Intention

I teach yoga because I enjoy fun we have in class as well as the way we feel after class. I am happy to begin teaching a 7pmBalance yoga class on Wednesday nights. Please note that there is no morning class Wednesday, May 26 that class has been moved to 7pm.

These spring evenings provide an awesome opportunity to open ourselves to balance and peace. Did you know that my intention for class is just that? -That we experience balance and peace within.

We begin our yoga practice by centering ourselves and setting our intention. An intention is a dedication, prayer or positive affirmation. Using intention in our yoga brings us to the present moment. Opening the door for us to tune into the subtly of our mind, body & spiritual needs.

I invite you to explore the power of intention throughout your day. To the left are links to articles about living in the present moment and using intention. Below I have included sample intentions that you may find beneficial.

I invite you to use intention throughout your day. We begin and end our yoga practice with this powerful tool. Intention can be used in small and big ways. Below are some intentions or affirmations that might speak to you:

• I love fearlessly.
• I trust myself enough to let the voice within me be stronger than any voices outside.
• I am beautiful inside and out.
• I am worthy of receiving love and support.
• I use my time wisely.
• I make healthy choices.
• I am strong.
• Vulnerability is strength, today I will be vulnerable by accepting love & support from others.
• I am peaceful.
• I am is more than enough.
• I find joy through service. I find love through letting go.
• I am worthy of receiving all of life's splendid gifts.
• I am balanced.
• I am grounded.
• I enjoy the present moment.

To practice yoga with intention, moves your heart as well as those around you.

The Heart's Intention

Setting the Tone

Enjoy the Light

Take a moment and remember that feeling you have in savasana or at the end of class. Imagine an entire hour of that sweet bliss. That is what you are likely to experience during Restorative Yoga. A new class to be held 7pm Monday, May 10 & 24 more details are below. Refer to the left panel for the complete class schedule or email me if you would like a (easier to read) printable May class calendar.

If you are looking for more than an hour, this summer gift yourself with a retreat. Yoga Under the Oaks is filled with rejuvenating activities for your mind, body & spirit. I have been looking forward to it since October. Early bird registration price ends Saturday.

Let's go back to that feeling at the end of class. Our breath is smooth & long. Our bodies loose and minds calm. Then we end our yoga practice sharing the salutation namasté. Which means, "The light in me honors the light in you." It is with light and love that I teach, in hopes of manifesting our vision 'To illuminate your path for life's adventure.' I am blessed to be a part of your journey. Let your light shine bright!




I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.
                                                       -Hafiz of Persia



Yoga to Ease Inflammation

Yoga Helps Cancer Patients

Light Up the World Meditation

Ray of Light Yoga Sequence

Yoga Healing

Yoga Health Benefits

Help for Back Pain

Help Heal Yourself with Yoga

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful.

-Alice Walker

Affirmations

On the mat we consciously observe the thoughts of the mind without attachment or judgment. As we practice this or meditate, we may find some of those thoughts are negative or demeaning. That's right we may find that we are sabotaging ourselves and others with negative self talk.

I encourage you to add positive affirmations to your practice and daily activities to change the self talk and actions that stem from it. You may say these affirmations out loud or silently to yourself. Here are some ideas:

• As you inhale: The strength I feel inside me is enough to sustain me during any experience I have today. As you exhale: The compassion from my heart will lead me to help anyone in need.
• Breathing in I feel calm; breathing out I smile.
• Inhale I relax and exhale I release.
• Breathing in I am heart centered; breathing out I share love. 

Love the Adventure

Ah finally the change of seasons. As Mother Nature transitions to a time of rebirth and growth, we are also able to shed bad habits, stress, tension, negative energy or anything else unwanted. When we shed this coat of 'ick', we open ourselves to life-giving opportunities.

This spring I challenge you to make a commitment to yourself. Do something for your wellness that elevates your spirit, relaxes your mind or helps your body feel strong and vital. This newsletter is full of ideas. Two big opportunities to engage your mind & body as well as free your spirit: Yoga Under the Oaks a 3 day retreat at Whiterock Conservancy and Illuminate Challenge a 6 week wellness program. Let me know if I can help you brainstorm more ways to love the adventure of life.

As you connect with your mind, body & spirit's needs, I invite you to make the yoga class your own. It is truly your practice. You always have the option to decline a pose if it is not right for your body. I am happy to take the opportunity to share another option with you.

Yoga is never a one-size-fits-all practice; rather, it's a personalized practice adapted to your energy level and physical condition. I do my best to offer several options during class. Please never hesitate to ask for more options or clarification.

Enjoy life's adventure!





Articles to Enjoy

Walking for Inspiration

A Day Designed to Take Back Your Time

3 Simple Ways to Unwind

Insant Calm: Thought Stopping

Ideas For Fun

Opening Your Heart

Winter can lead to tightness in the chest & tension in the shoulders. Free your body & open your heart's center with the following:

• In Tabletop Pose, standing or seated (in a chair or on the floor) inhale arch your back to Cow and exhale round your spine to Cat. 
• Interlace fingers behind your back. Inhale to straighten the elbows, lift the head & chest. 
• Roll your shoulders up & back. Leaving them back will open the chest and free the heart. Breathe & be mindful of any sensations.
• Focus your mind on your Even Breath as you focus on the mantra 'Love is within.'

Taking a few minutes throughout the day to reconnect with your mind, body & spirit will provide you an opportunity to relax, refocus & be present.