Author Archives: Deb Potts

Motion is Lotion Vinyasa (Classic Hatha Week)8-26-20

Greetings from YFL!!! This week’s virtual yoga practice will be ‘Classic Hatha’, and I am calling the practice, ‘Motion is Lotion Vinyasa’. We will move from pose to pose through the link of the breath, but linger in each pose with our prana. Hopefully, you will find that the practice stretches you deeply, and develops power and strength. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Sangha’, which is to participate and practice with a group of ‘like-minded’ people in community. This one of the aspects of YFL that I appreciate the most, although, for the past 5 months it has been in a virtual format. Our mudra (hand gesture) is the ‘Shuni’ (Shoonya), which improves intuit, alertness, and our sensory powers. This week’s meditation focus will be ‘Community’ or ‘Sangha’. This might serve as your focal point while meditating this week. The meditation music selection is Kiran Murti’s ‘Divine Imagination’.

This week’s virtual meditation will emphasize the 4-7-8 Breath for release of stress, anxiety, fear, and/or panic.

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

PROPS: Two Blocks

Wed-Virtual Yoga w/Deb ‘Motion is Lotion’ Classic Hatha

Sun-Virtual Meditation w/Deb ‘4-7-8 Breath’

‘While life lasts, let us enjoy it’.—Namaste’ Cafe

Sukha-Stirrha (Yin-Yang) Pratice

Greetings from YFL!!! We continue, yet, another week of virtual classes come to you in videotape format from the studio. These classes are available on YouTube for $75/month, and my weekly virtual meditation classes are FREE!!!

This week’s practice will emphasize the blending of forces and energies through asana, as we balance both Sukha (Yin) and Stirrha (Yang). Our Sanskrit focus is AUM RAM RATAM. This will unite us with the rhythm of the Universe, and its healing energies. AUM is the hymn of the Universe, RAM is the seed sound for the solar plexus chakra (our wheel of physical power and will power), and RATAM is the rhythm of the Universe. Our mudra, or hand gesture, will evoke contemplation or meditation, and is the Dhanya. Simply place your left hand on top of your right with palms facing up, and bring the thumb tips together to create a circle of unity. Our meditation focus is JOY, and may be contemplated as you listen to this week’s music selection, ‘Sacred Earth’s, Bhakti Heeneem’.

Stay tuned for updates concerning YFL’s status of closure & reopening via these weekly blogs.

Wed (8/19/20-Sukha-Stirrha w/Deb

Sun (8/23/20)-Meditation w/Deb

PROPS: 1 strap, 2 blocks, 1 bolster

It will be another great week on the mat!!! Stay strong, positive, and well!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“He who has led you so far will guide you further”.-Rumi

‘Triple “R” Week’-Let’s Rest, Restore, and Renew!!!(8/10-8/16)

Greetings from YFL!!! We hope you are all staying healthy, strong, and positive during this second ‘stay at home’ order!!! Hopefully, we will be reuniting at the studio very soon!!! In the meantime, please enjoy my weekly, virtual mediation classes at no charge. I also encourage you to sign-up for the weekly yoga classes, as your support will help me maintain the studio while we continue to be closed. The monthly fee for unlimited use of all my YouTube uploads is $75/household. You may pay via PayPal, or check. Once your payment is received, then I will forward you the info for YouTube access.

This week’s virtual class will promote ‘Restoration’, or the 3 ‘Rs’ of Yoga-rest, renew, and restore!!! Our hand gesture, or mudra, is the classic ‘Dhanya’, which promotes a state of meditation or contemplation. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘AUM Shanti Ananda. AUM is the vibration for ‘Universal connection’, Shanit is peace, and Ananda is bliss. So grab your props (listed below), and prepare to release your stress, and stretch your body deeply!!!

This week’s meditation focus is ‘Release’, and may be contemplated while listening to Michael Hoppe’s ‘Silence of the Stars’.

We hope you have a fabulous week on and off the mat!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

8/10-8/16 PROPS: Blanket, Strap, Block, Bolster

8/12-Restorative (virtual class on YouTube) w/Deb

8/16-Meditation (virtual on YouTube) w/Deb

“Nothing can separate us from God’s love”.—Romans 8:38

‘Working with Weights’

Greetings from YFL, ‘Happy Downdog Days’ of summer!!! Yes, we have made it to a new month!!! That means we are in the first week, and time for ‘Working with Weights’ practice. So, grab your mat, weights, strap, and blocks (2)!!! We will emphasize power and stamina with the use of hand weights, and body weight!!! Our mudra (hand gesture) is the ‘Panvana’ position for self realization. You might want to repeat the following mantra, while assuming the gesture, ‘My life and all that I do, here and now, are the expressions of a deeper meaning’. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Aham Prema’, or ‘I am love’.  That will be the focus for this week’s meditation practice as well. You might want to listen to the music from David Lanz’s CD, Clear Visions.

The newsletter was released to your email desk on August 1st. It has some great info for making it through our warmest summer month!!!

I would like to reopen my Sunday meditations on YouTube to everyone. If you can make a donation for the meditations, great, and if not, great!!! A new meditation is uploaded each Sunday morning. If the YFL studio is going to continue to exist in the physical, then I must continue charging a monthly fee for the virtual yoga classes. I express extreme gratitude for those of you that have subscribed, and are continuing  to support the studio. The monthly charge per household is $75, and gives you unlimited use of all my uploaded classes for both yoga and meditation. Contact me about payment @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net.

Wed-‘Working with Weights’ w/Deb

Sun-‘Morning Meditation’ w/Deb

Props: Mat, hand weights, 2 blocks, strap

Have a wonderful first week of August, and as always we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!! Love and Light until we meet again!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Yin (+)…+=Yoga Nidra!!!

Greetings from YFL!!! We begin week #3 of our second closure, and hopefully, case #’s will allow us to return to live classes at YFL the following week!!! Let’s keep everything crossed!!! So, we will continue with the ‘Virtual Class Format’ again this week. I will release the new practice on Wednesday, 7/29, and a new ‘Meditation’ on Sunday, 8/2. Watch for the monthly newsletter!!! It will be available on your email desk 8/1 @ 10 a.m.

This week’s practice is ‘Yummy’, as it includes two segments. The first part is the physical practice, which will emphasize Yin for the spine, or ‘Spinal Bliss’. From the physical practice we will transition into ‘Yoga Nidra’, or the yogi’s ‘sleepless sleep’. This is a profoundly deep technique for shedding the physical, mental, and emotional layers of stress. The process will take you into a deep state of relaxation, which will prepare you for either meditation or sleep.

Our Sanskrit focus for the week is ‘So Hum’, or ‘I am That’, connection to your authentic self or ‘Source’. Our hand gesture is the mudra for ‘Equanimity’, or Balance. It also promotes balance of the throat chakra, and thyroid gland. Our meditation focus is ‘Equanimity’, or finding our sense of balance in life. It may be contemplated, while listening to Michael Hoppe’s ‘Silence of the Stars’.

Wed-Virtual Yin + Yoga Nidra w/Deb

Sun-Meditation w/Deb

Props: Blanket, Pillow (or Bolster)

We hope you have a fabulous week, and as always, we cant’ wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Classic Hatha-Power + Flow (7/20-7/26)

Greetings from YFL!!! I hope this blog finds you all safe, healthy, and calm. We are entering our 2nd week of an experimental 3 week (second closure), and if we can flatten the curve again, then we can reopen. So, let’s all do our part, and stay safe!!! I am praying that we can reopen at the beginning of August. Until then, please consider signing up for my weekly virtual classes, which include one new yoga and meditation practice. The yoga practice is available each Wednesday on my YouTube Channel, and meditation on each Sunday morning. The cost is $75/month, and you may watch them as many times as you would like. There is already a store of about 15 yoga classes, and 15 meditation practices. You may send in a check to the studio, or pay via PayPal.com…yogaforlife06@verizon.net. If you have classes remain on your studio packages, then those will be honored upon your return. The virtual classes are not part of your studio purchases. If you have questions, please contact me directly @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net.

This week’s practice will be a ‘Classic Hatha’, or a combination of Power + Flow. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Vam’, which will balance both the Mind and Body, bringing a sense of contentment, and ease. Our hand gesture, or mudra is ‘Ushas’, or ‘connecting to all things good’. Our meditation music is Tome Barabas’s ‘Clouds’ from his Nuages CD. Our contemplative thought is ‘Contentment’. Next week will feature a ‘Yin’ style practice.

Props: Strap, 2 Blocks

Wed (7/22)-Classic Hatha on Deb’s YouTube Channel

Sun (7/26)-Meditation Practice w/Deb

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

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”-C.S. Lewis

YFL Status (7/14/20)

Greetings from YFL!!! (7/14/20)

I am sorry to report, that once again, I have been forced to TEMPORARILY CLOSE THE DOORS of the studio. This closure is being imposed by state, county, and local guidelines, due to COVID-19.

In the interim, I will continue to offer one weekly virtual yoga practice, and one weekly virtual meditation practice. These will be available for purchase, and the cost will be $75 per month for unlimited use of all uploaded practices on my YouTube Channel. You may purchase the classes by sending checks to the studio, or via PayPal. For PayPal, simply login to PayPal.com, type in yogaforlife06@verizon.net, and that will connect you for debit/credit payments. If you have any questions, please email, or text me. If I am going to maintain the studio during these closures, I have no recourse, but to charge for the online services. Once I receive your payment, then I will give you the link for my classes!!!

We thank you for your continued support during these most difficult times!!! We wish you good health, and peace of mind.

Until we can meet again on the mat, be safe, be well, and be kind!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Sukha-Stirrha (Yin-Yang) Week

    (7-12-20)

Greetings from YFL!!!

As most of you know, the studio had to close suddenly on 7/9/20, due to possible exposure to Covid-19. Closure was a ‘practice of precaution’, and a following of suggested guidelines issued by various government agencies. Going forth, I would like to explain our posture, if future incidents of ‘possible’ exposure should occur. First an update on this initial occurrence.

  1. Based upon conversations with several local physicians the following information was gathered: a) We had the test of 7 days time upon notification of exposure, which was 7/9, one week after said exposure. b) In this case, risk of transmission is LOW, due to separation of positive case-husband-wife-students at YFL c) Husband & positive case were wearing masks & practicing social distancing c) Husband has exhibited no signs of the virus, post 7 days to exposure d) YFL practices ALL safety precautions for being open. e) We are waiting for test results, or 14 day quarantine, whichever comes first.
  2. With the information listed above, it will be deemed safe to reopen after 7/16. So, I am happy to announce that classes will resume on Saturday, 7/18. I will deep clean the studio, once again, on Friday, 7/17.
  3. Moving forward, if this happens again, all pertinent info will be released to ALL YFL students, but the studio WILL NOT CLOSE. It will be your responsibility, and discretion on whether to attend classes. I cannot operate a business with an On/Off switch.
  4. We will continue to follow ALL safety and guideline protocols, and keep the facility spotless!!! We ask that you be prudent in your choices, and help keep everyone safe.
  5. Life is not 100% safe, and never will be under any circumstances. I am doing everything in my power to ensure your safety and comfort at YFL. Ultimately it is your choice on participating in the classes offered.
  6. To continue as a business I must keep my doors open, and classes running.
  7. If you have concerns, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at yogaforlife06@verizon.net.
  8. We are MOST GRATEFUL for your understanding, and continued support through these most difficult of times.

Now to this week’s practice-the blending of Yin/Yang, or Sukha-Stirrha!!!  A practice of vigor to begin with, and ending in deeply stretching and contemplating. Our Sanskrit focus is Hreem, Shreem, Klim, or evoking & receiving the energy of Wisdom, Love, and Generosity. Our hand gesture, or mudra, is the ‘Grounding Gesture’, to ground and connect. Our music is ‘Claire de Lune’, by Music for Meditation, and our meditation focus is ‘Patience’. We wish you a safe and healthy week, and as always, cant’ wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Wed-Sukha-Stirrha Virtual Class on YouTube

Sun-4-2-6 Breath Meditation w/Deb

Sit with it. Sit with it. Sit with it. Even though you want to run. Even when it’s heavy and difficult. Even though you’re not quite sure of the way through. Healing happens by feeling.-Dr. Rebecca Ray

YFL will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED!!! (7/9-7/18/20)

GREETINGS FROM  YFL!!! I was informed the morning of 7/9/2020, that a student attending class at the studio on 7/2/2020 had been exposed via her husband to someone that had tested positive for Covid-19 on 6/30/2020. Since students in the class on 7/2 have since attended other classes at the studio, I have no choice but to impose a 14 day quarantine from classes at YFL.

*We will be CLOSED TEMPORARILY, FROM 7/9-7/18/2020.

*IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU GET TESTED FOR COVID-19.

*IF POSITIVE PLEASE INFORM ME. ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.

*IN THE INTERIM, PLEASE CONTINUE TO UTILIZE MY VIRTUAL CLASSES ON YOUTUBE. YOU WILL BE CHARGED ONE CLASS VISIT/USE OF THE POSTED CLASS, UNLESS YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE MONTHLY ONLINE USE FEE OF $75.

*WE ARE SORRY FOR THIS INCONVENIENCE, BUT ARE DEDICATED TO KEEPING EVERYONE HEALTHY AND SAFE!!!

*WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ON THE MAT BEGINNING JULY 20, 2020.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at  yogaforlife06@verizon.net.

Be kind, be well, and stay safe.—Namaste’, Deb

Triple ‘R’ Week-Rest, Renew, and Restore!!!

Greetings from YFL!!! We hope you had a restful, and enjoyable 4th of July weekend!!! This week we will practice ‘Restorative Asana’. Yes, it is ‘Triple R’ Week-rest, renew, and restore!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Shiva Ham’, or ‘I am silent awareness’. Our meditation focus is ‘lightness & coolness’, as you listen to Kiran Murti’s ‘Sweet Indian Dream’. Our hand gesture (mudra) is the meditation position, or ‘Dhanya’ to promote contemplation energy.

Wed-Virtual Restorative w/Deb

Sun-Morning Meditation w/Deb

Please remember to pre-register for ALL classes at least 24 hours prior to attendance. Contact Deb at yogaforlife06@verizon.net to pre-register. Virtual classes are available for a fee, and payment is via check, or PayPal @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net.

We also ask that you continue to follow ALL guidelines for Covid-19, as we continue to keep the studio safe and clean for your health.

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

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do, with your one wild and precious life?”—Mary Oliver

‘Weight Time’!!!

Greetings from YFL!!! It is ‘Weight Time’!!! We will strengthen, tone, and sculpt this week with the use of our body weight, and small hand weights (use small water bottles, if you don’t have weights)!!! Our Sanskrit focus is ‘YAM’, which is pronounced Yum. This is the seed sound for the heart chakra, and invokes the energy of ‘Universal Compassion’. Our hand gesture (mudra) is the ‘APAN’, or relief mudra. It is for detoxification and cleansing, and the releasing of any type of burden that we might be carrying in our mind, body, or heart. Our meditation focus is ‘Self Care’, and may be contemplated, while listening to Michael Hoppe’s ‘Silence of the Stars’. The virtual class offering will also feature weights!!! The Sunday meditation with Deb will emphasize ‘Staying Grounded’.

This week’s Yin class will focus on the hips, and opening their range of motion, so it is ‘Happy Hips’ week for Yin!!!

Wed: Virtual ‘Weight Time’

YFL will be CLOSED Fri & Sat in observance of the 4th of July holiday. Normal class schedule resumes on Monday, July 6th!!!  Have safe, and wonderful holiday!!!

 Sun: Meditation w/Deb-‘Staying Grounded’

Props for the week: Block, Strap, Weights ( or water bottles, NO CANS!!!)

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

“Each new day is a blessing. Let go of all worries, and be grateful for all the positive in your life”.—John Tesh

Classic Hatha Week + Yin!!!

Greetings from YFL!!! We are entering our second full week of LIVE classes at the studio!!! It was so wonderful seeing all of you in person this week, and truly appreciate your support during quarantine, and afterwards!!!

This week is Classic Hatha week, which will emphasize ‘Flow + Power’. Our Sanskrit focus is AUM Made Pade Hum, or ‘May all beings be happy, and may all beings be free from suffering’. Our mudra (hand gesture) is for ‘Vitality’, and increased energy and movement, or the ‘Pick Me Up’. The meditation focus is ‘Slow Down’, and may be focused upon, while listening to the ‘Yoga Meditation CD’s, ‘Relaxation’ song.

Yin practice this week will focus upon working the full range of motion of the spine, or ‘Spinal Bliss’.

Our new Spring Schedule has been posted, so please consult the website schedule page.

Wed-Deb’s Weekly Virtual Yoga Class (email Deb, if you would like to register for these classes @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net.

Sun-Deb’s Weekly Virtual Meditation

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRE-REGISTER FOR EACH CLASS YOU WANT TO ATTEND!!! REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY NO LATER THAN 5 P.M. THE DAY BEFORE CLASS ATTENDED!!!

*PROPS FOR THIS WEEK’S CLASS: 1 BLOCK, 1 STRAP FOR CLASSIC HATHA

1 BLOCK, 1 BOLSTER OR PILLOW FOR YIN

Wishing you a great week, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

“Lots of ways to reach God, I chose love”.—Rumi

LIVE CLASSES ARE BACK!!! (Yin, Gentle, Wall or Sukha/Stirrha)

Greetings from YFL!!! It was so good to return to LIVE classes last Friday!!! This will be our first full week back!!! Please remember that classes are limited to 8 or less students/class, and you must PRE-REGISTER @ yogaforlife06@verizon.net, or you may text Deb @ her cell phone#. Please email for the #. Also, a reminder to read the Covid-19 Guidelines on the website before attending your first class, and adhere to all the protocols. Deb will also continue offering virtual classes, one new yoga class and one new meditation class per week. The monthly cost is $75, and if you want to continue the virtual classes as well as attending live classes the monthly cost is an extra $25. The virtual classes will be available only on Deb’s YouTube Channel. Once you submit your payment, then Deb will give you the link for accessing classes. When you enter class there is a blue payment box for placement of cash or checks. If paying with cash, please leave it in an envelope with your name and date. We also accept Debit/Credit via Square, and PayPal.

This week’s class will feature Yoga @ The Wall, for class sizes of 6 or less, or Sukha/ Stirrha, if the class size is 7 or 8 students. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Shanti’, peace. The hand gesture (mudra) is the classic Jnana mudra for connecting to Universal wisdom and knowledge. Our meditation focus is ‘Peace’, and may be focused upon while listening to David Lanz’s, ‘Cristiforis Dream’.

Remember to bring your mat, water, towel, and props to class!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Mon-Sat (normal live class schedule)

Wed-Deb’s Virtual Class (Sukha/Stirrha)

Sun-Deb’s Virtual Mediation

This Week’s Props: Mat, Block, Strap

Virtual Class #13-Let’s Restore

Greetings from YFL!!! As we prepare to re-open YFL, I would like to express my extreme gratitude for the continuing financial support that so many of you provided the studio during quarantine.My heart is truly touched!!!  Newsom gave the OK for phase 3 opening of gyms, fitness centers, and yoga studios, as early as 6/12/20. Now we are waiting to see if Riverside Co. meets the regional variance qualifications for re-opening such facilities. As soon as the Riverside Co. Health Director says its OK, then we will open!!! I anticipate opening this Friday, 6/12!!! If you registered for classes on 6/8-6/11, I will transfer those reservations to the following week!!! I AM VERY EXCITED THAT WE WILL OPEN VERY SOON!!!  Before attending class, please refer to the Covid19 Guideline Page on the website menu bar, www.yogaforlife06.com.

This week’s practice will feature-Rest, Restore, and Renew!!! So grab your block, strap, blanket, and bolster. If you don’t own a bolster, then construct one with your blanket and pillow. Our hand gesture (mudra) is ‘Varhakam’ or mudra for transformation, and the art of change. I will demonstrate it on the video. It refreshes the spirit, and brings harmony and balance to you. Our Sanskrit focus is ‘Sattvic’, or the energy and action of ‘calm understanding’. Our meditation focus is ‘CALMNESS’, and may be contemplated while listening to Tom Barabas’s ‘Moon Dust’.

It is almost time to see one another face to face, and practice together in the ‘whole’!!! We simply can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Wed-Restorative w/Deb

Fri-Gentle w/Sophie

Sun-Meditation w/Deb

P.S.-After the first week of full classes at the studio, I will continue to offer one new virtual class per week, for those that must continue isolation at home. These classes will be offered through YouTube only, and there will be a charge of $75/month, unlimited use. I will also offer a weekly mediation class. If there are two of you per household the fee would be $140.

Virtual Class #12-‘Weight’ Time!!!

Greetings from YFL. Let us all pause, and take one long, deep breath. Focus on ‘Let there be peace, and let it begin with me’. I also invite you to silently or verbally chant the healing mantra, Sanskrit focus, for this week, ‘RA MA DA SA’. This mantra is a healing sound, and its vibration cuts across time and space, and brings healing. Let us practice compassion, common ground, and unifying actions. Let us embrace that ALL LIVES MATTER. We MUST, and we WILL find peaceful resolutions to the deep hurt that humankind is experiencing.  Peace to you all, AUM Shanti Shanti Shanti.—Namaste’, Deb

This week’s virtual class #12 will feature ‘Weight Time’, so grab your mat, and your hand weights for a rigorous Hatha Yoga sequence with our weights!!! Our mudra (hand gesture) is ‘Ushas’, or connecting to all things good. As stated above, our Sanskrit focus is ‘RA MA DA SA’. Once again, our contemplation or meditation focus is ‘PEACE’, AUM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Our meditation music is from Kiran Murti, ‘Divine Imagination’.

Based on the Governor Newsom’s latest press conference, he mentioned releasing phase 3 information for gym (yoga studio) reopening guidelines this week (perhaps Thursday). So, I am posturing, and ready to open on Monday, June 8th, if he gives the green light, and Riverside County has been granted regional variance approval. As always, I am hopeful, and stay tuned via this blog, and my YFL Facebook Page.

Please checkin at my website, www.yogaforlife06.com, go to the menu bar, and click Covid19. This page will explain all the guidelines that must be followed for reopening. You MUST PRE-REGISTER for the class(es) you want to attend. Class size will limited to 8 students. Payment options are cash, check, debit/credit, or PayPal. If paying with cash, please bring exact amount, as we won’t be making change.

June 2020 Newsletter by Deb-6/1

Wed-6/3-Classic Hatha w/Weights-Deb

Fri-6/5-Gentle Yoga-Sophie

Sun-6/7-Meditation-Deb

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

“Love is not what you say, love is what you do”.—Unknown