The Yoga Rocks! Blog

How To Stay Balanced and Peaceful During the Holidays

2011-12-03T07:51:00.002-05:00

How to Stay Balanced and Peaceful During the Holidays
Jeannine K. Smolinsky, M.Ed., E-RYT, R-CYT

15 Yoga Practices for Peace, Joy, & Love

1. Upon waking, practice Namaste (Prayer pose) to set positive intentions for the day.
2. Follow with 10 rounds of Belly Breathing for calming the mind.
3. Practice 3 Sun Breaths or 3 Sun Salutations for overall attunement.
4. Stand in Mountain pose and breathe when you are standing in line waiting!
5 If you need strength, practice Warrior pose.
6. When you feel out of balance or scattered, practice Tree pose (try it when you’re cutting veggies or baking!)
7. Let everything go and practice Standing Forward Bend swinging arms & relaxing head.
8. To relieve holiday bloating, practice Milkshake Pose.
9. Practice Airplane Pose to rise above situations and gain a deeper perspective.
10. To increase joy and laughter, practice Happy Baby Pose or the Breath of Joy!
11. Practice Savasana (Relaxation pose) with legs up the wall for acceptance and surrender.
12. Listen to calming, joyful music with a soothing cup of mint or ginger tea.
13. Practice EFT, self massage, and/or partner massage (need I say more!)
14. Meditate or just lay peacefully in your bed before you go to sleep and simply be.
15. Smile and enjoy each precious moment!

Heart-Centered Meditation

Begin in a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes and begin to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Say to yourself, “Breathing in, I calm; breathing out, I smile.” Gently place your hands on your heart and breathe deeply into your heart center feeling your heartbeat. Allow whatever thoughts you may have to arise in your mind and then gently let them go. Continue to breathe and relax the heart center allowing your heart to open to peace, joy, and love. Now, envision the most beautiful color pink you can imagine and fill your heart with this loving and healing color. Allow this color to move into every part of body until you are completely illuminated in this color pink. Breathe here and relax even more for at least three minutes allowing this color to circulate and open your heart to peace, joy and love for all beings everywhere. Then gently return to your breath and rest your hands on your lap or into Peace and Quiet Pose. Slowly open your eyes and gaze downward. Continue to practice deep belly breathing for one minute before resuming any activity. You will feel lighter and more joyful. Namaste! Have a Peaceful Holiday Season! Love, Jeannine xxoo

Healthy Recipe: Healthified CINNABONS | Jay Robb

2011-11-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

Healthy Recipe: Healthified CINNABONS | Jay Robb

Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen… Chocolate and cream make magic. | King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter

2011-11-08T10:51:00.000-05:00

Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen… Chocolate and cream make magic. | King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter

Yoga Rocks! : We donate 5% of our profits to the planet!

2011-11-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

Yoga Rocks! : We donate 5% of our profits to the planet!

Gluten-Free Pie Crust : King Arthur Flour

2011-11-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Gluten-Free Pie Crust : King Arthur Flour

Whole Foods Parking Lot - Music Video [HD]

2011-11-03T10:06:00.000-04:00

Fried Egg Pitas with Arugula - Fine Cooking Recipes, Techniques and Tips

2011-10-27T17:44:00.000-04:00

Fried Egg Pitas with Arugula - Fine Cooking Recipes, Techniques and Tips

Recipes: JulieMorris.net

2011-10-27T17:41:00.000-04:00

Recipes: JulieMorris.net

About Julie: JulieMorris.net

2011-10-27T17:25:00.000-04:00

About Julie: JulieMorris.net

Cloud 9 Energy Bars

2011-10-27T17:04:00.000-04:00

Cloud 9 Energy Bars

New Kids Yoga Trainings and Workshops

2011-10-07T16:10:00.003-04:00

Check out www.YogaRocks.com for the latest updates on our Kids Yoga Trainings and Workshop Dates and Locations!

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee Beans Movie

2011-10-07T16:10:00.000-04:00

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee Beans Movie: All of us at one time or another have experienced a difficult situation, had setbacks, or dealt with our share of disappointment. Most things that happen to us on a daily basis we can’t control and I can honestly say (with conviction) that it is not what happens to us that matters but rather, how we choose to respond.

Food Sensitivity Journal: Almost Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

2011-06-14T17:13:00.000-04:00

Food Sensitivity Journal: Almost Peanut Butter Crunch Bars: "Peanuts are one of those problem foods so many people have to avoid (including yours truly at the mom..."

Yoga Rocks! : We donate 5% of our profits to the planet!

2011-02-27T18:36:00.001-05:00

OUR NEW CAFEPRESS SHOP! CHECK IT OUT AND SUPPORT THE PLANET TODAY! Yoga Rocks! : We donate 5% of our profits to the planet!

Mis Pensamientos: Nut & Seed Butter Bites

2011-01-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Mis Pensamientos: Nut & Seed Butter Bites: "Nut & Seed Butter Bites A great way to start the new year - healthy snacking :). A Perfect Balance: good fat + protein + pota..."

Fun with Halloween Kids Yoga Poses

2010-10-28T22:40:00.000-04:00

Fun with Halloween Kids Yoga Poses

Alie talks about the Yoga Rocks! Kids Program

2010-07-21T22:01:00.000-04:00

Amy talks about the Yoga Rocks Kids Training program

2010-06-04T14:30:00.000-04:00

Jeannine Smolinsky introduces the Yoga Rocks Kids Program

2010-06-04T14:28:00.000-04:00

Check out Mary Main Morrissey!

2010-06-04T07:55:00.001-04:00

I have been receiving Mary's Daily DreamBuilder and here is today's post:

Robert Louis Stevenson once said this:

Do not measure success by today's harvest. Measure success by the seeds you plant today.

Measure your success not by what you are harvesting in this day, but by the seeds you are planting this day. What a great shift. What a great idea and what a great miracle that brings to any of us who will focus on it.

So, go on now. Make today successful. Plant great seeds in your thoughts, actions and words.

Happy Planting,
Mary Manin Morrissey

MY NEW AND FIRST EBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!

2010-05-20T20:49:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to announce that I have written and published my first EBook! This EBook
is for those who want a taste of the Yoga Rocks! Kids Teacher Training Program.

Thank you for spreading the word and for all your support!

Peace and Namaste,
Jeannine

STUFF THAT ROCKS!

2010-05-18T19:41:00.001-04:00

Hi YR! Fans!

I am in the process of adding STUFF THAT ROCKS! to the Yoga Rocks! website. Check it out at www.YogaRocks.us and tell me what you think!!!!

Peace and Namaste,
Jeannine

Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes

2010-05-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes: "Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes"

Make a Difference | Starbucks Coffee Company

2010-04-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

Make a Difference | Starbucks Coffee Company

Spring is here!

2010-04-12T08:33:00.000-04:00

How beautiful is this dogwood?

Breathe
Relax
Feel
Watch
Allow

and do yoga.....

Check out HealthYoga.com !!

2010-03-30T09:33:00.004-04:00

Recently I came across a very cool new social media site called Health Yoga (www.HealthYoga.com). It is perfect for all us yogis who want to connect via a yoga social media site! There is nothing like this site and it has a lot of other informative material and articles to boot!

Check it out and join, it's free!!!
www.HealthYoga.com

Til next time,
Jeannine

KIDS YOGA ROCKS!

2010-03-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

HOW GREAT IS THIS PHOTO?

Kids love "YOGA ROCKS KIDS" and I cannot thank Michael Korol of Real Portrait Images for taking amazing photos time and time again!

Just had to share with the world!

Stay posted!!!

Jeannine

Yoga Rocks Kids Teacher Training March 27-28

2010-02-28T20:38:00.003-05:00

Join us for the next Level I Yoga Rocks Kids Teacher Training led by Jeannine K. Smolinsky. This training will be held in Oyster Bay at the "Yoga Rocks! Oyster Bay" location. Call 516-417-1498 to register! or email Jeannine at jeannine@yogarocks.us

My Final Day at Yoga Rocks Oyster Bay

2010-01-19T22:00:00.003-05:00

I end my teaching at Yoga Rocks Oyster Bay, the first studio I created, tomorrow, Wednesday, 1/20/2010. I am looking forward to teaching the two best classes I can in the space that has helped me grow and heal over the past few years. I have sold this location this past October yet continued to b a part of the teaching there. I am ready and open to new beginnings and opportunities and have met amazing people who share the same love and light vision of yoga for everyone as I do. My lifelong goal is to inspire children and adults to practice yoga and make it a part of your lifestyle. It is so essential for body, mind, and spirit growth and development.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and inspired me on this journey. I could not have done it without you.

Onward and upward! If you want to stay connected, email me and I will place you on my email list.

See you on the mat...

Jeannine

Yoga Diet To Keep Your Body And Soul Healthy

2009-12-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

Yoga Diet To Keep Your Body And Soul Healthy

Healthy Eating During the Holidays

2009-12-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Healthy Eating During the Holidays

Winter Treatments for Your Tresses

2009-12-16T12:21:00.000-05:00

Winter Treatments for Your Tresses

Yoga for a Stress Free Holiday Season

2009-12-12T16:22:00.002-05:00

Join me at YOGA ROCKS OYSTER BAY on MONDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 PM for a FREE YOGA CLASS to help keep you calm and balanced over the holidays! You will learn the 15 most important poses to practice!!

Here is the Flyer and handout for the evening:

How to Stay Balanced and Peaceful During the Holidays
Jeannine K. Smolinsky, M.Ed., E-RYT * jeannine@yogarocks.us

15 Yoga Practices for Peace, Joy, & Love During the Holiday Season

1. Upon waking, practice Namaste (Prayer pose) to set positive intentions for the day.
2. Follow with some deep belly breathing for calming the mind.
3. Practice 3 Sun Breaths or 3 Sun Salutations for overall attunement.
4. Stand in Mountain pose when you are standing in line waiting!
5 If you need strength, practice Warrior pose.
6. When you feel out of balance or scattered, practice Tree pose (try it when you’re cutting veggies or baking!)
7. Let everything go and practice Standing Forward Bend swinging arms & relaxing head.
8. To relieve holiday bloating, practice Belly Circles.
9. Practice Airplane to rise above situations and gain a deeper perspective.
10. To increase joy and laughter, practice Happy Baby pose.
11. Shavasana (Relaxation pose) with legs up the wall for acceptance and surrender.
12. Listen to calming, joyful music with a soothing cup of tea.
13. Practice self massage / partner massage (need I say more!)
14. Meditate or just lay peacefully in your bed before you go to sleep and simply be.
15. Smile and enjoy each precious moment!

Heart-Centered Meditation

Begin in a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes and begin to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Say to yourself, “Breathing in, I calm; breathing out, I smile.” Gently place your hands on your heart and breathe deeply into your heart center feeling your heartbeat. Allow whatever thoughts you may have to arise in your mind and then gently let them go. Continue to breathe and relax the heart center allowing your heart to open to peace, joy, and love. Now, envision the most beautiful color pink you can imagine and fill your heart with this loving and healing color. Allow this color to move into every part of body until you are completely illuminated in this color pink. Breathe here and relax even more for at least three minutes allowing this color to circulate and open your heart to peace, joy and love for all beings everywhere. Then gently return to your breath and rest your hands on your lap or into peace pose. Slowly open your eyes and gaze downward. Continue to practice deep belly breathing for one minute before resuming any activity. You will feel lighter and more joyful. Namaste!

May each and every one of you enjoy this peaceful season,
Jeannine

Biscuit!

2009-12-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Michael Korol of Furry Paws Portraits and Real Portrait Images is the best photographer ever! He has been working with Yoga Rocks! and Yoga Rocks Kids for years and I recently had him over at my home to take pics of my baby Biscuit! Look at this one and you can see the talent Michael has!!! Thanks Michael!

Physicians Prescribe Yoga for Patients

2009-11-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

Physicians Prescribe Yoga for Patients

Have You Heard the Latest on Exercise During Pregnancy?

2009-08-25T09:06:00.001-04:00

Have You Heard the Latest on Exercise During Pregnancy?

Shared via AddThis

The Trump Network - Yoga Rocks Wellness

2009-07-18T09:47:00.002-04:00

I am thrilled to become a partner of the up-and-coming Trump Network! This is THE COMPANY to become a partner in RIGHT NOW! If you need extra income and want to secure your future, click here now

Yoga Rocks is Lululemon Manhasset Studio of the Month!

2009-06-18T07:19:00.000-04:00

Yoga Rocks is JUNE STUDIO of the Month at Lululemon Athletica Store in Manhasset on Long Island! We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Every Sunday Lululemon offers FREE YOGA CLASSES to the general public. Registration is necessary.

Come join us every Sunday in June!

June 21 "Dads Rock" Family Yoga with the Yoga Rocks Kids Staff

June 28 "Baby Yoga Rocks" - Yoga for parents and babies with Founder of Yoga Rocks and Yoga Rocks Kids, Jeannine K. Smolinsky.

See you there!

The Summer of Yoga at Yoga Rocks in Oyster Bay!

2009-05-29T08:57:00.003-04:00

The Summer of Yoga is here at Yoga Rocks in Oyster Bay!

We are ready for a fresh, rockin' summer!

SUMMER OFFERS:

2 Weeks for $30! - New Students.

And

$5 FRIDAYS!!! 5:15 pm Happy Hour Yoga!

Loners & Lovers: One Man's Reflections on Relationship

2009-02-01T09:14:00.001-05:00

Despite rumors that men and women might originate from different planets, it’s hard to know which of the differences between us are gender-related and what’s unique to a person, a culture, or a given era. With this month’s Valentine’s Day celebration of love, we wanted to hear a man’s views on the elusive mystery of couplehood. In this essay, writer and teacher Jeff Davis shares his personal reflections, honest opinions, and real-life experiences in the world of relationship.

In college, I ogled over a smoky black-and-white photograph of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. In their book-flooded study, Jean-Paul sits at his desk on one end of the room, and on the other side Simone sits at hers. The photo of the French philosophical duo—however pent-up their appearance and however strained their marriage—promised that I could find a partner who would arouse my intellect as well as my body and vice versa. Our tongues would rap about mortality and the human condition, we would make riotous love, and then we would each pursue our respective endeavors.

Ah, youth. I viewed myself a loner doomed to romance. I relished being alone for hours or days on end, immersed in writing and in the woods. But I also savored the idea of being absorbed with and by a beloved—I say the idea of since, truth is, I did not have many, if any, lovers. I wanted it all: time to myself and an adoring and adorable partner. I remain an idealist.

“You are in relationship,” the Indian thinker J. Krishnamurti says. Who you are, in essence, manifests and emerges through how you relate to others. Those words, read several years ago, tore at what I had grown up believing: that I am I, and I am most “I” when alone! A good relationship would be accessory, a tweed vest to a suit otherwise fine on its own but admittedly much richer with the vest. That Thoreau-inspired staunch individualist had numerous rude awakenings in his thirties and is happy to report—after growing up about six times since he was 19 years old through a few relationships and a divorce—that Krishnamurti was spot on.

At 43, I adore my wife. I clean the house; she cooks. We practice yoga together most mornings these days. When she comes home from work, I ask her how her day went. Sheesh, I even like to talk about how our relationship is going.

I am in relationship to my wife, Hillary. I can be moody and curmudgeonly, petty and judgmental, if I do not dose up on spiritual and creative solitude. And as my first wife would tell you, I am far from being a relationship expert. Oh, I could advise men on how to be lovers, not brothers or fathers, in relationships, but I’ll save that for another essay. I would like to say a few things, however, to the various lovers in the world—the immersed lovers and saturated lovers, the aspiring lovers, the broken lovers. My years of experience and hindsight have, I hope, borne a few worthy bits of advice regarding how to negotiate our ideals of love, the need for solitude in relationship, and mutual support for creative passions when we, as psychologist Rollo May wrote, “stand in love.”

On Love and Spirituality
Several years ago, my girlfriend at the time, a yoga teacher, said, “I fear you have expectations of me that I can never live up to.” What expectations? That you’re the perfect goddess? That you complete me and make me whole? Within a few years, that relationship dissolved.

Forget worship. That’s one thing I’ve learned about relationships and idealism. Rather than projecting some unattainable “soul mate” tag on my partner, I try to see my beloved as she is—delights and disgusts, integrity and insecurities, beauty and bafflements—as one complex, and divine, package. When we see our partner not as a singular god or goddess but as a veritable Hindu or Greek pantheon with conflicting passions and complex selves, we might more likely “stand in love” as our partner’s identity inevitably unfolds and changes. Granted, I don’t want Hillary to become a sword-wielding, head-severing Kali every day, but she must be allowed her Kali moments just as I should be allowed my lusty Pan moments.

Other advice? Beware demanding your partner “be spiritual” the way you might deem yourself spiritual. When Hillary and I first dated, she no longer practiced yoga regularly even though she had been certified as an Integral Yoga teacher years earlier. When I asked if she had a spiritual practice, she said, yes, the way she conducted her life. When I asked if she meditated, she said, yes, when she is in the woods sitting and observing plants and light, animals and elements. She respected my yoga and meditation practice, but I had to learn to curb my impulses to urge her to get thee to the mat every day. And yet she never demanded I get thee to the woods. I learned instead to relent and respect. Years later, we each practice yoga and meditate each morning, not always at the same time. And usually once a week, we each spend a day outdoors in our respective sit spots, making notes and maps of our natural surroundings. Her words and ways daily teach me about God.

Demand your man pray more, and he might only damn you under his breath. Insist your woman sit on a zafu cushion beside you, and she might tell you to sit on it. That my wife does deepen my spirituality is a fortunate outcome of a relationship built on mutual respect, adoration, passion, and support. When we establish a relationship on such tangible daily qualities through our words and actions, rather than on abstract ideals, a deepened spiritual partnership can follow.

On Love and Solitude
Nothing so wears down a relationship as feeling crowded and clung to. It helps to have common ideals regarding solitude, but partners with different needs can support one another. A previous girlfriend was my solitude and social opposite. She thrived on new friendships and gatherings in ways I thrived on being alone with my ideas and my writing. We worked it out: I often stayed home writing while she saw friends and attended social events, and she also hosted a few dinner parties. Years later, her butterfly ways have rubbed off. I’ve learned some social graces and can maintain satisfying friendships. And maybe she gained some of my solitary ways.

A few years ago, Hillary agreed to try a silent weekend. No phone. No Internet. And no verbal conversations with each other. We could signal one another in a sort of Charades-like way, but no spoken words. At one point during the weekend, I arose from my desk, found her in the garden, and asked with my fingers if she wished to take a walk. For over an hour, we wandered through a meadow and woods where we had never been, the vibration of the tall grass, the crows, the wind, and the two of us charged. No words. We took meals together with smiles and gazes. But no words. The experience of being alone together, Hillary agreed, magnified our intimacy.

So, a third thing I’d advise to lovers is to discuss each other’s needs for solitude. And if you do not require as much solitude as your lover, don’t take it personally unless you’re jealous of his or her relationship to God or the woods or art. Whether you two “cling” to one another or whether one or both of you has “too much” solitude, a silent weekend with natural daily activities together interwoven can reestablish trust and create healthy intimacy in ways no conversation can.

On Love, Creative Pursuits, and Sex
Each person pursues a passion, and each person supports the other’s passion. That’s a simple adage drawn from my experiences and observations of what works in a relationship. Each couple can figure out its own ideal. The idea of having a partner in my vicinity engrossed in her own passionate work while I likewise am immersed in mine still stirs many parts of me. It is as if each of our souls and imaginations has a reciprocal and tangible guardian angel somewhere in the not-too-distant background looking out for us. (Told you I’m still an idealist.)

Hillary’s passionate work is more attuned to the earth, gardening, and healing people than to the writing life—a happy separation of creative labor for us both. To be her lover in part means I take direct interest in her passions even though they are not immediately mine. When, while standing next to a vernal stream, she waxes philosophical about how, from a Chinese medicine point of view, streams course through our bodies and are part and parcel of the waters we swim in, I swoon. And what did she ask for for Christmas? A compost thermometer and a special knife to help her cut tough vegetable roots. I love that. On our happiest days, we have breakfast together, and then I retreat to my study and she to her garden. We take breaks for lunch and conversation and, yes, sometimes on-the-fly lovemaking indoors or outdoors.

Which brings me to the last and perhaps most essential topic for lovers: sex. When I flow in my creative work and when my lover flows in hers, we are both highly aroused. Through our own creative endeavors, we connect deeply not only to our physical selves but also to our seed selves that swirl with the same basic earth-stuff that shoots shoots in spring.

Granted I could write another essay or book for that matter on sex alone, but perhaps the most salient advice I’d offer guys in love is their groins must have a direct line to their heart. Or else sex is mostly self-gratification and no relation. This morning over breakfast, Hillary talked about how excited she was to plant garlic this autumn. Sunlight hit her soft cheeks, and my eyes saw her face freshly yet again. I wanted to make love to her right there on the farm table. It’s as if a bell in my heart awakens my groins.

At this moment, while I am writing, I can see her outdoors, her hands in the dirt, her heart full.

Jean-Paul and Simone should be so lucky.

Jeff Davis is a writer, national workshop leader, yoga teacher, and author of The Journey from the Center to the Page. On faculty at Western Connecticut State University’s MFA Writing Program, Jeff coaches and teaches writers around the country. www.centertopage.com

Reprinted from Kripalu Online.

Peace, Light, and Freedom

2009-01-20T09:48:00.006-05:00

Could anything be more beautiful than Martin Luther King Day and the inauguration of President Obama side by side in 2009?

My favorite MLK quote:
“Darkness cannot dispel darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot defeat hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Just thinking about how joyful the scene must be at the White House and in Washington DC, and surrounding the family and friends of President Obama today! The world can bask and enjoy this moment, and what better time could it be? To be present and enjoy a release from recent economic fears and sorrows. Let it all go for today, for this week, maybe forever, and allow hope and freedom to seep into you today. Dr. King and President Obama remind us that this can manifest at anytime for any one of us and for all of us collectively.

A Poem by Maya Angelou:
“Touched by an Angel”

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves it’s high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

THEN, LISTEN TO THIS AWESOME TUNE AND DANCE YOUR HEART OUT!

Peace & Warm Light to you all today,
Jeannine

Newsday Comes to Yoga Rocks!

2008-12-10T20:22:00.002-05:00

On Monday, December 8th, Newsday reporter, Anne Machalinski, came to Yoga Rocks to take a class and spread the news about Yoga Rocks!

Check us out in this exclusive Explore LI video shoot! Yoga Rocks Long Island!

Thank you to our amazing yoga community for supporting Yoga Rocks!

KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY & FUNDRAISER FOR JDRF - A SUCCESS!

2008-11-11T09:43:00.008-05:00

As a fundraising event for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Yoga Rocks held a special Halloween Party for kids and families on Friday, October 24th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.

Kids and Yoga Rocks Kids yoga teachers dressed up as the kids participated in fun activities such as "Mummy Wrap Up", Spooky Crafts, Halloween healthy treats, stickers, games, and more!

The party was a huge success! Yoga Rocks is pleased to be a sponsor for JDRF, a Jeannine's cousin Nicholas, age 5, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at age 3.

Jeannine also works collaboratively with the Winthrop Hospital Juvenile Diabetes Wellness Program offering yoga to kids and their families as part of their program.

Yoga Rocks will now hold this wonderful party each year as a Annual Event.

Coming soon....Yoga on Ice, a Winter Wonderland event for Kids!

Registration for the Winter-Spring Semester begins November 2oth.

The Untethered Soul & The Yoga of Happiness

2008-10-18T08:39:00.004-04:00

Dear Readers,

Here is an except from the new book, The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer.

This is so important during times like these and I wanted to share this incredible piece with you.

Excerpt from Chapter 15:
The Path of Unconditional Happiness

The highest spiritual path is life itself. If you know how to live daily life, it all becomes a liberating experience. But first you have to approach life properly, or it can be very confusing. To begin with, you have to realize that you really only have one choice in this life, and it’s not about your career, whom you want to marry, or whether you want to seek God. People tend to burden themselves with so many choices. But, in the end, you can throw it all away and just make one basic, underlying decision: Do you want to be happy, or do you not want to be happy? It’s really that simple. Once you make that choice, your path through life becomes totally clear.

Most people don’t dare give themselves that choice because they think it’s not under their control. Someone might say, “Well, of course I want to be happy, but my wife left me.” In other words, they want to be happy, but not if their wife leaves them. But that wasn’t the question. The question was, very simply, “Do you want to be happy or not?” If you keep it that simple, you will see that it really is under your control. It’s just that you have a deep-seated set of preferences that gets in the way.

Let’s say you’ve been lost and without food for days, and you finally find your way to a house. You can hardly make it to the doorstep, but you manage to pull yourself up and knock on the door. Somebody opens the door, looks at you and says, “Oh my God! You poor thing! Do you want something to eat? What would you like?” Now the truth is, you really don’t care what they give you. You don’t even want to think about it. You just utter the word “food.” And because you really mean it when you say you need food, it no longer has anything to do with your mental preferences. The same goes for the question about happiness. The question is simply “Do you want to be happy?” If the answer is really yes, then say it without qualifying it. After all, what the question really means is “Do you want to be happy from this point forward for the rest of your life, regardless of what happens?”

Now, if you say yes, it might happen that your wife leaves you, or your husband dies, or the stock market crashes, or your car breaks down on an open highway at night. Those things might happen between now and the end of your life. But if you want to walk the highest spiritual path, then when you answer yes to that simple question, you must really mean it. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s not a question of whether your happiness is under your control. Of course it’s under your control. It’s just that you don’t really mean it when you say you’re willing to stay happy. You want to qualify it. You want to say that as long as this doesn’t happen, or as long as that does happen, then you’re willing to be happy. That’s why it seems like it is out of your control. Any condition you create will limit your happiness. You simply aren’t going to be able to control things and keep them the way you want them.

You have to give an unconditional answer. If you decide that you’re going to be happy from now on for the rest of your life, you will not only be happy, you will become enlightened. Unconditional happiness is the highest technique there is. You don’t have to learn Sanskrit or read any scriptures. You don’t have to renounce the world. You just have to really mean it when you say that you choose to be happy. And you have to mean it regardless of what happens. This is truly a spiritual path, and it is as direct and sure a path to Awakening as could possibly exist. Once you decide you want to be unconditionally happy, something inevitably will happen that challenges you. This test of your commitment is exactly what stimulates spiritual growth. In fact, it is the unconditional aspect of your commitment that makes this the highest path. It’s so simple. You just have to decide whether or not you will break your vow. When everything is going well, it’s easy to be happy. But the moment something difficult happens, it’s not so easy. You tend to find yourself saying, “But I didn’t know this was going to happen. I didn’t think I’d miss my flight. I didn’t think Sally would show up at the party wearing the same dress that I had on. I didn’t think that somebody would dent my brand-new car one hour after I got it.” Are you really willing to break your vow of happiness because these events took place?

Billions of things could happen that you haven’t even thought of yet. The question is not whether they will happen. Things are going to happen. The real question is whether you want to be happy regardless of what happens. The purpose of your life is to enjoy and learn from your experiences. You were not put on Earth to suffer.

You’re not helping anybody by being miserable. Regardless of your philosophical beliefs, the fact remains that you were born and you are going to die. During the time in between, you get to choose whether or not you want to enjoy the experience. Events don’t determine whether or not you’re going to be happy. They’re just events. You determine whether or not you’re going to be happy. You can be happy just to be alive. You can be happy having all these things happen to you, and then be happy to die. If you can live this way, your heart will be so open and your Spirit will be so free, that you will soar up to the heavens.

This path leads you to absolute transcendence because any part of your being that would add a condition to your commitment to happiness has got to go. If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama. This is the part that thinks there’s a reason not to be happy. You have to transcend the personal, and as you do, you will naturally awaken to the higher aspects of your being. In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Go ahead, take a look at reality. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience. You’re going to die anyway. Things are going to happen anyway. Why shouldn’t you be happy? You gain nothing by being bothered by life’s events. It doesn’t change the world; you just suffer. There’s always going to be something that can bother you, if you let it.

This choice to enjoy life will lead you through your spiritual journey. In truth, it is itself a spiritual teacher. Committing yourself to unconditional happiness will teach you every single thing there is to learn about yourself, about others, and about the nature of life. You will learn all about your mind, your heart, and your will. But you have to mean it when you say that you’ll be happy for the rest of your life. Every time a part of you begins to get unhappy, let it go. Work with it. Use affirmations, or do whatever you need to do to stay open. If you are committed, nothing can stop you. No matter what happens, you can choose to enjoy the experience. If they starve you and put you in solitary confinement, just have fun being like Gandhi. No matter what happens, just enjoy the life that comes to you.

As difficult as that sounds, what’s the benefit of not doing it? If you’re totally innocent and they lock you up, you might as well have fun. What good does it do to not have fun? It doesn’t change anything. In the end, if you stay happy, you win. Make that your game, and just stay happy no matter what.

Copyright ©2007 by Michael A. Singer

I'd love for you to post a comment and let me know what you think of this!
Jeannie

Yoga Rocks Kids Summer Yoga Camp - A BLAST!

2008-08-22T00:00:00.007-04:00

Today we completed our second week of Kids Yoga Camp at Yoga Rocks. The kids and teachers had such a great time learning poses, creative movements, breathing techniques, games, crafts, songs, and more!

We held the Kids Camp for one week in July and one week in August. Next year we will hold four weeks during the summer.

We all look forward to Kids Camp during the vacation/holiday weeks too!

FALL REGISTRATION ONGOING NOW. The Kids Fall Session begins September 15th.

Yoga Rocks Sponsors Olympic Trainees

2008-06-24T11:08:00.004-04:00

For a few months now we have been sponsoring a local woman who is training for the Olympic trials in Racewalking, Loretta Schuellein-McGovern. Some of you may know her and her world-champion husband, Dave, in our classes. This has been an exciting aspect to Yoga Rocks and we have kept it quiet so they can join in classes and receive the full yoga experience without distractions.

Their trials are SUNDAY, JULY 6 and are being filmed for a documentary film on Racewalking and their CAMERA CREW will be filming them at Yoga Rocks on WEDNESDAY NIGHT, June 25th during the 7:30 pm class!

I am counting on you to be at the studio to support this event. It is not going to highlight you doing yoga. It will be focused on them during the class.

Please support this event and Yoga Rocks by coming down and bringing along anyone you know who would like to participate in this event!

LET'S ALL SUPPORT OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES BY BEING PRESENT FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY!

BEST OF LUCK LORETTA!

Jeannine

Kids Yogs Show - A Success!

2008-06-23T09:43:00.009-04:00

On June 14, 2008, Yoga Rocks Kids held their First Annual Kids Yoga Showcase - the first one of its kind! All teachers were present for this exciting event: Miss Jeannine, Miss Jessica, Miss Alie, and Miss Dawn.

The kids practiced their special sequence of poses all year along with specific poses to showcase as their "solo event."

Parents and friends gathered to watch and at the end of the show were asked to participate in a special Three Wishes Peace Candle Circle together creating positive thoughts and affirmations for health, happiness, and peace for everyone.

We look forward to the Kids Yoga Program next year as Yoga Rocks Kids grows and expands into schools, daycare centers, preschools, the girl scouts, and more!

If you would like to learn more about teaching the Yoga Rocks Kids program, contact us at 516.624.9642.

Bow Wow Yoga Rocks!

2008-06-23T09:37:00.004-04:00

On June 14, 2008, Yoga Rocks teamed up with Mixed Breeds in Need, a local organization that provides a voice for animal welfare and shelter for animals. Mixed Breeds in need held a special event and featured Lauren Kane, from Yoga Rocks, performing BOW WOW YOGA!

GO LAUREN!

A Message from Jeannine

2008-05-21T07:27:00.004-04:00

This message was written as an email in my newsletter that we send out a few times each month. I wanted to post it as a blog entry in case you are not receiving our emails yet. If you would like to receive our emails, sign up on our Home Page at www.yogarocks.us.

Please comment below because I love hearing from you!

JOY & PURPOSE
The Practice of Daily Yoga

I write to you again from my home tonight after being inspired during my Yoga Fusion class this evening. As I was teaching, I began to explain why it is vital to practice yoga on an everyday basis. We all know that exercising is good for you and of course we should do it everyday, but with yoga it is a little bit different.

Well, maybe a LOT different.

Yoga is, in and of itself, a complete practice. It really is all you need....that is, when practiced daily, working through postures, learning how to do them correctly and moving yourself to the next level.

But even more, yoga makes your body feel lighter. When you breathe deeply in each pose, more space is created within each muscle, gland, and cell and the vibration of your body is heightened. You feel a buzz, a uplifting sensation, a newfound happiness.

And in times like these, especially of late, with so many fears and anxieties developing around finances, the economy, politics, the environment, it is easy to be affected by low energy, low vibrational thoughts and fears, and negativity.

SO EASY!

You see, there are other ways to numb yourself from these occurrences (and you probably know what those are!), but what yoga does, is KEEP YOUR VIBRATION AT A HIGH LEVEL.

You don't have to live with the pain, stress, and anxiety anymore!

Daily yoga keeps you feeling alive, happy, and energetic.

Many of you are now seeing the benefits of a daily yoga practice and have never looked better. We can see it in you not only physically, but energetically and emotionally. It is beautiful.

What will it take for you to make yoga your lifestyle?

Most of us resist change until we are in too much pain to ingore it any longer. But why wait until then? Haven't you had enough? Prevent pain, prevent anxiety, and prevent stress by practicing now.

Keep your mat out in your room. Just start doing it! Begin again, when you forget. But don't waste a single minute! Live your life at a "10!"

This is living at a higher level, a happier level, where you can access JOY.

It is said that when you have JOY and PURPOSE, you have everything.

It is a choice you must make everyday.

What will you do? How will you choose to live?

With the world events unfolding as they are, I refuse to be affected by the fear and negativity.

Sure, I can begin the fearful dialogue in my head....

"What will happen to my business? Will it be affected by the economy? What if? What if? What if???????"

But that is not my purpose.

My purpose is not to fear change. My purpose to to create and educate. My purpose is to uplift and inspire. To do something to help. To be a light for others. (And when I forget this by the way (and I do sometimes!!!) , I remind myself to get on that mat and practice once again!

I want you to be at ease during these times. I want you to find solace at the studio and be able to practice regardless of what is going on in the world.

I will keep my fees at low rates and not raise them at this time so that you can feel good about keeping your practice going. I will support you in every way I can so that you are attaining all of the benefits that daily yoga gives you. I will give you the best classes and teachers possible. Everyone at Yoga Rocks is committed to this.

And this is my purpose. This is my joy. This is why I do yoga. Yoga has led me to a new way of living, breathing and being.

So....

Do yoga because it's good for you.

Do yoga because it gives you what you cannot get anywhere else, from anything or anyone else. You just can't. There is nothing else like yoga. It is complete.

Do yoga because within its magic, you will learn how to live your life with more joy and more purpose a little bit more every single day for you and for our world.

And then....do something wonderful and let me know what happens for you......I'd love to hear all about it!

Jeannine gets published!

2008-04-09T08:05:00.003-04:00

Check it out!

A writer from Delaware found me online and asked me for an interview. She asked me about kids yoga and her article was published. This is my very first media exposure!

Read the article here:
www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/PARENT/803170301/1128."

The New Look of Yoga Rocks

2008-03-13T07:32:00.004-04:00

Our new logo is strong and vibrant. It communicates a feeling of being grounded in the present moment. It is the here and now. It is a statement that proclaims a better world for us all in the very near future. That time is now.

Yes, yoga rocks! It makes you feel better than ever before. Well, that is, when you practice and live it everyday.

Feel the flow.
Feel alive.
Get motivated
and
live your best life now
at Yoga Rocks!

EASE INTO SPRING!

2008-03-13T07:27:00.004-04:00

Log onto our website at www.yogarocks.us for FREE YOGA AND HEALTH TIPS for spring.

You can also see our SPRING SCHEDULE AND UPCOMING EVENTS!

Yoga + Cooking = A Balanced Life!

2008-02-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

On January 31st, Yoga Rocks and The Health Conscious Chef, Kathryn Bari-Petritis teamed up to offer the first of a four-part series of cooking classes.

The class was held at Appliance World in Oyster Bay, directly across from Yoga Rocks Yoga Center.

Kathryn was amazing and handed out a beautiful folder of recipes and tips for making Nutrient Rich Soups. This class focused on warming soups for winter.

Kathryn was so knowledgeable and everyone got to take home samples of the soups and some yummy wheat-free muffins and carrot bread!

Our next Yoga + Cooking workshop will be Thursday, February 28th with a focus on heart-healthy, fat-flushing foods.

Call to register as space is limited to 12 participants.

516-624-YOGA (9642)

Yoga Rocks Girl Scouts!

2008-02-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

At Yoga Rocks, we hold tons of classes for Girl Scout and Brownie Troops all year long. You can come to us or we will come to your school or location. Check us out in the Possibilities Catalog to see more about our awesome program for your troops!

We offer you the BEST in yoga for kids on Long Island and beyond!

YOGA DAY USA 2008

2008-02-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

On January 26, 2008, Yoga Rocks held a special event in honor of National Yoga Day USA! All classes were free for members who brought in a new friend or family member. All classes were free for new members.

We offer this event each year to participate in this national event to help spread the awareness and benefits of yoga nationwide!

GO YOGA ROCKS!

We held classes for beginners and intermediate students as well as a very popular Family Yoga Class!

Do Something Great in 2008 - Do Yoga!

2007-12-31T12:31:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

So many great events have occurred during the month of December here at Yoga Rocks and I finally am sitting down long enough to tell you all about them.

Many of you have been in the studio participating in these year end events and it has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve you during 2007.

WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT 2007?

Well, for one, we moved! Yes, our new space is big and spacious and we are still in the process of figuring it out...but that's work for 2008!!! We are just so happy to have moved and to be a growing company in Oyster Bay!

And we have implemented a lot of new workshops and events that we are happy to share with you. Some of which were our Grand Opening, Prenatal Series, Twisting Workshop with Dara, Beginner Series with Lauren, and our two very popular year end events: Our 3rd Annual Holiday Detox Yoga Class and our 3rd Annual Yoga for a Stress Free Holiday Season!

We also offered some great kids events including the Yoga Rocks Kids Holiday Break Yoga Camp featuring the "Yoga Express!" It was a success and such a fun experience! Pictures coming soon!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

To everyone who helped make Yoga Rocks a success in 2007.

AND HERE IS TO AN EVEN BETTER 2008!

We can't wait to show you what is up our sleeves in 2008!

So join us and make this your last new year's resolution ever!

When you do yoga....everything else falls into place.

So, just do it!

DO SOMETHING GREAT IN 2008 - DO YOGA!

And do yoga with us...at Yoga Rocks!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you a prosperous and happy new year,
Jeannine

What do you want to see on the Winter Schedule?

2007-11-13T09:30:00.001-05:00

The Winter Session starts on December 1st. Now is the time to send comments, suggestions, and ideas about what you want at Yoga Rocks this winter season.

Call, email, or come in and let us know!

We are always striving to give you the BEST POSSIBLE YOGA EXPERIENCE ever here at Yoga Rocks!

Thanks everyone!

Jeannine

Jeannine Speaks to Teachers, Grad Students and Administrators at C.W. Post University about Yoga in the Classroom

2007-11-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

On November 7th, I spoke to a room full of teachers, administrators, and graduate students at C.W.Post University about teaching yoga in the classroom and how to incorporate Yoga Rocks Kids at their schools.

This inspiration presentation was videotaped and will be available to you for free in the next week or so.

Stay tuned for cool tips, tricks and ideas for bringing Yoga Rocks into your school!

YOGA ROCKS GRAND OPENING A HUGE SUCCESS!

2007-10-03T23:14:00.001-04:00

A warm thank you to everyone who generously donated to raise money for the Grand Opening Fundraiser of YOGA ROCKS in OYSTER BAY!

We had a wonderful day!

We offered a FREE YOGA CLASS at 10 am and over 35 people attended...and we are so happy that our new location can accommodate so many people! And we can still fit in more!

Then we held our Raffle Drawings and we were so excited to give such wonderful donated gifts to our clients.

Thank you to all vendors and the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce for all of your support!

Yoga Rocks Warms Up Walkers for JDRF Walkathon

2007-09-17T14:15:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, September 16th, Yoga Rocks sponsored the Suffolk County Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes. We were the MAIN EVENT as we led the walkers through a series of movements and warm-ups before the big walk!

STAY TUNED because we are doing it again for NASSAU COUNTY on Sunday, September 30th!
AND DON'T FORGET TO COME TO OUR SUPER GRAND OPENING FUNDRAISER FOR JDRF THIS COMING SUNDAY!!!!
See you there!

SUPER GRAND OPENING THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd!

2007-09-17T13:34:00.000-04:00

YOGA ROCKS is officially ready to rock and roll in Oyster Bay! We are having our SUPER GRAND OPENING FUNDRAISER for JUVENILE DIABETES this SUNDAY, September 23rd!

Here is the rundown for the event:

10:00 AM - FREE YOGA CLASS with Jeannine and Lauren

11:00 AM - FOOD, FUN, & RAFFLE DONATIONS FOR JUVENILE DIABETES! We are the proud sponsors of JDRF and we need your support! Plus you will get wonderful prizes from our local merchants for donating and buying raffle tickets! All merchants will come in to display items at this time too. And Pamela Rich, HHC, will be sharing a fun activity after class to guide you to living your best life now too!

1:00 PM - RAFFLE DRAWINGS

2:00 PM - FREE KIDS YOGA DEMO and signups for the FALL SESSION

We are so excited to be OYSTER BAY'S FIRST PREMIER YOGA CENTER and look forward to sharing why YOGA ROCKS with all of you!

Come on down this Sunday to support Juvenile Diabetes!

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO JRDF!

BRING A FRIEND!

BRING THE KIDS!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Warmly,
Jeannine, Lauren, Michelle, Nicki, Kori Beth, Linda, Jessica, & Lorraine

We've Moved!

2007-08-01T22:37:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to announce our big move to 127 South Street! It is my pleasure to bring you a beautiful, large studio space in our very own community. We are proud to be Oyster Bay's First Premier Yoga Center!

"Yesterday I had the most amazing private yoga session with Lauren at your new studio! We are soooo happy for you! You have created the best yoga environment for all of us. The new studio is literally you and your staff! We are really happy to be part of your exciting transformation and both are looking forward to your new fall schedule too. I love you guys and am so grateful that we found your yoga family."

Some of the features of the new center are:

a large studio space to practice that can accommodate over 30 people

great parking in the rear of the center (Townsend Square)

front and rear entrance

newly renovated, clean, and bright center

a separate changing room (coming soon!)

Thank you to everyone for all of your support throughout the past three years. It is because of you that we are able to bring you this beautiful, new, spacious location in the heart of town.

Join us for our wonderful, inspiring classes 7 days a week. I can't wait to see everyone enjoy the new space!

Thank you so much!!!!

Warmly,
Jeannine

Special "Farewell Yoga Class" at 77 South Street with Jeannine

2007-07-28T16:34:00.001-04:00

I will be teaching the very last class at the original location of Yoga Rocks, 77 South Street, on Sunday, July 29th at 10:00 am. Join us as we say farewell to our beautiful, cozy space where it all began in Oyster Bay!

THEN....

Join us at we begin a new journey at the new location! I will be teaching the very first "Opening Class" at 127 South Street on Monday morning at 9:30 am. I will also be teaching the 7:30 pm class on Monday evenings as regularly scheduled.

I hope to see you all there!

I can't wait for you to see the new location...it rocks!

Pictures coming soon!!!!

Jeannine

One Week Until the BIG MOVE!

2007-07-22T22:49:00.001-04:00

Yep, that's right. There is only one more week until we are officially in our new LARGE studio space at 127 South Street, Oyster Bay! I am so excited and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way it has turned out. We had an amazing team of workers who literally transformed the place in 8 days! It was so exciting to see the transformation. I will take some pictures and post them for all to see as soon as possible since we are still in the midst of moving and changing things. Be sure to stay posted as we work hard to give you a WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE in Oyster Bay! Oyster Bay and Yoga are really going to rock and inspire us all now for sure! We're ready....are you? :) Stay tuned!
Jeannine

Second Yoga Rocks Kids Teacher Training is a Success!

2007-07-17T23:06:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was my 2nd Yoga Rocks Kids Teacher Training weekend. It was very exciting for me to be able to offer this unique and educational experience and share the gift of teaching yoga to kids with others.

We had fun learning the poses, playing games, singing songs, and creating min-lessons. We learned how and why teaching yoga to kids is different from teaching yoga to adults. All students truly enjoyed themselves. In fact, here's what they had to say:

"I enjoyed the relaxed learning environment and how we were actively participating in the poses, dances, songs, and teaching. I would recommend other educators and those who practice and love yoga to take this training! Thank you so much!" Alie Klein, Guidance Counselor

"Yoga Rocks Kids really works and is fun! I learned a lot about instructing yoga and expanded my knowledge on the mannerisms of kids. In addition, I also developed a sense of motivation to be more productive in my own life! I really loved this training!" Mary Alice Miller, student

"This was a wonderful experience. I loved the time we spent together mostly because it was a true bonding experience to focus and think only about yoga and what it is truly about....and to take a deep look into yourself. It is a great gift to give to yourself, even if you are not going to make a career out of it." D.I., Domestic Engineer and Teacher Assistant

Thank you everyone! it was a great experience for me too! The next Level I training will be October 19, 20, and 21! Register now as there are only a few spaces left!

Private Grand Opening, July 30th!

2007-07-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

The first day of classes at the new studio, 127 South Street, will be on Monday, July 30th! We are delighted to offer you a larger, more open space to practice. Renovations are underway and we are busy getting the new space up and running. Thank you for all of your support and help as we transition to this long-awaited location!

This will be the Private Grand Opening for our current students. We are planning a larger, more publicized grand opening in September.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements!

I truly hope you are enjoying your summer classes!!!

Jeannine

Summer News

2007-07-03T22:00:00.000-04:00

Summer Yoga is underway with our new classes, new class times for the evening classes and preparing to move this month to our new location, 127 South Street, Oyster Bay. Our Monday night class was so packed that we had to move it to the park...which turned out to be quite lovely, I might add, well...except for the bugs that is! Thanks to Tricia we all received a little Skin-So-Soft and got a little relief. I didn't really think I got bit up..until today. So let's ponder this whole park idea...is it worth it? Post a comment here or just tell me next week!

All in all, this session will be great and I am so excited to share all of the upcoming new ideas we have planned for the new space. Stay tuned!

And Happy 4th to all!

Jeannine

Lauren returns and it is full speed ahead!

2007-06-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

So Lauren has returned form her travels spreading Yoga Rocks and working with the Oyster Bay Rotary. We are all so delighted to have her back. Our staff did an amazing job of covering for her while she was away and I want to announce to the world my thanks and gratitude for all of their hard work!

Now it is full speed ahead for us here in OB! We are making plans for our big move to 127 South Street (former Marie's Toy Store) somewhere in the middle of July, so definitely by August 1st, and ready to expand in a big way. We can accommodate more students in the big, bright space right in the heart of town!

This summer, yoga is definitely going to rock! We have a great summer program planned with Beach Yoga, which has already begun on Saturdays at 8:00 AM, Kids Yoga Camp, Private Sessions, Rock Your Asana, more convenient times, our new Jivamukti teacher, Dara, and Open Practice Sessions where you can some and practice on your own for only $5! You've got to check us out! And we are growing not only in OB but beyond as we continue to spread our kids and corporate programs. We are in negotiation with Whole Foods to begin our Corporate Yoga Program with their staff over the summer. And we are spreading the Yoga Rocks Kids Program by training people all over LI to bring yoga into their own communities, schools, and homes.

Be sure to sign up for summer when we begin our Priority Registration on June 18th!
Peace,
Jeannine

New Website Design!

2007-05-21T21:15:00.000-04:00

Well...after countless hours researching, writing, and working with our amazing web designer, Rick, I am happy to say that our brand new website design is finally up and running! I am so pleased with the outcome and little by little it is going to be even better! Our shopping cart is almost set up so very soon you will be able to purchase retail products online. We will pack them up and ship them right to your home! (P.S....my new Yoga Books for Kids will soon be available as e-books that you can download too! I am so excited!)

In addition to our new website, we now have a new computer system called DharmaTribe with an online class schedule. In this system, you can pay for classes online with a credit card and even see all of your class information such as how many classes you have left! Check it out and in time, I know you will like it. Simply go to our website and click on "class schedule."

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your encouragement and support while I work to grow and expand Yoga Rocks. I have been working on the kids program and diligently training people to teach yoga to kids in schools, pre-schools, daycare centers (since yoga is truly essential for kids nowadays!) as well as been busy hiring new wonderful teachers and staff members to make your experience here the best it can be. We have so many fun options for Summer...starting with Beach Yoga this June and a cool "Rock your Asana" class with Nicki. Furthermore, we will be moving in July which is just around the corner!

So thank you for being a part of the Yoga Rocks community and choosing to enrich your life by making it more productive, positive, and peaceful a little bit more each day.

Yours, Jeannine

Annual Picture Day at Yoga Rocks, Oyster Bay!

2007-04-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

Greetings!
Today, on this very beautiful Earth Day, we held the Annual Picture Day from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at our studio for the kids. Michael Korol, the photographer and owner of Real Portrait Images, took the most amazing pictures of the kids doing yoga poses!

View his website here:
www.realportraitimages.com

We will be holding this fun and exciting event every year. Next year we will invite kids and adults to take family portraits or partner poses together! We invite all adults to come down if they would like to have beautiful, professional shots of themselves doing yoga as well.

Be sure to check the website often...the new pictures and website design is coming!

And we still had plenty of time to enjoy this perfect day!
Happy Earth Day to all!
Lots of peace and joy,
Jeannine

Yoga's All You Need

2007-04-11T00:38:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to mention the fact that I am still amazed at how yoga really and truly can change your life. When you have yoga, you have everything because you have you! It gives you that much needed feeling of deep connection with yourself...within you...rather than needing something from outside of you. When you have yoga, you have peace. What more is there to life? Yoga is all you need. How wonderful it would be if everyone knew this but even more importantly, REMEMBERED TO DO YOGA in times of stress, worry, or when they felt overwhelmed. All is well. Life is good. Yoga Rocks!

Moving right along....

2007-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I know I haven't been using my Yoga Rocks Journal enough these days....but there is good reason. I have been writing the curriculum and manuals for my Yoga Rocks Kids Teacher Training program that kicks off at the end of this month! I am happy to say that the Level I Foundations Manual is complete along with two other books I wrote that go along with The Yoga Rocks Kids Method and Program.

I can finally announce too, that we have our official YOGA ROCKS LOGOS! We are ready to change the studio over to Yoga Rocks and the official date of the new change will be MARCH 21st, the first day of Spring!

We are really ready to rock Oyster Bay into Spring this year so be sure to look for our new name on our storefront window, as well as on all of our materials...and new t-shirts (coming soon.....working on that now!)

Stay posted for the official launch on March 21st!

Peace, Jeannine

Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) Teacher Training Workshop

2007-01-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Our very first teacher training workshop for kids is March 23rd, 24th, and 25th! The workshop will be held at our studio. Space is limited so if you are interested in learning The Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) Method be sure to register early. Visit our website for information about the training and to print the Registration Form.

I have been working on developing this training for the past 3 years and it is so exciting watching it come into fruition! I have combined my science teaching background with my yoga teaching background to present the most comprehensive, educational, and effective system for teaching yoga to children. What is most unique about the program is that it requires a Yoga Rocks Journal (TM) for the older kids program (ages 7-13). The program can be adapted for teens but that training and manual will come at a later date. The program can also be used for the younger children (ages 2-7) without using the journal to write in, but to use to color instead, to record their feelings, emotions, or thoughts about their yoga experience. I have used journal writing in many of the classes I taught as a science teacher, which we called , the Lab Notebook. And I am adapting that for yoga! Instead of the Scientific Method, we use The Yoga Rocks Kids (TM) Method!

If you are interested in learning more, visit our website at www.yogarocks.us and REGISTER NOW!

We look forward to rocking the world of yoga...with you!
Peace for now,
Jeannine

Yoga Rocks(TM) and Yoga Rocks Kids(TM)

2006-12-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

We are thrilled to announce all of the new changes that are taking place at our studio. We are currently transitioning the studio from Whole New World Yoga to Yoga Rocks(TM) Oyster Bay. Yoga Rocks(TM) will still hold the same philosophies and ideas as set up through Whole New World Yoga, but at a higher, more dynamic, and stronger level. We have really tightened up our staff and policies, making Yoga Rocks(TM) a solid, vibrant, and meaningful studio for adults, children, and families to learn about yoga and wellness.

Our new Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) program and curriculum is currently being developed. Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) is all about creating "happy, healthy, and bright" kids! Research continues to show that when kids do yoga, they feel balanced, healthier, happier, and brighter!! We will be conducting our very first Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) Teacher Training this Spring for parents, teachers, and therapists to learn and teach!

We will keep you posted on all of our upcoming events and changes!! Thanks for your support!

Fall into Yoga!

2006-10-17T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I am finally getting a chance to write again! The fall session is in full swing and our newly renovated studio is such a pleasure to teach in. Our classes are growing and our staff is too! Keep checking the website for all of our upcoming changes including the Early Winter Session starting November 27th, our new Weekend Workshop Series, and other special events. If you are not signed up for our newsletter, email us and we will add you to our list!

Yoga Rocks Kids(TM)... Happy, Healthy, and Bright

2006-03-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

I am so excited that our Yoga Rocks Kids(TM) program is taking off. The core principles of Yoga Rocks Kids™ are based on science and health, yoga philosophy, character education, movement, and breathing techniques to develop strength, confidence, creativity, self-esteem, self-awareness, and inner peace in children and teens of all ages and abilities. So far we have implemented the program at East Woods School in Oyster Bay in their Phys. Ed. classes. We are soon to move to other schools such as Locust Valley, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and the BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education Programs. This is an exciting time for me since my goal is to reach out and spread the awesome benefits of yoga to as many kids (and adults) as possible. It is such an important tool to have in your life...and there really is nothing like it. In these stressful times, it is vital that children learn how to tap in to their internal states of awareness and to listen within and be still. Their inner strength is crucial to guiding them to make positive choices in their lives. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about this program, please feel free to contact me anytime. Have a great day! Jeannine

Welcome

2006-02-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog regarding yoga, the new Yoga Rocks(TM) brand, classes, programs, products, and other topics yet to come. I will post articles on yoga, talk about health issues, relate interesting information, and show photos. I'm also planning on discussing news and events and am open to ideas from you readers. Please feel free to e-mail me at jeannine@wholenewworldyoga.com to ask questions that I will be happy to discuss on this blog. Also visit my studio, Whole New World Yoga at http://www.wholenewworldyoga.com or www.yogarocks.us to visit the studio, see the schedule, view photos, learn about the benefits of yoga and more. Thanks for visiting! And remember... Yoga Rocks! Jeannine