I went to Tampa to take part in this event and pitched an idea for a way to technologize what I believe to be the core of my business, TaraFit™ - Fitness through yoga and the art of belly dance. What I primarily do with my classes is teach people how to trust in themselves. Engaging people with exercises and breath work,  bringing the attention to intuition and showing them a belief that it is possible to live their own lives in an enlightened state of peace. It is not easy to live optimally but it is a time proven process. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an app for that? Here is the idea I pitched for Nspire. Me!

Imagine having a coaching companion that is with you every step of the way on your intimate journey to discovering true empowerment. Nspire.Me is where you go to get “one on one” guidance via the latest technology. It’s a FUN and holistic approach to helping you heal, boost personal confidence, ambition, self- acceptance, focus, energy, and general belief in yourself! Overcome your fears and become the ideal you with Nspire.Me! It’s FREE, EASY, and on hand when you need it! Choose the categories you prefer to help you succeed in today’s changing world. This application connects you to your inner nature for you to feel a deep core of peace. Light up with Nspire.Me!

Though I did an excellent job with the delivery and several people were interested in my idea, I was unable to inspire people enough to join my team. No worries though because there ware other Startup Weekend attendees on a mission to heal people and we quickly joined forces. Team BioScan.Me adopted to launch a startup business that would revolutionize BioMedical/ BioFeedback technology with a real life Tricorder.

It took me a minute to realize how my background would play a part in this group but I soon realized I was a perfect “fit” for the team. What I believe a Tricorder will do is run more “holistic” tests and suggests a natural remedy before pushing a pricey pharmaceutical on it’s patients. It will create an awareness to mainstream industry that natural medicine really does work. Part of the challenge we found is to awaken people to this reality. Check out this video of our final presentation.

It was so much fun to work along side of such bright minds. I like to think I was an essential part in keeping our team unified and at peace. The best compliment I heard was from a developer on the 1st placed team who shined when he told me that I inspired him all weekend. I knew TaraFit™  did a job well done! We enjoyed each other’s presence over the Startup Weekend and that is what make the experience such an incredible success. Team BioScan.Me has decided to stay connected and continue to work together to H.E.A.L. (Help Earth Awaken Love).

Namaste,

TaraFit™

 Bellyfit® uses  movements inspired by “American” Tribal belly dance as well as Middle Eastern, Indian, African and Asian cultures for the cardio-dance portion of the workout. Bellyfit® is the world’s leading holistic fitness system for women. I am a member of the Bellyfit® CREW “tribe” and  offer this fabulous Bellyfit® system to my neck of the woods (Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach).

 Once the questions were seeded, my consciousness grew! I started to realize how deep it truly is. I started to research about “tribe”  to figure out what does it mean. I found the answer listed smack in the middle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It’s that sense of belonging or love that we a that we give to our family, friends, partner, and spouse that we  need. Yes, I belong! We ALL matter and belong to something bigger than ourselves, the “tribe”.

 The way I see it is that people generally strive to find a balance of social justice within their community in order to prosper. Some people are more successful at building their tribe, finding their people and creating that niche for themselves to flourish. Others due to several factors might become social outcasts and may find their own type to run with as well. The success of the individual may have to do with the peacefulness and integrity of the group. Knowing the tribe is only as strong as it’s weakest link.

 I like the Pink Floyd song “Us and Them”. It is the “us” versus “them” mentality that tends to separate people and create conflict. “We” tend to think of ourselves as better than “them”. When “they” are better than “us” are “we” might get insecure and jealous. Instead of resorting to a lower defective character trait or vibration frequency, why not redirect the mind to be at peace with “them”?

 This gets tricky because of personal factors. Primitive survival strategy says that “If I’m more powerful, then I will live forever (or pass on my genes). Ensuring the survival of “our” species we panic with Fear Of Missing Out. FOMO is a defense mechanism based on the scarcity principle, which in my opinion is a lie because, I believe there is enough peacefulness to go around.

 Instead of comparing and creating competition with others, why not direct the thought to “Who have “I” become in the process of striving for what “I” want?” This isn’t selfishness this is being self aware. Sharing the peace of “their” achievement may even be contagious and more spiritually empowering. Healthy people will want to be at peace. I take time to notice what judgement come my way. I think my perception might reflect how I see myself. What are your judgments of others? Do you believe it might be a reflection of your own self perception?

 On the the flip side is the belief that “we” are better than “them.” Another lie!!! This is separation of intimacy at the root. This is a situation that I must remind myself because I tend to isolate and pride myself as being an elitist. It’s totally self-defeating insanity that has to do with inflation of the Ego. I like thinking of Ego as Easing God Out. It’s sad how many times my Ego has created this separation story,  distancing me from the very belonging I crave. Optimally I want to create a field of harmony in knowing that “they” have as much to teach & offer  “me” as “I” do “them”. In order to do that I must put down my pride and pick up some humility. Like JFK said in his inaugural address “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”. In other words “We” want to ask how may “I” serve “you” before wondering what’s in it for “me”.

 Spreading a sincere message of peace, grace, love, connectedness, kindness, and joy is more beneficial than one of winning, being right, forceful, strong, on top of the heap, successful and so on. Remember the race is only within ourselves. Success is just as much about the value of our internal qualities than any form of material reward. Teaching meditation rather than medication makes us holistically “fit” people. Would you like to be holistically “fit” ? Remember it is a process.

 Justine Musk shares the message in an article called 18 principles for highly creative living:

“Creativity happens in the edges and intersections (where different ideas can meet up and have sex with each other): between disciplines, and also between people. You need your tribe. Your mind craves the stimulation of other minds. We shape ourselves according to the people we hang with (we can’t help it) so if you don’t like the person you’re becoming, slowly change out your tribe.”

Here are some a couple more interesting articles if you want/need more tips for finding your tribe.

Finding Your Tribe May Be the Hardest Thing You Ever Do
How To Build Your Tribe – Finding ‘Your People’

Thank you, Alice Bracegirdle, for asking me about my tribe! Perhaps TaraFit™ and/ or Bellyfit® are the tribes you are looking for! Bellyfit® creates a sense of community for women to come together, move their bodies, and become empowered in a feminine way. It isn’t just about flat abs, it’s so much more! When we feel depressed, stressed out, and exhausted, we are powerless. Exercising only to look good is not empowering. Exercise should always include the physical results you want but it should also leave you feeling happy, relaxed, energized, and empowered. Bellyfit® acknowledges that women deserve to look great and feel great too. When this happens it will change everything!

 A standard BellyFit® class format is just for women and offers a fresh and fabulous combination of cardio moves inspired by Belly dance, African dance and Bollywood plus an intelligent infusion of yoga, pilates and meditation. You get the exercise you need the community you crave and a whole lot more than you ever thought possible from a “workout”.

 I belong to the Bellyfit® crew and instruct Bellyfit® classes at IHH Yoga Loft in Daytona Beach, Heavenly Fitness in Daytona Beach Shores, and Yoga Circle & Dance in Ormond Beach. If you are interested in having me bring a Bellyfit® class to your studio or gym, please feel welcome to contact me. I am happy to answer any questions or comments about Bellyfit®. The best way to learn what Bellyfit® is is to come to a Bellyfit® class. Join me!

 Is it apparent how uniquely diverse of a tribe I have as Tarafit™? It is in an inspiring way to me! Since “you” are reading this article chances are “you” are already part of “my” tribe. In this sense, together “we” are one!!  I am so grateful to have generously supportive, spiritually fit, healthy minded, bodacious bodied individuals in my life. I realize how truly blessed I am. I appreciate you!

Namaste,

Tarafit™

Do you think I’m WRONG? I want your criticism! Will you please share your comments with me?!! Finally some Nirvana!!!

Finally yoga is reaching the mainstream! With about 5K years of existence, good ol’ boy City of Daytona Beach, prestigious Ormond and rapidly developing Port Orange are actually catching on. Though any business industry can seem cut throat, yoga is not a competitive market. No two yoga instructors are going to teach the exact same way. Unless a yoga instructor is trained in a very precise format (like Bikram- hence it’s familiarized popularity) yoga instructors have wiggle room for their own flair. It’s not like going to a store where you can buy the same product with the same packaging for a comparable price. Just how no two story tellers will narrate a fairy tail precisely the same. Each yoga teacher is going to teach their own interpretation of how they know the art of yoga.

Individual people are want mixed outcomes from a yoga class. Not everyone wants to bend like a pretzel and convert to vegetarianism. Some people want to be able to eventually touch their toes or relax the incessant mind chatter that dominates their consciousness.

The best way to find out if a yoga class works for you is to GO TAKE A YOGA CLASS. I cannot stress this enough! Preconceived opinions about yoga from people have never stepped into a yoga class are endless. Some excuses people have for yoga are downright hilarious. Most of my first time students come to me after their doctors tell them, “You need to be doing Yoga”.

Surely the excuses bin is getting full and people will populate these yoga studios that are everywhere. The yoga studio I am teaching at, Yoga Loft in Daytona Beach, FL gives participants a different approach by creating an everyone is welcome yoga mentality. Willingness is the key to being served yoga. There is a donation for the classes, for example my minimum charge is $8. If by chance funds are low, you are welcome to participate and may opt to contribute to “The Sacred Exchange Box” next time.

At Yoga Loft, TaraFit (I am TaraFit!!!) leads an All-Levels yoga class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10am and Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Again, the minimum donation for my class at Yoga Loft is $8. Of course, if you’d like to contribute more, please be my guest! $;D All-Levels means that people with all levels of yoga experience are welcome to participate, including beginners!

I also offer private lessons where I bring to you a yoga practice. We can practice yoga in the comfort of your own home. Feel free to contact me directly (or send me me clairvoyant frequencies if you are sure I’ll receive them) to set up a private lesson.

Besides teaching yoga, I often make it to some yoga classes to receive rejuvenating light yogic energy from other yoga instructors. At Yoga Circle and Dance, (where I teach Belly Dance Tuesdays at 7:15pm and BellyFit Fridays at 3:30pm) I often make Slow Flow and Yin Yoga classes. I treat myself to an occasional Vinyasa Flow at Heavenly Fitness’s Yoga Lounge (where I teach BellyFit Saturdays at 12:30pm). Then when I’m a really good girl, I will go to Blue Moon for their Hot Yoga Free Flow class Sunday mornings before church.

Lots of options for yoga!!! If you’ve never taken a yoga class before, I highly recommend taking one.. or ten! If you’ve had a bad yoga experience, I challenge you to find a different approach. It’s always a good idea to try various studios and experiment with numerous instructors. Find someone that you can relate to and feel comfortable with. The environment in which you practice is important for giving you room to flourish naturally. Once you find your right “fit”, it will open your perspective on how you see your mind, body and spirit. Happy practicing!!! <3

Namaste,

TaraFit

Transformational Breathing® is not the average “Yogic Breath”, it is an optimal form of oxygenating the body. Transformational Breathing® was developed after extensive training and experiences of teaching yoga, Rebirthing and many other modalities. Yogic Breathers are trained to control the exhale which produces tension and blocks the energy in the solar plexus if the breather carries it over to everyday breathing. It is essential that those muscles be able to relax fully for free energy flow, as well as have control for yoga. Transformational Breathing® is “The Yogic Breath of Integration”.

Yoga uses the deep belly breathing to support physical stretching postures. Transformational Breathing® is not a replacement for the important physical exercise and body toning provided by yoga.  However, Transformational Breathing® achieves different results than yoga and makes the practice of yoga more enjoyable and more effective.

Transformational Breathing® is a self-empowering and deeply healing process that creates great transformation in one’s life. This dynamic powerful technique uses a high vibration energy force created by a specific breathing pattern. Transformational Breathing® allows us to breathe better, to have more energy, to feel more peaceful and loving, and ultimately to attain higher levels of consciousness.

This was my second event facilitated by Amara Gray at IHH Yoga Loft that I have participated in. The first, a couple weeks before was about Unleashing the Power of the Subconscious Mind. Both workshops create natural expansion of awareness in the human energy field. Truly mind blowing experiences that after one session i’m not sure I understand it enough to explain but I will go ahead and give it a try.

Unleashing of the Subconscious was a group hypnotherapy session in which we were guided into a trance like state. Then we were taken on a journey to find our higher sense of self. Amara Gray took us deep into the mind and encouraged us to release limiting beliefs and free the I am.

The Transformational Breathing® session was a half day retreat where where we learned a 3 part breathing technique to efficiently oxygenate our body. It was almost like our bodies became pumps where we inhaled life force and exhaled dis-ease. The breath was the medicine to detoxify our bodies and minds. After 10 Connected breaths of Joy I felt light headed and a little dry mouthed and light  headed. After 100 Connected breaths of Joy I felt empowered with the feeling of pure ecstasy throughout my existence.

Let me be clear that there were no “drugs” taken, the blissful high was self induced by my own breath with the guidance of Amara Gray. After one session, I will tell you that I’m completely hooked! I am looking forward to many more sessions and learning how to facilitate more Joy into each breath of my life.

Transformational Breathing®, Beginners’s Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Gentle Hatha Yoga, Kundalinin Yoga, Guided Meditations, Reiki and BellyFit® are just a beginning to what is offered at International Health and Healing Yoga Loft. The next Power of the Subconscious to Change Your Life workshop will be on April 13th. I am at IHH Yoga Loft Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am offering All-Levels Yoga and Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays I am at IHH Yoga Loft for 10am for BellyFit®.

Namaste,

TaraFit

First off, I get stagnant when it comes to labeling my All-Levels Yoga class with anything more frilly than the classic term “Yoga”. For vernacular revenue generation I could coin the term “Cold Yoga” to give it a label. That might work, except I do not exactly crank down air conditioning to get the room temperature a bone chilling degree, since TaraFit classes are typically indoors. Once the weather gets warm enough and classes resume on the beach I might call practicing in the ripe summer heat of Daytona Beach, Florida naturally “Hot Yoga”.

My preference of organically heating the body internally stems from the desire to keep my yoga participants safe. It takes practice to learn how to listen to and honor your body. At the beginning of the class, I encourage my yoga (and Bellyfit®) students to connect to their inner awareness! Throughout the session, I remind my yogis.. and Bellyfit® participants.. to stay connected to their bodies with the breath. Sure you can step out of the comfort zone and create challenge for yourself in the poses BUT it is important to find integrity with the breath to prevent bodily injury.

I find it challenging to compare myself to what other yoga and belly dance / Bellyfit® teachers offer simply because the act of doing so is a state of mind that I choose to let go of. This type of thought process resonates (to me) on the same line as taking someone else’s inventory, which is not apart of my belief system. Since it is hard for me to judge the best thing I can offer in this scenario is for YOU to COME and PARTICIPATE in one of my YOGA, belly dance and/ or Bellyfit® classes so you can create an opinion of the experience on your own.

An idea that I, TaraFit, strive to present in all of  my yoga, belly dance and/ or Bellyfit® classes is the invaluable tool of the Niyamas, the second “limb” of Patanjali’s eight limbed yoga system. Niyama is Sanskrit for “observance” or as I see it in “the relationship within our-self”. The five Niyamas are:

1. Purifying your body and mind
2. Cultivating an attitude of contentment
3. Training the senses
4. Inner exploration
5. Letting go into your spiritual source

Enough about my classes; Let’s talk about mmmmmmmmmmmmeee!!!! [EGOPALOOZA]  Without a doubt, I have the best life in the world!!!! Sticking to my New Years Resolution to be true to myself, I have learned how to trust the process and accept myself!! The way I achieve this view is by shifting my focus and discovering the key is in Radical Self Love!!!!

The corrupting primary addiction known as self-hatred still likes to creep into my life if I let it.. MANY people suffer long time from this epidemic of a self destructive thought process! Where I place my pride is in my willingness to be strong and change my mind on how I perceive it! It takes work daily to seek out the divine guidance which raises my level of consciousness.

Awakening to this realization comes from DOING some RESEARCH!!!! I give testimony to a book by Daytona Books & Metaphysics owner Manny Billing as a catalyst in the process of my WAKE UP! routine. (Tip! You can download The Art of Falling in Love with you Time on Earth here for Free!!!) Other great reads are A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Wayne W. Dyer and (of course) the powerful books from my support system of Narcotics Anonymous.

Educating myself on appreciation, acceptance and love helps to set me free from my EGO. I praise the fabulous Gala Darling for the juicy gems of influence I get from her delicious site. Let it be known, my dear Universal Christ Consciousness, that I am creating the intention to take part in The Blogcademy and really get  this here TaraFit site flowing with more [3rd] eye opening goodness.

Last but not least, check out the 21 day “Love Your Body! Change Your Relationship With Yourself, Your Body & The Food That You Eat.” video summit series that started today!!! Alice Bracegirdle, the mastermind behind Bellyfit® is one of  The Top Health and Wellness Experts being interviewed by Paula Galli in this conference  I watched Day 1’s interview with Laura Fenamore of One Pinky Promise today and all I can say is my MIND is BLOWN on the size of the medicament (hint: It’s a process not a pill).

This blog posting is to give more insight on what to expect from TaraFit’s yoga, belly dance and/ or Bellyfit® classes. TaraFit’s classes are in Daytona Beach Shores, Daytona Beach and Ormond. You can familiarize yourself with my class schedule here. I hope this message aids in serving to heal others from their own adversities and toward the light of the universe!  Please share your comments and let me know if my waving stick of Nag champa is getting in your eye.

Namaste,

TaraFit

International Health and Healing Yoga loft in Daytona Beach is a donation based studio.What does donation based yoga studio mean? In short, it is a pay-what-you-want place for yoga. The suggested donation is a sliding scale of $6-$12 per class. Yoga Loft does not turn anyone away for a lack of funds. Those who can give more will help balance out those who have less to give. We are always welcoming new students.

I prefer this model of yoga studio and have secured the Yoga Loft as my new Yoga H”om”e. I was introduced to this dynamic while I was in California some years ago. Yoga to the People in Berkeley was packed with yoga students taking advantage of this offer. Yoga to the People addresses the fact that yoga is being priced out of many people’s reach which is in direct conflict with what some consider to be the spirit of yoga itself.

In The Yoga Aphorisms, Patanjali explains that limitations are imposed in us by the material world. According to The Yoga Aphorisms, when we identify ourselves as our name or title, our body, our possessions, or reputation, we are denying our true identity. Our culture often tends to equate low income with ignorance. In actuality, this false identification with the material ego based world is the central act of ignorance. Our life situations become unsatisfactory when it loses it’s vibrancy, freshness and sense of wonder in exchange for the chase to short lived pleasures.

In our current economic times there are many things that demand our attention, time and money. How much of the stuff that you juggle in your world do you really need? Sometime I get overwhelmed with the spells of frustration from our material world. This unhealthy nonsense of consumerism preposterously torments the emotions of my self worth. Yoga has opened my awareness to how simple it can be to respect and honor myself by connecting to the spirit.

Yoga takes you on a journey to develop yourself with healthy inner connection. Yoga helps to develop focus on yourself. You earn the respect of your inner spirit to reconstruct the self. Creating the foundation for true to ability to take charge of your spirit with discipline, time, and willingness. Honoring the respect of your spirit encourages everything else falls in line harmoniously.

Yoga is an amazing form of exercise that helps strengthen, stretch and de-stress the body, and focus and decompress the mind. IHH Yoga Loft strives to make it possible for everyone to do yoga regardless of economic limitations. Yoga is meant to help strengthen and stretch your arms and legs, not cost you one! I am thrilled to be able to promote this mind set of the yoga culture in Daytona Beach. International Health and Healing Yoga Loft is located at 209 S. Halifax Ave, Suite 104, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Thank you for supporting our intention to offer affordable yoga classes to our community.

Namaste,

TaraFit

New developers who bought the beachfront property across the street are also investing in the Daytona Yoga building. From what I hear they are going to be building something very exciting. We should look at this as a blessing in disguise since our community does need new infrastructure and growth for prosperity. Unfortunately this is the second beachside yoga studio closing it’s doors this year. There were plans in the works for me to bring Bellyfit to Ormond Beach’s Om Away Home studio so I was disappointed to hear they were closing too.

Fret not, there is light! Cherise’s Heavenly Fitness studio in Daytona Beach Shore is introducing a NEW Yoga Lounge. Beginning January 12th, buy an unlimited yoga package for $30 and receive unlimited yoga classes to January 31st. That will keep us beach lifers satisfied for now. If you don’t mind a hike over the bridge, there are still plenty of yoga studios on the mainland.  Details haven’t been finalized on this but there is talk that Daytona Yoga students will be welcomed at Yoga Bala in Port Orange and Ormond locations at a reduced rate.

Hope to meet some new faces in my Basic Yoga Class at Daytona Yoga on Wednesdays at 10 am. If you are new to yoga and feel intimidated by a classroom setting, I offer private yoga lessons where I tailor a sequence for your individual needs. Private lessons are available by appointment at $25 per hour or 5 sessions for $100. Feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you! Please stay posted for other changes to my schedule.

Namaste,

TaraFit

Simply put – being who I am! My goal is to pull back all the layers of expectations to help me honestly get in touch with what really makes me tick. I know I will be able to enrich others by being my genuine self. I am also hopeful to empower others in doing the same in their lives.

By being the change I want to see (thank you Ghandhi) and imagining others will in turn consciously identify their core selves, I will be creating a community of healthy minded individuals.  Why?

As neuro-scientist David Eagleman has written, “The problem with hiding your real motives is that you’re essentially keeping a secret. The main thing that is known about secrets is that keeping them is unhealthy for the brain.” When we begin to weave webs of deception, we need to expend enormous mental energy to prevent them from tangling. There is less brain power left over for solving real problems, and we start to falter in other areas of our lives. The problems will show up in our bodies (secrets and lies can weaken our immune systems) and wreck havoc on our relationships (both personal and professional).

Once we really break down the toxic thought process of an unhealthy mind and recondition are brains to becoming more  healthy; then we can sleep well at night, wake up feeling refreshed and focus on maintaining this healthy lifestyle into our physical bodies as well.

Here are a few good links I have found to help get the metaphorical ball rolling on how to be true.
6-steps to being true to Yourself
Tips on being true to yourself
Video on Meditation - I <3 Spirit Science!!!

I am pleased to announce some exciting updates to my calendar this week! I have the opportunity to cover Laura Ashland’s yoga classes at Yoga Circle and Dance in Ormond Beach this weekend. I will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. My yoga and BellyFit classes in Ormond at Anytime Fitness are still on for Friday. You might want to check out the details on my schedule here.

There are TWO opportunities for you to watch me belly dance this Saturday night. First, I will be at the grand reopening of NBalance Holistic Day Spa & Salon. That is on January 5th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at 949 D-5 Beville Road in South Daytona. My friend and seasoned yoga instructor Jodi Asherman will also be fire dancing at the party. It will be an event that you truly do not want to miss! Stay posted because I will be teaching BellyFit classes here soon too. Afterwards, I will be belly dancing at Mediterranean Experience at 147 North Beach Street in Daytona Beach. Stop in for a delicious dinner created by the renowned Chef Naz!!

I hope you find this blog post useful! Please feel free to comment on more of what you would like to hear from me.

Namaste,
TaraFit

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Why is certified organic important?
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What is the source of protein in RAW Protein?
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Why are sprouts beneficial?
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Why is protein so important?
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What is a complete protein?
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What are essential amino acids?
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How much protein do I need each day?
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Everything you want

• RAW
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Nothing You Don’t

• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Lactose Free
• No Fillers
• No Synthetic Nutrients
• No Artificial Sweeteners
• No Preservatives
• Less Than 1 g Sugar
• Non-GMO

–
Namaste,

Tara Okhovatian

“I am a Yoga & Belly Dance Instructor in the Daytona Beach, Florida area.”
tarafitfitness@gmail.com
386.882.2412

The training was intensive and empowering! BellyFit® is a Holistic Fitness experience that draws inspiration and guidance from many elements, both ancient and modern. BellyFit® was created by a woman named Alice Bracegirdle who designed the program to create an opportunity for women to celebrate, love, honor, accept and nurture their bodies through movement, breath, awareness, intention, reverence, compassion and self love.

I had 6 months after my Instructor Training to complete 8 community classes in order to obtain my certification. Because of some personal setbacks and not enough self love/ motivation I procrastinated on what I needed to do. Brionna’s request was just what I needed to inspire me to get myself together and do the darn thing already, step up to the plate and finally complete my required service time!

I had almost an entire month after my first conversation with Ms. Benjamin to drill the BellyFit® program I had learned months before. I practiced the BFIT sample video at home, Anytime Fitness, Heavenly Fitness, and at Yoga Circle and Dance every opportunity I could. I wrote out the steps in a notebook, made flashcards to help me remember the sequence and visualized the movements when I listened to the music while I drove around in my car.

There was still an inner voice taunting me with negative self-talk filling up my head. Things that it told me were that I can’t dance, my rhythm was off, the girls were not going to like me and that I was going to fail. Finally the night came to teach the class and my brain blanked on the time I was supposed to be there! Thankfully, I arrived just on time and immediately felt welcome by Brionna’s warm smile. The class did start behind schedule because I needed to go to the bathroom to say a little prayer and give myself a pep-talk. It’s something that I actually have to do often. Breathe is what I told myself.

What a great number of participants turned out. I was nervous the entire time and messed up every section of the program. Talked too much during the meditation, my count was off throughout cardio. I consistently confused the up beat from the down beat. My ques were sporadic. I didn’t give enough time for cardio recovery, improvised the moves for core on the floor and over-compensated with the yoga moves. Fortunately, the young ladies didn’t mind and their beautiful smiling faces helped me make it through.

Despite all the mess ups, the girls did not criticize me harshly. Many of the participants came up to me after class and thanked me for coming out. They even wanted to see some of my belly dance moves and wanted to know where I taught my classes. Could it be that I am my worst critic? I’m looking forward to teaching moar BellyFit® classes in the near future. Check out my schedule page for more details on the when and where! Next class at Bethune-Cookman University is 8:30pm Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Center of Civil Engagement.