the yoga circus

Karate kid

2011-12-29T03:35:00.000-08:00

Karate Kid Evan

Family Bike

2011-11-09T03:46:00.000-08:00

Today, while cycling home from work through the pouring rain, I realized how much I've missed using a bicycle as the main form of transportation. Since moving away from Europe it's been minimal in my daily life and I didn't realize how much I actually did miss it. Now it's become one of the best things about living in Taipei.

We all go on and we all go everywhere. Here's proof of how we get around....

Love to you all, Heleen
__________________

Vandaag, terwijl ik van mijn werk naar huis fietste, realiseerde ik me hoeveel ik het gebruiken van een fiets als voornamelijk vervoersmiddel heb gemist. Sinds ik Europe heb verlaten is de fiets minimaal in gebruik geweest bij mij en ik realiseerde me niet hoeveel ik het eigenlijk mistte. Nu is het een van mijn favoriete voordeel van het wonen in Taipei.

We gaan er allemaal op en we gaan overal naartoe. Hier is het bewijs hoe we overal komen....

Liefs aan allemaal, Heleen

halloween 2011

2011-10-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since we've published here. Last year at this time we were celebrating Halloween in Palo Alto, probably one of the best places to celebrate this fantastic holiday. Since Evan is a big fan of wearing costumes and putting on shows, halloween is his favorite holiday. We got a little nervous as to how we can create Halloween in Taipei for him and Maya and were pleasantly surprised that it is celebrated in some spots, especially the schools.

So we've been practicing dressing up a lot and yesterday was our first party at Space Yoga.

Evan was an astronaut:

Maya didn't like her pumpkin costume so she wore her favorite dress with her angel wings:

Daddy was a space cowboy and mommy a good witch... It was fun.

Then this morning the kids had more fun dressing up like cowboys:

Stretching Website Now Live

2011-06-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

After months of hard work, we've finally got our new stretching website up. It has full body AIS routines. Let me know what you think! www.smartstretch.com

Had a great time on Koh Samui

2011-05-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

See slideshow to the right for more....

2011-04-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at home....

April 30 is a big day in Holland, it's queens day and lots of celebrations around the country are taking place. Here in Taipei is a Dutch expat organisation who invited us to join so we did...

Evan took part in a lot of fun stuff. This is called "koek happen". You get blindfolded and try to eat the "koek" that's dangling from a piece of string. Evan loved doing it but he didn't like the "koek". He had just eaten a chocolate chip cookie he decorated himself and this one wasn't as good.

Evan loves, loves, loves to dress up. Most of the time at home he is batman in his batman costume but his all time favorite is being a tiger. The school he went to in Palo Alto had a tiger costume and on our orientation there he saw it, put it on and did so for the rest of his time there. Every day the costume came out so he was very happy today to become a tiger again.

Then there was an event that especially mommy really liked: throwing water balloons at daddy! Unfortunately though Evan had a hard time throwing it high enough so daddy was lucky to stay dry.

Fun day....

Look at her go now!

2011-04-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl has been having a rough time with her skin. She's very allergic to dairy and most likely termites and mold. She has eczema. It's been worse here in Taiwan since the humidity brings a lot of mold. But....this girl is not too bothered by it all, just happy go lucky and walking like a champ now. Thought you might like see her go for a happy stroll around the house.....

there she is...

2011-03-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

school trip

2011-03-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we went on a school trip with Evans preschool. We left at 8:30am on the bus to a farm where the kids would learn how tomatoes grow and how chickens help out around the farm. At the end the kids could go around and pick their own tomatoes. they tasted absolute delicious! And Evan was very precise about which tomato to pick ;-)

After that we went to a beautiful farmers market at a local Waldorf school. It was the perfect setting with gardens and playgrounds all around the school. The sun had come out and we all enjoyed a delicious vegetarian noodle lunch with a tasty salad. All organic and fresh.

After lunch we got back on the bus to drive to the highlight of the day: planting rice seeds into the earth. Moms and dads had gotten a little tired at this point but after arriving at the mud field, energy moved back into the body and we observed so much fun, laughter, gliding and sliding. It was hilarious. Again Evan was very precise about his planting

And of course throughout the day, everybody was wanting to touch, hold and love on Maya. She was a little sick that day and pulled through like the little tough girl she is.

The school apparently organizes a trip every 3 months. We also get a note book every Friday with updates on what Evan learned and did that week. Throughout the weekend we can then write down information on Evan we think might benefit the teachers and so forth. I personally think this school is amazing. They give so much attention and care into their children, it's wonderful. I haven't seen a school like this anywhere and am so happy to have stumbled upon it because we happen to live in the neighborhood. I had been very overwhelmed when it was time to find Evan a school back in California and turned out to not be so happy with the one he eventually went to. Now we can't be happier and on top of all the positive experiences with the school he learns Chinese too. He just taught us the little Chinese prayer they say before they have lunch in school (which is also provided by the school by the way!!).

Now I'm off to take Maya to story time at the library (we happen to live near the biggest Library in Taipei who do English speaking story times). Maya took 3 steps by herself yesterday! Stay tuned for a video coming soon.

Blessings, Heleen

Kobe Bryant & Me

2011-03-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

While scrolling through the google news the other day, i caught a headline to the effect of "Kobe Bryant's season may be finished due to ankle injury." This reminded me of the many stories that i heard while visiting the clinic of Active Isolated Stretching founder Aaron Mattes.

One story in particular was how Michael Jordan had a potentially season-ending ankle sprain, but with the immediate application of Active Isolated Stretching and ice, he was back on the court by the 3rd quarter of the game.

Just yesterday, while running after my 3 year old, I turned my foot in a funny way on the sidewalk and tweaked my ankle. It did hurt a little, but in the moment i did not pay too much attention. During the middle of the night, I woke to have a drink of water. When I got out of bed, my ankle was very sore. I limped to the kitchen and then hobbled back to bed.

In bed, I stretched the foot for a few minutes for relief then nodded off to sleep with the worry in my mind that I would be limping along the yoga studio the next day...

The next morning, with ankle pain and minor swelling still present. I went through my normal quick routine of a shower and coffee/tea and sat down for a few more minutes of stretching. About halfway though my AIS calf/foot sequence I had an audible "pop" in the foot. After cycling to the yoga studio and completing my normal asana practice, my ankle felt normal.

I felt very empowered (and lucky) to be able to quickly and effectively treat and injury that may have put me on the bench for days or weeks...I'll keep stretching the area over the next few days to make sure that I'm in the clear, but as of now, it feels really good and stable.

Good news for Kobe too, he was able to return to play a few days after his sprain.

A Day in the Life

2011-03-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

I am often asked what a typical day is like as a yoga teacher, so i thought today i would post a little timeline:

-3:40am The alarm on the cell phone alerts me with it's cheerful ringtone to "Rise!"
-(this morning provided the special challenge of having not slept very much since both children are sick. One found his way into bed with us, and pretty much pushed me out...)
-3:50 Negotiate with my sleepy body to get out of bed. The promise of a coffee reward helps
-4:10 After a quick shower, I am awake (more or less). Hop on my bike and cycle the 15 minutes to the yoga studio.
-4:25 Sneak past the sleeping security guard at the Space building
-4:27 Smile to myself as the "Ding!" of the elevator awakens security guard
-4:35 Arrive on the mat for practice. Although sleepy and stiff, a little yoga always seems to do the trick.
-5:55 Students begin arriving for Mysore Practice
-6:30 Rouse myself from Savasana, time to go to work
-6:35 After splashing cold water on my face, still feel a little "yoga drunk," begin assisting students
-9am With Mysore class finished. I rush home to check on the kids. Heleen has taken Evan back to the Dr. since he is still not well after a nasty ear infection.
-9:45 Everyone arrives back home, crying...Evan is in pain. We put on a DVD, seems to help pain.
-10:05 After a little coffee pick-me-up, I bike back to the studio.
-10:30 Teach Hatha Yoga class. I tend to be spontaneous in sequencing these classes. Today focused on proper shoulder mechanics in postures. Was a very nice session. I am very lucky to have such focused students (whom actually laugh at my bad yoga jokes!)
-12:15pm Bike home. Kids are down for a nap, sort of...After a little fussing, get everyone to sleep including Heleen...
-2:35 After lunch and another savasana, back to studio for afternoon Mysore Class.
-4:30 Post Mysore, visit the Apple store to check on my laptop that we dropped off in January, the 4th time I've visited & the 4th time it is still not repaired. I remain calm and polite...
-5pm Arrive home and am so happy that Madame has supper almost finished (am especially hungry). The kids are better and actually eat their food.
-6pm Everybody loves bath time! Bubbles and giggles, all is well with the world.
-6:30 Read several bedtime selections highlighted by The Three Bears by Byron Barton, one of our favorites.
-7pm Kids in bed.
-7:05 Write this blog post
-After, will hang out with madame, talk about how we are too tired to watch a movie. Will catch up on the latest Charlie Sheen news instead.
-9ish Off to sleepy land (while praying for uninterrupted sleep)
-3:40am Repeat

OK GO!

2011-02-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Because we are always a few years behind on new music, OK GO has just now entered my consciousness....Glad they have!

Yoga Thailand

2011-02-03T23:26:00.000-08:00

It's been a few years since Adarsh and I taught a yoga class together but we are happy to have that opportunity again from May 14-21 at Yoga Thailand.

Our friends Paul and Jutima Dallaghan started and build the Yoga center many years ago and have grown from a sweet Thai style retreat center to a luxurious stylish wellness center that offers all amenities one could desire. It's right on the beach, has a pool, is in the middle of lush greenery, has airconditioned comfortable rooms, is peaceful, offers child care and has lots of sun year round. Check out: www.yoga-thailand.com (see the link on the right)

We plan to have a lot of fun practicing Yoga, learning about Yoga and AIS and laugh a lot. We love going to Yoga Thailand and hope you can join us and experience a very special time for yourself and/or with your family. Evan and Maya will be there if you're children are looking for a playdate on the beach :-)

See you soon

Heleen

Sneak peek into Evans school

2011-01-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

2011-01-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dear friends took us to Haagen Dazs for Evans Birthday celebration. What a great idea and great place, we all had fun. More pics to come and more celebrations on Saturday where the big party is happening for both Evan and Maya. Stay tuned...

2011-01-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

Evan started school on Monday and the school sent us pictures of his first 2 days there. On day one he hardly had the time to say goodbye to me when I dropped him off and on day 3 it's still that way. The poor guy had been missing his buddies back home a lot so he's very happy to go and play with all the kids every day. It's a fully Chinese speaking school so he should be able to translate for us very soon ;-)

More Taipei adventures

2010-12-27T16:39:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago friends took us out to the Taipei Zoo. It was a beautiful sunny day and although we as parents aren't too keen on Zoo's, this one was very nice. Apparently the same designers made the Zoo in San Diego and that one has been the most impressive we have ever seen. You could see that this one was made with a similar view in mind. It was a great day with great company. Maya especially couldn't take her eyes off the elephants.

The next day Evan "needed" to be a lion and this is how we went out all day with people being impressed with his face paint and his scary roar.

Then Christmas came and Evan and Maya had a blast. Evans new bike has been a big hit. He hardly lets go of it anymore...

At the end of every day it's bathtime. Since our house here doesn't have a bathtub we had to get one and the two get very cozy in it. A feast every night...

Arriving in Taiwan

2010-12-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

What does a family of four look like after flying 14 hours to their new home in Asia? How much luggage do they bring?

Miraculously, the kinderen traveled liked the veterans they are. We (the parents) were pretty well prepared with games, toys, food and what not, but I've got to give it up to the kids. They didn't drive me to drinking, not yet at least...

I won't kid you, the first week was hard. It rained all week and we met the challenge of life in the big city. Now, as far as city's go, Taipei feels very soft, friendly, and welcoming. Still it is a city and navigating a double stroller up and down stairs, through the rain, through the crowds, and in and out of elevators is no joke. Don't get me started on the misery of apartment hunting.

We survived the first week and the sun came out. This past week has been about getting to know our new landscape and enjoying the charm, cafe's and other advantages of urban life. The kids seem unfased by the move. In fact they seem to love the stimulation around them, and certainly all of the attention. About 90% of the people in the streets take a double look at them, especially when they see the stroller with "another one" in the back.

It looks like we have found an apartment and we should be able to sign the lease and move in next week. The location is ideal, only 2 blocks from the Da-an Park (Taipei's version of Central Park). And it has a huge playground.

We call this one "Maya joins the Taliban"

Many of you know that Taipei is home to the World's (formerly) Tallest Building, Taipei 101. It is huge, towering way high above everything else. Given it is so big, you can see it from anywhere in the city which is handy when lost because you can use it to mark where you are. Anyway, one of our jokes during the apartment hunt was when the agent would point out, "look! a 101 view!" Again, seeing that everywhere in the city has a "101 view" this is not always that impressive. Anyhoo, today we made our first pilgrimage down to 101 and took the worlds fastest elevator up to the 89th floor observation deck. A clear day for us to survey our new home!

In the Basement of the 101 building is a huge food court where we decided to have lunch before heading home. That was quite the experience, ploughing ourselves with the stroller through the masses trying to find something vegetarian to eat that would suit our and Evans pallet. We had Indian (!). Afterwards Evan decided it would be fun to run off and play hide and seek so we lost him for a few minutes that were filled with anxiety. Daddy found him wearing a Santa Hat while hanging out with a Taiwanese girl. That scare gave us plenty of reason to head down to our favorite Gelato place and this is where Maya was sleeping soundly and we sweetened our day away with Gelato.

2010-11-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

;

Our "Going Away" party hosted by two wonderful ladies. Lots of very sweet people, old friends, fellow yogi's and many kids were honoring us with coming to say our bye byes. There were fresh dosa's made in our backyard, a snack table for the snackish and a delish chocolate cake with champagne to top it all off. We felt so blessed to see our community get together and will miss all of them dearly.

You Said it, brotha!

2010-10-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

Meeting With Masters

2010-09-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

The family and I just returned from a four day retreat with the great yogi Richard Freeman. I am always humbled by Richards ability to convey such esoteric philosophical systems such as Vedanta in a practical and humorous way.

It occurred to my over the weekend that in the last 2 weeks, we have been able to spend a little time with some of the real heavy weights in modern yoga. This trip to see Sri Richard along with our recent travel to Encinitas where we sat at the feet of Sri Tim Miller and members of the Jois family as well as many other notable yogis has left us rich in experience.

Although my son will not remember his meeting with Sri K Pattabhi Jois two years ago, I will be a proud yogi dad to remind him of that blessed encounter. In fact, the odds are that my kids will have little interest in yoga seeing that we always tend to push away from the path of the parents....

Oh well, at least I can share with them this little video that we were in at the opening of Jois Yoga in Encinitas.

Maya peeking through

2010-08-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Evan has been more interested in Maya lately so when I heard them both squealing with delight I found them interacting nicely. Evan had put his hat on Maya.....

How we survived 8 hours in the car with 2 babies

2010-08-18T15:57:00.001-07:00

Amazing! That's how I would describe the performance by my kids. We were able to leave Palo Alto at 10am and arrive at our hotel in Encinitas by 6pm. Really amazing!

Here's how we did it:

First, we have been telling the kids for the past week that we were going to make a big trip. That helped us all to mentally prepare for the big journey. Ironically enough, a 5 minute drive across town is met with the constant mantra of "I want to get out!"

We do know that the kids understand almost everything that we say (even if sometimes they don't want to...) and that when we clue them in to the "plan" then things go a lot smoother. This includes mundane plans of "We are leaving for the market in 5 minutes." I suppose that they feel included in the decision and have a sense of power in that.

The second key factor to survive the drive was having mamma sit in the back with the little ones. Heleen planned for the journey with activities and games, books, beloved toys, and a goody bag with new toys. Additionally, a steady stream of snacks kept appetites balanced.

We only watched a DVD once and for only an hour or so, maybe two episodes of Go Diego Go. Evan was not really interested. Again, I think the fun of having mom in the back to play with made all the difference.

We stopped twice on the way. Once to refuel and a quick latte, that was about 4 hours into the trip and once after the stop and go traffic of LA, about 6 hours in. The last stop was initiated by a very hungry 6 month old that needed her mamma-fix. So, 45 minutes in Orange County on a grassy knoll outside of the In and Out Burger (only fries with mayonnaise for us) and we were on our way!

I hope that this story of survival will not be registered as over confidence because I am quite aware that we will have the drive back....and going home is never quite as exciting!

Say a prayer for us

Long Car Ride with 2 babies...

2010-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

We've made a (somewhat) last minute decision to travel down to Encinitas from the Bay Area with our 2.5 year old and 6 month old. We feel bad about locking the kids down for a 7 plus hour car ride, but we want to take the trip. After Googling "Long Car Ride with baby" I've not really come across any great new ideas as to how we might occupy the kiddies.

One suggestion is to drive when the kids are sleeping. The big problem is that the 2 year old doesn't sleep in the car. The other problem is that if we were to drive at night, then I would...

We're planning on sing-along-cd's and even children's books on cd = John Henry narrated by Denzel Washington, etc and a marathon of DVD's. We've picked up some new toys that will act as surprises along the way...Hmm, what else? We'll plan to stop and stretch our legs quite a bit. Of course the makes the trip even longer...Oh boy.

We've been telling the babies about the trip. That helps in getting them excited about the adventure. "We're going to the beach!" "We're going to see a panda!"

One funny side note is that with the popularity of Go Diego Go in our house it makes going to San Diego even more exciting. Now we hear Go San Diego Go.

We'll let you know how it turns out!

playing on the old blog

2010-07-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

a new look- whatdya think?