What is tough/LOVE?

By Mama Bear , In , 5:18 PM

We asked teacher Melissa Farley to share her ideas for the class with you!

My goal in teaching "Tough/LOVE" is to connect each student with their own personal balance of strength & yoga. Whether you are prenatal or postnatal, mom or dad, yogi or runner, this class is for YOU!

The first 30min is fitness & strength based on cardio conditioning, muscular endurance, stability, and core work. The remaining 30min is a relaxing and rejuvenating yin yoga experience. I focus on restorative poses that lengthen and heal all the "tough" muscles we just worked!

My dance background provides a foundation for a unique fitness experience combining ballet, pilates, plyometrics, & anatomy into a fun & calorie burning workout! My mission is to create a transformative experience where each student leaves feeling refreshed and relaxed with a deeper mind body connection. All ages are welcome!!

tough/LOVE meets:
on Wednesdays at 9:30am with childare

tough/LOVE PLAYTIME (with the kiddies) meets:
Mondays at 4 & Fridays at 12:30

sign up here



Meet Pam!

By Mama Bear , In , 11:33 AM




For months, I had been hearing about this incredible studio called lil omm in the Palisades. When I would chat with other teachers about where I saw my yoga teaching going and the types of classes I felt most passionate about, everyone said, you need to contact Pleasance at lil omm. So, finally, I took their advice and sent an introductory email along, only to receive the warmest, most welcoming response! And, of course, this was just par for the course at lil omm!

Since joining this wonderful community in December, I have been showered with kindness, openness, and helpful touches from both staff and students. I am honored to be part of an organization that empowers, teaches, and provides a calming place of rest and relaxation for women and men of all ages and family types.

I began my journey to lil omm a little over a year ago at Tranquil Space in Dupont Circle, where I earned my 200-hour certification in vinyasa yoga. I am also trained in doga (yes yoga with your dog!) prenatal and children's yoga and am currently working toward my 500 hour vinyasa certification.

When not teaching yoga, I am (very slowly) working to complete my doctoral dissertation in sociology at NYU and am studying to be a holistic health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. As a burgeoning sociologist and wellness coach, I am interested in the ideologies and processes men and women rely on to make decisions about career and family. As a yoga instructor, I hope to help alleviate some of the stresses associated with making these decisions, while simultaneously helping individuals develop mindful strategies to best address them.

My goal as a teacher is to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their own mind-body connection as well as their connection with friends and loved ones. I would say my teaching style is gentle, but my sequences are intense and designed to bring students to their edge. I hope finding this balance between gentleness and threshold on the mat can be helpful in finding this balance at home and at work!

I currently teach prenatal on Sundays at 10:30 and postnatal on Sundays at noon here at lil omm. I hope to see you soon!

Please also consider joining me for a 30 minute online doga session Wednesdays from 8:00-8:30 PM from the comfort of your own home. Partial Proceeds benefit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue! For more information, please check out my websites:


www.allayyoga.com


www.musepracticeallay.blogspot.com



My First Yoga Class: Sarah Waxman

By Mama Bear , In , 10:50 AM

My first Yoga experience was similar to anything you do for the first time, slightly awkward, seriously uncomfortable, incredibly judgmental, humbling, energizing, rewarding, but mostly hilarious. At the time I was playing lacrosse in college and spending way too many hours a day in the training room treating injuries and pain that I was experiencing throughout my whole body. I signed up for a 10 week "Newbie workshop" in hopes of finding any sense of release and desperate to do anything to make me a better player.

I remember the teacher kept saying "fold forward and touch your toes" and me thinking..., Ok, I know I am folding, but there is NO way I can touch my toes, in fact, I can barley touch my knees. The immediate thought that followed was, "OH my god when are we going to stop folding my neck and back really are NOT into to this". Then after a couple of moments, in what they claimed was only "2 breaths", but really felt like all of eternity, we were able to move again. The class continued and I struggled on experiencing highs and lows (including a full on uncontrollable laughter break out in Happy Baby). By the time we got to sivasana I felt like I had been on the most intense physical and emotional roller-coaster of all time. However, lying there on my back, totally amazed, I fell in love.

Thinking back on my first Yoga class is one of my favorite memories. Luckily for me, I get that sweet reminder every-time I touch my toes.

Learn more about Sarah here.



Strength and Surrender

By lil omm , 5:39 PM

She's so very strong.. stronger than I thought I was or could be. She knows CLEARLY what she wants and what she doesn't and she tells us everyday. She boldly states her opinion with no fear or anxiety or restraint.  She is almost 3 and is fiercely sweet and strong. She will whisper, " mama, you know what? you know what? I love you." and make me melt and in no time at all she will yell, scream, kick, and yes..  bite over what shoes, coat , pajamas to wear that day. She will play the kissing game where she takes your face in her hands and kisses you on the lips over and over and over, until everyone is in giggles and in the next minute she's yelling, "no, no, no, no" and hiding all over the house. She is almost 3 and she is FULLY playing the part of the ups and the downs and I really feel like I get to experience the ride each day. She's so FULL OF LIFE in both extremes. I held her tonight,  rubbing her head snuggling check to check before bed so full of love for this little life. So full of joy that I get to raise her  and be with her EVERYDAY.. highs or lows, goods or bads, ups or downs, she's with me. Inside and outside..

My Saylor girl is my lil omm. The reason I NEED this community in my life, a place to practice yoga,  this safe place to talk about balance, our sanity, potty training, sleeping through the night, breastfeeding, school options, baby #2 etc.. This child's life has INSPIRED me to take on parenting, community and yoga as my life's work. One that I am so deeply passionate about.  I honor her for giving me the GIFT OF YOU!



My First Yoga Class: Dena Kahn

By Mama Bear , In , 3:53 PM

I really don't remember my very first Yoga class. I know it was a Power Yoga class when I was 23 years-old. At that time, I was jogging, spinning, and kickboxing along with almost daily gym workouts. Power Yoga was held at the gym at the perfect time for me on Sunday mornings and I thought it would further round out my routine. I remember doing plank poses, down dogs, chatturangas, side planks, and lots of strength-building moves but it really had no impact on me. I could take it or leave it each week. However, it did raise my awareness of Yoga and when I lived abroad the next year, I found myself reading ads for Yoga classes in Jerusalem but never taking any. Believe it or not, I also lived in Los Angeles for 4 years without taking one class. But, 5 1/2 years after my Power Yoga experience, I returned.

At that point, I was living in NYC. I had been hired to overhaul a school program and I was working 'round the clock. I was also living it up in NYC, taking advantage of everything I could squeeze in. By springtime, I was physically a mess. I had so much back pain and stiffness that I was bent-over,hobbling down the streets of the city. I needed to lie down or stand during meetings because sitting was very painful. I attended an auction for the preschool that fed into my school and I bid on 5-class pass for Yoga at a studio I had never heard of. I got it. It was meant to be!!!

The first time I walked into Namaste Yoga Studio, I was in love. It was on the second floor of a walk-up. It had two rooms. The small one in front was rented out to Integral Yoga. The large room in back was for Namaste. The room had wood floors, painted concrete walls and the most unbelievable glass-domed ceiling. Blocks and blankets and straps were stacked in the back corner. It was such a simple space. It was not like a spa. It was not like a gym. It was for Yoga, plain and simple. I remember exhaling deeply as I sat on my mat.

I went on a Friday afternoon. Lauren Hale was the teacher. I would later find out that she was ISHTA trained and founded and directs a dance company in NY. I was so tight (and tightly-wound) that just about every move hurt except savasana. My back felt 100 times better after that class. Lauren was so encouraging, supportive and funny. She has the most beautiful singing voice and would softly chant during savasana. I felt comfortable and safe in her class, even as a beginner. The following Sunday, I went to my next Yoga class but this time with Catherine. I almost left in the middle. It was so hard. I got angry and huffy during the class, cursing the teacher and myself in my head. At the end, I complained to the desk staff that I thought the teacher forgot this class was supposed to be accessible for anyone, not only advanced students. However, later that night, I noticed that I felt great. As my anger, frustration, and negative self-talk cleared, I vowed to get back to Catherine's class and to conquer it. Next class up, Priti Robyn Ross' class on the following Thursday. AHHHH! It was a breath of fresh air. Gentle and loving and supportive. I have never felt more graceful and grace-filled than in Priti's class. For the next month or so, I went to two of Lauren's classes a week and to Priti's class each week. Then, it was back to Catherine's class. Could I meet her challenge? Had I learned enough? Could I breathe and not get flustered? Yes!!! I would not say I conquered it at that point but I certainly met her challenge. I felt accomplished, strong, and proud.

That was it for me. Three classes (sometimes more) a week for the next three years: Lauren's moderate to vigorous class, Catherine's challenging class, and Priti's beautiful, grace-filled class. Each class had its impact. I was uncovering myself and traveling through my Yoga journey. Soon, I started practicing at home. I was one of those New Yorkers who carried her mat, journal, a hairband, and yoga pants with her everywhere, hoping to catch a class or some quiet time for reflection. I went to Yoga in Central Park, Yoga in Times Square, and free Yoga classes where I could find them but Namaste Yoga remained my home. The madness of my life cleared. The furious paced slowed. I was doing everything better and more calmly. I was becoming more of the person I wanted to be. I was happier than I had ever been.

Then, one day during class, Priti whispered in my ear, "Have you ever thought about teaching?". I hadn't. But, after she said that, I couldn't stop thinking about it. A little over a year later, I moved back home to DC and I completed my training at Kripalu with Priti as one of my training teachers. I went through 2 1/2 intense years of lifestyle transition and am now even happier than before, sharing Yoga with everyone I can.

Jai Bhagwan,
Dena



Class Q+A: What is Candlelight anyway?

By Mama Bear , In , 9:18 PM

Janet offers up some insight to what Candlelight is all about...and then check out our Candlelight classes on Friday or Sunday at 7pm, $10 for everyone. It's our gift to you to help start or end your week with some reflection and ahhhhh...


“As to the subject of matter, we have all been wrong. What we have called
matter is energy whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the
senses” – Albert Einstein

Since it's Friday evening and we are practicing by candlelight, I typically begin
with meditation and breathing along with simple yoga poses and stretches that internalize the mind’s focus and let go some of the physical and emotional
tension that’s been building up all week (or year!).

Then we bring this awareness into play as we move into a more active asana practice that varies from week to week and is designed to meet the needs of the class while reflecting my personal yoga practice. For example, we might explore each of the movements in a traditional sun salutation at a slow pace. Moving slowly into, through, and out of each asana allows for the skillful use of technique to avoid injuries while building flexibility, endurance, and deep core strength. We always end class by returning to where we began, simply noticing what its like to be you in this body in this moment. Out of this practice there develops a sense of profound vitality, mental clarity and sense of being at ease in your own body.

Candlelight yoga is suitable for new and experienced practitioners alike and is designed to meet the needs of adults of all ages and body types.



My First Yoga Class: Kate Loewengart

By Mama Bear , In , 11:07 AM

When I think about it, I had many "first classes" that sort of blend together now, since at that time they were just a way to get some exercise. But after graduation, when I was living in NYC, someone I worked with started teaching at OM Yoga Center and pretty much insisted we come out to support her. Never one to say no, I said yes. And then the fear set in. What did I get myself into? This was New York! And downtown yoga! I was an athlete of the defensive sort; certainly not graceful like the women I knew who did yoga, all bendy and pretzel-y and dancer-hopeful-ish who took lessons at Broadway Dance Center on the side.

But I went anyway. I think my friend who was also going promised me a smoothie after. So why not? I could hang for an hour if it meant mango at the end. We climbed the stairs and eventually arrived in a sun-filled room. And I remember throwing away all my notions. I decided to go with it. I trusted the teacher outside of the studio, so I figured she'd know best. And what happened next was transporting. The city fell away, the sounds of the street became a rhythm. The teacher's voice guided us through. I didn't notice anything else around me. My mind was still. Looking back, this was the first time I came to the mat with a beginner's mind. That said, it was also the first time I had felt that way - and I think I had what could best be described as a panic attack during Savasana. You can take the girl out of New York...

Thank goodness for that smoothie!

After that, I spent years trying to make my practice regular. But my intense jobs meant it only came in spurts. And I realize now that every time after that, I've been trying to get back to that first class - that time when I just went with it, was forgiving of myself, my body and my mind. Only back then, I thought I just had no idea what was going on.

Sure, I didn't REALLY know what I was doing. I'm sure I dropped my hips during plank, my arms were probably all "wrong" in Down Dog. My Triangle was probably crooked. But that's the beauty of yoga, isn't it? Even the most advanced student is always still a beginner. There's always a day where you are humbled. There's always something to work on. There's always the chance for bliss. That was a "first" for me.



My First Yoga Class: Pam Kaufman

By Mama Bear , In , 10:14 AM

I took my first yoga class in high school. My mom had started attending a regular class so I tagged along one evening. It was a restorative class, so when we walked in the room was serene with candles and low-lighting and we were instructed to gather a number of props. I'm not going to lie, I did not enjoy it. The stillness was painful. Plus, it was clear this was not going to burn many calories. What was the point?

I went back a few more times, mostly just to spend the time with my mom, never really "getting it." I continued to dabble in yoga throughout college, mostly through video in my dorm room. But, honestly, I didn't fall in love until several years later, when I was living in New York as a grad student.

Usually, when I think about my first yoga class, I think of this class, where I walked away with that "yoga high" (literally almost getting hit by a car on my walk home). I think of this as the start of my yoga journey because this was when I first "got" yoga. But, this was just one step on my journey. Not liking yoga didn't mean I hadn't done yoga. It just meant I had done it and not liked it. And, in fact, continuing to open myself up to the possibility of yoga, even after not liking those earlier classes is simply further evidence that my yoga journey began all those years ago in that restorative class.

As a teacher, I try to draw on this experience by encouraging students to acknowledge judgments and opinions and let them go, allowing whatever it is that comes up as they hold that warrior II or that squat or a crying child to simply be part of their experience in that particular unique moment. I know, easier said than done.

Learn more about Pam at:
www.allayyoga.com and her blog, musepracticeallay.blogspot.com.



My First Yoga Class.. by Kelly

By lil omm , In , 5:57 AM

Honestly, I was pretty close to that big, bad breaking point.  Insane hours at work, toxic relationship woes, really-could-have-been-better food choices, and definitely lacking exercise.  Definitely lacking what I later came to know intimately as "abundance" and "unadulterated joy," which were totally foreign concepts at the time.  I felt exhausted, unsupported, overwhelmed... and then, one night, after a really painful phone call, I simply got up, walked out of my office, and drove to a nearby yoga studio.  I arrived a few moments before class started. 

I'll never forget the teacher -- DC's own Kyra Sydofsky, formerly of "18th and Yoga," in those days -- as she opened the door, took one look at my face and said gently, benevolently, "you're in the right place."  Still in business casual attire, I quickly bought a tank top, borrowed a mat, and found child's pose (a favorite I'd picked up, having self-taught for the previous 4 years).  In that class, I moved, breathed, released, built up, shared a few tears, and gained a lot of hope.  In that space, I began to create and define my own personal practice and style. 

That first class also planted the primary purpose of my teaching today: intuitive, ethereal kindness, both in the student-teacher relationship, and the relationship each of us has with ourselves.  I encourage it in every class and, of course, practice it off the mat in my own life... especially by regularly sending wishes of kindness and gratitude to the ex-boss, the ex-boyfriend, and even my former sleepwalking self, for pushing me into the yoga studio that night. 

Kelly Newsome
Higher Ground Yoga
http://highergroundyoga.com



My First Yoga Class... by Heidi Sohng ( lil omm teacher)

By lil omm , In , 6:21 PM

My first yoga class....
was sold out the first time I tried to go, a Sunday morning beginners class at the Jivamukti brownstone in the East Village of NYC. I made sure to sign up early the next week. The teacher's name was Charles. He wore glasses and effused intelligence but not in a condescending way. He had a way of making yoga seem both esoteric and accessible. The mirrored room was big enough to hold only a dozen or so students. Sitting awkwardly in lotus, I felt weirdly exposed in my bare feet and legs. But my life was beginning to change at that very moment. Charles patiently explained, demonstrated, and talked the class through basic poses, which to him seemed effortless and second nature. Trying to stand in "Tadasana" sounded so exotic...who knew standing still could be so intricate! He challenged us to keep that connection to the earth throughout our day. I'll never forget the sense of service he brought to the class, as if teaching us was an honor. Now as a yoga teacher, I strive to bring that sense of service to my classes as well. Thank you Charles, wherever you are. And always to Sharon Gannon and David Life, my first true teachers.



My First Yoga Class.. by Pleasance

By lil omm , In , 12:00 PM

My first yoga class was in High School. I was probably 16 years old and the class was lead by one of our English teachers. My best friend and I joined it as a way out of competitive sports that our New England Prep school makes everyone participate in. You have to do something each semester. So, our options were;  try out for team sports, club sports, Weight Training, Run Club, hiking, camping and canoeing, Ultimate Frisbee or yoga. We chose yoga. And each week for that semester, we went to the old and dingy academic building where it was held , we pushed furniture aside, put mats down ( I think there were like 5 of us) and promptly giggled to each other, laughed about putting our tush in the air, excused our selves to go to the bathroom, and then fell asleep, routinely each week.  We were rude, immature and didn’t get it, AT ALL.

Many years later, while living in Philly all of my grad school friends had picked up a yoga class in Center City they all loved. “You should join us!”  they would tell me each week.. “ I can’t, I have..... “ was my excuse each week. I was just not interested. I remembered the high school days, thinking it was a joke and sleeping. Wasn’t sure why I was going to pay someone for a class to lay down and sleep. I had no problem doing that myself. The peer pressure set in after about 6 months... and one night, with no excuses, I joined them. to me, my friends and all the other yogis at the studio were clean, thin, and beautiful. I did not feel as if I fit in , always a bit darker, a big thicker and never felt as if my clothes were new enough, clean enough. My toes were not always painted and my nails were certainly not attended to. It was actually not a warm or welcoming place. It was silent, quiet with an air of eliteness. No one spoke to each other and when the class before let out. the next group piled in, laid down the mats and took their “seats” . I was awkward. One of my friends slid her mat next to mine, I was relived. “oh good” I said to her , “you can help me, I’ll watch  you” “shhh “ she said.. “no talking in here “ “Oh sorry..I just thought you ..””SHHH”  I was really having a hard time with this no talking thing, I was so scared.

As a child, I didn’t fit in anywhere. Always a loner, never belonging to anything. I was not artistic, athletic, or popular, My mom and I were poor, I was embarrassed about my family, my apartment, my own body and large size feet. I was always closer to my teachers than my peers, and stayed in during recess to help them out. There were lots of problems with the girls. “They’re just jealous, the teachers would say”  OF WHAT? I would think. I had no friends, no siblings or money and spent lots of time alone or with neighborhood kids who were generally much younger. I think the teachers were not sure why the kids were so mean so they used the jealousy thing to try to make me feel better. I had” new girl syndrome”  for almost 3 years. As a result, I developed a thick skin and started doing my own thing. Eventually things changed, but the years of being an outsider were deeply rooted in my soul, attitude and behavior. I became sarcastic towards others, towards groups and
I figured out that if I could put it down, make fun of something then I would “feel “ better, and those started to agree with me. I was able to make them feel shitty if they didn’t agree with me.

This yoga class in Philly, brought back LOTS of these feelings, being along, not fitting in, feeling like an outsider,and THEN on TOP Of that not being able to talk with my friends about how weird it was and how much it sucked, really put me in a mood. The class was a level 1/2 or open but I had no clue what I was doing. I looked around the room, I grew more angry that I couldn’t ask anyone anything. The teacher walked past me, didn’t notice anything and kept her thin and light frame floating by me each time she came near. There was the air of eliteness I had felt when I came in. I am in the center of the room, and I cannot get up and walk out. I want out. I hate this. Everyone knows I can’t do this. This is so horribly embarrassing. Anxiety, fear and anger came to the surface rather quickly and then tension. Lots of tension. Finally, class ended.

I was getting my things together, the teacher came over and in front of everyone said, “You really need to go to the yoga basics or introduction class. You don’t belong here in this class”. Everyone was staring at me, my friends put their heads down. My heart was in my throat, my stomach in knots. “okay, thanks”  I said, in a very none appreciative way. I tried not to cry. I tried to hold my breath, hold in everything that I WANTED to say to her about making me feel so bad about myself- and how snotty she was and this studio. Yoga was for elite, skinny girls. my original thoughts were confirmed and I booked it out of there.

My friend stopped asking me to come to class, and we never brought it up again.

Okay, so now you are thinking.. well how did you come to OWN a yoga studio??
wow.. things are different now, yoga is a part of each and every day in fact, each and every moment of my life. .. stay tuned to hear more about the growth and development of my journey as a yoga teacher.... more to come!

- Pleasance



Help Babies + Mamas in Need: Diaper Drive

By Mama Bear , In , , 10:50 AM

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, a group of Glover Park mamas are organizing a diaper drive and community playdate to benefit a Wider Circle, which provides new mother/family services to low-income families.

In low-income households where diaper rationing occurs, babies can wear a single diaper all day. This increases the risk of health problems, from skin diseases to hepatitis. Plus, a baby crying non-stop from spending hours in a soiled diaper is more likely to be abused.

THE DRIVE:
Saturday, February 12-1:00-3:00 PM
We are collecting packs of diapers of all sizes and brands. Packs of diaper wipes are also welcome.

THE GLOVER PARK CHALLENGE: If every family that came to the Halloween Parade brings just 1 pack of diapers, we could give a Wider Circle over 3000 diapers. That would be an amazing help to the Wider Circle families.

THE LOCATION:
St. Alban's (3100 Wisconsin Ave, NW) is graciously serving as hosts the collection site and play date location. If you haven't visited Nourse Hall before, it's a beautiful, open, carpeted space-perfect for crawlers, toddlers and kids of all ages. So, after you drop off your donation, please feel free to relax and meet some of your fellow neighbors.

Check out our Facebook event page for more details and RSVP so we have enough snacks. Email me if you have questions.



Sign & Play Classes coming lil omm

By Mama Bear , In , , , 10:42 AM

Have you ever wondered what your baby is thinking? Or why your baby is crying? Check out the Baby Signs' Sign, Say, and Play class at lil omm where you will be able to learn to "talk" to your baby before they can talk!

Baby Signs, the ORIGINAL sign language program for hearing babies, has been bringing powerful, research-proven benefits to babies and their families around the world for over 25 years. The Baby Signs Program is the world's leading program for hearing infants and toddlers because it is the only baby sign language program that:

- was developed by child development experts specifically for hearing babies.
- has been scientifically tested and proven to provide positive benefits for babies and their families.
- is based on American Sign Language with added flexibility to meet the needs of all families.

Parents and babies will learn useful signs that are taught through fun songs, books, and activities. Parents with children 6 months to 18 months would benefit most from this class but anyone and everyone is welcome!

The Sign Say & Play class starts Sunday, February 20th.
This six week class meets Sundays from 2:30 - 3:15pm.

The registration fee is $130 and includes a Sign Say & Play kit. To register, please email the teacher Michelle directly at signwithmichelle@gmail.com


(Registration closes one week before the start of class.)



Moms Needed!

By Mama Bear , In , 6:46 PM

Smith College Social Work Graduate Student Seeking First Time Mothers For Research Project The study seeks to explore the change in mothers’ intimacy needs 12-15 months after childbirth.

Your participation and interest is greatly appreciated and will help mothers in the future!

* Have you given birth to your first child 12-15 months ago?
* Have you been in a relationship for at least two years?

If interested, please contact: mfs525@aol.com



My First Yoga Class.. a lil omm blog post series

By lil omm , 6:23 PM

okay.. so we had an idea, what if we asked all of our teachers and staff to write about their first yoga class. We want to share this experience with you.. it may be helpful, enlightening, interesting, humorous.. who knows. and we encourage YOU to post about yours! so.. read on.. all the rest of Feb. STAY TUNED!



Food Revolution!

By lil omm , 8:13 AM

If you have not heard of Institute of Integrative Nutrition ( IIN), check it out, NOW. The people, the content, the mission. It’s a must to changing the course of your health and happiness and those around you. The founder, Joshua, is starting a food revolution- and it’s growing! I know at least 4 DC people in the program right now, at least 5 graduates in the DC Area and I just attended a conference with 2,000 IIN students and grads from around the world. This is no joke. This is how we are going to heal ourselves and our families, our relationships to others and our relationship to food. This is the future of our health and our well being, not to mention our children, families and all those we love. 60 % of Americans are overweight. Medication, depression, anxiety, disease, cancer are part of our everyday vocabulary. What are we doing to ourselves? The connection between mind, body, spirit and food is HUGE. It’s everything. and we can change it . slowly, surely and in a fun and meaningful way. Take time today to check out this website integrative nutrition.com and see for yourself.

I just started the program in January because a friend ( who was a graduate) heard me talking about how I really wanted to do the program and it had been on my “vision board” in my “ goals list” for almost 4 years. Just a few days later, she emailed me and told me “I don’t know if you are interested but I have a gift tuition that I ‘d like to offer you. You’d start the program in less than a month.” I was blown away. This amazing gift of something I have wanted to do for so long and all of the sudden all of the obstacles were gone. I know it was all meant to happen. I would not have chosen to do the program this year, with all we have going on. I would have thought “I can’t right now, I’m having another baby, I don’t have time. I have to focus on the studio, Our house is on the market, I have a 3 year old, I’m too busy” All excuses. Instead, I said , “ yes, yes yes, yes” and I have found time to learn. I have made time for this very important work.
Check it out, and if not for now, then the future. Put it on your mental to do list, goals for next 5 years, or chat with me or any of the graduates about it!

-Pleasance



Learn from New Parents!

By Mama Bear , In , , , , , 10:04 AM

Are you expecting your first baby and nervous about what to expect?

Sylvia and Dirk Van Ziegert (a lil omm prenatal family!)are new parents of baby Nick (born November 2010) and would love to invite you over to their house to hang out for a few hours and shadow them. They are not baby professionals, but are certainly happy to share all the tips and insights that they have gained so far on baby care (breast and bottle feeding, pumping, diapering, sleeping, bathing, baby monitors, baby carriers, etc.). You can call then at 202-248-6917 or e-mail at vanziegert@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Best of luck...



Concerts in the Park!

By lil omm , 3:42 AM

Love is in the Air! And what better time to support the Concerts in the Parks Series sponsored each summer by the Citizens Association of Georgetown.
Don your best red attire and come to Halcyon House from 6:30-8:30 pm on Monday, February 14. Join your neighbors and friends for a festive evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and the gorgeous songs of
Georgetown's own song writer and vocalist, Rebecca McCabe. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.cagtown.org. Proceeds help underwrite the Summer Concerts in the Parks which are scheduled for
May 22nd, June 19th, and July 4th.



February's Featured Teacher: Meet Paige!

By Mama Bear , In , 6:33 AM

Learn more about Paige...and check out her classes, too!

Paige was teaching Yin Yoga at Lulu with the “Tough/Love” classes in Georgetown last winter in 2010 when Pleasance announced that she was opening her own studio, and she was immediately very excited to follow. She really loved the “Yoga is for everyone” approach, and that each of us comes to the mat bringing and learning different things. From age 1 month to 60+, we move, breathe, tap into our energy, and learn from each other as a community. Each of us have the answer within, we just need the space to listen and lil omm gives many a safe place to practice and learn. The people at lil omm are unlike the students any other studio, which is why Paige is part of our community!

Paige was first introduced to yoga in the late 1990’s, attending an Iyengar yoga class, but didn’t enjoy the experience immediately. Meditation was a practice early on in her life though as a way to connect with the mind and body. After an accident that injured her back, she knew exactly where to return though and has been practicing yoga for over 7 years now.

Paige is a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 hour level and completed her teacher training through Pure Prana Yoga Studio in Old Town Alexandria in 2008. Additionally, in the Spring of 2010 she completed Prenatal Teacher Training with Janice Clarfield through lil omm. Paige has attended Teacher Training for children at YoKids (2009) and taught with their nonprofit program in the schools. Always looking to spread the word of yoga to others, she incorporates a variety of yoga styles that includes Jivamuki, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Sivananda and Iyengar. Paige likes to have fun with yoga . "There is no one way to do yoga; just find your own way and enjoy it, relax and have fun." Paige works full time as an accounting recruiter and lives with her husband and two cats in Alexandria, VA. She enjoys yoga, travel, music, gardening, reading and helping others.

Paige currently teaches:
Prenatal @ 6:30pm on Thursdays
Adult Yoga @ 7:45pm on Thursdays
Adult Jivamukti @ 9am on Sundays

book one of these classes here