tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83882778310020271662024-03-12T19:57:08.223-07:00Alluem KidsKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-14012109584759204172015-05-01T10:22:00.000-07:002015-05-14T10:22:51.602-07:00The best part about summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0XolmAWi-A/VVTZBKlk2KI/AAAAAAAACi8/VZJA2f-lSxQ/s1600/Camp%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0XolmAWi-A/VVTZBKlk2KI/AAAAAAAACi8/VZJA2f-lSxQ/s400/Camp%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Alluem Kids Superhero Camp (ages 6-8yrs)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Be a SUPERHERO!!! At Camp Alluem Kids, children will enjoy a week of
yoga for strengthen not only their bodies, but also their minds and
their hearts, too! Being a superhero means being strong and peaceful at
the same time. Superheroes need to take care of their bodies through
yoga, being creative, eating right, and learning to relax (after all,
superheroes need rest, too!). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(4 yogi minimum, 16 yogi maximum) </span></span>$240/child~includes yoga classes, crafts, journal, snacks, tee-shirt...and cape!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Off the Mat Kids Camp (ages 9-12yrs)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This summer why not learn how you can make a difference in this world.
Off the Mat Kids Camp will teach the young yogi more about service and
taking their yoga OFF the mat. Yoga is more than just the poses...it's
about finding peace, giving back when you can and being the example to
help make the world a better place. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(4 yogi minimum, 16 yogi maximum)
$240/child~includes classes, journal, snacks, tee-shirt and lessons to
last a lifetime! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Register online:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/admhome?studioid=7159" target="_blank">www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab</a> </span> </span></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-52085208371561899642015-04-08T10:30:00.000-07:002015-05-14T10:30:38.347-07:00Back on the mat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6trJSFmhLiM/VVTaux6QgqI/AAAAAAAACjI/1Exy3d1Kh7E/s1600/Alluem%2BKids%2BSpring%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6trJSFmhLiM/VVTaux6QgqI/AAAAAAAACjI/1Exy3d1Kh7E/s640/Alluem%2BKids%2BSpring%2B2015.jpg" width="577" /></a></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-73149556233497230342015-03-26T15:44:00.003-07:002015-03-30T19:42:13.450-07:00Embody Love at Alluem Yoga!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We
are excited to share that Melody Moore, the visionary and founder of
the Embody Love Movement, will be visiting Alluem Yoga next month!!!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Two
years ago I traveled to Texas, the home of Embody Love Movement, to
immerse myself in a weekend long facilitator training that has made a
HUGE impact on my life. The lessons learned and discussions had have
since influenced my teaching, changed the language I use with
adolescents and peers and shaped the relationship with myself and my
body.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UybERj3ZBSs/VRSFQ-QhhAI/AAAAAAAACiY/j9-qfY_J1H8/s1600/elm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UybERj3ZBSs/VRSFQ-QhhAI/AAAAAAAACiY/j9-qfY_J1H8/s1600/elm.jpg" height="275" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Inner Beauty Shops have been popping up for the tween and teenaged girls over the past couple of years here at the studio and now it's time to spread the LOVE!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This training can be applied in your work, in your classroom, in your home, with your children, with your families, with your friends and the relationship with yourself. You'll walk away with the Embody Love Curriculum to use in a group setting or one-on-one - and maybe that is something you do or maybe it's something you never do - but simply being there having the discussions, being part of the revolution and knowing that there are so many women working towards the same mission of self-acceptant, health and empowerment is well worth it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">xo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">karen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">See details below!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Click on the link and sign up today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://embodylovemovement.org/programs/facilitator-training/"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">embodylovemovement.org/programs/facilitator-training/</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5gnymJhosY/VRSFi-SjIXI/AAAAAAAACig/PKO87crGbVM/s1600/Embody%2BLove%2BAlluem%2BFlyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5gnymJhosY/VRSFi-SjIXI/AAAAAAAACig/PKO87crGbVM/s1600/Embody%2BLove%2BAlluem%2BFlyer.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></span></span></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-23016806040349102942015-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:002015-05-14T10:24:31.738-07:00Finding Stillness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrdYxySERf8/VOzarXqXZGI/AAAAAAAAChM/Te6-ceeHD-A/s1600/Alluem%2BKids%2BMindfulness%2B%26%2BMeditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrdYxySERf8/VOzarXqXZGI/AAAAAAAAChM/Te6-ceeHD-A/s1600/Alluem%2BKids%2BMindfulness%2B%26%2BMeditation.jpg" width="361" /></a> Happy New Year! Hoping you all had a great holiday season! My back
surgery went really well...I'm slowly making my way back to the mat! I
have a follow up appointment coming up to see how the fusion is going,
so I am still taking it easy with limited mobility. It is quiet humbling
to be in a body that is so limited after being so able for so long. It
is a lesson indeed to slow down and notice the ease so many of us have
in doing the things we so often take for granted. Meditation has played a
huge roll in my recovery in dealing with the pain as well as helping me
fall asleep. Meditation has been my yoga...after all, it is so much
more then just the poses. <br />
I'm looking forward to integrating
more of the meditation piece into the kid's classes! As I slowly learn
to move again in PT, I'll be holding a 3 Week Mindfulness &
Meditation Series for the kids starting next week!<br />
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Through practices of
mindfulness and meditation children build inner and
outer awareness, compassion and kindness towards others, social and
emotional skills, as well as relaxation techniques. There will be very
little asana (yoga poses) in this class as it is a class designed to
move into a place of stillness and calm...of course in a kid friendly
way! <br />
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The regular 8 week Kid's Yoga Session will begin the week of February 22nd. <br />
For
my kiddies that recently turned 13 (holy moly!!) or my 12 year olds
that want to move up, the new Teen Session starts TOMORROW - every
Wednesday from 4:45-5:45pm. <br />
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You can register for any or all of these classes right online: <br />
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/admhome?studioid=7159Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-67388301593150682352014-10-24T07:13:00.001-07:002014-10-24T07:13:12.411-07:00Fall Into Stillness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first started teaching kids yoga, my classes tended to be high energy and full of activity! Rookie mistake. I quickly learned while kids do have a lot of energy to burn off, they need some serious downtime, too. I began to incorporate some restorative poses and I watched the kids melt into stillness. Being a kid is non-stop and tiring. Offering a space for kids to relax outside of just the rest they get in slumber, is so imperative to their physical, emotional and mental health. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 20px;">Through mindfulness practices children build inner and outer awareness, compassion and kindness towards themselves and others, social and emotional skills, as well as relaxation techniques. </span>Good news is we're making one of our most popular adult workshops accessible to kids next month! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 20px;">Fall is the time to go inside...give your kids the chance to retreat! We'll explore different meditation practices as well as comfy restorative yoga poses to settle into. Breathe in Fall, breathe out Peace! </span>Registration is open online - www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz-VrIAQLEQ/VEpd94jmHpI/AAAAAAAACg0/CnnblzDtLZM/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz-VrIAQLEQ/VEpd94jmHpI/AAAAAAAACg0/CnnblzDtLZM/s1600/fall.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-15831642732700222372014-10-17T13:37:00.000-07:002014-10-18T19:01:59.350-07:00Post Traumatic Growth<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ask me how I am and I'll tell you I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm okay. After going to my first session of bereavement counseling with Haven Hospice 4 weeks after the death of my father, it was finally setting in. I was not okay. My dad is gone and he's not coming back. I found myself crying at some point every day for two solid weeks...sometimes thinking of him...sometimes without any warning. People who have lost loved ones have been telling me that the grief comes in waves, that we will be hit with an unbearable sadness out of nowhere. It's hard to prepare for and you rarely see it coming. The waves will either wash over your feet and just bring tears to your eyes or they will pummel you to the ground, knocking the wind out of you and you won't be sure if you will ever get back up. I've felt all degrees of these waves...and these past two weeks I've been learning how to surf. It's not easy and you will fall. Sometimes really hard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We all experience a period of Post Traumatic Stress after losing someone or even something, be it a job, a relationship, a place to call home, a physical ability. And the pangs of loss can hit hard - sadness, anger, bitterness, shift in appetite, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, or the fear that you will never feel better again. I've decided to allow myself to feel all of this rather than running from it or pushing it away. It's not pretty, nor is it fun to be around. But I've come to realize feeling it is a part of the grieving process that we will all face at some point in our our lives, in some form, whether we deal with it right away or years later. The question is, what do we do with the feelings as they come? How do we not let it suffocate us? How do we get back up and keep going? We may not have control over some situations in life, but we do have a choice in how we react to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">My lesson with the kids last week was "Resiliency". In my after school classes, by a show of hands, I asked how many of them had fallen down through out the day. Each day, at least 50% of the kids had tripped or fallen before, during or after school. Kids fall a lot! I asked them to think abut how they reacted without any judgment on themselves - did they cry, did they laugh, did they lay there either in defeat or embarrassment. Did they get back up. (Of course, they all got up...they did make it to yoga class after all.) Some fell just walking or running. Some fell while playing a sport or a game. Some got pushed down. But none of them stayed down. This is resiliency. How we deal with our falls says a lot. When we see a child fall, we help them up. We check in, see if they're okay, address what may not be okay and then teach them to keep on going - maybe with more awareness, caution and care. As we get older, we continue to fall and we continue to get back up, even when at times we may want to curl up and lie there. We think about what happened, we learn and we keep on going. We teach ourselves how to be resilient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we come to our yoga mats, it's good to come with an open heart ready to experience whatever it is the teacher and the practice itself will bring to us. Sometimes the flow of the class will feel good, sometimes it will feel too easy, sometimes it will feel too challenging. At times we lose our balance causing us to step or even fall out of a pose. But with gentle care of ourselves, we come back into the flow and keep on going. There comes a point in the class where we might get stuck, or frustrated, or fearful of falling and may even say - no way I'll ever be able to do that! Maybe it's one of those challenging poses like Crow, or Wheel, or Headstand that just set us off. The kids feel it and we even feel it as adults. So I always like to create space for the kids to play, experiment and try their best with these challenging poses with an understanding that we may not get the pose today, but over time with practice and a bit of resiliency, maybe one day we'll get it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I like to play a game called "Blocked". We create a random pile of foam blocks each with a sticky note on it displaying a pose that usually can "block" us in our practice. Starting from youngest to oldest, a child picks a block to challenge the class with. We spend about 5 minutes on each pose, picking it safely apart seeing if we can take it to its full expression. When we all agreed we've had enough, that child starts the tower, stacking the blocks on it's highest end in the middle of the room and the game continues. A foam block tower can only go about 6 or 7 high before it wobbles and falls. When it does fall, we all go down, too! Into Plank Pose holding for as many seconds as there were blocks in the tower. We hold, we breathe, and then we start all over again! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The fall is what makes us stronger. Resiliency. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">A fall, like a loss, can be traumatic, but it can also spark growth. A term I'm learning to love through bereavement counseling is "Post Traumatic Growth". It is learning how to take the traumas of life - the losses, the deaths, the injuries, the illnesses, the tears, the pains, the falls - and grow from them. This does not mean to move past or to put behind you. This does not mean to lessen the severity of or take away from the experience of. It means that if it will always be a part of you...if it will most likely change you and your outlook on life...then let it be the thing that drives you, the thing that shapes you, the thing inspires you. Let it be the thing that makes you stronger...the thing that makes you resilient. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">My father had always been a strong person, but in the 5 years that the Leukemia slowly took over his body, I had never seen anyone be so resilient. Chemo treatments, blood infections, blood transfusions, pneumonia, weight loss would all knock him over, but he would always get back up. Sometimes on his own, sometimes with help from us. I've never seen someone live so hard as they were dying. Someone who would fall over and over and keep getting back up. It has truly been an inspiration. Now that I sit with this sadness in my heart and heaviness on my chest, I know I want to live like that. I know it will take some time. I know I will still feel pain. But I'll keep on going. And in the end, my father taught me what it takes to keep on going. My father taught me resiliency. </span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-36459893411080744432014-10-03T13:59:00.000-07:002014-10-18T14:03:49.444-07:00Socktober!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">It's Socktober at Alluem Yoga</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">!! Help keep our friends at the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">warm this winter! Drop off a pair of new socks this month! #socktober</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about Socktober, watch the Kid President video</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-59353215286164265752014-09-17T22:27:00.001-07:002014-09-19T18:29:01.490-07:00Feeling Sad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4F1-zDQfzY/VBpIwMDrNMI/AAAAAAAACf0/biYLjn5jzsY/s1600/1200300193000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4F1-zDQfzY/VBpIwMDrNMI/AAAAAAAACf0/biYLjn5jzsY/s1600/1200300193000.jpeg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
Duck is sad. Black clouds hang over her head and even the flowers are sad. She doesn't know quite what to do, but with the help of her friends, she comes up with a plan that gives her the feeling that she has the power to change things. So Duck sets out to find the sun...and slowly the color and light comes back into her life.<br />
Sometimes we feel sad...so sad that the darkness and heaviness of what we may be sad about, overpowers the light and the color that surrounds us. Sometimes it takes a bit of encouragement, love and support from others. Sometimes it just takes time.<br />
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I asked one of my classes this week what yoga pose we might go to when we feel sad? What shape might our body want to take? With heavy shoulders, every child in the class went into Child's Pose - a resting pose. Baron Baptiste once said, "Sometimes the storms in life can literally bring us to our knees. Child's Pose give us the opportunity for spiritual surrender, to realize that 'of myself I can do nothing, but there is a power in me <i>here</i> that realizes I can." While taking a Child's Pose may be viewed as weakness, giving up, or defeat...we realize this moment of "pause" and surrender is the exact place where we regain our strength and will to continue. Over the past 16 months that my father was on Hospice, I had fallen to my knees time and time again. I had fallen in exhaustion. I had fallen in fear. I had fallen in what felt like defeat. Those were my moments to pause, to breathe, to pray, to be sad...and then ultimately to find the strength to keep on going. Taking these pauses are essential to our mental and emotional health...for us and for our children....to keep ourselves healthy so we can continue to support each other. So, in class this week we all paused together in Child's Pose.<br />
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On September 6th, I watched my father take his last breath. Kneeling in his bed, I leaned forward and held tight to his hand. He surrendered and we all paused with an unbearable sadness. Watching someone die is a profound experience...and then your heart breaks. I'm sad...and there is a heaviness...and sometimes the color and the light is hard to find. Then I see a picture of him or someone shares a story about him that makes me smile and I know he would want me to be happy. So I look in the sky, for the sun, for the light and the color. I have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets this past week...then I know he's okay. I don't believe my dad "lost" this 5 year battle with Leukemia/Lymphoma...because a battle fought with courage, dignity and grace is not a loss...it is an inspiration. May we all be inspired.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has stood by my family's side this past week...comforting us, cooking for us, praying for us. Sending flowers, sending cards, sending love. Sending so much gratitude your way. May we all keep taking the time to pause, find strength and keep on going.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I love you, Poppyseed.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-29295003565026574032014-08-11T19:38:00.000-07:002014-09-17T19:42:43.023-07:00Home from Haiti<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/3Ke6CAo23nTRKwnCyDigFNDAjuLpqy4uRjwzSoiJGh_9jeBJQckJ0yOz8YJodmPMi7Vz4HEKnwfu_Wcj1Je4EPvIXSHdD4Yl1n41hJxUg4OzBobYD-DYkg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gogiveyoga.businesscatalyst.com/images/Haiti%202014/2_New.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif; height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif;">When asked how my trip was, I can't help but reply with, "One of the best experiences of my life." And that's far from an exaggeration. We spent the first half of our week at the Haitian American Caucus with a group of 15 school teachers. Our goal was to give them skills and tools to use right within their classrooms with their students. We designed a curriculum and broke the 3 day training into themes of Connection, Energy Building, and Relaxation - thinking of course, what would be the most beneficial approach to reaching children through yoga during their school day. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Many of the students were new to the practice and had beginner yoga questions. So, in order to experience the practice of yoga first hand, each day they were taken through a kid style yoga class based on the three themes. This way, not only would they know how to share the benefits of yoga with their children, they would be able to absorb the benefits of the practice themselves. </span></span><br />
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And benefit they did! Not only did they enjoy the experience of yoga through play, but they were also able to connect in a way they may not have known they could reach – they were fullof life and able to let go, all within the same session. We left the group with breakdowns of poses to use with their children to help them find connection to themselves and their surroundings through breath and movement. We left them with yoga games to play, like Yoga Freeze Dance, Animal Asana and Pass the Pose. We left them with creative calming activities like Mind Jars, Eye Pillows and various meditations. We left them with ideas to either lead a mini kids class right within their classrooms or to simply take the much needed classroom yoga breaks. We even left them ideas and supplies (thanks to the generous amounts of donations collected) on how to build a Peace</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif;">Corner within their cl</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif;">assroom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: pragmatica-web-condensed, sans-serif;"> - to have a safe space available for the child who may be in need of taking a break and finding some peace. And amongst the questions upon the closing of our training...when will you be back so we can learn even more!? My heart was full. </span><br />
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I didn't think my heart could get any fuller, and then it did. When we arrived to Petionville, we met 20 beautiful young adults who had been in a year long yoga teacher training through Ayiti Yoga with Lizandra Vidal. They had an established yoga practice, amazing body awareness, and had already begun how to learn how to structure an adult yoga class. Our goal here was to teach a 4.5 hour workshop on how to structure a children's yoga class, since that is the population the majority of them would be teaching to. We reviewed the comparison of an adult class to a kid’s class...very similar, except we may be playing some games after our Sun Salutation, as well as mooing and meowing through Cat and Cow! After experiencing a fun-filled and heart warming kids class, we broke down the 5 Pillars of</div>
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Children's Yoga, a comprehensive approach to teaching a kids class inspired by our own training with Little Flower Yoga - Connect, Breath, Move, Focus, Relax. Or as our Haitian friends may know it - Konekte, Resipre, Bouge, Fokus, Relanche. Following the workshop, we travelled through the streets of Haiti with mats on backs, to the local YWCA. Breaking down into small groups, they began to structure mini classes to teach the groups of girls there. </div>
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Outside under a canopy of trees, I stood observing these young budding yoga teachers put into practice what we had just taught them. They had a bag of tricks to use with their kids and I had tears in my eyes, loving what I was seeing - not only had they grasped the beauty and lightness of bringing yoga to children, but you could also see a sense of love and lightness in themselves. It's something I strive for every time I teach or step on my mat to practice - to be able to put down whatever it is we carry - our stressors, our worries, our fears, our doubts - and to find freedom from that which weighs heavily on our shoulders. Sometimes it feels like we do, but no one person can carry the world. When we come together and share a common good, like the practice of yoga, we begin to unite, find support within the community built and ultimately let go. Watching these children practice yoga, in a part of the world that has been traumatized and devastated, fills me with hope and continues to open my eyes to the beauty and magic that fills every corner of this ever inspiring country. I’ve been home from Haiti for a little over 2 weeks now…and I can’t wait to go back! </div>
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Confucius says, “Wherever you go, go with all of your heart.” I feel as though I’ve left a piece of my heart with each of these groups and in return they have filled my heart with the strength and courage to continue on my own path. Yoga is union, connection, community. I definitely feel more connected then I’ve ever been and I thank Go Give Yoga and the community of yogis in Haiti for that. Much gratitude always.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="LETTER.BLOCK25" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="LETTER.BLOCK25" target="_blank">The </a><a href="http://www.gogiveyoga.org/home" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Go Give Yoga Foundation</a>
empowers children to maximize their physical, intellectual and
emotional well-being through yoga. They provide yoga classes for
children as well as educational tools and leadership skills to the
adults who support them to the </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">communities who are in most need.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On July 20th, Karen thrilled and honored to be heading back to Haiti </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">with
Go Give Yoga to co-facilitate a Kids Yoga Intensive for Haitian
educators allowing </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">them to learn the many benefits and uses of yoga
within their classrooms. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So
many of you have already been so generous dropping off monetary
donations! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THANK YOU! If you are interested in helping us fulfill our
wish list needs, please drop off your donations to the studio by July 16th. Much gratitude always! </span></span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-3918048832559940092014-06-30T07:40:00.000-07:002014-08-10T07:42:36.696-07:00Little Flower Spotlight!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jennifer Cohen Harper, founder of <a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/" target="_blank">Little Flower Yoga</a>, has been a huge influence in my life over the past 5 years since I've completed my Kid's Yoga Certification with her. It's a great time to sit and reflect on my path since then...what an honor to be featured on the Little Flower Yoga Blog! </span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJuWfRoriTc/U-eEJ2kIctI/AAAAAAAACe4/Y-twoxvZvOs/s1600/Karen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJuWfRoriTc/U-eEJ2kIctI/AAAAAAAACe4/Y-twoxvZvOs/s1600/Karen.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30431"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30430">Joyful Commitment to the Local and the Global: </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30431"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30430">An Interview with Karen Gilmour</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br clear="none" />
"And it was like a light went off...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">this is what I could do with my life!"</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30438"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30437"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30436">We
are so proud to spotlight Karen Gilmour, the inspirational director of
Alluem Kids in NJ. Karen traded an office job in for full time kids yoga
in 2010. This September, she will present at the First National Kids Yoga
Conference. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30438"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30437"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407678062041_30436"> </span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/blog/joyful-commitment-to-the-local-and-the-global-an-interview-with-karen-gilmour" target="_blank">READ FULL ARTICLE</a></span></span></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-62515067919319012092014-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:002014-08-10T07:45:36.031-07:00Calling all Superheroes!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-64694171216962322832014-06-10T06:20:00.001-07:002014-06-10T06:22:08.030-07:00Peace, Love & Lemonade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WU-7DHqq8HI/U5cE5VSdckI/AAAAAAAACek/6H8nHM6cu04/s1600/10441428_10152929138385884_6852338442334166380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WU-7DHqq8HI/U5cE5VSdckI/AAAAAAAACek/6H8nHM6cu04/s1600/10441428_10152929138385884_6852338442334166380_n.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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Calling all Alluem Kids ages 8 & up! We need your help at the Peace, Love & Lemonade Stand this Saturday, June 14th! Email the studio (alluemyoga@verizon.net) if you're interested in helping any time between the hours of 9:30am-2:30pm. Miss Karen is heading back to Haiti with <a href="http://www.gogiveyoga.org/" target="_blank">Go Give Yoga</a> to bring a children's yoga training to Haitian teachers to use in their classrooms. 100% of the proceeds will go towards this trip!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-10429468181522406562014-03-24T15:27:00.000-07:002014-03-31T15:28:57.180-07:00Spring Session!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDaDtwUh-Tc/UznrXXGKvhI/AAAAAAAACeU/bLnmMUP2pqI/s1600/Be+Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDaDtwUh-Tc/UznrXXGKvhI/AAAAAAAACeU/bLnmMUP2pqI/s1600/Be+Peace.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Alluem Kids Spring Session is open for registration!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now is a great time to enroll your child in yoga! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">-Help find focus and reduce anxiety during end of the year test taking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Build flexibilty, strength and stamina to reduce Spring sport injuries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Find some peace before summer break and so much more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Alluem Teens (ages 12-17):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wednesdays - 4:45-5:45pm - starting 4/9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Alluem Tweens (ages 10-12):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sundays - 11:15am-12:15pm - starting 4/6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mondays - 3:45-4:45pm - starting 4/14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Alluem Kids (ages 7-9):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sundays - 12:30-1:30pm - starting 4/6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thursdays - 3:45-4:45pm - starting 4/10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Alluem Little Kids (ages 4-6):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sundays - 10:00-11:00am - starting 4/6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tuesdays - 3:45-4:45pm - starting 4/8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Boys Yoga (ages 8-12):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wednesdays - 3:30-4:30pm - starting 4/9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Please note: Boys are not exempt from our regular class schedule)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">There will be no classes on the following days:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">4/15, 4/16, 4/17, 4/20, 5/25, 5/26</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">$96 for the 8 week session</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">To register, visit: www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab </span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-22055370625492770762014-03-03T07:12:00.000-08:002014-03-10T07:13:01.832-07:00To Haiti with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you all for your mat donations! We've collected close to 100 mats! </div>
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Along with <a href="http://www.projectzenyoga.com/" target="_blank">Project Zen</a>, the group will be visiting the <a href="http://www.acffcjacmelhaiti.org/" target="_blank">Art Creation Foundation for Children</a>, an organization that we have visited and fell in love with. The kids there use art as a form of education to support themselves and their families while inspiring and healing through the process. They are always in need of supplies. Please also read about the work <a href="http://projecthopeart.org/" target="_blank">Project Hope Art</a> is doing, as supplies will also be going to this organization! Thank you thank you thank you!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P59DtrRxTSg/Ux3GuXq02QI/AAAAAAAACeE/JH32x8heBZM/s1600/haiti+art.jpeg" height="307" width="400" /></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-91212257786818474602014-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:002014-03-10T07:04:28.497-07:00Sending Out Love<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTq-TDuhtY0/Ux3ElrL00mI/AAAAAAAACdg/5Nawsrke1p0/s1600/mats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTq-TDuhtY0/Ux3ElrL00mI/AAAAAAAACdg/5Nawsrke1p0/s1600/mats.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>This Valentine's Day after a classroom visit to Mrs. Frayne's 5th graders at Orange Ave. School, my heart could not be fuller. For many of the kids, it was their first time stepping on a yoga mat, let alone taking in concepts of slowing down, opening their hearts and listening to their breath. Pushing all the desks to the edges of the room, we made space to move, laugh, and have fun with the practice. We talked about love, gratitude, and being aware of ourselves and those around us. In the crowded little classroom of kids, teachers, parents and the Valentine's Day party treats that were to follow, what I didn't realize was happening, is how much they were taking in. They took in so much, their hearts prepared themselves to give back.<br />
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Each child was encouraged to go home and buy a yoga mat that they could donate to the <a href="http://www.alluemyoga.com/" target="_blank">studio's</a> mission - <a href="http://alluemkids.blogspot.com/2014/01/yoga-mat-journey-to-haiti.html" target="_blank">Yoga Mat: Journey to Haiti.</a> On each mat they donated, they wrote a letter to the person at Project Zen (Haiti's only yoga studio) who would receive their mat...letters that were so well written I had to stop my day and read every single word. My heart smiled big that day. How could it not?!<br />
THANK YOU to my new little friends! Keep opening your heart to small acts that make a big difference! <br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-52933943260716314302014-01-31T07:02:00.000-08:002014-03-10T07:02:46.496-07:00Yoga Mat: Journey to Haiti<div style="text-align: center;">
We're heading back to Haiti and looking for your gently used or new yoga Mats!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyqt67bjfPY/Ux3FxMVI9pI/AAAAAAAACd8/1Qj-70Wgt78/s1600/Yoga+Mat+Journey+to+Haiti.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyqt67bjfPY/Ux3FxMVI9pI/AAAAAAAACd8/1Qj-70Wgt78/s1600/Yoga+Mat+Journey+to+Haiti.jpeg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-64804915573974944682014-01-26T20:26:00.001-08:002014-01-28T09:14:54.221-08:00Little Flower Yoga in New Jersey!<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2008, I walked into a yoga studio in NYC to attend a kid's yoga teacher training with <a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/about" target="_blank">Jennifer Cohen Harpe</a>r and <a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/about" target="_blank">Kate Reil</a>. Little did I know when I walked out, my life would be changed. As a yoga practitioner, I never saw myself as a yoga teacher. After the Level One training with <a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/" target="_blank">Little Flower Yoga</a>, I was absolutely sure I was on the right path...the one that would not only shape my life, but the lives of all the children that would one day cross that path. </div>
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Bringing yoga to children has been nothing but a joy in my life. Every child that rolls out his or her mat in our <a href="http://www.alluemyoga.com/" target="_blank">studio</a>, every child who sits down on the linoleum floors of the schools I visit, every child that curls up on their mom's lap at storytime has filled my heart. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyAUu3qefsk/UuXfP-dRzoI/AAAAAAAACdM/w_MCLpfQ5gU/s1600/318139_10151481301180560_1655614872_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyAUu3qefsk/UuXfP-dRzoI/AAAAAAAACdM/w_MCLpfQ5gU/s1600/318139_10151481301180560_1655614872_n.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am happy to announce that Little Flower is coming to New Jersey February 1-2!!! I wholeheartedly recommend this training for anyone looking to share the gift of yoga with the children in their lives - parents, school teachers, yoga teachers, coaches, therapists, PTs, OTs - anyone who has an influence on the life of a child in any way. Fulfill their physical, emotional and social needs.
Learn to incorporate yoga and mindfulness activities into a child's every day life so they can connect to themselves and those around them. So they can build body awareness and breathe deeper. So they can grow stronger through focus, concentration, and balance. So they can begin to fill their tool box with ways to regulate their own
emotions and find an unbelievable confidence in themselves. </div>
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Check out the site for more information on this Level One Intensive at </div>
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the <a href="http://princetonyoga.com/yoga-teacher-training/children-yoga-teacher-training/" target="_blank">Princeton Center for Yoga and Health</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/events/level-one-intensive-nj-2-1-2-2014">http://littlefloweryoga.com/events/level-one-intensive-nj-2-1-2-2014</a></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-83096211467881638462014-01-03T09:40:00.000-08:002014-01-15T09:48:59.747-08:00Be the Revolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-42267629058973982802013-12-16T15:51:00.000-08:002013-12-16T15:55:42.009-08:00The Giving Keys<div style="text-align: center;">
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After recently finding an antique skeleton key amongst my parent's knick-knacks, I have become slightly obsessed with the intricately made keys from the good old days (this also around the time I saw <a href="http://extremelyloudandincrediblyclose.warnerbros.com/dvd/#/home" target="_blank">Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close</a> for the first time - a story of a boy whose discovery of a key in his deceased father’s belongings sets him
off on an urgent search across NYC for the lock it will open).<br />
I've started collecting them, for no known purpose yet, other then to marvel at what may have been their history. I like to believe these are keys with a story. Keys that have been carried by one or many that have unlocked places we call home or trunks filled with keepsakes or forgotten doors. I like to think by holding on to these keys, I hold on to their memories...and maybe even keep the memories a live.</div>
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Then I found <a href="http://www.thegivingkeys.com/" target="_blank">The Giving Keys</a>. A pay it forward type of company. Love those. The Giving Keys exists to employ those transitioning out of homelessness
to make jewelry out of repurposed keys that get sold and shared around
the world. They are hand stamped with a one word message of hope. I've been wearing the key of "health" for my father...to remember just how delicate our health is, just how quickly disease can take over the body, and maybe in hopes that he holds on to what good health is left in him.<br />
If you're on my Christmas list this year, you might just be getting a Giving Key. Create a little history of your own. Wear the key for as long as you need. When you encounter someone that needs the message on the key more then you do, give it away and keep it going. Share the love.</div>
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"Like old keys, we might feel used and discarded, but we all have the ability to unlock potential. Potential to transform our pain into stories of redemption."</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-42658762040892587502013-12-04T18:58:00.000-08:002013-12-13T18:59:18.274-08:00Elf on the Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFOkToqRFuI/UqvDN1zF6II/AAAAAAAACcQ/JFS_GpK5C3Y/s1600/Kindness-Elves-Alternative-Elf-on-the-Shelf-Tradition-669x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFOkToqRFuI/UqvDN1zF6II/AAAAAAAACcQ/JFS_GpK5C3Y/s400/Kindness-Elves-Alternative-Elf-on-the-Shelf-Tradition-669x1000.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
It's that time of the year where the Elf on the Shelf comes out to watch our kids (not creepy at all!!)! I've seen numerous Facebook posts of all the trouble those elves are getting into these days...making snow angels in the sugar bowl, having snowball fights with marshmallows, building igloos in the ice cube tray...these elves are out of control! ;-) <br />
I recently came across a positive spin on the Elf on the Shelf that teaches kindness, gratitude and love...and well, I'm all about teachable moments in our every day lives when it comes to our kids!<br />
Check out the <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf.html" target="_blank">Kindness Elves at The Imagination Tree</a>:<br />
Start sometime new this year!!! <br />
<ul>
<li><i>They will arrive in our home and have been sent to share some love and magic at Christmas time.</i></li>
<li><i>They will only be sharing kind ideas and noticing things that are
lovely. There will be no focus on negativity, but they will still be
lots of fun and silliness too!</i></li>
<li><i>They will be moved somewhere different each morning, sometimes in
funny situations and positions, often next to an item that we need for
that day’s kindness activity e.g. inside a mixing bowl ready to bake
some cookies as a gift.</i></li>
<li><i>They will be holding little suggestions for acts of kindness, love
or helpfulness that we can do together that day for e.g. “Let’s collect
some of your toys and give them away to the children’s hospital”, “let’s
make some cookies for the neighbors”, “shall we visit an elderly
friend/ relative?” etc.</i></li>
<li><i>When they see the children doing kind and lovely things, they will
leave a little note for them to find in the morning e.g. “Oh I loved it
when I saw you sharing your new book with your little sister” or “you
were very kind to help your Mommy load the dishwasher!” etc.</i></li>
<li><i>Some mornings they may wake up to find the elves have lined up their
shoes, tidied their coats, got the breakfast things ready or fixed a
broken toy etc. Modelling direct ways to be kind and helpful as a prompt
for the children in the day. </i></li>
</ul>
Read the whole article here: <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf.html" target="_blank">Kindness Elves </a><i><br /></i>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-68143474962792960002013-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:002013-11-26T10:04:30.727-08:00Winter Family Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAKj3onv9Q8/UpThr6X2I_I/AAAAAAAACb0/T4tFn_QarSo/s1600/Family+Yoga+Class+-+Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAKj3onv9Q8/UpThr6X2I_I/AAAAAAAACb0/T4tFn_QarSo/s400/Family+Yoga+Class+-+Winter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-41849685706106689332013-11-06T09:51:00.000-08:002013-12-16T15:52:58.034-08:00Never Give Up. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbYXXgay1dA/UpTepbQlbpI/AAAAAAAACbo/MLJ6Z78sKFQ/s1600/1451347_10152403879920884_1548439067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbYXXgay1dA/UpTepbQlbpI/AAAAAAAACbo/MLJ6Z78sKFQ/s400/1451347_10152403879920884_1548439067_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've never seen a 5 year old try so hard to get herself into pose. Peacock is not a pose I've ever taught to anyone under 10, but while waiting for class to start, she began trying to make herself float! You go!!</div>
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"Fall down 7 times, get up 8." - Japanese Proverb </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-12182129316806257122013-10-03T11:45:00.001-07:002013-10-03T16:39:20.178-07:00Embody Love MovementSince attending the <a href="http://offthematintotheworld.org/leadership-training.html" target="_blank">Yoga, Purpose and Action Intensive</a> with <a href="http://offthematintotheworld.org/index.php" target="_blank">Off the Mat Into the World</a> 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 <a href="http://embodylovecenter.com/about-us/dr-melody-moore/" target="_blank">Melody Moore</a> 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 <a href="http://embodylovemovement.org/#The-Revolution-is-Here" target="_blank">Embody Love Movement</a> 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. <br />
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Most
recently, I had the honor of meeting Melody and attending the<a href="http://embodylovemovement.org/programs/beauty-shops/#trainings" target="_blank"> Inner Beauty Shop Facilitator Training</a> which was held at the <a href="http://embodylovecenter.com/" target="_blank">Embody Love Center</a>. 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!<br />
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I am even more excited to be bringing the Inner Beauty Shop to <a href="http://www.alluemyoga.com/" target="_blank">Alluem Yoga</a> next month for girls ages 11-12! Space is limited so sign up today on the website: <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/adm/home.asp?studioid=7159" target="_blank">www.alluemyoga.com</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"> </a>(click on the workshop tab and scroll down).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAVu_CRwPg/Uk26m5YDyxI/AAAAAAAACZQ/nGVFVkC_kXk/s1600/IBS+at+Alluem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAVu_CRwPg/Uk26m5YDyxI/AAAAAAAACZQ/nGVFVkC_kXk/s640/IBS+at+Alluem.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388277831002027166.post-83607887950689314752013-09-02T15:24:00.000-07:002013-09-04T15:24:32.600-07:00Registration is open for the Fall Session!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGh_h30wxAI/Uiey5Tkl9qI/AAAAAAAACXs/H_faked_OIQ/s1600/Fall+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGh_h30wxAI/Uiey5Tkl9qI/AAAAAAAACXs/H_faked_OIQ/s640/Fall+2013.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07689933281621864550noreply@blogger.com0