Sunday, December 26, 2010

Feigning for the Beach


Enjoying the winter but feigning for some sun and surf.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Majora Carter on Cleaning Up Your Neighborhood

Happy Holidays Anacostia!

This holiday, give the gift of remembrance to the Anacostia River, our neighborhood and our future by demanding environmental justice from our political leaders and getting involved with green development.

"We have nothing to lose and everything to gain"- Majora Carter.

Majora Carter speaks on the Bronx which eerily and hopefully sounds like Anacostia.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Ward 7 Leaves Ward 8 in the Dust

Yes, as a yogi I am actually encouraging a competition! I fully support Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander's challenge to Ward 7 to live a healthier lifestyle by following her exercise and health regime throughout the community.

Alexander said in a recent press release, “Not only am I challenging myself but I am also putting the call out to residents of Ward 7 and the District of Columbia to join me on this journey.”



I met Alexander during the summer and she is a very friendly, funny and energetic leader. She advocates for health and sets a great tone for the health revolution East of the River. Alexander also constantly keeps Ward 7 informed through online newsletters, listserve notices, mailings and a facebook page. The Ward 7 Health Council frequently hosts meetings and even launches real (not phony) health programs.

Now, Ward 8 on the other-hand, sadly seems to lag in the health race. I have constantly called, emailed and blogged questions about the Ward 8 Health Council, yet never heard a thing. Beyond the new Spirit Anacostia Health and Wellness Center, there doesn't seem to be much advocating for a healthy grocery store or an organic food coop from anyone on the Ward 8 Health Council. And as far as communication, I don't think the Ward 8 website has been updated since 2006!

Progress in Ward 8 will stall without a physical, social and environmental health movement. We will continue to see the stagnation in development and a low energy among the Ward 8 residents until health becomes a priority. Ward 8 could learn alot from Ward 7 by simply putting health as a priority and at least email me back!

Ward 8 residents, don't let Ward 7 get all the glory! Call the Councilmember, write letters, and demand better services for your community.

Office of Councilmember Marion Barry
http://www.dccouncil.us/barry/
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 724-8045

or Call Yvette Alexander and support her health challenge in Ward 7!

Office of Councilmember Yvette Alexander
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/yvettealexander
Office: 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Suite 400, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: (202) 724-8068
Fax: (202) 741-0911
Email: yalexander@dccouncil.us

Hip-Hop Yogi: Russell Simmons Redefines "Rich"

What other hip-hop millionaire owns a global online magazine, does yoga in public and tweets pics of his family? Hip-Hop Yogi Russell Simmons, the most outspoken yogi in hip-hop, is a trailblazer and advocate for the health and


He releases a new book, "Super Rich" in  January 2011 calling on the hip-hop community to develop a different kind of wealth. The book, "Super Rich" talks about how he achieved riches without focusing on money, rather by listening to his inner voice and doing what made him happy.


Simmons always keeps it real, insisting that being successful is a noble goal but being a good person is where you really cash in on wealth. This book is perfect for kids who live in neighborhoods like Anacostia to prove that they can be both street smart and socially conscious.

Check it out for the holidays
Super Rich: A Guide To Having It AllBy Russell Simmons

Friday, December 10, 2010

15-15 Holiday Health Challenge

The 15-15 challenge is something I conjured up for myself 5 years ago to maintain a healthy balance during the holidays. 15 minutes of exercise for 15 days leading up to Christmas.



Every year starting Dec 10-Dec 24, 2010, I carve out 15 minutes of EVERY DAY to do some form of movement. Whether it is the treadmill, power walking to the bus-stop, a podcast yoga class, spin, pilates tapes, or just good ole' floor calisthenics, I commit to exercise for at least 15 minutes. There are no excuses why you shouldn't give your body 15 minutes.



This may sound like overkill for the couch potatoes but this is just a little spark to light the exercise potential for the 2011 New Year. At the end of the 2 weeks, I feel more motivated, less guilty about eating, and even more at ease about the holiday madness.




The best part about it is, there's no burnout. You can still build 15-15 into your regular workout. If you miss a day, no big deal, but don't double up. Just keep steady on the 15 minutes and I guarantee that the holiday ham and heft won't stand a chance!

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Anacostia Youth Cleaning Up the Anacostia River

Yes, kids in Anacostia really do care about their river! And it didn't take a baseball stadium or waterfront development to get them involved. Check it out.

Anacostia Waterfront from MMTI DC on Vimeo.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Get It Right, Get It Tight with Yoga in Anacostia!

Elevate the mind, body and soul this Saturday with a Soulful Mind Right/Body Tight Yoga Class taught by yours truly. Energize your soul, clear your mind and work your body.


Mind Right/Body Tight Yoga Saturday (FREE)
Every Saturday
10am-11am

H.E.A.T. Haven
1429 Good Hope Road SE
Washington DC 20020
email anacostiayogi@gmail.com for more information