the Aura?
by Aisha Brown
The aura is a field of energy that surrounds the physical body of living beings as well as objects. For the most part, it is invisible to the naked eye, although some people with highly developed abilities are able to perceive it. The aura is described as having various colors and layers that extend outwards from the body.

During our daily interactions, our auras intertwine with those in our surrounding environment. This is actually a normal part of communication. The problem occurs when our energy field becomes permanently entangled with another person's. How do you know when your aura is too deeply enmeshed with another individual? For one thing, you can't stop thinking about that person! You may experience their thoughts and emotions as though they were your own. It is even possible to pick up on the physical pain that another person is feeling and match it within your own body.

Ways to Cleanse and Revitalize Your Aura
1) Physically remove yourself from whatever person or place you feel is having too strong of an effect on you.
2) Take a shower-water is cleansing and healing. Better yet, take an Epsom salt bath to clear any negative vibrations. If you can, take a swim in the ocean.
3) Practice deep breathing exercises.
4) Play uplifting, soothing music (save the death metal for another time).
5) Carry or wear a clear quartz crystal.

Summer Wrap Up!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
FINAL SESSION OF SUMMER SERIES: Robin Downes' Yoga Flava's Summer Sensual Sizzle - Aug.30,2009. For information: CLICK HERE or email your questions and / or comments to robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362.

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CHANGE OF SEASON - SPECIAL
PRIVATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE:
(Aug. 31 - Oct 7th)
* Receive One-On-One attention for your specific needs.
* Create a private session with a partner (Couples,Friends, Family, Mommy & Me, Daddy and Me, etc)
Email Robin Downes for rates and personal consultation: robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362.

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CHANGE OF SEASON SPECIAL EVENTS:

Saturday, September 12th at 1pm:
Robin Downes' Yoga Flava NYC ROOF TOP TEA PARTY
(Outdoor Sundeck and Indoor Solarium)
Open House / Tea Party / Rooftop Session
Join us in Manhattan at 235 W. 102nd Street (102nd and B'way) , NYC, 10025
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY / CROSS PROMOTION
- Yoga Flava TV,
- Promoting Autumn sessions for Prosperity
- May 2010 - Robin Downes' Birthday Retreat for Rejuvenation!.
email: robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362)






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Saturday, September 26th
Yoga Flava's Autumn Equinox Pamper Party
Hosted by Jay Wright, Penthouse Entertainment (In a Manhattan Dance Club)
Time and location to be determined for announcement. For further questions and Sponsorship opportunities - email:robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362.
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YOGA FLAVA FOR PROSPERITY!

These sessions will focus on magnetizing prosperity and abundance in all forms. Classes will be held Saturdays at 1 p.m. To reserve your sessions and negotiate early bird rates - email: robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362.

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***Deadline for Retreat deposit - Dec. 1, 2009 for 10% discount. For more information email: robin@yogaflava.com or call 310-266-7362.

Written by: Robin Downes and Aisha Brown


www.YogaFlava.com

Yoga Flava TV - Rainbeau Mars

Yoga Flava on African Caribbean Television.

www.afrocaribtv.com

www.yogaflava.com

Summer Spiritual & Sensual Sizzle

Pure Yoga Review by Aisha Brown

For the past three days, Robin and I took advantage of a free pass from the New York City Yoga Journal Conference and attended classes at Pure Yoga, located at 86th Street on the Upper East Side. We were greeted by Brittany Butcher, Membership Advisor, who took us on a guided tour of this fabulous upscale facility.

The first class, which was Jivamukti style, was taught by Alanna Kaivalya (who was also at Yoga Journal Conference and Solstice in Times Square). This was my second class with Alanna, and I was not disappointed. The poses, while not punishing, were certainly challenging. Robin agreed with me, although she is an advanced practitioner and teacher, while I am a relative beginner. While we were in Shivasana (Corpse Pose), Alanna serenaded us with a lovely rendition of "I'll Be There." Her musical talents add a unique approach to teaching.

Afterwards, we headed to the changing facilities to freshen up. Believe it or not, this was a major highlight of the whole experience! This "locker room" is more reminiscent of a spa. The spacious room is divided into a locker area, showers and bathrooms. The pristine showers (which are large enough to fit several people) each contain shampoo, conditioner, body wash and shaving cream. Plush towels are readily available. Each sink has bottles of hairspray, gel, mouthwash, razors and even a blow dryer. The setup is obviously geared towards helping busy New Yorkers make themselves presentable and hurry along to their next appointment.



The other two classes that we took (Slow Yoga)one on Wednesday at 6:30pm and one on Thursday at 5:00pm were also simple enough for beginners, yet challenging enough for intermediate to advanced levels. Our friend Ardie Hollander of Brand Marketers joined us on Thursday.




The amazing thing about Pure Yoga is that the prices are actually reasonable (as far as Manhattan yoga studios go). A year long membership average out to $17 per class, while drop-ins cost $30.

This is one studio I will be keeping my eye on!

Bringing in the Summer Solstice with Yoga in Times Square