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Many people find the writing process difficult, intimidating or they do not see the value in their own lives. Others, if they do keep a journal have nothing more than a record of daily events in their lives in "Dear Diary," fashion or an effort at impressing an invisible audience. We have found ways to break through all these barriers and use journaling as an effective tool in stress management, personal growth and self-knowledge and awareness. Merging journaling with your yoga practice can be an enriching experience that you will be able to continue, regardless of your physical capabilities with postures.
We offer 3-hour workshops in yoga and journaling which includes going into yoga asanas, exploring chakras and connectedness to emotional well-being, a vegetarian lunch, instruction in journaling which will cover the barriers to effective journaling, the "how-to" of effective journaling, how to merge your yoga practice with your writing for personal growth as well as some hands-on writing exercises to allow students to "break the ice," with their own journaling. No one will be forced to read their writing. A journal will be provided.
Cost for the workshop is generally $25 per person unless extensive travel is involved in the class location. If a person cannot pay because of financial constraints, please let us know. No one will be turned away.
If you are interested in hosting a journaling workshop, contact Kumari Kelly at kumari_kelly@yahoo.com.
The teacher
Kumari Kelly has a B.A. in journalism and has been a professional writer and journalist for almost 20 years, working at various daily newspapers ranging from The Shreveport (La.) Times, the Bradenton (Fla.) Herald and as a columnist, blogger, bureau chief and reporter for the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel. She has published work in magazines including The Advocate, South Florida Parenting, L.A. Parent and others.
She is active in the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, serving as a panel moderator at national conferences, speaking mostly on family-worklife issues.
She has been journaling personally for more than 25 years, including exclusively regarding her yoga practice for several years.
Contact: Kumari Kelly, owner kumari_kelly@yahoo.com if you would kike to host a journaling workshop with your group, at your home or at your yoga studio.
Call 863-242-0482!
kumari_kelly@yahoo.com
Journaling and Yoga
Why?
What does yoga have to do with journaling? To the beginning yoga student, it may not be evident, but at Ahimsa Yoga, we encourage all yoga students to begin their yoga practice with not only a yoga mat, but a notebook and pen.
For those who have physical limitations in their bodies or limitations to their freedom to the outside world, the notebook and pen -- ala, journal -- brings another incredible tool for stress management and relief to supplement the yoga practice that enhances the journey that is yoga. Everyone who opens themselves to this practice may find a benefit, although not everyone is, in fact, willing. 
What is Journaling?
Journaling is not documenting your daily comings and goings. It is opening up -- on paper -- your thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories and beliefs. The journal becomes a tool of self-awareness and self-discovery, a remarkably similar aspect of a successful yoga practice.
Tools of Journaling
Pen or pencil and paper and a willingness to open up. For some, a computer laptop may work, although we believe the act of handwriting serves an important role in the journaling process. Handwriting reveals a lot of a person's mood on any given day and may reflect much in looking backwards later and for this reason, we encourage the use of handwritten materials.
