yoga in rye, sorrento, mornington, main ridge, somers and flinders; mornington peninsula

Welcome to Palate Earth.

We all seek harmony in our lives. How we do that depends on the matrix of our mind/body/spirit, and everybody is different. You are ultimately your own teacher, and we're here to facilitate that journey into your inner wisdom. If Yoga is indeed that path, you will know very soon after beginning your practice.

Perhaps you're not looking to find the stillness within or clarity all around but would like simply to become more flexible. That's OK too, and the Yoga classes are designed to touch every system, organ and muscle in your body in a very non-intrusive way.

"Nature has its own laws and does not tolerate intrusion without revenge"

Dean Black 'Health at the Crossroads'

It's an effective way to combat osteoporosis, stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscular, skeletal and other imbalances.

class times

please refer to our new class page at the Palate Earth website


Yoga in the Park www.yogainthepark.net.au

Every Day 9-10am in Sorrento at the scenic Hotham Rd Historic Park (behind the police station and helipad.)

More information can be found by visiting the website

Casual class $15
Mat hire $1

"...just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your yoga in the park classes during our summer break. I felt like I was on retreat by practicing every day! It was nice to have a change to my regular practice and I feel that I have grown with the new experience." Helen 


"I came to several of your classes over summer and really loved them. I must admit I've never really been a 'yoga person', often preferring pilates, however I felt quite transformed after attending your classes." Olivia


"Life changing" Jenn

BREATHE wellness seminars and workshops
The wisdom of the body is greater than the power of the mind, and we all know how powerful the mind can be....

When we no longer listen to the body, we create an environment for imbalances, leading to potential illnesses. If however, we apply a simple toolbox to listen to what our bodies need, we allow our bodies and minds to return to their natural state….one of total health expressed physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and environmentally. This means healthier relationships, stress levels, body image, and choices.

In this one- hour seminar we look at how to apply these tools to regain, maintain and sustain our health and wellbeing. It’s a simple approach- accessible to everyone, one which empowers and inspires.

The interactive seminar is FREE, and there will be time at the end for questions.

Your facilitator, Baxter, has studied the subject of wellness for the past 7 years, applying the philosophy of yoga to develop this complete model for wellbeing. She devotes her time to teaching, consulting and coaching groups and individuals of various ages and stages, including:

Geelong Grammar
Primary schools
Girl Guides
GP’s
Lawyers
Corporates
Yoga teachers
Depression and Anxiety support groups

Prior to that, she travelled extensively to many corners of the world, studying language, food, aviation and anthropology. She holds a diploma in HRM. And most importantly, she practises what she teaches.


For more bookings and more information:
b@palateearth.com
0423 161 503

WORKSHOPS
If you have attended a BREATHE seminar, you would have an understanding of this simple yet comprehensive concept of health. Attendance of the seminar however, is not a prerequisite for the workshop, and it is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about how to practically apply real tools to achieve peace and wellbeing in their lives.



We will explore deeper the components of BREATHE.


Breathing, Relaxation, Exercise, Appetite, Thinking positively= Healthy Energy.


The next workshop will be held on Sunday Feb 9, 2012 

Pt Leo 9.30-4pm

$130 includes workshop, and BD/ Ayurvedic cooking class with lunch.




For bookings or more information, please contact
Baxter on b@palateearth.com or 0423 161 503


A $50 non-refundable but transferable deposit is required upon booking to secure your place.




BREATHE school programmes
When parents are asked, "What do you want most for your children?" they say happiness, acceptance, balance, health.

Not common subjects to learn at school, except for health of course which traditionally included the food pyramid, compulsory PE, and home economics.

Now we see some fabulous new programmes being introduced like Garden projects, Positive Psychology, and BREATHE in recognition that our teachers aren't trained outside the classical subjects to deliver much needed health and wellbeing tools. Especially at a time when issues like body image, attention disorders, obesity, diabetes, behaviour disorders are becoming more prevalent.

Programmes like Positive Psychology pioneered at Geelong Grammar 3 years ago. Although GGS hasn't released the direct results it's had on student happiness, there's been a 30% in admissions and a big jump in alumni donations (according to Dr Seligman).

Garden programmes have been incredibly successful in reconnecting children back to where it all began....in the soil! Learning to create soil, plant, harvest and cook are life's essential skills in a world with increasing food prices and chemicals.

BREATHE is now in its 5th year. We teach children a simple module for complete health which includes breathing techniques, relaxation, exercise (why it's important and how to choose the correct relative to the individual), what a healthy appetite is, how positive thinking leads to positive behaviour, and where energy comes from: how to obtain, conserve and use it most efficiently.

It's an interactive programme which makes learning about health and wellbeing fun.

For more information on programmes for students, teachers and parents:
b@palateearth.com
0423 161 503

This year we are launching the programme at Peninsula Hot Springs for groups no larger than 30. It provides the ideal location for fun and experiential learning. For more information about the school and holiday programmes, please visit their website



Yoga Therapy
Yoga was never intended for a group class. Not to say there aren't benefits of practising with others, like the motivation and energy that a class can provide. Real benefits however, are achieved with a personal practice.

After an assessment to ascertain our starting point, we can design a customised programme unique for your individual needs to practice at home. From the results we will design an achievable programme which can include asanas (physical postures), breath work, meditation along with dietary recommendations, if relevant.

60-80 mins $70 within the local area $80 within the peninsula. $120 Melbourne. Subsequent local consultations $50

Or, enjoy a private class for 60 mins based on a flowing asana routine to your standard with a strong focus on breath with personal attention to your poses.
60mins $70, $90 for 2 people or more.



If you've been attending classes on a casual-regular basis, I strongly encourage you to begin thinking about your own practice if you haven't developed one already if you want to experience the real benefits of Yoga. Every one of us have distinct peculiarities, and at least we can physiologically realign them!
I can help you design an achievable 10-20 min routine, customised to your age, physiological and psychological requirements.

Wellness workshops for Corporates and Organisations

Within organisations, businesses, or corporate bodies, there will be a range of individuals with different needs and expectations. It’s not uncommon that resistance will come from some who may consider wellness to be slipping down to the pub for a beer.

I don’t suggest that that approach isn’t a useful temporary tool, but if you’re after a ‘healthier’ and more sustainable way to encourage productivity, contentment within the ranks, and giving your people something more than a pay cheque, then we can work together.
Even the most resistant of individuals have enjoyed the benefits of what these programmes can offer, and seeing how they adapt it into their lives is a rewarding part of what we do.
Each organisation has their own set of goals, and we can design a programme to help facilitate them.


What does a programme include?
We begin each session with movement and breath, in a gentle, flowing way, designed to clear the mind and energise the body.  The style is a combination of movements derived from the ancient practices of Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong.

If you wish to explore the philosophy of wellness, we deliver the BREATHE module to explain how other aspects of wellness such as appetite (I avoid using the word “diet”), relaxation techniques, breathwork and attitude affect our wellbeing both at home and in the workplace. The work environment cannot be well unless the individuals are. 

"....the feedback I have had from all that attended your Yoga session at Mt Eliza has been outstanding.
All found it to be extremely beneficial, relaxing and enjoyable. They are still talking about it today!
Michelle, Fairfax Media Printing

For more information, please contact Baxter on 0423 161 503 or b@palateearth.com

Wellness coaching
If you are looking to increase your energy levels, shift some weight, embrace your health, or understand the foods in which you are deficient or intolerant,  we can help you on or maintain the path to wellness. Read more about the pulse-reading technique I work with developed by Dr Monica Henry.

A 60-90 minute assessment can determine the path, using breathwork, diet, exercise, relaxation, emotional clearings or a combination of all.
Regular sessions to keep a check on your wellbeing and programme also available.
Initial consultation 60-90 mins $70 within the local area, $80 elsewhere on the peninsula, $120 Melbourne.
Weekly sessions for a period of 6 weeks $250 (Peninsula only)

Testimonials

"I am a regular pilates reformer user who trusts that it will keep my body strong, tall, lean and pain free, however this year I bought a new car and within a few weeks had developed a twist through my rib cage that while I could identify the imbalance on my reformer, I just couldn't fix it. A tight left hip rotator and right hamstring with a tight left psoas was pulling on my mid back ribs making them dislodge with the simplest twist. Baxter customized an asana routine that so quickly stretched the tight muscles to free up my entire spine and restore its perfect posture. I am so grateful since 3 different chiropractors, and a massage therapist could not help me. Even though I trust that our bodies know, intrinsically, how to heal, it is our lifestyle with repetitive strain, that goes unnoticed, that is often the cause of our pain. Baxter is gentle, unintimidating, intuitive and knowledgeable and her yoga practice will change how you love and understand your body. Next time I will immediately go to her."

Marjolein Brugman see Marjolein's Lighter Living website

"Your wealth of knowledge and experience in Yoga is immense and you are gifted in teaching and creating a beautiful space for people to learn."

Maree

"..we both loved our sessions with you and were both definitely much straighter in our posture after your visit. We are both looking forward to working towards a new awareness of our bodies and a more healthy way of living with your help"
Jennifer and Gary

Thank you so much!! I'm far less tired, and..........my feet are warm!

Karolyn

"After the breathworkshop I've been able to practice the technique after I come home from night duty and for the first time ever, fall asleep straight away" Sheena

Yoga Journeys to India and Bali

BALI JULY 1 -8, 2011

Our next journey takes us to the serenity of East Bali, unspoiled and still in touch with their rich culture. Saraswati will lead the programme.


"Saras" holds two Masters Degrees (in Nutrition and Psychology) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Yoga. She has served as a yoga teacher, trainer and therapist for almost two decades at an internationally renowned institute of Yoga in Chennai and has also been actively involved in yoga research bringing the much-needed scientific perspective to Yoga Therapy. www.yogavahini.com


Max 12 guests. For more information, go to Marieke's website

SOUTH INDIA OCT/NOV 2011
Join us on a tour of discovery to see where the ancient tradition of Yoga stands in contemporary India. We follow the path of some of the great Masters, to observe their legacy and experience their teachings.


Marieke, an enthusiastic student of Yoga, has been designing local and international Yoga programmes for 10 years has led and designed tours to India for the past 20 years. She has remarkable relationships with the ground crew, ensuring that your comfort and safety is seen to like no other.
Baxter will be accompanying you on tour, leading classes together with other esteemed teachers. Saraswati will be also with us for the first couple of days to spend time with each of you to design a personal practice and offer her gifted teachings on Yoga and the mind.


Our final days are spent in one of the most elegant and traditional Ayurvedic retreats to experience authentic treatments, guaranteed to leave you sparkling from the inside out.


"A sanctuary of peace and energy surrounds you, the joy to get up in the morning to the sound of birds waking up. The smile and kindness of all the staff, the patience of the yoga teachers and their dedication.

My life has taken new turn, a new pace, it is a new beginning, there is a long way to get there, but Shreyas has shown me a way and I surely will be back." Manon


For more information, go to Marieke's website

Breath Workshops at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
These programs are held one evening a week over a three week period. The intention here is to give you time to experience the practice rather than just learn it intellectually, establishing short goals and a routine with which you can leave.
The next breath workshop is scheduled for Febuary 2011.


For more information, or to register your interest for any workshop, please contact Baxter on 0423 161 503 or b@palateearth.com




We look at what prana is (chi/ vital energy) where it lies, how to obtain it, conserve it, use it and grow from it.
Bring your breath from the unconscious to the conscious, regulating and mastering it to clear your mind, relax your body and make the world a calmer place to live in.
Breath techniques are a useful tool for anybody to help manage stress and pain, develop concentration and memory, become more efficient in daily life and career, further their yoga practice, and connect to a deeper wisdom.

Learn these simple techniques following the ancient Vedanta (yoga) philosophy. One hour instructed classes of theory and practice will be followed by a an optional 10 minute breath exercise in the pools. You are then welcome to stay and enjoy the Hot Springs for as long as you desire.

A daily practice is issued at the end of each class. By the end of the three weeks you will have your own breath practice to take away, designed specifically around your individual needs.

There is no mystery, only practice.

Programme schedule and costs:

Classes run from 6pm-7pm with indoor theory and 7 - 7:20 breathing exercise in the pools.

Participants are then welcome to stay and enjoy the mineral pools and other facilities afterwards.

Cost:

$90 includes classes and bathing

$60 classes only.

Max 15 per class

spring yoga

There's a sense that Spring is sneaking into winter. Now is a good time to start thinking about which parts of our bodies need attention. I'm not just talking about the winter layers you may have accumulated (it's what I do well in winter), but also which organs begin to wake up and go to work. Spring is the season of activity and the season to eat foods with upward energies like young, green, sprouting, above-ground vegetables.
If you're thinking of cleansing anything, then think liver and gallbladder. People with a healthy liver and gallbladder are calm, make decisions easily and are stress-free. If these organs are supported and balanced during Spring, they'll support you for the rest of the year.

For an achievable cleanse when you don't want to commit to days of 'deprivation', or simply have too many christmas parties that would interfere with your programme...
Green drink:
1 garlic clove or ginger (opt)
2 cups lettuce (or silver beet or spinach)
2 cups parsley leaves
1 celery rib
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
4 cups spring water
1 fresh orange or grapefruit, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil

Process in blender or food processor until smooth. Keeps in the fridge 3-5 days. Makes about 6 cups. This is a great liver cleanser. Try having two cups for breakfast every morning. For a really good general spring cleaning, follow with vegetable soup and salad for both lunch and dinner.
Do this for 3-5 days. It will make a nice difference, I promise.

To embark on a more thorough liver detox, click here for a day-by-day programme complete with recipes.


BREATHE Wellness Workshops for schools
Geelong Grammar is the first school in Australia to introduce a wellness philosophy, and it's a great privilege to be part of such a visionary programme. I developed a ten hour workshop for them at their Timbertop campus which involves the students learning about health from a Yogic perspective. BREATHE represents the five aspects for a balanced mind/body/consciousness.
Breath Relaxation Exercise Appetite Thinking positively = Health + Energy
The feedback I received from the school and students has been very positive. "I know how to be healthy now", "I am more focused", "Very interesting and relaxing", "Great fun learning new things" are just some of the feedback collected at the end of each block.

The ABC have currently been filming a documentary at Timbertop, following the progress of six students and the benefits of their participation in the wellness programme, which will be aired this year.

I have also been working with a variety of other schools including primary, secondary and Steiner schools. Each have adapted Yoga into their curriculum as either a health programme, elective hobby, stress management for final year students, or simply as an exercise routine.
My vision is to see wellness programmes in every school, and I feel we're spearheading a vital new movement.

This year we are launching the programme at Peninsula Hot Springs. It provides the ideal location for fun and experiential learning. For more information about the school and holiday programmes, please visit their website



Watch Ken Robinson give an inspiring talk on education http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html




Yoga as a Therapy
Yoga is a slow medicine, but it is a strong medicine.
If you understand how your body works, and learn to listen to what it's telling you, then you'll be able to respond to it and heal it if required.


Classes are fantastic for all-round general maintenance, but if you can develop your own practice, that's where the true benefits lie. Using a combination of physical assessment and Harmonic Medicine (as taught by Dr Monica Henry), I work with people to customise a short and achievable programme that can easily be integrated into their morning routine. I can also test for food intolerance's and suggest foods that your body needs.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about how I work.


If you are structurally off balance,"... you are at war with gravity" Ida P. Rolf.


"To be healthy is to be whole, to heal is to make whole."Healing is a two-way street. To be healed requires the mind to be open to the healing and that requires faith. Faith in the healer, faith in the process, and faith in yourself.







Golf Wellness
'Alternative therapies' such meditation, Yoga and pilates have slipped into the golfing world. The benefits of Yoga to the Golfer are numerous and both, curiously, share similar philosophies.


The effects the breath can have on our minds is no secret to the Yogi, and golfing academies are now recognising the techniques.


Over the last 12 months I have been working with a golf pro to better understand the mechanics of the swing and where Yoga can help. The core, shoulders and lower back are all areas Yoga can strengthen and lengthen, providing a few extra yards on the shot and relieving the stress (from body and mind) to make the game more enjoyable, and take ten years off your swing.


"Strong as an oak, supple as a reed"





Contact Baxter on
b@palateearth.com
0423 161 503