Newsletter # 6(December 2003)

Ringing In the Changes…

Hello and Welcome to the 6th Edition of Harmony Yoga Ireland Newsletter.
It has now nearly three years since the start of the business, and there are many changes taking place.
As many of you know, I was ill for fourteen months, but I am now fully recovered.
As I will be travelling and training abroad for much of 2004, two new teachers will be teaching your classes. Anne has been working with Harmony Yoga Ireland since October and Rachel has just moved to Dublin. You can read about them below.
In this issue you will find the results of the second annual questionnaire, which had very favourable results, including 100% satisfaction with prices, teachers and facilities. It is also good to hear that 50% of clients have been recommended by a friend.
All the usual tips and hints, news, reviews and class timetables can be found inside, as well as a new Home Shopping feature-so you can treat yourself to a new yoga mat or tape!
Wishing you a great Christmas and New Year.
Om Shanti
Lyn

Introducing 2 New Teachers

Anne Sexton qualified as a fitness instructor in 1981 she has also trained in Endurance training, stress management, and she completed NCEF II Personal Trainer Course in 1996 and has built an excellent business and reputation in personal training. In 1999 she began to use pilates for a back problem and is now a Certified Pilates Trainer and is certified in Prenatal Pilates, Personal Training, Ball/fitcircle, and Power pilates. She is married to Michael and has two children aged 6 and 20 months.

Rachel Saunders was introduced to yoga in 1997 and practiced many styles including Iynegar, Astanga, Thai Yoga Massage, Sivananda and Hatha. In 2000 she travelled to India, spending three months training as a Sivananda Yoga Teacher. She then trained as a Hatha Yoga Teacher in 2001 with Yoga for Health. She is qualified to work with MS patients. She particularly enjoys teaching yoga for relaxation. She will relocate from London to Ireland in January with her husband.

Harmony Studio Opens

During the last six months, much work has been going on behind the scenes to create a new business akin to Harmony Yoga Ireland.
Harmony Studios has been created through the joint vision of Gail Bovenizer, Denise Byrne, Anne Sexton and Lyn Hagin Meade.
Harmony Studios aims to provide a range of fitness, strengthening and toning classes with low impact, to provide yoga and complimentary therapies and to maintain an holistic approach-that is mental, emotional, physical and spiritual balance in all our classes and services.
We aim to provide classes and teacher trainings that are new and diverse, reaching a wider audience throughout South County Dublin and beyond. We will cater for men, women and children, with special emphasis on pregnancy, birth, childhood and women's' health.
In 2004 we aim to open a dedicated premises/studio space, for holistic therapies, teacher training, personal training, and classes.
We will also offer in-house training and therapies to companies.
Look out for future updates

Second Annual Questionnaire

The results of the 2nd annual questionnaire of Harmony Yoga Ireland students, carried out in November are in:
100% were happy with booking and information
100% rated the teachers as excellent or very good.
100% rated the facilities as good or excellent
80% rated the courses as excellent value for money while the remaining
20% rated courses as good value for money.
100% enjoyed the class and class atmosphere.
50% were recommended by a friend
20% found classes through the Internet
30% received a leaflet through the door.

Harmony Yoga Ireland Remittance Policy

?Deposits are Non-Refundable
?If you enrol for a class, but are unable to attend, deposits can be transferred to another class.
?All students are issued with a receipt.
?Harmony Yoga Ireland has a Board of Advisors, composed of experts, teachers and students to advise and mediate on customer complaint issues.
?certificates, business details, accounts, costs and fees are available on the premises for students information.
?If, due to serious illness, a student is unable to complete a course, the course fee is transferred:
- miss over 50% of course = free completion course
- miss 25-50% discount on repeat course.

Book Reviews
Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Bantam 1996
This is a day book with thoughtful , comforting daily meditations for women.
It is a wonderful present, and great to read all the year through to inspire and motivate. Rating: *****
Aromatherapy Workbook by Shirley Price. Thorsons 1998
A great book to get started in Aromatherapy, it covers all the various oils, how they are made, looks at the benefits and uses of each oil and suggests different oils to use for home care and minor ailments. Rating: ****

Tips and Hints
Caring for Your Yoga Mat:

After use, always roll tightly and carefully.
Ensure that the mat is always rolled the same way.
Do not walk on your mat with shoes on.
Wash regularly
Do not soak the mat-instead, use warm soapy water on a sponge or cloth to surface wash.
Leave to dry flat.
Do not roll when wet.
Deodorising sprays are available for mats from the Body Shop.

Available at our classes:
YOGA MATS-delux, 1/4" thick, sticky mats, suitable for all classes € 25
YOGA BAGS-perfect for carrying your mat. Includes two pockets and carrying strap € 12
STABILITY BALLS-65 cm size. Includes pump. €25
Available for Postage/home delivery (price includes €2 delivery charge:
Relax 1 CD-includes 3 guided relaxations of
5 mins /15 mins /25 mins duration. Perfect for beginners € 13
For former/current students:
Pilates 1 CD-includes 2 x 20 min routines € 13
Yoga 1 CD-includes 2 x 20 min routines € 13
The Book of Pilates-Joyce Gavin € 11

Courses For Spring 2004 beginning 13th January

Please Note there has been no price increase for 2004.
Yoga Classes with Rachel Saunders
Beginners Yoga-for those who have completed the beginners courses. The course includes new postures and stretches and emphasises spiritual and personal growth techniques as well as mediation. Course includes book.
Continuation Yoga -for those who have completed a minimum of 12 weeks of yoga. This course will focus on
Relaxation Classes-for those who want to reduce their stress and learn techniques to use at home. Includes breathing exercises, stretching and relaxation.
Pilates Classes with Anne Sexton
Beginners Pilates-for complete beginners tone the abs, learn pelvic floor exercises, stretches, toning , improve your balance and posture. Gentle, low impact exercise.
Continuation Pilates-for those who have completed a beginners course, toning, and advanced pilates work.
Power Pilates-vigorous New York style pilates, which is amazing for toning, fitness and abdominals. The pace is much faster than regular classes and 6 months experience of pilates is required.
At Harmony Studios: Pre-conception Yoga, Yoga for Pregnancy, Pregnancy Pilates, Personal Training, Infant Massage,
Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE:

Priority Booking Commences on 20th December 2003
Call Lyn on 087-8263778 to reserve a place

Send 50 euro DEPOSIT to the address on page 1 before 12th January 2004.

Please include your name, address, class, day and time.
Balance is payable at first class.
Cash and Cheques welcome.

Newsletter # 2 (December 2002)

As one year ends, another Begins

Hello to all Harmony Yoga Ireland Clients!
This second issue of Harmony Yoga Ireland Newsletter is packed full of news and information that I hope will inspire your class choice with Harmony Yoga Ireland.
The past term has flown by and there was a lot going on...
Nonetheless, as many of you know, I have been unwell during the term, and many of the proposed developments had to be put on hold.
Luckily, I am now feeling better and as you can see, Harmony Yoga Ireland is expanding to provide you the client with an ever increasing range of courses and services.
In this issue, you will find details of Harmony Yoga Ireland's Remittance Policy and the newly established Board of Advisors.
There is an information article on Touch Field Therapy, the first in a series on complimentary medicine
The class timetable appears on the back page along with contact details and prices.
You will also find all the regular features; news, reviews and tips and hints.
A note on the prices-this year VAT has been added to the prices of all courses. This has meant a slight increase in the total price (There is an annual increase every January), but in real terms there has been a price reduction across the board.
I look forward to seeing you this January, at Harmony Yoga Ireland.
Lyn

Pilates Talk: Joyce Gavin

Harmony Yoga Ireland is proud to present our first annual Christmas talk.
It is hoped that every two months a speaker will come to Gort Muire to talk about issues relating to clients of Harmony Yoga Ireland.
The first talk will take place on Wednesday 11th December 2002 at 8pm in Gort Muire. The speaker is Joyce Gavin.
Many of you will have heard of the Body Firm Pilates Studio in Dublin's Stonybatter. Run by Joyce Gavin, she is a leading figure in Pilates in Ireland.
Joyce has recently published her first book on pilates, "The Pilates Book" which is available nationwide and through Harmony Yoga Ireland. Joyce will have copies with her on the night of her talk.
Future talks will include Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth, Homoeopathy and Yoga.

Who needs Personal Training?
Most of us associate the notion of Personal Training with millionaires and superstars!
But not so with Pilates!
A Pilates Personal Trainer is a means of tailoring your pilates routine to your particular back and postural needs.
Often working closely with Physiotherapists, the Personal Trainer looks at strengthening a clients posture and body.
The Pilates Personal Trainer will come to your own home and assess your particular postural requirements. A programme will be drawn up for you to follow at home.
The Stability Ball is used in tandem with the Introductory/Beginners Pilates moves to ensure a complete workout.
One session and a follow up may be all that is required, or a few sessions may achieve tremendous relief and results in a short period of time.
Even if you do not have specific postural requirements, a one-hour session may provide you with a more focused approach on your lifestyle and expectations, that will work in harmony with the class you attend.
As one client remarked; "I never would have been bothered with one until I went-it was very useful and informative."

To receive a € 10 reduction on your first Personal Trainer Session, please mention this article.
Contact Lyn for details.

First Annual Questionnaire

The first annual questionnaire of Harmony Yoga Ireland was launched in November 2002. The aims were to improve the quality and standards of both facilities and teaching for clients. The two page questionnaire included questions regarding the facilities, the newsletter, website, advertisements and teaching standards. The questionnaire was filled in at class anonymously, and by 55 clients.
Having compiled the data, I am delighted to report that the questionnaires produced very favourable responses, with 95% of respondents rating the appearance of the facilities of Harmony Yoga Ireland as Good or Excellent. Most clients were unaware of Harmony Yoga Ireland's Policy, so the details are printed below.

"The atmosphere of the classes is really relaxing."
"...changed my way of life in terms of how I deal with stresses…"
"Great exercise and real time to yourself."
"Very Professional"
"...late night classes actually very relaxing…"

Harmony Yoga Ireland Policy

With the registration of Harmony Yoga Ireland as a company in Ireland, a Remittance Policy has been established.
Below Harmony Yoga Ireland have published the Remittance Policy for your information:
*Deposits are Non-Refundable

*Once you have begun and attended a course, fees are unrefundable
*If you enrol for a class, but are unable to attend, deposits can be transferred to another class.

*All students are issued with a receipt.
*Harmony Yoga Ireland has a Board of Advisors, composed of experts, teachers and students to advise and mediate on customer complaint issues.
certificates, business details, accounts, costs and fees are available on the premises for students information.
*If, due to serious illness, a student is unable to complete a course, the course fee is transferred:
- miss over 50% of course = free completion course
- miss 25-50% discount on repeat course

What is it? "Thought Field Therapy" by Pauline Jones

Anxiety, fears, phobias - these negative emotions can stop us in our tracks.

When we get a fright the heart races, mouth goes dry, stomach churns, muscles tense for action. Fright over, the nervous system should reset everything back to normal. But, so often, just remembering the experience can trigger all the same emotional reactions, leaving us in a state of anxiety. It's the same with phobias - even thinking of a spider or a mouse can send shivers down the spine.

Now there is a simple solution - tap the negative emotion away with Thought Field Therapy. Created by Dr. Roger Callahan, psychologist, Knesiologist and author of "The 5 Minute Phobia Cure", this therapy has brought rapid, measurable relief to thousands of individuals. Clinical tests have shown a genuine improvement in heart rate variability measurements.

You don't even have to tell the practitioner what the specific problem is unless you want to - just a general idea and how distressing it is on a scale of 1 to 10. The practitioner will guide you as you tap key energy (acupressure) points on the body until your assessment of the distress level drops to 1. It usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
A nice aspect of this therapy is that the client remains totally in control and can learn the procedure to use when needed. The therapy is also suitable for young children, who may even find it fun to do.
Pauline Jones, M.K.A.I.,
087 6168848

Harmony Yoga Ireland Introduces It's Board of Advisors

In line with Harmony Yoga Ireland's Policy, a Board of Advisors has been established to help the company to develop a redress procedure for clients.
The role of the Board of Advisors is to ensure excellence in Customer care. Problems and customer complaints can be referred to the Board for advice.
The Board of Advisors is composed of:
Joyce Gavin, BodyFirm
Ireland
Pauline Jones, Pilates Student
Patricia Cosgrove, Yoga and Pilates Student
Susan McDonald, Yoga Student
Nuala Doyle, Yoga

Ki-Massage Therapy

Harmony Yoga Ireland is pleased to offer ki Massage Therapy in your own home.
Ki-Massage is an energising massage session.
The massage is based on re-energising and cleansing the body .
Massage is an excellent way of de-stressing and relaxing the body and mind.
Half-hour massages and neck/back massages are available.
For appointments and price information, please see brochure or call /email.

PilatesWith Lyn

This year, once again many students requested tapes to aid their home study.
A Pilates tape, suitable for those who have completed the Introductory Course has been produced for December 2002.
The tape contains two 20 min pilates workouts of familiar moves, including warm-up and cool down/relaxation.

The tape is intended to be used a few times a week for
RELAX 1 and YOGA 1 are still available.
RELAX 1 contains 3 relaxations: a long relaxation for beginners, a more advanced relaxation and a 5 minute mini relaxation.
YOGA 1 is for all those students who have completed Yoga 1&2. It includes two 20 minute yoga practice sessions.
Available as either CD or audio cassette, they are digitally recorded and available by mail order. See address on page 4.
CDs-12 Euro incl.VAT
Tapes-10 Euro incl. VAT
Please include 2 euro P&P with your order.
I hope that this will be followed by PILATES 2 shortly STOP PRESS! NOW AVAILABLE!
I plan to release these tapes for general release later in 2003.

Reviews
In this Section each issue a range of books, courses and other material of interest to clients.
Magazine: Spirit and Destiny. UK. Monthly.
A welcome addition to the shelves, Spirit and Destiny magazine is based at women and has a philosophy of exploring both complimentary medicine, health as well as spiritual matters and some rather more "out there" subjects, such as witchcraft and tarot! Worth a flick through at the hairdressers!
Manual: The Pilates Book. Joyce Gavin.
As many of you are aware, Joyce Gavin has been my Pilates trainer during the last year. Having studied Pilates for the last 15 years in the US, UK and Australia, she brings together a book with her own "Body Fusion" Programme. This books clear photos and instructions closely resemble the courses I teach, and would be a useful book of all interested students.
CDs: Body and Mind Series
This set of 10 CDs includes titles such as "Bathtime" and "Tai-Chi". The aim of the CDs, which can be bought as a box set, is to provide stimulating and relaxing instrumental meditation and relaxation music. While some of the tracks are repetitive, most are pleasant. My favourites include "Sunday Morning and "Massage". The "Energising" CD is perfect for tidying up!
Journal: Yoga Jouranl Uk and US editions-available www.yogajournal.com.
This Journal is dedicated to yoga practice and yoga ideology. The bi-monthly magazine has a plethora of information. It deals with postures and with yoga class strategies, as well as how yoga can help with particular physical ailments. It also gives details of courses, seminars and workshops for yoga and includes interviews with yoga students and teachers. Definitely worth a look!

If you wish to write a review for the next issue, send it to info@harmonyyogaireland.utvinternet.ie

Newsletter Issue #1 (August 2002)

Hello to all my students!

This is the first issue of Harmony Yoga Ireland. Newsletter. Harmony Yoga Ireland is the name that I will be trading under from September 2002.
In this issue, you will find details of all the classes taking place this Autumn in Ballinteer as well as information on the various developments in Harmony Yoga Ireland over the last year.
Below, you will find details of the next big thing in personal fitness, Pilates. The Harmony Yoga Website, is discussed on page 2 and I hope it will be a useful resource for all. Also on page 2 are details of Baby Massage courses and Relaxation tapes. Page 3 features news and reviews and page 4 full course details.
2001-02 was a very successful year. Classes moved in September 2001 to Gort Muire, Ballinteer Road, Ballinteer.. This is a wonderful yoga setting, with great views of the Dublin Mountains.
For the first time, Intermediate Yoga classes took place in January 2002. There were 6 students in a very enjoyable class, which looked at goals, dreams and energy, as well as new postures.
Also in January, Relaxation classes started at Gort Muire.
In April the first Pilates course began in Gort Muire. This was well attended with about 40 students taking the course. Most found that they could see results within the 10 week course!
June saw the launch of Relax 1 and Yoga 1, two audio recordings for my students.
I have included a yoga flyer and a baby massage brochure with this newsletter. Please feel free to pass these on to your friends.
I look forward to seeing you this September, or if you cannot get to a class, that you keep in touch with new developments at Harmony Yoga Ireland.

Lyn

Pilates Comes To Dublin

Many of you will have heard of pilates, either through the newspapers or Special K boxes!
Pilates is a technique developed in the 1920s to improve and strengthen dancers physical condition. The main principles of pilates are to increase co-ordination, balance, stability, muscular strength and concentration.
Central to this is the idea of a strong "core" or tummy and back.
The pilates technique has a wonderful catch phrase which I myself have found to be accurate! " Ten classes you feel different, twenty you look different, after thirty you have a new body".
Classes are very relaxed and are suitable for those who want to improve their physique and posture.
Pilates is a useful form of exercise for men and women of all ages.
The class consists of floor work and movement is gentle. This means that it can be suitable for those with back problems.
Pilates movements do not need to be practiced every day, and ideally 2 or 3 classes are all you need to attend per week.
During the last year, many students requested a relaxation tape to aid their home study.
Finally in June 2002 the tapes arrived!
The first two tapes in the series have been issued.

Relax With Lyn

RELAX 1 is intended for beginners. It contains 3 relaxations of various lengths. A longer relaxation for beginners, a more advanced relaxation and a 5 minute mini relaxation are included.
I hope that this will be followed by RELAX 2 shortly.
Also available is YOGA 1. This tape is for all those students who have completed Yoga 1&2, but who would like some support in practicing at home. Two 20 minute yoga practice sessions are included on the tape.
YOGA 2, which will cover Intermediate and Advanced postures will be available to all qualified students in December.
Relaxation and Yoga tapes are included in some course prices-please see page 4.
Available as either CD or audio cassette, they are digitally recorded and available by mail order. See address on page 4.
CDs-10 Euro
Tapes-8 Euro
Please include 2 euro P&P with your order.
I plan to release further tapes in the series over the coming year.

Massage for Babies

New to Ballinteer in 2002 are Infant Massage Classes.
An ancient technique, Infant Massage instructors teach new parents to massage their own infants.
Infant Massage helps the physical, mental and emotional development of babies and can be beneficial in bonding. It has been used successfully with premature and special needs babies. Massaging a baby is a very special time for developing the relationship between parents and babies.
Infant Massage classes run for 6 weeks. There will also be an introductory evening session.
All babies care-givers are welcome to attend-mums, dads, grandparents etc!
During 2002, I will also be running Saturday workshops in Infant Massage for busy parents.
A workshop in Infant Massage for Adopted Babies is also planned.
A course in Infant Massage is a wonderful present for new parents. Gift Vouchers are available. Call for details.

Harmony Yoga Ireland Website

In September 2002 the Harmony Yoga Ireland website will be launched at
www. Harmony yogaireland.utvinternet.ie
This website will offer full information of all the classes, workshops and developments on offer at Harmony Yoga Ireland. There will be a news section to subscribe, so you can keep up to date with everything. The site will also feature information and photos of yoga, pilates and baby massage classes and articles on the same.
It is hoped that this website will act as a resource for those in South Dublin seeking information on complimentary therapies and there will be listings of therapists/therapies available in the area.
Check it out from Sept!

News

Student of The Year
Susan McDonald has been awarded student of the year. She has excelled in her commitment and dedication to her yoga studies. She was presented with a voucher for a meal for 2 at Escape Restaurant, Bray.
New Yoga Handouts
A new set of Yoga Handouts has been launched for Autumn 2002. These handouts include pictures of each of the postures.
Training in 2003
In conjunction with Birthlight UK, two teacher training courses will be run in Gort Muire in 2003.
In January a Certificate in Pregnancy Yoga will be held. This course is open to qualified yoga teachers., midwives, and childbirth educators.
In May 2003, a Certificate in Baby Yoga will be run. This course is open to yoga teachers and Infant Massage Instructors. If you wish to attend, please contact Lyn.
World Vegetarian Day
This annual event will take place at St Andrew's Resource Centre, Pearse Street, Dublin 4 on 29th September, from 12 noon.
Lots of fun and food for all the family!
Infant Massage Newsletter Launched
WaterWheel, the newsletter of the Irish Infant Massage Chapter of the International Association was launched in August 2002. If you wish to receive a copy, please contact Lyn.

Reviews

In this Section each issue a range of books, courses and other material of interest to students.
Books: The Dalai Lama Ancientg Wisdom, Modern World. 1999, Abacus Books, London.
In this book written for the new Millennium, the Dalai Lama talks about the ideas of compassion and human suffering. The book offers a humanitarian approach life, rather than a pure Buddhist approach. A beautiful book, easy to read, with small chapters to ponder on.
Video: Body Control Pilates Workout 1-3 Lyn Robinson.
Like the Special K video, also by Lyn Robinson, these videos are a good introduction to what Pilates looks like. Beginner students may find it difficult to follow the movements as they are quite advanced. As an exercise video, it is suited more to those who have studied pilates for some time.
Course: An Introduction to Homoeopathy, Irish School of Homoeopathy, Milltown Ph. 01-8682581
The ideal introduction to anyone who has an interest in using complimentary medicine in the home. . Held over a weekend, the course gives students information and practice in first aid treatment and prescribing remedies for adults and children. The course also includes 10 remedies to take home and use.
Manual : Baby Yoga Francoise Barbira Freedman Gaia Books London, 2000.
This book is a wonderful gift to new parents. It gives detailed instructions and photographs of practicing yoga stretches, postures and relaxation with babies from newborn to aged 2. It offers useful information on the developing baby, common problems and issues that can be dealt with through yoga. It offers exercise programmes to work through for parents and babies. A great way to get back into yoga after pregnancy.