What is Old School Yoga, and why is this how I teach? Tune in to next week’s blog, and find out!!! Have a glorious holiday weekend!!! We are open today and Saturday, Layla’s workshop is Sunday, but we are CLOSED ON MONDAY!!!—-Namaste’, Deb

GREETINGS!!! The September newsletter will arrive to your email inbox on Sunday, the 1st!!! Layla is hosting a Shamanic Meditation workshop on the 1st from 1-3 p.m. @ a cost of $13. There is still time to sign-up!!! The studio is open for all classes Friday and Saturday of the holiday weekend, but we will BE CLOSED on Monday, the 2nd, in observance of Labor Day!!! Have a safe holiday weekend, and we will see you next week. Next week will be ‘Practitioner’s Choice’!!! You will vote for either a practice with weights, or a Yin practice.—Namaste’, Deb

GREETINGS YOGIS AND YOGINIS!!! This week Deb will guide you through Yoga’s 3 R’s: Relax, Renew, and Restore!!! Yes, it is restorative week!!! The Sanskrit focus is “Sattva”, which means attaining a balanced state of both mind and body. The weekly mudra is for connecting to the “inner self”, and we will explore the third brocade of Quigong. Layla’s Shamanic Meditation workshop is this Sunday, 9/1/13, from 1-3 p.m., and the cost is just $13. She will lead you into a deep meditation to your inner spirit with the beat of a framed drum. There is still time to sign-up. It is going to be an amazing week at YFL, so come gather with us on the mat. The September newsletter will be released on Sunday, and the studio will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day. We are open Monday through Saturday of this week.—Namaste’, Deb

GOOD MORNING YOGIS AND YOGINIS!!!  This week’s practice will emphasize stretching of the hamstrings. During the course of our normal activities, and most athletic activities we compress and shorten our hamstrings, which can lead to joint issues. Our yoga practice lengthens and strengthens our hamstrings, and helps prevent strain and misalignment at the joints. We will also explore the second brocade of Quigong: Draw the bow, and shoot the arrow. Our Sanskrit focus is: Om Vardhanam Namah= “I nourish the Universe, and the Universe nourishes me.” The mudra this week will overcome fatigue and lethargy. Layla will be offering her Shamanic Journey Meditation Workshop on Sunday, September 1st from 1-3 p.m. at a cost of $13. She will use a frame drum to induce a meditative state, and take you on a journey to your deep, inner spirit. Ansley’s Restorative workshop for teachers will begin on September 13th, and you may register at leeanncareyyoga.com. Sophie’s first of five pranayama workshops will begin on September 7th, $15/workshop, or $65 for all 5 in advance. Deb concludes her workshops on the chakras this Saturday, August 24th, from 2-4 p.m. Call or email the studio for additional info, and registration. We all look forward to seeing you on the mat very soon.—Namaste’, Deb

When I tell people about Yoga For Life (YFL), I will often add the phrase ‘its’ Temecula’s best kept secret’.

Why? Because we (the studio) are lodged in an office complex; we are small; we don’t shout our existence to the world. Students quietly, yet diligently, make their way into our classes. The good that yoga will provide is the motivation– not space, not glitz–just ‘the good’.

And, what is good? Qualified instructors, a clean space, abundant props, not-too-pricey, workshops to expand your yoga experience, camaraderie with ‘yoga buddies’; PLUS the added health benefits of a regular practice.

I recently participated in a webinar conducted by a yoga instructor and a physician, both from New York. The physician (also a yoga instructor) commented during the webinar that we take medicine for many ailments: “In the beginning, the medicine is like magic, we are ecstatic with the results but then become disillusioned. The prospect of taking a pill for the rest or our life becomes a poisonous thought.”

He continued: “Now, take yoga, which in the beginning is like poison-challenging and, at times, embarrassing to our ego. But, as we settle into the practice, a shift happens and the poison (yoga) becomes the magic.”

YFL doesn’t recommend yoga over needed medicines, but- as one who does take 2 pills every day- I can attest that I feel better for adding in the yoga to my daily routine. And, I like to believe it’s one of the reasons I don’t have to take MORE than those 2 pills.

All this to say, welcome to ‘Temecula’s best-kept secret’. We love your studentship, we admire your tenacity, we savor each encounter.

GREETINGS FROM YFL!!!  This week we will explore the process of “Hurrying up, to slow down.” Our practice will physically restore the spine through its “SIX DEGREES OF FREEDOM”. Deb will introduce the first of seven brocade practices from the art of Quigong, as well as the salutation for the seventh chakra. Deb’s Meditation I class begins Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m., and there is still time to sign-up. If you are in need of gentle therapeutic yoga, then visit Leslie’s class on Tu/Th. If you want a rigorous vinyasa flow, then drop in on Alyssa, Ansley, Cherry, and/or Jen. If you are a new mom, and want to enhance the bonding process with your little one, then join Debbi on Thursday for Mom and Baby yoga. Layla is offering a Shamanic Journey Meditation workshop on September 1st, from 1-3 p.m., and the cost is only $13. If you need further info call or email the studio. (951) 676-8285, or yogaforlife06@verizon.net. As always, we look forward to seeing you on the mat very soon.—Namaste’, Deb

WEEKLY SANSKRIT FOCUS: YANTRA=Sacred symbol of wisdom and enlightenment.

WEEKLY MUDRA: USHA= The break of day hand gesture, and origin of all good things.

GREETINGS YOGIS AND YOGINIS!!!

Just a few tidbits to tantalize you toward the mat next week. The practice is titled: “HURRY UP, AND SLOW DOWN”. Our Sanskrit focus is Yantra (a symbol), and the mudra is Usha!!! Want to learn more? Read Monday’s blog, and hit the mat at YFL.

Deb will also share her latest poem: Silence, and share some cool music for practice.

A reminder that Meditation I begins on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. We will meet for 5 consecutive Tuesdays, and the cost is $70.

Enjoy this beautiful weather, and as always, we look forward to seeing you on the mat very soon.—Namaste’, Deb

GREETINGS FROM YFL!!!  I was away for a family wedding, but now I am back in action. This week I will give classes a choice of completing last week’s practice, ENERGY TONIC, or taking practice with weights, which we customarily do the first full week of each month. I look forward to seeing everyone on the mat very soon. It is always good to return home!!!—Namaste’, Deb