Greetings!!! This week our practice will emphasize slowing down, relaxing, and restoring as we come to the mat!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Ahimsa”, one of the eight limbs of yoga, which is to live peacefully in word, thought, and deed. Our mudra is the Ganesha for removal of obstacles, stimulation of the heart, opening the bronchial tubes, and to promote courage, confidence, and openness. We can’t wait to see you on the mat.—Namaste’, Deb

This week we will be emphasizing the integration of the breath, intention, and movement. It is a rigorous, energizing practice. We are continuing our plank challenge as we increase to a 90 second hold!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “Tapas” or Present, New Energy. The mudra of the week is the “Rudra”, which focuses on the earth element and the solar plexus chakra. It energizes the stomach, spleen, and pancreas, and prevents fatigue, weakness, and listlessness.

Sophie’s Ayurveda 101 workshop is this Saturday, 1/18, from 2-3:30 p.m. @ $20. She will give us the basics of incorporating this ancient study of holistic living via asana, pranayama, diet, and lifestyle. She will give you the “Dosha Test” to determine your constitution, and application of appropriate ingredients for a healthy lifestyle with balance.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat this week!!!—Namaste’, Deb

1-11-14!!! Come learn in depth information about the Vayus (5 life forces), and how they relate to your breathing on and off the mat. Sophie is knowledgeable, light hearted, and compassionate in all of her teachings!!! She will be leading this workshop from 2-3:30 p.m., and the cost is just $15.

   What are you waiting for? Ready, set, go it is time to return to the mat, or come for the first time!!! You won’t regret your decision!!! It will bring you balance in almost every aspect of your life!!! Come see us!!! We are ready for you!!!—Namaste’, Deb

 Yoga is a wonderful mode for maintaining, and regaining a healthy back. If you have back issues, first consult your physician, and then with approval seek out a yoga program tailored for your specific issues. Deb and/or Leslie will be happy to help you with a program suited to your individual needs.—Namaste’, Deb

It is weight week at YFL!!! Bearing our own body weight, as we normally do via yoga practice, plus a little extra hand weight work for the upper body promote calcification, strengthening, and toning in our bodies. It also helps to prevent or reverse osteopenia and osteoporosis. Using weights is a fun challenge, and it is also invigorating. It stokes our innner fire or “agni”, and helps us burn calories.

Our Sanskrit focus is “Vayu”, which means vital force (air, life, breath), and the source is Universal energy.

Our Mudra is the “Inner Self”, which aids in connecting us to Universal wisdom.

Our new Winter Schedule begins today, and should be posted on the website before day’s end. Please welcome back Layla, and welcome Sophie to YFL as a new instructor!!!

Deb begins a NEW Intro to Yoga class Tuesday evening @ 7:30 p.m. This is a great way to begin your journey on the mat, as you will learn terminology, etiquette, poses, alignment, and a basic practice.

WORKSHOPS: Sophie concludes her Pranayama workshop series this Saturday, 1/11 @ 2:00 p.m. Her emphasis will be Vayus. There is still time to sign-up, and the cost is just $15. She will also be offering Ayurveda 101 on Saturday, 1/18 @ 2:00 p.m. She will discuss healthy living via diet, stress reduction techniques, yoga, meditation, seasonal balancing, and knowledge of your constitution (doshas). The fee is $20.

Deb will be offering “The Artistry of Meditation” on 3/1 from 2-4 p.m. @ $25. This workshop will feature various artistic media which will promote the “relaxation response”, and induce a mediative state during creative endeavors. It will include Zen tangles, watercolor Ensos, Mandalas, lanterns, and kaleidoscopes. You will leave with several completed projects. The workshop will begin with some yogic movement, and breath focus to prepare your mind, body, and heart for creativity.

It is going to be a fun, creative, and busy 2014, so sign-up, and join at YFL.—Namaste’, Deb

Check the website for our NEW class offerings, and schedule changes. They take effect on Monday, 1-6-14!!!  Next week is weight week, which is a great way to kick-off the New Year on the mat!!! Deb starts a new Intro to Yoga 4-week session on Tuesday, 1-7-14. Come see us!!!—Namaste’, Deb

     COME PRACTICE AT YFL, AND DISCOVER THE RICHES WITHIN, AS YOU TRANSFORM YOURSELF, AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU.—NAMASTE’, DEB

TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO HIT THE MAT AT YFL IN 2013!!! We look forward to an exciting year in 2014 with new experiences on the mat, workshops, and retreats!!!  Happy New Year from YFL!!!—Namaste’, Deb

As we conclude 2013 and move head first into 2014 we will offer “Practitioners Choice”, and each class will vote for either Yang: Keep Calm and Yoga On or Yin: Relax, Renew, and Restore. Our Sanskrit focus will be “Samyama” or self-control, self-restraint as practiced with meditation, concentration, and contentment. Our weekly mudra is “Bhumiparsha”, or the gesture of enlightenment. Come on in and usher in 2014 on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Come to the mat and receive the benefits of “metta” or lovingkindness for yourself, which then spreads to those around you.—Namaste’, Deb

  We are continuing our “Keep Calm and Yoga On” practice today and tomorrow. You probably feel a bit sluggish after the holiday indulgences, so come on in to YFL and detox with your practice. We look forward to seeing you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb

HAPPY HOLIDAYS YOGIS AND YOGINIS!!! YFL has a modified schedule over the next two weeks!!! We will be closed on the following dates: 12/24-12/26 and 12/31-1/2, otherwise our regular class schedule will be in effect. Our NEW WINTER SCHEDULE will take effect on 1/6, and will be posted on the website that week.

This week we will be working on balance on the mat, as well as off the mat. We maintain at one minute for the holidays with respect to our plank challenge. We will increase to 75 seconds on 1/6.

Our Sanskrit focus is SHANTI, peace, and our mudra is DHARMACHAKRA (Gesture of the turning wheel). This mudra creates harmony between our inner and outer world, signifies eternal change, and drawing upon truth and wisdom to maintain our balance.        Namaste’, Deb