ABM for Children!

The second trip to Edmonton was great! Seeing the same 4 out of 5 children again was priceless. The changes from the month previous and the learning of how to take the children to the next level.

Most children get some PT and/or OT weekly. So I must come in and think outside the box on how to get the child to turn on the "learning switch"!! I have noticed if I do something, like lye the child on her side and she is not used to being there, she looks at me with a look that says I'm learning! When I teach them to feel there arm under there body on their side and feel different ways of holding their heads, they are learning. The parents report the child going home and sensing and doing what I have taught them throughout the day! This in and of its self makes wonderful changes for the children.

For the children that have a really hard time holding up their heads, it starts to give a kinesthetic sense of themselves. When requested and they start to use their lower back, they can then start to support their head. When the head and pelvis become more attached they can start to progress to another level. This takes them from "wobbly" to moving on their own.

With splasticity comes softness with awareness. Teaching a brain is very rewarding! It takes time, but we all have learning brains. It is when the brain or person chooses not to learn that the learning switch cannot be turned on. I see this in my aging father and it saddens me.

I often wonder if there is a generation thing here. Today, most people wish to learn and evolve to see what they can do and what all they can accomplish. Or perhaps these are like minded people to me. I see the children as a whole new way of being, how they can move, sit, roll, stand and then evolve into a continum of movement grow beyond what was ever expected of them. If you look at some of Anat's videos along the side you will see and hear some things that will perhaps even turn on your learning switch and give you a whole new way to view the world for you and your family!!

Merry Christmas and Pilates

Merry Christmas,

Classes are coming to a close for 2007. Just a few short days away is a celebration for the Christian faith. Whatever your beliefs please enjoy a safe a wonderful holiday with your family and friends.

This fall has been very challenging for my family and I. With Aaron my youngest son being diagnose with Type 1 diabetes we have sure faced a huge learning curve. He is determined to live his life his way. Prayers would be appreciated. Until you become a mother or father the word love of a child is only a thought. When life gives you a huge lesson you learn to deal. Not always easy to do.

Aaron and I will be working on doing a fundraiser for Diabetes. We are thinking of a Saturday morning late February. The fundraiser will be based on the Bones for Life movements. Donations will start at $25 and there will be sponsor sheets for anyone interested in participating. More on this after the Holidays. They are so close to finding a cure. Things have already changed for diabetics so much in the last 5 years. We want to contribute to acquiring funds for this cause. Anyone that would like to participate as a donor or a participant keep posted.

*************************************************************

Off to a more fun subject... I am encouraging everyone to try a green smoothie. I love my smoothies everyday. Here is one mix that I love

• 1/8 Pineapple
• 1 tbsp Omega 3-6-9 oil
• 1 c Water
• 1" of ginger root, peeled and cut up
• 5 Raspberries
• 5 Blackberries
• 2 large handfuls of spinach or kale

You may add anything more to this like apples, oranges, clementines. I sometimes even add almonds or hemp hearts for protein.

*****************************************************************

Exercise of the Month

Breathing

Just find a quiet place to sit. Inhale through your nose for the count of 5. Open your mouth as you let the air come out the back of your throat. Repeat about 10 x's.

This will open up and activate the lungs, reduce stress and get you ready for the holidays.

********************************************************************

Pilate's Business

I would like each of you to invite a friend or family member to a free Pilate's class Thursday Jan. 3 at 5:00pm and/or Free Awareness Through Movement Class Jan 3 at 6:00pm. I am also encouraging you to support Stretch Your Life by inviting a friend or family member in the New Year.

New program Bones for Life trial class Jan. 8 at 10:30

Class Schedule http://www.stretchyourlife.com/schedule.htm

Studio Rates http://www.stretchyourlife.com/studioRates.htm

Let's all evolve to the next leave in our wellness and fitness at Stretch Your Life.

Please do leave a comment on this newsletter so I can evolve even more!

****************************************************************

Holiday Special

For those last minute gifts, get the gift of a Certificate.

Special prices include

Buy 4 get 1 more Anat Baniel Method, Functional Synthesis Sessions $300 Buy 4 get 1 more Pilate's Private Session $240

Happy Holidays,

Karen Toth