Robin Downes Joins Yoga Retreat For Women Of Color - May 4 - 6th 2012

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 – 6^th 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)

WHAT:                        THE YOGA RETREAT FORWOMEN OF COLOR™

                        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.

WHEN:                                    May 4 – 6, 2012

WHERE:                  Kirpalu

                                    http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/YWC-121/yoga_retreat_for_women_of_color8482_stir_up_the

CONTACT:     email:  robin@yogaflava.com

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Motivate Your Creative Power With Yoga & Cease Fibroids

This beautiful image connected with my spirit today.  In my search for inspiration, creative power and healing - Bastet was introduced to me as a Goddess we can invoke to help balance our sacral chakra. She is the Egyptian who manages dancing, animals, freedom, humor, joy, magic, overcoming and playfulness. Her symbols include the pyramid, sun and moon and her totem is cat.

This is a very personal blog for me and I am sharing based on the insight from my meditation this morning.  The meditation was specifically about laying hands on my pelvis which has been developing a large hard mass, after a recent doctor's exam she suggested the possibility of fibroids. I have a ultra sound scheduled for next week to clarify the diagnosis.  I have begun to research solutions to cease the growth of fibroids.

Also Read:  3 Action Steps To Avoid Worry and Enjoy Living



Fibroids are a benign tumor of muscular and fibrous tissues, typically developing in the wall of the uterus.
Metaphysically speaking - fibroids devolop in the Sacral Chakra (energy center just below the navel)

The Sacral Chakra is associated with Self Respect.
When it is in balance we are fully able to express and feel our emotions, we feel happy and confident with who we are.
An imbalance will first resonate as a tingle, ache or sensitivity in the sacral region. (Lower abdomen).
If the issue is left unattended to, may lead on to more serious issues such as.
Pre-menstrual syndrome, problems with menstrual flow, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, prostatic disease, low back pain.

Read Also: Give To Yourself - Tis The Season

Balance Your Sacral Chakra with Creativity 

When our sacral chakra is balanced, we will have overall feelings of creativity and production.

ORANGE relates to the SACRAL chakra which is situated in the lower abdomen of the human body.  Orange relates to self respect. Having the ability to give ourselves the freedom to be ourselves, to have and respect our own boundaries and therefore, be able to respect those of others. Orange relates to our ability to "give and take" within our relationships with others.
When this chakra is balanced the positive aspects of this colour will prevail. However, an imbalance in this chakra can produce the negative aspects of this colour.

So energetically speaking, fibroid tumors denote a tumorization process of old, negative, toxic thoughts, emotions, or feelings that are clumped together and proliferate. The more old, stale, toxic thoughts and emotions (hurts and pains) you embrace and hold on to in the heart and mind, the more your physical tumors below (womb area) proliferate. Again, “as above, so below.” Metaphysics!

Before a physical fibroid tumor can manifest, there is always an emotional, mental, and/or psychological fibroid tumor that consists of old hurts and wounds pertaining to:


RELATIONSHIPS (past mate(s) cheated on you; past mate(s) harmed, abused, and/or disrespected you; father or paternal guardian abandoned you, etc., which leads to feelings of mistrust of males, insecurity issues, etc.)


Sacral Chakra Exercises:This chakra is fed by developing support systems and boundaries. Taking responsibility for what is happening in your life and "owning" up to your downfalls. Feeding your creative side and taking care of your body.  Chakracise your sacral chakra with pelvic thrusts and circular pelvis movements - Yoga Flava style - for sensual healing - check out this video - - -

This post is the manifestation of my creative power!  Circumstances had recently slowed me down and from this point forward I will continue to enthusiastically strengthen and heal. The photo of the Egyptian Goddess (Pictured Above, Bastet)- reminded me of the Fierce Urban Goddess (Pictured below,Me)

2000 Robin Downes on the Yoga Flava Journey

When I look at this picture of me, over a decade ago, I see a confident, creative woman. Yes, I knew my breast were large (compared to the typical thin yoginis being promoted at the time) and I embraced all that I was at the moment - The journey continues - - - 

Join me May 4 - 6th "Yoga Retreat For Women Of Color" http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/yogamed/YWC-121/ 

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

Sending positive vibes - Robin Downes.   email: robin@yogaflava.com

Namaste 

2012 Opportunities With The Yoga Flava Brand (Advertise / Sponsor)

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@yogaflava.com

3 Action Steps to Release Worry And Enjoy Living

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.

Related article: Give To Yourself, Tis The Season

2.  Plan your life -  day by day - hour by hour 

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.

Join me May 4th - 6th, 2012 for Woman of Color Retreat

Stay on course and avoid distractions, as best you can.

Intend to have an enjoyable life - practice enjoying your life, an ever evolving process.

Related article: You Can Create What You Want!

3. Continue educating yourself.

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.

Related article: Yoga Flava Home Study Resources And Wellness Support

Give To Yourself - Tis The Season!

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.

Balance your Yin and Yang

Private Personalized One-On-One Yoga Flava Session Winter 2012

5 sessions for the discounted package rate of $100.00

Sign up on the Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/events/298459850198348/?context=create

For details please email:  robin@yogaflava.com

The natural flow of life goes within, it is known as hibernation.

Put your own oxygen mask on first.  

The most important gift you can give to both your family and friends is the proper care and maintenance of yourself.

Check Out:  Yoga Flava Home Study Resources And Wellness Support

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.

Sending positive vibes - Robin Downes

www.YogaFlava.com
robin@yogaflava.com

Refresh With "Legs Up The Wall" Pose! [VIDEO]

"Legs Up The Wall" Pose

Sanskrit Name: Viparita Karani

Fall Fresh Start 2011 - Week 1 of 10:

I give you permission to chill out.  

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.

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

Check out my recommendations : Wellness Products

Sign up for the free Newsletter: YogaFlava.com

Sending positive vibes - - - Robin Downes

Namaste!

 

Let The Leaves Swirl, Not Your Thoughts During Fall 2011

By Margaret Burns Vap for Atletica

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.

 Get A Fresh Start For Fall - Yoga Flava 10 Week Fall Series

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 Sutras authored 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.

Get A Fresh Start For Fall - Yoga Flava 10 Week Fall Series