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		<title>Blog / News ― Magic Yoga Mat</title>
		<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Blog / News]]></description>
		<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:52:34 +1000</lastBuildDate>

		<item>
			<title>Abundance Abounds - What are you Grateful For?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Grey and sombre, the clouds hang heavy over the city this morning.  A little like my heart.  And for that I am grateful, I find it reassuring when the weather conspires to support how your feeling.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So in the spirit of Monday's Abundance List I thought it was the perfect place to start.  Today I am grateful:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<ul>
<li>* For my partner's compassion, his kindness and his celebration of my own vulnerability</li>
<li>* That I can restructure my day when I don't quite feel up to what I had booked in</li>
<li>* That I live during a time when we can listen to talks by His Holiness the Karmapa delivered in India, even when we are no where near that time or place</li>
<li>* That despite the clouds, the sun is still managing to create a puddle of warmth for me to curl up in</li>
<li>* That my vegetables are thriving as they grow on my balcony</li>
<li>* I have a dehydrator... I have some more <a href="http://www.destimulation.com/Destimulation/Blog/Entries/2010/8/31_Finding_Peace_in_the_Kitchen.html">BBQ chips</a> dehydrating right now</li>
<li>* That when my heart wants to protect itself and close, I find talks by others that </li>
<li>   remind me to trust and keep practising heart connection.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><em>"The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful."</em><br /><em>~ Brother David Steindl-Rast</em></p>
<ul>
<li></li>
</ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Grey and sombre, the clouds hang heavy over the city this morning.  A little like my heart.  And for that I am grateful, I find it reassuring when the weather conspires to support how your feeling.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So in the spirit of Monday's Abundance List I thought it was the perfect place to start.  Today I am grateful:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<ul>
<li>* For my partner's compassion, his kindness and his celebration of my own vulnerability</li>
<li>* That I can restructure my day when I don't quite feel up to what I had booked in</li>
<li>* That I live during a time when we can listen to talks by His Holiness the Karmapa delivered in India, even when we are no where near that time or place</li>
<li>* That despite the clouds, the sun is still managing to create a puddle of warmth for me to curl up in</li>
<li>* That my vegetables are thriving as they grow on my balcony</li>
<li>* I have a dehydrator... I have some more <a href="http://www.destimulation.com/Destimulation/Blog/Entries/2010/8/31_Finding_Peace_in_the_Kitchen.html">BBQ chips</a> dehydrating right now</li>
<li>* That when my heart wants to protect itself and close, I find talks by others that </li>
<li>   remind me to trust and keep practising heart connection.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><em>"The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful."</em><br /><em>~ Brother David Steindl-Rast</em></p>
<ul>
<li></li>
</ul>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:45:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/23/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/23/</guid>
		</item>

		<item>
			<title>BBQ Chips?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Looking for an interesting way to get more leafy greens into my, and my loved one's diet, I found this recipe online and was intrigued to see what it would taste like, I tweaked the recipe but the results were, in my humble opinion fantastic!  I've been crumbling them up over soups and salads and well, just eating them by the handful.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Simply blend together until smooth:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tbs olive oil</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">3 tbs nama shoyu</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tbs apple cider vinegar (Braggs)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1 tsp paprika</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tsp cumin</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1 tsp garlic</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2/3 cup of sundried tomato</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 medjool dates</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Now select a big bowl of leaves (silverbeet, bok choy, beetroot leaves etc) and coat them in the sauce.  Then dehydrate overnight or until crispy!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Enjoy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What are your favourite ways to eat greens?</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Looking for an interesting way to get more leafy greens into my, and my loved one's diet, I found this recipe online and was intrigued to see what it would taste like, I tweaked the recipe but the results were, in my humble opinion fantastic!  I've been crumbling them up over soups and salads and well, just eating them by the handful.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Simply blend together until smooth:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tbs olive oil</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">3 tbs nama shoyu</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tbs apple cider vinegar (Braggs)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1 tsp paprika</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 tsp cumin</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1 tsp garlic</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2/3 cup of sundried tomato</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2 medjool dates</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Now select a big bowl of leaves (silverbeet, bok choy, beetroot leaves etc) and coat them in the sauce.  Then dehydrate overnight or until crispy!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Enjoy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What are your favourite ways to eat greens?</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:09:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/22/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/22/</guid>
		</item>

		<item>
			<title>Abundance Abounds - What are you Grateful For?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Another weekend has flown by all too fast and whilst I did happen to feel the faint stirrings of Monday-itis late last night, a little gratitude staved it off - like Vitamin C at the first hint of a cold.  Today I am grateful that:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I was able to reschedule an appointment for tomorrow, giving me the whole day to</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  work through my to-do list uninterrupted</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* My beloved, who, in my eyes, is a computer genius was able to successfully install a</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  program that i had failed to for nearly 4 months now</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I finished all of my italian homework, which not only leaves everything completely up</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  to date but has left me with renewed energy and enthusiasm for my studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I am even grateful that I went for a run:  I just love the endorphin buzz and the</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  rhythmic feeling of air moving into and out of my lungs.  In for 4 out for 4...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* The sun was shining, heralding not only the end of winter but the beginnings of the</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  transition into spring</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* The beautiful vegies, ensconced in their hot house, that I planted just a few weeks</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  ago are growing like well fed children.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There are oh so many things I am grateful for today.  What are you grateful for today?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Another weekend has flown by all too fast and whilst I did happen to feel the faint stirrings of Monday-itis late last night, a little gratitude staved it off - like Vitamin C at the first hint of a cold.  Today I am grateful that:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I was able to reschedule an appointment for tomorrow, giving me the whole day to</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  work through my to-do list uninterrupted</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* My beloved, who, in my eyes, is a computer genius was able to successfully install a</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  program that i had failed to for nearly 4 months now</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I finished all of my italian homework, which not only leaves everything completely up</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  to date but has left me with renewed energy and enthusiasm for my studies.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* I am even grateful that I went for a run:  I just love the endorphin buzz and the</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  rhythmic feeling of air moving into and out of my lungs.  In for 4 out for 4...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* The sun was shining, heralding not only the end of winter but the beginnings of the</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  transition into spring</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">* The beautiful vegies, ensconced in their hot house, that I planted just a few weeks</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  ago are growing like well fed children.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There are oh so many things I am grateful for today.  What are you grateful for today?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:27:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/21/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/21/</guid>
		</item>

		<item>
			<title>What are you Grateful For?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This morning I woke up with a severe case of frustration and dissatisfaction, the best cure I can think of is to practise gratitude, just a few minutes a day...  So today I am grateful that</p>
<p>* I was able to sleep in till after 9am on a weekday.</p>
<p>* I made granola on the weekend and bought the sweetest oranges at the farmer's</p>
<p>   market making this morning's breakfast so decadenly yummy</p>
<p>* I went for a walk along the river</p>
<p>* That my partner bought me this amazing greenhouse for my vegies to grow in</p>
<p>   despite the wind and cold of a Melbourne Winter</p>
<p>* That my partner vaccuumed up the glass I broke when I dropped a jar of tahini on the</p>
<p>   floor</p>
<p>* That somebody was wise enough to develop Skype so that i can speak to my friend</p>
<p>   who lives in the UK for free</p>
<p> * That the sun is shining in through my window even as I type this post</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are you grateful for today?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br />
 <br />
 <br /><strong></strong></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This morning I woke up with a severe case of frustration and dissatisfaction, the best cure I can think of is to practise gratitude, just a few minutes a day...  So today I am grateful that</p>
<p>* I was able to sleep in till after 9am on a weekday.</p>
<p>* I made granola on the weekend and bought the sweetest oranges at the farmer's</p>
<p>   market making this morning's breakfast so decadenly yummy</p>
<p>* I went for a walk along the river</p>
<p>* That my partner bought me this amazing greenhouse for my vegies to grow in</p>
<p>   despite the wind and cold of a Melbourne Winter</p>
<p>* That my partner vaccuumed up the glass I broke when I dropped a jar of tahini on the</p>
<p>   floor</p>
<p>* That somebody was wise enough to develop Skype so that i can speak to my friend</p>
<p>   who lives in the UK for free</p>
<p> * That the sun is shining in through my window even as I type this post</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are you grateful for today?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br />
 <br />
 <br /><strong></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:46:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/20/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/20/</guid>
		</item>

		<item>
			<title>December Newsletter: A Very Mindfully Merry Christmas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">   "No one can go back and make a brand new start.  Anyone can start from now and</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">     make a brand new ending."<br />                                                       ~ Unknown<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Screen Kids:  Is the computer age leading to attention deficit disorder? </strong><br /><br />Baroness Susan Greenfield commented at the recent Mind and its Potential conference on the changing environment and its link with shorter attention spans.  She was referring to the “Screen Kid” phenomenon whereby we are seeing our children spend increasing amounts of time in front of a screen – whether that be a television, computer screen or mobile phone.    </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">She linked this not only to shorter attention spans but also to recklessness and increased risk taking.  All of which is facilitated by the “sensory trumping the consequences.”  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>But is it all really this bad?    </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dr Jane Burns argued that whilst this may be so, technology is providing the path for young people to remain connected in ways that were not possible many years ago.  The advent of wikis, blogs and social media facilitates not only the sharing of information but forums and websites like beyondblue.com and moodgym.com can provide many young people with opportunities to explore more sensitive issues like their mental health.  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dr Bruno Cayoun, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in the practice of mindfulness in cultivating 1) focus and concentration, 2) acceptance and cognitive flexibility and 3)self control (of emotions, impulses and behavior) argues that a regular mindfulness practice can actually balance out these negative effects of  “screen time.”  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps Dr Burns was right when she said; “what is made of the web is up to us.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  We at Magic Yoga Mat are dedicated to creating an online resource for parents, teachers and children that provides not only stories, activities and relaxation practices, but also encourages the feedback from parents and kids to help us create something that really helps everyone to practice yoga – and mindfulness at home.  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>In preparation for the Chaos of Christmas try this exercise with your Yoga Kids:- </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Start with 2-3 minutes, then increase to 5,  10, and eventually to 15.  This is my favourite introduction to mindfulness practice with kids.  Sit back to back with your child and breathe together.  This way you concentrate on each breath and get a direct sensory experience of your body breathing and the warmth of connection with another. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If your child tends to fidget, try sitting with them in your lap in a cuddle.  Place your hand on their chest or back so they know where to breathe, and count 10 breaths.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Share Yoga This Year with our Christmas Gift to You:- </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In the spirit of Christmas - and because we love sharing yoga with kids and hearing how they practice at home, we are offering a package that includes all four Magic Yoga Mat eBooks for just US $25!  That's just a little over half the regular 4 pack price and only for the next few days.   Follow this link to our kids yoga <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/product/christmas-gift-pack/">Christmas</a> special section.<br /><br /><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong><br />I watch a respected psychologist, who came to his conversation with the Dalai Lama with such earnestness that he is forgetting to actually converse.  Instead he appears to be caught up in what it means to him to be an "expert."  I run another business that specialises in "expert" witness services for court.  <br />As I watch the Dalai Lama i wonder if the key to being an expert or an authority is "to listen, synthesise and share" rather than lecture and judge.  It seems an authentic connection and communication then becomes possible.<br />As a kids yoga teacher, this particular realisation helps me to talk and connect with kids wisdom rather than talk at them.<br />  <br />Check out our<a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/blog/"> blog</a> for more articles. <br /><br /><br /> <br />From us here at Magic Yoga Mat</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Wish You and Your Kids a Magical Christmas and an Inspired New Year"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
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<td class="xl24" style="text-align: center;" width="53" height="15"><br /></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">   "No one can go back and make a brand new start.  Anyone can start from now and</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">     make a brand new ending."<br />                                                       ~ Unknown<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Screen Kids:  Is the computer age leading to attention deficit disorder? </strong><br /><br />Baroness Susan Greenfield commented at the recent Mind and its Potential conference on the changing environment and its link with shorter attention spans.  She was referring to the “Screen Kid” phenomenon whereby we are seeing our children spend increasing amounts of time in front of a screen – whether that be a television, computer screen or mobile phone.    </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">She linked this not only to shorter attention spans but also to recklessness and increased risk taking.  All of which is facilitated by the “sensory trumping the consequences.”  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>But is it all really this bad?    </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dr Jane Burns argued that whilst this may be so, technology is providing the path for young people to remain connected in ways that were not possible many years ago.  The advent of wikis, blogs and social media facilitates not only the sharing of information but forums and websites like beyondblue.com and moodgym.com can provide many young people with opportunities to explore more sensitive issues like their mental health.  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dr Bruno Cayoun, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in the practice of mindfulness in cultivating 1) focus and concentration, 2) acceptance and cognitive flexibility and 3)self control (of emotions, impulses and behavior) argues that a regular mindfulness practice can actually balance out these negative effects of  “screen time.”  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps Dr Burns was right when she said; “what is made of the web is up to us.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">  We at Magic Yoga Mat are dedicated to creating an online resource for parents, teachers and children that provides not only stories, activities and relaxation practices, but also encourages the feedback from parents and kids to help us create something that really helps everyone to practice yoga – and mindfulness at home.  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>In preparation for the Chaos of Christmas try this exercise with your Yoga Kids:- </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Start with 2-3 minutes, then increase to 5,  10, and eventually to 15.  This is my favourite introduction to mindfulness practice with kids.  Sit back to back with your child and breathe together.  This way you concentrate on each breath and get a direct sensory experience of your body breathing and the warmth of connection with another. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If your child tends to fidget, try sitting with them in your lap in a cuddle.  Place your hand on their chest or back so they know where to breathe, and count 10 breaths.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Share Yoga This Year with our Christmas Gift to You:- </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In the spirit of Christmas - and because we love sharing yoga with kids and hearing how they practice at home, we are offering a package that includes all four Magic Yoga Mat eBooks for just US $25!  That's just a little over half the regular 4 pack price and only for the next few days.   Follow this link to our kids yoga <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/product/christmas-gift-pack/">Christmas</a> special section.<br /><br /><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong><br />I watch a respected psychologist, who came to his conversation with the Dalai Lama with such earnestness that he is forgetting to actually converse.  Instead he appears to be caught up in what it means to him to be an "expert."  I run another business that specialises in "expert" witness services for court.  <br />As I watch the Dalai Lama i wonder if the key to being an expert or an authority is "to listen, synthesise and share" rather than lecture and judge.  It seems an authentic connection and communication then becomes possible.<br />As a kids yoga teacher, this particular realisation helps me to talk and connect with kids wisdom rather than talk at them.<br />  <br />Check out our<a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/blog/"> blog</a> for more articles. <br /><br /><br /> <br />From us here at Magic Yoga Mat</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Wish You and Your Kids a Magical Christmas and an Inspired New Year"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:03:10 +1000</pubDate>
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			<title>Anxiety, Relaxation and Mindfulness</title>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em></em>
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<em>"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallesst acts.  This is the secret to success"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Swami Sivananda</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
I have been blessed this morning with a most inspiring experience - The Dalai Lama is in attendance at the Mind and its Potential Conference, and not only is he speaking on the qualities of mindfulness and compassion but he embodies their very practice.<br /><br />And just before we break for lunch, I prepare the presentation that I am to give at a lawfirm (hopefully before we return for the afternoon sessions).  I look at the content I have collected together to FILL the allocated hour...<br />But what if I go in with the intention of being present to and inspired by whatever is present, then perhaps the content will arise itself.<br /><br />I watch a respected psychologist, who came to his conversation with the Dalai Lama with such earnestness that he is forgetting to actually converse.  Instead he appears to be caught up in what it means to him to be an "expert."  I run another business that specialises in "expert" witness services for court.  <br />But what if the key to being an expert or an authority is "to listen, synthesise and share" rather than lecture and judge.  It seems an authentic connection and communication then becomes possible.<br /><br />As a kids yoga teacher, this particular realisation helps me to talk and connect with kids wisdom rather than talk at them.  <br /> <br />
<p> </p>
Have a wonderful week,
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
</div>
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<em>"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallesst acts.  This is the secret to success"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Swami Sivananda</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
I have been blessed this morning with a most inspiring experience - The Dalai Lama is in attendance at the Mind and its Potential Conference, and not only is he speaking on the qualities of mindfulness and compassion but he embodies their very practice.<br /><br />And just before we break for lunch, I prepare the presentation that I am to give at a lawfirm (hopefully before we return for the afternoon sessions).  I look at the content I have collected together to FILL the allocated hour...<br />But what if I go in with the intention of being present to and inspired by whatever is present, then perhaps the content will arise itself.<br /><br />I watch a respected psychologist, who came to his conversation with the Dalai Lama with such earnestness that he is forgetting to actually converse.  Instead he appears to be caught up in what it means to him to be an "expert."  I run another business that specialises in "expert" witness services for court.  <br />But what if the key to being an expert or an authority is "to listen, synthesise and share" rather than lecture and judge.  It seems an authentic connection and communication then becomes possible.<br /><br />As a kids yoga teacher, this particular realisation helps me to talk and connect with kids wisdom rather than talk at them.  <br /> <br />
<p> </p>
Have a wonderful week,
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
</div>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:29:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/18/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/18/</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Abundance Abounds this Tuesday</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="border: 1px inset black; padding: 10px; background-color: white; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Aldous Huxley</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
The tram on Flinders Street, the tram I am waiting for will be delayed by 10 minutes...  And before I know it frustration and irritation have come to wait with me.  My awareness fills with the following thoughts: "What am I going to do..?",  "How am I going to fill the next 10 minutes whilst I wait..?",  "Do I have a book...?"<br /><br />As I re read that sentence the word "fill" immediately stands out.  More and more I am noticing this incessant need to fill everything - my time, my self, my stomach, my brain..., with information, food, sustenance, stimulation.  And yet this very need to fill completely removes the possibility of contentment or as the yogi's call it, Santosa.    Perhaps all I may ever need or want is already available if I open myself up to it.  <br /><br />And whilst my ego is not really sure that it wants its sense of power to be usurped this way.  I think I will try actually waiting for the 10 minutes.  Simply being present; to the space, the stillness, the possibility of this moment.  <br /><br /> <br />
<p> </p>
Have a wonderful week,
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
</div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="border: 1px inset black; padding: 10px; background-color: white; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Aldous Huxley</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
The tram on Flinders Street, the tram I am waiting for will be delayed by 10 minutes...  And before I know it frustration and irritation have come to wait with me.  My awareness fills with the following thoughts: "What am I going to do..?",  "How am I going to fill the next 10 minutes whilst I wait..?",  "Do I have a book...?"<br /><br />As I re read that sentence the word "fill" immediately stands out.  More and more I am noticing this incessant need to fill everything - my time, my self, my stomach, my brain..., with information, food, sustenance, stimulation.  And yet this very need to fill completely removes the possibility of contentment or as the yogi's call it, Santosa.    Perhaps all I may ever need or want is already available if I open myself up to it.  <br /><br />And whilst my ego is not really sure that it wants its sense of power to be usurped this way.  I think I will try actually waiting for the 10 minutes.  Simply being present; to the space, the stillness, the possibility of this moment.  <br /><br /> <br />
<p> </p>
Have a wonderful week,
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:06:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/17/</link>
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			<title>Creating Confident Kids</title>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"We go where our vision is"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Joseph Murphy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Beat the Heat with this refreshing treat - guaranteed to please Kids and Parents alike!</strong></p>
<p>If you like me have been filling a little hot and flustered with
Melbourne's incredible heat this week, then try this cool treat.  Blend
together fresh Watermelon, frozen Blueberries, some fresh Mint
and a few ice cubes to make the most delicious purple treat.</p>
<p>I discovered it at the fabulous Kafe in Ubud, Bali recently!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whinging...Complaining...Moaning...  Call it what you like.  I was on a roll and nothing was going to stop my rant.</p>
<p>"There's not enough time..."  "I feel ungrounded, unsettled..." 
"There's not enough..."  "I need...." blah blah blah.  And then
suddenly the "poor me" soliliquy was interrupted by uproarious
laughter... <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/blog/15/">(full entry) </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Creating Confident Kids:-</strong></p>
<p>It's a well known fact that for most of the population their biggest fear is talking in public.  Help your kids overcome anxiety by encouraging them to teach you something.</p>
<p>In one of my Kids Yoga classes there is a young girl who doesn't like to speak up in the class.  She prefers the quieter activities like colouring in and writing.  As I knew she liked to do this I encouraged her to write a relaxation story for the class and to guide us through it.  She really loved sharing her story with us, and as I listened to her lead us all in a series of relaxations over the course of the term I was delighted to see and hear her sense of power and confidence grow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Invite your children to create their own relaxations or check out Magic Yoga Mat's <a href="http://magicyogamat.com">story books</a> or <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-places-i-have-been-relaxations/id336909798"><em>The Places I've Been</em> relaxation eBook</a> for ideas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"We go where our vision is"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Joseph Murphy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Beat the Heat with this refreshing treat - guaranteed to please Kids and Parents alike!</strong></p>
<p>If you like me have been filling a little hot and flustered with
Melbourne's incredible heat this week, then try this cool treat.  Blend
together fresh Watermelon, frozen Blueberries, some fresh Mint
and a few ice cubes to make the most delicious purple treat.</p>
<p>I discovered it at the fabulous Kafe in Ubud, Bali recently!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whinging...Complaining...Moaning...  Call it what you like.  I was on a roll and nothing was going to stop my rant.</p>
<p>"There's not enough time..."  "I feel ungrounded, unsettled..." 
"There's not enough..."  "I need...." blah blah blah.  And then
suddenly the "poor me" soliliquy was interrupted by uproarious
laughter... <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/blog/15/">(full entry) </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Creating Confident Kids:-</strong></p>
<p>It's a well known fact that for most of the population their biggest fear is talking in public.  Help your kids overcome anxiety by encouraging them to teach you something.</p>
<p>In one of my Kids Yoga classes there is a young girl who doesn't like to speak up in the class.  She prefers the quieter activities like colouring in and writing.  As I knew she liked to do this I encouraged her to write a relaxation story for the class and to guide us through it.  She really loved sharing her story with us, and as I listened to her lead us all in a series of relaxations over the course of the term I was delighted to see and hear her sense of power and confidence grow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Invite your children to create their own relaxations or check out Magic Yoga Mat's <a href="http://magicyogamat.com">story books</a> or <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-places-i-have-been-relaxations/id336909798"><em>The Places I've Been</em> relaxation eBook</a> for ideas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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</p>
<p> </p>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:05:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/16/</link>
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		<item>
			<title>Abundance Abounds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"We go where our vision is"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Joseph Murphy</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whinging...Complaining...Moaning...  Call it what you like.  I was on a roll and nothing was going to stop my rant.</p>
<p>"There's not enough time..."  "I feel ungrounded, unsettled..."  "There's not enough..."  "I need...." blah blah blah.  And then suddenly the "poor me" soliliquy was interrupted by uproarious laughter.  I couldn't help it.  My issue was not really about not enough, rather it was about too much!</p>
<p>When I said "I feel ungrounded" what I was referring to was the challenge of living in two places at once.  My recently engaged partner and I are about to move in together so I find that whilst I still live in my home I also live at his.  And in a world where there are people struggling with the global financial crisis and have or are about to lose there homes, here I am fortunate enough to live in two.  </p>
<p>And in that moment there was so much abundance that I stopped feeling overwhelmed and re-connected with that joyful enthusiasm I remember from my childhood.  The one associated with the beginning of the weekend with two whole days in front of me, two whole days with the promise of possibility.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So as we head towards the coming weekend, with two whole days stretching out in front of us, discover what it is that you have too much of in your life and see how it feels if you look at it from the position of gratitude and abundance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feel free to share them with us here at Magic Yoga Mat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"We go where our vision is"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">  ~ Joseph Murphy</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whinging...Complaining...Moaning...  Call it what you like.  I was on a roll and nothing was going to stop my rant.</p>
<p>"There's not enough time..."  "I feel ungrounded, unsettled..."  "There's not enough..."  "I need...." blah blah blah.  And then suddenly the "poor me" soliliquy was interrupted by uproarious laughter.  I couldn't help it.  My issue was not really about not enough, rather it was about too much!</p>
<p>When I said "I feel ungrounded" what I was referring to was the challenge of living in two places at once.  My recently engaged partner and I are about to move in together so I find that whilst I still live in my home I also live at his.  And in a world where there are people struggling with the global financial crisis and have or are about to lose there homes, here I am fortunate enough to live in two.  </p>
<p>And in that moment there was so much abundance that I stopped feeling overwhelmed and re-connected with that joyful enthusiasm I remember from my childhood.  The one associated with the beginning of the weekend with two whole days in front of me, two whole days with the promise of possibility.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So as we head towards the coming weekend, with two whole days stretching out in front of us, discover what it is that you have too much of in your life and see how it feels if you look at it from the position of gratitude and abundance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feel free to share them with us here at Magic Yoga Mat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td class="xl24" style="text-align: center;" width="53" height="15"><br /></td>
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</tr>
</tbody>
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</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:43:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/15/</link>
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			<title>Abundance Abounds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<div class="post_content">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"You and I possess within ourselves, at every moment, under all circumstances the power to transform the quality of our lives "<br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em></em>  ~ Werner Erhard</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been a little while since I've sent out any newsletters to you and for that I apologise.  During my hiatus I've spent a little time reflecting on what it is I would like to do with this space and on a recent yoga retreat in Bali was inspired by one of the members of our tribe, <a href="http://www.nevillechristie.com">Neville Christie</a> who has made a habit of keeping a daily journal of what he has coined "Wonderful Thoughts".  I sat with this for a little while and have decided to start keeping a blog dedicated to thoughts of abundance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My fiance and I were driving in Richmond last night, as we are on so many nights, and came to a stop at the intersection facing MacRobertson's Bridge (i think that's what it is called).  My fiance commented that it seemed to be much brighter than normal, and we realised that 4 new lights had been put up on every pillar, thereby bathing the bridge in a warm glow.</p>
<p>Now we've driven over this bridge so many times but it was only when we were forced to stop, that we noticed the abundance of light that now bathed one of Melbourne's oldest bridges.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was this moment that inspired the Abundance Abounds blog for me, certainly nothing earth shattering but for me it was note worthy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Notice where there is abundance in your life?</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And if you would like to share your experiences of abundance - however inspired or mundane they may seem, share them with us at rachael@magicyogamat.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In other News:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Magic Yoga Mat's <em>The Places I've Been</em> relaxation eBook is now available for download through  <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-places-i-have-been-relaxations/id336909798">iTunes</a>:</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">P.S  If you like this quote, blog or any of the contents please forward it to your friends!</p>
</div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<div class="post_content">
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"You and I possess within ourselves, at every moment, under all circumstances the power to transform the quality of our lives "<br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em></em>  ~ Werner Erhard</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been a little while since I've sent out any newsletters to you and for that I apologise.  During my hiatus I've spent a little time reflecting on what it is I would like to do with this space and on a recent yoga retreat in Bali was inspired by one of the members of our tribe, <a href="http://www.nevillechristie.com">Neville Christie</a> who has made a habit of keeping a daily journal of what he has coined "Wonderful Thoughts".  I sat with this for a little while and have decided to start keeping a blog dedicated to thoughts of abundance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This week in Abundance Abounds:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My fiance and I were driving in Richmond last night, as we are on so many nights, and came to a stop at the intersection facing MacRobertson's Bridge (i think that's what it is called).  My fiance commented that it seemed to be much brighter than normal, and we realised that 4 new lights had been put up on every pillar, thereby bathing the bridge in a warm glow.</p>
<p>Now we've driven over this bridge so many times but it was only when we were forced to stop, that we noticed the abundance of light that now bathed one of Melbourne's oldest bridges.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was this moment that inspired the Abundance Abounds blog for me, certainly nothing earth shattering but for me it was note worthy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Notice where there is abundance in your life?</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And if you would like to share your experiences of abundance - however inspired or mundane they may seem, share them with us at rachael@magicyogamat.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In other News:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Magic Yoga Mat's <em>The Places I've Been</em> relaxation eBook is now available for download through  <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-places-i-have-been-relaxations/id336909798">iTunes</a>:</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td class="xl24" style="text-align: center;" width="53" height="15"><br /></td>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">P.S  If you like this quote, blog or any of the contents please forward it to your friends!</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:45:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/14/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/14/</guid>
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			<title>Magic Yoga Mat's Inspiring Quote of the Week</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says, "I'm Possible""</em></p>
<p>                                                                               ~ Uknown</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you like this quote please forward it to your friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td class="xl24" style="text-align: center;" width="53" height="15"><br /></td>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="314" height="186" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says, "I'm Possible""</em></p>
<p>                                                                               ~ Uknown</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you like this quote please forward it to your friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a wonderful week,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From us here at <strong><em>Magic Yoga Mat</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"We Look Forward to Flying with You Again Soon"</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>www.MagicYogaMat.com</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td class="xl24" style="text-align: center;" width="53" height="15"><br /></td>
<!--EndFragment-->
 
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="213" height="230" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:35:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/13/</link>
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			<title>We Need Your Help! - Kids Yoga Survey</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p> <a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="312" height="185" /></p>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<mce:style><! 
 /* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
	{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
	mso-style-noshow:yes;
	mso-style-parent:"";
	mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
	mso-para-margin:0cm;
	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
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	font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
	mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
	mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
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<!--[endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">For those of you who are not sure of who we are, Magic Yoga Mat was created by </span>Bonnie
  and I.  We are two qualified yoga teachers, specialising in childrens yoga, who wanted to share fun
  and engaging resources, including, games, activities and stories as a way of
  sharing their passion for kids yoga with children, parents and teachers
  wherever they may be.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We have been in the
process of developing a range of activities, stories and relaxation products to help you share yoga with the
children in your lives, whether you are a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, an
aunt or uncle … And to make sure we get it right, we need your help to find out exactly what it is you would like!</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">So we've attached a quick survey, it will only take 5-10 minutes to complete (it has 15 questions and is mostly tick a box) and to thank you for your time, we'll send you out a copy of one of our children's relaxation recordings. </span></span><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OgzCryuaAqXhqXQW3yeqTA_3d_3d" target="_blank">Survey</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Thanking you in advance for your help and your support!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Namaste</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Rachael Freeland</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> <a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="312" height="185" /></p>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<mce:style><! 
 /* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
	{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
	mso-style-noshow:yes;
	mso-style-parent:"";
	mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
	mso-para-margin:0cm;
	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
	font-size:12.0pt;
	font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
	mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
	mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
-->
<!--[endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">For those of you who are not sure of who we are, Magic Yoga Mat was created by </span>Bonnie
  and I.  We are two qualified yoga teachers, specialising in childrens yoga, who wanted to share fun
  and engaging resources, including, games, activities and stories as a way of
  sharing their passion for kids yoga with children, parents and teachers
  wherever they may be.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We have been in the
process of developing a range of activities, stories and relaxation products to help you share yoga with the
children in your lives, whether you are a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, an
aunt or uncle … And to make sure we get it right, we need your help to find out exactly what it is you would like!</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">So we've attached a quick survey, it will only take 5-10 minutes to complete (it has 15 questions and is mostly tick a box) and to thank you for your time, we'll send you out a copy of one of our children's relaxation recordings. </span></span><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OgzCryuaAqXhqXQW3yeqTA_3d_3d" target="_blank">Survey</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Thanking you in advance for your help and your support!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Namaste</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Rachael Freeland</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:16:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/12/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/12/</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Newsletter:  September 2009 - Welcome to Our New Look Website</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="283" height="168" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>

<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 5px; height: 27px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<col width="53"></col>
 
<tbody>
<tr height="16">
<!--StartFragment-->
<td class="xl24" width="53" height="16"> </td>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you wont come up with a handful of mud either.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>                                               ~ Leo Burnett</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you to all of you who have been so patient whilst we redesigned and built our new website!  We have finally finished it and it is fully functional - (and the crowd goes wild!).  This has been one of those ever evolving processes and we hope that we have created something that is now easier for you to use and enjoy.  You will notice we have created a <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/auxpage_kidsplayground/" target="_blank">Kids Playground</a> section that we hope to post stories, drawings and photo's that children create during their yoga practice.  So if any of your children would like to see their work on line, please don't hesistate to send it through to us.  And remember we are still running our colouring competition, so <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_kidscompetitions" target="_blank">download</a> the picture and get colouring!  The one's we have received so far, look fantastic!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We at <em>Magic Yoga Mat</em> would like to thank you for your patience by offering you our "<a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/product/all-books-product" target="_blank">we're officially excited that our website works</a>!" special which is all four of our kids yoga eBooks and the relaxation mp3 recordings for just $27!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Magic Yoga Mat News:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Magic Yoga Mat would like to give a great big warm and excited "Welcome" to <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/blog/10/">Wendi</a> who is bringing her inspired artistic talent to our company and is currently working away on the new pictures for our Christmas Book.  We will keep you posted as this project unfolds!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also after the success of our 2-3 year olds impromptu yoga class for the Herald Sun, Magic Yoga Mat has started a new class for this age group at the Alphington Community Centre.  If you are interested contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>And a little treat for Parents:-</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mamashanti.com" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mamashanti.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nina Isabella from MamaShanti's delicious Chai recipe:</span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Ingredients for 2 mugs of chai</em><br />
<br />
1 1/2 mugs of filtered water<br />
1 mug of soy/ rice/ dairy milk<br />
3/4 stick of cinnamon<br />
4 green cardamon pods<br />
6 whole cloves<br />
1 star anise<br />
1 tsp dried ground licorice root<br />
1/2 tsp dried ginger / 1 tsp grated fresh ginger<br />
2 tsp honey/ brown sugar (to taste)<br />
2 tsp black tea<br />
<br />
<em>Method</em></p>
<p><br />
    * Roughly break up the whole spices with a mortar &amp; pestle or spice grinder<br />
    * Bring spices &amp; water to boil, then simmer<br />
    * In separate saucepan gently warm milk<br />
    * When the spiced water has reduced by about one third (10-15 minutes) add black tea &amp;   sweetener &amp; turn off heat.<br />
    * Let the tea steep for a couple of minutes &amp; strain into the warm milk, a cone-shaped <br />
      sieve is best.<br />
    * Pour the chai into a warmed tea pot/ mugs to serve<br />
<br />
<em>The quantities for the spices are approximate &amp; can be adjusted to suit taste </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We look forward to flying with you again soon!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8a7bb30c64.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="233" height="252" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong></p>
<p> </p>]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you wont come up with a handful of mud either.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>                                               ~ Leo Burnett</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you to all of you who have been so patient whilst we redesigned and built our new website!  We have finally finished it and it is fully functional - (and the crowd goes wild!).  This has been one of those ever evolving processes and we hope that we have created something that is now easier for you to use and enjoy.  You will notice we have created a <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/auxpage_kidsplayground/" target="_blank">Kids Playground</a> section that we hope to post stories, drawings and photo's that children create during their yoga practice.  So if any of your children would like to see their work on line, please don't hesistate to send it through to us.  And remember we are still running our colouring competition, so <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_kidscompetitions" target="_blank">download</a> the picture and get colouring!  The one's we have received so far, look fantastic!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We at <em>Magic Yoga Mat</em> would like to thank you for your patience by offering you our "<a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/shop/product/all-books-product" target="_blank">we're officially excited that our website works</a>!" special which is all four of our kids yoga eBooks and the relaxation mp3 recordings for just $27!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Magic Yoga Mat News:-</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Magic Yoga Mat would like to give a great big warm and excited "Welcome" to <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/blog/10/">Wendi</a> who is bringing her inspired artistic talent to our company and is currently working away on the new pictures for our Christmas Book.  We will keep you posted as this project unfolds!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also after the success of our 2-3 year olds impromptu yoga class for the Herald Sun, Magic Yoga Mat has started a new class for this age group at the Alphington Community Centre.  If you are interested contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>And a little treat for Parents:-</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mamashanti.com" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mamashanti.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nina Isabella from MamaShanti's delicious Chai recipe:</span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Ingredients for 2 mugs of chai</em><br />
<br />
1 1/2 mugs of filtered water<br />
1 mug of soy/ rice/ dairy milk<br />
3/4 stick of cinnamon<br />
4 green cardamon pods<br />
6 whole cloves<br />
1 star anise<br />
1 tsp dried ground licorice root<br />
1/2 tsp dried ginger / 1 tsp grated fresh ginger<br />
2 tsp honey/ brown sugar (to taste)<br />
2 tsp black tea<br />
<br />
<em>Method</em></p>
<p><br />
    * Roughly break up the whole spices with a mortar &amp; pestle or spice grinder<br />
    * Bring spices &amp; water to boil, then simmer<br />
    * In separate saucepan gently warm milk<br />
    * When the spiced water has reduced by about one third (10-15 minutes) add black tea &amp;   sweetener &amp; turn off heat.<br />
    * Let the tea steep for a couple of minutes &amp; strain into the warm milk, a cone-shaped <br />
      sieve is best.<br />
    * Pour the chai into a warmed tea pot/ mugs to serve<br />
<br />
<em>The quantities for the spices are approximate &amp; can be adjusted to suit taste </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We look forward to flying with you again soon!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong></p>
<p> </p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:29:49 +1000</pubDate>
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			<title>Wendi is now adding her own flare to our little operation - wait till you see our new illustrations!</title>
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<p> </p>
<p>The team at Magic Yoga Mat are so very excited to be joined by Wendi
who is going to add her own flare to our little operation in the form
of some amazing pictures!!<br />
<br />
Wendi loves a sense of the ridiculous and loves all things whimsical.
She is always observing human nature and situations, and interpreting
them in her own style. She can't wait to see what Magic yoga Mat, and
his friends are up to next so we know she will fit in perfectly<br />
<br />
Wendi is an illustrator/ pastel artist who also works in Acrylic, and
has won prizes at various shows including peoples choice at Strathdon
09. Wendi has exhibited her work in joint exhibitions in Melbourne.
Shes a member of AGRA and also the pastel society of Victoria.<br />
<br />
Stay Tuned to see what Wendi has to offer...</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7d48e9840b.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="518" height="774" /></p>]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="346" height="205" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The team at Magic Yoga Mat are so very excited to be joined by Wendi
who is going to add her own flare to our little operation in the form
of some amazing pictures!!<br />
<br />
Wendi loves a sense of the ridiculous and loves all things whimsical.
She is always observing human nature and situations, and interpreting
them in her own style. She can't wait to see what Magic yoga Mat, and
his friends are up to next so we know she will fit in perfectly<br />
<br />
Wendi is an illustrator/ pastel artist who also works in Acrylic, and
has won prizes at various shows including peoples choice at Strathdon
09. Wendi has exhibited her work in joint exhibitions in Melbourne.
Shes a member of AGRA and also the pastel society of Victoria.<br />
<br />
Stay Tuned to see what Wendi has to offer...</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7d48e9840b.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="518" height="774" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:36:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/10/</link>
			<guid>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/10/</guid>
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			<title>Bonnie's Pond ~  Teaches Stillness to Toddlers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday's class for the 2 and 3 year olds went off without a hitch,
thanks to all of you who came along to the Alphington Community Centre
to help us teach the Herald Sun just how kids do yoga, Magic Yoga Mat
style.<br />
<br />
And for those of you who missed out on sharing the yoga fun but still
want to know how to get your 2-3 year old to lie still for more than a
minute, I'm going to share with you our little secret...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>BONNIE'S POND</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
Invite your child to lie quietly on the floor and tell them to imagine
they were a pond and that if they lay very very still, a duck will come
and land on them. <br />
You will need at least one rubber duck (or as many as you can find) and
every time your child is still, place a duck on them... on their belly,
on their legs, on their arms. You'll be amazed at the results.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we had so many ducks that we could hardly find our kids!! But
they stayed still, in fact we had trouble convincing some of the
children that it was time to get up!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Stay Tuned for Photos!</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="278" height="173" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday's class for the 2 and 3 year olds went off without a hitch,
thanks to all of you who came along to the Alphington Community Centre
to help us teach the Herald Sun just how kids do yoga, Magic Yoga Mat
style.<br />
<br />
And for those of you who missed out on sharing the yoga fun but still
want to know how to get your 2-3 year old to lie still for more than a
minute, I'm going to share with you our little secret...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>BONNIE'S POND</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
Invite your child to lie quietly on the floor and tell them to imagine
they were a pond and that if they lay very very still, a duck will come
and land on them. <br />
You will need at least one rubber duck (or as many as you can find) and
every time your child is still, place a duck on them... on their belly,
on their legs, on their arms. You'll be amazed at the results.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we had so many ducks that we could hardly find our kids!! But
they stayed still, in fact we had trouble convincing some of the
children that it was time to get up!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Stay Tuned for Photos!</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:07:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<link>http://magicyogamat.com/blog/9/</link>
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		<item>
			<title>July Newsletter 2009</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>To have peace, give peace.  To be happy, make happy.  To feel loved, love<br />~Hugh Prather</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><strong>Calmer Kids</strong><br /> <br />We all know creative visualization, guided imagery and relaxation techniques are well known tools for relaxation for adults, but did you know the same techniques can work for your children too?  Not only that; children’s relaxations increase attention, improve focus, facilitate healing, lessen anxiety, and foster overall feelings of wellbeing.<br /><br />For kids, when they fall behind in school, or listen to their parents argue, or are simply trying to adjust to all of the myriad changes that are happening in the world… like a line of dominoes that fall one after another…  A regular relaxation practice helps Kids stop getting overwhelmed.<br /><br />“My 5 year old son listens to a relaxation cd every night before he goes to sleep”<br /><br />Magic Yoga Mat has created a relaxation CD and ebook to help you and the kids in your life get started with their very own relaxation practice.  And as many parents know, the simple act of colouring stimulates the relaxation response.  So start relaxing now with Magic Yoga Mat’s <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/kidscompetition.pdf">colouring competition</a> and win copies of our first eBook ~ A Magic Yoga Mat adventure or yoga class passes.<br /><br /><br /><strong>In other News:</strong>-<br /><br />•    Kids Yoga classes continue at Alphington Community Centre, Book in for Term 3 now!  Contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com for more details.  We are also taking expressions of interest for classes in the Blackburn and Prahran areas.  Contact Rachael at rachael@magicyogamat.com<br />•    Don’t forget to send us pictures of you doing your favourite pose to star in your very own Magic Yoga Mat eBook!<br /><br />•    <strong>Prevent childhood obesity by promoting activity!</strong><br /><em>June 16, 2009</em><br />“With childhood obesity rates on the rise, parents and educators are desperately seeking a solution to the problem. While it seems wise and necessary to teach kids about nutrition and calorie reduction, experts suggest a more comprehensive solution. Research shows that building self-esteem through physical fitness and activity seems to be much more effective than only preaching about carbs, fats and protein.<br />Being active and engaged allows children to develop confidence, social skills and an overall desire towards becoming a proactive participant in their own lives. Without the sense of achievement and mastery that comes with learning something new, children can easily regress and find emotional comfort from food….<br />Require your children to have 2 interests. That’s right, require or insist upon this! Give them plenty of options but strongly encourage them to select 2 activities that they are committed to. I suggest one being for the body (i.e. gymnastics, soccer, dance, softball, etc.) and one for the mind (i.e. story time, arts and crafts, music, etc.) This way they can develop and explore both their physical and emotional interests. <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles" target="_blank">Read More</a><br /><br /><strong><br />Your Questions:-</strong> <br /><br /><em>How do you teach children to ground down their feet? </em><br /><br />Ever tried to teach a child to stand properly? Tried to get them to stay still long enough to feel the ground underneath their feet, to connect with the earth? Want to give them confidence to stand steady, strong and sure… but find that telling them to imagine themselves as strong as mountains does not quite get the message through?  Try this…<br /><br />You will need: water soluble paint, a paint brush, a chair, some white paper, a bowl of water and a whole lot of newspaper.<br /><br />Ask your child to sit down on the chair and then paint the bottoms of their feet. Place the white paper down in front of them and get them to place their feet on the paper and stand in mountain pose. The newspaper is to put under the white paper and all over the floor so you don’t get paint everywhere! And the bowl of water is to wash their feet in afterwards.<br /><br />Usually what happens is the children want their footsteps to be as bold as possible so they jump onto the paper, push their feet in as hard as they can and stand still while the print forms.<br /><br />The biggest benefit of doing this exercise comes later, because from then on, whenever you want them to stand still and strong, grounding their feet, you can just tell them to imagine their feet are painted and there are pushing their feet into the white paper.<br /><br />If you have time you can play with cat pose by painting the hands, or tree pose by painting just one foot.<br /><br />If you have any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children e-mail Bonnie on bonnie@magicyogamat.com.au and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next newsletter.<br /><br /><em><strong><br />And a little treat for parents:</strong></em><br />Winter, a time for hot chocolate, open fires (or ducted heating), warm blankets, snuggling up with loved ones, and getting lost in the pages of a really delicious book.  It’s a wonderful time to reconnect, turn inwards and nourish the heart and the spirit.  But with the responsibilities of work and family and trying to have it all, our physical wellbeing falls by the wayside.  So tonight as you dash home from the office, the school run, the shops or wherever you may have been today, your cheeks rosy from the biting wind take a few moments to nourish your skin with these yoga moves.... <a href="http://www.yogawellness.com.au/Articles.html" target="_blank">Read more </a><br />And for an extra treat, combine these with <a href="http://www.skinsaviour.com.au" target="_blank">Skinsaviour’s</a> natural skin care range to enjoy simply radiant skin throughout Winter.  Skinsaviours divine, all natural Skin Cream, which contains natural plant extracts that soothe and protect the skin along with active ingredients that support cellular function; support the skin to always look its best, no matter what conditions winter may throw at you!<br /><br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br />www.MagicYogaMat.com<br /><br /><br /><br />We look forward to Flying with You Again</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="341" height="202" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>To have peace, give peace.  To be happy, make happy.  To feel loved, love<br />~Hugh Prather</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><strong>Calmer Kids</strong><br /> <br />We all know creative visualization, guided imagery and relaxation techniques are well known tools for relaxation for adults, but did you know the same techniques can work for your children too?  Not only that; children’s relaxations increase attention, improve focus, facilitate healing, lessen anxiety, and foster overall feelings of wellbeing.<br /><br />For kids, when they fall behind in school, or listen to their parents argue, or are simply trying to adjust to all of the myriad changes that are happening in the world… like a line of dominoes that fall one after another…  A regular relaxation practice helps Kids stop getting overwhelmed.<br /><br />“My 5 year old son listens to a relaxation cd every night before he goes to sleep”<br /><br />Magic Yoga Mat has created a relaxation CD and ebook to help you and the kids in your life get started with their very own relaxation practice.  And as many parents know, the simple act of colouring stimulates the relaxation response.  So start relaxing now with Magic Yoga Mat’s <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/kidscompetition.pdf">colouring competition</a> and win copies of our first eBook ~ A Magic Yoga Mat adventure or yoga class passes.<br /><br /><br /><strong>In other News:</strong>-<br /><br />•    Kids Yoga classes continue at Alphington Community Centre, Book in for Term 3 now!  Contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com for more details.  We are also taking expressions of interest for classes in the Blackburn and Prahran areas.  Contact Rachael at rachael@magicyogamat.com<br />•    Don’t forget to send us pictures of you doing your favourite pose to star in your very own Magic Yoga Mat eBook!<br /><br />•    <strong>Prevent childhood obesity by promoting activity!</strong><br /><em>June 16, 2009</em><br />“With childhood obesity rates on the rise, parents and educators are desperately seeking a solution to the problem. While it seems wise and necessary to teach kids about nutrition and calorie reduction, experts suggest a more comprehensive solution. Research shows that building self-esteem through physical fitness and activity seems to be much more effective than only preaching about carbs, fats and protein.<br />Being active and engaged allows children to develop confidence, social skills and an overall desire towards becoming a proactive participant in their own lives. Without the sense of achievement and mastery that comes with learning something new, children can easily regress and find emotional comfort from food….<br />Require your children to have 2 interests. That’s right, require or insist upon this! Give them plenty of options but strongly encourage them to select 2 activities that they are committed to. I suggest one being for the body (i.e. gymnastics, soccer, dance, softball, etc.) and one for the mind (i.e. story time, arts and crafts, music, etc.) This way they can develop and explore both their physical and emotional interests. <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles" target="_blank">Read More</a><br /><br /><strong><br />Your Questions:-</strong> <br /><br /><em>How do you teach children to ground down their feet? </em><br /><br />Ever tried to teach a child to stand properly? Tried to get them to stay still long enough to feel the ground underneath their feet, to connect with the earth? Want to give them confidence to stand steady, strong and sure… but find that telling them to imagine themselves as strong as mountains does not quite get the message through?  Try this…<br /><br />You will need: water soluble paint, a paint brush, a chair, some white paper, a bowl of water and a whole lot of newspaper.<br /><br />Ask your child to sit down on the chair and then paint the bottoms of their feet. Place the white paper down in front of them and get them to place their feet on the paper and stand in mountain pose. The newspaper is to put under the white paper and all over the floor so you don’t get paint everywhere! And the bowl of water is to wash their feet in afterwards.<br /><br />Usually what happens is the children want their footsteps to be as bold as possible so they jump onto the paper, push their feet in as hard as they can and stand still while the print forms.<br /><br />The biggest benefit of doing this exercise comes later, because from then on, whenever you want them to stand still and strong, grounding their feet, you can just tell them to imagine their feet are painted and there are pushing their feet into the white paper.<br /><br />If you have time you can play with cat pose by painting the hands, or tree pose by painting just one foot.<br /><br />If you have any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children e-mail Bonnie on bonnie@magicyogamat.com.au and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next newsletter.<br /><br /><em><strong><br />And a little treat for parents:</strong></em><br />Winter, a time for hot chocolate, open fires (or ducted heating), warm blankets, snuggling up with loved ones, and getting lost in the pages of a really delicious book.  It’s a wonderful time to reconnect, turn inwards and nourish the heart and the spirit.  But with the responsibilities of work and family and trying to have it all, our physical wellbeing falls by the wayside.  So tonight as you dash home from the office, the school run, the shops or wherever you may have been today, your cheeks rosy from the biting wind take a few moments to nourish your skin with these yoga moves.... <a href="http://www.yogawellness.com.au/Articles.html" target="_blank">Read more </a><br />And for an extra treat, combine these with <a href="http://www.skinsaviour.com.au" target="_blank">Skinsaviour’s</a> natural skin care range to enjoy simply radiant skin throughout Winter.  Skinsaviours divine, all natural Skin Cream, which contains natural plant extracts that soothe and protect the skin along with active ingredients that support cellular function; support the skin to always look its best, no matter what conditions winter may throw at you!<br /><br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br />www.MagicYogaMat.com<br /><br /><br /><br />We look forward to Flying with You Again</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:42:04 +1000</pubDate>
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			<title>June Newsletter 2009</title>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="286" height="185" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Kids YogaTeacher:                 "Ssh, we're meant to be relaxing.."<br />4 year old student:                                "but I don’t want to..."</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /><br /><strong>Star in your very own Magic Yoga Mat eBook!</strong><br /><br />In celebration of Magic Yoga Mat’s latest book “I went to Yoga and I did…”, we invite you to encourage your children and students to send us in either a photo (with parental permission of course!) or a hand drawn picture of you doing your favorite pose and we’ll create a whole new version of the book and send it out to you.<br /><br />Either email your photos or pictures to rachael@magicyogamat.com or send them in the mail to PO Box 1, Flinders Lane  Melbourne, 8009.<br /><br />I went to yoga and I did… is a yoga spin on an old favorite.  Get together a group of children, the first child says:  “I went to yoga and I did … pose” (eg cat pose)<br />The second child then says: “I went to yoga and I did cat pose, and… pose (adding their own choice in pose eg tree pose)<br />And so on around the circle.  Each child has to try to remember the poses already said and then come up with their own.<br />For an extra funny twist, invite the kids to do all the poses as they same them and laugh along with them when they try to do 15 poses in a row!<br />Not only is this a fun game to play with children, but also it keeps <br />them moving and helps to improve their memory and listening skills.<br /><br /><br />In other News:-<br /><br />•    <strong>Kids Yoga classes</strong> continue at Alphington Community Centre, contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com for more details<br /><strong><br />•    Yoga For the Kids </strong></p>
<p><em>16th May 2009<br />By Janna Farley<br />ArgusLeader.com</em><br /><br />“With their bodies tall and arms stretched high, Val Ahrendt's yoga students concentrate on breathing deeply while positioning their young bodies in the tree pose… "The classes consist of activities that stimulate the mind and the body at the same time," she says.<br />Ahrendt connects with her students through creative expression, games and stories. Breathing exercises are punctuated by the loud "choo, choo, choo" of a train. She has the kids pretend to be seeds before they stand up, stretch tall and become trees.<br />The yoga activities help increase kids' strength and coordination while boosting their body awareness.  "It's about building a positive relationship with exercise and activity," Ahrendt says. <br />University of Michigan pediatrician Dolores Mendelow says yoga, if done properly, is a suitable alternative to tumbling and team sports for getting stressed-out, sedentary children socializing, exercising and building discipline.<br /><a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles">Read more:  </a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />Your Questions:- </span><br /><strong><br />How do you get children to concentrate and stay in poses? </strong><br /><br />Children do not hold poses for as long as adults do they move in and out of poses quite fast and if you have ever watched or taught a children’s yoga class you will notice that one second they are a cat and the next they are a dog. But if your children are doing a yoga pose and coming out of it before you can even tell what the yoga pose was supposed to be maybe some of the following suggestions will help you to get your children to say a tad longer in poses. Just don’t forget that asking them to hold poses as long as adults is asking too much of your children.<br /><br />1. Giving them something to do in a pose - If the pose is an animal pose you can add animal noises to the pose, children will hold poses a little longer if they have something to do while in the pose like meowing like a cat in cat pose<br />2. Taking some long slow deep breaths in a pose – Name the number of breaths or counts that you are going to hold the pose for before you do the pose  and count as you hold the pose together children work well when they know exactly what you expect of them.<br />3. Beating your personal best (this is better for older children) one week you might aim to hold a pose for 5 seconds the next week you might aim for 10 and the next week 15 giving the children something work towards gives them reason to stay in a pose<br />4. Getting out the camera – Get the child to hold the pose while you take a picture (this one works really well especially if you explain to the child that they need to stay really still for the photo to come out) <br />If you are teaching a yoga class make sure you get the parents permission before you take photos of their child<br />5. To encourage your child to stay in relaxations for longer try placing your hands on their shoulders or on their belly to encourage belly breathing.  Not only will this give them something to focus on but it also has an immediate calming and nurturing effect.<br /><br />If you want to ask any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children you can e-mail Bonnie on:  bonnie@magicyogamat.com and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next issue of this newsletter.<br /><br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br />www.MagicYogaMat.com</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="286" height="185" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Kids YogaTeacher:                 "Ssh, we're meant to be relaxing.."<br />4 year old student:                                "but I don’t want to..."</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /><br /><strong>Star in your very own Magic Yoga Mat eBook!</strong><br /><br />In celebration of Magic Yoga Mat’s latest book “I went to Yoga and I did…”, we invite you to encourage your children and students to send us in either a photo (with parental permission of course!) or a hand drawn picture of you doing your favorite pose and we’ll create a whole new version of the book and send it out to you.<br /><br />Either email your photos or pictures to rachael@magicyogamat.com or send them in the mail to PO Box 1, Flinders Lane  Melbourne, 8009.<br /><br />I went to yoga and I did… is a yoga spin on an old favorite.  Get together a group of children, the first child says:  “I went to yoga and I did … pose” (eg cat pose)<br />The second child then says: “I went to yoga and I did cat pose, and… pose (adding their own choice in pose eg tree pose)<br />And so on around the circle.  Each child has to try to remember the poses already said and then come up with their own.<br />For an extra funny twist, invite the kids to do all the poses as they same them and laugh along with them when they try to do 15 poses in a row!<br />Not only is this a fun game to play with children, but also it keeps <br />them moving and helps to improve their memory and listening skills.<br /><br /><br />In other News:-<br /><br />•    <strong>Kids Yoga classes</strong> continue at Alphington Community Centre, contact Bonnie at bonnie@magicyogamat.com for more details<br /><strong><br />•    Yoga For the Kids </strong></p>
<p><em>16th May 2009<br />By Janna Farley<br />ArgusLeader.com</em><br /><br />“With their bodies tall and arms stretched high, Val Ahrendt's yoga students concentrate on breathing deeply while positioning their young bodies in the tree pose… "The classes consist of activities that stimulate the mind and the body at the same time," she says.<br />Ahrendt connects with her students through creative expression, games and stories. Breathing exercises are punctuated by the loud "choo, choo, choo" of a train. She has the kids pretend to be seeds before they stand up, stretch tall and become trees.<br />The yoga activities help increase kids' strength and coordination while boosting their body awareness.  "It's about building a positive relationship with exercise and activity," Ahrendt says. <br />University of Michigan pediatrician Dolores Mendelow says yoga, if done properly, is a suitable alternative to tumbling and team sports for getting stressed-out, sedentary children socializing, exercising and building discipline.<br /><a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles">Read more:  </a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />Your Questions:- </span><br /><strong><br />How do you get children to concentrate and stay in poses? </strong><br /><br />Children do not hold poses for as long as adults do they move in and out of poses quite fast and if you have ever watched or taught a children’s yoga class you will notice that one second they are a cat and the next they are a dog. But if your children are doing a yoga pose and coming out of it before you can even tell what the yoga pose was supposed to be maybe some of the following suggestions will help you to get your children to say a tad longer in poses. Just don’t forget that asking them to hold poses as long as adults is asking too much of your children.<br /><br />1. Giving them something to do in a pose - If the pose is an animal pose you can add animal noises to the pose, children will hold poses a little longer if they have something to do while in the pose like meowing like a cat in cat pose<br />2. Taking some long slow deep breaths in a pose – Name the number of breaths or counts that you are going to hold the pose for before you do the pose  and count as you hold the pose together children work well when they know exactly what you expect of them.<br />3. Beating your personal best (this is better for older children) one week you might aim to hold a pose for 5 seconds the next week you might aim for 10 and the next week 15 giving the children something work towards gives them reason to stay in a pose<br />4. Getting out the camera – Get the child to hold the pose while you take a picture (this one works really well especially if you explain to the child that they need to stay really still for the photo to come out) <br />If you are teaching a yoga class make sure you get the parents permission before you take photos of their child<br />5. To encourage your child to stay in relaxations for longer try placing your hands on their shoulders or on their belly to encourage belly breathing.  Not only will this give them something to focus on but it also has an immediate calming and nurturing effect.<br /><br />If you want to ask any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children you can e-mail Bonnie on:  bonnie@magicyogamat.com and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next issue of this newsletter.<br /><br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br />www.MagicYogaMat.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:36:47 +1000</pubDate>
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			<title>May Newsletter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="308" height="183" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>…focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.<br />                                 ~Greg Anderson</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Magic Yoga Mat’s First Book! </strong></span><br /><br />Like new parents, a little trepidatious and yet bursting with insurmountable pride, Bonnie and I have spent the last months imagining, playing, writing and illustrating a series of Children’s Yoga Stories inspired by the born yogi’s that come along to our classes each week.   <br /><br />In celebration of this, Magic Yoga Mat's first ever book launch, (our shameless plug) available now from our <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/product/the-adventures-of-magic-yoga-mat" target="_blank">web site</a>, we are running a colouring competition. <br />Attached to this e-mail is a picture of Joy and her friends for your children and students to colour in and send back to us. The winning pictures for each age group will go up on our web site (so the children can see their work up online!) and we have lots of Giveaways, including copies of the Book, Gift Certificates for children's yoga classes and  Yoga Mats.<br /><br />Be sure to fill in your child's age, your contact address and e-mail so that we can let you know if you're a winner!  You can enter as many times as you like, in fact the more entries the better!<br /><br /><br />In other Kid’s Yoga news…<br /><br />•    Magic mat is looking for Children's Yoga Teachers who would be interested in teaching classes in after school programmes. If this is something you might be interested in please contact us <br />•    “A preliminary study of pediatric health benefits of yoga, published in 2008, finds motor skills and concentration improvements, on top of better posture and breathing.”  <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles" target="_blank">To Read More</a><br />•    “On a physiological level, studies have shown that the practice of yoga lowers blood levels of the stress-inducing hormone, cortisol, while concurrently developing overall physical strength, balance and flexibility.  In a classroom setting, overriding stress responses clears the slate for improved mental focus and learning”  <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles">To read more</a><br /><br /><br />Your Questions:- <br /><em><br />How is children’s yoga different to adult’s yoga? </em><br /><br />All the poses in children’s yoga are based on poses from adult’s yoga. However the way the class is usually put together is different.  Children’s yoga classes are more playful, with games, stories and activities designed to access children’s innate creativity and imagination. <br />Classes tend to be fast paced, moving from one activity to another and poses are not so much “held” as explored.<br /> ie.how many different ways can you do down ward facing dog pose?? <br />With a bark, with a wag of the tail, moving from one side of the room to the other or on one leg (the children and I like to call this dog peeing on a tree!)<br /><br />Children’s yoga classes are loud, they are full of animal noises and there is always lots of laughter.   We make up our own poses for different dinosaurs and Australian bush animals, we dance to music, grow from seeds to trees, we sing songs and chant om’s. Relaxation practices involve trips into space and to fairy gardens and sometimes even bathtubs full of jelly beans!  But there is always room for quiet spaces.<br /><br />In Children’s yoga we stretch, we concentrate, we build strength and we build co ordination.  In fact children’s yoga classes have everything thing that adults classes have in them but with a little sprinkling of fun.<br /><br />If you want to ask any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children you can e-mail Bonnie on: bonnie@magicyogamat.com and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next issue of this newsletter.<br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We look forward to flying with you again</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/be9750fd31.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting" width="308" height="183" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>…focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.<br />                                 ~Greg Anderson</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Magic Yoga Mat’s First Book! </strong></span><br /><br />Like new parents, a little trepidatious and yet bursting with insurmountable pride, Bonnie and I have spent the last months imagining, playing, writing and illustrating a series of Children’s Yoga Stories inspired by the born yogi’s that come along to our classes each week.   <br /><br />In celebration of this, Magic Yoga Mat's first ever book launch, (our shameless plug) available now from our <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/product/the-adventures-of-magic-yoga-mat" target="_blank">web site</a>, we are running a colouring competition. <br />Attached to this e-mail is a picture of Joy and her friends for your children and students to colour in and send back to us. The winning pictures for each age group will go up on our web site (so the children can see their work up online!) and we have lots of Giveaways, including copies of the Book, Gift Certificates for children's yoga classes and  Yoga Mats.<br /><br />Be sure to fill in your child's age, your contact address and e-mail so that we can let you know if you're a winner!  You can enter as many times as you like, in fact the more entries the better!<br /><br /><br />In other Kid’s Yoga news…<br /><br />•    Magic mat is looking for Children's Yoga Teachers who would be interested in teaching classes in after school programmes. If this is something you might be interested in please contact us <br />•    “A preliminary study of pediatric health benefits of yoga, published in 2008, finds motor skills and concentration improvements, on top of better posture and breathing.”  <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles" target="_blank">To Read More</a><br />•    “On a physiological level, studies have shown that the practice of yoga lowers blood levels of the stress-inducing hormone, cortisol, while concurrently developing overall physical strength, balance and flexibility.  In a classroom setting, overriding stress responses clears the slate for improved mental focus and learning”  <a href="http://www.magicyogamat.com/auxpage_articles">To read more</a><br /><br /><br />Your Questions:- <br /><em><br />How is children’s yoga different to adult’s yoga? </em><br /><br />All the poses in children’s yoga are based on poses from adult’s yoga. However the way the class is usually put together is different.  Children’s yoga classes are more playful, with games, stories and activities designed to access children’s innate creativity and imagination. <br />Classes tend to be fast paced, moving from one activity to another and poses are not so much “held” as explored.<br /> ie.how many different ways can you do down ward facing dog pose?? <br />With a bark, with a wag of the tail, moving from one side of the room to the other or on one leg (the children and I like to call this dog peeing on a tree!)<br /><br />Children’s yoga classes are loud, they are full of animal noises and there is always lots of laughter.   We make up our own poses for different dinosaurs and Australian bush animals, we dance to music, grow from seeds to trees, we sing songs and chant om’s. Relaxation practices involve trips into space and to fairy gardens and sometimes even bathtubs full of jelly beans!  But there is always room for quiet spaces.<br /><br />In Children’s yoga we stretch, we concentrate, we build strength and we build co ordination.  In fact children’s yoga classes have everything thing that adults classes have in them but with a little sprinkling of fun.<br /><br />If you want to ask any questions about doing yoga with your child or your class of children you can e-mail Bonnie on: bonnie@magicyogamat.com and she will ether e-mail you back or answer your question in the next issue of this newsletter.<br /><br />For more information, or to check out our latest news, books, resources or class times visit us at</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>www.MagicYogaMat.com</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We look forward to flying with you again</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:29:12 +1000</pubDate>
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