During pregnancy, so much emphasis is given to prenatal support and preparedness for “labor day”. Books guide parents in creating a birth plan, classes offer birthing techniques and all manner of doulas and therapists can be hired. But what about after the baby’s birth?

In this workshop, Sri Lalita will guide moms-to-be and their partners through essential information about the postnatal period with the intention of making that time a relaxed and sacred transition. Education about Ayurveda will be given, with application to healing from childbirth, easing into lactation and creating a close mother-child bond.

Healing herbal formulas, nutritive recipes, teas and sitz baths–even placenta recipes–will be discussed. Strategies for promoting optimal recovery from labor and delivery will be offered, including remedies for common postnatal discomforts.

New moms, moms-to-be, partners and birth professionals are encouraged to attend. Partners are welcome to attend for free so that they, too, can support the new mom and baby.

Cost: $60 (Partners are welcome to join for FREE!)

Location: Yoga Mandala
2807 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Dates: Sunday, January 17, 2010
Time:  10:00 AM-3:30 PM
Contact: 510.486.1989 pre-registration

We know that building and maintaining strength and flexibility the spine is key to health, longevity and a sense of vitality. However, we sometimes forget that the neck is part of the spine! In many exercise and yoga regimens, the neck is often overlooked.

In this brief, 45 minute class, we will discuss the basics of neck care. We will learn basic yoga postures and easy strength training to gradually increase range of motion and strength in the neck, affording greater stability and circulation to the structures in the neck and helping to prevent injury and tension. This simple regimen can be practiced almost anywhere.

Location: ALIVE Chiropractic
4223 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA
Date: January 14, 2009
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Contact: (510) 457-5874

Have you ever noticed that adults—especially seasoned parents-–have a tendency to lean toward one another and knowingly comment on a given child’s behavior with, “Oh, he’s at that age.” The remarkable thing is that this observation can be made at any age at all, no matter what. In fact, as the parent of a toddler, I can definitively say that my child is, at present, at that age right now. Come to think of it, that age was preceded by another that age, which was marked by different humorous, cute and/or irritating habits and activities. There was another before that as well and so on. No doubt, that age will be following this one. I’m still pretty new to parenting, but I’m catching on.

For instance, as my toddler begins to speak more and with increasing accuracy, such that even strangers might be able to comprehend him at times, I see that that age can be very revealing as to how my child views reality. As a constant mimic of every word and deed to which he is exposed, he is laying down patterns for what he perceives as normal behavior and modes of expression in the world.

Sometimes, that is embarrassing. Just this week, he mastered the pronunciation of my favorite curse word (which starts with ‘s’) and then he used it with appropriate timing in public. That was funny.

His newfound control of his body brings about a wonderful opportunity to glimpse his ideas, since almost everything he thinks is immediately expressed as he tries out gestures actions and new words. Though I celebrate his widening ability to explore the world and the enhanced interface with it that every developmental leap affords, I also catch greater insight into my responsibility as a mother. Are my actions—which he constantly copies—positive stimuli for growth?

The fun part is that his mimicry inspires me with a desire to grow. When we get down on the living room floor for what he calls ‘om-ies’, it is fun to see him giggling, awkwardly trying yoga postures with a big smile spread across his face. And today, as we were driving home from the grocery store, I caught him in the mirror sitting in his car seat, repeatedly chanting om and contorting his hands into play-mudras. He was just having fun, doing what he deems normal.

Watching him play at these yoga activities made me want to go home and practice. I know that the more he witnesses ‘om-ies’, the more he will learn that opening the channels to reinforce using the body in an integrated way is an indispensable daily activity. He will regard it as fun and will experience how yoga helps bring that sense of integration into other aspects of life. Though I am his teacher now, watching his experimentation fires up my desire to be a better student.

I understand that that age is just a series of learning opportunities. In fact, I believe I’m at that age myself and always will be.