STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE by Leslie Salmon

“Step out of your comfort zone- that’s the way to grow”: Perhaps you can relate. I believe many people who begin a yoga practice are stepping out of the comfortable zone of fitness centers or walking/running or sitting too much. To grow, should we add something different?  And, if we do, what will happen?    For me, yoga signaled the beginning of a long learning process, one that continues today. Before yoga I knew some about the body’s workings. But, I didn’t know that the 4th and 5th toes, when activated, will also activate the peroneal muscles which help to stabilize our knees.  I also didn’t realize that the pectoralis minor muscle is a major contributor to poor posture, tightening as we slouch over a computer or book. And on, an on, and on.     This new awareness extends to a knowledge of my own abilities. How great is it to know that I can stand on one leg?  How humbling is it to know that I may only be able to stay for a few seconds. Strengths and weaknesses.     I’ve heard yoga poses referred to as “works of art”.  After many years of practice, I now consider all my yoga poses beautiful no matter the level of difficulty. Just trying is a beautiful action.    Awareness and beauty–all because I stepped out of my comfort zone and onto a yoga mat.

11/4-11/9/13: YFL Practice

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!! We had a fabulous retreat at Vina de Lestonnac with a practice all about Anahata, the “Heart Chakra”!!!  This week we will focus on sculpting, toning, and strengthening with weights, and balancing our “Sukha (yin), and Stirrha (yang)”. Our mudra is Varuna, and will help keep away congestion and clear our sinuses. Sophie’s 3rd Pranayama workshop is this Saturday, 11-9-13, from 2-3:30 p.m., and you may register via email, drop-in, or phone call. The cost is $15. Leslie’s first Power of Props workshop is next Saturday, 11-16-13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and sign-ups are being taken. The cost is $25. Deb’s Meditation I, five week class, begins this Tuesday evening, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. (11/5), and the cost is $70. We are open for classes on Monday, 11/11, Veterans’s Day, but will be closed 11/28-11/30 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. As always, we have many things to offer at YFL, so come see us on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb  P.S.-If you did not receive the November YFL newsletter, and would like to be added to our list, please email us and we will add you: yogaforlife06@verizon.net

 

NOVEMBER EVENTS

photo-361     Here is what is happening at YFL in November!!!

1. Deb is hosting her 7th annual Fall into Winter retreat at Vina de Lestonnac 11/2.

2. Meditation I begins on Tuesday, 11/5 @ 7:30 p.m.

3.  Sophie is hosting her 3rd Pranayama workshop on 11/9, which will feature the Bandhas, from 2-3:30 p.m.

4.  Leslie will be hosting the first of two workshops on the “Power of Props” beginning on 11/16, from 1:30-3:30.

You may sign-up for any of these events at the studio or via email, or by phone call.—Namaste’, Deb

2013 Results

The 2013 results are in, and Yoga For Life finished 8th in the Inland Empire, and 1st in Temecula/Murietta!!! We are small, but mighty!!! We are indeed the “Best kept secret in Temecula”!!! Come see us on the mat, and get your personalized instruction with any of our well qualified instructors. Thanks for your votes.—Namaste’, Deb (iecityvoter.com)

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10/28-11/2/13:Back into Shape

Good Morning!!! This week’s practice is designed to strengthen and tone the back, while maintaining its good health, and keeping it in shape. The Sanskrit focus is “Sahaja”, or “Our true nature”, and this week’s mudra is Prithivi, or the Earth mudra. It improves our energy level, promotes good health for the hair, skin, nails, and bones, as well as intensifying our sense of smell.

Deb will be hosting her 7th Annual Fall into Winter retreat at Vina de Lestonnac this Saturday, November 2nd, so there will be no morning classes at the studio. Our normal schedule will resume on Monday, November 4th, and a new five-week Meditation I class will start on Tuesday evening from 7:30-8:30. You still have time to sign-up. Have a great week, and we look forward to seeing you on the mat very soon!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Lila!!!

photo-329In yoga we call play Lila, and it is a great way to approach your practice. Lighten up, be creative, and attentive, and playful with each pose.—Namaste’, Deb