Bringing in the Summer Solstice with Yoga in Times Square

Inagural NYC Yoga Journal Conference - Day 2 of 5

Today I got to the conference around 2:30pm and attended the "Money Matters" session with Brent Kessel, contributor to Yoga Journal's Om column and author of "It's Not About The Money" www.BrentKessel.comBrent Kessel combines the latest financial thinking with ancient spiritual wisdom to shed light on the relationship between people and their money, and offers the reader a program for attaining financial and emotional security. Drawing on interviews with spiritual leaders and financial gurus, Kessel teaches you how to grow more conscious of your spending, saving, investing, and giving, and shows you how to become more financially sound and spiritually at peace.

After Brent's informative session I headed to the - Yoga Marketplace - products and services for balanced healthy living. I wanted to share my information about Yoga Flava TV on African Caribbean Television for possible cross-promotion to our growing audience and sponsorship opportunities (Click here for Sponsorship info)



The first booth I saw was my friends from Mindbodyonline.com. Introduced the team to my associate producer, Aisha Brown and gave them more details about the TV show and the Satellite network. I will be in touch with them to help manage and grow my business.

At Zobha's booth, we were warmly greeted by Christina Turner, sales and marketing coordinator zohbha.com. I love the superior performance yoga and fitness apparel displayed at the booth. I will continue to learn more.

Moving on to the royal ladies that joyfully greeted us at Gaiam. Khim Davis, Associate Brand Banager, DRTV and Jackie Laues, sales rep., embraced the concept of Yoga Flava on African Caribbean TV and the possible collaborations with Gaiam. Since I have been in the Yoga world for the past 10 years, Gaiam has been a powerful resource for tools & products and health & wellness and green & sustainable living.

The above written by Robin Downes.

The following written by Aisha Brown.

I'm thrilled to report on my first ever yoga conference, right here from Yoga Journal's New York City Conference. The day started off with an intensive workshop entitled "Eight Limbs of Yoga," presented by Gary Kraftsow. He is the Director and Senior Teacher of the American Viniyoga ™ Institute, and the author of two books published by Penguin: YOGA FOR WELLNESS and YOGA FOR TRANSFORMATION; and author of two educational DVDs 'Viniyoga ™ Therapy for Low Back, Sacrum and Hips' and 'Viniyoga ™ Therapy for Upper Back, Neck and Shoulders'. His website is http://www.viniyoga.com.

The workshop delved deeply into the philosophy of yoga and drew contrasts between Buddhism and yoga. As a beginning yoga student, I found much of the information to be a little too advanced. However, a few key points stuck with me. The standout quote of the day was, "Yoga is more about dealing with your anger than your hamstrings." Essentially, the effect that yoga has on transforming your personality and mind is more important than the effect that it has on your body.


My favorite part of the day was the wonderful energy I encountered in the Yoga Marketplace. I was able to chat with several vendors, and was immediately swept away by their enthusiasm and the assortment of products for sale. Some highlights included practicing asanas on an eternefit mat, which is designed with a built-in cushion for extra comfort and support. It's definitely worth checking out at http://www.eternefit.com.


I was able to purchase some sage (great for cleansing the atmosphere) and delicious smelling rose and jasmine incense from East West Living. This three story bookstore/yoga studio offers weekly classes and events. It contains everything you need to delve deeper into your practice. View their upcoming events at http://www.eastwestnyc.com.

The interesting designs of Yogalitik Apparel and Homegoods (www.yogalitik.com) drew my attention. Design Director Miles Mendoza has created a line of yoga clothes and apparel that are as inspiring as they are stylish.

I'd also like to say a quick hello to Ardie Cowlah, over at Brand Marketers. She's a warm, funny yoga instructor of color who I'm sure will bring some exciting collaborative energy to Yoga Flava. Be sure to stop by and take a look at the "T-Shirt TV" at http://www.brandmarketers.com. You'll have to see it to believe it!

Overall, I had a wonderful time, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this gathering. I look forward to more positive experiences tomorrow!

Inagural NYC Yoga Journal Conference - Day 1 of 5

I arrived at the Business of Yoga Workshop (Part 1) at around 11am. I missed the first two presentations with Bill Harper, publisher, Yoga Journal www.yogajournal.com and Connie Chan, founder, Levitate Yoga. I was happy to catch Connie Chan in the lobby. I met Connie in 2007 in times square for the Yoga in Times Square celebration. Check out the video clip from 2007 - http://www.yogaflava.blogspot.com



She reminded me to spread the word, it is truly a transcendental experience. This year the Yoga in Times Square will take place, Sunday, June 21, 2009. I will be there for the morning session. Sign up at http://bit.ly/14Iekl



I walked in on Bob Murphy, CSMO, Mindbody, Inc "Creating a Viable Studio" www.mindbodyonlin.com. He was discussing the biz of yoga. Some of the highlights of the discussion included:
*Determine what you want.
*Create goals with actions
*Budget and monitor
*Have the life you want.

Sales Specialist, Tiffany Baker, gave a great demonstration of the software. I am curious about how it can work with the programming / video on demand for Yoga Flava TV. They suggested I check out their client's business module - Core Power Yoga.
I will certainly be checking them out further. MindBody has a booth at the Conference.

The next speaker was Leonard D. Easter, Esq. He shook us up with the legal issues that are currently being questioned in the Yoga community. He advised us to focus on a business plan that is clear, direct and simple. In addition to a good lawyer, have a good accountant. If you are just started out, several law firms, business schools and retired executive are available to help start-up companies. I got on the mailing list and will keep everyone informed about the on going legal developments in the Yoga community.

After being shook up by the attorney, we were calmed down and connected to spirit with Ganesh Das (aka Carlos Menjivar) managing director, Jivamukti Yoga. "Building Community with Yoga."www.jivamuktiyoga.com He started with a much needed Meditation. Highlights of his lecture were based on principles from the Bagavagita:
*No difference between the spiritual and the biz of yoga.
*Everything is an extension of thr spiritual life.
*Create success for the people in your business.
*Everything has a mutually beneficial relationship.
*What is our purpose and what is our intention.
*Be clear about what success means to us.
*Want to be wealthy so that I can share it with others!
*Be indifferent toward the wicked.
*Live simply so that others can simply live.
*Money if a form of energy.
*The only way you are going to be happy is to make others happy.
*Business is a perfect way of working your Karma out.

He recommended a book "The Diamond Cutter" (Buddist principles in business)

I met some new friends: Suzanne Girard Foote, Founder and Director of New Mother Yoga and Wellness (www.newmotheryogaandwellness.com) and Ardie Cowlah Hollander (brandmarketers.com, modernyogis.com) who got me excited about a t-shirt that has a video screen.

It was a great way to end the first day of the Business of Yoga Workshop. I look forward to tomorrow.

It's official Yoga Flava TV will be reporting from the inaugural New York City Yoga Journal Conference.

I'm sooo excited. This has been an amazing time to return to my hometown with Yoga Flava TV on African Caribbean Television Satellite Network! I look forward to bringing you all of the Yoga news from this event with Flava!

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2009
Contact Information
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release-April 22, 2009
Attention: News, Business, Health and Educational Editors
CONTACT:
Porsche Haynes
Florida A&M University

( BPRW) African Americans Benefit from Yoga
(BLACK PR WIRE) (April 22, 2009) “Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for African American men and women, killing more than 102,000 annually,” according to the American Heart Association. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other issues are at the forefront concerning African American health. African Americans are responding by attempting to eat better and be more physically active. Unfortunately, many African Americans are overlooking an ancient practice that could be beneficial in combating health-related ailments; namely, yoga.

According to The Gale Encyclopedia, yoga is a system that benefits the body, mind and spirit by teaching self-control through a series of postures (asanas) and exercises, as well as through breathing (pranayama), relaxation and meditation (dyana) techniques (Bruno, 1999). When combined with a nutritious diet and other cardiovascular activities, such as running and aerobics, yoga can contribute greatly in improving one’s health. According to medicinenet.com, practicing yoga can help lower blood pressure, decrease stress and help reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Yoga can also help lower blood glucose levels (as with diabetes), increase strength and flexibility, and reduce some symptoms of asthma.

Yoga is also relatively inexpensive. A reasonably priced studio ranges from ten to twenty dollars a session, but one can purchase DVDs and practice at home for far less. Yoga props, mats and blocks are also sold for decent prices at local stores, such as Target and Wal-Mart. Yoga is one of the most beneficial exercises that African Americans can do to combat health issues, and with effort, African Americans will see results.

Sources Used:
Bruno, Leonard C. “Yoga” Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 1999.
Weil, Richard, MEd, CDE “Yoga Health Benefits”. Medicinenet.com. 2008. Retrieved Sept. 20, 2008.
http://www.medicinenet.com/yoga/article.htm
“2008 African American Heart Health Tool Kit”. American Heart Association. 2008. Retrieved Sept. 21, 2008.
http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/.../1200430257943African%20American%20Heart%20Health%
“General yoga Information”. American Yoga Association. 2000. Retrieved Sept. 23, 2008.
www.americanyogaassociation.org/general.html



The content and opinions expressed within this press release are those of the author(s) and/or represented companies, and are not necessarily shared by Black PR Wire. The author(s) and/or represented companies are solely responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the content of this Press release. Black PR Wire reserves the right to reject a press release if, in the view of Black PR Wire, the content of the release is unsuitable for distribution.

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