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Yogaglo Review

These days being a parent and a Yoga teacher I give more than take, both in general and with Yoga classes. Most instructors, especially in the beginning, find that they spend a majority of their time teaching. Most parents find that they spend all of their time being parents. Put being a parent and instructor together, getting to a Yoga class rarely happens.

But never fear, the internet is hear! Though, a curse to some and a boon to others, the internet has created a an opportunity for busy people who want to take a Yoga class. Not a Yoga DVD, but an actual class. It's called Yogaglo. They offer a wide variety of classes and styles.  Levels from beginner to advanced; different length video lessons from  5 minutes to two hours. Yogaglo also offers meditation, Yoga for work, and pre natal Yoga, so now there is no reason why you can't get to a class.

The best thing is it's cheap. It's only $18 per month for unlimited classes, which get updated regularly. You can now get to class without worrying about speeding through traffic, or getting someone to watch the kids.

I recently took a couple of classes and fell in love. My two year old actually liked it too. He started following the video along with me one afternoon. Also, my husband and I can even take a class after the kids have gone to bed and don't have to worry if we can make it to class on time, or find a sitter. Though, I still think that a real live class in a studio, or with a private instructor, is key to any Yoga practice, Yogaglo is definitely a great way to add to your practice when you can't get to a class.

For more info and to sign up visit Yogaglo.com

Namaste!

Longwood Gardens - Growing Green & Being Green

This past Mother's Day I went to visit Longwood Gardens in the good old, neighboring state of Pennsylvania. My husband being a florist, as well as Yogi, had to work (it's a pretty big day for flowers haha!), so my stepfather tagged along with the kids and I. We had never been before, but had heard that it was an amazing place. Boy was it! Longwood Gardens is a great place for the whole family, or for a date with that special someone. The kids can run around, build forts, and climb tree houses. Couples can stroll through the flowers enjoying nature's beauty, and parents don't have to worry if their kids will sleep on the way home. Trust me, they'll be tired. Mother's Day, though busy, is probably one of the best time to go because everything is still in full bloom. Though, the tulips were done everything else was perfect. The Conservatory/Greenhouses were spectacular. My favorite section was the Orchid house. Some looked like creatures instead of flowers. I could go on and on about the plant life, but I don't want to bore you. Another awesome thing, which I did not expect, was all of the "Green" in the gardens, and I don't mean the grass. When we ate lunch there was more than just a recycling pail. The coffee was organic, some of the food was organic, and the utensils/cups/straws were all biodegradable. Wow! Now I know it's an environmental place, but this is amazing! Biodegradable straws! Whole Foods doesn't even do that! Though, they should..everyone should! Anyway, it made me appreciate Longwood Gardens even more. Here are some more pictures from our day in the gardens.

 

Even if you live far away, Longwood is definitely a place to come and visit. There is plenty to see and do at the Gardens, and in the surrounding area. I know this sounds like a review, I guess it kind of is, but I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to go back. And to bring my hubby next time who will appreciate it just as much, if not more, than I did. There is lots to do in the surrounding area too. From museums to wineries, and of course lots of places to eat.

Kids in Harmony - Helping NJ Families find balance in their lives.

   

    "Kids in Harmony is here to ensure that in a world where children grow up too fast and are forced to make adult decisions too soon, your child is provided with the proper knowledge and skills necessary to be a kid in harmony."    

    I recently had the pleasure of meeting the owners of Kids in Harmony and loved what they were about. It was not a meeting in which much was discussed about them because it had been more about our business than theirs. However, during this meeting they did tell me a little and gave me their business card. Just with the small discussion we had it peeked my interest and I immediately went on their website when I got home.

    I was blown away when I saw their site, and instantly thought what a wonderful thing it was that they were doing. What is this wonderful thing you ask? Well, owners Michael Ruggiero and Alicia Powell have started a business where family is the #1 priority. Myself being a mother of two I could not agree more with their philosophy on creating harmony within a whole family, especially with the kids.

    Kids are our future you know.

    Some of the wonderful services they provide families are baby-sitting, tutoring for kids grades K-12 and children with special needs, mentoring for children, and fitness/nutrition coaching. All providers they hire, and they themselves, are highly qualified with many certifications. The sitters and fitness coaches are also CPR and first aid certified. A major plus when trying to find someone to help watch/teach your children.

    With a focus on mental and physical well being Kids in Harmony is off on a great journey to help families and children succeed. Here are a few questions co-owner Michael Ruggiero was kind enough to answer for me:

TEL: What was your inspiration for starting Kids in Harmony? 

KIH: The inspiration for Kids in Harmony came from a deep rooted passion  
and faith that there needs to be comprehensive services that help  
families grow.  Both Alicia and I feel that our skills and ability to  
work with children and families needed to be brought into the  
communities in which we live.
 

TEL: What is the #1 thing parents should do to help achieve balance in  
their families? 

KIH: Parents need to pay attention to their children.  This is much more  
challenging than it seems as this is not a yes or no situation but  
rather a matter of how closely and intently a parent listens and  
observes their children.


TEL: What are the biggest rewards for you when you work with a family?

KIH: The greatest reward for us when working with a family is the  
chance to enter into a family and help them help themselves.  The  
goals are set by the family and achieved by the family, Kids in  
Harmony is a company that simply helps facilitate growth and offers a  
helping hand.

   

Alicia Powell is a NJ certified teacher grades K-8 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. Mathematics. She currently teaches sixth grade Math and Science and has received state certification to grade standardized tests. Alicia is fluent in Spanish and has been tutoring and baby-sitting for the past 13 years in the Monmouth County NJ area.

   

   

    Michael Ruggiero received a B.A. in Exercise Physiology and a M.A. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology with a focus on Family Systems. He has been a Big Brother, Personal  Trainer, and in-home Children's Therapist. His passions are physical and mental health. Michael currently works at a high school as a Counselor focusing on prevention. 

Please visit there site for even more detailed information. Kids In Harmony

What Tuesday Taught Me

This is Tuesday. She was diagnosed just a few short months ago with stage 4 cancer, at only 18 months old. She recently passed away at home with her loving family and twin sister. I happened upon her family's blog and it brought tears to my eyes, especially because my eldest son just turned 2. Through reading about Tuesday and her journey it made me realize how short life is and how we must always try to bring ourselves back to the present moment. To "Be Here Now."

As a parent I have come to believe that it truly is the hardest job, yet the most rewarding. Yes, it sounds cliche, but it is true. When you become a parent time speeds up and change happens too quickly and right before your very eyes. I feel like high school was yesterday, but it feels as though my eldest was just born an hour ago. Time has gone from being a super-charged sports car, to a space shuttle zooming into orbit. And it all shifts in an instant when your first child is born.

With children life has become richer and more meaningful. And yet the truth is, as a parent, I have learned (have had no choice really) to let go more and more. To let go of what was and what could be. I witness changes that happen so quickly that I don't really have time to become too attached to the past. Though, attachment seems to happen anyway:

Where did my baby go? He's not saying "gah goo" anymore. It is now a clear "thank you."

I have taken, and continue to take, numerous amounts of amateur footage of my children because of these instantaneous growths. I know deep down I will miss these moments immensely. Looking back at my life I see the progress, and sometimes back steps, that I have made. It is clear now, but it wasn't while I was growing-up. But with my kids I see this "growing-up" as it happens. Like a snake they  shed each layer of skin to reveal a new, stronger self. All right in front of me, while I am holding their hands and brushing their teeth.

This pace is teaching me to slow down. To pay attention. To focus on the little moments of book reading, hugs, kisses, and even the temper tantrums, which all end in my lap with a hug. Really, these moments aren't small, they are huge. Huge in both mine and my children's lives. But when I read the blog about Tuesday it really made me think:

Am I slowing down enough? I don't know how much time is left for any of us, so why am I getting upset when they need me more than usual? I should be here in this moment fully with them because in what will be the blink of an eye they won't need me as much anymore.

Tuesday helped me to remember that you can't take life for granted. You can't take the time with your kids for granted. I am sure she has taught and touched so many, especially her family. And especially her parents, who I commend for being as strong as they are in this sad and difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I am sure yours are now too.

Thank you Tuesday! God Bless and Namaste!

Guruji's 59th Jayanthi!!

Rev. Jaganath Carrera wearing the maha garland we made him. It was one of the many things he had to wear during the ceremony as you can see.

Saturday January 24th we celebrated Rev. Jaganath Carrera's (Guruji) 59th jayanthi (birthday). It was a beautiful and auspicious event. During this celebration a puja was performed, guests gave gifts, and food was shared. However, because it had been a long day for the kids, we had to leave early and did not get to partake in the food.

For many the word puja is confusing, as well as the actions of a puja itself, so let me explain. A puja is performed in order to honor, praise, give thanks to God, Gods, or guru. (A guru is a person who is regarded as having great knowledge and wisdom, which he/she uses to help others on their spiritual paths. It literally translates GU: darkness and RU: light - one who helps another out of darkness and into the light.)

 It is an event in which you treat the deity or guru as your most esteemed guest. During a puja prayers are recited, chants or songs are performed, and offerings of flowers, incense, food, and candle light are made. To many this may sound strange, but it is just a way to show respect and humility towards God and remove the ego. It also a way to show love to the God or guru. The ceremony itself reminds me allot of going to Catholic Mass and listening to the priest say the prayers and bless the holy Eucharist. Though, a puja is a bit more lively than Sunday Mass. Below are some more pictures of Guruji's Jayanthi celebration. Click on images for larger versions. Enjoy!!


Chanting before Guruji's arrival.


Guruji has just arrived and the puja is about to begin.


Bathing of feet.


Bathing feet with honey.




The garland was beautiful, but very big. I had to hold it like I was holding a snake.


Placing the maha garland around Guruji's neck.




Aarti




Jai and Daddy (Gopal) going up to Guruji.


Bharatan and Mommy (Sumati) going up to see Guruji.






Keeping Jai occupied.




Still keeping Jai busy.


End of ceremony. Some share songs, skits, and poems as gifts.
All were beautiful.

The celebration took place at Naturally Yoga in Glen Rock NJ.
For more info on Rev. Jaganath Carrera click here.

Happy 59th Jayanthi to our beloved Guruji!!

Satsang with Rev. Jaganath Carrera

This past weekend I was able to go to one of Rev. Jaganath Carrera's, or Guruji as we call him, Satsangs.

(Satsang means, "keeping company with the Truth." It is a time to explore the depth and breadth of the teachings of Yoga as well as an opportunity to share, find mutual support, and have questions answered)

It is not often that I get to attend do to bedtimes and other familial responsibilities, so I was grateful to be able to go. The topic discussed was Yoga and Family Life. Definitely one I did not want to miss. One of the things that Guruji said, which I related to instantly, was about listening to your children. He described a situation in which a child tells someone about his/her baseball game.

The example was that when children tell you a story they don't necessarily sum it up for you...they tell you everything. They describe the flowers, the noise, and how fast they ran. How high the ball went and how someone fell, but don't worry they're ok. Children tell you everything down to the smallest detail, and sometimes go off on tangents. But what do we usually do in this instance? We stop them before they're are finished, or tell them we don't have time to listen to their story. Sometimes we plain just don't listen.

The thing is though, is that when they are older we expect them to listen to us. We expect them to want to continue to tell us their stories about what happened at school. But instead we just get, "How was school today?"...."It was FINE!" And that's it.

How can we expect our children to listen to us when we don't listen to them? How can we expect them to tell us when something is wrong, say with drugs or something, when we didn't seem to care when they were little?

The lesson is to listen, and listen NOW. Don't wait until there is a problem because most likely if you try to start listening then, you're listening skills won't be too attuned. And yelling and arguing will most likely be the result, instead of true listening. Start practicing your listening skills while they are young and they are telling you about the baseball game, boo boos, and butterflies. Then it will be easier to listen in the future. And they will want to tell you their stories, as well as listen to you.

For more on Reverand Jaganath click here.