This is Classic Hatha week at YFL, and Deb’s practice will emphasize “Vinyasa Flow”, or “Let’s Go with the Flow”!!! Our Sanskrit focus is the term “Vinyasa”, which means literally to “place in a special way”. It is a fluid linking of one asana to the next, much like a dance. Our Mudra focus for this week is the “Prithivi” or “Earth Hand Gesture”, which balances the root chakra, and increases our sense of being grounded and connection.
Our meditation focus is “Connection”, and is set to David Lanz’s “Blue Largo” music.
A reminder that we have a wonderful special event coming in May!!! Sandi Kimmel is hosting a two hour workshop on the healing powers of sound through chanting. She has titled her event “An EnCHANTing Workshop”!!! It is being offered at YFL on 5/20 from 1-3 p.m. at a bargain price of $15 pre-pay, and $20 at the door. Sandi will also have available her CDs for purchase. Please call or email to sign-up, or register at the studio!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!! Welcome Back to the Wall is this week’s practice theme!!! We will refine our alignment, power, and strength with “The Wall” as our key prop of the practice. Our mudra focus or hand gesture is the “Ganesha” for removing obstacles along life’s path. Our Sanskrit focus is “SHREE GUM NAMAH”, or “My limitless awareness overcomes all obstacles”.
We hope you ALL had wonderful Spring Breaks, and Easter celebrations, and look forward to having you back on the mat with some regularity!!! Kim will be hosting Mommy & Me yoga tomorrow from 11 a.m.-Noon for Moms, Grandmoms, Aunts and babies to 4 year olds. The cost is $10 for one child, or $15 for two. Please call to pre-register at the studio.
In May we welcome Sandi Kimmel for her two hour Kirtan Workshop on the healing power of music and sound. She will be hosting her EnCHANTing presentation on Saturday, May 20th, from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $15 prepay, or $20 at the door.
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings from YFL!!! We worked very hard last week with body weight bearing and hand weight bearing, so this week we will counter with a deep, gentle, restorative form of yoga practice!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “AGNI”, or our internal, purifying fire…the heat, light, and energy that burns through illusion, and leads us to self-knowledge, and ultimate Truth. Our Mudra focus is the “PRAN”. This is the hand gesture for inner energy to improve our vitality and vision. Our meditation focus is “SERENITY”, and is set to the music of Tom Barabas’ “Sedona Suites” “Nuages”.
The EnCHANTing workshop has been moved to May 20th, from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $15 pre-pay, or $20 at the door.
Yoga For Life will be CLOSED 4/14-4/16, in observance of the Easter Holiday weekend. Classes will resume their regular schedule on Monday, 4/17. Have a blessed holiday with your family and friends!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Yes, we have made it to another “Weight Week”, so “weigh” to get stronger!!! It is going to be another fantastic week at Yoga For Life!!! Strength, toning, and sculpting will be the physical focus for our practice. Our Sanskrit focus is “SAT”, or our “Being”, “reality”, “truth”, “essence”, “soul”, “the best”. It is our self conductor of everything. Our mudra focus will be “PUSHAN”, or a hand gesture for connection to nourishment from the energy of the sun. Your meditation focus is “ENERGY”, and set to Michael Hoppe’s music entitled “Silence”.
We have a wonderful Special Event this Saturday, from 1-3 p.m., with Sandi Kimmel, and her EnCHANTing Kirtan workshop!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
We have a bonus week this month!!! This week will be a wonderfully blended practice of Classic Hatha, both its Yang and Yin qualities, which are called Sukha (Yin) and Stirha (Yang) in Sanskrit!!! Our mudra focus is the grounding hand gesture, and this helps promote connection and stabilization. Our Sanskrit focus is Dhyana (Zen), and is one of our eight limbs of yoga. This is the limb of deep connection to Universal Energy as our Source for meditation and contemplation. Your meditation focus is “To stay grounded”, and is set to James Hood’s Pure Ceremony Music.
Kim is offering her Mommy & Me class today from 11 a.m.-Noon. The cost is $10 for one child, or $15 for two. Moms, Grandmoms, Aunts, Friends may bring babies through four year olds to the practice!!!
Sandi Kimmel’s EnCHANTing workshop is on April 8th, from 1-3 p.m. She will be introducing us to the healing effects of sound via chanting in both English and Sanskrit. The cost is $15 prepay or $20 at the door. This is going to be a wonderful experience.
Deb and Carol are hosting their annual Yoga-Hike to the Santa Rosa Plateau on April 7th. We will meet at the Visitor Center at 11:30 a.m. Please register at the studio.
It is going to be another great week at YFL!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings from YFL!!! Happy Spring Equinox!!! This week’s Classic Hatha practice will usher in the Spring Equinox, as we practice in a Sadhana Circle, and incorporate lots of Sun Salutations!!! Our mudra (hand gesture) is my favorite, USHAS, or to connect to all things good. Our Sanskrit focus is PRASADA, or to sit in a state of grace, a Universal Gift!!! Our meditation focus is “Spring Forth”, and is set to music, “The Butterfly Waltz” from Classical Yoga Piano. So come circle up!!!
Our Spring Schedule begins today, and all of our March and April offerings are listed on the Class Schedule page at the bottom under Special Events!!! Kim offers her monthly Mommy & Me class today at 11 a.m., Yogapuncture is this Saturday with Ashley and Monica from 3-5 p.m., and Sandi’s EnCHANTing workshop is on Saturday, April 8th from 1-3 p.m. Carol and Deb will be guiding your Yoga-Hike at the Santa Rosa Plateau on 4/7 from 11:30-1:30 p.m. It will be a fun filled Spring!!! Come join us!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
It is time to meet at the “WALL” for Wall Warrior Week!!! Deb has a couple of new asanas for you at the wall!!! Hopefully everyone has made it through the time change without harm!!! We had an awesome Drum Circle last evening!!! Your next drumming opportunity will be at the Summer Solstice on June 25th, from 5-6 p.m.!!! It is FREE and so much FUN!!! This week’s practice will utilize the wall as a prop of resistance, strength, and alignment!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Pratyahara”, or to turn the senses inward, to disconnect from external stimuli, and to completely connect the mind and the body via the breath and movement. Our mudra for the week will be the “Skankh” or shell hand gesture. This represents your higher self, and your intuition. This mudra aligns perfectly with pratyahara, as you drop deep within to find the answers you are seeking. The left thumb represents the pearl within the right hand or shell. Your meditation focus is “Resolve”, or your daily intent, and is set to the music of “Claire de Lune”.
Our Spring Schedule begins next week, although there are no changes in our offerings. They remain the same through June. Kim begins her monthly Mommy & Me Yoga class next Monday, 3/20, from 11 a.m.-Noon. It is a class for Mom and child bonding via the practice of yoga, dance, breath, and movement. It is designed for babies through 4 years old. The cost is $10 for one child, or $15 for two. Please pre-register and pre-pay. The “Yogapuncture “Workshop with Ansley and Monica is on 3/25 from 3-5 p.m., and the EnCHANTING workshop with Sandi is on 4/8 from 1-3 p.m. If you have questions, or would like to register, please call, email, or drop-in to the studio.
Have a fabulous week, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!!! We ALL worked hard last week with our “weight bearing” challenge, so this week we will ALL relax, restore, and renew!!! Yes, it is “Restorative Week” at YFL!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Santosha”, or seeking a sense of contentment in all that we do and experience in life. Our hand gesture (mudra) focus is “Vitality” or “Staying Young”. Your meditation focus is “Equanimity” of “Finding Balance” in life. You may focus on your meditation, while listening to Ann Sweeten’s “A Place in the Sun”.
Our Spring Schedule will commence on March 20th!!! The one change is on Saturday mornings with Deb’s second class. It is now Sukha-Stirha, or Yin-Yang, and is an hour long blending of strength and grace.
Our special events for March include “Yogapuncture” workshop on 3/25 from 3-5 p.m. We have just a few slots remaining, so book your reservation. We ask that you pre-pay, and the cost is $40. Our seasonal Drum Circle is this coming Sunday, March 12th, from 5-6 p.m., and it is FREE!!! Bring your rhythm instrument of choice, or borrow one at the studio!!!
Also, announcing that our annual Spring Yoga-Hike will be on Friday, April 7th. We will meet at the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Center at 11:30 a.m. Carol will guide us on a gentle hike replete with interesting facts on its geology, flora, and fauna. The flowers should be spectacular this year!!! Deb will lead us through a gentle yoga practice at the Oak Grove, and upon completion of our hike out, we will meet at the picnic area for lunch. This event is FREE!!! We do ask that you register at the studio!!!
It is going to be a fun month at YFL!!! We can’t with to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
We have a split week between February and March, but to remain on schedule, we will practice with hand weights this week (always optional)!!! Thus, our theme is “Weight” it Out!!! We will strengthen, sculpt, and tone with additional hand weights, and as always, bearing of our own body weight!!!
Our Sanskrit focus is “AGNI”, or our inner light, fire, and energy, which we stoke, and grow with our breath and movement in yoga practice. Our Mudra (hand gesture) focus is “GANESH”, for removal obstacles along life’s path. The meditation focus is “Be Still”, and you may listen to “Winds of Samsara”…Mahatma, while sitting.
Kim’s “Mommy and Me” Yoga returns on Monday, March 20th, and is appropriate for baby to 4 years old. Ten dollars for one child, $15 for two. Please email or call, as pre-registration is required.
Your March newsletter will on your email desk at 10 a.m., 3/1, and includes all the event and special announcements for the Spring!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Yes, we are OPEN ON PRESIDENTS’ DAY!!! So, come on in to YFL!!! This week we emphasize a form of “Classic Hatha Yoga” referred to as, “Sukha-Sthira”, or the balancing of opposite forces into union within our body, mind, and heart by way of our breath and asana practice. Sukha is equivalent to serenity, joy, peace, beauty, elegance, grace or “Yin”, and Sthira is equivalent to stability, strength, support, power, and balance or “Yang”. This week we will focus on integrating these two elements within the flow of our practice, as we begin with about 15-20 minutes of gentle flow warmup, and then transition into a classic Yin class for the spine. This is also the format for my Saturday morning class from 9:30-10:30 a.m, “Sukha-Sthira”, so if you enjoy this week’s practice, then you may enjoy each week at that time slot. Our Sanskrit focus is “Sadhana”, or “Classical Yoga Practice”, and our mudra is the “Jnana”, or “Chin” hand gesture, which represents the seal for teaching and knowledge. We invite you to join our sacred sadhana this week and every week at YFL. Your meditation focus is “Serenity”, and your meditation music is Michael Hoppe’s “Silence of Stars”.
Our upcoming events are: 1. Intro to Yoga (four week session) begins on 2/21 @ 7:30 p.m., $40 2. Yogapuncture Workshop (restorative yoga + acupuncture) w/Ansley and Monica on 3/25 @ 3-5 p.m., $40 3. An “EnCHANTING Workshop” w/Sandi Kimmel on 4/8 @ 1-3 p.m., exploring the healing power of sound and vibration., $15 prepay, or $20 at the door. 4. Deb will host our seasonal, Spring Drum Circle on Sunday, March 12th, from 5-6 p.m., and it is FREE!!! Your monthly YFL newsletter will be sent to your email desk at 10 a.m. on 3/1/17!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!! As we enter the third week of February it is time for our “Wall” practice!!! We will use its resistance to deepen our asanas, to sharpen our alignment, and strengthen our bodies. The Sanskrit focus is “Mudhita”, or developing an inner sense of “Joy”, and allow it to exude to those around us. Our Mudra, or hand gesture, is “Be Kind”, or “Apan-Vayu”. It promotes kindness, love, and a healthy heart. The perfect mudra for this week of Valentine’s Day!!! BTW…Happy Valentine’s Day!!! This week’s meditation focus is “Joy”, and may be contemplated as you listen to Yoga Classic’s “Butterfly Waltz”.
Deb’s next Intro to Yoga begins next Tuesday, 2/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Registration is still open. We still have a few remaining spaces for the “Yogapuncture Workshop” on 3/25, and a reminder that the Kirtan Workshop is 4/8!!!
It is another great week for yoga and meditation at YFL!!! We can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Last week we worked very rigorously with hand weights, and bearing of our own body weight!!! This week we are going to slow down the pace, and focus on deep, slow, prolonged stretching with the support of our props. This practice will also allow our minds to slow down, and just rest within the sanctuary of our breath, practice, and ambient music. This week’s mudra is for “Inner Peace”, and is called “Be Still”. This hand gesture calms the nerves. Our Sanskrit focus is “Advaita” or “Oneness with All”. A focus of Universal compassion and connection. Your meditation music is from Kiran Murti’s “Sweet Indian Dream”, and your mediation focus is “Just Be”.
It has not been placed on the website schedule, yet, that Deb has changed her 9:30 a.m. class on Saturday mornings to a NEW THEME…”Sukha and Stirrha” or “Yin and Yang”. It is now a 60 minute class comprised of 15 minute of gentle standing asanas and movement (Yang), and 45 minutes of Yin yoga. This class is deeply penetrating, completely balanced, and very meditative. It is appropriate for ALL LEVELS. We invite you to try it out some Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Our 200-hour 2017 Teacher Training program begins this Wednesday, 2/8. Our next group of trainees will be graduating in June of 2017!!! As part of this training we are offering two events, which are open to the community: 3/25 Yogapuncture from 3-5 p.m. $40, and 4/8 An EnCHANTING Kiran workshop from 1-3 p.m. $15 pre-pay, or $20 at the door. Please pre-register with Deb for each event ASAP. Our next FREE drum circle event will be linked to the Spring Equinox. We will meet from 5-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 12th.
Have a fabulous week, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Hello Yogis and Yoginis!!! Will you “weight”?!!! Yes, it is time to deepen our sculpting, toning, and strengthening with hand weights this week!!! We will embellish our power, as we focus on our core, breath, and alignment!!! Be ready for increased energy, vitality, and vigor, as you come to the mat this week!!!
Our Sanskrit focus is “Maitra”, or expressing “lovingkindness”, first for ourselves, and then to others in our relationships of life. Our Mudra (hand gesture) is “Vitality”, which evokes the energy for “get a move on”, and promotes overcoming chronic tiredness. Our music for meditation this week is the beautiful, “Claire de Lune”. As you listen to this beautiful peace, silently chant, AUM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, sending out the Universal, Cosmic message for “Peace”.
The February YFL newsletter will be on your email desk at 10 a.m. 2/1!!! It describes our upcoming special events, and provides some useful information for yoga, meditation, health, diet, etc.!!!
If you are looking for a healthy gift for your significant other this Valentine’s Day, then look no further, a gift certificate to YFL for yoga and/or meditation would be perfect!!!
As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!! I am choosing to err on the SIDE OF SAFETY this morning!!! YFL WILL BE CLOSED TODAY, 1/23!!! I am suggesting you to stay home and be safe!!! At the writing of this blog the rain is again coming down hard, and I am not sure about our road conditions, flooding, etc. Classes WILL RESUME TOMORROW AT 12:30 WITH SOPHIE!!!
This week’s practice will emphasize Classic Hatha with power, vinyasa flow. Our Sanskrit focus is “Sankalpa”, or to practice with personal intent. Our hand gesture or mudra is “Ushas”, which connects us to the energy of all things good. Our meditation focus will be “Shanti”, or peace, and is set to “Pure Ceremony” Imaginary.
As alway, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!! Happy MLK Day!!! It is a holiday, but YFL is OPEN!!! This week we will be focusing on using the wall as a prop for resistance. This helps with alignment, grounding, sculpting, and strengthening our asanas. This acquired information with the wall will then, hopefully, transfer to our practice in subsequent weeks without the wall. Our Sanskrit focus will be is “Dharma”, literally translated means “that which holds together”. More simply interpreted it means duty, law and order, following one’s path to truth. It secretly conditions all of our activities. Our mudra (hand gesture) focus is the “Skankh” or shell. The gesture for deep-seated intuition. The right hand represents the shell wrapped around the thumb of the left hand, which represents the pearl, or your Higher Self. This mudra may be combined with deep inhalations followed with chanting AUM on long exhalations. This week’s meditation focus is “Strength”, and may be combined with the music of “Zen Pause”…”Close to my World”. This week’s quotation is “See with your Heart”.
The deadline for our Artistry of Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training program is fast approaching, 1/27. Registration details are available on the website. We have developed a new 16-week, Semester Format. The training begins on 2/8 and ends of 6/3. We will meet every Wednesday from 5:30-9:30 p.m, and each Saturday from Noon- 6:00 p.m. We will NOT meet on 5/27 or 4/15, Memorial Day Weekend, or Easter Weekend.
As part of the teacher training program we will be including the following special events for our trainees, which will also be open to the public: 3/25: Yogapuncture w/Ansley and Monica, cost $40, 3-5 p.m., and space is limited. Sign-up at the studio, fee is $40, and on 4/8: Kirtan Workshop w/Sandi, pre-pay $15, at the door $20, from 1-3 p.m.
Deb and Carol will be hosting their annual Santa Rosa Plateau Yoga-Hike sometime this Spring, so watch for the details, coming soon!!!
Have a fabulous week, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb
