Black Yoga Magazine November 2019

THE MAGAZINE YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! YOGA FOR LIFE

BLACK

NOV 2019 | ISSUE 03

YOGA MAGAZINE YOGA FLAVA Yoga & Elder Care

Teacher Training

11

EMBRACING SILVER HAIR & ELDER CARE WITH YOGA, STYLE AND GRACE.

Rhythm of Yoga Yoga & Aging

EXCLUSIVE!

ROBIN DOWNES

NOV 2019 | $15.99

WWW.BLACKYOGAMAGAZINE.COM

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CONTENTS YOGA+ FITNESS + FUN

YOGA AND LONGEVITY Your yoga stories how you found your practice and what it means to you.

STUDIO DIRECTORY A list of a few of the studios that you can check out and practice at.

YOGA & AGING

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RHYTHM OF YOGA LISTEN ONLINE

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EXCLUSIVE!

ROBIN DOWNES

13 YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Our teacher training is about education and access.

09

ROBIN DOWNES

YOGA LOVE & MATS

Learn more about our amazing cover model and how he connects to his practice.

With so many mats to choose from it can be hard to figure out what is best for you. This mat comes with a special message.

Our teacher training is about education and access.

02 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 HELLO@BLACKYOGAMAGAZINE.COM

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OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 01

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14 YOGA & AGING

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YOGA A LIFE LONG PRACTICE

YOGA AND AGING 3 OCTOBER2019 | ISSUE 02

YOGA IS AN AMAZING WAY TO TO KEEP THE BODY IN TUNE AS WE AGE.

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YOGA FOR LONGEVITY

Longevity Another process that is harmful to the body is chronic inflammation. Scientists refer to chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body as “inflammaging.”

YOGA CAN SLOW EFFECTS OF STRESS AND AGING, STUDIES SUGGESTA REGULAR YOGA PRACTICE CAN SLOW OR EVEN REVERSE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF AGING.

By Marlynn Wei M.D., J.D.

Yoga

Two new studies suggest that doing yoga regularly can slow physical aging and the harmful impact of stress at the cellular and DNA level. Many conditions are associated with accelerated cellular aging, such as depression, infertility, and heart disease.

Retreats The yoga retreat incorporated physical postures, controlled breathing practices, and seated meditations.

The program included approximately two hours of sitting meditation, one to two hours of moving practice, and one hour of chanting daily.

These studies contribute to growing evidence that suggests that yoga can slow down and even reverse the harmful effects of accelerated aging and stress on the body and mind.The main markers of cellular aging in the body are DNA damage, telomere shortening, and oxidative stress. Telomeres are caps at the end of our chromosomes which protect them from deteriorating, much like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Oxidative stress is a process in the body that causes DNA damage and shortens telomeres as well, creating DNA instability.

Another process that is harmful to the body is chronic inflammation. Scientists refer to chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body as “inflammaging.” Inflammaging has been found in conditions like infertility, obesity, and depression can weaken the immune system.In a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers found that 12 weeks of yoga slowed cellular aging. The program consisted of 90 minutes of yoga that included physical postures, breathing, and meditation for five days a week over 12 weeks. Researchers measured biomarkers of cellular aging and stress before and after the 12-week yoga program and found that yoga slowed down markers of cellular aging and lowered measures of inflammation in the body. These researchers are also working on ongoing studies that suggest that yoga can reverse the harmful effects of depression on the body.

There are many different types of biomarkers in the blood that can be used to measure the level of inflammaging in the body. Cortisol varies throughout the day based on the circadian rhythm and higher baseline levels is one indicator of high chronic stress.

When people are chronically stressed, cortisol becomes less variable throughout the day, signaling an overactive fight-or-flight or sympathetic nervous system. Another important biomarker is brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which regulates neuroplasticity and promotes brain development. Levels of BDNF are lower in people with depression, anxiety or have Alzheimer’s disease.In a new study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers found that a three month yoga retreat reduced inflammation and stress in the body.

The yoga retreat incorporated physical postures, controlled breathing practices, and seated meditations. The program included approximately two hours of sitting meditation, one to two hours of moving practice, and one hour of chanting daily. Levels of BDNF, the biomarker that is significantly lower in people with depression and anxiety, tripled after the yoga retreat. Levels of protective anti-inflammatory markers increased after the retreat, while harmful pro-inflammatory markers decreased. Participants also felt less depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms after the yoga retreat. These two studies contribute on the growing biological evidence suggesting that yoga can slow down and even reverse the harmful effects of accelerated aging or stress at the physical level. While the yoga retreat program may be too time intensive for many people, even two to three hours of yoga week can improve your health.

4 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

These studies contribute to growing evidence that suggests that yoga can slow down and even reverse the harmful effects of accelerated aging and stress.

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YOGA 4 LIFE YOGA & LONGEVITY A lifetime of Yoga.

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S t u d i o

D i r e c t o r y

LOOKING FOR A STUDIO TO PRACTICE CHECK OUT OUR DIRECTORY

KEEP IT MOVING YOGA & BARRE 8493 Bowden St. Douglasville, GA 30135 THE SOULAR YOGI 1613 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 SACRED CHILL WEST 2030 Bolton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30311

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THE IMPACT OF YOGA ON CELLULAR AGING: HARVARD STUDY Modern life is stressful. Where the previous generation centered their activities on obtaining basic necessities, we have more complicated lives, more sources of stress and are at greater risk of stress wreaking our health.

JUSTIN BROWN

According to Harvard Medical School stress accounts for between 60% and 80% of visits to primary care doctors.

And chronic stress has been linked to our bodies aging faster and increased chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, two processes that cause cellular and genetic damage.There’s good news. Neuroscientists have recently studied an ancient practice that can help slow down the aging process.

A new term for a new condition scientists have coined a new term for the chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body that is so prevalent in modern society. They call it “inflammaging.”And it’s a term that spells bad news: inflammaging has been associated with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stress, depression, and a weakened immune system.

Recent studies in neuroscience have found that yoga could slow the harmful physical effects of stress and inflammaging.If you want to slow down those aches and pains of approaching old age, new studies suggest that doing yoga regularly will go a long way to keep you looking and feeling younger. In fact, yoga can slow physical aging and the harmful impact of stress at the cellular and DNA level.In a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers found that 12 weeks of yoga slowed cellular aging. The study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, employed a program consisting of 90 minutes of yoga of various physical postures, breathing, and meditation for five days a week over 12 weeks. Researchers measured biomarkers of cellular aging and stress before and after the 12-week yoga program and found that yoga slowed down markers of cellular aging and lowered measures of inflammation in the body.

In a similar study, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers found that a three- month-yoga retreat reduced inflammation and stress in the body of the 38 retreat participants. The yoga retreat incorporated physical postures, controlled breathing practices, and seated meditations. The program included approximately two hours of sitting meditation, one to two hours of moving practice, and one hour of chanting daily.The results were very promising.Levels of BDNF, the biomarker that is significantly lower in people with depression and anxiety, tripled after the yoga retreat. Levels of protective anti-inflammatory markers increased after the retreat, while harmful pro-inflammatory markers decreased.

Participants also felt less depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms after the yoga retreat.Bottom line.

What yogis have demonstrated over the ages is now being confirmed by academic research: yoga relieves stress and slows down the aging process. Hint: shouldn’t you start looking for a yoga teacher?

07 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

Biomarkers for stress in the body According to Harvard Medical School, there are many different types of biomarkers in the blood that can be used to determine the level of chronic inflammation and stress in the body, one being cortisol. A higher baseline level of cortisol is one indicator of high chronic stress. Cortisol becomes less variable throughout the day in people who are chronically stressed, signaling an overactive fight-or-flight or sympathetic nervous system.Another biomarker is brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a naturally occurring protein in the body that regulates neuroplasticity and promotes brain development. People who have depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have lower levels of BDNF.Researchers found indications of lower levels of inflammation and significantly decreased levels of cortisol.

The study also found higher levels of BDNF after the yoga program, suggesting that yoga could have potential protective effects for the brain as well.

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PERFORMANCE SECTION

SELF LOVE MAT AND YOU Keep reading and check out the amazing story of how Affirm Mat came to be and how they are changing the yoga world. Affirmats adds an emotional layer to Yoga by wrapping form, function, and a dash of inspiration in PURE LOVE.It’s simple, life gets crazy and yoga makes us happy. Not only are these yoga mats and towels comfortable and stylish, but each provides you with a little affirmation for that extra kick of awesomeness and support in your day. We're right there with you; celebrating the small victories on the mat and reminding ourselves to be thankful for those big victories in the other 23 hours of the day. Oh, we can't forget to mention our yoga mats are made with a JUTE blend on a Polymer Environmental Resin (PER) base which makes them high quality, biodegradable, and ergonomically friendly to help you master those advanced poses.

08 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

EVERYONE HAS A YOGA MAT THAT THEY ARE IN LOVE WITH, BUT AFFIRM MATS ARE HERE WITH AN EXTRA SPECIAL REMIND OF WHY YOU PRACTICE EACH TIME YOU STEP ON THE MAT.

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AFFIRM MATS & FOUNDER JASON GRAHAM Jason Graham Jason founded Affirmats in July 2011. Their mission is to spread love all around the world through the practice of yoga.

With Affirmats even small struggles become BIG VICTORIES on the mat and in the world!

Life gets crazy, yoga makes us happy.

Affirmats are form function and Inspiration, wrapped in pure LOVE. We believe you should be comfortable playing yoga, not just comfortable in the physical sense but in a whole-body sense.

When life gets overwhelming yoga makes us happy. Yoga allows us to reach another level of awareness, which gives us tools to master the rest of our day. Your yoga mat is a place where you can connect back to you.

Stay Positive Affirmats are shipped worldwide with love to connect you to you and your practice.

Find out more about Affirmats at @affirmats on IG and Facebook.

SHARE THE LOVE

By Ashley Adams

Everyone has a moment on their mat when they need a little encouragement.Well Affirmats founder actor Jason Graham thought when he created his line of yoga mats with affirmations it would be just the thing to keep you going.

The mats come in a range of bright colors, that are bound to give you a boost. Yogis have to opportunity to personalize their affirmation or choose from a variety options.

Affirmats have been featured in studios in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jordan as apart of the brands mission to spread love around the world.

Messages range from "Keep Going, You Can Do This!", to I am Love.

Affirmations are also available on towels that are sure to inspire you through all of your workouts.

09 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Fitness trends come and go, but yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and shows no sign of fading away any time soon. Yoga continues to attract more and more followers every year representing all ages and physical fitness levels. What’s the attraction? Although yoga originally evolved as a spiritual practice, it has become a popular means of promoting physical and mental well-being.The poses, stretches, breathing and relaxation/meditation techniques associated with yoga are credited with maintaining good health and improving health conditions that tend to affect us as we age. Here are three examples of the health benefits of yoga, based on recent research evidence.

BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR

1. Relieve your aching back Chronic low back pain is a very common and disabling condition. Drugs help, but come with risks of side effects. Yoga may help relieve the pain. Studies show it can be an effective, safe, non-drug therapy either by itself, or used in combination with medication.

2.Boost your balance Our balance tends to diminish with age. It’s important to work at maintaining it because balance is key to preventing falls and fallsrelated injuries. Yoga – which involves controlled movements, concentration and holding various poses – can improve balance and mobility in people who practice regularly.

AGING

3.Ease symptoms of disease. The combination of physical exercise (poses and stretches), mindful breathing and relaxation/meditation aim to strengthen and improve the body, mind and soul. Studies show that this holistic approach to health and wellness helps improves general quality of life and relieves symptoms in people recovering from or coping with diseases such as cancer, asthma and type 2 diabetes.Yoga your way. There are many types of yoga, including classes for beginners or those with physical limitations.Most poses can be adapted… or you can simply choose not to do some of them.

Yoga may be practiced by millions of people around the world but how, where and at what level is uniquely personal. If you haven’t already done so, consider giving it a try. You have nothing to lose – except possibly some pain and stiffness – and much to potentially gain including pain relief, balance and overall quality of life.

October 2019 ISSUE 02 10

HEALTHY

ROBIN

DOWNES

BLACK YOGA MAGAZINE

November 2019

BLACK YOGA MAGAZINE

Robin Downes is an Emmy Award winning journalist since 1981,“Outstanding Individual Achievement in National News and Documentary” for “ABC News 20/20”. Since 1996, Robin is Hollywood’s certified Yoga instructor to the stars with clients such as Vanessa Williams, Brandy, John Salley, LisaRaye McCoy and Russell Simmons, to name a few. In 2004, she became the first African American woman to have an internationally distributed video through Wal-Mart (Yoga Flava for Relaxation, Vol.1). Awarded The “Trailblazer In Yoga” award by the International Association of Black Yoga Teachers.

Currently developing content for Yoga Flava TV on YouTube (youtube.com/yogaflava) Embracing Aging I’m 59 years of age, my mother passed away at the age of 60 from breast cancer, twenty one years ago. Watching her fight a losing battle with her health, led me to the practice of Yoga. Yoga helped me cope with the stress of watching her body decline, while building a strong connection to her spirit as she transitioned. Understanding we are all spiritual beings having a temporary human experience. I continue my Yoga practice to survive and thrive. It was my travels to India, where my gurus encouraged me to take the Yoga practice and interpret it for my people.

Yoga Flava Silva In 1996, I felt my people had “Flava” and created Yoga FlavaTM classes that embrace urban culture with ancient moves to contemporary grooves. Looking forward to a new era, as I embrace turning 60 and outliving my mother’s age. Celebrating my silver hair and elder care with Yoga Flava Silva Sessions moving into 2020. At this point the chair yoga sessions have been inspired by my Father as something we could do together. In 2021 it will be the 25th (Silver) Anniversary of Yoga Flava and I am excited about celebrating with a pop up tour in association with special events. Let me know if you would like to learn more about collaborative opportunities. email:robin@yogaflava.com

Take Care of Yourself While Caring For Your Loved One Thank goodness, my Yoga practice has given me the tools to cope with the stress of honoring my aging parent. Becoming, my 85 year old father’s, primary caregiver was an emergency that turned into a lifestyle. If this is what it’s going to be… let’s live our best lives. I amazed myself to see the healing transformation, through a Yogic lifestyle, that my father has benefitted from.

Yoga saved my Father’s life.In my daily journaling writing and mediation, I scan my body daily to see wear I may be holding unconscious stress in my body. Being present with my body, despite the long list of caregiving responsibilities, help me sort out priorities clearly. There’s a Sufi expression, “Never give from the depths of your well, but from your overflow.” Like in your Yoga practice, know when to take child’s pose… rest break from the practice of caregiving.My silver strands began to pop up in my forties. Due to ageism in our society, I didn’t embrace my natural crown until age 55. Once I did embrace my natural crown, a whole new kingdom opened up. I was asked to model for Iman cosmetics, featured in Essence magazine, BlackDoctors.org and here I am representing in in Black Yoga Magazine.

Elder Caregiving As A Practice

OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

It’s a challenging balance between self care and elder care. The journey continues with mindfully being aware how precious 12 our living mind, body and spirit is and needs to be cherished. When I didn’t have enough energy to share my Yoga practice with my father, I would make sure we got massages. The massage would make me more aware of the massive amount of tension I was unconsciously holding in my body.Simple breath work (pranayama), restorative, yin yoga and chair yoga are all nurturing for elder caregiving.Food as medicine has been a huge process in the healing and well being for myself and my father.Go home look in the mirror, look into your eyes and send love to your soul, and send love to your body as it is, be present in this moment. Affirmation: I exist in this moment only. I listen and feel with full attention and love.

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Community One of the first things my friend who worked at an assisted living community told me was to not try to do it by yourself. I am fortunate that my father put some plans in place for his long term care and I have been able to help him reap the benefits he deserves. There is also ElderDignity.org that is shining a light on the dark side of elder abuse with predatory guardianship and ways to protect yourself and your loved one. It takes a village to avoid burn out.Pace yourself and enjoy the journey. The journey is the reward.Don’t regret growing old, it is a privilege denied by many.Let’s get old together!Having the ability to relax, give you the ease to be dynamic. - Robin Downes Emmy Award Winner | Multi-Media Producer Wellness / Media Personality / ModelRobin Downes is an Emmy Award winning journalist since 1981,“Outstanding Individual Achievement in National News and Documentary” for “ABC News 20/20”.

She is a talk show host, radio personality, featured blogger, model and certified Yoga instructor.

Additional credits include: Music Coordinator For The Cosby Show, Production Coordinator on Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing.”, C.E.B.A. Award winning MTV Producer of the Rockumentary “Racism Points of View,” Development Associate at Paramount Pictures, Digital Producer / Host Sirius Satellite Network and Interactive One’s “Hello Beautiful”.

Most recently, the Model for Iman Cosmetics 2019 Spring/Summer campaign - the first silver haired model for the line!Ms. Downes provides updates on health, wellness, spirituality, entertainment and lifestyle through her YouTube web series Yoga Flava and What’s Up With Downes (Robin Downes Network).

She is the creator of Yoga Flava, a Hatha Yoga based tasteful blend of ancient moves to contemporary grooves. Since 1996, Robin is Hollywood’s certified Yoga instructor to the stars with clients such as Vanessa Williams, Brandy, John Salley, LisaRaye McCoy and Hip-Hop business guru Russell Simmons, to name a few.

She is the first African American woman to have an internationally distributed video through Wal-Mart (Yoga Flava for Relaxation, Vol.1). Additionally, Essence magazine recommended Yoga Flava in its 2010 Wealth and Wellness issue. Robin has also been featured in the “The New York Times,” “Yoga Journal,” “Shape,” “Heart and Soul,” “Black Enterprise,” “Ebony,” “UPN News,” “BlackDoctor.org and “CBS News” to name a few. Additionally, she is a syndicated health and wellness digital journalist, servicing various media outlets. Additional information can be found at www.yogaflava.com

OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

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RHYTHM OF YOGA

By Valencia Folks RHYTHM OF YOGA AN ONLINE SHOW.THIS EXCITING SHOW FOCUSES ON THE BENEFITS OF YOGA AND OTHER HEALTH RELATED TOPICS.Â

14 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

Decompress, unwind and experience the Rhythm of Yoga. Asanas designed to give you an extra boost of energy. Build strength & flexibility. Release stress. Valencia Folks, owner, and creator of the Rhythm of Yoga studio and its online show.Took her first yoga class in 2005 and became a certified teacher in 2011. Be sure to check out her latest broadcast at http://www.rhythmofyoga.com/online-broadcasts.html

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NOVEMBER 2019 | ISSUE 3 13

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COMING UP IN OUR DECEMBER ISSUE

NICHELLE MASON YOGA & ART WE EXPLORE THE LOVE AFFAIR OF ART AND YOGA

OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 02

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THANK YOU TO CONTESSA LOUISE COOPER OF MOD & ALT WOSD RADIO & JEWEL SIMMONS

Robin Downes FATIMA NEFERTITI OF RISE-NWELLNESS SHERRELL MOORETUCKER DR. TEQUILLA HILL

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