February, 2008 Newsletter

Family Day

We have a new holiday here in Ontario. It's called "Family Day." And, when I think of the name of this new holiday, I remember clearly my mother's response to my impertinent and childish question, "How come there's a Mother's Day and a Father's Day, but no Kids' Day?" She didn't hesitate when she said, "Every day is Kids' Day." Every parent knows this to be the overwhelming truth. Parents, especially mothers but many dads too, spend most of their waking hours engaged in some way with the raising of their children, whether it's feeding them, enrolling them in programs, reading to them, getting them to and from school, worrying about them or any number of other tasks. And mothers of very young children do this on precious little sleep. Last week in my "Moms and Babies" yoga class, we talked about the challenges of new motherhood, and every single one of those moms cited getting their baby to sleep (and thus getting more time for their own rest!) as the number one challenge. (Over the next weeks we'll be looking more closely at how yoga for babies can help with that very issue!)

While there may never be a "Kids' Day," perhaps "Family Day" is one step closer if we take the time to spend with, or simply appreciate, our families. My wish for you, whether or not you have kids at home, is that you have a relaxing and rejuvenating Family Day and that you take the time to appreciate what you can about your own family.


Yoga in Peterborough

Two classes in Peterborough still have space for newcomers: Gentle Hatha (with a focus on healing) at 9am on Friday mornings, and Moms and Babies at 11:00 am Friday mornings. Students can join anytime in the term and the cost will be pro-rated accordingly. Details are at www.wavelengthsyoga.com. Thai Yoga Massage and Yoga Therapy sessions are also available by appointment. In a yoga therapy session, your needs are thoroughly examined and a personalized practice is created for you. During your session you are guided through the practice and at the end, given clear illustrated instructions to take home with you. Thai Yoga Massage is a form of "passive yoga" in which your body is gently stretched according to your needs and limitations, along with applying pressure to points along "energy lines" to rejuvenate, and rhythmic rocking to soothe and relax. Call 705-639-8937 to book your Thai Yoga Massage or Yoga Therapy appointment.


re-Treat Yourself

Join us at the Robins' Nest February 29 - March 2 for a delicious weekend of yoga, meditation, walks in the woods, soaks in the hot tub and the company of like-minded people. The theme is "Yoga for the Mind" and we'll experience several different ways that yoga works to calm the busy mind. The Robins' Nest is a cozy Straw Bale retreat located a half hour east of Peterborough near the town of Norwood. The vegetarian food is out of this world and the surroundings serene and picturesque.


Learn Thai Yoga Massage

Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient hands-on healing technique that combines pressure point therapy and passive yoga stretches. This level one course will give you everything you need to know to safely and confidently perform a 90-minute massage. Thai Yoga Massage is a great complement to other healing practices such as Massage Therapy, Shiatsu, Reiki and any other one-on-one healing modality. It is also a great way for yoga instructors to learn more about working hands-on with their students. This is a 30-hour course run over two weekends (April 5/6 and April 19/20) and will take place in Maple, Ontario (near Hwy 400 and Major MacKenzie Drive). There is no pre-requisite and all materials will be provided. Massage Therapists will receive 15 CEUs, approved by the CMTO. The cost for the course is $595.


Next Yoga Session in Norwood

The next session of yoga classes in Norwood will run from March 17 - April 21 (6 weeks). The cost for the session is $60 and $50 for seniors/students. Classes are Monday from 4:30 - 6:00 (Intermediate - Vinyasa Flow), Mondays from 6:15 - 7:45 (Gentle Hatha) and Tuesdays from 9:00 - 10:30 (Gentle Hatha). Register early to guarantee a place for your mat!


I hope that Family Day provides you with some quality time for yourself or with your family and that February has fewer "blahs" as a result!
Namaste,
Caroline