Happy Spring Equinox!

Today is the Spring Equinox, the first official day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Now is a wonderful time to make a fresh start in your life. It's also a great time to clear out any clutter, physically, mentally and spiritually. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Melt Winter Tension: Sensual Spring Shoulder Moves

The winter chill kept your shoulders up by your ears, with Spring officially arriving on March 20th, it's time to melt the unconscious Winter tension
that has built up in the shoulders, neck and back. Feel better with these sensual spring moves. Spring it On!




The following is the text breakdown of what you can do. Also be sure to view the Yoga Flava Video Snack at the bottom of this blog and join me in this healing practice.

Standing Forward Bend

Uttanasana (Sanskrit - ancient east indian name of Yoga Pose)
(OOT-tan-AHS-ahna)
ut = intense
tan = to stretch or extend

Step by Step

Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), hands on hips. Exhale and bend forward from the hip joints, not from the waist. As you descend draw the front torso out of the groins and open the space between the pubis and top sternum. As in all the forward bends, the emphasis is on lengthening the front torso as you move more fully into the position.

If possible, with your knees straight, bring your palms or finger tips to the floor slightly in front of or beside your feet, or bring your palms to the backs of your ankles. If this isn't possible, cross your forearms and hold your elbows. Press the heels firmly into the floor and lift the sitting bones toward the ceiling. Turn the top thighs slightly inward.

With each inhalation in the pose, lift and lengthen the front torso just slightly; with each exhalation release a little more fully into the forward bend. In this way the torso oscillates almost imperceptibly with the breath. Let your head hang from the root of the neck, which is deep in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.

Forward Fold (Uttanasana) can be used as a resting position between the standing poses. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It can also be practiced as a pose in itself.

Don't roll the spine to come up. Instead bring your hands back onto your hips and reaffirm the length of the front torso. Then press your tailbone down and into the pelvis and come up on an inhalation with a long front torso.

Shoulder Rolls
Roll the shoulders down and back, starting with small circles and working up to larger circles. Do 10 circles backwards and then repeat forward circles.

To see how it's done have a taste of this Yoga Flava Video Snack; Forward Fold and Shoulder Rolls:



For more information: www.yogaflava.com

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.

Welcome to Our New Site!

Yoga Flava's new blog address is http://yogaflava.blogspot.com. Please be sure to update your links. Expect the same great content!

Los Angeles Retreat - 3/19 - 3/21/2010 - Sensual Healing by the Sea - Spring It On

Robin Downes' Yoga Flava Presents

Spring it On - Retreat Weekend Getaway

All Inclusive Program for Sensual Healing by the Ocean side

March 19 - 21, 2010

Marina Del Rey, California

Yoga Flava * Creative Chakra Spa * Celebrity Chef Kai Chase


This immersion weekend is a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate yourself as you enter the spring season of new growth and rebirth. Our primary goal is to open our hearts and minds to new possibilities for self-growth and positive direction in our lives. All participants will be guided in creating a personal plan to bring home and integrate into their lifestyle.

Yogic wisdom recommends working with the body's natural sensual shifts that occur at the juncture of seasons. During this Spring Equinox weekend, we will learn tools to clear out excesses and toxins accumulated over the winter. It will include yoga, meditation, self-reflection, and healthy cooking classes. This includes a cleansing diet, and a de-toxifying spa treatment.

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Robin Downes' Yoga Flava – Robin Downes has been a certified and insured Hatha Yoga Instructor since 1998.
Yoga Flava’s style includes soulful grooves and ancient moves for healing and overall well being. Recommended by Essence Magazine 2010 "Wealth and Wellness Plan." Yoga instructor to the stars, including Vanessa Williams, Brandy, John Salley and Russell Simmons!
http://www.yogaflava.com
http://www.facebook.com/yogaflava
http://www.Twitter.com/robindownes



Celebrity Chef Kai Chase entertains and educates everyone from the amateur cook to the would-be chef. Her cooking sessions allow you to explore and create some of her most celebrated recipes for her high-profile clients; President Obama, Michael Jackson and Jamie Fox to name a few!
http://www.kaichase.com
http://www.facebook.com/celebritychefkaichase
http://www.Twitter.com/chefkaichase


Sandie West' Creative Chakra Spa- This Luxury Oceanside healing retreat is located in beautiful Marina Del Rey, California. Allow yourself to truly relax and absorb the ambiance of the luscious tropical foliage, ocean air and sheer tranquility. It is the first Holistic Health and Fitness Spa in the U.S., and California's Leading Holistic Spa. It has been featured on MTV, E! News, Americas' Next Top Model, Matchmaker Millionaire & Discovery Channel.
Sandie West, CEO Creative Chakra Spa Healing Retreat
3401 Pacific Av, 2A & 2B,
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-823-9378
http://www.creativechakra.com
http://www.facebook.com/creativechaka
http://www.youtube/creativechakra


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PACKAGES


Package #1: ULTIMATE BEACH PENTHOUSE / PERSONAL CHEF / ACTIVITIES


* 2 night PRIVATE room accommodations with King size bed in Beach house.

(Only 6 rooms available at Beach House)

* Sat & Sun. Morning Group Beach walk

* 1/2 hour Spa treatment (Schedule with Chakra Spa during weekend)

* Sat & Sun. Group Yoga Flava Session

* Personal Chef nutritious meals and snacks

(Fri. Dinner / Sat. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Sun. Breakfast, Lunch

* Cooking class / demonstration / dinner party

Cost: $1,000.00 (sharing King size bed/ $830.00 per person)



Package #2: 2 DAY ACTIVITIES / MARINA HOTEL

* Sat. & Sun. Morning Group Beach walk

* 1/2 hour Spa treatment (Schedule with Chakra Spa during weekend)

* Sat. & Sun. Group Yoga Flava Session

* Box Lunch by Chef Kai Chase Lunch Spa Soirée - Spring it On!

* Cooking class / demonstration & dinner party by Celebrity Chef Kai Chase


Cost: $325.00 for activities only



Hotel accommodations are available at the Marina International Hotel, which is adjacent to the largest man-made yacht harbor in the World

http://www.marinaintlhotel.com/


*$89 per night special for Creative Chakra clients.

There are also other hotels in the vicinity-try doing a Google search using the address of the Spa.


Package #3: ONE DAY ONLY - 3/20 - EQUINOX - RETREAT ACTIVITIES

* Morning Group Beach walk

* 1/2 hour Spa treatment (Schedule with Chakra Spa during weekend)

* Group Yoga Flava Session

* Box Lunch by Chef Kai Chase

* Cooking class / demonstration / Dinner Party

Cost: $250.00


A La Carte Prices

Yoga Flava Group Session Only
Sunday afternoon session (based on space availability) or extra Sunday evening session
Cost:$30.00


Personalized, One-on- One Yoga Flava session with Robin (by appointment only)
Cost:$100.00


Cooking Class / Dinner Party Only
Cost:$150.00


Spa Services:
Please check with Creative Chakra Spa for various spa services offered




Payments

Please call or e-mail me so we can discuss payment options, as well as any individual questions and concerns you may have.
Phone: 310-266-7362
E-Mail: robin@yogaflava.com

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ITINERARY (This itinerary is a guide only, and is subject to change)


Friday March 19, 2010

5:00pm Check in at Chakra Spa's Beach House, introductions

7:00 pm Personal Chef dinner (Beach House Residents).

Explore the evening on your own. We will have a list of recommended activities. Also a great time to schedule a spa service or private yoga class.


Saturday, March 21, 2010

9:00am Breakfast (Beach House Residents)

10:00-10:30am Morning Beach Walk

11:00am-12 pm Yoga

12:30pm Box Lunch by Chef Kai Chase

1:00 -3:30 Spa treatment, private yoga class or free time

4:00pm Cooking Class Series - Spring Cleaning with Kai Chase

Theme- "Almost Vegetarian, Spring Cleaning...Less Meat & More Healthy Choices."

Menu: TBD

Includes: cost of celebrity chef demonstration, food, materials, etc...



Sunday, March 21, 2010

9:00am Breakfast (Beach House Residents)

10:00-10:30am Morning Beach Walk and Meditation

11:00am Yoga

12:30pm Box Lunch by Chef Kai Chase

1:00 pm Spa treatment, private yoga class or free time.

3:00 pm Check out


PLEASE NOTE: The primary objective of a Yoga Flava Retreat is to create BALANCE of opportunities for insight, reflection, fun relaxation, group/private time and simply being.

PUT YOUR BACK IN IT - Yoga & Sexual Union

The meaning of the word YOGA is "to join together," to "make union." In the Kama Sutra (The art of making love) and Tantric tradition sexual union is considered the highest form of Yoga. In all transcendental sexual experiences a healthy and relaxed body is an ally for exctasy and liberation. Many of the Yoga poses were inspired by flowers, animals and other creatures whose name they bear. The following yoga poses are entitled Cat and Cow, promotes a sense of ease for the spine, so you can put your back in it.

Cat Pose: marjarasana
Marjari= cat





Cow Pose: bitilasana



The Cat-Cow pose combination is a tremendously popular and beneficial exercise used in yoga, Pilates, and other forms of physical exercise. This simple pose combination helps to stretch the back and relieve pain, strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen and the back, increase coordination, and energize the body.

Cat Cow pose benefits:
Stabilizes the sacrum to release lower back pain
Supports back by engaging abs
Stretches the low, mid and upper back, the front torso, the hips and the neck
Loosens spine
Stretches hips
Massages and stimulates kidneys and adrenal glands, and tones the uterus
Creates emotional balance
Relieves stress and calms the mind

Contraindications:
People with neck injuries should be sure to keep the head in line with the torso.
Getting into the Cat and Cow poses: Step by step

Step One (preparation): Begin in “tabletop” position: your hands on the ground at shoulder width, elbows and shoulders in line with the hands and your knees on the ground hip distance apart and directly under the hips. Your spine should be neutral and the eyes will gaze towards the floor slightly in front of the fingertips.

Step Two (Cat Pose): On an exhalation, begin to round your spine towards the ceiling, engaging your stomach muscles to pull the belly towards the back body and tucking your head and chin towards the chest. The gaze should be toward the chest and belly, yet avoid forcing the chin to meet the chest. Feel the expansion across the shoulder blades. If rounding the very top of the back is difficult, ask a friend or yoga teacher to lay her hands just above and between the shoulder blades to help you activate this region.

Step Three (Cow Pose): On an inhalation, drop your belly toward the floor while lifting your sit bones and your chest towards the ceiling. Your gaze can either be directly in front of you or towards the ceiling. Keep the shoulder blades down and back away from the ears.

You can repeat this sequence a few times, making sure to follow the breath, inhaling into cow and exhaling into cat. You may wish to finish this sequence by resting in child’s pose.

Check out the following Yoga Flava Video Snack for the demonstration.



http://www.yogaflava.com

Winter Warriors - Yoga Flava Intermediate Series

Intermediate Yoga Flava Winter Warrior 7 class Series
Mondays ~ 4:30pm - 6pm~ Recession rate for series ~102nd St & Bway NYC


Location:
The New Seminary Center For Interfaith Studies
Street:
2672 Bway @ 102nd St. 2nd floor, NYC 10025


Strength and Balance!

Feb. 1 - Warrior Poses

Feb. 8 - Warrior Flow Vinaysa

Feb. 15 - Standing Balancing Poses

Feb. 22 - Arm Balancing Poses

March 1 - Yoga Flava Intermediate Flow

March 8 - Yoga Flava Intermediate Flow

March 15 - Yoga Flava Intermediate Winter Warrior Flow


Investment for commitment to full series: $100.00
*Please take advantage of this recession-buster price as we build an ongoing group at our new location.

Drop in rate per session: $25.00

Deadline: Please confirm your payment by 3 p.m. the Friday before each class you will be attending. (Ex: payment for the Monday January 11 class will be due by Friday January 8 at 3 p.m.)

Personalize Private Sessions in Private Room within Studio at an agreed upon date and time $50.00 an hour