Greetings and Happy Spring!!!

Welcome to Spring, as we “Spring into Spring” with our annual “Spring Equinox” practice. We will do repetitive Sun Salutations, as we salute the increase of daylight each day into Summer. Our practice will be in the community of circle or the Mandala of Truth. The practice will enhance the energy of focus and calmness. It will incorporate movement, flow, and high energy.

Our Sanskrit focus is “Hreem”, or the seed mantra for the “Unity of Life” via its diversity, or to open one’s individuality into its true universality. Our mudra focus is the “Hakini” for memory improvement, and deep respiration. Our meditation focus is “Unity”, and is set to Michael Hoppe’s “Stargazer”.

Our annual Spring Yoga-Hike is scheduled for April 1st (no fooling!!!) at the gorgeous Santa Rosa Plateau. The hike will be led by Carol, and Deb will lead the yoga and meditation practice. See the website Special Events sections for all the details.

Deb’s next Meditation I class will begin on Tuesday, April 19th, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Registration is  in progress. Email, call, or drop-in to register. We are open during Spring Break, and over the Easter weekend, offering our regular class schedule.

Have a wonderful first week of Spring, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Greetings and Happy Monday!!!

Spring is in the air, and just around the corner!!! We survived the time change, I think, and are ready for another week at “The Wall”!!! That will be our focus this week, as we, once again utilize the wall as a prop for resistance!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Sastra”, “Teachings”, either written or oral, received or given. Our Mudra focus is “Ushas”, or “connecting to all things good”. Our meditation focus will be “Contentment”, and will be set to the beautiful music of David Lanz’s “Blue Largo”.

It is official, our Annual Spring Yoga-Hike is April 1st!!! We will gather at the Visitor’s Center around 11:30 a.m., and depart from there to hike down to the Oak Grove for yoga and meditation led by Deb. Carol, who has served as a docent at the Plateau for many, many years, will lead the hike. As we hike the trail, she will share wonderful info about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the Plateau. Please sign-up at the studio. Your only cost is the Plateau fee of $4. Otherwise, your cost is nothing, but your time, and gas $$$. Bring the following: WATER, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, protective clothing, comfortable shoes, and a sack lunch. Following the hike, yoga, and meditation we will gather at the picnic area, and chat over our sack lunches!!! The Plateau should be beautiful with a plethora of spring flowers blooming from our recent rains!!! We look forward to sharing this event with many of you!!!

The Physiology and Anatomy of Yoga is coming soon!!! This 15-hour unit, which is part of our AOY Teacher Training program at YFL, is open to the community. The cost is $195, and pre-registration is required on or before 4/1. Deb will lead this unit, and we will review the basic directional terminology of the human body, basic bones, and muscles. We will review the body system physiology as it applies to yoga, play with a skeleton, muscle charts, and watch an intro DVD by David Kiel on basic yoga anatomy. Then we will apply this information to asana movement, as we analyze a basic standing pose, forward bend, backbend, twist, balance, and inversion from the bones-muscles-outward!!! We will turn a dry, boring topic into something fun and dynamic. This unit will meet 4/8-4/10/16.

The Spring Schedule will begin at YFL on, Monday 3/21. There will be no changes in our teaching schedule. Deb will be leading an “Annual Spring Equinox” asana practice that week.

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

Greetings from YFL!!!

You deserve to rest while practicing on the mat this week!!! We completed a very rigorous week with weights, so now, let’s restore, relax, renew, and rest into our asana practice!!! Our hand gesture or mudra focus this week, is Dhayana, or connecting to Universal Energy, and our Sanskrit focus is “ADBHUTA”, one of the eight essences of Rasa, which is to live with “Wonder”. So, let that serve as your meditation point, “The Wonder of Life”, which is set to Anne Sweeten’s “Moment in Time”.

Deb will begin a new four week Intro to Yoga tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. The class is almost full, but there is still time to register. Contact YFL via email, phone, or drop-in to register. The Physiology and Anatomy 15-hour unit is fast approaching, and will be offered 4/8-4/10. The tuition is $195. Registration deadline is 4/1. Our Yoga-Hike will be happening very soon. We still have not finalized the date, but hopefully, will be able to report that next week. The Spring Schedule will begin on Monday, March 21st, which will also include Deb’s annual “Spring Equinox” practice!!!

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

Greetings from YFL and Happy Leap Day!!! This week will emphasize strength, toning, and sculpting as we once again incorporate hand weights into our practice. Of course, as always, we will include bearing our own body weight!!! Our mudra focus is “GANESHA”, or the hand gesture for removing obstacles along life’s path. Our Sanskrit focus is “NIRODHA”, or the practice of control, which paves the way for concentration, meditation, and bliss. Our meditation focus is “GO WITH THE FLOW”, and is accompanied by Tom Barabas, and his “Sedona Suite”.

The March newsletter will be waiting for you on your email desk around 10 a.m. tomorrow. Check the Special Announcements-the next Intro 4-week session will begin next Tuesday, 3/8 @ 7:30 p.m., our Spring Equinox practice is the week of March 20th, the annual Yoga-Hike to Santa Rosa Plateau will be announced soon, so check our blog every Monday morning, and Deb will soon host a “Drum Circle” event at YFL. The new Spring Schedule will also begin the week of 3/20.

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

  Good Morning Yogis and Yoginis!!! We are back to our normal schedule at YFL!!! This week is Classic Hatha Yoga, and a return to the basics of our asana practice. We will focus on using our Chandra and Surya Bhedana breath techniques throughout the practice to control our energy level, enhance our focus, and deepen our poses.

Our Mudra is the “PRAN” hand gesture, and this will increase our vitality, decrease fatigue, and improve our vision.

Our Sanskrit focus is KARUNA HUM, “I am compassion”. This silent mantra helps develop deep compassion for all living beings.

Our AOY “History and Philosophy” 15-hour Unit is the weekend, 2/26-2/28. It will meet between all regularly scheduled classes at YFL, so no class disruptions at all. See Deb at the studio, if you are interested in taking this enlightening course with Sophie.

Your meditation focus is “COMPASSION”, set to Pure Ceremony, by James Hood.

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

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!!

Yes, you made it to “Restorative Week”!!! Last week was filled with vim and vigor with our new “weight class”!!! However, this week is about slowing down, and stretching profoundly with relaxation. We will focus on our pranayama as an assist to this style of practice.

Our Sanskrit focus is “Dhanya Vad”, or the practice of saying “Thank You”, and expressing gratitude, joy, and happiness for each day we are given breath and life. Our mudra focus is KSEPANA, or the gesture of pouring out and letting go, and accepting all things that refresh you.

Our meditation focus is “Moving Forward”, and set to the music of Tom Barabas’ “Sedona Suite”.

Special Announcements:1) YFL is CLOSED 2/12-2/15 in observance of Presidents’ Day Weekend. Our normal class schedule will resume on Tuesday, 2/16. 2) Our first of 6 “Artistry of Yoga” Refine workshops will be held on 2/26-2/28. The topic is an in-depth look at “The History and Philosophy of Yoga”. This 15-hour workshop will be led by Sophie, and will cover the three major branches of Yogic Philosophy, The Yoga Sutras and Upanishads texts, among others. Each lecture period will be either preceded or followed by Restorative Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama. This valuable workshop is open to the public, our AOY trainees, and any registered Yoga Instructors seeking CEUs. Pre-registration and payment are due no later than 2/12.

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

Good Monday Morning Yogis and Yoginis!!! Happy February!!! Watch for the February YFL Newsletter!!! It will be on your email desk this morning!!!

This week we will nail our practice with hand weights and bearing our own body weight. The practice is strong, fast paced, and aerobic. Our mudra focus is Jnana or the hand gesture for Universal Wisdom and Knowledge. Our Sanskrit focus is “Manipura” or the Solar Plexus Chakra, as we visualize the color yellow, and evoke self-confidence, and self-strength.

The AOY weekend 15-hour workshop on “The History and Philosophy of Yoga” is fast approaching (2/26-2/28). It is open to the community. It also provides CEUs for Registered Yoga Teachers with Yoga Alliance. Sophie will guide you through the interpretations and applications of the ancient Yogic texts. Pre-Registration and payment are due by 2/12.

The studio will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day weekend on 2/12-2/15. Our normal schedule will resume on Tuesday, 2/16.

Our meditation focus is set to Ann Sweeten’s “A Moment in Time”, as you concentrate your attention on “Inner Calmness”.

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

       Greetings from YFL!!! We are in the midst of our second five day intensive for our AOY Teacher Trainees. As a result, there will be a slight modification in classes on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Sophie’s 6 p.m. class WILL NOT meet today,1/25, and the following classes WILL NOT meet on Tuesday, 1/26, 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. All of these cancelled classes WILL resume next week, and our normal YFL schedule is back in place Wednesday of this week, 1/27.

This week’s practice is Classic Hatha Yoga, and will emphasize power, movement, and energy. Our Sanskrit focus is “So Hum”, which means “I am”, I exist as “pure awareness”, not as my mind, body, or ego. Our mudra is the “Pran”, and this hand gesture reduces fatigue and nervousness, and boosts our vitality, and improves our vision.

Our meditation focus this week is “Pure Awareness” or “So Hum”, and is set to the music of James Hood’s “Pure Ceremony”.

Special Announcements: YFL will be closed for Presidents’ Day Weekend: 2/12-2/15. We will also be opening the first of six 15-hour Teacher Training workshops to the public, 2/26-2/28, on The History and Philosophy of Yoga. The cost is $195, and you must pay and pre-register by 2/12. Sophie will lead this in depth study of the origins, meanings, and application of the ancient Yogic texts. No pre-requisite is required.

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

Greetings from YFL!!!

It is time to practice at the WALL, and meet with its substantial resistance. This will increase your stamina, power, and strength. Our mudra is the oldy but goody, USHAS, connecting to “All things good”!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Sarvata Namah”, or connecting to the Universal Truth of “Wholeness”. The meditation focus is “Unity”, and will be set to the music of Michael Hoppe, “Wind Songs”.

Our second Artistry of Yoga 5-day intensive begins this Friday, 1/22. We welcome back our trainees!!! There will be minimal disruption to our regular schedule of classes, however, a few classes will NOT meet, please make NOTE: 1/25-Sophie’s 6 p.m. class, NO CLASSES ON 1/26. Otherwise, on 1/22-1/25, all classes WILL MEET.

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

  Greetings from YFL!!! We had a strong, aerobic week last week with “weight bearing”, and this week we will counter with “Restorative Yoga”!!! Be prepared to relax, renew, and restore with a more contemplative, restful practice. It will be deeply penetrating, as we will stretch with props, and their support.

Our mudra focus is “TSE”, which will help us release anxiety, apprehension, and negativity, and to receive light and joy. Our Sanskrit focus is “UPAGURU”, or your “present moment teacher”. Deb will share her poem on Upaguru. You are invited to meditate to the soothing sound of “Pure Ceremony” by James Hood. Let your meditation focus be “Your Inner Light”.

It is time to get back on the mat for the New Year, “Sweet” 2016, so if you haven’t returned, NOW is the time. Our new Winter Schedule is in full swing, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Greetings from YFL, and Happy New Year!!! We wish you a “Sweet” 2016, and look forward to seeing you on the mat often!!!

This week marks the beginning of our new “Winter Schedule”, and all changes and additions have been added to our website, so please consult the Schedule page for whats new at YFL!!!

Don’t “Weight” Another Minute”, is this week’s theme. We encourage you to return to the mat, and set an affirmation of a regular, and disciplined practice for 2016. Deb will be incorporating weights for sculpting, toning, and strengthening!!! The Sanskrit focus is “SANKALPA”, or to set one’s intention for The Practice. Our supporting mudra (hand gesture) is JHANA, and this will connect us to Universal Wisdom.

Our meditation focus is, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE, and is set to the beautiful music of “Sedona Suite” by Tom Barabas.

We encourage you to practice, practice, practice, as it will have positive effects on your mind, body, and heart. You will begin to sense an inner transformation, and reap the benefits of many positive changes throughout your “WHOLE” being. Start 2016 on the mat, and continue there throughout the year. As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Good Monday Morning Yogis and Yoginis!!!

It is time to complete 2015 on the mat!!! This is our last week of 2015, and Deb has planned a practice that incorporates a little bit of this, and a little bit of that!!! A very balanced practice to conclude a great year at YFL.

Our mudra focus is “GANESHA”, remover of obstacles, and our Sanskrit focus is “RAVAYE HUM”, or the radiance of “Universal Light” within us, as the light of “pure knowledge”. Our meditation focus as we head into a New Year will be “AUM Shanti”, or Let there be Peace. The music selection for meditation is from Kirtan Murti, entitled “Divine Imagination”.

Our new Winter Schedule will go into effect on Monday, January 4th!!! Please check the website for details. We are CLOSED 12/31-1/3. Sophie’s Monday evening class WILL NOT meet tonight, and Leslie’s 12:30 p.m. class WILL NOT meet tomorrow. All of Deb’s Mon-Wed classes will be meeting this week. The January 2016 YFL newsletter will post at noon on 1/1/16!!! Watch for it!!!!

We can’t wait to begin the New Year with all of you on the mat!!!  Happy New Year from all of us at YFL!!! We wish you a wonderful 2016!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Greetings from YFL!!! Happy Winter Solstice!!! This week’s practice will focus on Classic Hatha Yoga as we usher in more light, starting from today, our shortest day of the year. We will flow and grow strong through the power of this week’s practice together. Our Sanskrit focus is AUM Sharavana, which is a mantra for attuning our personal intentions with the intentions of the cosmos. Our mudra focus is Dhayana, and this helps us connect to the supporting energy of the Universe. Our meditation music is “White Dove” from Classical Piano for Yoga. The meditation focus is “Follow the Light”.

This week and next are short weeks at YFL. We will practice together under our normal schedule through Wednesday this week, but WILL BE CLOSED 12/24-12/27. Next week all Monday through Wednesday classes will meet with the exception of Sophie’s 6 p.m. class on Monday, and Leslie’s 12:30 class on Tuesday. YFL WILL BE CLOSED 12/31-1/3.

We will begin our new Winter Schedule on Monday, 1/4, and the new schedule will be posted on the website the week before.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Winter Solstice!!! As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat.

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!!

I am thrilled to report that Yoga For Life raised $1000 dollars this past Saturday for Project TOUCH, and at last posting all the studios involved had collected $5700!!! I will post the final amount once it is available!!!  I would like to thank Sophie for sharing her time and expertise, and I would like to acknowledge all of those who made a contribution!!! DHANYA VAD!!!

This week we return our mats to THE WALL. We will be grounding, strengthening, and empowering our practice and our bodies with the resistance force of the wall. Our Sanskrit focus will be SARVATVA NAMAH, Sarva is the root word for wholeness, the All, or totality. Namah is to salute this totality, and to open the individual heart to true universality. We return to my favorite mudra ( hand gesture), which is USHAS, connecting to all things good. The meditation music is from Michael Hoppe’s “Wind Songs”—“Silence of the Stars”. Our meditation focus is “Silence within the Chaos”.

Our new Winter schedule will begin on Monday, January 4th!!! Ian will be taking a break for travel, so his a.m. Tuesday class WILL NOT meet for 12 weeks. He will continue his 3rd Wednesday evening Mantra and Meditation from 7-9 p.m., and his first Saturday Mantra and Meditation from 8-9 p.m. Leslie will be offering a Yoga Basics, four week series, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., beginning on 1/4. The class will meet for four consecutive Tuesday mornings. Please call, email, or drop-in to sign-up, and the cost is $40. Sophie is adding a Tuesday class at 8 a.m. Otherwise, the schedule remains the same.

During the two weeks of holiday celebrations the studio will BE CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 12/24-12/27, AND 12/31-1/3. We wish you and yours a most wonderful holiday season!!!

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

Greetings from YFL!!!

It is Restorative Time at YFL this week, as we relax, renew, and restore via our asana practice. Our Sanskrit focus is “Karuna Hum”, or “I am compassion”. Our mudra focus, is a variation of the class Jnana Mudra, with the left hand in the classic position, and the right hand grounding face down into Mother Earth. This hand gesture connects us to Universal Energy, and grounds us into the present moment. Our music is “Sweet India” from Kiran Murti, and our meditation focus with the music is “Compassion”.

A reminder that this Saturday is “Yogis United” day, as we come together to support Project TOUCH with donation based classes. 100% of your donations go to this worthy cause. Please join us for a class or classes, and donate to this worthy cause in support of our Valley homeless population.

Gift certificates for classes at YFL are available as excellent gifts for the holidays.

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

“Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life.”—Swami Vivekananda