Dutch
Search
Yoga News
Yoga News - May 2010
Display Mode:
Feed
Monday, 31 May 2010The Thai Yoga Massage Volunteer Vacation will be held from December 11 – 16, in Punta de Mita one of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations along the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. Guests will spend five days in paradise, taking morning Thai Yoga Massage classes, volunteering in customized activities and exploring the region. Added highlights may include whale watching, surfin g, snorkeling, learning Spanish, and enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.
“This hands-on experience has been life-changing for our guests and those they meet through volunteer experiences. There is a beautiful balance between the volunteer experience and the time to reflect and relax here in Mexico,” says Katherine Fisher, founder, Destination:PEACE.
Volunteer time will be spent with PEACE Mexico, a local non-profit organization providing holistic education combined with community action programs that enable people to improve their quality of life, as well as, their financial stability. English classes, community gardening, after-school programs, recycling initiatives, and a free mobile spay/neuter clinic are among the various projects.
“Volunteers contribute to the overall love, community and hope shared by the people and animals connected with PEACE Mexico. Come join us and get your hands dirty,” says, Molly Fisher, executive director, PEACE Mexico.
Destination:PEACE welcomes Hillary Hilliard, Founder and Owner of Textured Motion out of Denver, CO as lead instructor for the event. Hillary is one of the first practitioners in Colorado to practice and promote the amazing, healing arts of Thai Massage and Thai Herbal Compresses. With extensive training in Chiang Mai, Thailand, she draws from the northern, central and southern styles. The Thai massage hours during the vacation can count as credits through both NCBTMB and THAI as well as Yoga Alliance.
Source: http://www.pr.com
Wednesday, 26 May 2010Over 20,000 people meditated for peace in the Naxal-hit Durg district, Chattisgarh on May 13. The rare sight of thousands meditating initiated a new wave of harmony in this region. This region is fraught by violence and conflict caused by the ongoing deadlock between the government and Naxals, a group of militant insurgents. Yet there was no sign of violence or fear as residents held a candle-lig ht vigil and reiterated their commitment to peace.
This May 13 event was held to honor Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as part of his 54th birthday celebrations. Sri Sri, founder of the Art of Living, has been instrumental in transforming the lives of each of those gathered for the meditation. Thousands in the state of Chattisgarh have discovered inner peace and a new direction in life through Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP).
“The YLTP is extraordinary and awakens leadership qualities and self-confidence in everybody,” said Lata Usendi, Minister for Women and Child Empowerment, Chattisgarh, who was also the chief guest at the event. “It is because of the YLTP program that I blossomed, starting out as a yuvacharya and then becoming a state minister.” Ms.Usendi is an example of empowerment and transformation through yoga, meditation and stress-elimination breathing techniques. These ancient techniques and a non-violent and peaceful philosophy are slowly changing the landscape of Chattisgarh, one of the Indian states worst-hit by Naxal violence.
Despite ongoing bursts of violence, YLTP graduates have been conducting trauma relief workshops and engaging in service initiatives in the region since 2002.
With the aim of integrating Naxalites into mainstream society and channeling their energy in a positive direction, special courses have been offered for Naxalites. Sri Sri often says: “The Naxal youths are good and committed people, just disillusioned by the corruption, apathy from those in power. They are not to be treated as outcastes, rather they need some love and tender care.” After undergoing these courses, many Naxalites have left violence and are working for their communities using non-violent, democratic means.
The Art of Living also reaches out to those affected by the Naxal violence. Residents have been able to release the trauma of witnessing and experiencing violence.
21-year-old Seema of Abhujmad saw her brother being abducted by the Naxalites and released only after days of harassment. She underwent the trauma-relief workshop and began practicing breathing exercises and meditation. She shares, “I feel as if all the pain and stress in my body and mind has been washed away.”
Sudruram Netam, a native of Niram Abhujmad, was a worker in the Sangham Dal – a committee that organizes meetings and arranges the food supply for the Naxal movement. “I was under constant stress and fear when I was working with those people. Now I am free and after doing the Pranayams, the meditation, the chanting and satsang, I feel relaxed,” he conveys.
After trauma relief workshops, YLTPs are held to help rural youth develop leadership qualities and empower their communities. The YLTP is an intensive workshop that empowers rural youth through education in yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, community organizing and leadership skills. Strengthening participants from within, it enables them to take responsibility in their communities. Through uplifting rural youth, the program aims to drive sustainable development.
“I used to polish shoes on the roadside. After doing the YLTP, I learnt how to be a leader,” shares Ravi Meher. “I started practicing meditation and felt a huge change in me. I felt I must do something for society. I completed my graduation and also studied law. Recently, I was elected the Mayor of Sakriya Nagar, Bilaspur, the very same town where I used to earn my living through shoe-polishing.”
Source: http://www.prlor.org
Tuesday, 25 May 2010The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Austin, TX, one of the first whole-food and plant-based cooking schools in the United States, announces four scholarships for the August 2010 session of its professional chef training program. One full scholarship will be awarded to a recent high school graduate. Three additional merit-based scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarde d to professionals in the following categories: yoga teachers and studio owners; health care professionals including nurses, therapists, nutritionists, dieticians, diabetes educators, and other professionals in the healthcare field; and individuals specializing in the field of macrobiotics. To qualify, applicants must meet the program’s application requirements and demonstrate an intention to employ the culinary training they receive through the Natural Epicurean in a significant way. For more information, email info@naturalepicurean.com or call (512) 476-2276.
The next session for the professional culinary arts program, which is a 900-hour course of study that trains students to become chefs with careers in natural foods cooking, begins on August 23, 2010. Classes meet Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. for three, six-week grading periods. Students have an additional six months to complete assistant hours, externship, cooking demonstration, and other assignments.
The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts is a professional culinary arts training school devoted to conscious cooking and a health-supportive, plant-based diet. The program embraces a holistic view of health, which includes the physical, energetic, mental, emotional, societal and environmental and promotes that diet, when consciously and masterfully designed, can support health on all these levels. The Natural Epicurean trains professional chefs in the theory and practice of meal planning and preparation in a wide variety of styles: Macrobiotic, Ayurvedic, classical vegetarian, vegan, and raw foods. At the same time, the program trains students to develop their intuition and self-awareness so that they may transcend these categories and make sound dietary decisions for themselves and their clients. For more information about The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, visit www.naturalepicurean.com or call (512) 476-2276.
Source: http://www.pr.com
Monday, 24 May 2010Why San Miguel de Allende? Here are just a few reasons: picturesque cobblestone roads, colonial architecture, perfect weather, vibrant community of artists, musicians and writers and a delightful mix of Mexican folk traditions, fiestas and religious celebrations. A few other reasons: How about Sagrada Wellness Center and Casita Linda?
Destination:PEACE was born out of an idea to create unique, meaningful volunteer experiences all while luxuriating in a beautiful setting. San Miguel not only offers the beautiful setting but also the means to create a unique volunteer experience. Guests will be staying at Sagrada Wellness Center and working hand and hand with the organization Casita Linda.
Sagrada Wellness Center is perched in the antiplano hills that overlook the 16th-century Mexican Colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. Sagrada feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Guests will stay in charming adobe cabanas, rejuvenate with daily yoga classes and enjoy nourishing gourmet meals in the Mexican antique adorned lodge. “Sagrada” which means sacred, is a true reflection of the beauty, historic landmarks, healing energy and eco-design that grace the 15-acre sanctuary. And it doesn’t end here.
Casita Linda, which means “pretty little house” is a Mexican non-profit organization founded in 2001. Casita Linda volunteers build adobe brick homes for families who are among the poorest of the poor in San Miguel and surrounding areas. Destination:PEACE Guests will be helping to build a house with Casita Linda, prepare to get your hands dirty, literally. Guests of this vacation will spend 2-4 hours per day pitching in. “We are honored to be working hand in hand with Casita Linda and other community volunteers,” says Katherine Fisher, Founder of Destination:PEACE. Casita Linda’s volunteers, contributors and families share a broader purpose: to alter the destiny of poverty. “This experience will be a once in a lifetime event and I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” says Katherine.
This special volunteer vacation is scheduled for February 19-26, 2011 so there is plenty of time to book your trip. It’s not all work either. Combined with volunteerism, guests will enjoy the relaxing practice of yoga, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, explore the region and experience another culture. “We believe there is a beautiful balance between the volunteer experience and the time to reflect and relax here in Mexico,” says Katherine.
The vacations range in cost from $999 to $1999. For this specific vacation the costs are $1899 / single and $1699 / double. They also offer customized vacations with the newly launched “Pick Your Own Dates,” program.
For more information on Destination:PEACE Volunteer Vacations visit www.DestinationPeaceMexico.com.
Source: http://www.pr.com
Friday, 21 May 2010ZiZ Asia Co Ltd, a fast emerging Bangkok-based travel agent and adventure company, announced today the launch of ZiZInpsire.com a travel site which the company describes as being a “lifestyle enhancement” resource for both leisure and business travel clientele who are planning trips east of India. The website offers Trips and Experiences including adventure travel, recreational activities, retrea ts & family fun in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia & Cambodia (Indochina) ranging from a few hours to several weeks in duration.
“Despite the current political unrest in Thailand, we remain extremely excited about the launch of ZiZ Inspire” said Adrian Gwyn-Evans, founder and director of ZiZ Asia and Thailand resident of ten years. “The ZiZ Asia team is mining for exciting and stimulating recreational activities, challenges, things to learn, inspiring trips and opportunities for family fun in various Asia travel destinations that we have earmarked for imminent launch.”
ZiZ Asia’s directional plan and strategy for ZiZInspire.com is not without foundation. Research into consumers’ travel intentions compiled by TUI Travel in the first quarter of 2010 showed that 190% of consumers are more likely to take an adventure holiday, 145% are interested in special interest holidays while 303% will be seeking environmentally friendly holidays over the next three years. With the launch of ZiZ Inspire, ZiZ Asia is providing a platform for exotic travel and customized, ultimate experiences in Asia travel destinations.
Designed with navigational ease in mind, ZiZInspire.com features 4 main user groups including Corporate, Specialist, “Retreatist” and Family. Beneath these user groups are subcategories such as extreme sports, learn to, spa retreats, yoga retreats, family adventures and more. These are doorways through which travellers can pass to discover recreational activities, challenges, adventures and experiences throughout a rapidly expanding diversity of Asia travel destinations.
Users can also navigate ZiZInspire.com by country and travel destinations within that country, by user group and also by “Experiences” (http://www.zizinspire.com/categories/experiences) which provides an alpha listing of recreational activities and experiences. Furthermore, the site features an event calendar with sporting events, spectator and participatory, adventure racing, festivals and lifestyle events. The company welcomes submissions from event organizers and will publish and promote upcoming relevant Asia events free of charge.
Trip plans and experiences featured on ZiZ Asia are generally private itineraries and excursions meaning that the arrangements are made for you and your friends and family only as opposed to group travel. ZiZInspire.com already features a growing list of extreme sports in Asia including a Professional Formula Car Driving Course, Performance Bike Track Days and Skydiving in Thailand. There is also an expanding list of more gentle recreational pursuits and retreats for privacy, wellness, romance or all three.
All experiences, trip plans and itineraries on ZiZInspire.com can be fully customized according to the clients’ requirements and preferences. The company offers a complete travel agency service that neatly packages transfers, hotels, retreats and recreational activities to produce a seamless travel experience for their clients from start to finish.
Source: http://www.pr.com
For the latest news, tips, trivias and special offers, sign up to the ABC of Yoga newsletter.
advertisementadvertising info
advertisementadvertising info
Latest Yoga News
For a complete list of all discount coupons with our merchants, subscribe to our Discount RSS Feed: 
Search for an item:
MySpace
Squidoo
Facebook
Twitter
© 2003-2012 ABC of Yoga, part of MaxLifestyle International Inc. All rights reserved.
