Christmas 2011

Hello Everyone

Just a reminder of the details of Classes over the Christmas Break and Christmas gatherings before the end of year.

Christmas Break:

Last Inner Space Class 19 December – returning 9 January 2012

There are Christmas drinks at the Bicycle Shop after class on 19^th – everyone welcome.

Last Catton class 14 December – returning 11 January 2012

Christmas Lunch at the Woodman 1pm on the 14^th – Bookings only

Pregnancy Yoga

Current course finishes 21 December – 2012 course commences 11 January

Baby Yoga

Classes 1,8,15 December & 11, 18, 25 January 2012

Birth Preparation Workshop

15 January 1:30 - 4:30pm, St Mary Magdelane Church Hall, Silver Road (where Pregnancy Yoga is held)

I am running a birth preparation workshop on Sunday 15 January at Mary Magdalene Church Hall. This is for you and your birthing partner to help your partner feel more involved and useful during the birth,or of course you can come on your own. We will go over things learnt in class. We will discuss and learn breathing techniques, birthing positions, visualisation and relaxation techniques to help you on your babies birthing day. Cost: £35 per couple Time:1:30pm-4:30pm Venue: St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Silver Road Please let me know if you are interested as soon as possible so I can reserve you a place.

Synerprotein Are feeling a little run down at the moment? I used an amazing drink during pregnancy and still use now so I thought I would share it with you all. The drink is called Synerprotein. It is a fabulous drink that is designed to give you a powerhouse of nutrition and energy providing a high quality non-genetically modified soya protein supplement which is dairy free, wheat free, yeast free, gluten free and virtually fat free. It is balanced protein supplement providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and a great vanilla flavor. It also provides 3g of fiber per serving. SynerProTein also contains the exclusive SynerPro Concentrate, which provides a rich and wholesome base of fruits and cruciferous vegetables with antioxidant benefits. This product is only available to healcare providers including Nutritionists, I can provide this for you for the cost of £15 for a massive 448g pot which lasts for ages. I found it amazing during pregnancy as it gives both you and your baby essential vitamins and minerals and it provides a slow release energy that stops you craving sweet stuff (and therefore filling yourself with empty calories and extra weight that should be avoided during pregnancy). Its also a quick filler if you're busy and miss (or perhaps cannot face due to morning sickness) a meal. It is amazing as a new mum as suddenly you find that you are so absorbed in your new little wonder that you have managed to forget lunch. It is so important that you look after yourself so that you can look after your baby and I found this really helped me to stay nourished. I still use it as I am always zooming around and have it in addition to breakfast and it really gives me the energy I need as a busy mum. Please let me know if you are interested and I will place an order for you.

Christmas Gift

Don’t forget you can buy a loved one the wonderful gift of Yoga for Christmas. A 6 class pass for general Yoga is £36. Please contact Jessica if you are interested, if you mention it is for a gift, each pass will come in a festive gift card.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful time of rest and hibernation shared with loved ones. I look forward to seeing you all soon xxx

Om Shanti

November Newsletter

Dearest friends and Yogis

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.....

It’s that time of year again, the air is certainly becoming crisper and nearly all the leaves have fallen. Winter is very nearly upon us and I find that as the dark days draw in I need my Yoga practice more than ever to remind me that even though the days are dark I am shining brightly from within. At the darkest time of the year, it's important to take time to go quietly inward, to connect with our inner light, and then carry its spark into the world to share with others.

Patanjali writes

visoka va jyotismati
Or, the light within which is free from all suffering and sorrow. Yoga Sutra I.36

Jyoti is the light within, a great brightness or radiance in the heart, from which the true Self shines forth. No matter how far removed or disconnected you may feel from the light, and no matter what your circumstances, the spark of that light always lies within, free from grief, from pain, from sorrow. Even when you've forgotten about the light or doubt its existence, it's there—and remembering and reflecting on that can be can be a great source of support and comfort in difficult moments. It’s like the sun on cloudy days, although the day may seem grey and gloomy, the sun is shining brightly, high above the clouds.

Taking time to travel to that quiet place within you, you will find your own light and with it a sense of joy and clarity. When you connect with that light, you can cultivate it, bring it forth into your everyday life, and share it with the world around you.

Christmas gatherings

I was made aware that some of you would love to get together again this year for Christmas and was reminded earlier this week that if that was to be the case then I needed to get a wiggle on so that is exactly what I have done.

Old Catton Yogis

I have provisionally booked the Woodman again for our Christmas lunch. Christmas lunch will take place after the last class for the year on December 14 at 1pm. Last year we decided that we would order off the usual menu rather than the standard Christmas meal. Please check out http://www.woodmannorwich.co.uk and select the menus page to see both the Christmas menu and the normal menu. If you are interested in coming along please let me know and whether you would prefer to order from the Christmas menu or the normal one. Loved ones are welcome, including children as Aylah will be joining us.

Inner Space Yogis

As Inner Space classes are in the evening and finish reasonably late I thought it appropriate to have a Christmas Tea gathering at the Bicycle Shop on St Benedict after class on December 19. Please let me know if you are interested in coming along as I may need to reserve a room.

Pregnancy and Baby Yogis

Please let me know if you are interested in having a Christmas gathering this year.

Christmas Break:

Last Inner Space Class 19 December – returning 9 January 2012

Last Catton class 14 December – returning 11 January 2012

Pregnancy Yoga

Current course finishes 21 December – 2012 course commences 11 January

Baby Yoga

Classes 1,8,15 December & 11, 18, 25 January 2012

Stuff for Sale

I have an Annabel Karmel book – New and complete baby and toddler meal planner book for sale, nearly new. Only £4 A great resource of interesting and fun meals to feed your loved one. Also gives loads of advice and a great plan for introducing solids.

2 x New bamboo cloth washable Popolini nappies birth – potty and 2 x protective coverings. Worth nearly £40 selling for £20

Please let me know if you have any baby items for sale, I am always happy to share sale items in newsletters.

Continue to shine brightly

Much love

Jessica

October 2011

As most of you know the last few months have certainly had their challenges. I could quite easily have wallowed in my sorrow but Yoga teaches us to live in the moment. If you limit your attention to how life lets you down, you blind yourself to the endless gifts you receive all the time. Yes you need to deal with the cards that life deals you but keeping yourself in the past only leads to more suffering. Dealing with the now surely is enough? Human beings seem hard-wired to notice how reality fails to meet some idea of how they think things should be. By shifting your attention you can put an end to your suffering and appreciate lifes joys that are all around you. Patanjali (who compiled the Yoga Sutras) wrote that santosha (contentment, or appreciation for what you have) leads to unexcelled joy.

Count your blessings and you'll find that even an uneventful or "bad" day is filled with precious gifts. My experience has really helped me see what I am truly grateful for. My practice has been invaluable in not only helping me to keep present but also helping balance my hormones, helping me recover and restore, nurturing both my physical body but also my mind and my spirit. I am truly grateful to family and friends for just being there and also for you, the community that I have surrounding me, so many kind words, words of encouragement and positive healing vibes. Again I thank you.

Through the mindfulness practice of gratitude, you are able to rejoice amidst all life's suffering. Cultivating gratitude is a very powerful form of mindfulness practice. Being relieved of the endless wants and worries of your life's drama, even temporarily, is liberating. The understanding you gain from practicing gratitude frees you from being lost or identified with either the negative or the positive aspects of life, letting you simply meet life in each moment as it rises.

Cultivating Gratitude
Start by finding a comfortable seat. Focus on your physical body and really notice how your body is feeling today. Simply focus on your breath. Breathing in and out of your nose, slowing your breathing and making it smoother and more regular. This relaxes the nervous system and when the nervous system is relaxed, the mind often follows.

Gratitude can be cultivated by taking a moment to think about what you are grateful for. You can maybe start with the people around you, all the people who have helped you in your life: those who cared for you, clothed you, educated you, cooked for you. The roof over your head, your job, the beauty that surrounds you. Find something that resonates with you.

Count your blessings every day.

Gratitude practiced in this manner brings delight, balances out your tendency to focus on the negative, and can even lift a dark mood. Responding to a difficult situation by acknowledging it as such, then saying, "Yes, this is terrible, and I am grateful for . . . ." allows you to meet life's difficulties with an open heart.

Yoga teaches that joy, or ananda, lies deep inside each of us, and its various tools are simply a means to get at what's already there


Baby Yoga
Next course commences 01 December. Baby Yoga is a great way to bond with your baby. Learning new songs and rhymes to gentle Yoga moves for baby helps sleep and digestion, coordination to name a few benefits. Start connecting with your breath and practice gentle Yoga moves for yourself, connect with your own body. Relax, restore, energise.

I am also offering a single drop-in class on November 17 that is open to all. Cost is £6 for this trial session. Babies need to be 6 weeks and after your postnatal check.
Please contact Jessica for more information and booking.

Testimonials Please
I am looking to update my websites and would very much appreciate some recent testimonials. If you have the time I would greatly appreciate any feedback that you are happy for me to share on my pages. I am looking for feedback on Baby Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga and my Catton and Inner Space classes.

Yoga History and Philosophy
Joss at The Yoga tree is running 5 one hour Yoga History & Philosophy sessions. Starting Monday 10th Oct 12.15pm at the Complementary Health Care Clinic, Exchange St Norwich. Each session is £5, a mini workshop to get the juice out of the history and philosophy to recharge your yoga practice. Interested? Please call Joss direct on 0759 837665

ASQUITH CLOTHING
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Bliss Yoga Norwich is offering students an exclusive 20% off until November 30th 2011, simply visit www.asquithlondon.com and type BLISSYOGA20 into the promotional code box when placing your order to receive your 20% exclusive discount.

Much love to you all
Hari OM

Bliss Yoga Norwich September 2011

September 2011

Hello fellow Yogi's

What a wonderful summer break I have shared with family and friends. I do hope you have had a wonderful break too.

Most of the summer I have been living outside, well spending many days in my lovely little camper van anyway. This has given me the opportunity to really live with nature and the elements. When there is no television, computers or mobile phones it really gives you the opportunity to enjoy the stillness. I have been watching the flow of nature. How blissful to watch the rhythm of the waves, the rise and fall of the tide, the rythm of each day. I have been observing what I enjoy most about my practice and the peace and stillness that comes with that.

The breath is fundamental to a Yoga practice. The breath is the flow of life. Breath is our life force, Prana rides on the breath, Prana is the energy that sustains us on a cellular level. This term we will be looking at how we can open ourselves to the flow of life. We will be focusing on Vinyassa, moving with the breath and how by using repetition we can quite the mind...

I am so excited to be sharing Yoga with you all again.

There are some exciting events coming up:

Thank you Mother India - Yoga Gives Back - Charity Class

10th September, Chapelfield Gardens 10am

Yoga Gives Back is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds in order to alleviate poverty in India. Through micro financing, Yoga Gives Back began supporting micro credit programs who lend small loans to women who are otherwise excluded from the conventional banking and financial systems. In 2010, exploring a way to get direct help to the poorest, YGB developed "Sister Aid" programs to fund education, vocational training on a personal basis, and micro credit programs. If this speaks out to you, you can support it by coming along to this class Fore more information about Yoga gives back check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/YogaGivesBack I will bring some spare mats but please feel free to bring your own. We will meet at the band stand. Yoga in the Park will last about an hour and a half. There will be a picnic in the park after so please bring a plate of veggie food to share.
Please feel free to bring along family and friends, my husband and 2 year old daughter will be coming along

Birth Preparation Workshop

8th October 1:30 - 4:30, St Mary Magdelane Church Hall, Silver Road

I am running a birth preparation workshop on Saturday 8th October at Mary Magdalene Church Hall. This is for you and your birthing partner to help your partner feel more involved and useful during the birth,or of course you can come on your own. We will go over things learnt in class. We will discuss and learn breathing techniques, birthing positions, visualisation and relaxation techniques to help you on your babies birthing day. Cost: £35 per couple Time:1:30pm-4:30pm Venue: St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Silver Road Please let me know if you are interested as soon as possible so I can reserve you a place.

Workshop with Lisa Sanfillippo - November 19th
Yoga and music event for all the family. Anusara teacher Lisa Sanfillippo and musician Jason Kalidas are coming to Norwich so put the date in your diary. More details to follow soon.

Synerprotein Are feeling a little run down at the moment? I used an amazing drink during pregnancy and still use now so I thought I would share it with you all. The drink is called Synerprotein. It is a fabulous drink that is designed to give you a powerhouse of nutrition and energy providing a high quality non-genetically modified soya protein supplement which is dairy free, wheat free, yeast free, gluten free and virtually fat free. It is balanced protein supplement providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and a great vanilla flavor. It also provides 3g of fiber per serving. SynerProTein also contains the exclusive SynerPro Concentrate, which provides a rich and wholesome base of fruits and cruciferous vegetables with antioxidant benefits. This product is only available to healcare providers including Nutritionists, I can provide this for you for the cost of £15 for a massive 448g pot which lasts for ages. I found it amazing during pregnancy as it gives both you and your baby essential vitamins and minerals and it provides a slow release energy that stops you craving sweet stuff (and therefore filling yourself with empty calories and extra weight that should be avoided during pregnancy). Its also a quick filler if you're busy and miss (or perhaps cannot face due to morning sickness) a meal. It is amazing as a new mum as suddenly you find that you are so absorbed in your new little wonder that you have managed to forget lunch. It is so important that you look after yourself so that you can look after your baby and I found this really helped me to stay nourished. I still use it as I am always zooming around and have it in addition to breakfast and it really gives me the energy I need as a busy mum. Please let me know if you are interested and I will place an order for you.

Much love to you all and I look forward to seeing you all soon xxx

Hari Om

Summer Update

Hello lovely people

What a lovely end to the summer term I have had. The Yoga for the Seasons workshop with Rachel Zinman was truely amazing. It was so lovely for me to practice an ISHTA class and spend some wonderful time with my teacher. Thank you to those that joined us for the workshop and Kirtan. Each one of you made it a very special event and what a wonderful shared lunch we had, thank you. I have invited Rachel to join us again next year and she has accepted so watch this space for further information.

Classes return at the end of August.

Catton - August 31
Pregnancy Yoga - August 24
Baby Yoga - August 25
Inner Space - September 5

This year I am running a charity event for Yoga Gives Back. Yoga Gives Back is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds in order to alleviate poverty in India. Through micro financing, Yoga Gives Back began supporting micro credit programs who lend small loans to women who are otherwise excluded from the conventional banking and financial systems.

In 2010, exploring a way to get direct help to the poorest, YGB developed "Sister Aid" programs to fund education, vocational training on a personal basis, and micro credit programs. Please check out the Youtube channel for further information. http://www.youtube.com/user/YogaGivesBack

If this speaks out to you, you can support it by coming along to this class that will be taught by Jessica at Chapel Field Gardens on 10 September. Class will be by donation and all monies will be going to this charity.


The next Baby Yoga course commences August 25. If your baby is 6 weeks to aproximately 10 months (crawling) then you can come along and learn rhymes and songs, gently yoga moves for both you and your baby. Helps with baby's digestion, sleep, co-ordination and development. Helps mother get back in touch with both breath and body. Have fun with your baby and get fit too!! Classes are held at the Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Mousehold Avenue and Silver Road 1:30pm to 2:45pm. Please email Jessica to book your space.

I am also hosting a workshop with Lisa Sanfillippo and Jason Kalidas in November. Lisa is an Anusara teacher from London, Jason is an amazing musician. Full details to follow shortly.

Have a lovely summer, may the sun shine brightly.

Much love

Jessica

Bliss Yoga Norwich Summer Newsletter

Hello friends and Yogi’s

Summer is here! What fabulous weather we have been having. Glorious sunny days. My garden has certainly been noticing the sun and my water butts are nearing empty. The blooms seem to have come and gone so early this year. Aylah has certainly been enjoying the warm weather as we have been able to have ‘splashy fun’ in the paddling pool.

I am so excited to be sharing Rachels Zinmans teachings with you this summer. I trained with Rachel in Byron Bay Australia when I lived there in 2006. I have invited Rachel to join us in Norwich and share with us ‘Yoga for the Seasons’

Yoga for the Seasons Workshop 22-24 July 2011

In Yoga and according to Ayurveda each season is influenced by a specific element. Summer is the heat of fire. Winter is the cool of earth and the movement of air predominantly influences Autumn and Spring. It’s important to be able to adjust your practice to the changing seasons and remain balanced throughout the year. In this workshop we will explore specific sequences for each season incorporating the science of ayurveda and specific Hatha Yoga and Tantric practices such as asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra and meditation.

It would be lovely to see you there please click here for further details

Asquith’s Organic and Bamboo clothing...an exclusive 20% off – perfect for Summer

I recently purchased some clothing from Asquith’s clothing range and I absolutely love it and I am really happy to be able to share them with you.

Asquith offers the finest quality clothing, which is deliciously soft, Organic and ethically produced. For Yoga, Pilates or simply for living in...and they’re offering you an exclusive 20% off the Asquith range.

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Bamboo fabrics are not only kinder to the environment, they are also beautifully light and 'wick' moisture away from your skin so you can say goodbye to feeling clammy, and enjoy that Summer glow! And the organic cotton is super soft and breathable, and feels great next to your skin.

For your exclusive 20% off the Asquith range simply visit http://www.asquith-yoga-clothing.co.uk/ and type JESSICAM20 into the promotional code box when ordering. Offer available until July 31st
(Please note that the promotional code doesn’t work on sale items)

Home Hairdressing

My dear friend and Yogi has just started her home hairdressing business. Carrie has 15 years salon experience and the coveted Wella Master Colour Award. Carrie brings salon quality hairdressing to your home.

I have had the pleasure of a haircut, in my back garden no less, under the warm sun while our little girls played together in the garden. Whether you’re a busy mum or would just like the luxury of having a haircut at home please contact Carrie 0774 009 1749

Baby Yoga

The next Baby Yoga course commences 30 June 2011. This is a 5 week course due to summer holidays cost is £35. Learn songs and rhymes, gentle yoga moves for you and your baby. Rest, relax, restore, get fit and have fun with your baby. Please contact Jessica to reserve your space. jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Summer Holidays

This year I am taking holiday 1-18^th August. There will be no General Yoga or Baby Yoga classes during this time. However Kate my friend and fellow Pregnancy Yoga teacher is covering pregnancy classes on 3^rd and 10^th August.

Inner Space class resumes 22 August

Old Catton class resumes 24 August

Pregnancy Yoga course commences 24 August

Baby Yoga course commences 25 August

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Much love

Jess

Yoga for the Seasons Workshop

Yoga for the Seasons

WORKSHOP WITH RACHEL ZINMAN

July 22-24 2011

This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your Yoga practice learning about one of the aspects of ISHTA – Ayurveda (the science of life) and how it influences your practice.

In Yoga and according to Ayurveda each season is influenced by a specific element. Summer is the heat of fire. Winter is the cool of earth and the movement of air predominantly influences Autumn and Spring. It’s important to be able to adjust your practice to the changing seasons and remain balanced throughout the year. In this workshop we will explore specific sequences for each season incorporating the science of ayurveda and specific Hatha yoga and Tantric practices such as asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra and meditation.

Session 1 - Friday 6:30pm-9pm £25
• Ayurveda overview focusing on the 5 elements with an emphasis on air and space and grounding postures
• Vinyasa sequence for spring and autumn
Pranayama, mudras, and meditation for spring and autumn
Session 2 - Saturday 9am-12pm £25
• Understanding your Ayurvedic constitution and finding the balance through yoga practice - emphasis on summer and cooling postures
• Vinyasa sequence for summer Pranayama, mantra and meditation for summer
*Kirtan 1pm-2:30pm £10 *there will be a shared lunch from 12pm until 1pm please bring a vegetarian plate of food to share. All welcome.
Session 3 - Sunday 2pm-5pm £25
• Lifestyle approaches for all the seasons according to Ayurveda - emphasis on winter and invigorating postures
• Vinyasa sequence for winter Pranayama, mantra, mudra and meditation for winter
*All sessions include handout of sequences for each season

Each day can be visited separately but why not take this unusual opportunity to experience the full 3 day workshop. Each session is £25 or £65 for the full 3 days. Kirtan £10.

St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

Contact Jessica for more information:

Tel: 07501 303 546

Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Kirtan evening with Rachel Zinman and friends

Rachel is also an amazing Bhakti and is offering an opportunity to join her in an afternoon of music and chanting Saturday 1pm-2:30pm

Join Rachel and friends for an evening of Devotional Chanting.
Kirtan- call and response chanting and Bhajan -singing in unison are two of the main ways in Bhakti yoga to express devotion and love. Repeating the names of deities like Ram or Shiva serves as a reminder that the lover and the beloved are one.

For Rachel, mantras and a devotional practice means surrendering and accepting everything as it is and that singing in community supports everyone to feel uplifted and connected to their own beauty and strength.

Rachel has produced three CD’s as part of her band The Subway Bhaktis. You can listen to samples at http://www.subwaybhaktis.com. To find out more about Rachel and her Bhakti yoga practice visit http://www.rachelzinmanyoga.com

Event Details:
Kirtan 1pm-2:30pm £10

*there will be a shared lunch from 12pm until 1pm please bring a vegetarian plate of food to share. All welcome.
Each day can be visited separately but why not take this unusual opportunity to experience the full 3 day workshop. Each session is £25 or £65 for the full 3 days. Kirtan £10.

St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

Contact Jessica for more information:

Tel: 07501 303 546

Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Rachels Bio:

Rachel has been practicing yoga for 26 years and has taught for 19. Prior to her initial yoga education Rachel trained as a professional dancer and choreographer in the USA and in Australia. Discovering yoga she originally trained in the Iyengar and Ashtanga methods and first began teaching in her role as Head of Dance at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium where she introduced yoga to the curriculum.

Her teaching style continues to reflect her deep engagement with the arts – dynamic and precise with an emphasis on mindfulness. While again living in New York from 2000–2004 Rachel met Yoga Works and ISHTA yoga founder Alan Finger teaching in his BeYoga studios for four years. There she co-created and coordinated the Be Yoga Teacher Training Program, becoming a senior facilitator and mentor.

Rachel returned to Australia to teach in the Yoga Arts Teacher Training, and since 2005 has created and facilitated her own teacher trainings and workshops in the ISHTA System in Australia, India, Bali, Japan, New York and in many major cities in Europe.

In 2006 she began practicing Bhakti Yoga and has incorporated Yantra, Mantra, Mudra and Tantric rituals into her workshops and trainings. Rachel’s deep personal experience and investigation of meditation allows her to be both intuitive and creative in her work and she feels grateful to be able to share her passion with others.

Rachel also co-created and produced a popular Australian Yoga Video series and a Kid's Yoga Video. She is an award-winning musician for her album of chanting and devotional song, Sita Ram, and is a published poet.