Gratitude
On this auspicious day, my heart swells with gratitude for the grace that allows me to continue this path of right livelihood – supporting people as they navigate through the twists and turns of life’s dance through the tools of yoga and Presence.
Thank you for your part in this symbiotic grace, your authentic participation in this divine mystery, particularly your continued interest in my offerings.
Practice, chaos, study
I have been maintaining a reasonably regular practice through the mundane busyness of the Advent and Christmas season and the treasured company of out-of-town family and friends. This year in particular I have been diving deep into the philosophical foundations of yoga which has required that I hunker down and focus more than I have been able for the last couple of decades! Reinforcing the foundation that supports decades of practice, especially as my age starts to surpass that of many in my clan, is both a challenge and a thrill.
Listening inward
Overactivity got the best of this bag of bones in the day or two following Christmas. Noticing the subtle signs of a bug catching hold, I withdrew from planned activities and indulged in serious self-care. Gentle yet effective immune-boosting supplements and herbs and generous amounts of rest appear to have kept infection at bay. The weeks ahead promise to be very full (see below) and I want to take care of my body-mind as best as possible.
Being intentional
At the beginning of a new year, and in this case, a new decade, we sometimes put pressure on ourselves to make resolutions that we often don’t keep. How about working with an intention that resonates in the moment? Here’s a short and effective practice from the iRest protocol that has very generously been offered by the Integrative Restoration Institute and my teacher, Richard Miller. Intention Exercise
Honouring what nourishes
Most people do not know that I am an introvert at heart – while I enjoy being out and about with people, I am rejuvenated by generous periods in nature and in solitude. So my heart is warmed just thinking that in less than 24 hours I will be snowshoeing and otherwise basking in the sublime mountains of the Great Divide with my husband of 34 years as a way of celebrating my birthday. Assimilating the material I have been studying will continue while I am enjoying the great outdoors for a couple of days, and then I will continue to study in earnest when I return home.
Connecting through yoga and related activities
Soon, very soon, there will be some opportunities for our paths to cross. I hope I might see you at one or some of these events!
Next week:
- Monday evening 6:30 – 9PM: Reconnect with Yourself using Yoga and the Black Strap at the FCJ Centre. Great for unraveling tension, resetting postural patterns and developing focus and all done supine on the floor! This will run on the first Monday evening of most months throughout 2020. Come to one, some or all. Info and registration here.
- Tuesday morning (10 – 11:30 AM) and Wednesday evening (7 – 8:30 PM) “Asana and Beyond” yoga classes commence for the Winter 2020 season. These sessions are intimate, gentle and mindful. Pro-rated registration is available for the season while space permits. Weekly class info here.
- Friday morning 10:30 – noon FLC Seniors private “Building Blocks of Yoga” starts. You must be an FLC Seniors member and there is a waiting list for this class. FLC Yoga info here.
Later in January:
Sunday January 12th 1:30 – 2 PM Learn and practice Kirtan Kriya (a simple meditation technique known to enhance memory and mood in those with dementia and their caregivers) at FCJ Centre prior to (optionally) enjoying some company and refreshments at a two-hour Conversation Cafe’ offered free of charge in partnership with Dementia-Friendly Calgary. No need to have dementia! More info about the Kirtan Kriya Lesson and Conversation Cafe’.
All non-weekly 2020 offerings planned so far: info here
