SPRING NEWS 2008

We welcomed in spring with open arms and hearts...Winter was a cold one.

We are now well underway for our last yoga term for 2008 and classes are happening in Toowoomba, Highfields and Crows Nest. Creative Health Australia has plans to branch out further afield across the state in 2009 with classes, workshops and retreats.

Recently we were contracted by the Workforce Council to provide Yoga, Drumming and Massage therapies for a conference held out at Charleville. The whole event was very successful and  we look forward to doing more contract work for Government organisations and corporate/workplace groups. Promoting the health through Yoga, Creative arts (music, drumming, visual and dramatic arts), Massage Therapies and Organic lifestyle changes.

Pacha Mamma is still going strong... the music has taken us everywhere from Airlie Beach down to Bellengen in NSW in the past few months, and many more tours are on the cards. Pacha Mamma has now got a bass guitarist which gives the music has a lot more funk! New music is being written all the time, and our week ends away are always interesting and great fun.

I have thrown myself into a Visual Arts course at TAFE recently, which I am thoroughly enjoying, Painting, Drawing and Sculpture are my favourite subjects. I decided to do the Visual Arts to help myself cope with the changes going on around me in Winter as a therapy for myself. Also to learn the mediums of expression, the practical experience of how art can help you look inside yourself and rebalance.

The only delema is that there are not enough hours in the day, art takes time when used as a healing therapy and with all training providers there are time limits and work loads they themselves must adhere to. Time needs to slow down!

I plan to continue with my Visual Arts next year also.

Stay tuned in and i will put some stories and pictures up about the valuable Creative Arts I am busy with at the moment.

I am looking forward to being a season camper at Woodford Folk Festival this year and totally emmerse my self into the festival and arts culture there.

Don't forget there are many festivals happening over Summer, make sure you get involved its healthy to step out of your comfort zone and experience new people, places and music and arts.

Peaceful journeys,

Jani :)

YOGA WORKSHOPS will be announced for December and January

SOON!

WINTER NEWS MAY 2008

YOU CAN NEVER STOP CHANGE! EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS CHANGING!

The most amazing change lately has been the sale of the studio at Campbell Street, there is no longer a head quarters as such for the Creative Health Studio, due to financial stress. ( past actions and not much thought)

But the show must go on! Creative Health Studio Queensland has had a name change and will now be known as Creative Health Australia. The website and all business cards and letter heads will eventually have the changed name, but with time and money dictating how and when.

Yoga is being held at various venues around the district (check Yoga page for further info) and the Massage therapies are available by appointment for the regular clients.

Workshops are still happening and I am planning to do a series of Yoga workshops between now and October, so stay tuned for them.

WEEKLY YOGA CLASSES will stop for approximatley 3 months, while I will be focusing on updating my personal yoga and giving focus to our band Pacha Mamma (see Creative Arts), and i will be looking forward to coming back in October with a fresh and passionate vibe for the the important work I am doing.

DRUMMING has not been completely forgotten either, although many of you have thought it was not happening. I am always drumming with Pacha Mamma and that is a prime focus, however I am always available to do workshops for beginners.

This Friday we have organised to take some keen drumming family down to the Gold Coast to do a little drumming and singing with Afro Moses. Which will be great fun,

also my dear friend and awesome drum teacher Kim Watkins continues to teach drumming workshops around South East Queensland and is usually keen to drum with people if time allows.

Also I have made enquiries to get Chinta from Rhythm Konnections to get a drum making,play and dance workshop some time soon, stay posted. I have my heart set on a set of Dun Duns.

Non Profit Health Promotion Charity

I am currently in the process of researching what is involved in creating a Non Profit association to continue on with the work of Creative Health Australia (CHA) with more help from the Community and the Government. I have come to realise that money is important to use as a means to CREATE, but it is not something we should try to possess for greed or keeping up with the Jones's. I can live simply with less expense aside from the important work that I am doing with CHA.

Goals for CREATIVE HEALTH AUSTRALIA-

• Promoting and Creating Natural Health through Yoga,Natural Therapies, Creative Arts, Organic and Sustainable Lifestyles.
• Targeting STRESS RELATED ILLNESS in the community; schools;workplace;corporate/professional, individuals.
• Networking with the Australian Govt, Health, Community and Support Services.
• Supplying Creative Health Services from the professional members and offering memberships to the community for services.
• Programs delivered through private consultation, classes, workshops, seminars and retreats.
• Online services will include a data base of all members and affiliated support services, research and progress reports of the important work of Creative Health Australia.

And thats just just for starters! This project will be huge and will call for all health industry workers, all artists, all organic and sustainable lifestyle enthusiasts to jump aboard and most importantly the ones who run the country will be needed to approve the work of CHA.

Hopefully by this time next year it will be off the ground.

PACHA MAMMA will be playing at Queens Park this week end for World Environment Day.

Peace to you all, Jan.

SPRING NEWS SEPTEMBER 2007

Pretty scarey how time flies when you are having fun... and being busy!

The studio premises is on the market for sale now so we don't really know how long we will be here for. The business will continue, ofcourse but from other venues. My focus on the music....our band Pacha Mamma has taken a lot of my time and focus. So I have not been doing many therapy sessions of late, although I am still here and available it's just a case of catch me if you can, book ahead a week or two in advance!

We have met some very cool people latley and the bridge between creative health and music is well under construction. We have been doing some workshops with schools and community groups involving yoga, music and particularly percussion which have been very successful.

With many gigs under our belt our music is being spread further a field now with everyone eagerly awaiting the CD, which I am happy to say is nearly complete. The yoga studio has been the recording head quarters of Pacha Mamma's first Cd, and the amount of hours and late nights we have put into it is huge.

Micka has been working his bum off with it all, with all the stresses of the studio sale, the recording and all the rest of it the YOGA has been a very valuable tool to turn to.

I hope this newsletter finds you well and peace in mind, peace in heart and peace on Earth.

Jan :)

WINTER NEWSLETTER 2007

BIG NEWS IS... it's June and I can't believe it has been 7 months since I have done a newsletter! Truth is I have been pleasantly distracted in a major way by new people, plans and lots and lots of music.

My partnership with Micka has become a very important part of my life and since he and I have made a nest together we have managed to create much music and laughter, as well as the pressing of each others buttons along the way! Sorry if you have been missing the quaterly newsletters we have been busy making hopes and dreams become reality instead!:)

YOGA

The yoga classes have been going really well, this year I decided to cut down on the amount of classes I was doing in 2006. So right at the moment there are only four classes to choose from this year, three in Toowoomba and one out at Highfields. See Yoga page for details.

The Thursday class in Toowoomba is a little more challenging than the other classes, so if you are an absolute beginner maybe try for the other class times first.

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Summer Newsletter No. 7 - Dec 2006
For Creative Health Studio Qld.

The Creative Health Studio Queensland is a unique establishment dedicated to helping you create optimal health and well-being in your life today. We embrace the practical applications of Yoga, Bodywork/Remedial Therapies and Creative arts for the evolution of your body, mind and soul; and incorporate the importance of cellular health, organic products, non-toxic living and thinking.

Jan Keogh and friends concentrate their energies to bring you Creative Health Studio Qld (CHSQ), centrally located in the Newtown area of Toowoomba. Jan hopes the studio will become a focal point for natural health and cultural creativity in Toowoomba. Jan is a fully qualified yoga teacher and has taught classes in Blackbutt , Crows Nest, Highfields, Toowoomba and Oakey. Other classes at University of Southern Queensland and Centenary Heights State High School have given Jan a great deal of diverse experience as a yoga teacher. Jan is completing her Diploma in Remedial Massage so she can support others in their studies and training.

Benefits of regular Massage Therapy

• Relief from muscular aches and pains
• Improved Blood circulation
• Improved nerve and lymph function
• Improved immunity to disease
• Better resistance to stress
• Improved self esteem and well being
• Balances the mind and emotions
• Freeing energy blockages

People from all walks of life are realising that by having regular massage therapy they are maintaining their health a lot easier and it’s just not a luxury pampering exercise, it is a very healthy and necessary activity to prevent stress and therefore, illness and disease.
Self care has never been so important! Massage soothes Body, mind and soul.
The cost of regular massage NOW is more achievable as preventive health care, rather than what you will pay out for other health professionals later in life. With most Healthcare funds accepting massage as a legitimate healthy preventative measure you can get refunded 30 to 40% on the cost.
Makes sense to enjoy your time now with a healthy massage, rather than be old and sick and curse about the fact you never did.

FREE Friday Massages  (still available)

Friday’s Only – Make your appointment on a Friday and receive a gift voucher for another massage to the same value.
(You have an hour with us on a Friday, we give you an hour voucher for free!)

***CARD READINGS***  and a cuppa at studio, Guidance when you need it, questions answered

$30 for 1 hour/or barter.  Confidential and experienced reader. Phone Jan 46340036

Live Music  improvised randomly for your Massage/Healing or Yoga Session is HERE, soothing guitar, percussion, didge and voice. SOUNDS that rebalance body, mind and soul!

Live Music available for your next PARTY or FUNCTION, cool vibes through to basey dance grooves with Pacha Mamma!   Contact Studio on 4634 0036.

"Its not about us the music makers it's about the music, we are just the vessels through which rhythm, soul and melody pass through and our spirits bring it to life" - Micka

Yoga Classes

At the Creative Health Studio we provide yoga classes for everyone. Jan Keogh (resident yoga teacher/therapist) has trained under the watchful eye of Toowoomba’s own Government recognized Yoga training facility YOGA QUEENSLAND PTY LTD. Jan was among the first group of Government recognized yoga teachers to graduate in this state in 2004, and has since completed her Diploma of Health to an Advanced Diploma of Health (Yoga).

2007 First Yoga term     begins Monday 5 February finishing Sat 7 April  (9 weeks)

Term Cost $108 or Casual $15 per class.

Beginners/general classes

For those who are new to yoga and those looking for a general weekly class to come to and practice the essential yoga practices at a level that is comfortable for them.

Monday – 4pm – 5:30, 6pm – 7:30
Wednesday- 9am-10:30
Thursday- 5:45 (Beginners) & 7:15pm (Intermediate)

Saturday - 9am - 10am (1 hour)
Or Start your own YOGA group, do you know 5 others keen to try yoga? (minimum 6)

Highfields – St Annes Hall

Wednesday- 6pm - 7:30pm
Thursday- 10am – 11:30am

Intermediate classes

This class is for those who are ready to progress into more challenging practices, and not just ‘physical’ practices but other areas of hatha and laya yoga. People at an intermediate level must have 12 to 18 months of regular and recent yoga practice under their belts. They must be prepared to commit to weekly classes and regular home practice.

Thursday- 7:15pm – 8:45pm
Saturday- 9am - 10am (1 hour)

Private and Corporate Classes/Presentations

Available by appointment and regular weekly sessions. Group sessions can be arranged for your corporate/business or social groups. They can also be included as a part of an existing itinary for organisation functions, seminars, workshops or camps/retreats. Whether you are looking to re energise your group or help them relax their body and calm their minds. Yoga can bring something special to your next function.

Drumming

Jams and free classes are open and very casual affairs for drummers and twirlers to share their skills. Jam together in a circle of rhythm and experience the magic for yourself.

If you have any other musical talent you want to share, please feel free to come and do so - everyone is welcome.

Structured Drum lessons/workshops and DRUM MAKING workshops at Studio.

Kim Watkins is a regular guest at the studio and shares her rhythmic skills for fun Percussion workshops and performances. Kim was born in Africa and is a keen drummer who appreciates and enjoys African culture and music. She has enjoyed soaking up her skills over the past 6 years with Master drummers direct from Africa and America as well as other more local identities - accomplished drummers such as ex-Toowoomba drummer Brian Hender (Bambara Percussion) and Elliot Orr (Spankinhide) from Brisbane. Kim has led groups in Kingaroy, Crows Nest, Highfields, and the Sunshine Coast.

CreativSoul Lounge & Christmas Party
at Demolay House

You are invited to attend the  party of the year!

Where: Demolay house (parking available behind hall)
When: Saturday 23rd December
Time: 7pm til 11:30
Door and Meal: $15 (No meal $5 entry)

“Pacha Mamma”
and other local talented musicians will entertain.

Yoga Students, Clients, Studio members, friends and musicians
gather for a social evening of soul stirring music and dance to celebrate 2006.
A selection of local artists will be invited to perform in a relaxed atmosphere, a meal, Chai tea will be provided and BYO anything else.

We need some idea of numbers would be great so phone
and let us know how many friends you are bringing.
Creative Health Studio 46340036

Creative Health Studio Queensland presents

Yoga Drum Workshop
For Every one

Express yourself and enjoy an experiential day of good vibes and healthy activities, through yoga, chant, music (drumming) and relaxation.
We will also share lunch and interesting discussion.

You will…

Some of the benefits you may experience from these activities…

Dates for next workshops

Sunday - 10 December 06
9:30 – 5pm
$45 per person

BYO lunch to share, drum if you have one (or we can supply you with one)

This workshop is limited to 10 people only, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Phone Jan for details, and/or to arrange your mat and drum

Phone 46 340036 or mobile 0403 546 938

Christmas Holiday Program  from 18 December 2006 to 27 January 2007

Christmas Gift Vouchers for Massage Available

3x 1 hr Massages usually $180 - now $150

or

3x ½ hr usually $90 - now $70

(ONLY until Christmas)
3 months valid date

2007 Astrological/Moon Calendars $8
available at Studio while stocks last.

ENLIVEN Probiotic Superfood $55

Retreat experiences:

“What an incredible weekend. What delightful people; a diverse bunch that could be compared to a fruit salad made with the most exotic of fruits. We did so many things & yet at no time did it feel like we were rushing. The music, singing, dancing – wonderful. Yoga on the lawn and on the beach – bliss. The massage – indescribable. The clown produced lots of belly laughs, the cocktails, swimming , art, the food, bushwalk, my reading & the many conversations of the “getting to know you” type.
What did I take away from the w/end? A delicious feeling of contentment & warmth that I can experience again when I ponder on any of the many magical moments I experienced."

Maureen

“Life has been presenting me with some pretty big challenges lately and when Jan offered the opportunity to participate in a yoga retreat I was extremely eager to place my name on the list of attendees. Once the greeting, meeting and packing of the vehicles was complete, we set off from Toowoomba and headed for our destination – The Sanctuary. And what a sanctuary it proved to be! Ed and Paula, you have a very special place there!

I was in my element – early morning bush walks, yoga classes, relaxing/healing massage, swimming pool, beautiful views, a swim in the ocean, great vegetarian food, creative activities such as macramé, jewellery making, painting, and drumming (which I left to the experts!). Even with all of this, there was time for reflection and the odd revelation, albeit a painful one.

My bed in the dorm was situated just under the lowest edge of the A-frame ceiling and after constantly hitting my head on it, I sat down with the thought that the universe was trying to tell me something – maybe I was taller than I thought I was. Expanding on that thought, I realised that I haven’t been allowing myself to be tall, and that I need to be less critical of myself and more self-nurturing. Hmm, a bit of work to do there – when’s the next retreat Jan?

Many thanks are due to Jan, Micka, Adam, Alix, Kim and Darin for being such wonderful facilitators and ensuring that the weekend was both relaxing and entertaining. I feel very blessed to have spent this time amongst so many caring, and accepting people and have come home with a wonderful warm fuzzy feeling, knowing that in times of any future stress, I can reflect on an fondly remember my Sanctuary experience.”

Lesley W

“As a regular patron and member of the Creative Health Studio I was delighted to learn that Jan was planning a yoga retreat. I had been searching for one to attend but none included transport. Because a retreat is necessarily in an out of the way place, this was an important consideration for me. The ‘earlybird’ price was a good option and my comparison to what was the delivered cost of the retreat, was more that reasonable. I would happily have paid more.

The facilitators were a diverse group of individuals each of whom had something unique to contribute to the experience. This diversity I think created the success of the retreat. No one felt excluded. We each found a personal space for ourselves within the group regardless of our differing backgrounds and experiences.

The accommodation was comfortable and welcoming, the scenery beautiful and our host wonderfully unobtrusive. The most pleasing aspect of the accommodation was the vegetarian menu. It was so far removed from the usual ‘just leave the meat out’ approach I have encountered in response to my diet.

Massage for all was very welcome and the opportunity to return this kindness was nice. Although I was concerned about my amateur status in this field the recipients didn’t offer any complaint. There was throughout the weekend an atmosphere of relaxation and acceptance (and much hugging).

The activities planned over the few days were so well timetabled that no one felt rushed or at a loss for anything to do. We all felt free to participate or just be present without pressure to conform or compete. Although apparently quite unstructured the retreat must clearly have been carefully planned to achieve the wonderful effect it did on everyone who came. I will be back next time.”

Amanda

Whats going on in 2007 …

Meditation Groups

Meditation 9 week course for beginners
Allowing time to revitalise is essential to function dynamically in our lives.

In recent years meditation has become a valuable tool for finding
a calm oasis of relaxation in our fast paced world.

Commencing the first week of term

Wednesday 6:15 –7:15 PM
Thursday 9:30 – 10 :30 AM

This course will be run by Bridget Mohr. Bridget has learned and studied meditation with a range of Tibetan, Indian, and Christian masters for 15 years. She started her career as a nurse, before furthering her qualifications as a Naturopath and Iridologist. She currently practises from her clinic, which is connected to the Healthy Life Store in Grand Central Shopping Centre.
Bridget will be presenting non-denominational techniques to enhance general wellbeing.

Course cost $95 @ Creative Health Studio 226 Campbell St,Twba.

Phone Bridget 0411 530 536