bellaroseyoga

Yoga Aid 2011

2011-10-27T11:32:00.004+11:00

Dear All,

Yoga Aid is here! This is the 4th year we have been involved in this International event.

The Yoga Aid Challenge is to complete a 2 hour Yoga practice whilst also supporting great causes.

We will be sun saluting early in the morning on Saturday the 12th November! Come and join in if you can.
Don’t forget to register with the Umina Beach team and start your own fund raising page.

Here is the link -

http://yogaaid.com/australia/venue?lid=892678a5-550e-49a6-ada4-b85a2bfba1b9

If you can’t come perhaps you could support us by making a donation. Every dollar counts so donate a dollar if that is all you can afford at this time. I know everyone starts to feel the pinch at this time of year with Santa on his way

I am raising money for The Nelune foundation.
The mission of the NELUNE Foundation is to help ease the burden of cancer patients who may not have the support or financial resources that are needed to cope with this life threatening illness.
Please support me by making a donation to this great cause and help me to make a difference with this Challenge.

This is the link to my fund raising page..

http://yogaaid.com/helenmacnair

Thank you !

Kids Yoga

2011-10-04T13:42:00.001+11:00

New classes starting 24th October at the Umina Beach SLSC!
Kids Yoga Mondays 4 - 4.45pm $8

Through storytelling, puppetry and playing games, Kids Yoga stimulates the imagination, develops motor skills, and improves balance and concentration. A Kids Yoga class gives children an opportunity to express themselves in a non competitive environment. Yoga counterbalances the negative effects of modern lifestyles such as loss of flexibility or creativity, and helps children learn to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, gaining skills to carry with them into adulthood.

Beginners Astanga Yoga

2011-10-04T13:24:00.001+11:00

An eight week course that examines the fundamental elements of astanga yoga. Learn how to use the breath and abdominal strength to flow through your practise. We will study the two types of sun salutes and selected asana from the primary series to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and improve concentration. An ideal introduction to this energetic style of yoga.

Tuesday's 9.30 - 11am

Beginners Astanga Yoga

Special Offer $80 for 8 week term!

Mini Yoga

2011-10-04T13:14:00.004+11:00

Through storytelling, puppetry, songs and rhymes these classes provide an opportunity for parents to exercise and have fun with their children, promoting strength, flexibility and balance. These classes are deeply nurturing and relaxing for both participants, as well as being a lot of fun.

Tuesday 's 11.15 - 12.15pm

For mobile babies to preschool

Special Offer $80 for 8 week term!

New classes at the Umina Beach SLSC!

2011-09-20T13:09:00.002+10:00

Starting 24th October!

Kids Yoga Monday 4 - 4.45pm

Beginners Astanga Yoga

Tuesday 9.30 - 11 am

Little Kids and Parents Yoga

(Mobile babies to Preschool)

Tuesday 11.15 – 12.15 pm

Classes cost $80 for 8 week term - $15 casual - $8 Kids Yoga.

Come enjoy the beautiful view as well as the yoga!

Namaste xx

Spring cleaning with Astanga

2011-08-30T09:07:00.001+10:00

As the sap rises and the new green leaves begin to grow, we can feel nature’s energy change and we begin a new cycle of life. Spring is in the air. Hurray!! Gone are the short, cold days of the winter when we naturally feel like curling up and hibernating. It is warm and sunny and light. Time to blow away the cobwebs and shake off the dust. Time to spring clean ourselves and to flow with the rising energy levels.
Spring is the perfect time to explore your astanga practise. With the energetic sequences of movements it is an aerobic form of exercise that builds heat in the body and basically makes you feel hot and sweaty!! Your body eliminates toxins through sweat so the hotter and sweatier the better the cleansing!
The strong rhythmic breathing and abdominal locks or Bandas play a crucial role in generating this internal heat. Basically you lift the pelvic floor muscles and pull your tummy button in during your practise which engages the necessary abdominal and pelvic muscles to create core stability. On an energetic level, these locks help to keep the heat and energy in the body. Bring a towel, enjoy a spring clean and the feeling of lightness and vibrancy astanga yoga brings.

2011-08-30T09:05:00.000+10:00

No Pregnancy or Post natal classes this Friday 2nd September. Come to Sunday class instead! See you soon. Namaste

2011-07-19T14:18:00.002+10:00

The new term starts on Friday 22^nd July - this Friday!

The term will run for 9 weeks. (There will be no classes on Friday the 2^nd Sept.)

The ‘bumps to bubs’ café is on in the kitchen from 10.30 am.

You can pay for the term in advance at a special discount rate of

just $108 for 9 classes that’s only $12 per class.

Otherwise there is the ‘5 class pass’ for $75 ($15 per class) or drop in rate of $18 per class.

You can use your ‘5 class pass’ for the Sunday morning pregnancy yoga classes too.

For those of you who are due very soon and counting the days - we are all thinking of you and look forward to seeing you sooner than soon in the kitchen showing off your new baby!! J You can start yoga again whenever you feel ready.

Mums and bubba’s classes are very relaxed and informal. Baby come too and can join in while you stretch, tone and relax or can play with the other babies or snooze …they seem to enjoy watching us!

Mums can take time out to feed and change or cuddle restless babies. We focus on regaining abdominal and pelvic floor strength, restoring alignment, opening the chest and upper back and lots of breathing...all the while admiring the babies! As with the pregnancy classes the practise is tailored to suit your needs and we always finish with a long relaxation.

It’s lots of fun and great to catch up with some familiar faces.

We really look forward to seeing you soon.

Blessings from Helen and Aafke

School Holidays

2011-06-28T10:53:00.001+10:00

There are no pregnancy or baby yoga classes on Friday 8th and 15th July. School holidays! The new term begins on Friday July 22nd. xx

Tea cosy exhibition

2011-06-07T11:57:00.002+10:00

The CWA hall hosts a Tea cosy exhibition every year. As a result there are no classes on this weekend 11/12th June. There will also be no classes on Sunday 19th June. Instead I will run an astanga class on Saturday the 18th June at 8am.

Otherwise everything will continue as usual so see you soon!

namaste

Helen x

2011-05-31T12:12:00.003+10:00

you open up
and surrender and flow
and let the all powerful
tide
of breath, of love
carry you both
to the shore.
(Frederick Leboyer - obstetrician and author of ‘The Art of Breathing’)

"The very best way to cope with the hours of labour is to accept whatever the experience brings you and surrender to this involuntary process. The art of getting through labour is to relax and trust your body, to let go of your mind and let your instincts take over. With this attitude you can look forward to a journey full of unexpected events. Then with a little patience and perseverance you will soon be holding your newborn baby in your arms. Yoga is a wonderful preparation for this"
Janet Balaskas founder of the Active Birth Movement

2011-05-31T12:12:00.001+10:00

"Becoming a mother is a very personal adventure. Although doctors and midwives carefully monitor your health and baby's growth through pregnancy, yoga brings a calm strength and inner balance that enables you to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead. Whether you are an accomplished yogini, a gym addict, or new to excercise, you will find that yoga is a wonderful and valuable asset in pregnancy"
(Francoise Barbira Freedman founder of Birthlight and Medical Anthropologist at Cambridge University)

2011-05-31T12:11:00.001+10:00

"Every time a woman gives birth with the help of yoga, she unites all the resources of body, mind and soul in a total involvement with primary forces of life and consciousness that are both individual and universal"
(Swami Satyananda Saraswati - yoga master)

Sunday 8am Astanga Yoga

2011-05-18T13:57:00.002+10:00

Winter mornings seem to have arrived early!

Astanga gets the energy moving, keeps us strong, happy and well during the winter season. With the energetic sequences of movements astanga is an aerobic form of exercise that builds heat in the body.

The strong rhythmic breathing and abdominal locks or Bandas play a crucial role in generating this internal heat. Basically you lift the pelvic floor muscles and draw the naval towards the spine which engages the necessary abdominal and pelvic muscles to create core stability.On an energetic level, these locks help to keep the heat and energy in the body.Your body eliminates toxins through sweat -detoxing and cleansing. The practice creates a feeling of warmth, deep relaxation and lightness.

I arrive early at the CWA hall so I can practice and warm the hall up before you arrive. This Sunday we had two heaters on and we got hot! It’s a beautiful space to practice in and a great way to start your Sunday.

Bring a blanket for your relaxation. See you back on the mat soon.

Namaste

Helen x

Easter Holidays

2011-03-31T17:57:00.002+11:00

Easter Holidays are here!

There will be no classes on the 15th, 22nd and 24th April.

Friday morning classes will start again in the new term on the 29th April.

Namaste x

Birthlight in Australia.

2011-02-25T14:12:00.002+11:00

Friday 11th March there will be no pregnancy or post natal yoga. I will be in Sydney with Birthlight. I'm attending their first pregnancy yoga teacher course in Australia and beginning my journey in working as a Birthlight tutor. Really looking forward to it!

Here are the links in case you want to find out more -

http://www.yoganic.com.au/teachertraining-prenatal.cfm

http://birthlight.com/public/home/

Saying goodbye to the old and a hello to the new x

2011-02-11T14:11:00.004+11:00

Sadly I have to stop teaching astanga yoga on Wednesday evenings. We have too many family commitments and my hubby's work taking him off to Melbourne. It's just not all fitting in easily so something has to go....and unfortunately it's this class. Feel really sad about it but hey ho....

Sunday mornings will continue as usual.

On a more positive note I'd just like to mention some really great yoga classes I've been going to on Tuesday evenings at Pearl Beach with Benjamin....when I can escape the mad house and my taxiing services are not required! ;)

So if you are now at a loss for your mid week practise I can thoroughly recommend these classes.

have a look...http://www.pearlbeachyoga.com.au/

Maybe see you there.

Namaste xxxx

Team Ruby - raising money for Cystic Fibrosis

2011-02-11T14:08:00.001+11:00

WOW! What a great morning. We raised $433 !!! Thanks ever so much to everyone who came and donated money. It was fantastic to see you all and the bubbas seemed to enjoy the yoga too! Good luck with the rest of your fund raising Team Ruby- and the long walk!! Here's hoping this money will help find a cure or at least ways of improving the quality of life for people with CF. PS if you didn't make it today but would like to make a donation just follow the links.

GO TEAM RUBY!!!!!

Namaste xxxxx

http://www.facebook.com/teamruby

http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=18114

Holidays!

2010-11-29T14:46:00.003+11:00

Christmas time is upon us. It's the silly season ...lots of fun!

I'm having two weeks off from and including the 20th December to the 2nd of January.

Sunday the 19th December will be the last astanga class until Wed 5th Jan.

Sunday 19th Dec will also be the last pregnancy yoga class until Sunday 9th Jan.

Friday morning classes will start again at the beginning of the school term on Friday Feb 4th.

Have a wonderful festive season.

Namaste

Helen x

New Classes!

2010-10-08T16:36:00.002+11:00

To go with the new venue I have added some classes and changed times. These changes will take place from the 1st November.

A new Wednesday evening Astanga class at 7pm as well as the usual Sunday morning one. The Sunday morning class will move to the earlier time of 8am.

Pregnancy yoga will continue at the usual time on Friday mornings and there will be an additional class on Sunday mornings fom 9.45 to 11am. There will not be a Tuesday evening class.

Post Natal yoga will be on Friday mornings as usual.

Astanga Yoga Wednesday 7 - 8.30pm and Sunday 8 - 9.30am

Pregnancy Yoga Friday 9.30 - 10.45am and Sunday 9.45 -11am

Post Natal Yoga Friday 11 - 12.15am

See you soon!

New Venue!

2010-10-08T16:26:00.009+11:00

From 1^st November classes will be held at the CWA Hall, Woy Woy. (Corner of Brick Wharf Road and The Boulevarde, across the road from the Fisherman’s wharf.)

Term dates

2010-09-22T16:07:00.002+10:00

Holidays are here! Hurray....a break from the mad school morning rush! There will be no classes on Friday 1st and 8th October. Also there will be no pregnancy yoga on Tuesday the 5th October. Otherwise everything continues as usual!

The new pregnancy and post natal term starts on Friday 15th October and runs for 10 weeks.

Don't forget to book your place if you want to come to the post natal classes..

namaste

Helen x

Post Natal Yoga....book your place

2010-07-06T16:35:00.006+10:00

Post Natal yoga classes start on Friday 24^th July.

The classes will run every week for a 10 week term from 10.45 - midday. The cost will be $15 per session and I'll ask you to book and pay for the term in advance. You can start the classes after your 6 week check up, usually a bit later after a cesarean. Get in touch if you are not sure when you can start. It is okay to join the classes later in the term if necessary.

Post Natal yoga classes are very relaxed and informal.

Mums can take time out to feed and change or cuddle restless babies.

We focus on regaining abdominal and pelvic floor strength, restoring alignment, opening the chest and upper back which tend to suffer a bit with breast feeding and lots of breathing...all the while admiring the babies!

As with the pregnancy classes the practise is tailored to suit your needs and we always finish with a long relaxation.

It's lots of fun and great to catch up with some familiar faces.

New prices.

2010-07-06T16:12:00.003+10:00

From the beginning of next term, the 20th July, the class prices will increase.

All classes will be $18. The 5 class pass will cost $75, which is a reduced rate of $15 per class.

Post natal classes will be $15 and the term is paid for in advance as usual.

...and all worth every cent ;) x

Namaste x

Big baby? ...read on....

2010-06-23T20:11:00.002+10:00

An interesting article for those mammas- to- be who have heard their unborn baby is BIG...always a little alarming..whatever it means!? xxx

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth/pelvises-i-have-known-and-loved

Welcome Lauren !

2010-05-05T09:32:00.003+10:00

Lauren Horton is now teaching some of the Tuesday night pregnancy classes. Hubby's job is taking him away to Melbourne rather a lot and I'm struggling with babysitters etc. And then just when I was really wondering how I could make it all work Lauren came along! Such is the way of the world! I'm very grateful to have found someone who shares my passion for pregnancy yoga and working with women during this very special and important time. Here is Lauren's website if you'd like to read more http://www.singingbirdyoga.com/index.html

Namaste

Helen x

Kids Yoga Holiday Workshop

2010-03-23T16:23:00.006+11:00

kids YOGA

Friday 16^th April 2010

at the Peninsula Yoga Centre, Woy Woy.

Ages 5-7 10 – 10.45 am

ages 8-12 11.00 -11.45 am

Cost $10

Kids Yoga is creative, spontaneous, and great fun!

Through storytelling and playing games, Kids Yoga stimulates the imagination,develops motor skills, and improves balance and concentration.

To begin our yoga class, we warm up the body with a variety of different exercises like ‘butterflies’ and ‘riding camels’.

Playing favourite games like ‘grandmas trees’, ‘crocodiles’ and ‘bowling’ incorporate different postures in a fun and captivating way.

The practise ends with our ‘sleepy snake’ and chanting calming Oms.

A Yoga class gives children an opportunity to express themselves in a non competitive environment.

Yoga counterbalances the negative effects of modern lifestyles such as loss of flexibility or creativity, and helps children learn to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, gaining skills to carry with them into adulthood.

Let me know if you want to come. x

Easter Holidays

2010-03-23T13:51:00.004+11:00

The Easter holidays start next week...yay!

Tuesday night pregnancy yoga and the astanga classes continue through the school holidays although there will be no astanga on Easter Sunday 'cause we will be a bit busy!

Friday morning pregnancy and post natal classes will start again after the holidays on the 23rd April. All my pregnancy classes are drop in but I do ask the post natal mums to book so if you'd like to come next term please let me know. Thanks.

Birth Rehearsal workshops

2010-03-23T13:42:00.003+11:00

We have dates for the next two birth rehearsal workshops. These are May 1st and June 26th. The workshops will be held at Aafke's house at Pearl Beach. They are on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm and cost $100. Please let me know asap if you think you would like to attend.

Namaste x

Yoga centre Open day and Yoga Aid

2009-11-20T14:08:00.002+11:00

Thank you everyone who was involved in making the Open day a great success! We have raised almost $5000 for Multiple Sclerosis Australia and are still counting the donations as they come in....

It was a very special day and we still have a beautiful exhibition of local artists in the studio.

We will meet soon to plan next years event so let me know if you would like to be involved.

Holiday Dates

2009-11-20T14:03:00.002+11:00

The summer holidays are growing nearer and we are starting to think about our plans. As promised I have organised my dates!

Astanga - last class on Sunday 20th Dec. First class of 2010 on Sunday 10th Jan

Tuesday night pregnancy yoga - last class 15th Dec. Resume on 12th Jan

Friday morning pregnancy and post natal yoga - last class 18th Dec and start again after school has returned on 5th Feb. Please remember to book your places!

have a wonderful celebration of midsummer...

Namaste

helen x

Yoga Aid 2009 and Celebration!

2009-10-02T14:08:00.004+10:00

I am taking part in Yoga Aid again this year. Please support me in this wonderful Challenge. The Yoga Aid Challenge is to complete 108 Sun Salutations whilst also supporting great causes. We have chosen to donate to Multiple Sclerosis Australia http://www.msaustralia.org.au/

Please support me and the Peninsula Yoga Centre team by making a donation to this great cause and help me to make a difference with this Challenge. To make a donation follow this link-

Challenger Page

You can join the team too and take part in the fundraising just follow this link and register -

http://www.yogaaid.com.au/?PK_PAGE_ID=3639&CMS_LOCATION_ID=313

We are having an open day at the Peninsula Yoga Centre after the 108 sunsalutes… a ceremony to bless the centre and mark our first year, drumming and belly dancing with drumbala, yoga, qi gong and pilates demonstrations, a busy market place, kids activities, food and drink. Should be a great day so even if you don’t fancy the sunsalutes you can still come and join in the fun.

If you would like to be involved or exhibit some art in the yoga studio please let me know.

2009-10-02T14:02:00.006+10:00

kids YOGA

Friday 9^th October

with Helen Macnair

at the Peninsula Yoga Centre, Woy Woy.

Ages 3-5* 10 – 10.45 am / ages 6-8 11.00 -11.45

(*younger siblings are welcome with parental supervision)

Cost $10

Kids Yoga is creative, spontaneous, and great fun!

Through storytelling and playing games, Kids Yoga stimulates the imagination, develops motorskills, and improves balance and concentration. To begin our yoga class, we warm up the body with a variety of different exercises like ‘butterflies’ and ‘riding camels’. Playing favourite games like ‘grandmas trees’, ‘crocodiles’ and ‘bowling’ incorporate different postures in a fun and captivating way. The practise ends with our ‘sleepy snake’ and chanting calming Oms.

A Yoga class gives children an opportunity to express themselves in a non competitive environment. Yoga counterbalances the negative effects of modern lifestyles such as loss of flexibility or creativity,and helps children learn to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, gaining skills to carry with them into adulthood.

Contact Helen to book your places!

New Astanga Self Practise group

2009-08-06T17:03:00.004+10:00

New Monday Morning Astanga class with Dan Fanthorpe. Mysore Style. 6.30 - 8am. At the Peninsula Yoga centre in Woy Woy. $15 Starts now!
Namaste

Harvest to Home Organics - delicious!

2009-07-15T15:48:00.004+10:00

I can thoroughly recommend this great organic home delivery service! We look forward to our boxes being delivered and when they arrive it feels like Christmas! The quality is excellent, beautiful produce and we eat all of it up. Nothing is ever wasted. Fabulous. Love it and not only super good for our health but looking after our children's planet too. Beth is a star ! xx

'Market fresh organic produce delivered to your door. Affordable organics for all.

A selection of certified organic fruit and vegetables delivered fresh from the markets to your home. We hand select your produce, catering to your family's preferences.

Contact Beth

Home 4342 8825

Mobile 0422 807 066

Email harvesttohome@optusnet.com.au

Orgasmic Birth comes to Ettalong!

2009-07-15T15:45:00.001+10:00

The Birth Circle invites you to a screening of a very special documentary about the power of birth.

The movie will be screening at Ettalong cinemas on Friday 4th September at 7.00pm.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased from the cinema, or direct from The Birth Circle.

For ticket enquiries, please call Danni on 0416 095 323 or Sue on 0434 569 726 or email thebirthcircle@gmail.com.

Tickets are limited, so pre-purchasing is highly recommended.

Tea, coffee & cake provided!

*The Birth Circle has purchased the movie for public viewing, and is complying with all copyright laws

Post Natal Yoga

2009-07-15T15:18:00.004+10:00

Post Natal Yoga starts on Friday 31st July from 10.45am to midday. The classes will be held at the Peninsuala yoga centre. The term lasts for 9 weeks and costs $108 ($12 per class). Babies come too. Book your place now as the class is quickly filling up. Looking forward to seeing you all there with your gorgeous bubbas!

New Astanga class

2009-07-15T15:02:00.003+10:00

A new early morning astanga yoga class starts next term on Friday 31st July at 6.30 to 8am. The class will be held at the Peninsula Yoga Centre. See you there!!

Bumps to Bubbas cuppa and a chat

2009-06-04T15:01:00.002+10:00

Aafke has had the great idea of setting up a get-together for pregnant and post natal mums. The idea is to meet at the Umina Beach Surf club cafe, Sydney Avenue, every Tuesday morning 10.30 to midday during school term time. Aafke will be there too and if she can't make it I'll come. A chance for like minded souls to get together and have a chat. Obviously older siblings are very welcome too. There is a grassy area to run around. It's not fenced from the carpark though but there isn't often a lot of traffic down there. See you soon. Namaste Helen x

Birth reheasal workshops

2009-05-08T20:00:00.002+10:00

The next workshops will be held on the 23rd May and the 20th June.

These workshops complement the pregnancy yoga classes and it is recommended that you attend at least a couple of the classes before the workshop. Ideally you should attend the workshops as close to the birth as possible so that both you and your partner will be most receptive to the information provided.
Please let us know if you want to come to a workshop but the dates don’t work .

The workshops are held at Aafke's place over the hill at beautiful Pearl Beach. They start at 9.30am and finish at about 1pm. Just in time for a fish and chips lunch on the beach!

We need a minimum of three couples to run the workshops so please book your place asap!

Namaste

Helen

Bargain Fridays! x

2009-03-29T13:58:00.003+11:00

After the Easter holidays the pregnancy and post natal classes will cost $15.

There is a discounted rate on Friday mornings if you book and pay for the term.

The term is 10 weeks and costs $120 .

Booking is essential for the post natal classes....ta.xx

Easter Holidays

2009-03-29T13:54:00.002+11:00

There will be no astanga class on Easter Sunday. Otherwise the Thursday and Sunday morning Astanga classes are continuing as normal.

The Friday morning pregnancy and post natal classes will not run during the Easter holidays. Classes start again on Friday the 1st May.

Tuesday evening pregnancy classes are on every week and through the holidays.

Have a great Easter everyone. Enjoy your holidays!
Namaste xxx

Thursday Astanga class

2009-03-07T13:52:00.001+11:00

There will be no 6.30 am classes at the Umina Beach Surf Club on the 12th and 19th of March.

Birth Rehearsal Workshops

2009-02-19T09:31:00.001+11:00

Aafke and I have arranged some dates for the next birth rehearsal workshops. These workshops complement the pregnancy yoga classes and it is recommended that you attend at least a couple of the classes before the workshop. These dates are flexible and we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Ideally you should attend the workshops as close to the birth as possible so that both you and your partner will be most receptive to the information provided.
Please let us know if you want to come to a workshop but the dates don’t work .

The dates are :-
14th March
18th April
23rd May

Namaste
Helen x

New Kids Yoga for 2009

2009-01-20T14:07:00.003+11:00

I'm planning to start some kids yoga classes this year. I'm thinking of Tuesday afternoons from 5 - 5.45 pm for 4-7 year olds and 6 - 6.45 pm for 8 - 12 year olds. Classes will cost $10 and will be run as a course over the school term. They will be held at the Peninsula Yoga Centre in Woy Woy. I'm really interested to hear if these times will work for you so if you are interested please let me know. All feedback gratefully received! namaste xxx

Class cancelled!

2008-12-13T14:27:00.002+11:00

So sorry but there will be no Astanga class on Sunday 21st December.A last minute cancellation due to our moving house and having so much to do! The classes will start again on Sunday 11th Jan. Have a wonderful Christmas/Mid Summer holiday and I wish you all much love and peace in 2009. May all our dreams come true. Namaste. xxx

Post Natal Yoga

2008-11-24T14:42:00.003+11:00

In the New year the post natal classes are going to be run as a course of ten sessions over the term. This way I hope to create more continuity and a better service for mums and bubs.They will be held at the usual time of 10.45 - 12 pm and baby can still come too. The course will cost $100. Please contact me to book your place.
P.S. As I write these posts I am being watched by a bundle of fluffy frog mouth owls sitting high up in our gum tree!

Dates for the New Year

2008-11-24T14:35:00.002+11:00

I am going to be on holiday from the 22nd Dec until the 10th Jan.
So the last class of this term will be the Sunday Astanga class on the 21st December.
The first class of the new year will be Astanga on Sunday the 11th Jan.
Pregnancy yoga classes will start again on Tuesday 13th Jan.
The Friday morning classes will start on the 30th Jan.
I will be picking up emails so if anyone needs to contact me please do.

Peninsula Yoga Aid a Success!

2008-10-23T15:49:00.004+11:00

We did it! It was a cold, wet, windy morning when we all gathered in the dark at the Umina Beach Surf Club. The coldest October day in 17 years apparently. Luckily we were inside unlike some of the teams down in Sydney. Fabulous to watch the waves breaking on the beach as the day dawned. John was at the Yoga expo the week before and discovered our little team of six was the talk of the town as we've managed to raise so much despite being only a few! We've raised a mighty $2672 so far and can still take donations for the next month. The total raised by the Australia Yoga aid event has almost reached $130 000!! A great effort and all for childrens charities. We enjoyed our 108 sunsalutes and the energy we created carried us through relatively effortlessly!Thanks to all who have donated and supported us. If you would like to make a donation or become involved in the local yoga community please contact John Wilson at the Peninsula Yoga Centre in Woy Woy on 4342 5000. Thanks to Arran Pratt for his fabulous photos http://www.northernsky.com.au/

Improving maternity services in Australia

2008-10-19T15:10:00.015+11:00

Pregnant women are much more willing than their doctors to accept the risks involved in having a normal vaginal delivery rather than have an elective caesarean. A recent study of more than 100 women at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suggests it is primarily clinicians, rather than mothers, who are behind the nation's soaring caesarean rate.
Private hospital patients are more likely to have caesarean births (40.3% compared with 27.1% in public hospitals), ‘yet the women seeing private obstetricians recorded the same tolerance of risks and were more concerned about the safety of the baby so it shows that doctors can greatly affect the outcome," Hannah Dahlen, a spokeswoman for the Australian College of Midwives.
I have been told that the most popular obstetrician on the central coast has a caesarean rate of 80%. The rate of caesarean at the private hospital where he works is now at least 65%! These rates are well above the World Health Organization’s recommendation that caesarean sections should only be necessary for fewer than 10% of women, with 15% being an upper limit for surgical intervention. They are also higher than a number of other similar overseas countries.
Who these caesareans actually benefit is clearly in question. There are health risks to both mother and baby but these are not widely advertised or known. That some women are choosing caesarean section strongly suggests women are not adequately informed of these risks.
The cost of caesareans is at least twice as much as a natural birth. That’s a lot of unnecessary pressure on already stretched medical services. If the caesarean rate rises to 39 per cent - which many experts fear will happen soon - it will mean thousands more surgical births every year.
Of course in a medical emergency caesareans save lives.
The question is why are caesareans being used inappropriately? Fear of litigation is definitely a factor. Doctors are sued for not performing caesareans but not when they do. Lack of information is another factor. Women need to be educated about the choices available to them and given accurate information so they can make informed decisions.
A positive step from the ‘top’ is the Rudd Government’s development of a national action plan for maternity services. It published a discussion paper on improving maternity services in Australia in September this year. The paper states that -‘Women and their babies must be the focus of maternity care. They should be able to feel they are in control of what is happening during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, based on their individual needs and having discussed issues fully with their care providers. In order for women to feel this control, we must recognise that pregnancy and childbirth, while requiring quick and highly specialised responses to complications, are normal physiological processes, not an illness or disease.’ - Hurray!!
At a local level, the Peninsula offers many important services to help women enjoy a healthy pregnancy take control of their birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence and support. Local midwifery groups are working to support women’s choices in birth. ‘The Birth Circle’, an energetic, active group of new mums and pregnant ones run by a Umina mum and local midwife, offers a number of services as well as the all important social network for new parents. They explore the many options available to birthing families, whilst supporting each other’s choices and offer resources that contribute to an understanding of alternatives.
Women want to have control over their births and have different options open to them including homebirths, birthing centres, continuous care, water births and natural pain relief. Government funding is needed to make these support services affordable and available in all areas of Australia. Social attitudes need to change and we must take steps to develop a positive perception of birth. It is a natural event. It should be a wondrous, empowering experience for women and approached with confidence not fear. Women must make it clear that they want to reverse the current trend of unnecessary caesarean births. Actions speak louder than words!

Words are good too!....

To read the discussion paper go to www.health.gov.au/maternityservicesreview
To give your views to the Federal minister for health, Nicola Roxon follow this link
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr121.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=9.

New spring classes

2008-09-05T19:32:00.016+10:00

Pregnancy yoga

Tuesdays 7 - 8.15 pm at the Peninsula yoga centre, Woy Woy.

Starts 14th October

Astanga yoga

Thursdays 6.30 - 8 am at the Umina beach surf club.

Starts 16th October

Sundays 9 - 10.30 am at the Peninsula Yoga Centre, Woy Woy.

Starts 19th October

belly laugh yoga classes

2008-08-26T17:27:00.007+10:00

The pregnancy yoga classes should really be called ‘pregnancy and birth and having a laugh’ classes. We start every session with a chance to share news and stories and discuss any problems or issues. Someone might have back ache having spent too long on their feet at work the day before or be feeling anxious about an aspect of the labour. My prepared class plan is usually out the window by the end of our chat and I mentally redesign the class to address the issues that have come up.
A moment or two to pause and bring ourselves into the present, letting go of the past and thoughts of the future, trying to learn to exist in the here and now. A great lesson for labour when just being with the breath is the best thing you can do. A fabulous lesson for life, particularly with children when impermanence is truly the nature of all things!
We breathe deep breaths and let the tension leave the body. Sitting or lying comfortably we bring energy and oxygen into the body and to the unborn baby. Focus on the breath is a major part of each session. Some weeks we think about the pelvic floor and the breath, letting go of these muscles as we exhale in preparation for the birth. (Come to the post natal classes to reclaim the pelvic floor!) Other weeks we try ways to maximise the exhalation and practise using it as an antidote for birth pains. Relaxing and letting go with the exhalation is the key!
We use simple yoga asanas and focus on posture to maintain good alignment in the pelvis. This usually solves a multitude of aches and pains and helps the baby to get itself into a good position for birth. A thought or two on contractions and a cat pose to help you stay calm and centred. Lot’s of positions for your birth…little ideas and thoughts here and there. Something will be useful and stick in your mind and come to you when you feel like you need to try something different.
Perhaps a few gentle pregnant sun salutes to get the energy moving and some massage practise with homework to take home to hubby. Yes,of course you should expect lots of massage while you are pregnant and if you manage to come to the birth rehearsal workshops too, we can show him other ways to get involved and what to expect before, during and after the birth. All very relaxed, informal and friendly with plenty of cake and time to lie down! But that’s another story….back to the weekly class…
We finish the sessions with a long lie down, tucked up under your blanket with pillows under your knee. Comfy and warm we think about the breath again, the baby listening to your slow relaxed heart beat, relaxes with you. Visualisation for the birth to keep your mind focused while your body relaxes and you let go, giving in to the power of the instinctive brain and the birthing woman within you. With every birth there is both a baby and a new mother born.

New pregnancy yoga evening class to start on Tuesday 14th October.

Spring cleaning with Astanga

2008-08-26T16:35:00.003+10:00

New early morning astanga class to start in spring term.

Next birth rehearsal workshop

2008-08-04T14:55:00.005+10:00

The next birth rehearsal workshop will be held on Saturday the 18th October from 9.30am to 1pm (ish!) We run the workshops at Umina beach surf club where we have fantastic views out over the ocean to Lion island and Barrenjoey lighthouse.

There are two local surf clubs along our long stretch of beach. Ocean beach and Umina beach. Umina beach surf club is at the end of Sydney avenue, past Umina beach public school and following the signs to the holiday park. Would hate for anyone to got to the wrong one!

Aafke and I will be there waiting with our blankets and cakes!

Between 34 and 40 weeks is the ideal time to attend the workshops because then you are truly ready to hear and learn ideas and options for your birth.

We run the workshops every couple of months ....16th August, 18th October... so please contact us with your due date and we will book you in!

It is certainly not essential to attend the pregnancy classes but if you can make it to a few it would really help and give you more opportunity to practise the breathing techniques, visualisation and postures.

An introduction...

2008-07-26T20:16:00.008+10:00

Firstly and most importantly I am mother of three beautiful children including our baby girl, Rose Isabella, hence the web site name. They are my blessings in this life and often a serious spiritual challenge!! Aum shanti. x.

I started practising yoga when I was 20 and am 40 next year - ouch! My personal practise started in Iyengar yoga and then focused on Astanga with ante and post natal breaks along the way.

My yoga teaching began with requests from Thai massage clients who wanted to try some yoga too....and it grew from there. At times in London I was teaching 18 classes a week. A mixture of classes - pregnancy, post natal, kids and astanga.

Since the birth of my oldest son over 10 years ago, I have been passionate about the need for women to reclaim their birth experience. I trained as a doula with Michel Odent and worked closely with midwives and health visitors in London.

Now living in this beautiful land 'down under' and starting to teach a little here on the Central Coast. Have met some wonderful people and made important connections ... and slowly the web begins to weave and take shape.Great plans and visions in my mind so watch this space and see what unfolds. Every journey starts with one small step....