WHERE DID LOVE GO?

This morning I was listening to a program on Radio National about Teens and Sex.  It was very interesting, and it wasn't until the very last call that anyone mentioned the sacredness of love in action, and no-one spoke about "respect" which is at the base of BRAHMACHARYA.

They talked about pornography and music videos and how this formed the basis of what most teens think sex is all about - acrobatics, invention, flexibility, toys.  All about the body.   Thank goodness these music videos were not around so much when my children were growing up!  I do think that parents have a responsibility in all of this, but with so much emphasis on the objectifation of women in every kind of television show and advert, the  balance has gone.

If only children were given the opportunity to learn yoga and the yamas (or spirituality and the ten commandments).   They need an option.  Then need to understand the sacredness of sex, and how to remain centred in a community where marriage is temporary and children bring themselves up.  I know this is a generalisation,  but if your car had as much chance of crashing and burning that marriages today do, you wouldn't even ride in it to the local shops.

I love teaching the yamas.  I love the discussions that come out of our teachings, especially around Brahmacharya - respect for all things.  Make them the centre of your teachings, at home, at work everywhere.   Take just one and work on it for a week, and then try the next.  Patanjali said that they should be considered and practised at all times.  (Our Yama booklet will be on the web next week).  

TUESDAYS NEWSLETTER....

GOOD MORNING PRECIOUS ONES 

Honouring the Universe – The philosophy of The Australasian Yoga Institute….

When you question what you believe, you eventually come to see you a’re the enlightenment you ha’ve been seeking. Until you can love what is —everything, including the apparent violence and craziness—, you’ are separate from the world, and you'’ll see it as dangerous and frightening. I invite everyone to put these fearful thoughts on paper, question them, and set themselves free. When the mind isn'’t at war with itself, there'’s no separation in it.
—Byron Katie

This morning, rather than philosophising, I would like to tell you about an amazing school Deb has discovered.  "YIPARINYA" school  at Alice Springs.    Debbie's brother and sister-in-law are taking time out together and travelling Australia.   Deb gets regular up-dates, and one of the recent visits (and inspirations) has been The Yiparinga School.  

"Yipirinya School was founded on the initiative of the Indigenous Elders of the Town Camps of Alice Springs and is testimony to the fact that there are positive outcomes from these communities, despite adverse publicity.  In the 1970's the town camp elders wanted a school of their own. They felt that the Government Schools did not properly cater for their children because traditional Languages and Culture were ignored and because their children felt that they were outsiders and were frequently teased. The elders wanted a school where Indigenous Languages and Culture were prominent, where there was a strong Aboriginal presence and where their children felt comfortable.

In 1978 the Yipirinya School Council was formed and in 1979 the first classes were started in the town camps. In 1981 the Council applied for registration of the School but this was originally rejected. After an appeal to the Supreme Court the School was finally registered in September 1983. The site in Lovegrove Drive was offered in 1984 and the School moved to Tangentyere Council until the first stage of building was completed in September 1988 and the second stage by November 1989". (From their Web site)

This just tells you about the bricks and mortar.  It doesn't tell you about the children who are from families where the father is in gaol or dead, and the mother is absent.  Or the fact that when they do come to school they have had not food, are wearing clothes which should have been discarded long ago, and have not been washed.  When Min was there the kindy children were having "nose blowing lessons"!  Ear infections are high, and deafness is so rife that sign language is taught as a matter of course.  Taking care of the nose seems obvious. But these little children often have never seen a kleenex, and certainly have not been encouraged to use one with inevitable infection as a result.  This is just a small example of the challenges that confront these teachers (and students) on a daily basis.

The school has 200 students enrolled and 50 staff members (many with special needs training).  It is equipped to teach from Kindy to secondary year 10 and runs a Home Interaction Plan for Parents and Youngsters.  The school teaches 50% English and 50% indigenous languages (and runs a Green Canteen to ensure all students are well and properly fed).

I have contacted the school because I think we should be involved in supporting it.  I am waiting for them to reply.  I know they need money as they have only marginal help from the government (they are an Independent school), however, I thought there may be other things they needed that we could help with.  I will let you know, and then we can start work.  I think it is quite exciting.   Hop on the web and have a look at what this school is doing.  It  is quite wonderful, and as an Institute I think we should support them.  I will be,  although it shouldn't be just up to me.  We can do so much more as a community.

I will keep you all informed.

"Whenever you experience a rush of love in your heart for yourself and everything else in this world, you should hold on to that state.  That is the doorway to Divinity: that is the key".  (Baba Muktananda)

YOU CAN LEARN AND TEACH AT THE SAME TIME… 

We have been supporting this concept from day one.  Of course it took us quite a long time to establish our credentials.  In the beginning of the school, it was hard even to get Professional Indemnity insurance for graduates, but for the last 10 or so years we have been able to offer it to select students.  This means that whilst you are studying and paying for your course, you can work as a yoga teacher with full insurance protection.  I would encourage everyone to start teaching as soon as they can.  Remember the old saying:  "If you want to learn something, teach it!"

 

"You are the ruby in the heart of granite.  How long will you try to deceive us.  We can see the truth in your eyes.  So come, return to the root of the root of your own self"  (Rumi)

STUDIO CLASSES WITH JAHNE

 If you want to come to my Studio class you can do now it only by application.   Those people who are regulars will be given first option to join us.   Please,  make a commitment not just to coming sometimes, but to coming every time you have promised to do so.  I do, you can too.

YOGA CLASSES 

STUDIO WITH JAHNE:  Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 6.30.  

Saturday 12.30 - Restorative Yoga - "The Strawberries and Cream" of yoga.   I am thinking of once again having a mid-week, mid morning-restorative class.

WOODEND COMMUNITY CENTRE:  Wed. 12.30 and Saturday at 10.  $5 pp per class, bring a mat

INNISFREE: Yoga/life skills  Mon. Wed.   2.30. Wed .  Yoga: Sat. 2.30pm  Bookings required.

CASTLEMAINE: "RADIANT CORE CLASS"  NEW TIME!!  The first Monday in the month only, still at 12.40.  The next class is Monday the  11th November.  I have shifted it because of Cup Day.

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING MORNING:  Wednesday 13th November at 9am (not 9.30).  I have shifted it because of Cup Day.  Please make every effort to be there.  

We have been running a yoga teacher training session mixed in with our Saturday Morning class.  It has been a great success, and as I have said, this little "taster" of a real class, makes it easier for students to go out and teach.  It also allows me the opportunity to fine-tune their skills.  Book in, it is not nearly as scary as you may imagine.

 

THE YAMAS (Our E book just for you,  is almost ready for publication!)

I have just had a look at the Ibook version.  It is beautiful.  It looks like a real book (I don't know what I expected!)  There will be a PDSF version also for those who don't have Ibook app. And we are looking for more platforms.  Let us know what format you would like it in, and we will see if we can accommodate that.  

I surprised myself when I had to stop at 20 pages!  I could have brought together more.   I used pages from my past work books, yogic writings, google and wikipedia of course.   If you are interested, please let Debbie know, and reserve your copy.  Email us at yogafirst@netcon.net.au.   Or you can wait for it to go into the shop on our web site.  I think the cost will be $7.50, so everyone will be able to afford it. 

BRANCHING OUT ON YOUR OWN:

So, you have completed yoga teacher training (or are nearly there), what comes next?  With our Institute you have a number of choices, and TWO CLEAR PATHS.  1. Studio or 2. one-on-one.If you are nearing the end of your course and considering the next step, please email me on my direct line (yogafirst@netcon.net.au) and set up a time to call and we will have a chat.

 I encourage all you graduates out there who have yoga schools to consider becoming an AFFILIATE and teaching our course in your studio.  Once you have done that for a number of years you can then become a Licensed studio owner and run the whole show yourself,  just checking in with us from time to time.  Why re-invent the wheel? We have a tried and true course (well protected from legal IP point of view), and one day you could be teaching it.  Make it a goal.

"There is no ladder to climb; there is only the first step, and the first step is an everlasting step"  Krishnamurti

REGISTRATION/INSURANCE for $275 TOGETHER!  The two!

Just to reiterate….This offer is NOT available without the Registration.  It is because you are Registering through us that the Insurance company was able to lower their price.  We lowered ours a little to show good faith, and Bingo! A fantastic offer.  If you don't use it, the numbers will drop making it impractical,  and we will revert to the old way and the old price (ouch!).

YARN-BOMBING

Please remember that we are doing the yarn-bombing at the Woodend Library at 2pm to 4pm every Friday.  If you want to join in, please do.  We can teach you to knit or crochet, or you can just help untangle wool, or sort,  or make cups of tea.  0r just sit and chat.  I would encourage you to start a YARN BOMBING group.  They are great fun.  We did a wonderful knitted landscape, covering bike racks, bollards and the town wishing well with knit.  Now we are knitting beanies for Nepal, then will will be working towards  the Anzac Day installation.etc 

THE "SOUL REVELATION" TAROT workshop and training class..

We had a wonderful launch, and I am sure that with only the minimum amount of instruction (2 hours) the attendees will be able to read for others.    If you want to get a set of cards, they are available at the web site.  You should be able to make your cost back after one professional booking – believe me! Email me to book a workshop at your venue.   yogafirst@netcon.net.au

THE RADIANT CORE DVD

This is another in the "home made DVD's" from Deb and Jahne.  Disc with a little folder with Jahne's drawings.  It is ready,  and ready to send out.  If you have ordered one you should get it in the next week.  If you would like to order one, please contact me on yogafirst@netcon.net.au.  Debbie will add the $25 to your account.

"Circle the sun and you become a sun.  Circle a  Master and you become one" (Rumi)

THE SHOP

Instore  now – Our newest Radiant Core DVD of course. The ZPAGETTI knitting yarn in all colours.   Our best sellers are neti pots,  plus - real liquorice root tea, bands, straps, yoga mat bags, tarot cards and so on and so on.   If you have an item you would like to sell, please let me know.  We are always looking for items for the shop.

We have become agents for a wonderful environmentally friendly yarn called ZPAGETTI (from Denmark - I have featured it in last weeks video if you want to have a close up of how it looks).  This yarn,  which will make THE BEST YOGA MATS  is made from the offcuts of overlocked seams in the garment industry.  It is environmentally good, quick to make and fantastic.  Don't just stop at yoga mats, it makes great mats for the home, coasters, place mats, baskets, clothing….    

The Australian Yoga Life magazine is going to show one of the mats I have made, and I will do a pattern for you.    The cost of a ball is $18.95 but they are huge balls, and only 4 are needed for a standard yoga mat.  It took me about 6 hours to knit a mat – I was watching TV at the same time.  Get onto our web shop, and make an order.  There are some beautiful colours.

This new yarn is also great to knit bags, cushions, fruit bowls, rugs etc etc.  Free pattern with the purchase of the yarn.  It knits up  fast!!!!  I AM HAPPY TO RUN CROCHET AND KNITTING CLASSES IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MAT BUT DON'T KNOW HOW.    MAYBE A VIDEO WOULD BE THE ANSWER?

Instead of having a cup and going backward and forward to the Ocean, each time just getting a cupful.  Become a cup LIVING IN THE OCEAN – the Ocean of Shakti,   the Ocean of energy.

GI/GF (?) WITH JAHNE

Everywhere I go now people are asking me about Gluten Free.  Do I have a good Soup recipe?  Where to go to eat?  Where to buy gluten free?  I have lots to say on the matter.  Coles for instance.  Coles used to have a much smaller Gluten Free section, and whilst it presently looks like they have increased their product range, they have actually decreased it quality wise.  Have you had a look?  There is hardly anything except Coles brand (the same as in the milk section!).  Whilst Coles ins't bad, there are a whole lot of high quality GF foods that you won't see at Coles,  ORGRAN for one.  They used to stock it, but now they don't.

I love this brand and was recently in my Health Food Store (Purple Sage in Kyneton) where they stock the complete ORGRAN range.  It is not much dearer than Coles brand, there is more range, and Orgran has always been the GF market and quality leader.  They have pastry mixes, bread mixes,  pizza base mixes etc etc.  Do check your health food store, and ask for ORGRAN.  Go look at the ORGRAN web (it's a USA brand) to see the complete range.  Ask your health food store to stock it – you won't buy better.

THE RECIPES – "No grain no pain"

I made some fantastic Rice flour cookies this week.  I have given you the recipe before (go look at the blog if you want to get it from the archive   www.mygfday.blogspot.com).  This time I added psyllium, made smaller thinner biscuits, and cooked them for longer.  You won't I think get a crispy biscuit, more a "cookie".  I think they would also be nice iced.

Have you ever tried TAMARIND PUREE?  You will find it in the Asian/Indian part of your food store.  This is the pureed fruit of the Tamarind.  It has a sharp sweet/sour taste, and I have tried it with meat (mixed with onion jam), and also on rice crackers dribbled with honey.  You can also put it in water to give a lemony flavour to your daily drinks.  I am also told it is a favourite with film stars who want to drop weight quickly.   Apart from thinking it may send you to the toilet more, I can't think how this could be so – however, it does taste great, and that in itself is a reason to indulge.

NUT MILK BAGS have arrived, and will be available in the web shop.  If you are paying more and more for nut milks why not make your own.  It is simple.  Blend your nuts with water, and strain them through the bags.  That is all there is to it.  You could add honey or vanilla (or chocolate), and save money.  Plus the resulting milk would be chemical free!

THE GARDEN:

Hasn't it been cold.  Freezing here and snowed last Friday!!!  I have just spent the time picking up fallen branches, tidying up things that have blown around, and keeping the pond pump free of debris.  I did use roundup the other day on the paths – this of course caused a hailstorm later that day.  Roundup acts just like a "rain dance".  Everytime I do it, it rains.  We have a waiting, mulching time here at the moment.  Too cold to spend time in the garden, and we are between seasons, so only weeding is possible.  By the way…… Does anyone out there know where I can buy water-chestnut  plants close by the Macedon Ranges or mail order?

 

YIN YOGA DVD with Paul Grilley?

The publishers have posted our latest order, and for reasons no-one can explain, they are late.  "Patience is a virtue, find it where you can, seldom in a woman (and never in a man)" just came to mind, and I thought I would pass the ditty along.  

We are selling these for under $40 which may explain our turnover.  When I bought mine I paid nearly $100 for it and was pleased to do it.   So if you want a set, order now from the shop on our web site – or ring Debbie and she will post one out as soon as they come to hand  – call on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 0354 273 518 (or order one when you come to teacher training.

FACEBOOK/BLOGS

I am getting better with the Facebook page, and a whole lot better with the blog.  I even did a tweet, but girls if you want me to do LINKDIN and  GOOGLE too!!!  Well, that may not happen – I just can't do everything.  I am getting better at the blogs.  If you want to check out the GF blog, the address is www.mygfday.blogspot.com.au

I have also started a YOGA BLOG  www.myyogabeautiful.blogspot.comwww.myyogabeautiful.blogspot.com

I am putting this newsletter up on the blog after I have posted it here.  So if you want to catch up with it, again, that's where to look.

JAHNES TRAVELLING PLANS/INFORMATION SESSIONS

I am planning do information sessions to encourage folk (who have been fence sitting) to do teacher training.  Probably via conference call, or actual visit.   If you or a friend is considering doing the Distance Education Course then watch this space.

I think at the present I will do a session starting in Brisbane first then Melbourne and perhaps Bendigo.

Do you want me to visit your town.  Would there be folk there who would want to be Yoga Teachers?  Do you need a yoga teacher in your town?   Please give me feedback here.

JAHNE'S MENTORING SESSIONS – "Step4th Mentoring"

Because Jahne has been teaching yoga for more than 40 years, and running a business the Buddhist way for much longer than that (and successfully) she is often asked for advice.  

If you are a trainee teacher and have queries about your modules, Jahne is available for mentoring session at no charge to you, although it is helpful if you could please book your session.  However, if you wish to have Jahne help you with relationships, career, or just getting personally  "unstuck" then that is coaching/mentoring and does come with a cost. Her charge per half hour for mentoring is $75 and $65 for student teachers.  It is amazing how much you can shift in half an hour when you strip away the unnecessary chatter.  It's the Buddhist way.

"THE WOODEND MINISTRY OF FOOD".

At a time when the world is concerned with an epidemic of diabetes and obesity, I have found much to be concerned about regarding how the council, kindergartens and schools are thinking about food – and of course presenting it.  

You will be pleased to know, that after I contacted the council (and more than once), and their terse email reply letting me know that they put on these spreads at a different venue each time to showcase the venues and menus across the shire and they "were not going to change the format of these meetings", they  informed me that "just because they said that they were not willing to change, it didn't mean that they actually were not willing to change!"  So I hope that means that there will be change.  I am assured that change will happen.  I was thanked for my input, feedback and concern.  I AM STILL CONCERNED.

Of course cost is an issue, however, the matter of wastage is another concern.  I was told that the food that was left over at the last meeting was taken back and given to council staff.  So, I was told,  there was no wastage.  With the problems of obesity at every level across the community, I am not sure that the food in question SHOULD have been take anywhere for humans to eat.

When I go to any BUSINESS MEETING (council or otherwise), I may be different, but I am interested in networking and listening to the speaker.  I am not there for a gargantuan sugar spree.

 What do you think?  I would appreciate feedback – lots of feedback.   Please contact me at yogafirst@netcon.net.au.

'A CIRCLE OF WOMEN"

A CIRCLE OF WOMEN may just be the most powerful force known to humanity.  If you have one, embrace it.  If you need one, seek it.  DIVE IN, HOLD ON, LOVE IT UP.  Get naked.  Let them see you.  Let them hold you.  Let your reluctant tears fall.  Let yourself rise fierce and love gentle.  YOU WILL BE CHANGED.  The very fabric of your being will be altered by this, if you allow it.  PLEASE, PLEASE ALLOW IT (author:: Jeanette Leblanc).

  

REGARDING DEBBIE – If you want to speak to Debbie about any aspect of the courses – she has done them, please remember that she only comes in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  She is available on Ph: 0354 273 518.  I am always here, and available preferably on email or text because I teach.  Don't hesitate to email me and I will answer your email or text as soon as I can..

"I lost my fame, my heart, my mind.  The sun appeared and all the shadows ran;  I ran after them but  vanished as I ran; the light ran after me and hunted me down" (Rumi)

For more wonderful, delicious thoughts

Log on to our Web site www.yogabeautiful.com.au, 

and tune in to our videos  daily.

ENJOY – Love and Blessings,  

Namaste  Jahne

This email was sent out by

The Australasian Yoga Institute/Yoga First

Welcome to my world,

This morning I was having a chat with a WEB MARKETING MAVEN.  We tossed a lot of things around, and one of them was creating a Yoga Blog.  I have tried this before, but I was new at blogging then - I am sure this one will work, especially now that I have gathered my thoughts consistently, and want to pass things along to you in a way that I now know you like.  The newsletter....  here is a sample.  I do one of these each week and post them on Tuesday at the latest.  So, if you log in on Tuesday afternoon, you should see it.

GOOD MORNING PRECIOUS ONES 

Honouring the Universe – The philosophy of The Australasian Yoga Institute….

What would you be if you didn't have a story?  Meditation, even starting out with a three minute a day meditation, is a way of identifying and undoing the thoughts that cause anger, fear, depression, addiction and violence.  When you let go of these thoughts and allow our minds to return to their true nature, when we stop opposing reality, action becomes fluid, kind and fearless.  Compassionate.  Mindful.

I would ask you to ask these four questions whenever you have a specific problem:

1. Is what I believe about the problem true?

2. Can I know for an absolute fact that it is true?

3. How am I reacting to the thought when I buy into the belief around the thought?

4. What would my life look like, who would I be, without that negative thought?

How many times have I told you,  my students that IT'S NOT THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSES OUR SUFFERING, IT IS OUR THOUGHTS AROUND THE PROBLEM.   I know it is hard to let go of thoughts that trouble us, but how about taking another view.  How about letting the thoughts LET GO OF US!  Question what you believe.  When you do that, and only when you do that,  do you have a chance to achieve the enlightenment you have been seeking. 

Remember the Buddha.  Its wasn't until he began to question his reality that he had a chance to know the truth about the problem he posed himself (relating to the cessation of suffering),  and thereby achieved enlightenment, changed the world and continues to do so.

"Whenever you experience a rush of love in your heart for yourself and everything else in this world, you should hold on to that state.  That is the doorway to Divinity: that is the key".  (Baba Muktananda)

YOU CAN LEARN AND TEACH AT THE SAME TIME… 

……don't forget that ours is a course that will allow you to teach before you finish the course.  Because we have been going for such a long time, we have a special relationship with our insurers, and they have put together a fantastic student insurance.  So, yes, you can teach even whilst you are still training, confident that you will be totally covered by our Registration/Insurance package.  Have a look at the web site, download the details, and sign up.

"You are the ruby in the heart of granite.  How long will you try to deceive us.  We can see the truth in your eyes.  So come, return to the root of the root of your own self"  (Rumi)

STUDIO CLASSES WITH JAHNE

 If you want to come to my Studio class you can do now it only by application.   Those people who are regulars will be given first option to join us.   Please,  make a commitment not just to coming sometimes, but to coming every time you have promised to do so.  I do, you can too.

YOGA CLASSES 

STUDIO WITH JAHNE:  Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 6.30.   Saturday 12.30 - Restorative Yoga 

WOODEND COMMUNITY CENTRE:  Wed. 12.30 and Saturday at 10.  $5 pp per class, bring a mat

INNISFREE: Yoga/life skills  Mon. Wed.   2.30. Wed .  Yoga: Sat. 2.30pm  Bookings required.

CASTLEMAINE: "RADIANT CORE CLASS"  NEW TIME!!  The first Monday in the month only, still at 12.40.  The next class is Monday the  11th November.  I have shifted it because of Cup Day.

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING MORNING:  Wednesday 13th November at 9am (not 9.30).  I have shifted it because of Cup Day.  Please make every effort to be there.  

 Student teachers training class will occur either planned, or spontaneously, in the Saturday 10am class at the Woodend Community Centre.  It started this week.  Rachael took the balance section of the class, and rather good she was too.   Baby steps!  Debbie has made  a roster, and  I encourage all students (even if you are afraid – which is a natural reaction) to take part of the Saturday Morning Community yoga class.  Even if you just start leading the class in one exercise it will be worthwhile.  Practice one you would like to deliver.  I will supervise, you will teach it to the class.  Even if you are  interstate you may like to take a Saturday morning supervised class if you get the chance to come down here, just to see how you are progressing.  Just let me know when you will be in town and I will organise it.

Now that Rachael has done this class she told me that it has given her the confidence to start teaching properly.  She intends to get a venue and start asap.  Although she comes to every training session at the studio with other trainee teachers, it is amazing what going out and teaching just one class of new students with me will achieve.  Don't be scared.  All my students are very open to having students teach them….they don't bite – well, I haven't seen them bite!

THE YAMAS (Our E book just for you,  is almost ready for publication!)

I spoke to the publishers this morning.  They are taking longer than anticipated.….  I surprised myself when I had to stop at 20 pages!  I could have brought together more.   I used pages from my past work books, yogic writings, google and wikipedia of course.   If you are interested, please let Debbie know, and reserve your copy.  Email us at yogafirst@netcon.net.au.   Or you can wait for it to go into the shop on our web site.  I think the cost will be $7.50, so everyone will be able to afford it. 

BRANCHING OUT ON YOUR OWN:

So, you have completed yoga teacher training (or are nearly there), what comes next?  With our Institute you have a number of choices, and TWO CLEAR PATHS.  1. Studio or 2. one-on-one.If you are nearing the end of your course and considering the next step, please email me on my direct line (yogafirst@netcon.net.au) and set up a time to call and we will have a chat.

 I encourage all you graduates out there who have yoga schools to consider becoming an AFFILIATE and teaching our course in your studio.  Once you have done that for a number of years you can then become a Licensed studio owner and run the whole show yourself,  just checking in with us from time to time.  Why re-invent the wheel? We have a tried and true course (well protected from legal IP point of view), and one day you could be teaching it.  Make it a goal.

"There is no ladder to climb; there is only the first step, and the first step is an everlasting step"  Krishnamurti

REGISTRATION/INSURANCE for $275 TOGETHER!  The two!

Lots are signing up, and I urge you to.  This offer is NOT available without the Registration.  It is because you are Registering through us that the Insurance company was able to lower their price.  We lowered ours a little to show good faith, and Bingo! A fantastic offer.  If you don't use it, the numbers will drop making it impractical,  and we will revert to the old way and the old price (ouch!).  Go to the web site to sign up www.yogabeautiful.com.au

YARN BOMBING

Next Anzac Day our yarn bombing group have decided to work on an Anzac Day Installation at Woodend's Avenue of Honour.  We have segments of different difficulties so we need pom-pom makers, knitters, crocheters, and sewer-uppers.  We can use you all.  It is going to be wonderful, but, we need more hands to the pump so to speak.  It seems a long way off, but not for what we have in mind.  We meet every Friday at the Woodend Library at 2pm to 4pm.  More wool and more volunteers needed.  You don't need to be able to knit.  We can teach you.  Or you can just spend time re-skeining, or untangling the wool that the littlies get in a muddle.

THE "SOUL REVELATION" TAROT workshop and training class..

We had a wonderful launch, and I am sure that with only the minimum amount of instruction (2 hours) the attendees will be able to read for others.    If you want to get a set of cards, they are available at the web site.  You should be able to make your cost back after one professional booking – believe me! Email me to book a workshop at your venue.   yogafirst@netcon.net.au

THE RADIANT CORE DVD

This is another in the "home made DVD's" from Deb and Jahne.  Disc with a little folder with Jahne's drawings.  It is ready,  and ready to send out.  If you have ordered one you should get it in the next week.  If you would like to order one, please contact me on yogafirst@netcon.net.au.  Debbie will add the $25 to your account.

"Circle the sun and you become a sun.  Circle a  Master and you become one" (Rumi)

THE SHOP

Instore  now – Our newest Radiant Core DVD of course. We have got a new shipment of extra long therabands.  Our best sellers are neti pots,  real liquorice root tea, bands, straps, yoga mat bags, tarot cards and so on and so on.   If you have an item you would like to sell, please let me know.  We are always looking for items for the shop.

We have become agents for a wonderful environmentally friendly yarn called ZPAGETTI (from Denmark - I have featured it in last weeks video if you want to have a close up of how it looks).  This yarn,  which will make THE BEST YOGA MATS  is made from the offcuts of overlocked seams in the garment industry.  It is environmentally good, quick to make and fantastic.  The Australian Yoga Life magazine is going to show one of the mats I have made, and I will do a pattern for you.  Debbie is busy photographing it for the store.  The cost of a ball is $18.95 but they are huge balls, and only 4 are needed for a standard yoga mat.  It took me about 6 hours to knit a mat – I was watching TV at the same time.  Get onto our web shop, and make an order.  There are some beautiful colours.

This new yarn is also great to knit bags, cushions, fruit bowls, rugs etc etc.  Free pattern with the purchase of the yarn.  It knits up  fast!!!!  I AM HAPPY TO RUN CROCHET AND KNITTING CLASSES IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MAT BUT DON'T KNOW HOW.    MAYBE A VIDEO WOULD BE THE ANSWER?

Instead of having a cup and going backward and forward to the Ocean, each time just getting a cupful.  Become a cup LIVING IN THE OCEAN – the Ocean of Shakti,   the Ocean of energy.

GI (or GF) WITH JAHNE

I have made another discovery on my learning curve.  This time to do with my weight.  Since I began the Gluten Free Regime my weight has remained remarkably stable.  I did lose quite a lot to start, but now I am at between 52 and 53k and no matter what I eat it seems to stay right there.  The result has been that I no longer think about my weight when I eat.  I just eat the things that I know my body will like, and if I do that, then magically my weight is not an issue.  This is a major breakthrough for me.  I come from a family of big women who weighed and measured everything at every meal to stay thinnish.  I was one, but not now!  I am free of those chains, and it feels fantastic.  Another thing I don't have to worry or think about – and people say I am "look'in good" so I must be on the right track.  I know I feel fantastic!

THE RECIPES – "No grain no pain"

This week I just stayed on the plan.  I made a roast from Kangaroo meat which was great.  I also had some beef sausages which I really enjoyed.  Oh yes!  I did cook corn pasta and made a topping of tomato puree, herbs, mushrooms, nettles and onions.  Although I haven't liked gluten free pasta before, the corn pasta was great.  I watched it carefully so I wouldn't miss the la dente stage.  It cooks fast!.  If you do that the result will be great, as mine was.  Next time I will just do a simple garlic/oil/herb pasta.  You have to be pretty confident about the pasta to do that.  And I am.

NUT MILK BAGS have arrived, and are available in the web shop.  If you are paying more and more for nut milks why not make your own?  It is simple.  Blend your nuts with water, and strain them through the bags.  That is all there is to it.  You could add honey or vanilla (or chocolate), and save money.  Plus the resulting milk would be chemical free!

THE GARDEN:

Because we live at the foot of Mt.Macedon,  ours is a micro-climate.  We are cooler than Melbourne, and last week we had a bad frost.  Burned the tops off my Rhodedendron.  I  was looking forward to a mass of flowers, but not now!  A number of small trees and shrubs were also frost bitten.  Thank goodness that the potatoes, hidden under mulch, survived to live another day.  You should see my watercress.  Coming up beautifully in the bog.  Does anyone out there know where I can buy water-chestnut  plants?

It snowed here yesterday.  Maybe we will have snow at Christmas - it has happened before.

YIN YOGA DVD with Paul Grilley?

These just walk out the door and we are at present waiting for our next shipment, so if you have an order in, please be patient.  Every day I go down to the PO box, and they are not yet there!  We are assured they are wending their way to us!  We are selling these for under $40 which may explain our turnover.  When I bought mine I paid nearly $100 for it and was pleased to do it.   So if you want a set, order now from the shop on our web site – or ring Debbie and she will post one out fast – call on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 0354 273 518 (or order one when you come to teacher training.

FACEBOOK

I am getting better with the Facebook page, and a whole lot better with the blog.  I even did a tweet, but girls if you want me to tweet too!!!  Well, that may not happen.  Hop over the Facebook please. 

JAHNES TRAVELLING PLANS/INFORMATION SESSIONS

I am planning do information sessions to encourage folk (who have been fence sitting) to do teacher training.  Probably via conference call, or actual visit.   If you or a friend is considering doing the Distance Education Course then watch this space.

I think at the present I will do a session starting in Brisbane first then Melbourne and perhaps Bendigo.
Do you want me to visit your town.  Would there be folk there who would want to be Yoga Teachers?  Do you need a yoga teacher in your town?   Please give me feedback here.

JAHNE'S MENTORING SESSIONS – "Step4th Mentoring"

Because Jahne has been teaching yoga for more than 40 years, and running a business the Buddhist way for much longer than that (and successfully) she is often asked for advice.
If you are a trainee teacher and have queries about your modules, Jahne is available for mentoring session at no charge to you, although it is helpful if you could please book your session.  However, if you wish to have Jahne help you with relationships, career, or just getting personally  "unstuck" then that is coaching/mentoring and does come with a cost. Her charge per half hour for mentoring is $75 and $65 for student teachers.  It is amazing how much you can shift in half an hour when you strip away the unnecessary chatter.  It's the Buddhist way.

"THE MEN WHO MADE YOU FAT".

I have been watching this BBC program, and I found it disturbing and just what we need to hear (and see).  Unfortunately my local council was not watching, and at a BUSINESS NETWORKING morning this week served up what I would have to say was a medieval banquet of high fat, high sugar, high calorie food.  So much that the forty people who attended could hardly wade their way through it.   Although the attendees ate like it was the end of the world and all through the meeting food was being passed around, there was heaps left. 

I have been attending these very worthwhile meetings, and each one is more extravagant that the previous one. 

At a time when the world is concerned with an epidemic of diabetes and obesity, I found this wasteful and extravagant meal more than I could deal with without comment.  I contacted the council.  They sent back a terse email letting me know that they put on these spreads at a different venue each time to showcase the venues and menus across the shire.   The menus at the meetings I have been to do not reflect the usual menus of the various restaurants (who usually send out to get the foods required), and as we eat out reasonably often, I would not go to a restaurant because I had been to a meeting there.  I think we are much more sophisticated when we make our choices now.

Cost?  This is a concern especially as the council is considering amalgamating two groups to cut down on the cost.  How about minimising the food cost, and staying at the one venue.  Let us just concentrate on the matter at hand.  Networking and Business.  I would be prepared to pay for that and said so.

The matter of wastage is another concern.  There is more food presented and prepared than could be eaten at three meetings!  Let me not start down that track….

When I go to a BUSINESS NETWORKING MEETING, I may be different, but I am interested in networking and listening to the speaker.  I am not there for a gargantuan sugar spree.

The council say "they are not going to change" (unquote).  What do you think?  I would appreciate feedback – lots of feedback.   Please contact me at yogafirst@netcon.net.au.

PS The council has gotten back to me, and they didn't really mean "they were not prepared to change.  Of course they are going to carefully monitor the food at the meetings".  It is great that we have feedback, and the possibility of change, but I also have feedback from you out there about food at the schools and kindys.  So watch this space and thank you all for contributing to the debate.  Keep it up, and do it at a local and council level too.  What are your councils doing?

REGARDING DEBBIE – If you want to speak to Debbie about any aspect of the courses – she has done them, please remember that she only comes in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  She is available on Ph: 0354 273 518.  I am always here, and available preferably on email or text because I teach.  Don't hesitate to email me and I will answer your email or text as soon as I can..

"I lost my fame, my heart, my mind.  The sun appeared and all the shadows ran;  I ran after them but  vanished as I ran; the light ran after me and hunted me down" (Rumi)

For more wonderful, delicious thoughts

Log on to our Web site www.yogabeautiful.com.au, 

and tune in to our videos  daily.

ENJOY – Love and Blessings,  

Namaste  Jahne