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.
That's right, kick your feet up - get into position - - -
Enjoy this restorative posture to re-fresh your mind, body and spirit for your Fall fresh start. Shifting your body for the seasonal change. In this pose we are practicing what yogis refer to as "deliberate stillness." We give the mind and body a chance to integrate and also let go of the past. If you have trouble sleeping soundly, practice this pose before going to bed or if you cannot fall back asleep.
Check out the Yoga Flava Video Snack For A Taste of "Leg Up The Wall" Pose:
How to Practice: Place a bolster or two folded blankets about 2 inches away from the wall. Sit sideways on the bolster so your right hip and side are touching the wall. With the bolster under your bottom, lower yourself back, using the support of your elbows and forearms, and swivel around to take your right leg and then your left leg up the wall. Stay in the pose for 10 minutes or longer. If you are tired, it is natural to fall asleep in this pose. When you are ready to come out, bend your knees, turn to your side, and relax on the floor for a few more breaths before you slowly sit up.
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)
LOCATION: Bridge For Dance 2726 Broadway, 3rd 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
