Toni Kuhn

September 10, 2014
by Toni
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Mother & Daughter

Today is my daughter Brianna’s 25th birthday and I find myself reflecting back to when my mom was alive. My mother was very close to my daughter. They shared a bond that I envied sometimes. They loved to watch football and baseball on TV, they loved to draw and I would I often find them just hanging out enjoying each other’s company. I am so glad my daughter had so many precious years with my mom, yet I feel sad that my mom never got to see her as an adult. My daughter has become an amazing, successful adult and I see so much of my mother in her. They way she laughs out loud at silly things, her undying love for football, her compassion for others, and most of all, her generous heart. I feel so much love for my daughter and I am grateful that we have a closeness that only we can share. A mother-daughter bond that holds tight, forever. Below is a picture of Bri and me, and the other is my mom and me.

September 3, 2014
by Toni
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Relax and Renew

After spending a couple of weekends at my friend Cindy’s cabin, I found myself feeling more peaceful and content. I feel renewed and ready to face my hectic schedule.

“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.”- Pope Francis

“The only time I waste is time I spend doing something that, in my gut, I know I shouldn’t. If I choose to spend time playing video games or sleeping in, then it’s time well spent, because I chose to do it. I did it for a reason – to relax, to decompress or to feel good, and that was what I wanted to do.” – Simon Sine

It is a very simple recipe to relax and renew yourself.

1.Slow down.

2.Breathe.

3.Relax.

4.Enjoy friends and family.

5. Let go of things that no longer serve you.

July 6, 2014
by Toni
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July Special

Summer is in full swing and for many of us we are enjoying some much needed down time. As our bodies rest and our minds clear we find ourselves wanting to try something new like yoga, or deepening our yoga skills. This week I am going to try to learn more about Iyengar Yoga and begin taking some classes.

With my new inspiration to practice yoga for my own needs, I decided to help others who may have been thinking about a change. I am having a special offer of 10% off any private yoga lesson package. This discount can be used with the senior discount or regular student discount. Just click on the private lesson tab to contact me for prices and information. This offer is good until July 18, 2014.

Get out there and try something new, or do something just for yourself. I promise, you will enjoy it!

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

June 24, 2014
by Toni
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Stillness

Summer is officially here! It is the time of year for vacations, playing outside, and spending time with family.

It is also a time for reflection and relaxation. Try spending just five minutes a day to be in stillness. Whether you are siting outside enjoying the weather, or taking a break at your desk. Pause for a few moments and allow your breath to be even and without effort. Simply being present moment by moment, breath by breath. Notice how the chatter in your mind seems to dissipate. As your body remains still, the fluctuations of your mind will cease. It is here that you may find the solution to a problem, a lost object, or the ability to let things go.

As you begin to enjoy your summer, make time for stillness and everything in your life will be enjoyable!

Happy summer everyone!

If you would like to schedule a private lesson, just click on the tab to contact me!

I look forward to seeing you in class. : )

Namaste.

May 29, 2014
by Toni
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Honored and Humbled

Tuesday I was remi Toni ustrasana nded of why I became a yoga/fitness teacher. My friend Amber surprised me with a collaborative early birthday gift. For 3 months she has been going around to the various places I teach at and getting donations and having people sign a giant, beautiful card she made me. My students gave me tickets to see Bruno Mars in concert this Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl. Now of course I am every excited about the tickets, but more importantly, I am deeply touched that so many people would come together to make it happen. I have always wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. To inspire and reassure them that they can exercise and/or do yoga no matter what their limitations are. That what ever they can do is enough. To not give up and keep pushing forward. So in my goals to reach as many people as I can, I was the one that was reached and touched so deeply. I am so honored and humbled by my students kind words and notes on my card. To know that I may have made a difference in someone’s life means so much to me.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Love and Light.

May 22, 2014
by Toni
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FREE Yoga Class At The Mall

This Saturday May 24 I will be leading a FREE yoga class in the fitness clothing store, Lorna Jane , located in the outdoor area at the Valencia Town Center. The class is at 9 am and will be held inside the store. I hope to see you there! Please bring your yoga mat and a smile. : )

On a side note, you can see that my web page is up and running again. I want to give Hillary Neaf a BIG thank you for restoring my site. You are amazing Hillary!!!!

If you would like to schedule private yoga lessons with me you can click on the Private Lessons tab or comment on this post.

“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.”

— Aadil Palkhivala

Namaste.

May 17, 2014
by Toni
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Website is back up

Two weeks ago my website was hacked and ruined. Thankfully the wonderful Hillary Neaf was able to restore some of it. Right now my website is in the process of being rebuilt. If you need to contact me for a lesson, you can reach me by email, cell, Face Book, or comment on this post. I am leaving this morning to attend my daughter’s graduation in San Diego. She is getting her Master’s degree and then we are having a girls weekend! The fires in Sand Diego are mostly contained, so hopefully all of the roads will be open. I will be back to my regular teaching schedule one Tuesday May 20. Namaste.

April 17, 2014
by Toni
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Energetic Sweeping

Here is excerpt from an article in the Daily Om by Madisyn Taylor

Releasing and Welcoming- Energetic Sweeping

Sweeping the front porch every mornings an important cleansing ritual that prepares the ground for new energy

In some of our lives, sweeping has become an activity performed without much thought. In many cases, sweeping is a lost art, replaced by the noisy, efficient vacuum cleaner. But in several cultures and religions, sweeping the front and back porch every morning is regarded as an important cleansing ritual that prepares the ground for new energy on every level- physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Sweeping each morning prepares the ground for the new day at the same time as it deepens our awareness of the importance of letting go of the past to welcome the present. As we clear the energy of our space, we clear our own energy systems. In addition, we create a space that feels clean, clear, and open to all who enter. Be sure to think welcoming thoughts as you sweep, manifesting what you need for the day. Making sweeping part of our daily ritual tunes us into the continuing cycle of releasing the old and welcoming the new that is the the hallmark of a healthy energy system.

Most of us do not have time each day to bring out our broom and sweep. However, we can pause for a few breaths and SWEEP out our negative thoughts and clear the path for the positive thoughts. Releasing all that does not serve us and welcoming the sweetness of our lives.

Namaste.

April 13, 2014
by Toni
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Thought Pattern

How many times have you caught yourself in a whirlwind of thoughts? Perhaps you have been worrying about work, a relationship or financial issues and then all of a sudden you find yourself consumed with these issues. Your thoughts begin to spiral out of control leaving you feeling anxious or depressed. We have all been through this at one time or another. The secret to stopping this cycle is to become conscious of your thinking. Take a moment to breathe and recognize what you are doing. Remind yourself that you cannot change the situation, but you CAN change how you are reacting to it. If you stay in the cycle of negativity, then you will have negative emotions such as anxiety, fear and perhaps overall stress. But if you can pause and take a step back, and see the cycle, you can change your thought process. So instead of worrying about what is going to happen, you simply allow what comes next, moment by moment, without resistance, fear or prediction. The outcome of your problem may not be perfect, but at least your mind and your heart are more peaceful. Additionally, if you think you are going to have a bad outcome , then most likely you will because your negative thought process is leading you deeper and deeper into your problems. Once you can recognize what is happening you, begin to let go, and leave yourself open to solutions and a more peaceful mind.

Pause. Take a step back. Breathe. Change your thought pattern.

Namaste.

March 22, 2014
by Toni
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The Road to Disneyland

Friday was one those days that I felt the universe was directing me in a certain direction. My son was marching in a parade at Disneyland with his high school band at 4pm. Never once did it cross my mind that I would be going to Disneyland that day. I had not even thought about going because of work, and lets face it, Disneyland is really expensive! Well, the universe had other plans for me. Around 11:30am a close friend of mine was able to score two passes to get in the park ( park hoppers no less!) , and my students let me bail out of class to jam down to Anaheim to catch the parade. Additionally, the money fairy ( a name who will not be revealed!) handed me a bunch of gift cards to Disneyland- so parking, food, and souvenirs were all paid for! And the money fairy gave me a gift card for gas! I would say this was the moment where I let myself be lead down the road to Disneyland!

Well, my friend and I made it to the park just in time to see my son march by, which only took 30 seconds, but was it was well worth the trip. I felt sad my husband could not make it due to work, but I video taped it for him. I ended up really enjoying myself! I even screamed my head off on the roller coaster in this picture!

I was meant to go and see my son’s last field trip with the high school band. He is a senior, and this is just another one of the last events we will be experiencing over the next few months.

This was another moment in my life where I was blown away by the kindness, generosity, and encouragement of others. I believe that things happen for a reason and sometimes we are lead in a certain direction for certain reasons. We may not always know what they are at the time, and that’s okay. Things have a way of working out.