text:
Prunus cerasus (Rosaceae)
Chaumeton's five volume medical herbarium is one of the most exquisite botanical works of the early nineteenth century. It contains 349 delicately hand-colored engravings. Flore médicale provides variant names followed by the description of the plant and its "virtues" or medicinal use.
A good example is Chaumeton's recipe for an astringent tonic made from the bark and the roots of the cherry tree, useful in all cases of obstinate diarrhea and dysentery. The effectiveness of the tonic was assured by adding "two quarts of good brandy" to it.
© 1998-2008 Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
All rights reserved
Published by the Bernard Becker Medical Library


text:
Photo Video Slide Show Maker
Tools | 9.6MB | Update: 2018-09-12 | Version: 1.10 | Requires: Android4.0.3 or later
Tools | 9.6MB | Update: 2018-09-12 | Version: 1.10 | Requires: Android4.0.3 or later
Sorry, this app is now not available to download. Download 9Apps to find more similar apps and amazing coupon information.
Here are some news for you to learn more about one of the best android apps. 20,000+ users downloaded Photo Video Movie Maker latest version on 9Apps for free every week! This makes the app feel more like a popular merchandise, which is very positive in my opinion. This hot app was released on 2018-09-12. Hope you will like this amazing app!
Photo Video Slide Show Maker
Worry about your cellular data? This top Media & Video app is just 9.6M. It goes without saying that downloading this application consumes almost no traffic. 9Apps also provides other hot Media & Video apps(games) for android mobile phone. Get this latest new app by click the download icon.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Due to high popularity Group Circuit and Outdoor training, we have decided to combine these two courses in one and give you PFS Group Circuit Trainer & PFS Outdoor Group Trainer® which will give you a chance to complete these two courses in 1 day and receive 2 separate certificates instead of one to enable you to deliver classes indoors and outdoors.
While Circuit Training is a form of body conditioning that effectively integrates resistance training and high-intensity aerobics, the Outdoor Trainer is ideal for individuals who wish to incorporate the meanest training forms to build clients' speed, endurance and power.
By joining these two courses, you will gain the skills and knowledge of leading a successful Circuit Class and through Outdoor Trainer you will learn the highly effective way to build cardiovascular endurance alongside accuracy and functional, total body strength.
Course contents
After the course, you will be able to:
This course requires a recognised, valid and current Fitness Instructor or Gym Instructor qualification which is accredited and mapped at EQF Level 3 | NQF level 4* such as the PFS GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR or PFS GYM INSTRUCTOR. If you didn't qualify with us, a scanned copy of your certificate will be required in response to your registration confirmation email.
This course is open for everyone who wants to improve their teahcing skills and general knowledge in the field, walking the path of development and reach excellence.
Course hours that require 100% attendance: 8 hours held on one weekend day
Additional self-study hours: 5 - 8 hours* the time burden can vary depending on individual ability and dedication.
Examination hours: not applicable
No examination
Participants must have 100% attendance to receive PFS Group Circuit Trainer® certification.
The participant will receive a Certificate and 8 REPs accredited CPD points.
The final Certification is given in printed form and enables the participant to teach classes and get insured.
All our courses are accredited by REPs Ireland and recognised worldwide through ICREPs.
All PFS qualifications meet industry standards that have been developed and published by the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA).
REPs Ireland ensures that all standards used are mapped to and meet all appropriate International standards where possible, to ensure all REPs Ireland members benefit from recognition of their status from other National REPs.
Early Bird
This offer is only available for selected courses, dates or locations.
When displayed, the offer expires once there are less than 28 calendar days until the course.
Please do not contact us asking to receive this offer if it is not displayed.
If you do see this offer than we advise you to take action and get this great course at a special price!
Normal Price
Payment must be made in full and received by us before the course starts. Please take into account that bank transfers may take time and we operate on a first come first serve basis with no exceptions as outlined in PAYMENT RULES.
Once you register, you will be guided through the payment process.
If you encounter any issues with payment and you have read our FAQ page, please reach out via the Contact section.


text:
Order or Product Questions? Call 817-381-8851
An essential kitchen tool, this stainless steel funnel makes the transferring of fermented vegetables, or other liquids and dry goods, less of a mess. You'll wonder how you ever got along without it!
The wide opening of this durable funnel will fit most jars, from regular to wide-mouth. The exterior surface has a high polish with a mirror-like finish and a finger-loop handle for ease of use.
This wide-mouth funnel is constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel providing many years of use.
Fermenting Kits
Fermentation Weights
Books & Classes
Tools & Accessories
Small Appliances
$$ Saving Packages
Sourdough Baking
Gift Certificates
Copyright ©
Disclaimer & Privacy Notice]


text: Primitive home decor ideas are generally attributed with country style interior because fresh ornaments, garlands and other accessories are used to decorate various part of the home. White is assumed to be the sleekest shade for the home decor for being peaceful in most primitive home decor ideas and techniques. In addition to so much related to country decor, primitive decor is also so much about using the old items and recycling them into creating productive items for homes. Yes, it can be done on a low budget for certain.


text:
Last updated: 19/01/2018
What: Shed breaks and bicycle thefts
Where: Ellenbrook Estate
When: Mainly overnight
Update: The Neighbourhood Team has increased patrols and are working with residents to try to identify the offenders. Crime Prevention Advice is being provided to residents.
Search for your local neighbourhood by postcode:
Or use the dropdown below:


text:
--On 26. August 2007 19:12:18 +0000 Eric <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dieter Maurer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:Eric Thomas wrote at 2007-8-25 07:18 -0500: > I've been having a site problem that I've tracked down to DateTime. > Simply enough, the code snippets below both try to add 31 days to the > first day in October. I'm expecting this to result in the first day > of November. > > Good Example: > >>>> from DateTime import DateTime >>>> start=DateTime('2005/10/01 01:00:00 GMT-5') >>>> print start > 2005/10/01 01:00:00 GMT-5 >>>> earlyStart=start.earliestTime() >>>> print earlyStart > 2005/10/01 >>>> print earlyStart+31 > 2005/11/01 > > Bad Example: (Here's the problem) > >>>> from DateTime import DateTime >>>> start=DateTime('2005/10/01 01:00:00 US/Central') >>>> print start > 2005/10/01 01:00:00 US/Central >>>> earlyStart=start.earliestTime() >>>> print earlyStart > 2005/10/01 >>>> print earlyStart+31 > 2005/10/31 23:00:00 US/Central > > I've confirmed this occurs with several of the US/ timezones > (US/Pacific, US/Alaska, etc) This looks like a daytime saving problem: With daytime saving, the clock often is put back for an hour at the last samday in october.... The "DateTime" implementation could avoid this *if* the arithmetic would only accept "int" (then it would be very likely that you only want to modify the day but not hours, minutes and seconds). But the arithmetic accepts "float" and that necessitates some surprises with time discontinuities (such as daytime saving switches). > > Can anyone help me figure out why the resulting date is coming up 1 > hour short of the expected 2005/11/01 ? > > Thanks! > > EricI've submitted this as a zope bug and I agree that it looks like a daytime saving problem. The problem was tiggered nightly by a Google bot hitting various dates on my site's calendar. Even more interesting is that the seconds, milliseconds, and timezone stored within the DateTime are correct after the addition. So, if I compare the two results from the examples I gave using DateTime.isEqualTo(), the answer is True. This really creates a lot of opportunity for error.
If you can: use Python's datetime module. DateTime is broken in many ways. -aj
Description: PGP signature
_______________________________________________ Zope maillist - firstname.lastname@example.com http://mail.zope.org/mailman/listinfo/zope ** No cross posts or HTML encoding! ** (Related lists - http://mail.zope.org/mailman/listinfo/zope-announce http://mail.zope.org/mailman/listinfo/zope-dev )


text:
Indore: Prayers, food, family get-togethers mark Vishu celebrations
Indore: The members of Malayali community celebrated Vishu, the New Year, with prayers, special food and family get-togethers on Sunday. They visited Lord Ayyappa temple to seek blessings.
As part of celebrations, parents covered eyes of children and took them to the room where Vishu arrangement was in place. "We made arrangement on Saturday late night to surprise our children," homemaker Radhika Nair said. A typical Vishu preparation includes placing fruits, flowers and a pot of water before the image of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu.
As per tradition, one looks at one's own reflection in 'valkannadi' (traditional mirror made of metal) before admiring the image of Lord Guruvayoorappan (Lord Vishnu is worshipped in famous Guruvayoor temple in Kerala).
"Looking at our own reflection reminds us that God resides in our heart," Radhika said. An important aspect of understanding and celebrating every cycle is to respect and understand life that is inside us. Talking about the festival, businessman Sajan Panicker said, "Vishu literally means equal and in the festival context it connotes the completion of spring equinox." He said it also reminds us of balance maintained by nature.
"Everything we do in life must be balanced and we learn the art of balancing from nature, which is what Vishu teaches us," Panicker said. Sharing special aspect of celebration this year, businessman Unnikrishnan Pillai said, "Our 10-day long 'Pranapratistha' (idol consecration) for the temple concluded on Vishu, which makes it more special for us." "Celebrating with community is like celebrating with extended family, so it makes everything grand and better," digital marketer Shari Nair said. Celebrations in the temple included prayers, music and food.
"Food is important in every festival, so we had traditional delicacies including Kanji, Vishukatta and Thoran," Nair said. She said Vishukatta is a delicacy prepared from freshly harvested rice powder and coconut milk served with jaggery and is must for Vishu celebrations.


text:
GARFIELD, N.J. — Ralph Acerno remembers Garfield well enough to still wax poetic about the city decades after moving to River Edge.
Acerno, 68, grew up in Garfield before moving in 1965. He graduated Garfield High School in 1965 and currently serves as the minister of Christian Community Church of River Edge.
The memories of his hometown stayed strong as he converted them to writing. Acerno said he does a lot of writing but wanted to share his Garfield thoughts with others.
"I think a lot of people today are looking to connect, but lack the verbal skills," he told Daily Voice. "I try to take those and put them into writing so they have something they can put in a very clear way for them to understand. I do it kind of like a service for people."
Some of his words appear more poem-like, such as a piece that starts, "It's not a place you'd drive far to see. But a place no less special and sacred for me."
It ends, "But it's time to move on. I've yet much to do. I pass the sign 'leaving Garfield.' But I'll never leave you."
Other writings take a more first-hand narrative approach, such as his account of recently visiting his old neighborhood in Garfield.
He shared his writing on Facebook groups dedicated to Garfield and said he received plenty of compliments from people who could relate to his tales of the city's past.
"I think at the time when I was growing up [Garfield] had a real sense of camaraderie and community," he said.
Acerno served in the U.S. Navy and earned his master's degree in theology from Princeton.
MORE INFO: To read Acerno's takes on Garfield, visit the Facebook group, You know you're from Garfield, NJ when...
Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.


text:
Evolutionary Archaeology: Methodological IssuesBy: Patrice A. Teltser (author)Paperback
Up to 1 WeekUsually despatched within 1 week
DescriptionWhat is the role of neo-Darwinian evolution in explaining variation in prehistoric behavior? Evolutionary Archaeology, a collection of nine papers from a variety of contributors, is the first book-length treatment of the evolutionists' position. All archaeologists, and especially those with a specific interest in method and theory, will find much here to challenge traditional theory, solidify the evolutionists' position, and stir further debate. Evolutionary archaeologists argue that Darwinian natural selection acts on human behavior, resulting in the persistence of alternative human behaviors and the material products of those behaviors. The contributors address the methodological requirements of evolutionary theory as it may apply to the nature of archaeological data. Several contributors evaluate the methodological implications of basic evolutionary principles, including the structure of explanations, the units of evolution and analysis, and the measurement of information transmission. Others explore the role of specific analytic approaches such as seriation, raw material sourcing, and comparative and engineering analyses. Still others confront the issue of reformulating archaeological problems from the point of view of evolutionary theory. By focusing on the methodological requirements of evolutionary theory, these essays go far in meeting the challenge of building new archaeological method. The work contributes to a better understanding of cultural evolution and builds toward a new, logical framework to explain variation in the archaeological record.
Product Details
- publication date: 30/12/1994
- Format: Paperback
- Number Of Pages: 206
Delivery Information
- Saver Delivery: Yes
- 1st Class Delivery: Yes
- Courier Delivery: Yes
- Store Delivery: Yes


text:
Westladbergen 85 | Saerbeck, DE
This family-run guest house in Saerbeck offers traditional-style rooms, a garden, and traditional food from North Rhine-Westphalia. Münster/Osnabrüc
Hüttruper Straße 189 | Greven, DE
Just 4 km from Münster/Osnabrück Airport, this family-friendly, 3-star hotel and farm in Greven offers modern spa facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a spac
Westladbergen 71 | Saerbeck, DE
Hotel Restaurant Stegemann is situated in Saerbeck, a 5-minute drive from the Münster Osnabrück International Airport. The hotel offers free WiFi in
Grevener Str. 43 | Ladbergen, DE
This historic hotel on the outskirts of Ladbergen is just a 5-minute drive from Münster/Osnabrück Airport and the A1 motorway. The Waldhaus offers f
Mühlenstraße 12-16 | Ladbergen, DE
Featuring a daily buffet breakfast and a restaurant with a terrace, this family-run hotel offers a central location in Ladbergen. It is located direct
Lengericher Straße 2 | Ladbergen, DE
The family-run Hotel Zum Timpen offers comfortable rooms in the town of Ladbergen, just a 10-minute drive from Münster-Osnabrück Airport. Free Wi-Fi


text:
Why did Comey write memos to document his private meetings with President Trump?
Simple, it's called DAMAGE CONTROL! Comey knew his time was up as soon as Trump won the election. He had to cover his own backside by writing "memos", which, more than likely, contain erroneous information.
Trump later told Comey he better hope there are no tapes of their private conversations. Why?
Because it would prove beyond anyone's doubt that Comey lies.
Comey knew who paid for the fabricated dossier but elected not to tell President Trump. Why?
Because Comey was trying to keep the waters calm in hopes that he could sink the transgressions of his department, the DOJ, and the DNC even deeper into the corrupt abyss before they were discovered by a new administration who's main goal was to 'drain the swamp!'
So glad it has not worked out as Comey intended.
Comey's actions are like bits of a puzzle and the more he talks the clearer the whole becomes. His ego really has taken over – he thinks he's untouchably clever but I suspect he is much too self-centered to realize he is framing his own demise.


text:
As the anniversary of the Equal Marriage Referendum approaches, drama group, Acting Out, present 'The Ref', a new musical comedy for the Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival.
The build-up to the marriage equality referendum has begun, and for one family it's very personal. Watch Clive, Susanne and their son Oisin, battle against the dark forces of the sanctimonious Deirdre Kilbride, self-proclaimed leader of 'Mammies's For God', who forms an unlikely alliance with two gay men who are ferociously opposed to equal marriage.
Witness matters come to a frenzied climax in an all-singing-and-dancing debate on National Television, featuring forged identities, a Eurovision-like ode to Voting No, a surprising coming out, and a rousing anthem for equality.
The Ref is a comedy with songs, from the team that produced last year's festival hit, 'The Equals', which puts a funny, but satirical, lens on the trials and triumphs of one of Ireland's greatest achievements.
Writer, Sean Denyer said:
" For many in the LGBT community, the marriage referendum was a whole roller coaster of emotions, that fortunately ended in triumph, but I wanted to write something that put the fear and excitement of it into focus, by telling the story of one family's journey through it.
Hopefully it makes people laugh, but it also uses satire and song, to show up some of the absurdities we were forced to endure".
Director, Howard Lodge said:
" We think it's really important for an LGBT drama group to give a reflection on the experience of the referendum, which was probably the biggest and most public debate on being gay that was ever held anywhere. The show is funny, but makes some serious points between the laughs, and has some ridiculously catchy songs written by Sean, with music by Mark Power and Cal Folger Day!"
Dates: 7.30pm May 2nd-May 7th (Matinee on Monday 2nd May)
Venue: The Pearse Centre, 27 Pearse Road, Dublin 2
Tickets: €15/13 available from gaytheatre.ie


text:
Software Engineering Manager - SRE
8 - 10 years experience • Telecommunications.
Job description
Title: Software Engineer Manager (SRE)
Work Location: Seattle, Washington or Charlotte. North Carolina
Job Type: Full Time
As the Software Engineer Manager for the Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) team, you would be responsible for leading the day-to-day activities for Avaya?s cloud platform and team initiatives. On an on-going basis, this position will identify areas of process improvement between development and operations, developing tools and scripts as needed in order to resolve and optimize. You will be required to work closely with other teams to document the cloud infrastructure and monitoring systems. A deep technical proficiency in both enterprise-scale systems as well as next generation cloud native applications are required.
- Manage the availability, scalability and performance of Avaya?s Cloud platforms.
- Manage/enhance AGILE/SCRUM process within the team and ensure alignment of priorities with product, development and operations.
- Engage in and improve the entire lifecycle of services from inception and design, through deployment, operation and refinement.
- Diagnose and repair network and application bottlenecks
- Support services before they go live through activities such as system design consulting, developing software platforms and frameworks, capacity planning and launch reviews.
- Maintain services once they are live by measuring and monitoring availability, latency and overall system health.
- Scale systems sustainably through mechanisms like automation, and evolve systems by pushing for changes that improve reliability and velocity.
- Test and tune network, hardware, and cloud infrastructure configurations to maximize availability, performance and efficiency.
- Practice sustainable incident response and blameless postmortems.
- Design and document systems, including writing and reviewing code, to automate away problems within the domain.
- Working collaboratively and guiding the team and complex issues.
- Participation in code reviews, willingness to take time to help others grow and succeed.
- BS degree in Computer Science or related technical field involving coding (or equivalent practical experience.
- Seven plus years?experience designing, supporting and deploying Cloud-based products and services.
- Five plus years?experience operating complex, large-scale Enterprise guest-facing applications or web sites.
- Minimum of 3years leading projects or functional teams.
- C+ / JavaScript / Python development experience a plus.
- Experience hardening and maintaining secure systems (Safe Harbor or PCI experience a plus).
Job Description
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE (Continued):
- Scaling production systems and technologies, for example load balancing, monitoring, distributed systems and configuration management.
- Systems administration experience with Avaya, Cisco/Networking, server infrastructure, Citrix/VDI, Linux/Windows systems.
- In-depth working knowledge of TCP/UDP/IP, VOIP/SIP protocols.
- Automation scripting skills with Python, Bash, etc.
- Experience planning/deploying/running various types of AWS infrastructure (Route 53, S3, EC2, VPC, RDS, etc.).
- Configuration management using Ansible or similar tools.
- Understanding of high availability hardware and database systems design and implementation including cluster management, redundancy and failover testing.
- Experience with deployment and management of open source Network resources and tools (OpenVPN, ElasticSearch, Logstash, Kibana (ELK), Zenoss, etc.).
- Clear understanding of Agile SDLC methodology.
- Ability to react gracefully to high-priority requirements with little or no notice, providing clear documentation and follow-through.
- Strong organizational and task management skills
- Ability to balance contending priorities while working alone or within a team.
- Ability to produce system documentation, including writing requirements, operational specifications, system architecture, test plans and as-built documentation, all with attention to detail.
- Excellent reliability, dependability and trustworthiness.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Systems/Solution oriented using curiosity and creativity to identify and enhance the Spoken platform.
- Great people and communication skills.


text:
THESE 6 Fascinating Reasons Reveal That Dogs Are Smarter Than People
Are dogs smarter than humans? Some say yes, and some say no. Here are two trains of thought, check them out and decide for yourself. Let us know what you decide. Your opinion matters here on the Monday Monday Network.
Dogs Match 2-Year Old's Intelligence Level
"Dogs can understand more than 150 words. And they intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats," reports Stanley Coren, Ph.D., of the University of BC. So, are dogs smarter than humans?
"We all want insight into how our furry companions think. And we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate," Coren said in an interview. "Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought."
According to several behavioral measures, Coren says dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years," according to the American Psychological Association. "Dogs' Intelligence On Par With Two-year-old Human, Canine Researcher Says." ScienceDaily (accessed November 18, 2017).
How many words does your dog know, have you counted?
Dogs Behavior Is Smarter Than Humans
Considering a less scientific approach to the intellect of dogs, Husky lover (dgisonni) shares her thoughts. "Dogs live in the moment," she says. I agree, my dogs certainly fit that mold, they run, jump, sleep, eat, and repeat every day. Here are a few of her other thoughts as to why dogs are way smarter than humans:
- Dogs overcome fear with love.
- Pups forget and forgive.
- Dogs play and play and play –every day.
- When you are happy, your pup is happy –carpe diem y'all!
- Dogs don't have self-image issues.
- Dogs drink plenty of water.
As I said, this is not a scientific study, it is a personal observation, but what do you think? Does it ring true for you? Can we learn from dogs as far as how we should be living our lives? I say yes.
Don't fret over the small things, play more often than you do now, and for sure drink plenty of water.
What would you add to the list? Add your comments below.
Did you know this about your dog's sleeping pattern?


text:
It's hard to believe that Autumn is here! As I bask in the 85 degree heat on my patio I need to remind myself that the drier, cooler time of year will soon blow in. With the change of seasons we will pull out our sweaters and fill our menus with root veggies and pumpkins. Our Yoga practice will shift, too. It's time create balance and enhance our sense of feeling grounded to the earth to counter the windy Vata elements. Here is a short practice that will help your body and mind make the transition to fall.
1. Begin seated in easy pose. Practice a few rounds of 1:1 ratio balanced breathing where the inhale is the same length as the exhale.
2. Come to all fours moving from Cat to Cow several times each direction to warm the spine. Be aware of the sense of connection to the earth as you breath slowly and deeply in each direction.
3. Come to a neutral spine on all fours (Tabletop position) and then extend the left legback and right arm forward. Hold for several breaths and then repeat the balance on the other side.
4. Lift into Downward Facing Dog Pose with hips high and hands and feet on the floor. You're trying to create an inverted "V" and hold the stretch for a few breaths before you walk your feet toward your hands in Standing Forward Fold. Focus on slow movements and holding the poses for several breaths. No rush. This will help you feel connected and grounded.
5. Step your left foot back a big step for a wide-legged stance in Warrior ll position with the right arm extending out the front and the left arm extending out the back. The left leg is long and straight and the right knee is bent. Lengthen the crown upward. Hold for 5-8 smooth, even breaths.
6. Come into Side Angle by keeping the right knee bend and bending sideways enough to placing the right hand on the floor next to the foot with the left fingers reaching up high. You could also modify this pose by placing the right forearm on the right thigh. Make sure you rotate the left ribs back to really open the front of the body as you lengthen the spine. Hold for 5-8 breaths,
7. Come back up. Straighten the right leg so both legs are long. Reach forward with the right hand, tipping the right side toward the right leg and then let the right hand come to rest on the right shin or floor or a block. Lift the left fingers toward the ceiling. Open the front of the body and back of the body to the walls on either side. Lengthen the spine. Watch your breath as you hold for 5-8 cycles.
8. Lift up and prepare for Half Moon Balance Pose. Reach the right hand to the floor about 1 or 2 feet in front of the little toe side of the right foot. Lift the left leg up and reach the mound of the big toe toward the wall behind you. Lift the left fingers to the sky and open your body and your gaze to the wall on your left. Hold. Breath. Release down into a Standing Forward Fold.
9. Repeat steps 5-8 on the other side with the left foot forward and right foot back.
10. Hold the Standing Forward Fold for 5 breaths while you lengthen the crown of the head toward the floor and lift the hips to release the legs. Be aware of the connection of the feet to the floor as you consciously press each corner of the feet into the mat.
11. Lower to a cross-legged seated position with a lifted spine. On an exhale twist in one direction. Hold for a few breaths, lengthening on the inhale, sensing the twist on the exhale. Repeat on the other side.
12. Extend the legs and lower to the floor, resting on your back. Hug the knees and rock a few times side-to-side before you come to complete rest in a long Savasana. Even better, support your head with a blanket underneath and place a rolled blanket or bolster under the knees. While you are preparing the body and mind for this peaceful time, become aware of the points of connection of the back of the body and the ground. Let those points expand, the connection becoming even stronger. With each exhale soften the body even more and then observe the natural rhythm of the breath. Allow your self to become even more relaxed as you become aware of layers of tension rising to the surface. Let it go. Let tension leave the body with the exhale.
Give yourself enough time for your final relaxation before coming back slowly.
We hold so much stress in the hips. This 30-minute practice will get you warmed up and release the hips—especially if you were in class tonight with our focus on this area. It's a great all-over practice so save it and use it occasionally as an at- home routine.
Start with a few rounds of conscious breathing to center yourself and gauge how you're feeling.
Come to all fours and take about 10 breaths flowing from Cat to Cow pose.
From standing and move through 3 to 5 rounds of Sun Salutations to warm up the whole body. (Hopefully you have the hand-out from class. If not, send me a message and I'll email you a copy!)
With the feet about a leg's length distance apart and parallel, fold forward at the hip crease with hands to a block or the floor, as long as the back can comfortably lengthen. Slight bend in the knees is o.k. Hold for about 8-12 breaths.
With soft knees, heal-toe the feet in toward each other and hold forward fold with hands clasped behind the back, lifting the knuckles up to the sky. Hold for a about 5-8 breaths then come to Downward Facing Dog pose for at least 5 breaths.
Rest in Child's Pose for as long as it feels beneficial.
Sitting on a folded blanket, extend the legs forward. Bend the right knee with the foot to the floor and hug that knee with the left arm, twisting to the right with the right hand behind the hips on the floor for support. Take at least five breaths then switch sides.
Come back to Staff Pose with the legs extended forward making sure you are on the front of the sitting bones and the low back is comfortable. Lift higher on the folded blanket if needed. Fold forward, leading with the belly button into a Posterior Stretch, belly, chest and forehead coming as close to the extended legs as you can. Make sure you aren't over-stretching. You should be able to hold this stretch for 50 breaths...but only hold for about 10 slow, deep, even inhales and exhales. Come back up to Staff Pose.
From seated Staff Pose with the legs extended forward, bring the soles of the feet together, heals coming as close to the body as you comfortably can, knees out wide, and either bring hands behind the hips to help guide the pelvis forward, or bring hands to the floor in front of you and lean forward over the toes. Hold for at least five breaths.
Bring the feet to the floor about hip's width distance apart, knees bent, hands behind you on the floor for a few seated windshield-wipers.
Come onto your back for several breaths then lift the legs up to the belly and hug the knees with a small rock from side to side. Then reach for the arches of the feet, drawing the knees toward the shoulders, shins perpendicular to the floor. Rock from side to side if it feels good to your back. Then stretch the legs out wide, holding onto feet, toes, shins or knees for a wide leg straddle stretch on your back.
Bring the soles of the feet together and hold the feet with knees splaying out in a reclined Cobbler's pose for several breaths. Allow the feet to come to the floor holding this Cobbler pose with the outside edges of the feet on the floor, soles together, knees out. It might help to sit on the hands with the palms down and the outer hips resting on the thumb side of the hands. Hold this for as many breaths as you like.
Take a few moments in windshield-wipers moving knees side to side with feet on the floor close together, then far apart.
Hug the knees to the belly for a couple of breaths, then spend at least a few minutes stretched out in Savasana.
Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you next week, Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 p.m.
Back to HOME PAGE
Yoga class is supposed to be the place to unload stress and stay in the moment, right? One of the most common roadblocks to yoga bliss is sweaty hands and feet that can't grip the yoga mat. If you are one of those frustrated yogis who slip and slide on your mat, making it nearly impossible to hold down dog, know that you're not alone!
Let me offer a few suggestions that might help eliminate this problem. Remember, just as yoga honors the unique abilities and bodies of every practitioner, these suggestions are not a "one size fits all" solution. Hopefully, though, one of these might do the trick.
1. Try any number of no-slip gripper yoga socks or gloves. ToeSox is a popular brand but there are many more to choose from and you can find them anywhere from Kohl's to Walmart or online.
2. Don't put lotion on hands or feet for several hours before your class or consider trying a different brand. Lotions react differently on each of us; some absorb differently or "reconstitute" once your soles or palms warm up again. At the very least, the oils may re-activate and create a slippery surface. Usually the gentle or "for sensitive skin" lotions work best for me. I use Cetaphil which has made a big difference. My husband and I can't use the same lotion. His hands get too slippery for his tennis racket so he uses another brand. It's an individual thing so try a few different ones.
3. Wash your mat regularly. It's easy to resort to just the spray provided by the studio--which is great--but you should give the mat a good scrub to break down the oils that may linger even after using a disinfectant cleaning spray. Here is my cleaning method that will keep it clean, fresh, and won't break down the fibers of the mat.
Fill the bottom of the bathtub with warm water. Use a squirt of Dawn dish soap to help break up the oils that might be on the mat, a tablespoon of vinegar which can freshen it up and kill some germs, and a tablespoon or two of baking soda which is a great cleaner. I like to use a drop or two of tea tree oil, too. This can kill viruses. Soak and scrub gently. Another product I've used is Dr. Bronner's Soap with tea tree oil in it. Hang it to dry away from direct sunlight. It may take longer than you think to dry because some mats really hold the water! You don't want to roll out your mat in class and step on a sponge.
4. Sometimes a microfiber cleaning towel at the top and bottom of your yoga mat is helpful and provides grip and stability for hands and feet. You can use a regular hand towel, sometimes pre-moistened, but make sure it's not too thick. There are many yoga towels available made especially for hot yoga and many yoga blankets to choose from. Again, these aren't for everybody but worth a try if other efforts fail. These tend to be somewhat expensive so try other towels before you buy the yoga towel. Occasionally the towel doesn't work with your mat depending on the type you use. Yoga blankets are an option with or without your mat but again they aren't for everybody.
5. Change your mat. But try flipping it over on the other side before you buy a new one. Some rubber mats are naturally more slippery so try a mat made specifically for hot yoga, even if you don't do hot yoga. They are designed to maintain grip in hot and humid conditions. (I have many extra mats for you to try in the studio before you invest in a new mat). Mats are a personal thing. I've had many but I always go back to my 25-year-old mat! It's been with me and stays in great shape-with care-after all these years. It wasn't anything special, just a basic yoga mat with no brand name. More expensive or exotic brands do not guarantee a mat you'll love. If you buy a new mat and it doesn't grip like you'd hoped, try washing it using the recipe above.
6. I have used my yoga strap across my mat to hold my hands in place when I used a slippery rubber mat. This is a good emergency rescue strategy when you find yourself in a slippery situation on a borrowed mat.
7. Use kitchen cupboard non-adhesive rubber liners. You can cut two 12" thick strips and place them on either end of the mat for your hands and feet.
8. I've used pieces of an old mat cut in 12" strips across the mat. You can use it for extra padding for the knees as well. When a mat gets worn out in the middle, rather than throw it away, cut it several 12" strips to double up for extra padding and better grip.
These are a few suggestions. Hopefully one of these might be the perfect solution to keep you in your poses longer without sliding around on your mat. If you have any suggestions that have worked for you post in the comments.
Back To Home Page/
photo credit: FootMassagez Yoga - Credit to https://costculator.com/ via photopin (license)
Are you brand new to yoga? Most likely you know someone who does yoga and by now you've certainly heard about some of the amazing benefits of this practice. If you've never been to a class and have very little idea of what to expect then walking into that first class can feel intimidating. You may be anxious and don't want to draw attention to yourself, or even worse, you might end up in the front row where everyone can see you! Don't worry. Seriously. Here's everything you need to know about stepping into the yoga studio for your first time. And remember: everyone was new at some point.
Hopefully these tips help you feel more comfortable getting started with the many amazing benefits of this practice. I look forward to seeing you in class! Find a class HERE
Back to Home Page
Yoga for Anxiety Relief
Click here for a quick and effective yoga sequence to relieve anxiety.
The Five Tibetan Rites
The 5 Tibetan Rites are five ancient yoga exercises that are said to be "the fountain of youth". Practice the following sequence in the same order, working up to 21 repetitions each. Practice daily and notice how wonderful you feel!
1. Spinning: Stand with your arms outstretched, reaching out from the shoulders as if you could touch the walls on either side of you. Now, spin slowly towards the right (clockwise) until you become slightly dizzy. Usually 5 spins the first time is enough. Pause afterward for several breaths in a seated, kneeling or child pose before moving on to the next exercise.
2. Rest on Back to Leg Lifts: Lie on your back, hands next to your hips, palms down on the floor. Keeping the legs straight and feet slightly flexed, lift them up and, if possible, slightly beyond 90 degrees, toes about over the line of the eyes. At the same time, lift your head off the floor, chin towards the chest. Hold for a moment, then return legs and head to the floor. Repeat 5 times to start. Work your way up to 21 repetitions. Rest on your back for several moments before going to the next exercise.
3. Kneeling to Camel: Come to kneeling with the feet straight back from the knees. Use a folded blanket or pad under your knees if needed. Begin by leaning forward with the chin towards the chest and arms by your side. Then bring the hands to the hips for support, lift the chin high, and lean back as far as you can. That is one cycle. Return chin to chest and arms by your side to begin another cycle. Work up to 21 repetitions. Rest lying down on the floor or in child pose before moving on to the next exercise.
4. Sage to Crab: Sit upright on the floor with legs extended in front of you, palms on the floor next to the hips. Tip the head forward, chin towards chest. Next, keep the feet where they are, lift the chin up and lift the hips up so you are in a reverse table top pose with the hands and feet supporting you and belly lifts up to the ceiling. Continue to another cycle by sitting back down and bring chin to chest. Work up to 21 repetitions. Rest on your back or in child pose for a few moments and proceed to the last exercise.
5. Down Dog to Up Dog: Come to downward facing dog pose with the hands and feet on the floor and your tailbone lifted, creating an inverted V shape with your whole body. Next, move the body and legs down towards the floor with the head and chest lifting, supporting your upper body with your straight arms. (Upward facing dog pose.) Repeat the cycle by lifting the hips back up and the head down . Move from downward facing dog pose to upward facing dog pose up to 21 times. Rest on your back for several minutes after completing these exercises.
Back To Blog
I had the pleasure of interviewing Indu Arora for a blog post on the Dubuque Yoga and Oneness Festival website. I'm sharing my post with you and the link to the festival website. Plan to attend and learn from wonderfully knowledgeable teachers like Indu who love sharing what they've learned about this rich tradition and healing modality. The 2017 Dubuque Yoga and Oneness Festival opens for early bird registration on Juanuary 11. Learn more about the festival at www.dubuqueyogafestival.com.
"Meet Indu Arora"
by Karen Kramer, Dubuque Yoga & Oneness Festival Blogger
Indu Arora is an international Master Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, an Ayurvedic healer, author of two books and Director of Yogsadhna. She has been teaching since the age of 19 when her Master/Yoga Guru gave her the name Yog Sadhna and directed her to open a school.
You will see Indu as a presenter at the 2017 Dubuque Yoga and Oneness Festival in April. She will speak as part of the opening ceremony, teach an intensive workshop, "Practical Components of Ayurveda", and conduct sessions throughout the weekend addressing Mudra, Pranayama, and Yoga Nidra.
Recently I spoke to Indu about her philosophy and teaching. She has an uncanny ability to condense seemingly complex ideas and explain them in a way that is accessible, with many "aha" moments of understanding. As she said: "Truths are simple and basic, we just make it too complicated. We think that something we learn has to challenge the intellect but really truth is very simple."
Thank you, Indu, for your genuine love of sharing what you've learned with other seekers on this yoga journey.
Q: What is your mission as a teacher?
A: My first purpose is to educate myself, to know myself, to work on myself. For only if I can take responsibility of my thoughts, actions and words can I have any capacity to be a teacher. My intention as a seeker on the same path as my fellow practitioners is to pass on this message to them. Don't run away from yourself. Don't run at all. Take one step at a time. After all, that is the realistic thing to do. Yoga is not a run, a chase, it is a state that we embody when we are ready. Nothing but you, nowhere but within, is where it all lies. Nothing has the greatest power to heal, but Self.
Q: You travel extensively and teach in many countries. Is the practice of yoga very different here in comparison? My thought is that we Westerners tend to focus more on asana.
A: No matter where you go in the world, the definition of Yoga is still samadhi. It still means union. It is still a state of mind-- of being free of it. Yoga is a work-in, it is never meant to be a work-out. You are right that in many parts of the world the work-out aspect has gained importance and priority and even has become the goal. However, there is no rush. We all start from where we are and we are guided to the next steps when we are ready. There is a certain readiness that comes from within. I would also like to add that just like we are picky about what we eat, for example that it to be organic, compatible and nourishing, we have to be careful with the teachers we choose.
Q: Do we need a guru?
A: A guide, a Guru, a teacher is a must in every field that one would like to master. When someone has taken the path, they can guide us where not to go and how smoothly one can reach a certain place. The most important work that a Guru does is to allow us to meet our inner Guru. Now, there is a difference in being simply independent and self-seekers and finding the inner light. When we are simply independent without a clear intention, without having worked on our emotions, our self-guided paths may lead to fake ego, unnecessary challenges and at times even leave us scattered. So an external Guru helps us to gather our scattered mind, breath and emotions. The external Guru helps us get in touch with our self, our inner light and our inner master, and also teaches us to listen to this inner guidance.
To find a Guru: Only when there is a deep yearning and a burning desire, one becomes a seeker and finds a true Master! Not from a poster or an advertisement. It is from one heart to the other heart. If you are ready so is the Master. From within the Guru arises. As pure as your desire! First, you need to seek in order to find. In order to seek we need to know what are we seeking and why we are seeking it, and know it with absolute clarity. Then Guru appears.
Q: When you spoke of your newest book Mudra: The Sacred Secret, you said that whatever we do, and whatever we do not do, we are practicing mudras. So it only makes sense to understand what it is that we are doing. If we learn what we are doing we could access so much more--That is the sacred secret! You will teach a session on mudra and the energetic and physiological response in us when hand gestures are performed. Is this a practical, everyday technique to well-being or is there more to that?
A: Yoga, in its ultimate stage, is nothing but a Mudra of mind, body, breath and emotion. Mind wise it is dhyana (mediation), body wise it is asana (firm, steady, meditative pose), breath wise it is pranayama (stilling of the turbulence of inhalation and exhalation) and emotions wise it is shanti (peace). Mudra is a practical, easy, approachable, therapeutic tool to achieve these above-mentioned states. It has been almost missing in the current Yoga practitioners' community, trainings and programs. Once you learn it or start learning it, the eyes really open up to a different reality. You start watching yourself in a way you have not done before. I wish to offer practitioners a new pair of glasses to see their practice and the subject matter of Yoga.
Q: Is this the same for Pranayama--That we are always breathing so we might as well do it in a way that benefits us?
A: Yes and no. Pranayama is what happens when the body stills and relaxes. Pranayama is the expansion of prana. If by pranayama you mean techniques, then the answer is "no". It is not in the practice of alternating breath in nostrils or breathing through the mouth that pranayama is attained. It is when all these techniques remove the existing friction (vikruti and vikalpas) that one is naturally established in Pranayama. It is a consequence of the techniques and not the technique itself. Diluting or condensing everything into techniques is not the road map to Yoga. May we adopt the path of sadhana (daily spiritual practice) to understand the meaning of Yoga.
Some techniques can be used to bring about a specific therapeutic influence on the bodily doshas and mental gunas but application of those is not the goal of Yoga philosophy. Every step is practiced so that we may come closer to the Self and it peels off one more layer of illusion. At times the balance is not in creation but dissolution.
Q: You will teach a session on Yoga Nidra, another tool towards the path to union. Can you explain the benefits of Yoga Nidra, and some might also wonder how those benefits are different than those of regular practice of savasana at the end of yoga class?
A: Yoga Nidra is not Yogic sleep but rather yogic awakening. Yoga Nidra is an extremely powerful tool! Use it to replace negative tendencies and thoughts. Release habits and conditionings. Rewrite your story and use it to strengthen or know your Dharma! Shavasana is putting to rest the uneasiness of the body, mind and breath that were triggered with the practice, you may say it is like suturing the body after the surgery with the practice. Yoga Nidra on the other hands is like going deeper and opening ourselves to the core. Unveiling all that is veiled.
Most often people think of Yoga Nidra as rest, sleep and rejuvenation. Only sleep can substitute sleep. No medicine, relaxation, mantra, herb, oil or practice can do the job of sleep. Yoga Nidra can reduce the number of hours taken by the mind and body to be rejuvenated relaxed and refreshed. Yoga Nidra was not devised for combating sleep issues, however it can help a person to solve some of the issues that cause sleep problems. Why do you want to replace sleep at all? It is a blessing! Every single day it gives us the chance to forget all the pains, all the stories and brings the taste of freedom, the glimpse if at all of the lowest level of Samadhi. The outer and the inner both worlds dissolve and become one. The taste of nothingness is the nectar we drink every day to feel alive. Substitutions have led to supplements becoming food and electronics becoming relationships. Let us acknowledge that not everything can and should be substituted. Yoga Nidra is not a substitution for anything, it is introduction to our inner world or outer world howsoever you may wish to perceive it.
Q: Why are many of us resistance to "going inward" as we do in Yoga Nidra or forms of meditation?
A: Because we all need magic capsules, potions and formulas to become free from all physical, mental and emotion suffering. Who wants to change in order to become that? Change is hard, it requires courage, acknowledgement of our weakness, a shift in our attitude, a change in our lenses through which we see ourselves and others, and the ability to look into our own eyes with absolute readiness to see within. We are often taught about short cuts more than real paths. We are taught about the value of being fast, efficient, and multi- tasking instead of slow, steady and one step at a time. With such deep conditionings, it is difficult to question self and start a journey to re-vision. Change is inevitable, either we are changing for good or not, either we are moving towards growth or not. Once we know that, we can choose our paths with more "respons-ability" (responsibility) than resistance.
Q: Your Friday intensive will be "Practical Components of Ayurveda". Can you give us a sneak-peek summary of what we will learn that day? Is it appropriate for all-levels?
A: Basic Ayurveda is for all and benefits everyone. It is one of the most important, practical tool that adds value, life and lightness to everyday life. The practical components of Ayurveda are tangible tools that can be used by everyone who seeks to bring balance and health to everyone's life. Ayurveda is the wisdom of life itself. It is not just about food, herbs, massage and panchkarma. It is not a chase, a run, a fad. It is the need of the hour. It is bigger than any treatment. It lays down the principles of living and loving. It is through the study of Self and its relationship with the cosmic rhythms that we start to understand Ayurveda. Health is simply a starting point and not the goal itself. Through health we gain the potential to walk on the path of paurush-artha (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). Ayurveda leads the pathway to a meaningful life. What one will learn from this session will be how to introduce some practice in your daily routine (especially morning and before bed) to be healthy and to stay healthy. This is a session not to miss for practical application of the philosophy of Ayurveda and Yoga.
Q: The festival changed its name to include "Oneness" the Dubuque Yoga and Oneness Festival. I would like to know your thoughts on the concept of oneness.
A: Oneness is beautiful because we all try to understand each other based on similarities and differences. When we see similarities, we feel connected. When we see differences, at times, we feel inspired, or, at times, we feel scared because we don't understand these differences. When we speak in terms of Yoga, oneness is a different kind. When we add, one plus one, for example, it is an addition, it's a form of union to become a new number, a completely new identity. But in yogic terms one plus one is equal to none. Which means there is no separation. It is about "dissolution" a complete fading of boundaries and everything becomes one, which means everything becomes none.
This is something I can relate to. For example, I come from India and travel and teach many different places. People ask me how things are different in India, or other comparisons. I focus on the commonalities not the differences. When I travel there may be differences; Different languages, different cultures. But if I peel off the different layers it is still the same human being that desires to connect to something genuine, to be loved, and feel love. That is the same everywhere.
Again, if we draw this into the aspect of yoga, no matter which tools we use, it draws us into the same state. The first step is connecting to yourself and then connecting to everything and everyone else by the noneness, not the state of oneness. So we have to see oneness in a different light.
Q: You will teach many of these tools during the festival. Any advice for people who come?
A: Bring your appetite. The various methods are different ways, different tools that need to be understood in a completely different light but it's beautiful to see how it comes together, how one leads to another, one becomes the other. And it's not that one tool is better than another, for example, that meditation is higher than asana or asana is better than kriya. Everything leads to the same state. We just need to understand it in a different light. So all we need is our readiness, our appetite, our sincerity and we learn. Maybe this prayer or affirmation may be helpful to seekers of yoga be it teachers or students, we all are ultimately students.
My practice is not one on the mat or off the mat
My practice is neither for few minutes or in the early morning hours
I free myself from the bonds of time and space
My practice is my whole life
From the first moment I became aware, to the last moment of awareness, it shall be
When life becomes clarity
Each moment becomes Dharana
The being becomes Sadhaka and the journey becomes Sadhana
Don't miss the early bird registration which begins January 11th. Learn more about Indu Arora on her website at www.yogsadhna.com.
Back to Blog
"The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."
-Havelock Ellis
A loving yoga teacher once explained to me that achieving difficult poses or sitting in meditation for longer and longer periods shouldn't be my goal in yoga. Yoga, she explained, is union of the self. It's a gathering of our scattered parts and bringing them back to wholeness. Yoga poses, meditation, Nidra, breathing, all these things, are tools to get us closer to union with ourselves. But it may not always be about what I add in my practice such as achieving an impressive handstand. It just might be more about what I let go of, what I can dissolve in order to achieve wholeness. We need to discern which yoga tool is required in the moment to bring us to the state of union. That's the simple and great philosophy of yoga.
I definitely feel scattered! My mind is off in many different directions: what I need to do, what I wish I could do, what I'm afraid to do, what I'm afraid I cannot do. I feel physically scattered with moments of anxiety, burdened with less sleep, a few extra pounds, and arthritis in my toe reminding me daily that I'm getting older. We all have energy drains and extra concerns. They may not be the same for all of us but they have the same effect. A scattered self.
My intentions for this year no longer focus on what I will do better in my yoga practice or what in need to add in my life to be happy and successful. I intend to dissolve the layers that keep me from wholeness. I intend to find my core, and live from that place that is my truest nature.
Right now, I've identified this layer. Fear. Fear leads me to anxiety, anger, assumptions and defensiveness that cause pain to myself and others. Not my best self for sure. Fear has been the root cause for strained relationships and for giving up on many opportunities that I wish I'd taken. It may take all year, or longer, but this is what will get me a step closer, or a layer closer, to union with myself.
Try asking your inner wisdom to help you peel away whatever keeps you from wholeness. Try resting comfortably in savasana or in meditation each day for a few minutes or longer. Maybe write in your journal if that's your thing. Ask yourself the following questions, let them float around in your head and heart without labeling anything for a while, then trust your inner wisdom to show you either symbolically or through insight of some sort what the answers might be.
*What habit could you lose to feel closer to your authentic self? Not because you need to give it up, but because it brings you closer to union.
*What energetic drain to you hang onto that would make you lighter if you let it go?
*What do you need to let go of in order to draw you closer to your heart's true calling?
*What are you ready to finally release?
Let's all intend to release what doesn't serve us any longer, release what keeps us from living our soul's purpose, and release what keeps us from union with ourselves.
Wishing you a blessed year in 2017!
Back to Blog
Sugar-free for Seven Days
Sounds hard but you know you want to try it. Maybe you feel you NEED to try it. Sugar is considered by some to be one of the worst health concerns of our time. It is blamed for causing fatty liver, insulin resistance, cancer, obesity, high cholesterol, candida, and on and on, not to mention that it's highly addictive.
If you are one of the many addicted to sugar then lets try this seven day sugar fast and see how you feel. Keep in mind, with any addiction, when we stop having it our body needs time to adjust. Keep up the sugar fast even if you feel sluggish, irritable, and wanting a quick fix in a hungry moment. Plan ahead and be prepared with healthy, sugar-free snacks and meals. Try to avoid tempting situations.
Share your experience in the comments below
Setting Intentions in Yoga Class
Most likely been instructed by your yoga teacher to set an intention at the beginning of your class. Do you use that opportunity to the fullest? Do you even know what to "intend"? As important as intention-setting is for our practice, it is often is overlooked as the powerful tool for change that it can be for your practice and daily life. Here's a way to take advantage of mindful intention-setting for a richer experience and deeper level of awareness through yoga.
Setting an intention at the beginning of the practice is mindfully holding awareness of an aspect of your personality or trait that you would like to develop more fully which you believe will draw you closer to your truest nature; essentially benefiting the world by being more closely aligned with your true purpose.
Before we begin the physical practice, we know and trust that we are going to link all aspects of our being, mind, body, and spirit. We trust that as we go through our practice we will notice times that our intention can be called to mind to amplify this aspect of our self that we have chosen to highlight, and we trust that as we work through our practice doing positive things for our body. This goodness will seep into, and infuse, every aspect of our self with wellbeing. And we can use that positive vibration to stoke the fire of our heart's intention off the mat. The goodness of our practice on the mat spills into all aspects of our life off the mat, helping us to be more aware and purposeful in our daily life.
Think about this. What special gifts have you been given that you take for granted or put away on the back shelf of your heart? What is going on in your life that has caused you to close down certain aspects of the true you which you are not allowing to fully express? What do you need to heal to be a more compassionate person who recognizes the true interconnectedness of all of us? These are the deeper things that you want to reach for. What in you do you want to become more pronounced that will help the world be a better place by being your truly intended You!
The amazing thing about yoga is that what you experience on the mat typically becomes a metaphor for the "real world" after practice. You've heard it said but have you discovered the synchronicity that occurs? Like when your instructor teaches a theme in class and mentions the energetic effects of the poses. For example, she announces a back-bending, heart-opening theme and within days your are confronted with a situation where you will need to respond in a more compassionate way in order to change a relationship that has been difficult? So, too, with your private intentions. You'll see the synchronicities with that as well.
When you hold an intention, of your design, in your heart, refer to it in your practice -especially for several weeks of classes- you will see situations that will allow for growth in you regarding the quality that you intended to come forth. Holding onto your intention into your day-to-day activities creates an energetic shift that will create positive change for you.
Practicing yoga is an opportunity to create significant change; physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. You are in your practice an hour or so each time, why not use intentions to get even deeper benefits that incorporates all that this beautiful practice has to offer.
Karen Kramer
Yoga and meditation teacher since 2003, I love discovering and sharing information about natural health and the mind-body-spirit connection through yoga and mindfulness. Join me and be changed for good!
October 2017


text:
St. John stores retail in upscale women's fashion. It should come as no surprise you can find store locations in such notoriously wealthy places as Beverly Hills and on Fifth avenue in New York, there is also one outlet location in Atlantic City, NJ. If you are looking for the most luxurious in designer fashion, look no further than St. John company stores. With a wide selection of formal wear designed to make women look their more elegant and fashionable, you cannot be dissapointed with the selection at a St. John Outlet Store. Of course, if you enter one of these stores be prepared to spend, the best in designer fashion can not be bought for mere marbles.
St. John Shop Outlet Stores
Atlantic City Outlets
New Jersey
1931 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ


text:
Dating service in san juan capistrano on ypcom see and live gay webcamsmeeting gay and bi guys is hot and adult. Ca singles & personals robinson ranch, san clemente, san juan capistrano, san juan hot springs gay singles, gay dating. The best breaking news, stories, and events from the patch network of local news sites gay wedding cake case: san juan capistrano, ca.
Peru tours typically begin and end in lima, the monastery and church of san francisco in colonial lima is famous for its catacombs,. Romance and dating in orange county, full service hair and nail salon located in the heart of historic san juan capistrano salon. Press to search craigslist save search options close housing (san juan capistrano) pic map hide this posting restore restore this posting favorite.
Craigslist provides local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, services, local community, and events. San clemente is a great area and you could find a rental for $1600 a month i would also suggest san juan capistrano, dana point and or aliso viejo. Meet single asian women & men in corona, california online & connect in the chat rooms dhu is a 100% free dating site to find asian singles.
Are you gay near canyon near canyon lake in san juan capistrano: 100% free chat bom is unlike any other date personals site in that it's fast to browse and. Securemedleyadscom. Capistrano beach's best 100% free gay dating site want to meet single gay men in capistrano beach, california mingle2's gay capistrano beach personals are the free and easy way to find other capistrano beach gay. Meet singles into fitness over 2 million members register for free.
Find the best drug and alcohol rehab centers to treat your drug addiction, dual diagnosis or mental health condition we are a directory of treatment centers, alcoholism, addiction treatment centers, detox centers, sober living homes, residential substance abuse treatment programs, dual diagnosis bi-polar and co-occuring disorder programs. Meet catholic singles in corona, california online & connect in the chat rooms dhu is a 100% free dating site to find single catholics. All san juan capistrano, gay social network: bi curious personals: age doesnt matter gay females me as long as youre not a creep,. Join the largest adult personals network now cute 702 blonde & blue eyes (san juan capistrano, 92675 , orange county) if 5your all about 3playing games and 0full of lies.
Pascal restaurant in san juan capistrano serves up classic french cuisine published tuesday, december 5, 2017 by robin dohrn-simpson under ohio personals. Find san juan capistrano military love while you're on leave or on tour connect with singles through video chat, im and more meet your san juan capistrano love now. Meet san juan capistrano singles online & chat in the forums dhu is a 100% free dating site to find personals & casual encounters in san juan capistrano. Cops: man hid murder with phony emails from africa edward shin allegedly posed as his own business partner in bid to cover up murder.
Mission san juan capistrano to san juan capistrano to discover pristine or come watch the vgchartz network and personals sites, black gay dating sites south. San diego missed connections - craigslist cl favorite this post jun 3 gorgeous latina (orc san juan capistrano) map hide this posting restore restore this. Laguna niguel, ca dating from business: gay phone chat, local hookups, san juan capistrano, ca 92675 (949) 456-8800 dating service.
Vacation guide - san juan, capital city of puerto rico - best hotels and resorts in san juan weather, flights & cruise tips, best beaches, things to do, attractions, photo galleries and maps. Find men seeking men in san juan capistrano online datehookup is a 100% free dating site to meet gay men in san juan capistrano, california. San juan capistrano's best 100% free gay dating site want to meet single gay men in san juan capistrano, california mingle2's gay san juan capistrano personals are the free and easy way to find other san juan capistrano gay singles looking for dates, boyfriends, sex, or friends. San diego groups - craigslist cl (orc san juan capistrano) favorite this post may 28 gay guys who love cars, outdoor fun, more.
All Rights Saved


text:
If you'd like, Academic Keys can email you similar job openings. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Don't want to subscribe? That's OK too!
Position Summary
The Pharmaceutical Sciences Department in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences seeks an experienced and highly responsible professional to serve as Staff Assistant to work closely with various university departments that have a vested interest in student recruitment and retention, and departmental efficiency. This position provides high level support for which the incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgement in support of the Department Faculty, Staff, and Students. This self-directed professional will perform tasks and responsibilities that maximize the effectiveness of the Chair and Department and ensure that the mission of the school is carried out. They must be able to independently manage the day-to-day work flow, along with prioritizing various projects. Examples of the work to be performed include, but are not limited to:
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Contact Information
Contact's Name Michele Bewley
Contact's Title Assistant to the Chair
Contact's Email firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact's Phone 716-645-2138
Refer this job to a friend or colleague!
New Search |
Looking for a higher education job?


text:
I visited a tarot card reader before my trip. This was the first reading I had ever received. While yes, I am sure there are plenty of con artists and scammers out there – I do believe that some people are tapped into a certain intuitive power. I believe God is working through all of us at all times, or at least trying to. He doesn't discriminate. He created us all for a purpose. Some of us just chose to listen more carefully and tap into those powers. I believe these people are just channels for God's words, working as a conduit translating a message He wants you to hear.
That being said, I was told by this tarot card reader that on this journey I would be given the opportunity to lay before the Lord swords, representing the emotions and vices that were holding me back from inner peace and emotional freedom. I would overcome them through prayers and meditation. I remember thinking, 'Wow that is awesome – I can't wait'. I don't think I realized what this would entail though.
In order to lay these swords before the Lord and release them, I first needed to be presented with them. They must pierce the path I walk. I must be confronted by them, possibly stumble on them, even cut myself a little. That part wasn't so fun. While I was out frolicking all over this vast and beautiful world, the last thing I wanted was to be struggling with my emotional baggage. I resented them for showing up on my path.
I reminded myself that this was supposed to be as much an inward journey as it was an outward one. I began to pick the swords up. I took them one by one, truly examined them, saw my reflection in them, observed the effect they had over me and acknowledged how they held me back. Confronting emotions like these wasn't easy and it wasn't fun. But it was necessary if I wanted to achieve the emotional freedom I so desired.
Some swords that pierced my path were comparison, judgement, self doubt, guilt, self pity, stubbornness and jealously. Sometimes it felt easier just to ignore these swords but I knew they will only end up stabbing me in the back and hurting me more in the end that way.
I learned to bless these swords for they presented to me an opportunity for growth. I learned to embrace them. They are a part of me. I need to learn to love all parts of me and not pass judgment or become a victim to my emotions. Learning to confront and release these swords allowed me to be more at peace, to surrender to each moment as either a moment of bliss or a moment of learning.
It started with more self awareness, knowing what my main swords are and what typically triggers them. Then I simply acknowledged their presence. I would do my best in that moment to pull myself out of that emotion, that's the tricky step. I can be a very stubborn person. I am a highly sensitive person and tend to sink into my emotions, usually allowing them to swallow me whole. This practice has me working on my emotional discipline.
I do believe it is important to embrace and feel all your emotions, but to be present with them and bring a sense of awareness and discernment to them. You can let your emotions flow in and out of you without letting them destroy you.
So if I have the discipline to pull myself out of the emotion at the moment, all I do is say a quick prayer. I let God know I am laying this sword at His feet with love. I acknowledge that it does not serve me or my higher purpose and I ask Him to remove it from my path. That's all. I trust that He hears me. I let Him do His job and I bring myself back to the moment, hopefully a little more level headed and at peace.


text:
Skip to main content
Newton-Conover High School
Main Menu Toggle
N-CCS Home
NCHS Hall of Fame
About Us
ACT Information
Administrative Staff
Annual Public Notices
Bell Schedule
Cafeteria Menu
Clubs and Activities
Latest News and Updates
NCHS School Calendar
Staff Directory
School Newsletter
Student Services
Academic Departments
Exceptional Children Department
English as a Second Language
Media Center
Transcript Request
Student Handbook
NC Health Assessment Form
School Improvement
SIP Plan
SIT Meeting Information
Contact Us
Newton-Conover NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI)
We are glad to have you as part of our team! I am a local boy come home, a graduate of Mooresville HS and a 25 year Coast Guard Veteran. I attended the United States Coast Guard Academy, was a Deck Watch Officer on the Coast Guard Cutter SENNECA, performed law enforcement with the US Navy and am a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. I flew Rescue and Law enforcement helicopters for 16 years and did an internship for ROTC at Flour Bluff High School. I was at St Stephens as the SNSI for 3 years and am now a RED DEVIL! I coach the Air Rifle Team and help with Color Guard and all other activities! We love active parents and want you to come on our trips with us! Please stop by and see us anytime. We can always use your help!
Remind 101 Text (Please join)
number: 81010
text: @ncnj
This will give you access to real time updates to our schedule if you text this app. You and your student are invited to participate.
Semester 1
Block 1- Naval Science 2
Block 2- Naval Science 3
Block 3- Planning
Block 4- Naval Science 2
Semester 2
Block 1-Physical Fitness
Block 2-Naval Science 3
Block 3-Planning
Block 4-Naval Science 4 Honors
Air Rifle is Monday and Friday 2:50-5:00pm or as published in the Plan of the Week.
Tutoring, mentoring or school help is available every day after school until 5pm.
Commander Kevin Nash
Senior Naval Science Instructor, NJROTC
Send email
Less info
What's this?


text:
April 1998
In preparation for the millennium the Church is asking us this year to focus on the activity of the Holy Spirit and the virtue of hope.
So at the beginning of this "Year of Hope" we can ask ourselves some questions. What is hope? Are we people of hope? Do we share our hope with others? Do we radiate hope? Do we encourage people by our way of life or, by our attitude do we pull them down? Do we in Spred share our hope with one another? Are we a sign of hope to the larger church?
"I will make the Vale of Achor, a door of Hope" Hosea (2:15)
We do not hope for something that we already possess. We look forward to it, we anticipate it with eagerness, we long for it. Having hope energises us and motivates us to carry on waiting. Every time I enter through the door into a Spred session I am filled with hope. I always look forward to visiting each of my groups. I know that, if I am open, I will be touched during the evening in many small ways, not only by our special friends but also by our faith friends.
In Spred we come to share our faith and our lives together. We want to be with one another. We can't teach anyone to hope but we can give hope by living out of our own hope. We don't come to teach our special friends anything. They will imbibe love, faith and hope through the way we listen to them, the way we treat them with respect, love, understanding and care. From the moment we open the door of the centre, the whole environment speaks to us of the care that we have put into it to prepare it for the session - the environment being not only the actual activity area and the celebration area but also how the activities are laid out, the heat, the lighting, the simple altar with flowers, candle and bible. We too appreciate the time (by coming in at least half an hour early - perhaps even longer for some groups) and the effort that the leader and activity catechist have put in to arranging everything so beautifully for us. Our beautiful environment is symbolic of the beauty of the sanctuary of our churches.
Hope gives us the strength to carry on even when things are difficult for us. We are being asked not to run away from our pain but rather to enter into the place of our pain within our own hearts. Despite discouragement and disappointment we need to persevere in hope. When our prayer is real and is a cry from the depths of our beings it is the Holy Spirit who comes and gives us new hope by gradually breaking down the walls of pain, fears, barriers and anguish. As Hosea puts it:
"I will make the Vale of Achor, a door of Hope" (2:15)
Spred is a safe haven for our special friends and ourselves. It is a place where we can be real, be totally accepted. It is a place where we can let down our barriers, our masks and share our stories, whether they are painful ones, happy ones, sad ones, joyous ones. Last week I was at a session where one of our special friends was able to express her grief and anger over the sudden death of her father who had died recently. The Spred environment is like a womb where we can give birth to our deepest feelings.
We need to feel accepted in life, to be loved and cared for. We need to hear the words
"I love you and understand you just as you are".
It is important for all of us to have a sense of being of value, of being understood, to experience friendship and to be treated as an equal. If someone can see goodness in us then there is hope, we become more self-confident and we can face life again. Hope gives us energy, it is like a new birth. Some of our special friends are so vulnerable, have often been so deeply wounded and have a very negative self-image that they need to experience the loving acceptance, interest and concern of others. The very fact that we are willing to spend two hours with them on a regular basis really speaks much louder that words. It is saying to them
"you are of value, I want to spend time with you, we give each other life, we give each other meaning."
One of the principal elements of Spred is the one - to - one relationship we have with our special friends and the faith friends. I prefer to call the helpers faith friends because isn't that what we do - we share our faith with one another. I was deeply moved last week while I was at another Spred session. The theme was "Kindness". Two of the special friends, while sharing with their faith friends, mentioned a faith friend who had died three years ago. They had both remembered Tommy and had experienced much love and friendship from him. Yes Spred, by its very essence, is community. We are a vital part of the Body of Christ. We are all broken, vulnerable, weak, wounded people and we all need the support of one another. It is often only when we are together that Jesus can touch us through one another.
Hope allows us to live in the present, trusting that God will never leave us alone, that he is with us, holding us, guiding every step we take, and he will fulfil the deepest desires of our hearts. We can let go of worrying about what will happen tomorrow, we can be fully present in the now, becoming more aware of the many signs of how God is loving us at this moment and live our lives to the full. We learn to hope more completely in all the little incidents of each day. When we come together at the Catechist Preparation Session and spend twenty minutes reflecting on some incident in our lives, doesn't this give us time to get more in tune with ourselves and to appreciate the importance of all the little and not so little events in our lives. I am always moved then when we read from God's Holy Book how relevant the piece of Scripture is and how it makes sacred the stories of our lives we have just shared.
"May God, the source of hope,
fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him,
so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom 15:13)
We need to hear words of hope and encouragement, to help us along on our journey to wholeness, words like "Do not be afraid, I am with you always, I love you with an everlasting love, I am your strength." In Spred we hear these words when we listen to the Word of God being read and also when the leader comes to each one and gives the personalised message:
"John, Jesus says to you tonight, I am your source of hope."
The resurrection of Jesus has made us Easter people, people of joy, celebratory people, people of hope. We in Spred know how to celebrate. The final part of our session is having a Agape, a friendship meal, together. It is a very important element of the session, both at the Catechist Preparation Session and at the Total Community Session. We prepare together a light meal. The special friends help by setting the table, perhaps buttering the bread, putting out the biscuits. It builds their self-confidence and morale because they are reaching out to us. We sit around the table chatting together. We hear about the day at the work-shop, the music they like, the football that they follow. Perhaps we even have a sing-song. It is a time of getting to know one another on a personal level. Wasn't Jesus invited to share a meal with two very down-hearted people who were walking along the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-35). As Jesus entered their house, sat down with them, broke bread with them then their eyes were opened. Didn't he lead them through a door of hope giving these two very discouraged people new life, renewed their hope and empowered them to move forward.
"I will make the Vale of Achor, a door of Hope" (2:15)
We also see Jesus, after his resurrection, coming through the door of hope and standing among them empowering them to go out and continue the work that he had started.
"As the Father sent me, so am I sending you...
Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:19-29)
Jesus is asking each one of us to reach out to one another in love, to journey with each other, to walk along the path of hope with the poor, the weak, the lonely and the oppressed. At the very start of his ministry we see in Luke 4:16-22 Jesus entering into the synagogue, through another door of hope and reading from the prophet Isaiah:
"The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,
for he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives
and to the blind new sight,
to set the downtrodden free,
to proclaim the Lord's year of favour.
This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen."
This we what are doing in Spred. Spred changes our lives. We learn to look at life through a new pair of glasses, to see things in a different light. Our attitude to life has changed. Not only do we reach out to one another in our Spred group but the wider circle of family, friends, community, parish, diocese and the church is also enriched by our presence.
Hope is like a tiny seed. We plant it in the ground and gradually without us being aware it blossoms into a beautiful flower, a field of wheat, a row of lettuce. So hope requires patience. It takes a lot of patience to try and set up a new Spred group but having experienced the faltering steps of other groups there is always the hope to continue. When I stand back and look at all the groups, how well they have gelled together, the faith, the love and the friendship of the groups my hope is strengthened as I realise all the good that is happening during every Spred session each week in the diocese. Each group is a ray of hope for the Church. Each group is a little Basic Christian Community sharing faith together and isn't that the way forward for the Church in the next millennium.


text:
Province approves air quality renewals for NB Power facilities
Air quality approvals for two of New Brunswick Power's coal-fired power plants will be renewed in December. Acting Environment and Local Government Minister Dale Graham has approved a four and one-half year permit renewal for the Grand Lake thermal generating station, near Minto, and a five-year renewal for the Dalhousie generating station, in the town of Dalhousie, both effective December 1, 2005.
The Grand Lake facility is the oldest fossil-fueled generating station still operating in the province; it produces up to 60 megawatts (MW) of electricity using pulverized coal as a primary fuel, supplemented by No 2 fuel oil. It is a significant source of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions in New Brunswick, emitting approximately 25 kilotonnes of SO2 per year. This is substantial proportion of the SO2 emissions cap under which NB Power operates its network of generating stations.
The renewed air quality approval sets out detailed terms and conditions to be met by the facility, including limits on emissions of SO2, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and requirements for monitoring and reporting of emissions and for control of fugitive dust releases. These continue similar requirements set out in the current approval.
The Dalhousie station, originally commissioned in 1969 and refurbished in 1994, is the second electricity generating facility in New Brunswick designed with a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system (also referred to as a "wet scrubber"). The facility generates up to 320 MW of electricity from the combustion of liquid Orimulsion(r) as its primary fuel.
The conversion to Orimulsion, completed in mid-1994, together with the installation of the FGD system, have made the Dalhousie plant a minimal source of emissions. Monitoring data gathered over ten years of operation have confirmed that emissions from the Dalhousie station rarely affect northern New Brunswick or neighbouring areas.
The permit renewal applications for both facilities underwent a public consultation exercise, including a 120-day comment period between May and September. While a number of concerns were raised relating to the Grand Lake station, the department received no comments or questions about the Dalhousie facility permit renewal. Both facilities have maintained compliance with their permit terms and conditions, with only occasional exceedances experienced.
More information, including facility profiles, draft and intended approvals, and summaries of issues raised and responses to the issues may be viewed on-line at www.gnb.ca/0009/0355/0005/I-3694_E.html (Grand Lake) or www.gnb.ca/0009/0355/0005/I-2638_E.html (Dalhousie).


text:
For over ten years now, the Financial Advisors Brokerage (FAB) Group has looked outward for support services like IT or advertising, and even for some practices—like tax and legal services—more closely tied to their core business.
In each case, the impetus was the same: "We don't have the expertise for those types of activities and would rather not get involved in hiring staff for them," says Randall Reynolds, president of the Vancouver-based firm. And the approach continues to work as the group transitions into a managing general agency.
In: Financial planning. Out: Legal and accounting services.
And the FAB Group isn't alone in turning to third-party providers for elements of client service, or in taking outsourcing beyond far-back-office functions. Along with IT and record keeping, tax, financial planning and legal services have joined the stream of work headed to external partners; that is, to other advisors, lawyers and accountants further afield.
External partners represent expertise, convenience and valued industry connections. So are they paying off for advisors?
Savings and strategy
Outsourcing is usually synonymous with cost savings. The cost of staffing and building space are still issues, but post-recession, other drivers are prompting players in all industries to outsource, especially among larger institutions, which view outsourcing as a more tactical maneouver, according to a 2007 report from the Centre for Outsourcing Research and Education.
Among U.S.-based advisors, a recent Rydex survey found that almost a quarter of them—22%—offer their own services to other advisors. And at the top of the list of other outsourced functions: tax filing and bookkeeping, according to its 2010 Annual Advisor Benchmarking Survey.
On this side of the border, the volume of advisors using outside services likely isn't as high, notes Eustan Matthews, principal at Matthews Financial Consulting, which provides planning services to advisors in Ontario and Alberta.
"There's a small market right now," he says. He estimates "Canada is about five years behind [U.S. advisors] currently."
Smaller numbers, similar strategy
Smaller numbers, maybe, but advisors from firms of all sizes are following a similar strategy. From their perspective, it's about providing a full range of services.
Offering clients a comprehensive plan is a huge draw, notes Jack Lumsden, a senior financial advisor at Assante Financial Management Ltd. in Burlington, Ontario. Although his firm provides in-house resources, like insurance and legal experts, advisors can also establish their own relationships with other providers for certain services.
Doing so just makes sense, he says.Lumsden doesn't think any one advisor can be an expert in all areas—financial and tax planning, money management, insurance and legal services for power-of-attorney and estate planning. But he says "by outsourcing, we can do a full job for our clients."
An advisor overseeing different elements of a client's plan takes on what Scott Plaskett, senior financial planner and CEO at Ironshield Financial Planning, calls "a quarterback position." At that point, "you need to recognize when to bring in other services," he says.
In some cases, what goes out is based on specific needs. A client may need a service, like a trust, that isn't available in-house, or an advisor may need more manpower during a temporary crunch period. In other cases, it's part of a predetermined approach to service.
At FAB, the firm's focus is financial planning, which "involves a commitment that can't be effectively outsourced," says Reynolds. So the firm recently hired a chartered accountant to keep some of the accounting work—such as financial-planning-related tax matters—in-house.
The value proposition
Rounding out services with outsourcing can add value. Giving different pieces of a financial strategy—whether tax or legal—to a specific provider ensures each element gets specialist care. Outside partnerships mean "best-in-class advice," says Lumsden. "As an advisor, you put yourself in the place of the client, [ensuring] they have the highest opportunity of achieving their goals."
In some cases, that know-how is technical. Matthews uses financial-planning software to prepare plans for his clients that some advisors are too busy to master or find too complicated.
Advisors, too, get best-in-class service themselves. Reynolds points to immediate turnaround on projects and the benefit of being in a client position himself—an advantage Plaskett echoes. "You can get a higher level of trust," he says. "If you're dealing with an owner, they have more skin in the game."
Having another provider offering backup can also enhance advisor credibility.
Clients get a second opinion on matters, and having arm's-length input "helps reduce the perceived conflict of interest advisors face," Reynolds adds. "There's an inherent conflict of interest when the person who's recommending a financial solution generates a commission. The more independent the advice and strategy, the clearer the lines are drawn."
Practical partnerships
Other benefits, such as time freed up to spend with clients, are more practical.
A recent U.S College for Financial Planning's trends survey shows advisors spend over half their time—56%—in so-called client-facing activities like prospecting, meeting with current clients and addressing client service problems. And Matthews estimates handling four financial plans per month would free up roughly 20 hours for the average advisor. "That's an extra ten clients they can meet with each month."
Or, alternatively, ten extra hands on deck when needed.
"If [a firm] has someone on maternity leave, we can step in and do the work," says Naomi Scrivener, principal and owner of Back Office Solutions, LLC, which offers advisors financial planning services. It's actually possible for an advisor to build an entire business with outsourced services, she points out, noting just about everything, from reception to compliance, is available virtually.
The network of professionals can also create a back-and-forth referral system, bringing new clients into the fold.
With well-established partnerships, "the odds are good that you're going to get referral business," says Plaskett, but he warns it isn't a given, stressing that relationships shouldn't be pursued simply for the referrals. "If we hire a firm, that's the right firm for our client. The most important relationship is the [one] with our clients."
And key relationships with other providers take time and effort to solidify.
Markham, Ontario-based Worldsource Financial Management provides back-office support for its advisors, but they're responsible for setting up local cross-support relationships with other advisors, and legal and tax teams.
"These types of relationships tend to have to be nurtured over time," says Dave Peters, the company's vice president of business development. "They're extremely valuable and not easy to arrange. Accounting may not want to refer to you directly unless they know you."
He points out they tend to work well in smaller-sized cities or towns, although that's not always the case.
When using outsourced services, Assante's Lumsden will opt for proximity—that is, partners within a 45-minute radius—for certain services like taxes or a simple will or power-of-attorney that require face-to-face meetings with the client and the provider.
Insurance also tends to be local, he says. Other services, like financial planning, "can be sent anywhere."
Though the benefits add up, advisors should also be wary of relying too heavily on their partners, particularly when it comes to new business. Those partnerships, like any relationship, are fluid, notes Plaskett.
"They're not a captive team member," he cautions, noting the professional connection "doesn't mean they have to refer business back to you."
The key: Establishing strong provider relationships well before the client walks through the door.
"Making sure we have those relationships in advance of the client is paramount to our success, " he says. "Without them, a client could go to another third party that has a relationship with other financial planners, and therein lies the risk."
Risky business?
Many organizations cite other risks as a reason to avoid outsourcing. And those can be significant; spanning strategy, reputation, compliance and even operational risk, according to a 2005 Basel Committee on Banking Supervision report on outsourcing in the financial services industry.
For instance, an advisor using other service providers has to ensure they'll provide the standard of service he or she requires, as well as comply with privacy and professional regulations, says Harold Geller, a lawyer at Ottawa law firm Doucet McBride, and an occasional consultant to Advocis's Best Practices Committee. So, say, sharing client information with a tax lawyer who already represents a client's wife or business partner might disclose information the client would rather keep to himself, he points out.
With confidentiality breached, an advisor would face "loss of stature, loss of the client and potentially doing harm to the client," he says. "In addition, you may be breaching rules of your own professional requirements. When we're hired to help out the client, we need the client's permission to disclose information, such as through a letter of engagement, or you need the client's specific written say-so."
Matthews echoes those warnings. He ensures that his clients put his name in the letter of engagement for their own clients. "They should be letting clients know they're working with a secondary source."
Firms should also take care not to farm out the services that add the most value to their business, research from Northern Trust Investments in the U.S. points out. That report focuses on
investment management outsourcing, but could certainly apply to general advisor activities as well.
The Centre for Outsourcing Research and Education report backs up this advice, suggesting would-be outsourcers carefully define what's central to their business and what would be better served by using third-party providers.
Another drawback to having various pieces of a client's file handled in different places is the logistics of keeping track of everyone else's progress and "making sure everyone's goals line up," says Lumsden. "That's where the advisor comes in —to ensure everything makes sense."
Risk and reward
Overall, does outsourcing make sense? And is the payoff worth the risks? Like most advisors, both Reynolds and Plaskett take advantage of external and internal supports. But ultimately, it's a question of strategy, according to Reynolds.
"If it's strategically appropriate to outsource, [after] recognizing the benefits and limitations, I would choose to outsource," he says. "And likewise, if it seems to be strategically appropriate, as we decided to do with financial planning, we'd build a business plan around it."
For Plaskett, outsourcing may start off as limitations—"even a GP can recognize when it's time to bring in a neurologist," he points out—but it's ultimately about possibilities.
"Clients are happier, I'm happier, and clients are seeing that we're truly a resource in more ways than [the ones] we're working on together.
"Everybody wins."