WHO: Special guest, Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, Ph.D. MBA is a Harvard Business School-trained strategist, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Master Coach and Elder Rights Advocate. As President & CEO of Power Living Enterprises, Inc., she has trained thousands around the world in her "whole-person" approach to wellness, success and leadership.
In 2016, Terri created Elder Dignity to advocate for elder rights after her aunt was entrapped in a fraudulent guardianship. She has spoken at various forums including World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in D.C. and the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee, as well as produced two social impact videos, The Deception of Protection (2019) and Silent Torture: Trafficking Through Guardianship (2020).
We also suggest you check out the Netflix movie: I Care A lot
Caregivers Embracing Elder Care
Hosted by Nurse and Geriatric Care Manager, Bahamia Ulysse aka Nurse In The Know and Emmy Award Winner, Robin Downes of Yoga Flava
NEW YORK, NY. A spinoff from the Sunday live Facebook private group sessions about the challenges of modern day elder care. The follow up resource for the soon to be released documentary “Yoga Flava: The Silva Edition”. A new course will be available online offering a fresh approach to elder care, while honoring the needs of the caregiver.
About Bahamia Ulysse
Owner of Give Care. Take Care. - a boutique Geriatric Care Management agency. Through her 15-yearlong nursing career, she discovered that once a caregiver has the right knowledge, resources, and support, they are fully empowered and equipped to embrace their caregiving journey. Nurse In The Know is the social media figure Bahamia employs to raise awareness about elder care issues. She creates curated content about managing the care of aging parents while incorporating essential self-care practices as the caregiver. Her vision is for caregivers to experience a more whole and fulfilling journey in their caregiving season. bahamia@nurseintheknow.com Nurseintheknow.com
About Robin Downes
A 1981 Emmy Award winning journalist “Outstanding Individual Achievement in National News and Documentary” “ABC News 20/20”. Since 1996, she is Hollywood’s certified Yoga instructor to the stars with clients such as Vanessa Williams, Brandy, John Salley, LisaRaye McCoy and Russell Simmons, to name a few. In 2004, she became the first African American woman to have an internationally distributed video through Wal-Mart (Yoga Flava for Relaxation, Vol.1). Awarded The “Trailblazer In Yoga” award by the International Association of Black Yoga Teachers. Currently, in Post Production on her documentary “Yoga Flava: The Silva Lining featuring saving her 86 year old father, SGM William Downes, USA, RET.
During Yoga Flava's 2012 Spring It On Retreat, "Restore By The Shore" I was delighted to be able to do a video interview with inspirational singer, Abraham McDonald about his career, health and spirituality.
Being an Oprah fan, I remember watching Abraham win her Karaoke contest. This charming, silky smooth singing, gentle giant has since then gone on to recently perform for First Lady Michelle Obama at a Women for Obama luncheon in Los Angeles.
“I was so honored to have been asked to sing at this event who knows, maybe I’ll get invited to the White House one day, especially because I believe that the letter “O” is a very lucky letter for me!” commented Abraham.
Hand-picked as the winner by the “Oprah” show karaoke challenge judges including producer David Foster, songwriter Diane Warren, and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, who personally signed Abraham to the label, Abraham has also performed in front of the sold-out, 6,000-seat crowd at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A., sung the National Anthem at all major Los Angeles sporting events, and headlined “The Insider & Style A-List.” Abraham also has appeared on the “Oprah” show three times to debut his album and follow his start. Abraham also made a dent into the Billboard R&B charts last year with his chart-topper “Miracle,” as well as his recent follow-up effort in December, 2011, the already-classic R&B love song, “Love You.”
Abraham acknowledges that he was "living without borders" when it came to his health. His wake up call came when he was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. As a result, he got a trainer and lost 60 pounds. His motto is "Push your Dreams as if they are as Light as a Feather".
Check out the following Yoga Flava Video Snack which includes highlights from my interview with Abraham McDonald and the recent retreat in Marina Del Rey, California. More of the interview with Mr. McDonald and our Yoga Flava session coming soon on a new episode of Yoga Flava TV for the Live Well Network.
This year the spring equinox arrives on Tuesday, March 20th and is one of the four great solar festivals of the year. Day and night are equal, poised and balanced, but about to tip over on the side of light. The spring equinox is sacred to dawn, youth, the morning star and the east. The Saxon goddess, Eostre (from whose name we get the direction East and the holiday Easter) is a dawn goddess, like Aurora and Eos. Just as the dawn is the time of new light, so the vernal equinox is the time of new life.
On March 20th the season changes with the spring Equinox, which heralds a time of new ideas and innovation. Certain cultures celebrated this time as New Year.
At Creative Chakra Spa - Tune in your energy to this seasonal transition, with Angie Kane from Pranjnaparamita Buddhist Centre. She will guide us in a special Spring Equinox Meditation.
Om Ah Hum Meditation- This special breathing meditation improves our health, and strengthens our life force and give us a balanced peaceful mind.
The retreat is customized so e-mail me to let me know you are interested and we will design a package that caters to your needs and your budget. robin@yogaflava.com
CELEBRITY YOGA INSTRUCTOR, ROBIN DOWNES OF YOGA FLAVA™
IS A PRESENTER FOR
YOGA RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF COLOR ™,
KIRPALU CENTER FOR YOGA & HEALTH
MA.
Robin Downes’Yoga Flava And Maya Breuer invite you to
“Stir Up The Pot, Bring On The Light”
May 4 – 6th 2012
WHO: Robin Downes, creator of the Yoga Flava ™ brand and one of the four presenters for YOGA RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF COLOR ™, Yoga Flava ™ (www.YogaFlava.com) is a Hatha Yoga based tasteful blend of ancient moves to contemporary grooves. Since 1996, Downes is Hollywood's certified Yoga Instructor to the stars (actress Vanessa Williams, Brandy, John Salley, actress LisaRaye McCoy and Hip-Hop Mogal Russell Simmons to name a few). The first African Caribbean American woman to have an internationally distributed video through Wal-Mart, entitled "Yoga Flava™ for Relaxation", Vol.1 . Essence Magazine recommended Robin Downes' Yoga Flava™ in the "2010 Wealth and Wellness" issue. Ms. Downes is also an Emmy™ Award winner and a featured blogger providing daily updates on health, wellness and spirituality and Yoga Flava™ TV for Elev8.com and the Interactive One Network.
Maya Breuer, E-RYT 500, the founder and director of the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color™ is a certified, senior Kripalu Yoga Teacher (www.mayabreuer.com)
The Yoga Retreat for Women of Color™ is a weekend retreat designed for women of color. In 1999 I had an epiphany that it was important for me to share the healing benefits of yoga and meditation with women of color.
In 2012, I am partnering with advertisers and sponsors who recognize the opportunity to cross-promote as we continue to bring you the Yoga Flava lifestyle brand. We are syndicating Yoga Flava TV through various major digital outlets. The blog, newsletter and web site YogaFlava.com continues to build an audience.
I’ve signed up for Blogads, which allows advertisers to order advertising here with just three clicks. You will be able to support this site by clicking over to my blog advertising form and
forwarding it to friends and colleagues who want to reach readers like you. The journey continues . . .
Sending positive vibes - Yoga Flava with Robin Downes
Robin Downes of Yoga Flava, ice skating at Bryant Park In NYC
1. Act enthusiastic and you'll be enthusiastic.
This is a quote from motivational author / speaker, Dale Carnegie. Cultivate a positive, optimistic attitude by examining where you're already enthusiastic. Meditate upon your current enthusiasm and positive spirits a few times a day. Over time, you should find your enthusiasm increasing.
Set your intentions and goals and then break down the action steps day by day and then hour by hour. I use my calendar in my phone to plan the segments of my day and get alerts that remind me to stay on course.
Sometimes, worry develops from simply not knowing what to do. In the age of "Google" - just google it - to find the answer to your problems. Otherwise, read a book on the subject, check out a video, attend a class, seminar or workshop. Keep seeking solutions to your questions / problems.
This holiday season, what ways are you going to give back to yourself? How are you going to take care of yourself?
Get on your own “never-ending to-do list” and find the life balance you long for. I'm here to help you to give to your self and offer you fantastic ideas on how to bring YOU to the top of your “to-do list”.
As we approach the winter solstice (first day of winter, December 21st) and all the holidays that surround it, it is easy to get distracted from self-care.
A calm and balanced mind, body and spirit can be a challenge to maintain during the holiday season.
It is easy to allow the many distractions of life to draw your attention away from your own health and wellness particularly during the holiday season.
Here are some tips to develop a few tools of self-care and balance during this busy time:
• Take time each day for at least one peaceful meal. Whatever you stop doing to enjoy your meal will be waiting for you when you return.
• Have a holiday decorating party and invite only friends who will have you doubled over in laughter. You will be able to scratch decorating off of your to-do list and have a fun time in the process.
• Make a stop at a sacred place and listen to the silence. In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle the sound of silence will be rejuvenating.
Moving away from stress for short periods of time allows you to return to the things that need to be done with a sense of renewal.
Your physical, mental and emotional health and well-being is the most important gift you can give to both yourself and the people around you.
Do what you’re passionate about, do what excites you right now. Create something amazing. Pour yourself energetically into a project. Build something new. And what you think you’re creating might turn out to be completely different from what emerges, but you’ll have fun doing it and something even better might be revealed.
° Give yourself the gift of extra pampering. Pay more attention to soothing activities like a long, leisurely soak in the tub. Pamper yourself, too, by watching what you eat and drink.
Your nutritional well-being may dissolve when confronting a Yuletide dessert table. Maintain a moderate approach and offset the damage with extra vitamins and healthy foods.
When things go wrong or not according to plan, don’t forget to keep laughing. Joy, delight and wonder exist when we make an effort to welcome them.
Determine now that you will, indeed, make this the best holiday season ever. Relax, smile and enjoy all of the giving and receiving that come with this time of year.
In so doing, you’ll give yourself and the people you love a holiday season that will be fondly remembered for years.
The fall season has always felt like a better opportunity for a fresh start than the New Year. First of all, you arrive at autumn from summer, which is typically a more relaxed precursor than the holidays. Second, there’s something about the crisp cool air, the cozy clothing, the warm apple cider and pumpkins that evokes freshness. It’s a great time to make some changes and clear your head.
Cue Yoga Sutra 1.2 yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ: Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
YOGAŚ CITTA VRITTI NIRODHAH, shown in Sanskrit above, is from the Yoga Sutrasauthored by the ancient sage Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras are the guidebook of classical or Raja (royal) yoga. Written at least 1,700 years ago, the Sutras are made up of 195 aphorisms (sutras), or words of wisdom.
The power of philosophy lies in its application to our everyday lives, the ‘a-ha’ moment when the esoteric suddenly makes sense. Many yogis shy away from the philosophy behind yoga because they only find the asana (physical poses) relevant and beneficial. And I’ll admit, cracking open Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras isn’t exactly easy reading. Well, it’s fall, so even if you’re not officially back to school, why not delve into a bit of yoga philosophy to deepen your practice, and discover your own a-ha moment to apply both on and off the mat.
What is the ultimate goal of yoga? (And if the first thing that comes to mind is “a yoga butt”, definitely read on.) The textbook yoga philosophy answer is Samadhi: bliss, supreme consciousness, enlightenment. Completion of the eighth and final limb of yoga (read more about this under “What is yoga anyway?” here), when the yogi has left behind all struggle and doubt. However, Wikipedia offers this definition, which is more in line with my own personal philosophy, and which makes the concept of Samadhi easier to grasp: “According to Vyasa, a major figure in Hinduism and one of the traditional authors of the Mahabharata, ‘yoga is samadahi’. This is generally interpreted to mean that Samadhi is a state of complete control (samadhana) over the functions and distractions of consciousness.”
So, to answer the question of what is the ultimate goal of yoga, we really don’t need to go far from the simple sutra (and therefore one of my faves), yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. The ultimate goal of yoga can be incorporated into your daily life; everyday through our yoga practice we are able to experience a taste of this peace of mind. Some days it won’t happen, and most times it will only be fleeting – we may not even notice until long after – but the possibility is enough to keep us coming back to our mat. Think about how hard it is to dwell on your never-ending to-do list when you are trying to balance on one foot in vrksasana, tree pose. When you balance here, your mind clears and you get a taste of your own Samadhi.
These small experiences we have with peace positively affect our lives and lead to bigger experiences and effects with time; simply put, it all adds up. If we try to assign one all-encompassing goal to yoga, we’ll only get discouraged because it’s too darn lofty and unattainable, as is “perfect” Samadhi. Yoga has worked for thousands of years because the goal is actually within everyone’s reach, every day.
Put this philosophy into practice on your mat this fall, and stop your mind from swirling with yoga. Even if it’s only for a minute, those minutes will eventually add up.
There is a 5th season in Chinese Medicine – Late Summer. It begins late August through Autumn Equinox. This years Autumn (Fall) begins on September 23, 5:05 A.M. EDT.
Chinese Medicine believes Late Summer belongs to Earth elements. This is when Earth's luscious fruits and vegetables are bursting for harvest. Make sure you get proper rest, exercise, stress reduction and nutrition to boost your energy in this Earth time.
Yoga for the Seasons:
Yoga poses can be used to target Kidney, Spleen and Lung areas to release, tonify and regulate these energy centers. Over-exertion can deplete energy and fatigue muscles, while Yoga can help regulate, nourish and replenish energy. Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, and Yoga can increase the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, helping cells produce energy. The calming and regulating effects of Restorative Yoga can facilitate healing and provide a deep sense of rest to the body.
The Earth Elements – Spleen, Liver, Kidney and Lungs:
In Chinese anatomy, Earth is represented by the organs of Stomach, Spleen, Kidney and Lungs. They build and maintain the entire body: Stomach is where food is prepared for absorption, and Spleen helps absorb nutrients, feeding muscle and blood. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of energy through the body. Kidneys are the foundation of all energy in the body and are the source and storehouse of Chi (energy). Lungs transform the air we breathe into energy and circulates it through the body.
When Earth elements are imbalanced, we worry or have excessive mental agitation, lack of concentration or memory loss. We feel needy for food or attention, seeking sympathy or distraction. An imbalance in Earth can manifest in exhaustion, loss of appetite, poor digestion or loose stools and diarrhea, easy bruising, excess menstrual flow or other bleeding disorders.
Taking care of Earth elements reaps an inner harvest : energy to complete projects and fulfill needs, contentment and love of Life. With healthy Earth elements, you feel at home in all situations, enjoying your efforts and have the space to love, relax, and nourish self, family and friends. During harvest we store foods to nourish through the winter ahead, and it is time to harvest and reflect.
Eating for Late Summer:
Orange and Yellow are the colors connected with Late Summer, following the fiery reds of Summer and preceding the white/off-whites of Autumn’s healing foods. Don’t combine too many ingredients and keep your flavors moderate.
This season is associated with sweetness, to balance the bitterness of Summer and before Autumn’s pungent quality. Sweets and processed/refined foods can aggravates the pancreas and spleen, irritate the stomach, and create excessive acid and “dampness”, resulting in feeling more anxious, tired and unwell. Resist icy sweet drinks, as the cold and sweetness put stress on the digestive system and Earth organs.
Eat fresh, nourishing foods. Fresh, local foods and don’t combine too many ingredients . Be moderate with sugar, fried foods, and dairy. In hot, humid weather, avoid overeating. Lightly cooked food on moderate temperature is easier on digestive system. Eat sour or pungent flavors to help disperse dampness and regulate digestion. Get exercise as dampness tends to settle in and make you feel lethargic.
When Earth is off balance, internal cycles may suffer – Earth energy can be over stimulated with hot spices and caffeine. Earth thrives on routine rhythms, which settles the nervous system, stabilizes blood sugars and lowers blood pressure. Balancing work, socializing and self care is essential for healthy body, mind and spirit.
Revitalization Program (Detox and Cleanse):
3 to 4 days prior to beginning your Revitalization Program replace your normal diet by:
• Eating fruit, raw and steamed vegetables, salads, juices, herbal teas.
• Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil at bedtime.
• Take 8 oz. of prune juice in the mornings and herbal laxatives or laxative teas nightly.
AVOID: Potatoes, bananas, all grains, pasta, meat, cheese, dairy, processed food and eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
DO EAT: Fish, organic steamed edamomie and sprouts for protein.
Start On A Weekend / Sample Daily Program:
Wake - up
Hydrate - 1 glass of water ( and lemon and mint if you like) - add Super Digestive Support (pro-biotic with digestive enzymes)
The beginning of the week should be a time of excitement for all the possibilities that a new week represents. With a sense of focus and purpose, you can create what you want.
AFFIRMATION FOR TODAY: I Am An Unlimited Being. I Can Create What I Want.
Be patient and joyful with the process. Cultivate a sense of ease for the process, the journey, to allow what you want to flow into your life.
One day at a time or even break it down to one minute at a time. Move toward your goals with clarity and calm.
A yoga practice helps to release some of the unconscious tension that gets held in the body so that you can experience life with a greater sense of ease to create what you want.
Summer Solstice Sensual Sizzle By The Sea - June 25, 2011
Greetings!
We're almost sold out and I know you had expressed interest in attending this healing event. Therefore, I wanted to let you know that we only have six slots available on a first come first served basis. Pre payment is required to secure your reservation. Please check out the payment options below. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to call 310-266-7362 or email robin@yogaflava.com.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Robin Downes. Yoga Flava.
Yogic wisdom recommends working with the body's natural sensual shifts that occur at the juncture of seasons. During this Summer Solstice weekend, we will learn tools to clear out excesses and toxins accumulated over the first part of the year. It will include morning beach walk, self reflection, Yoga Flava ™ session with ancient moves to some Michael Jackson grooves. Closing with guided meditation.
6/25/2011
Meet at Creative Chakra Spa at 9:45am
10:00am - 10:45am
Morning Beach Walk
/ Yoga Flava Group Session
Creative Chakra Spa - Yoga Studio 11:00am - 12:00 noon
= $30.00
6/26/2011
Meet at Creative Chakra Spa at 9:45am
10:00am - 10:45am
Morning Beach Walk
/ Yoga Flava Group Session
Creative Chakra Spa - Yoga Studio 11:00am - 12:00 noon
= $30.00
Private Yoga Session (Date and Time To Be Determined) = $100.00
OUTDOOR INTERACTIVE TASTING LOUNGE AND LECTURE With June 25th 2011 marking the 2nd anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing, Chef Kai celebrates his legacy and supports his views on “Making Time For The Family Table,” with an interactive-cooking lounge of her New American cuisine and the health-comforting meals that she prepared for the King his children and other celebrity clientele families.
Let me know if you are interested in having lunch with me and Celebrity Chef Kai Chase, she will be providing a cooking demonstration and lecture on June 25th. 12:30pm - 2:30pm $45.00
Also, let me know if you would like to schedule a Spa treatment at Creative Chakra Spa.
Maji Sports™ (www.majisports.com) is a company focused on innovating and selling research based performance gear for Yoga Athletes. Yoga is a lifestyle that will improve and contribute to a long healthy life and now with the MajiMat™ you can have happy knees, avoid injuries and focus on your flow while practicing yoga.
Creative Chakra Spa - 3401 Pacific Avenue, (entrance through yoga studio 2B) Marina Del Rey, CA. 90292
Contact:(310) 823-9378
Parking: Beach parking available at the end of Washington Blvd (beach parking lot), park left on the south
Summer Solstice Sensual Sizzle By The Sea - June 25, 2011
Greetings!
We're almost sold out and I know you had expressed interest in attending this healing event. Therefore, I wanted to let you know that we only have six slots available on a first come first served basis. Pre payment is required to secure your reservation. Please check out the payment options below. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to call 310-266-7362 or email robin@yogaflava.com.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Robin Downes. Yoga Flava.
Yogic wisdom recommends working with the body's natural sensual shifts that occur at the juncture of seasons. During this Summer Solstice weekend, we will learn tools to clear out excesses and toxins accumulated over the first part of the year. It will include morning beach walk, self reflection, Yoga Flava ™ session with ancient moves to some Michael Jackson grooves. Closing with guided meditation.
6/25/2011
Meet at Creative Chakra Spa at 9:45am
10:00am - 10:45am
Morning Beach Walk
/ Yoga Flava Group Session
Creative Chakra Spa - Yoga Studio 11:00am - 12:00 noon
= $30.00
6/26/2011
Meet at Creative Chakra Spa at 9:45am
10:00am - 10:45am
Morning Beach Walk
/ Yoga Flava Group Session
Creative Chakra Spa - Yoga Studio 11:00am - 12:00 noon
= $30.00
Private Yoga Session (Date and Time To Be Determined) = $100.00
OUTDOOR INTERACTIVE TASTING LOUNGE AND LECTURE With June 25th 2011 marking the 2nd anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing, Chef Kai celebrates his legacy and supports his views on “Making Time For The Family Table,” with an interactive-cooking lounge of her New American cuisine and the health-comforting meals that she prepared for the King his children and other celebrity clientele families.
Let me know if you are interested in having lunch with me and Celebrity Chef Kai Chase, she will be providing a cooking demonstration and lecture on June 25th. 12:30pm - 2:30pm $45.00
Also, let me know if you would like to schedule a Spa treatment at Creative Chakra Spa.
Maji Sports™ (www.majisports.com) is a company focused on innovating and selling research based performance gear for Yoga Athletes. Yoga is a lifestyle that will improve and contribute to a long healthy life and now with the MajiMat™ you can have happy knees, avoid injuries and focus on your flow while practicing yoga.
Creative Chakra Spa - 3401 Pacific Avenue, (entrance through yoga studio 2B) Marina Del Rey, CA. 90292
Contact:(310) 823-9378
Parking: Beach parking available at the end of Washington Blvd (beach parking lot), park left on the south
