Embody Love Movement

Since attending the Yoga, Purpose and Action Intensive with Off the Mat Into the World in 2011, I have been continuously inspired by the Off the Mat community. Every leader and beautiful soul that emerges from this community never ceases to do anything but amaze me...each with his or her own story and light. I had not known Melody Moore at the time, but her story, that I read in an online article a couple years back, really hit home. I was captivated by the Embody Love Movement she spoke of and was thrilled to hear that the integrative treatment approach of psychotherapy, yoga and nutrition for eating disorders was being combined into one facility. Having gone through my own recovery process using the same treatment means, I could not even begin to imagine how wonderful it would be to head to one center where I could feel safe and understood and where all my needs could be met. What a gift this is for girls who struggle the same.

Most recently, I had the honor of meeting Melody and attending the Inner Beauty Shop Facilitator Training which was held at the Embody Love Center. The training offered me something I didn't know I had inside of me...and that was a voice for change. I had immersed myself into this weekend long training where I would leave feeling empowered and completely prepared to be part of this revolution Melody and her team are creating. The vision of unconditional love and acceptance and living a life of meaning and purpose that Melody has set out to bring to her clients, is now spreading to the people she is training to share the Embody Love Movement to thousands of girls across the nation. I am honored to know Melody and to be part of this movement!

I am even more excited to be bringing the Inner Beauty Shop to Alluem Yoga next month for girls ages 11-12! Space is limited so sign up today on the website: www.alluemyoga.com (click on the workshop tab and scroll down).

Off the Mat Kids Camp

Another amazing week of camp at Alluem Yoga!

This camp for 10-12 year olds is based on the Yoga in Action program through Off the Mat into the World (www.offthematintotheworld.org) - using yoga to inspire change and growth through awareness of the world around us, consciousness of what's going on inside of us, support of community - locally and globally. We take an inspirational look into how the little things in life - a smile, a kind word, a simple deed - can help change the world in a big way...encouraging the Alluem Kids to be strong in body, mind and heart!
I must say...this group of girls was absolutely AMAZING! The theme of the camp was being brave...brave in recognizing our strengths and our limits, brave in offering to support and positive communication to friends and family, brave in finding a sense of community and brave in opening our eyes to what is going on in the world.
The girls were even brave enough to show what they've got - their favorite yoga poses, best dance moves and shining personalities! Enjoy our music video (Sara Bareilles would be so proud)!!

Paper Cranes of Cranford

Off the Mat Kids are on a mission to spread loving kindness starting in their home town of Cranford, NJ! Throughout Asia cranes have been a symbol of hope and peace. In Japan, China, and Korea, cranes stand for good fortune and longevity because of its amazing life span of a thousand years. Over time, the crane has become a favorite subject of the traditional paper folding know as origami. It is said that 1,000 folded cranes for each year of a person's life makes their wish comes true. 

Shortly after World War II, the folded origami crane also came to symbolize a hope for peace through Sadako Sasaki, a young girl stricken with leukemia after being exposed by radiation after the bombing of Hiroshima. Sadako was determined to make 1,000 paper cranes with the intention set for good health, happiness, and a world of eternal peace. While she only completed 644 before she died, her classmates graciously finished the rest. Today this practice of folding 1,000 paper cranes represents a gesture of peace, hope, and a healing for the self or the world. 

The first 5 cranes were released in the Cranford Public Library. The kids have 15 more they'll be releasing this weekend, each with a positive message! If you're visiting this page, you may have found a paper crane made by the Off the Mat Kids! Our hopes are that this crane made you smile and maybe brightened your day in some way. It's a small act of kindness from our hearts to yours. Let us know if you found one by leaving a comment or by emailing alluemyoga@verizon.net. The OTM (Off the Mat) Kids and I would love to know! What would be even greater is if you passed the crane on, placing it somewhere else for another person to find. Take it with you beyond the borders of Cranford. Take it on vacation with you! Leave it where someone else can find it and perhaps feel that same inspiration and love.

Off the Mat Kids!

 Let your child's yoga practice be the path for discovering their passions, their purpose, and their strengths! Join us for this unique experience next week!

To learn more about Off the Mat Into the World for adults, visit:

www.offthematintotheworld.org

Off the Mat Kids - this Friday!!!

Click to enlarge.

Off the Mat Into the World

A-MAZ-ING!

Last week I had the privilege of making 46 new friends! What an amazing community!

I'm STILL processing from all I've learned about myself, my community, my practice and my world. This life is such a journey...constantly growing, forever changing. There is only one word to sum it up - amazing.

On my way! Everything's A-okay!

As I sit here packing my belongings for what will most likely be one of the most amazing weeks of my life, I can't help but think about how much I will miss being at the studio with the kids and the rest of the community! I haven't been away for this long since we've opened! (Btw, our 2 year anniversary is coming up soon!) Tomorrow I will be leaving for a week long intensive at the Omega Institute with Off the Mat and Into the World:

In Off the Mat, Into the World®, yoga experts Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, and Suzanne Sterling guide us through an intensive transformational process to uncover our deepest passion and motivation. This personal work is the first part of our yoga practice.

Another vital part is interpersonal. It has to do with the yoga of our relationships: to other people, our environment, and all living beings. Defining and knowing our purpose is the compass that guides us to live on point, with richness and community.

This intensive is an opportunity for us to discover the connections between the yogic path and the way of divine service. We combine asanas, meditation, process work, and ritual with the practical tools of communication, organizing, and collaborating to help us become more effective leaders and agents of change in the world.

I am so excited for what I am about to learn about myself, my practice, the world of activism and how I will be able to better combine all three! As you may know, Alluem has already been working so closely with this organization, raising money for the Global Seva Challenge, through which Gina will bare witness in Haiti empowering those in need. All participants must raise $20,000 by December and thanks to the Alluem Community we are already at $13,600! Off the Mat has been a huge part of our lives over the past year, and after this week, I know it will continue to hold a huge space in my heart!

SO! Until I get back:

- 8 week Summer Session has ended and the Fall Session will begin the 2nd week of September. FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

- Storytime Yoga is cancelled this week.

- There are still spaces left in the Alluem Kid's Camps:

- Ages 8-11: July 25th-28th

- Ages 4-7: Aug 1st-4th

- Check out the new workshops coming up this August:

- Aug 8th - The Art of Yoga (ages 8-12)

- Aug 24th - Sea Shell Yoga (ages 5-10)

- Aug 11th & 25th - Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids (ages 7-12)

For times and descriptions and to register visit the website: www.alluemyoga.com

Back to packing! I made sure to bring my Sesame Street "It's All Good in the Hood" tee shirt. I hope the other attendees like it! The Alluem Kids sure do!

Wanderlust - Yoga and Music Festival!

Back from what can only be described as one of the most amazing weekends of my life thus far, I'm on what they call a "Yoga High"! I spent the weekend at the beautiful Stratton Mountain in Vermont with several of the Alluem teachers and a collection of some of the world's most renowned yogis - such as Sean Corne, Bryan Kest, John Friend, and so many more!

I not only walked away from this weekend with a wealth of knowledge in regards to my practice, but I am also able to notice the light within me shining brighter. I often refer to this light with the Alluem Kids as our "Heart Light". It is the light that is within all of us that glows bright when we do what we love, spend time with people we love, and share our love with others. It's also used to send love to people we care about and people who need a little extra love - maybe even people we don't know personally.

I think it was said best in the "Play. Love. Serve." class that I took with Suzanne Sterling and Kerri Kelly, as we were encouraged to find our inner 5 yr old and set her free (which is really not hard for me at all!), in the quote we chanted in a woven human community circle - “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground." - Rumi

How we live, how we work, how we play, how we show up in the world - makes a huge impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let the light within us be what drives us forward. Amen to that.

Just a few of the amazing lights from Alluem Yoga enjoying class with

Sean Corne and Michael Franti!

Bonding Through the Tween Years

The time we spend with our children becomes more and more precious as they approach the teenage years. For two Saturday afternoons, I had the privilege to spend time with an amazing group of Alluem Moms and their tweens. Moving through breath work, asana (yoga poses), and communication activities - I loved every second of watching the bonds grow strong between these mothers and their children.

These tween years aren't always the easiest. Our children take this time of their lives in a search to define themselves, sometimes sending emotions to run wild. They form bonds with friends who you may or may not like. Their interests are just starting to set in and their strengths and weaknesses push through. They need independence and we need connection. Fortunately for those of us who practice yoga, we can learn to breathe through it all and find ways to deal from the lessons we learn on our mats.
-Take 5 Breathing: When the emotions start to get out of control, bring it back to the breath. Inhale to the count of 5, exhale to the count of 5. Even the breath and find balance. Deep breathing will automatically lower the level of anxiety in the body. And taking 5 seconds can help us regroup before we react in a way we may regret.
-Tense and Release: Practice creating tension to remind the body that you can in fact let it go. Make fists with the hand, tighten up all the muscles in the arms, raise the shoulders up to the ears, squeeze the eyes tightly shut, take a deep breath in, hold it - then LET IT ALL GO. Relax.
-Partner Stretching: Buddy up and work together through easy seated stretches. Be gentle and communicate with each other. Stretch the muscles and smile.
-Partner Balance: Lightly support each other into challenging balance poses. Be there for your child, palms open trying not to grasp or grab on tight. Let your child learn to lean on you for a little, but know when to let go and let them find their balance on their own. They will fall and you should let them. This is how they learn to get up and keep going. This will make them stronger.
-Mindful Listening: Take time each day to really listen to each other. For 3 minutes each, take turns sharing the reasons why you love them, what traits you admire the most, what makes them a special part of your life. Then let them share the same. Don't talk or interject, let them speak. Just listen.
-Relax: Be quiet and breathe together. Sometimes it's just nice to be there with each other, nothing to do, nowhere to go, just be.

While planning this workshop, there came a point when I started to cry. I was listening to Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up" and just thinking about my own relationship with my mom - how she was always there for me, always encouraging me, always listening, always lifting me up when I fell. I've learned so much from her and still continue to. Her strength is unbelievable and she is my hero. I am truly blessed to be her daughter. Thanks, Mom.


Thank you to all who attended these workshops. If you are interested in the soundtrack, CDs will be made available upon request for a $20 donation to the Off the Mat Into the World - Seva Challenge Haiti (cash or check - please make checks payable to The Engage Network). Please email alluemyoga@verizon.net.

Global Wristbands

Global Wristbands and Alluem Yoga are banding together to raise $20,000 of Off the Mat Into the World's Global Seva Challenge 2011 - Haiti. Gina, (founder of Alluem Yoga) will travel to Haiti to support individuals affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010.

How can you help?? Raise awareness in your home, school, or wherever you go. Purchase your wristbands today! Tell your friends, family, and coworkers! Help create positive change in your community and beyond!

Contact Alluem Yoga to order your wristbands:

alluemyoga@verizon.net or 908-276-YOGA

Pick up your wristbands at the studio or have them shipped to your home (add $3 for shipping)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

LOVE AND GRATITUDE! xoxo

Flags for Haiti

Starting this Saturday, January 29th!

(Click to enlarge.)

Help from the Students of Brookside

When a child learns to give, the child learns to be grateful.
When a child learns to empathize, the child learns to appreciate.
When a child learns compassion, the child learns love.
When a child learns to think globally, the child learns endless possibilities.
Children want to make a difference in the world and Mrs. Scholz's 5th grade class is doing just that. The children were given a lesson on China by one of the students' father, Thomas Berry.

"On my many trips to Hong Kong and mainland China (Shanghai), I pick up various denominations of currency. I was planning to incorporate this colorful aspect of Asian culture into my presentation. When I did my presentation on China, I gave the kids a homework assignment. Each kid received a piece of currency ranging from 50 Hong Kong Dollars to 5000 Yuan. They were told to convert it to US Dollars, for which they had the necessary rate of exchange. Next, I told them that the class would total up the individual amounts for each student and I would donate that amount to the charity of their choosing. They of course choose Haiti."

After calculating the conversion, the children then collectively decided (in the traditional "Heads Down Thumbs Up" fashion) on where they would donate the money that was collected from the assignment. The children picked Alluem Yoga's Off the Mat into the World Global Seva Challenge - Haiti 2012. Several of the students who attend Alluem Kid's Yoga classes knew of the fundraiser that has been going on since the end of last year. The children know how important this cause is to Gina, who will be travelling to Haiti once her $20,000 goal is reached by February 2012. Even a year after the devastating earthquake, the people of Haiti still need our help. The children of Brookside School have taken part in becoming that help. They chose to donate the $466.20 dollars to this cause (and the Student Council donated an additional $500 to the cause!). While accepting the donation, Gina and I, were truly touched by the love that filled the classroom this day. Through giving, our hearts grow stronger.

Our Hands Will Help

January 12th was a very important day for Alluem Yoga. Marking the 1 year anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake, we were so thankful to see many faces of the Cranford community come out on this day to show their support. Over $1,300 dollars were raised on this day to help bring Gina even closer to her goal of $20,000 for Off the Mat Into the World's Global Seva Challenge. Once her goal is met by Feb. 2012, she will travel to Haiti to provide emergency relief services such as food, water, and shelter, as well as working with select partners who are actively building sustainable projects and communities in Haiti. We meditated and journaled fireside outside by the river, danced through asana on our mats, reflected by candlelight, left our mark through hand and foot prints on prayer flags that will later travel to Haiti with Gina.

We can not thank everyone enough for coming out on this snowy day to remember, support, and honor the many who are still without homes, schools, and live with very very little. Thank you most of all for the Alluem Kids who came out to dedicate their practice to the children in Haiti. With heart opening poses, deep breathing, and a singing bowl meditation we pray that the children, the future of Haiti, continue to hold onto HOPE. With this HOPE combined with strength and courage, the people of Haiti will have a brighter future. Namaste.

Alluem Yoga's Hope for Haiti Day 2011

January 12th marks the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
As you all know, Alluem founder, Gina Pachkowski, has made a commitment to taking Off the Mat Into the World Global Seva Challenge 2011 to raise $20,000 to help respond to both critical needs and to create and implement long term solutions in Haiti.
She will journey with OTM to Haiti in February 2012.
All are welcome to join us today between the hours of 2pm and 9:30pm at the studio as we remember, reflect, and honor those in Haiti. Feel the brisk air as we dance through asana, breathe, meditate, journal, and nourish our souls.
There will be a special Kid's Class from 4-5pm for all ages. We will learn about the children in Haiti today, dedicate our practice to them and make prayer flags with our handprints to show that we care. Prayer Flags are traditionally made to help promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Stop by ANYTIME during the day to make a flag of your own marked by your hand or foot print to be displayed by the river in support of those practicing throughout the day. These flags will later travel to Haiti with Gina to help spread the good will and love. (Suggested Flag Donation $20.)

Gifts That Give Back #3

Maybe I'm being partial by posting one of our own products, but the new Alluem Bracelets are a worthy fundraiser going on now! These locally handmade bracelets, when paired up with another handmade strand of beads of your choice, make a great gift for yourself or a loved one! When you purchase these bracelets for $20, one hundred percent of the proceeds go toward our $20,000 goal for Off the Mat into the World's Seva Challenge - 2011. The money donated will benefit the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and their spirits. (To read more about Alluem's participation in the Seva Challenge, click here.)
Many people wonder what Alluem actually means. We've often been asked, is this Latin or Sanskrit for something? No, it is not another language...unless that other language is love. Alluem is a combination of the names of Gina's (founder of Alluem) three beautiful children - Alexandra, Luke, and Emma Grace. In combining the first 2 letters of each child's name, Al-Lu-Em was formed and defines itself as "gratitude"...being grateful for all we have in our lives, especially our children, our families...the people we support and who support us and give us life. By wearing these bracelets, we are reminded of just that...carrying a little bit of "Alluem", a little bit of gratitude for our own families and for all we have in our lives as we move through our days and glance down at our wrists. And as we are grateful for what we have, we are also reminded we are helping those less fortunate then ourselves - those who may have lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake. Please keep them in your heart this holiday season and always.
Stop by the studio to purchase a bracelet or to order, email - alluemyoga@verizon.net

Alluem Thanksgiving for Off the Mat into the World

We are so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing community at Alluem Yoga. This Thanksgiving Benefit Class was held for Off the Mat Into the World, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging yoga and activism, founded by Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, and Suzanne Sterling...

"The season of giving is upon us! Make a difference in the life of a Haitian affected by a natural disaster by donating whatever you can to Off The Mat Into The World as entry for this class. All proceeds will go directly to Haiti. Each year, OTM sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis. In our first two years, the Global Seva Challenge has raised over one million dollars for NGO’s in Cambodia and Uganda and has left a powerful legacy in the communities we have served. In 2010 our Seva Challenge will be focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and education in South Africa. Haiti is our 2011 focus. I am participating in the 2011 Seva Challenge to raise $20,000 through collaborating with my local community. Upon reaching my fundraising goal, I will embark on the Bare Witness Tour, a journey to Haiti where I will spend two weeks working directly with the organization your funds support. I believe that giving is essential to cultivate the soul. Although this invitation to Haiti comes with a price tag, I believe that money is not enough. Money can be earned, gotten and rewarded. But empathy and love can not be bought. I will go and love with my own heart, give with my own hands and speak with my own words. More importantly, I will not fix but listen and love and do what ever I can to help and empower the Haitian community. Please help me embark on this journey and I promise you I will bring back real stories about how you helped people less fortunate than us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. love and gratitude, gina"

Attendance was awesome and the energy was incredibly moving! Among the students was one of my Alluem Kids who attended with her mother. It was her first adult class and she rocked it! I am so proud to see my students want to further their practice! Even more, having her be a part of something as inspiring as Off the Mat into the World will hopefully have a hand in encouraging to take her yoga practice that much further...off the mat and into the world.
Enjoy the video from the class!

Alluem Kids Movie Night

Alluem Kids Movie Night
featuring "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"

Friday, Nov. 12th 7:30pm-9:30pm

Join us for this magical movie about an eccentric toy store owner, a young manager who is more then she ever imagined, and a boy who loves hats. Fall in love with a toy store that is full of endless surprises and learn about the power of believing in yourself!

$10 entry fee - 100% of the proceeds go to Off the Mat into the World Global Seva Challenge. Entry fee includes snack, drink, and a chance to win prizes! You do NOT have to be a registered student to attend (ages 5-12yrs). Please register online and make your donation at the door.

Alluem Kids Movie Night

Join the Alluem Kids for Movie Night

Friday, August 27th from 7:30-9:30pm

Featuring Disney's Mulan

Drop the kids off at Alluem and enjoy two hours to yourself on a Friday night!!!

Your kids will enjoy an enlightening Chinese-folktale that celebrates honor, courage, and the importance of family!

$10 entry fee

100% of the proceeds go to Off the Mat into the World Global Seva Challenge.

Entry fee includes snack, drink, and a chance to win prizes!

You do NOT have to be a registered student to attend. ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME!

Sign up online at www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab

Please make your donation at the door. Thank you!

Kids Movie Night!

Join us for the first Kid's Movie Night at Alluem featuring:

Kung Fu Panda - In the Valley of Peace, an unlikely young hero turns his weaknesses into his greatest strengths! Believe in yourself and anything is possible!!!!

Friday, June 18th 7:30-9:30pm

$5 entry fee - 100% of the proceeds go to

Off the Mat into the World

Global Seva Challenge

(www.offthematintotheworld.org)

Concessions will be for sale at a donation price!

You do NOT have to be a registered student to attend -

ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME! Ages 6-12

RSVP is appreciated at www.alluemyoga.com under the workshops tab!