Joyful Spirit Yoga Studio

December, 2007

Volume 1, Number 5

Of Special Interest

·    Holiday Closings

·    Saturday classes rotating teachers

·    Specialty Class! Dec 28, 9:45 a.m.- Yoga With the Ball

·    Yoga Benefits

·    Mudra of the Month

·    Books to Enjoy!

·    Sneak Peek at January

 

 

 

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Joyful Day!

 

Are you taking the time to breathe?  I know that the “to-do” lists are long and time can be short, so let’s all remember to slow down, celebrate the here and now, linger a little longer, and enjoy all of that “to-doing”!  And in the midst of it all, may we hopefully stay mindful of what is really important.

 

In Sue Monk Kidd’s book, “The Secret Life of Bees,” one of the central characters says wisely, “You know, some things don’t matter that much Lily, like the color of a house.  How big is that in the overall scheme of life?  But lifting a person’s heart, now that matters!” 

 

Yes, lifting a person’s heart truly does matter.  I personally think it ranks quite high on the list of things that matter, and we are all capable of making this happen, usually with something as simple as a kind word or gesture, a written note, or even our thoughts. 

 

The truth is that once we learn what really matters, we don’t always choose it, do we?  Sometimes we get so caught up in what we think needs to be accomplished or achieved that we forget the most important parts of living, like lifting a person’s heart. 

 

As many of us search for meaningful gifts to offer loved ones at this time of year, let’s remember that oftentimes the gifts that lift others’ hearts most aren’t necessarily purchased and wrapped.  Pierre Corneille says, “The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.”  Aaaah, so our intentions become of high importance yet again.  Let’s set our intention to lift another’s heart, and let everything else fall into place.

 

As we approach the end of the year, may I impress upon each and every one of you how appreciative I am for your encouragement and support.  I am especially grateful that our paths have crossed, and may it honor you to know that you have lifted somebody’s heart….  mine!

 

However you choose to celebrate this season, may it be full of joy!

 

May Your Spirit Soar,

Margie

 

Holiday Closings

 

We will be closed Dec 22-26 and Jan 1. 

Saturday Classes Rotating Teachers

 

Please be aware that we are rotating teachers on Saturdays for your enjoyment and yoga enhancement.  More teachers equal more fun!  Come explore with Tom, flow with Karen, and be with Margie as we take turns turning your bodies upside down to view the world from entirely new perspectives!  You may view our Sat teaching schedule here.

Specialty Class – Yoga with the Ball (BYOB)

 

Because we just can’t get enough yoga, and because we had so much fun the last time, we are scheduling a yoga with the ball class once every month!  Bring your stability ball on Friday, Dec 28, 9:45 a.m. for some great yoga poses with the ball.  We love this class, and we get a kick out of going home and showing our new ball moves to our kids, spouses, neighbors – anyone we can show ‘em off to!  Guests are welcome to attend and may pay the drop-in rate.  Be sure to bring a stability ball.  Thank you, and definitely join us for some fun!

Yoga Benefits

 

More and more people are discovering the many benefits of yoga!  Yoga improves our quality of life on every level.  Thank you to one of our students who sent these findings and tips from RealAge – great for all who practice yoga, though a special emphasis is placed in this article for those over 65.  Enjoy!

Mudra of the Month (a mudra is a hand posture)

 

This month, we will take a look at Surya Mudra – formed by joining the tip of the ring finger to the base of the thumb, and the thumb, lying lightly on the ring finger, applies a gentle pressure to it, while the rest of the fingers are kept straight.

This mudra can help balance the thyroid, encourages weight loss, eases physical and mental stress, relieves constipation and makes digestion easier.

Books to Enjoy!

 

If you are like many of us and are always looking for a good book to read, check out this spot in our newsletter each month for suggestions from students and friends who may be like-minded.  Feel free to e-mail me with your own suggestions – we’re open to them!

 

Latest suggestions: 

Wherever you Go There you Are (mindfulness meditation in everyday life,) by Jon Kabat-Zinn;

Blessed Unrest, by Paul Hawken

The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

 

Sneak Peek at January

 

  • We will be closed Tues, Jan 1
  • “Detox Flow” class, you bet!  Look for it.
  • Adding a new class on Wed mornings with Karen!
  • 6-week beginners series, yes!