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‘Weight Time’-Happy July, it is weight week on the mat!!!

Greetings from YFL, and Happy July!!! As we welcome in a new month that always means it is “Weight Week” on the mat!!! The YFL staff wishes you and yours a most Happy 4th of July holiday!!! Enjoy the festivities, and stay safe!!! In observance of the holiday, YFL will BE CLOSED 7/4-7/7. Our new Summer Schedule will resume on Monday, 7/8. Please consult the Class Schedule on our website: www.yogaforlife06.com for all the new class offerings!!!

Our physical practice will emphasize baring weight, our own body weight, and the use of hand weights. This promotes strong bone health, increased strength, power, and muscle toning. Our Sanskrit focus is one of the eight limbs of yoga, Pratyahara, or to withdraw from external stimuli, and remained focused and connected to the body via the breath. Our mudra is ‘The Grounding Hand Gesture’. This helps stay focused, grounded, and connected. Our meditation focus is ‘Freedom’, and the music selection is Tom Baraba’s CD Nuages, the song is ‘Clouds’.

Our first annual ‘Great Yoga Adventure to The Bowery’ was so much fun!!! Everyone had a great time, and gave the The Bowery an A+ for food, atmosphere, and service!!! The yoga wasn’t too bad either!!! You just have to come next time, if you were unable to attend this one!!!

Sophie’s 4-week Yoga For Emotional Liberation workshop begins on 7/10. It will meet from 6-7 p.m. for four consecutive Wednesday evenings. The cost is $65, and there is still time to register.

Yoga Basics and Intro to Yoga w/Deb are now by appointment for individuals or small groups. If you are interested in learning or brushing up on basic fundamentals and principles of yoga, then please email or drop-in to register. Yoga Basics is now a 90 minute class @$40. Meditation I is by appointment, and includes a single 120 minute class @ $70.

It will be another wonderful week at YFL (although short)!!! So, get your yoga in on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Stop leaving and you will arrive. Stop searching and you will see. Stop running away and you will be found”.—Lao Tzu

 

New Class!!!

6/22/21

Welcome Deborah, our newest instructor!!! She will be offering Gentle Yoga on Tu/Th 6-7 p.m. You will love her energy, and teaching style!!! 🙏Deb

‘To The Wall’ (3/15-3/20/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! Happy Daylight Savings Time!!! This week is ‘To the Wall’ on the mat!!! We use the wall as a fantastic tool of focus, alignment, and power generation!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Yampasham’, or ‘To calm down, and find a place where you can think over a problem in peace and quiet. This is also our ‘new mudra’, or hand gesture for the week!!! Our meditation focus is ‘calm down’, and may be contemplated while listening to Kevin Kern’s, ‘Into the Veil’. This week’s Yin practice will focus on poses to open, and balance the ‘Solar Plexus’ Chakra, or ‘Manipura’.

PROPS:

Wall Week-Mat & Block

Yin-Bolster & Blanket

WED: Virtual Yoga w/Deb (Blend of Sukha-Stirha & Some Wall)

SUN: Virtual Meditation w/Deb (Body Scan)

On March 17th (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) Riverside Co. returns to the Red Tier. For YFL, this means open for live classes, at limited capacity (6 or less), 6′ mat distancing, and masks. All CDC guidelines are in place, and observed at the studio. STUDENTS MUST PRE-REGISTER BY 5 P.M. THE DAY BEFORE ATTENDING THE CLASS OF CHOICE!!! Myself, and most students have been fully vaccinated, and we encourage you to do the same.

As always, it will be a great week at YFL, and we can’t wait to see you on the mat, in person, or virtually!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Never save things for special occasions. Being alive is the only special occasion there is”.—Unknown

 

Triple ‘R’ Week-Rest, Renew, and Restore (3/8-3/13/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! It is Triple ‘R’ week, thus we will be restoring, renewing, and relaxing on the mat with lots of props!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Prana’, or ‘Life Force’, the energy that moves us, and maintains our vitality!!! The mudra (hand gesture) is a new one, ‘Vismaya’. This is the hand position for gathering clear and deep perception, and faith in the benevolence of the Universe. Our meditation focus is ‘Patience’, and the music selection is ‘A Moment in Time’ by Ann Sweeten. This week’s Yin practice will promote a healthy digestive system. The March newsletter was released last week. If you aren’t currently on the subscription list, just email Deb, and request being added to our contact list (yogaforlife06@verizon.net).

PROPS:

Restorative Yoga-Block, Blanket, Bolster

Yin Yoga-Block, Bolster

WED: Virtual Yoga class w/Deb (Restorative)

SUN: Sunday Virtual Meditation w/Deb (Sanctuary of Silence)

It will be another great week at YFL, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“What do you think success is”? asked the boy. “To love,” said the mole.—Charlie Mackesy

‘Weight’ Time!!! (3/1-3/6/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! Happy March, Spring, and St. Patrick’s Day!!! This week’s yoga practice will emphasize weight bearing in the form of hand weights, and of course, your own body weight!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘So Hum’, or I am _______? The hand gesture or mudra is the classic Jnana, or position for ‘Universal Knowledge & Support’. This week’s Yin practice will serve to open and release the hip joints, or ‘Happy Hips’!!! Our meditation focus is ‘I am ____?’ The music for your meditation time is Tom Barabas’ CD, Nuages, and the song selection is ‘Clouds’. The March newsletter should be on your email desk sometime tomorrow (3/1/21)!!!

PROPS:

Weights (1 to 2 lbs.) optional, block

YIN-bolster, block, blanket

Wed: Virtual Yoga w/Deb-‘Weight’ Time

Sun: Sunday Meditation w/Deb

It will be another great week, and new month at YFL!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give”.—Anonymous

Classic Hatha Week=Power + Flow (2/22-2/27/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! It is ‘Classic Hatha’ week, which will emphasize the balancing of power, and flow!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Karuna’, or compassion for ALL. Our mudra (hand gesture) is the ‘Grounding Mudra’, one hand to the heart, and the other grounding into ‘Mother Earth’. This week’s Yin practice will emphasize the range of motion of the spine, or ‘Spinal Bliss’. Our meditation focus is ‘Compassion’, and the music for your contemplative time is Piano Meditation’s, ‘White Dove’.

PROPS:

Classic Hatha: block, strap

Yin: bolster, block, blanket

WED: Virtual Yoga w/ Deb (Classic Hatha)

SUN: Virtual Meditation w/Deb (Yoga Nidra)

It will be another great week at YFL, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“May your day be blessed, your morning bright, your evenings filled with far and sprite. May you dine on joy, feast on hope, bathe in the graceful Light of love”.—Ramblings of the Claury

To ‘The Wall’, and Beyond!!! (2/15-2/19/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! Happy President’s Day!!!  It is time to return to ‘The Wall’ & Beyond!!!  This week we will use the wall as our magical tool of alignment, focus, and power!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Sankalpa’, or your ‘Intention’, ‘Resolution’. I challenge you to create just one intent each time you meditate, practice, or as you start your day!!! Our mudra (hand gesture) is the ‘Openness’ position for the hands. This gesture promotes an ‘opening to the window of your soul’, and helps clear the bronchial tubes and makes breathing clear, and more efficient. Our meditation focus is ‘Clarity’. As you listen to this week’s music selection, Yoga Relaxation’s ‘Music for Meditation’, allow the connection to, and flow of your breath,  summon clarity of mind, body, and heart. This week’s Yin practice will serve to balance ‘The Chakras’.

PROPS:

Wall Practice: Wall (We provide!!! :-)), Block

Yin Practice: Block, Bolster, Blanket

Wed: Virtual Yoga w/Deb (Sukha-Stirrha)

Sun: Virtual Meditation w/Deb (The Trinity of Sacred Energy-God Gland (Pineal), Belly Gland (Vagus Nerve), and the Mind’s Eye (Third Eye).

It will be another great week at YFL, and as always, we can’t way to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Look, I want to love this world as though it’s the last chance I’m ever going to get to and know it”.—Mary Oliver

 

Triple ‘R’ Week-Rest, Renew, and Restore (2/8-2/13/21)

Greetings from YFL, and Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Remember, if you need a gift for that ‘special someone’, we have gift certificates available!!! Contact Deb @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net. This week we focus on the three ‘Rs’-Rest, Renew, and Restore, thus, it is Restorative Week!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘AUM Shanti Ananda’, or to connect in the bliss of peace!!! Our mudra (hand gesture) is for ‘Vitality’, or ‘Staying Young’, and it also promotes cleansing of the lymph system. Our meditation focus is ‘Love’, and may be focused upon, while listening to ‘Kiran Murti’s’, ‘Indian Dream’.

This week’s Yin practice will focus on balancing the ‘Heart Chakra’, or ‘Anahata’. It will include the sounding of the ‘Crystal Bowl’ for this chakra!!!

PROPS:

Restorative: Bolster, Blanket, Block

Yin: Bolster, Block

WED: Virtual Yoga w/Deb (Restorative)-YouTube Channel

SUN: Meditation w/Deb (Yoga Citta Ananda Niroda)

This week at home, work, and play do at least ONE THING everyday that makes you happy. It can be as simple  as listening to your favorite song!!!-Deepak Chopra

It will be another great week at YFL, and as usual, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Let’s ‘Weight’!!! (2/1-2/6/21)

Greetings from YFL, and Happy February!!! It is hard to believe that we have already completed the first month of the New Year!!! This week’s practice is Let’s ‘Weight’, and will emphasize ‘weight use’ for the purpose of strengthening, toning, and sculpting. You may choose to use 1 or 2 lb. weights, or opt for NO weights at all. The weekly Sanskrit focus is ‘Maitri’, or the energy of friendship. The mudra (hand gesture) is ‘Mukula’, or the ‘Beak’, and serves to focus healing, regenerating, and renewing energy to various areas of the body, as we place the beak position on that location. Our meditation focus is ‘Friendship’, and may be contemplated while listening to ‘Classical Piano for Meditation’s White Dove’.

If you are looking for that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, then consider a YFL gift certificate for virtual or live classes. CONTACT DEB @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net!!!

This week’s Yin practice will serve to ‘Lower Cortisol’, and ‘Slow Aging’. Who doesn’t need that?!!!

PROPS:

Weight Class-Weights, Block

Yin Class-Bolster, Blanket, Block

SCHEDULE:

MON-YFL February 2021 Newsletter @ 10 a.m. on your Email Desk!!!

WED-Virtual Yoga w/Deb-Let’s ‘Weight’

SUN-Virtual Meditation w/Deb-Yoga Nidra Step 10

It will be another great month, and week at YFL!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”.

Classic Hatha Week (1/25-1/30/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! The first month of 2021 is almost complete!!! This week we focus on Vinayasa (Flow) + Power with ‘Classic Hatha’. Our Sanskrit focus is AUM, or the primordial, vibrational energy, which was created at the beginning of the Universe. This energy, and the chanting of this energy is connectional, and uniting. Our mudra (hand gesture) is DHANYA, or the meditation mudra. This week’s Yin classes will focus on promoting ‘Good Digestion’. Sunday’s Virtual meditation class will include the 9th step of ‘Yoga Nidra’. Our weekly meditation focus is ‘Stop, Breathe, and Listen’. The supporting music is ‘Moon Dust’ by Tom Barabas.

PROPS:

Classic Hatha-Small blanket, strap, block

Yin-Bolster, block, blanket

Meditation-mat, blanket, Zafu (cushion)

SCHEDULE:

WED: Virtual class w/Deb (Classic Hatha)

SUN: Virtual Meditation w/Deb

It will be another great week at YFL!!! We can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If its perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity”.—Eckhart Tolle

Meet me at the Wall!!! (1/18-23/21)

Greetings from YFL!!! Fall in love with taking care of your Mind, Body, and Spirit!!! Give yourself the gift of yoga, and meditation this week, and every week!!! Remember that we offer virtual classes every Wednesday, and Sunday during these difficult times. Email Deb @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net for more information!!!

This week’s class is about using the ‘Wall’ as a prop of resistance, alignment, focus, and power. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Sukha’, or the energy of joy, happiness, bliss, and peace. Who doesn’t need more of that energy in their life?!!! Our hand gesture (mudra) is the ‘Ushas’, or connecting to all things good. Interlace your fingers, and place the left thumb on top of the right, with palms facing up. Our meditation focus is ‘Joy’, and may be contemplated as you listen to James Hood’s ‘Imginary Friend’.

This week’s Yin practice will emphasize ‘Happy Hips’, or opening the hip joint.

As we enter this week, let’s love, serve, and remember. Remember, that as a member of humanity, we ALL belong to one another. It will be another great week at YFL, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

PROPS:

WALL PRACTICE-Mat, Block

YIN PRACTICE-Block, Bolster, Mat

WED-Virtual Yoga w/Deb (Sukha & Stirrha)-Block, Belt, Mat, Bolster (or Blanket)

SUN-Meditaton w/Deb (Yoga Nidra-Step 8)-Bolster, Blanket, Mat

“Life is a school, where you learn how to remember what your soul already knows”.—Unknown

Let’s Restore-Rest, Restore, and Relax (1/11/21)

Greetings from YFL.  Sending the energy of love, encouragement, and support to anyone, and everyone, that has ever attended classes, training, or workshops at our studio. Sending out the encouragement of ‘Metta’, the healing light and energy of Spirit, and the energy of ‘unconditional love’ to ALL. Trying to sit, listen, understand, and connect through common ground. We all have hearts ‘beating at the same time’, and created by the same Spirit. Let us find ways to connect rather than disconnect. Sending lots of love and hugs to all of you, your family, and your friends.

This week’s class is all about ‘Restoration’, or ‘Triple R’ week. Lets’ restore, renew, and relax, as we simultaneously nourish, and heal our bodies with deep yoga poses, and breath work. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Metta’, or the healing light and love of Spirit. Our mudra (hand gesture) is the grounding position for stability, and connection. Our meditation focus is ‘Moksha’, or freedom, and emotional liberation. The music selection is Michael Hoppe’s Wind Songs, ‘Silence of the Stars’. This week’s Yin classes will focus on the range of motion of our spine, or ‘Spinal Bliss’.

PROPS:

RESTORATIVE: Bolster, Blanket, Block

YIN: Bolster, Blanket

WED: Virtual Yoga w/Deb-Restorative Week

SUN: Meditation w/Deb-Yoga Nidra-Step 7.

It will be another great week at YFL, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”—Saint Francis

Happy New Year!!! It is ‘Weight Time’!!!

Greetings from YFL, and Happy New Year!!! Let us be grateful for a new day, new week, new month, and NEW YEAR!!! 2021 here we come!!! This week, as we return to the mat, from our holiday break, will emphasize the use of hand weights, and body weight for building strength, stamina, and power!!! Our Sanskrit focus is one of gratitude, thankfulness, and gratefulness, or ‘Dhanya Vad’. Our mudra (hand gesture) is the ‘Openness’ position, which enhances opening the bronchial tubes, and promoting deep, efficient breathing!!! It opens the window of your soul. It opens us for what is beautiful and good, and to accept both with thankfulness. Our meditation focus is ‘Dhanya Vad’ (gratitude). The music selection for contemplation is Tom Barabas’ ‘Clouds’ from his ‘Nuage’ CD.

This week’s Yin practice will balance all 7 major chakras. The practice will incorporate seed sound vibrations with the Tibetan bowls, chanting the seed sound, color focus, and physical body alignment with asanas.

It will be a great start to the New Year, and we hope that soon things will begin to return to normal with the distribution of the Covid vaccine. We are looking forward to group gatherings, and events, when the time is right!!!

PROPS:

Weight Classes: Hand Weights ( 1 or 2 lbs.), Block, Strap

Yin: Bolster, Block 

Wed: Virtual Yoga Classes Return w/ ‘Weight Week’

Sun: Meditation w/Deb-Yoga Nidra Step 5!!!

It will be another great week, and another great year at YFL!!! As always, we cant’ wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret to success”.—Swami Sivananda

Happy New Year!!! (12/28-1/2/21)

Greetings from YFL, and Happy New Year!!! I hope this weekly blog finds you safe, well, and happy, and that you had a wonderful Christmas & holiday celebration!!! We have almost completed this difficult year of 2020, and have hope that the New Year will bring much joy, and renewed life!!! YFL will continue to be CLOSED all of this week (12/27-1/3/21). We will begin classes again on 1/4/21!!! Our first week back will be ‘Weight Week’, so come prepared to work hard!!!

To assist you through this last week of the year, and going into our New Year, I offer the following spiritual tools!!! Let your focus be on ‘ATMAN’ this week , or your inner, authentic Self, your ‘Soul’. Find ways to nurture and soothe your soul. Music, art, exercise, connecting with others safely. Meditate, and develop your soul connection, through reflection, and transformation, as you rest in the ‘Light of Source’. Your mudra (hand gesture) is ‘JNANA’, and is a hand position to evoke regeneration for the mind, body, and soul. It lightens and clarifies the ‘Spirit’. Connect the index finger to the thumb on each hand, and hold the left hand below the right. Left palm faces away, and the right palm faces your chest. Your meditation focus is your ‘Atman’, and may be reflected upon, while listening to Deva & Miten chant the ‘Kumatra Sutra’.

Remember my Christmas gift is unlimited use of my YouTube Channel classes through 1/3/21. This week’s Sunday Meditation is about ‘Everyday Miracles’ within our very lives!!! Enjoy!!! Next week will return to our 10 part series on ‘Yoga Nidra’ with part 5!!!

Happy New Year!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Our souls do not speak human language; they communicate to us through symbols, metaphors, visions, poetry, deep feelings, and everyday magic”.—Lonerwolf

Winter Solstice Practice (12/21-12/27/20)

Greetings from YFL, and Merry Christmas Week!!! Originally I had planned to offer classes through Wednesday of this week, however, due to ongoing issues with the HVAC system, we will BE CLOSED 12/21-1/3. The repair for the system has been scheduled by the building management for 1/2-1/3. I apologize for this inconvenience, and cancellation of classes prior to the holidays. All of us at YFL wish you a joyous holiday, and prosperous, healthy, and happy New Year. We look forward to many wonderful days on the mat with you in 2021!!!

As an additional Christmas gift, I would like to encourage you to use my online YouTube classes during the time that the studio is closed. In particular, I gift you today’s new Sunday meditation, which is on the ‘Winter Solstice’. Remember to enjoy the ‘Grand Conjunction’ of Jupiter and Saturn, as they shine in the night sky just past sunset, symbolizing the Christmas Star. This last happened in 1623, and will be the last time it is visible in our lifetime.

Our meditation music is by ‘Winds of Samsara’, and features their piece entitled, ‘Heaven is Here’. Our meditation focus is ‘Joy’ the fourth point of Advent. Our mudra (hand gesture) is ‘Vismaya’, or having faith in the mystery and benevolence of the Spirit of the Universe. Place the index finger on the middle of the thumb, and the the middle finger at the end of the thumb on each hand. Rest in the temple of your body, deep within, and be infused by the light, support, and comfort of Spirit.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Joy is a net of love with which you can catch souls”.—Mother Teresa

(12/14-12/19/20)-Let’s Try Triple ‘R’ Week Again!!!

Greetings from YFL!!! As most of you know, I was away from the studio last week!!! So, rather than wall week, we will honor Triple ‘R’ week, and practice restoration, relaxation, and renewal. Our Sanskrit focus aligns with the third week of Advent, and is ‘Aham Prema’, or ‘I am love’. The mudra (hand gesture) is for ‘Equanimity’, or the ‘Smile’ gesture. Our meditation focus is ‘Love’, and may be contemplated, while listening to ‘Kiran Murti’s Divine Imagination’.

This week’s Yin practice will conclude our journey through the chakras, as we strive to balance the energy of the 7th chakra, or Sahasrara, the ‘Crown energy Wheel’.

PROPS:

RESTORATIVE: Block, Blanket, Bolster

YIN: Block, Blanket, Bolster

WED: Virtual Yoga-I am taking a three week respite from filming new, weekly classes. I have created a new weekly practice for 9 months very faithfully. I will return to YouTube with new classes beginning on January 6, 2021. In the meantime, if you are a paid subscriber, please continue to enjoy all the catalogued classes (well over 40 from which to choose!!!) Happy Holidays, and I will see you in the New Year!!! Thank you for your continued support of my virtual classes!!!

SUN: Meditation w/Deb-I will continue to produce a NEW meditation class each Sunday morning throughout the holidays. This Sunday is Yoga Nidra #5. You will need a bolster, blanket, and mat for the practice.

“Yoga is not about self-improvement, it is about self-acceptance.”—Unknown