Made from Meadowfoam Oil the new Baby Cow Organics collection is specially formulated to pamper, protect and soothe Baby’s delicate skin. It looks lovely and smells wonderful. Baby Cow Shed contains plant-based and naturally derived ingredients. Furthermore they are free from parabens (preservatives), petrochemicals (petroleum by-products), sulphates (foaming agents) and artificial colours. Wonderful!

For more information: www.cowshedonline.com

The last workshop that I  would like to share with you is “Slow Down Yoga”. It is truly relaxing. Enjoy it!

SLOW DOWN YOGA - GRAHAM BURNS

Slow Down Yoga, Graham Burns, 26th of April (2.00 pm to 4.00 pm):

We all sometimes get frustrated at the pace of modern life. We know too that yoga can help us slow down.  But how often do we actually take time to slow down in our yoga practice and feel the benefits?  How often do we rush through our practice in an effort to cram more into the time available? Together with Slow Down London, The Life Centre invites you to Slow Down Yoga.  Join leading yoga teacher and self-confessed slow person Graham Burns for two hours of yoga in the slow lane – and be amazed at the inner scenery you might see for the first time. Open to all levels, including beginners to yoga,  Slow Down Yoga will combine discussion about how yoga can help us slow down with breathing practices, movement, restorative postures and the deep guided relaxation of yoga nidra.

For more information: www.lifecentre.co.uk

YOGA SHIATSU AND THE CHINESE FIVE ELEMENT CYCLE WORKSHOP SERIES - ANNA BLACKMORE - Wood: Spring: Cleansing and Detoxifying, Sun 19th April 2009 (2.00 pm to 4.00 pm): The wood element governs the Liver and Gall Bladder and their respective meridians, These support the sides of the body and are associated with digestion, detoxification, flexibility of body and mind, decision making and maintaining a smooth flow and circulation of chi / prana.

In Spring the sap is rising, energy moves upwards, awakening our creative vision, ambition and drive to move forward in life. Stagnation is the enemy of the wood element energy. If there are toxins or obstructions, movement and progress can be impeded or become jerky and uncoordinated, thinking gets foggy and we can feel stuck, frustrated, angry, depressed or emotionally volatile. Rhythmic movement helps clear the blockages and enable smooth circulation of chi/prana. In the workshop the focus will be on: rhythmic breath linked sequences and co-ordination exercises-
-postures to massage and wring out the internal organs and stretch the liver and gall bladder meridians
-points and exercises to release the joints
-cleansing breathing techniques

For more information: www.thelifecentre.co.uk

YOGA SHIATSU AND THE CHINESE FIVE ELEMENT CYCLE WORKSHOP SERIES - ANNA BLACKMORE

- Water: Emerging from Winter: Restoring and Replenishing Energy, Sun 5th April 2009 (2.00 pm to 4.00 pm):

The water element in Chinese medicine governs the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are so named because their internal pathways pass through these organs, but their sphere of influence includes other areas of the of the body and mind including the mental capacity for will power and the emotion of fear. The surface meridians support the spine and the back of the body and are associated with the nervous system, and storing and replenishing the vital energy, known as chi (or prana in yoga).

In the five element cycle, Winter is the time of the water element when the energy withdraws to the core to keep the vital organs warm, and we go into a state of semi hibernation to conserve our resources. This allows time for contemplation and reflection. As winter ends we need to stretch out, as if after a longs nights sleep, to release the energy locked in the muscles as tension or stiffness and clear the channels to enable energy to flow freely again.

This workshop will include :
-postures and partner work to stretch these meridians and clear them of obstructions,
releasing the hamstrings, back muscles, spine and neck,
-acupressure points, mantra and breathing exercises to calm and focus the mind
restorative techniques to help replenish energy levels.

For more information: www.thelifecentre.co.uk

This is another interesting yoga workshop that you can attend at The Life Centre in London.

RELEASING THE HIPS - ALEXA HARRIS

- Releasing the hips yoga workshop, Sun 29th March (2.00 pm to 4.00 pm):
Like a swimmer moving from the shallow to the deeper end of the pool, our yoga practice intensifies when we move our attention into releasing the hips. Opening the hips connect us not just to powerful and liberating physical sensations but also to our emotional state of being.  In this workshop of deep hip openers, interwoven into a dynamic and fluid yoga session, we will explore how we can let go in our hips so that we can enjoy a greater sense of freedom in our bodies and in our minds.

Enjoy it!

For more information: www.thelifecentre.com

The Life Centre is a unique non-membership yoga and natural health centre. They offer the widest range of natural therapies, Yoga and Pilates classes, workshops and yoga teacher training to be found anywhere else in London under one roof. The Life Centre will offer a wide range of yoga workshops for all tastes in Spring. If you are not living in London or even in the UK just remember that you can always combine the yoga workshops with a short holiday to restore your energy. Here is the first that I would like to share with you:

DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE WITH ANUSARA YOGA - LISA SANFILLIPO

- Backbend Breakthroughs & Building Bridges, Sat 28 March 2009 (10.30 am to 3.00 pm):
Backbends become a joyful celebration of the architecture of Grace when done with a light-hearted attitude, good alignment and balanced action. Open your heart, free your shoulders, and experience the breath fully, feeling expansion from the inside out. Lisa shares the keys from Anusara Yoga’s Universal Principles of Alignment that enable you to build a bridge of body, mind, and heart from strong foundations and with soaring beauty.

- Free as a Bird: The Delight of Taking FlightSat 4 April 2009 (10.30 am to 3.00 pm):
Arm balances help us to find the deepest source of our strength and feel the joy of taking flight. They are most empowering and joyful when done with a playful
attitude, optimal alignment, and balanced action. Lisa shares the keys from Anusara Yoga’s Universal Principles of Alignment and the essential preparatory poses that enable you to create a steady foundation to soar!

Have fun!

For more information: www.thelifecentre.co.uk

Have you heard about Sebastian Kneipp, the founder of the Naturopathic medicine movement? We would like to give a brief introduction of the “Kneipp Cure”, a system of healing involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures and pressures. It can help you get fresh and balanced for spring. The five components are Hydrotherapy, Herbalism (the use of botanical medicine), Exercise, Nutrition and Spirituality.

-Water as your Beauty Elixir

Different water treatments are the heart of the Kneipp Cure. The basic rule is warm-cold-warm. Those changing impulses to your skin encourage blood circulation, tighten the dermal tissue and boost the metabolism. Here are the easiest treatments that you can try at home: Take a bath (37°, 38° Celsius) to release tension and relax. Add some essential oils: Lavender to calm, Rosemary to freshen, basil for a mood lift or rose if you are stressed. But don’t make it longer than 10 minutes and have a quick cold shower to finish. If you are not brave enough just wash your feet and legs up to the knee in cold water and maybe next time the whole of your body!

-Balance yourself

You can balance yourself through Yoga, Qigong or meditation, but for a quick fix try to breathe consciously. For best result go outside or stand at an open window, close your eyes and take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds and breathe out through the mouth. Keep that rhythm for five minutes.

-Exercise

Find an activity that you really enjoy. Kneipp suggests the best choice is to workout outside as you get fresh air in addition to exercise. Try jogging, Inline Skating, swimming or cycling and try to walk short distances instead of taking the car or bus.

-Eat healthy

Fruit, vegetables, whole grain products, fish and low-fat meat are essential for a Kneipp led lifestyle. You should drink plenty of water and herbal teas. The right food does not only make you feel better, but also allows your body to perform as its best.

Do you wish to improve your energy and health? Do you wish to learn more about the benefits of Raw and Living Foods? Then I recommend the “Living Foods Workshop” of Jill. Two days in which to learn about health-giving eating plans and transforming the quality of your life. Includes juicing, wonders of wheatgrass, how to sprout, raw & dehydrated foods - savoury & sweet tasting dishes. A mixture of instruction on the natural psychology of wellness and background to give you the knowledge to make Living Foods. It is all about having fun and enhancing your life! Juices, lunch and plenty of information provided!

Great!

For more info please go to: www.jillswyers.com

If you are looking for the perfect birthday, holiday or anytime present for discerning yoga or cookie lovers, we have found the perfect gift for you:

Gingerbread Yoga Cookies

These charming handmade cookies are both adorable and delicious. They are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and are baked fresh daily.

You can order them at: www.bakedideas.com

A lot of Yogistas also play golf as they can breathe in the fresh air and embrace nature’s wonders whilst getting both exercise and sun. It also is a nice change to your yoga postures and spa treatments.

Here are some suggestions of golf clubs in Asia:

1. Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Phuket (Thailand)
Lauded already in numerous publications as one of Asia’s premier golf resort destinations, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is set among the Laguna Resort Complex which features five luxury hotels (Sheraton, Dusit Thani, Banyan Tree, Laguna Beach Resort and Allamande). It boasts an 18–hole, par–71 course designed by Max Wexler and David Abell and caters to players of all levels of expertise. But the course certainly is challenging as 13 of the 18 holes are in close proximity to the actual lagoon. Golfers can enjoy taking the watery gamble with their shots. Afterwards, pampering is essential at the world famous Banyan Tree Spa.

2. Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort, Bali (Indonesia)
The five–star Le Meridien Golf and Spa Resort is a luxury resort overlooking the Indian Ocean with world–class golf and spa facilities. The Nirvana Bali Golf Club boasts an 18–hole course designed by the legendary Greg Norman, and has been featured in several publications. The course is made challenging by the elaborate network of streams, ponds and terraces plus its ocean lapping location. After playing, relax at the fusion Nirwana Spa which uses Western products while keeping the Balinese Hindu philosophy in mind.

3. Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort, Phan Thiet (Vietnam)
Located three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the four–star Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort is located on a private beach and was the first international resort to be built in Vietnam. The Par–72 Ocean Dunes Golf Club located on–site has been designed by Nick Faldo and been identified it as one of the top 10 resort courses in Asia. The course will appeal to both experienced as well as casual golfers, and the coastal winds will bring challenge to each hole. The on–site Spa has private saunas and Jacuzzis for customers use after a round of golf. Or you can go in for a massage before you take to the course, helping to relax the muscles and improve that swing.

4. Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa, Khao Yai (Thailand)
The three star Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa provides 60 contemporary living options and is the perfect retreat for those looking for a golf holiday. The 18–hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and is set among the mountains and greenery of Khao Yai. Guests can indulge in a range of massages and wellness rituals at the Maya Spa or in the comfort of them own rooms after a day spent on the course or exploring the surroundings.

5. The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam)
The five star Empire Hotel and Country Club and beach resort overlooking the South China Sea boasts of lavish accommodations, eight swimming pools and a championship golf course. Designed by the celebrated Jack Nicklaus, the golf course includes cliffs, ravines, tight fairways, large bunkers, and is floodlit for night–time games. Also not be missed is the Spa, with its therapies from around the world designed to calm the body and revitalize the skin.

6. Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club, Sarawak (Malaysia)
The five star Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club is nestled amongst the oldest and second largest rainforest in the world, 1,000 meters above sea level. As the name suggests, the main attraction of the hotel is its golf course designed by Neil Crater, while keeping in mind the features of its unique highland location. The course is the ultimate test of golfing skills, and is suited for those who love a fresh physical challenge as well as a mental one. With the number of guests kept to just 60 a day, it provides ample exclusivity and privacy to indulge at a calm pace. The Jungle Club continues to keep up the promise of relaxation and rejuvenation with its pampering sessions of spa, exotic traditional massages and a range of natural treatments.

7. Bintan Lagoon Resort, Bintan Island (Indonesia)
The four–star Bintan lagoon Resort is set among 300 hectares of beachfront gardens and offers a world of choice. This golfing resort can easily be reached by a short high–speed ferry ride from Singapore. Both the Jack Nicklaus 18–hole Sea View Golf course and Ian Baker–Finch 18–hole Woodlands Golf course at the resort are known for their spectacular design and signature holes. The stay is incomplete without a visit to the Bintan Spa, where traditional methods are used in conjunction with organic ingredients for the ultimate relaxation experience. Choose from a range of treatments, scrubs, and spa packages.

8. Springfield Village Golf and Spa, Hua Hin/Cha–am (Thailand)
The 3.5 star Springfield Village Golf and Spa provides luxurious rooms and suites, designed to blend with their surroundings and each providing an open view of the golf course. The golf course (another design by Jack Nicklaus) challenges golf enthusiasts with 27 meticulously manicured holes. The championship course has five sets of tees to play from, and offers varying levels of difficulty. For those looking to improve their game, step there is an excellent Learning Center which offers private lesson. Be sure to head over to the Springfield Spa to pamper and rejuvenate yourself with a wide variety of top notch massages and treatments on offer.

9. Sentosa Resort and Spa, Singapore (Singapore)
The five–star Sentosa Resort and Spa is perched atop a cliff gazing out across the South China Sea. The resort’s 21 rooms and suites are spread across 27 acres of tropical woodlands. For a round of golf, tee–off one of the 2 resort courses, including the exceptional Sentosa Golf Club, home to the Barclay’s Singapore Open and the course of choice for politicians, dignitaries and celebrities alike. The resort also boasts the Spa Botanica, housing mud pools, flotation pools, a meditation labyrinth and Turkish-styled steam baths and a wide choice of indoor treatment rooms or outdoor pavilions.

10. Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort, Nanjing (China)
The five–star colonial-styled, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing is located on the slopes of the famous Purple Mountain, and features 140 luxurious accommodations. This resort is the perfect choice for leisure as well as business travelers to Nanjing. It is also the first deluxe, five–star golf resort in Nanjing, and the exclusive 27–hole golf course was designed by Gary Player. Guests can also enjoy the Spa, with its various massages and treatments, guaranteed to relax and ease the muscles.

Enjoy!