DAY 19 (FINAL DAY OF FAST) THE BEGINNING!

The last four days have been such a beautiful blur. From yoga classes that have made me have again in the human expierence to watching beautiful love birds sit and shed (lol). Today is the last day of fast. At sunset the new year begans. I started today by watching princess and the frog with my youngest daughter. I believe that self-esteem comes from self (the inside), however it cool that she could see a princess that looked like her. After admiring my oldest daughters amazing cake orders, I headed off to teach yoga. Class was great had a student named pam who enjoyed the flow of the class. In honor of women's month we focused on building our yin or feminnie part. We flowed to the beautiful sounds of Alicia keys to album. After class everyone enjoy oranges and strawberries(expect me 3 more hours to go!!!). As a new teacher it felt like one of the best classes that I led. I just let the flow.....flow.

I want to say thanks to everybody who has support my family through or fast. Know the real work begans, as we will take this emptiness into the new year.

DAY 12-15(of our fast) THAT'S MY COMMUNITY!! GET AWAY!!

WOW WOW WUZZBY! (yeah I said it nick jr baby!) These last 4 days have been a blissful blur
I truly believe that food is evil!, well not all food. Since I have been fasting I have lost alot of animal urges. Not the typical urges, but one urge that I get all the time. THE URGE TO SAVE MY COMMUNITY. First the thought is all based on ego. Who am i to think i can save my community. Second what in the heck is MY community. Being black sometimes I have found myself always caught in my community. We have rallies to save our community. We have fundraisers to save our community. Community community aaaaaahhhhh!(sorry just hit a food wall). The fast made me realize my faiths biggest motto. ONENESS. I am a global citizen and I am a member of the global community. If I can help be part of a child's positive experience rather on crenshaw or cuba my service has begun. One of my goals after the fast is to continue to think globally. I am not gonna sell bananas to people who only eat apples. I will show them how good bananas taste, but I will respect that they want apples.

i am so excited to spread my excitement about yoga. I am ready to take it to my community.
My global community. When we were at the playground my youngest daughter was playing with two friends. One 2 year old was from India, the other toddler was from Iraq. When we left I imagined them all in warrior pose. I realized we are all in this ONENESS Thing together.
Namaste

Day 11 (of our fast) YOUR FULL OF SH+#@$T!

that's right my ego is full of shit. These last 11 days have taught me many things. One major thing is that this material world is trully and illusion. Lao Tzu in the Tao says stay empty be full. Sounds like a contradiction. As I sit hear I feel so empty of the toxins that I have let consume my body. We eat pretty healthy but this fast has taught me I can take it up a notch. At the same time I am full of the awareness of self. As you know I climbed a mountain for the first time with my wife about a year ago. This experience showed how my life is just a blimp on the radar. I have been so blessed to be a the invisible fly on the wall my whole life. From choosing to live in my car for 6 months to chillin at Rick James house before he passed. I truly realize we are all yearning for something more. I have been in 1 bedroom flats that smelled of love and coziness, Then I have been in mansions that feel like a lonely crackhouses. This tangible world is beast.

I have learned so much from daughters and wife these past 11 days. As I watch them evolve they show i must keep learning and growing...............Sorry for the ramble but I just hit a fasting wall. luckily the wall is made of play do. got go sit in wu-chi
namaste

DAY 7,8 & 9 YES!

The first week of the fast was amazing. I have gotten to know who I am and who my girls are. It is very challenging when you live with three brilliant artist. I realized that i love my wife and daughters, but I am also intimidated by them.

Never thought I would say that must be the fast. lol. I realized that I was trying to DO the label of fatherhood, instead of just being comfortable being a father. I now know that i am daddy! For the first 7 days all we did was wake up eat pray,hike,pray,yoga,pray,make cupcakes,pray, and eat at sunset. I was around supporting and uplifting energy 24/7.

Day 8 of the fast began the challenge of fasting while i was back at work and in society.

IT was amazing I walked into the youth center feeling so vibrant. I literally saw the God source in everybody.

I met two new foster youth. Amazing young men. THey asked me why I was so happy and I said because that is the new gangster. we all laughed as i watched them eat their snack..........bout to go sit in wu chi before work

(wu chi is a standing meditation of stillness.

Had a friend that asked me about the benefits of fasting. We talked about the spiritual benefits. Here is a article on what happens to the body when you fast:

FASTING

Over time, toxins build up in the body as the result of the pollutants in the air we breathe, the chemicals, preservatives, and other things in the food chain, the water and others things that we consume in life. Often the body seeks to rid itself of those toxins and poisons from our tissues and organs that store these toxins when the body becomes saturated. This build up of chemical, poisons, pollutants and other things can cause our joints to become stiff, our organs to function incorrectly and also can cause arthritis and other diseases. I call this the slow death. This process begins early in life and we continue each day to destroy our bodies. We should be teaching our young people to adjust their eating habits and exercise daily to attain a longevity in life. No we just keep giving them junk food and take them through the fast food drive through and don’t think of how much we are hurting our own children or grand children. Toxicity is killing America and most people are not aware of its presence in their bodies. Seems as though they ignore it and will not address the issue.

Now lets get back to the toxins. They enter the bloodstream, causing the body to experience a “low” or “down” cycle. Lets also think of Mother Earth, she is experiencing the same as our body. During this cycle, you may suffer from headaches, diarrhea, or depression. Fasting is the most effective way or safe way to help your body to detoxify itself and move through its low cycle with greater speed and fewer symptoms. Most Herbalists, Homeopaths, Alternative Healing Specialists, and other Health Care Providers recommend fasting. Fasting gives the body the rest it needs to recover. Acute illness, colon disorders, allergies, and respiratory diseases are most responsive to fasting, while chronic degenerative diseases are the least responsive. When we relieve the body of the work of digesting foods, fasting permit’s the system to rid itself of toxins and making it more responsive to healing. It is merely directing your inner energy from food digestion to the other areas that need that energy to heal. This can also be very acceptable and helpful in Spiritual Signature or Aura.

Fasting is not only helpful in times of poor health or during the body’s low cycles. By fasting regularly you give all of your organs a rest, and thus help reverse the aging process and live longer and a healthier life. Here is what happens to you body when you fast. The natural process of toxin excretion and the influx of new toxins is reduced. His results in a decrease of total body toxicity. The energy is directed to other areas that need aid. Serum fats are lowered that helps thin the blood. Tissue oxygenation is increased and white blood cells are moved better. Fat stored chemicals such as pesticides and drugs are released. Our bodies become more alert, and physical awareness rises. Your Spiritual Signature (Aura) becomes stronger because most of your energy is directed toward your spirit. This also helps your physical body and spirit become in tune or more compatible. Your aura becomes more pronounced and the colors are more distinct. Fasting can help you heal quicker., cleanse your liver, kidneys, and colon; purify your blood; help you loose excess weight; clear the eyes and tongue; and cleanse your breath.

It is recommended that you begin your fast for three days. A three day fast helps the body rid itself of toxins and cleanses the blood. A five day fast begins the process of healing and rebuilding the immune system. A ten day fast can take care of many problems before they arise and help to fight off illness, including degenerative diseases that have become so common in our controlled chemical polluted environment.

Certain precautions should be taken during fasting. First do not fast on water alone. It releases toxins too fast. It can cause headaches. Try a live-juice diet. This removes both toxins and promotes healing by supplying the body with nutrients , vitamins, minerals and enzymes. If you fast for more than three days always consult a physician, health care provider , or herbalist. It took years to fill your body with toxins and it will take time to build it back up to its peak condition. To start your diet eat only raw vegetables and fruits for three days. This will help you system prepare for the fast.

While fasting consume at least 8-ounce glasses of steam distilled water plus pure juices and up to 2 cups of herbal tea per day. Dilute all the juices with water. Add one part water with three parts juice. Do not drink orange or tomato juice and try to avoid all juices that contain sweeteners or additives. If you have to use sweeteners try using Stevia. It is a natural sweetener and can also be used by diabetics. The best juice is to use fresh lemon juice. Add the juice of one lemon to a cup of warm water. Fresh apple, beet, cabbage, carrot, celery, and grape juices are alsdogood detoxifiers, Raw cabbage juice is particularly good for ulcers, cancer and all colon problems. Just be sure to drink the cabbage juice as soon as it is prepared. If you let it sit in your frig then it looses its vitamin content. Try to not combine fruit and vegetable juices. Follow this juice-water-tea fast with a two day diet of raw fruits and vegetables. You can ruin the effort of the fast by eating cooked foods. After fasting do not eat large meals but try to east small meals more frequently. Herbal Teas can be consumed during the fast, once or twice per day or more if you wish. Try these following teas:

Herbs that can help to remove toxins from your body.

Alfalfa: Alkalizes and detoxifies the body.

Burdock: Acts as an antioxidant. May help to protect against cancer. Aids elimination of excess fluid, uric acid, and toxins Purifies the blood, restores liver and gallbladder functions. Stimulates the digestive and immune system.

Chamomile: Reduces inflammation. Stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion and sleep. Acts as a diuretic and nerve tonic helpful for colitis, diverticulosis, fever headaches and pain . Caution do not use Chamomile on and ongoing basis as ragweed allergy may result. Avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed. This herb can eliminated from the teas upon request.

Dandelion: Cleanses the blood and liver, and increases bile production. Reduces serum cholesterol and uric levels, improves functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen and stomach.

Milk Thistle: Protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage and stimulates the production of new liver cells. Also protects the kidneys. Helps adrenal disorders, inflammatory bowel disorders, psoriasis, weakened immune system, and liver disorders. Has shown anticancer effects against prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Red Clover: Fights infection, suppresses appetite, and purifies the blood and helps strengthen the immune system.

Rose Hips: Good for bladder problems and all infections. A good source of vitamin C.

Echinacea: Fights inflammation, bacterial and viral infections. Stimulates es certain white blood cells. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Do not use Echinacea if you have any kind of autoimmune disorder.

Paul D’ Arco: Fights bacterial and viral infection Cleanses the blood.

Peppermint: Increases stomach acidity and digestion. Also used as a flavoring for teas.

Recommendations:

If you must have something to eat then eat a small piece of water melon. You can also try applesauce, fresh not canned, made in a blender. Leave the skin on the apple and do not cook them., The skin helps flush the colon and also acts as a fiber. Take a fiber supplement on a daily basis before and after your fast. Do not chew gum while on the fast. Saliva triggers the digestive process in the stomach and there is no food in the stomach therefore a problem can exist. If you have hypoglycemia, never fast without also using a protein supplement. Spirulina is a good choice.

If you are over sixty-five, or if you need daily supplements for another reason, continue taking your vitamins and mineral supplements during the fast. When you are drinking fresh fruit juices decrease the supplements that you are taking.

During the fast toxins are released from your body, you may experience fatigue, body odor, dry scaly skin, skin eruptions; headaches; dizziness; irritability, anxiety, confusion, nausea, coughing, diarrhea; dark urine; dark, foul smelling stools; body aches, insomnia; sinus and bronchial mucus discharge; and/or visual or hearing problems. These symptoms are not serious and will pass quickly. During you fast get plenty of rest. If necessary nap during the day to recharge your system. During your fast you may experience a coated tongue and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Try to rinse your mouth with lemon juice. If you are a denture wearer keep your dentures in hour mouth during fast to prevent gum shrinkage. While fasting continue normal daily routine, including moderate exercise. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Before, during and after your fast, use dry brush massages to help rid the skin of toxins and dead cells. You skin is one of the largest organs of the body and can excrete and dissipate toxins very well. You experience a high feeling after the fast it is a good feeling, your body is telling you that the fast worked. As time continues your body will start building up toxins again and you could experience a low feeling again. This is your body telling you it is time to be cleansed again. When you dry brush always brush toward the heart. The heart is the organ that is spreading the blood throughout our body and this helps it to quickly spread the cleansed blood to parts of our body. Brush from wrist to elbow, elbow to shoulder, ankles to knees, knees to hips, and so. Do not brush any areas that are broken with rash since you do not want this to spread to the blood system any quicker that possible. Do not use this brushing technique on areas affected with acne, psoriasis, shingles, or eczema. Avoid areas that are heavily scarred and areas that have protruding varicose veins.

DAY 5 & 6 (OF FAST) TIME OUT VS. TIME IN.

These 2 days felt like they ran into one. IT was an amazing weeked of creativity and art.

I began reading the book ZEN and and the art of creating a living. I was always taught to love what you do. It is very easy to understand in theory or (been a single man. My mother always said" enjoy it, since you don't have any responsibilites. I knew she meant children, but how many people do you know without children who hate their job. LOL. Responsibility to self starts from birth. Micheal beckwith states that we are here to unfold the true self. I have been so humble to watch my oldest daughter unfold herself through her cupcakes. Just in three months we have watch her skills and confidence in herself grow. This past weekend Jazzy catered the Betsy Johnson store's ALice in Wonderland's tea themed event. She is becoming one if most significant pastry chefs in the game. Our youngest daughter, is mimicking everything that big sister does. She is also evolving into her own little lady. She has just started her tremendous two's. In our family we beleive more in time in's instead of TIme outs. When she needs a little break, we send her to little yogi corner and she will work on her downwardfacing dog. We believe this time alone allows her to gather a better awareness of self. Wayne dyer states, we should not focus on change ourselves but changing the awarness of ourselves. When dakota spends that little time in the yogi corner, she comes back so much more refreshed and without the tears. IF YOU GIVE YOUR CHILD A TIME OUT THEY WILL LEARN TO SPACE OUT. IF YOU GIVE YOUR CHILD A TIME IN THEY WILL LEARN TO SPACE IN. This time in I have had with my family has been incredible. I have learned that we are far from perfect, however we are awareness farmers cultivating our garden.

DAY3(of our fast) NATURES BIG GIVE BACK

Today sunrise tried by to be us to the start line. We one out by a nose. As I grabbed our vitamins and almond banana in the dark. We gulped that down with a few prayers, and right before we fell asleep!!!!!! DAKOTA was ready to start the day! She must have been excited about today's hike.

With a butterness that only a pastry chef can have, Jasmine planned out this weeks clients. As she headed to school.

So as we began to start our trek up fryman canyon(santa monica mountains.) Dakota is in love with nature, the birds the snakes, she has no fear. She would go to the edge of the cliff like she was ready to climb down the mountain. THat was the essence of today, "TAKE IT TO THE EDGE" Micheal Beckwith says we are hear to unfold daily. It is so beautful to be around three ladies who unfold their empowerment daily.

Namaste

ENJOY THE EDGE

INHALE BELIEF EXHALE DOUBT

DAY3(of our fast) NATURE

DAY 2 (FAST) MOON LAUGHING

Day 2 of fast was insightful. My wife and I ate breakfast with the moon, sheus joke that the sun was the butt of. For lunch we had a side of the tao, with a shot of the dalai Lama. We drank some Baha'u 'lla'h.We rested in child's pose.For dinner we made tofu & chik'un Pad Thai.

I have become strongly aware of my families talents. My oldest daughter makes cakes that leave smiles like mother theresa touch.

My youngest loves to sing and play the flute. She just got a new microphone and she will not stop singing. To bribe her to go sleep you have to give her two rounds of rock a bye baby and 3 walks of the itty bitty spider. Toniight before she went to be she hit a Aum. It was cool to meditate with my 22 month old. My wife looks like she has wings busting out her back. She is discovering and commanding her strength.

I am very excited to about day 3. We plan on hiking and and doing yoga in the park.

Namaste

stay empty be full -TAO

DAY 1 IF FAST

Today has been great! Woke up and be the sun to breakfast. For lunch I ate a verse of the gita.

Took my wife and youngest daughter for a walk. Then the cravings hit. Not really craving food, but craving the discipline not to eat. I had just wrapped my prayer beads around my wrist. Can you believe they got STUCK! Yes i could not get them off. I was so hungry and so frustrated.

Then I realized that my prayers are stuck on me.!!! lata

BRING A BROTHER TO YOGA !!!!!!

In honor of March which not only is the spring equinox, it is also prostrate awareness month.

research shows that 60 percent of black man are more likely to get prostrate cancer than white.

Yoga has shown through postures that move the blood , to decrease the size of the prostrate.

If you bring a brother to class, the class will cost only $5 for each! Check out this great article

Rates in the Black Male Population

African American men are 60 percent more likely to get prostate cancer than whites. They're also twice as likely to die from it than any other group. For years those numbers puzzled researchers, but scientists have made a discovery that may help explain why the risks are so high.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Percy Smith knew he wanted to volunteer for the hospital where he was treated. He says he's alive today partly because of the treatment he received at the hospital and partly because of his wife. Knowing African Americans are at a greater risk for prostate cancer, she insisted he get checked.

"She never understood it, I never understood it. I asked doctors and they say they didn't know why,” said Percy.

But now, for the first time they just might ...

Doctor Jim Mohler of Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo has discovered a crucial difference in the prostates of African Americans.

All men have what are known as androgen receptor proteins - they are the receptors for the hormones that regulate male traits like facial hair and baldness. But Doctor Mohler has found that the levels of those proteins are 22 percent higher in the prostates of African Americans than in whites. And even more striking, they are 81 percent higher in the prostate cancers of African Americans.

"So what this suggests is that the prostate of an African American can be thought of to be in a 'revved-up' state where it's being stimulated to grow and perhaps develop cancer because of greater stimulation,” said Doctor Mohler.

But the over-expression of that protein could lead to more than just cancer - Doctor Michael Wong says it could also lead to the development of new treatments if doctors can pinpoint when the protein becomes active and why.

"Knowing that, we can use that and exploit that to have better therapies, better treatments. We can use that to help us find the cancers for earlier diagnosis,” said Doctor Wong.

If prostate cancer is caught early, it can often be treated successfully. It worked for Percy, which is why he is now committed to working for the hospital that played a part in saving his life.

Most men are encouraged to start having prostate screenings around age 50. However, experts recommend African American men begin testing at age 45.

FALLING IN LOVE WEEK

This weeks classes will be dedicated to "falling in love with yourself". During This time of year you can feel some sadness with the eminent V-day coming. Everybody is either in love, out of love, or chasing someone so they can say they have found love. This Holiday will be dedicated to the The light that shines in OUR own hearts. To love anybody correctly you have to falling in love with yourself first.+

SADE & YOGA
Thursdays class we will focus on heart opener poses. THese poses will allow us to open our heart chakras to allow and give love to ourselves and others. We will flow through the poses to the sounds of SADE!!! THE NEW ALBUM! (please bring your mate to class lol)

Saturdays class will focus on Surya namaskar or(sun salutations) These poses have great benifits such as: Circulation of the heart,Lungs, digestive system.

ANYONE who attends class this week will receive to free tickets to the AFRICAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL @ THE AQUARUIM OF THE PACIFIC!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

STEALING YOGA WHILE AT WORK

we must work to provide shelter and food. It is exciting to be able to provide for your family. As a new father I have been excited by the challange to become an even stronger provider. But what good does it do to be able to provide for my family, if I cannot bend down to pick up my youngest daughter. Most working people's biggest problem is not the boss, but the desk!!!!!

We sit wrong, work on the computer, etc. Here are some tips on how to steal yoga while at work:





Deep Belly Breathing:

This three-part breath starts by softening the diaphragm, breathing deeply while sending the breath down to the belly, then out to the rib cage and up to the collarbone. The exhale releases from top, middle to bottom. Deep Belly Breathing will expand your lung capacity and improve your cardiovascular exchange as well as revitalize your cells and systems.Neck Rolls: These are great to do if you feel a headache coming on! Seated tall, with your back away from the back of the chair, ground yourself with both feet to the floor. Hold each position for several breaths.


Drop your chin to chest to stretch the back of the neck
Roll right ear to right shoulder, bring your left arm out, turn palm up turning it down and around to get a gentle twist of your arm from fingertips to shoulder, keep your shoulders soft and down
Bring your hand back to your leg, roll your chin back to the chest
Repeat other side
Roll chin back to your chest
Inhale your head up to center or go into Neck Twists


Neck Twist:

This is like drawing a big smile on your chest if you had a crayon on your chin. It's a gentle pivoting of the face from side to side.
Drop your chin to chest
Bring chin towards right shoulder
Roll back down to center and move towards left shoulder


This movement should create a squeeze at the base of the neck in the back where the shoulder and neck muscles meet
Repeat several times, each upsweep going a little higher to improve your range of mobility
Bring your chin back to the chest and lift your head up
Interlace your fingertips, placing your hands behind your head to support the weight of the head, lift your chin to the ceiling to stretch out your throat for several breaths
Exhale and release



Foot Stretch:

Seated tall with your back away from the back of the chair, ground yourself with one foot then stretch and lift the other leg. Point, demi-point and flex your foot (ballet slipper, high heel and earth shoe). Warm up your ankles by rotating the foot--making O's with your toes--in both directions. Repeat other foot.


Seated Twist:

Sit tall in the middle of the chair with your feet grounded.
Exhale, take your right hand to your left knee and twist gently to the left
Your left hand goes behind you to the back leg or edge of the chair
Use the hand to the knee to deepen the twist
The hand on the chair supports the spine and helps lift the heart center and crown of the head
Look into the right corners of your eyes as you twist
Inhale back to center, repeat other side
Side Stretch: Sit tall in the middle of the seat with your feet wide.
Right hand reaches down to the right side of the chair to keep the left hip from lifting
Inhale the left arm out to the side, up and over
Stretch out from hip with the arm overhead by the ear; the palm faces down
Feel the stretch from the waist to the fingertips
Inhale back to center, repeat other side


Seated Dog/Cat Stretch:

Sit tall in the middle of the seat with your feet grounded.
Bring hands together in front, interlace fingertips
Exhale as you stretch your hands forward, rotate your palms out as you arch your back toward the back of the chair, drop your chin to chest
Inhale as you rotate the palms up towards the ceiling; press your heart center forward, creating a small backbend arch
Exhale the hands down as the palms lower, rotate palms forward repeating in a circular motion
Hip Opener: Sit tall in the middle of the seat with your feet grounded.
Place right ankle on left thigh
Hold the right knee with the right hand
Hold right foot with the left hand
Exhale with a flat back as you hinge your torso forward to stretch out the right hip, do other side
STANDING POSTURES:

Mountain Pose: Stand feet hip-width apart, below your true hipbones, not the hip of your flesh.
Outsides of your feet are parallel, giving you a slight pigeon-toed feeling
Bring your attention to your body from the ground up: feet, knees, hips--core, front and back--heart center, shoulders, arms, hands and top of the head
A slight press together of the shoulder blades to lift your heart center
Keep your chin level as you lift the crown of your head high
Raise the arms out and up, turning palms up at shoulder high, frame your head at your ears
No congestion around the head and neck by the shoulders
Hold for several breaths
Exhale your arms down to your sides, turning palms down at shoulder high to release Half Moon Series: Start from the arms up position in Mountain pose to add soft side-stretches and a backbend.
With your arms up, palms facing not touching, stretch on an exhale to one side and reach out
Keep the hips and shoulders in alignment to avoid rolling forward
Keep your weight distributed evenly on each foot
Inhale back to center, repeat other side


Next, for the backbend, start from the center arms up position
Tighten the buttocks and lift your heart center to the ceiling
Create the backbend from this lift with the arms and head staying in alignment; don't try to deepen the appearance of the backbend by hyper-extending the neck or waving the arms back
Hold and inhale back to center. Release the arms as in Mountain.
Moon Salutation: This is a wonderful way to learn how to link the breath with large body movements. It's also a great way to wake up when you hit an afternoon slump.Start with Tadasana feet arms at your side:
INHALE: Radiate the arms out to shoulder high, T-position
EXHALE: Bring the hands together at the heart center
INHALE: Arms overhead, palms facing not touching
EXHALE: Foreword bend with arms down, fingers to feet
INHALE: Flat back up halfway so the head is level with the hips; hands slide up the legs to the shins
EXHALE: Slide hands back down to your feet
INHALE: With a flat back lift to standing with arms out shoulder-high
EXHALE Palms together
INHALE Arms overhead
EXHALE Fingers to feet
INHALE: Half back
EXHALE: Fingers to feet
INHALE: Arms up
EXHALE: Palms together
(Continue the flow ending with palms together. Do as many as you have time for and practice often, as this salutation is easy to sprinkle into your day off the mat in street clothes.)
Tree: This basic balance starts with the same foot position as Mountain pose.
Shift your weight to one leg and find a focus point
Keep your gaze on that point and bring the opposite foot to the straight leg
Rest this foot with the heel above the ankle, or on the calf or up into the thigh--do not rest the foot by pressing on a joint
Bring your hands to your heart center, draw the arms down around and up overhead
Find your optimal hand position--your tree top--and hold
Release your arms down, around and back to your heart center, exhale down your hands and foot
Check your feet for alignment, then repeat the other side These Office Yoga poses are easy to link into other times and activities--while your computer refreshes, when you're on hold with the phone, or at the copy machine. Your body and your boss will be glad you found some time to do yoga during the day. You'll be more alert and efficient, and just more fun to work with. --Abby LentzRelated Links from Elastic Waist and SELF:

WELCOME TO OUR WELLNESS

RED'S CLASSES:

YOGA Naga Class with Red!!!! THIS SATURDAY

Lotus On The Nile Wellness Center

4307 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008

323.596.8656

Saturday 1-2:30pm yoga naga

Thursday 7pm-8:30pm After work yoga flow (starting Jan. 14,2010)

I would like to say thank you to everyong who supported my yoga journey in 2009. I was introduced to yoga 2001 when I hurt my shoulder. The doc' said give yoga a try. I was like "yeah right, why would I do that fu-fu stuff. 8 years later I do not know where i would be without yoga. That is a lie i would probably be a over stressed over weight and under aware of who i am!



As new father I have also understood how important yoga is in plight to be a compassionate father. We did pre,natal, and post natal yoga. To watch my daughter at 20 months so calm makes me think it paid off. We also don't do TIME OUT when she acts up we do TIME IN.

She goes off by her self for about 5 mins and does her downward facing dog pose(touches her toes).

I realized how important yoga was for children while working with "at-risk or under serve youth.

Presently I am cooridantor for a literacy program for probation & foster youth. Many of the students were introduced to yoga while they were locked up. There are some great programs that take yoga into the prisons and juvenille halls. Many of my youth say the yoga helps them stay of fights at school. The students says they feel calm and have stronger self-esteem.



The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life. Most of us say we are on a journey for "something better". To have that better all we have to do is look inside. I welcome you to come on this amazing journey of yoga @ LOTUS ON THE WELLNESS CENTER 4307 crenshaw blvd.

INHALE BELIEF EXHALE DOUBT.