Hello friend

Early in the New Year, I shall be escorting a wonderful group of people to Kerala, India, on the "Land of 1000 Smiles" yoga tour.

I shall also be visiting some entertaining and colourful friends; yogaring in ashrams;eating lots of rice and trying to lug my pen/sticker/puzzle-filled suitcase around the villages of Tamil Nadu. 

Hopefully I shall find my way home by 1 March.

In 2009, do remember to take lots of deep breaths, stretch, live consciously and stop rushing!

May the Heavens shower much joy upon you during this Festive Season!

Be peaceful, find wonder, revere your world and laugh (a lot)!

Annemaree

P.S. You may contact me any time by email

Issue 10

Contents

Retreat to Thailand

Need a legitimate excuse?

Country Retreat!

Journey to India

Hugs for you!

Slow down in 2009!

The Essence of Yoga

What was that?

Kamalaya - 'Lotus Realm' an enduring symbol of the unfolding of the human spirit.

Why don't you join me in July for a very special week at the beautiful Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand. DIARIZE NOW!

I cannot call it a resort as it is something well beyond that.  It is indeed an experience....a truly special experience.

Kamalaya is an authentic 'yogic' wellness sanctuary designed in an elegant, sophisticated manner without pretension but with the essence and energy of a truly sacred space.

4-10 July 2009 - expect to be there!  Bookings are now open.

Just some of the things you may experience:

Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, floating lanterns, nurturing hands, smiles, exquisite cuisine, holistic treatments, steam cavern, plunge pools, ponds and barking frogs, massage after massage, soft breezes, warmth, sheer beauty, and everything created in the manner of 'Like Water for Chocolate".

more details....

What will 2009 bring?  PLAN NOW!

In tricky times like these, operating under high levels of stress can diminish productivity levels. In turn, diminishing productivity levels increase stress.  Taking mini snipets of 'quite time'  breaks this vicious cycle.

Otherwise known as 'corporate re-generation moments'.

Without doubt you or your organisation probably invests many dollars to increase the performance levels of your people - but do you really think that there is anything as effective as keeping you, your people and the workplace environment calm and focused?

Invest a little and get a lot!

All that is required is a quiet room with seating (or just a floor will do); and a sense of humour and adventure.  First thing in the morning or lunch time is good. 30 minute slots. No fuss. No change of clothes.

It is about being happily successful and successfully happy!

Known as meditation or 'quieting the mind'.

The benefits are enormous..

for more information.......

email: info@coolcalmandcollected.com.au and details of the program will be forwarded to you.

Take a breath of fresh air!

In the winter and spring of 2009, Cool, Calm & Collected will be hosting yoga weekends away. 

These weekends will be specifically designed for those who can only take a few days out of their busy schedules. 

Winter sojourn: ...............June, 2009.

Theme:  Room to Breathe

No mobiles, emails, computers, newspapers, radio or distractions of technology!  Plenty of yoga, relaxation, delicious cuisine, walks, talks, laughter and adventure.

More information to come shortly.  Stay tuned!

LAND OF A THOUSAND SMILES TOUR 2010

A creative journey

Where: Kerala, Southern India

When: 9 - 23 January, 2010

Appreciate what India refers to as ‘God’s own Country’.

Stay in stylish and distinctive 'heritage' hotels, a houseboat and 5-star deluxe resorts whilst experiencing the majesty and warmth that emanates from this richly designed tapestry known as Kerala. Witness the thousand smiles that radiate from its wonderful people, the Keralites.

Deep relaxation, meditation, yoga and a series of Ayurvedic massages are included.

Bookings will be open in April 2009.  Keep Posted!

For more information: click here

The children of 'Uluru' - Tamil Nadu, India, send their hugs and greetings to you and thank you for your generosity in 2008.

The East West Overseas Aid Foundation is a charitable and educational foundation which assists with health care, child welfare and education among India’s poor and disadvantaged.

Cool, Calm & Collected is particularly interested in the wellbeing and future of these beautiful children. CC&C assists in raising awareness and funds for this organisation which includes the Uluru Children's Home, the Uluru Health Care Centre and the local community.

If you are interested to learn more please visit www.tewoaf.org.au

Prepare to take stock, slow down and be calm in 2009.

Retreats, tours, meditation courses and yoga workshops....

view: retreats & tours

view: meditation courses

view: yoga workshops

Become a part of what you’re doing in the present moment; performing at your peak, stretching time, living more fully and getting more out of life.

email: info@coolcalmandcollected.com.au
or call Annemaree on 0412 616 787

This is Part 3 in the series. It is about 'breathing in the future and breathing out the past'.

One of the most difficult challenges we face in life is to simply 'let go'. 

We attach ourselves to absolutely everything and everyone...sometimes so obsessively that we wonder why we cannot make the change to grow and be happy. 

"One always has to know when a stage comes to an end.  If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to to through. 

Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished".

These are some of the words by the great Paolo Coelho in his essay "Closing Cycles".

"Stop being who you were, and change into who you are".

read more...

"There is more to life than increasing its speed!"

Mahatma Gandhi

Afterthought:

In the time it has taken you to read this you have possibly taken a deep breath, reflected, imagined and slowed down just a little.

So now stand up and stretch; walk around for a minute or two and drink a glass of water.

Hopefully this small break will have restored your energy.