Yoga Flava Silva Session is the latest evolution of Robin's Yoga practice. Inspired by being over 50, with silver locks and the main caregiver for her 85 year old father. This one hour, gentle chair yoga session will embrace the spirit of love, opening the heart chakra to caregiving for elders. Chairs provided (no mats needed)
Photo taken early 1970's me (Robin Downes) and my Dad (Bill Downes)
The best advice I have received once I let people know that I needed to increase my role as caregiver for my Dad, was to make sure to take care of myself and to get as much help as I can.
Self Care First !
Never give from the depths of your well but from the overflow - Sufi
Put your own oxygen mask on first.
It has been delightful to utilize the tools I created (videos) to help me cope with stress. I hope you still find them useful too. Who else is a caregiver? Leave a comment below, on my FB page or email me robin@yogaflava.com As always, sending positive vibes, Robin
It's time to align with a new season, Summer officially starts on Wednesday, June 21st. I love the feeling of being in sync with the sunrise on the summer solstice in Times Square.
Being in alignment with the different seasons and the patterns of nature, and
by syncing with their rhythm, we too can tap into our own unique flow.
Doing this allows us to maximize our potential and helps to bring a
sense of belonging into our world. Summer can be an exciting time to
renew, grow, expand, change and refresh our being.
If we use this time
wisely, we too can cultivate our own sense of abundance and possibility.
Here is one of my favorite Videos for Strong Summer Arms. Check it out and subscribe to Yoga Flava TV:
Here are 6 Ways To Prepare For The Perfect Yogic Summer !
1. Diet
Help out
bodies transcend out of winter mode, by eating a healthy fresh balanced
diet, which includes getting plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.
Drinking lots of water and herbal teas also help to give the body a
boost. summer is the time to cleanse, so make the most of all the
wonderful foods around at this time.
2. Breathe
Think
of all the pollution and pollen in the air. By adopting an ancient yoga
breathing technique known as Kabalbati we can cleanse the lungs
physically, giving them a summer clean. Kabalbati is also said to help
release old stuck emotions. After all, to allow in the new we need to
make space by clearing out anything that doesn’t serve us. Method: sit
up tall, crossing the legs at the shins or sit on a chair if you have
knee problems. Remember to relax the face and jaw. Take a deep
inhalation through the nostrils then, exhale starting a pumping action
from below the navel. As you exhale you draw in the belly. If you are
doing this right the inhalation will occur naturally as all you have to
do is focus on the exhalation. Do this for a mental count of between15-
25 repetitions with the eyes closed and between each set take five slow
deep breaths. Repeat several times and build up the time gradually.
3. Walking
Walking
can also be used as an active meditation. Method: Try walking for
twenty minutes either in nature or in a park if you live in a city. For
the first ten minutes use all you senses as you move. Be very aware of
how you are walking, feel each footstep, stand tall and ask yourself how
the air smells, what does it tastes like? What does the ground feel
like to touch, what noises do you hear and what can you see? For
the last ten minutes is more about going within. Use your breathing to
help you with this. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly through the nose.
Feel what it feels like to be within your own body, your own flesh and
skin, and be as present to this as you can as you make your steps. Walking is a good pastime to get new ideas for any projects or plans you have. It can also help to journal your experiences.
4. Make a dream board
Method:
Find all your old magazines, a large sheet of paper or card, some
scissors and glue. Sit quietly and ask your higher self what you would
really like out of life. Imagine yourself achieving this. Take your
time. Try not to wish for just more money (if that is what you feel you
are lacking) but rather tap into the feeling of what that would mean for
you, e.g. a sense of being financially secure or perhaps freedom.
Slowly enjoy the process as you find pictures that resonate. If you
desire is to have a new relationship or job then again think of what
that feels and means for you. A good idea is to put the board somewhere
you can see it every morning so that you can start to imagine the
life you would like. It works well if you also remember to express
gratitude for what you already have.
5. Yoga twists
Yoga
twists detoxify the internal organs as well as giving the back and the
abs a good stretch. Never do twists if you think you may be pregnant or
have blood pressure problems. Warm up with the breath exercise, followed by some sun salutations and then sit tall on a yoga mat. Method for Marichyasana III
Sit up with the legs extended in front of you. Make sure the chest is
lifted and if you find it hard to sit this way, then sit on a block.
Bottom leg is straight and not collapsing inwards. Bend the right
leg and cross it over the extended left leg so the foot is on floor as
close to the other leg as comfortable. Flex the extended foot and ground
the body on the floor as you lengthen the spine upwards. Inhale and as
you exhale bend the left elbow bringing the arm in front of the bent
right thigh. Inhale and lengthen as you twist the torso to look over
right shoulder. Make sure your neck is long so you are not sticking the
chin out too much. Keeping this shape press the figure tips of the left
hand to the floor with the arm extended behind you. With each breath
feel as if the torso lengthens and with each exhalation you surrender a
bit further into the pose. Then hold comfortably for five breaths. Come
out gently and repeat on the other side.
6. Start a new hobby or join a new group
Nothing
develops us more than trying something new. Stepping out of your
comfort zone is great for personal development. It helps to build
courage. If you are short of time perhaps free up some space by dropping
something that no longer serves you. If you need a little inspiration
see the website www.meetup.com for ideas. Finding your natural rhythm can help you to feel renewed, refreshed and put a summer back into in your step. Enjoy!
Halloween is over, ration out the candy for your cheat days and customize your holiday body, mind and spirit: 2016 Holiday Ease with Yoga Flava.
Set your wellness intentions for the upcoming holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Get ready with a sense of "Holiday Ease" for those family and holiday party photo opportunities!
1. Keep, discard and / or create family and friend traditions.
Be honest, what is working for you, your family and friends?
2. Plan and budget.
Where will you spend the holiday and with whom? 3. Reflect
What can you reflect on from the past year with an attitude of gratitude?
Please share with me in the comment section and / or reflect for yourself in a journal.
In November, I celebrate 20 years of being a Yoga Instructor. I will be celebrating by sharing posts on Throw back Thursdays that feature "Yoga Flava Family Focus: Betts Twins / Radha Ruiz (Raww Flava)" and 20th Anniversary Yoga Flava. 4. New Year, New You (2017)
Who are you creating yourself to be in 2017?
5. Create a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Take
time to prepare and visualize the outcome you desire. Is there an
outfit that you want to look your best in? What body weight do you need
to be. Do you need to cultivate a calm persona? Selfcare is essential
to cultivating peace and joy.
Reach out for a FREE telephone consultation by emailing to schedule your phone appointment: robin@yogaflava.com
Sign up for your private / customized 2016 Fall into Holidays prep :
Gift certificates available! Feel free to reach out directly for your customized package: robin@yogaflava.com
I will be posting on the Yoga FlavaFacebook, Twitter and Instagram Page. Please like and share the posts. If you have not done so already, please sign up for the Yoga Flava Newsletter.
Thank you for sharing your practice with me. Sending positive vibes...
