Greetings from YFL!!! It is surprising to state that we are already in the last week of February!!! That means Classic Hatha yoga practice, and this week will be emphasizing “Hip Opening”. Hip opening postures are therapeutic in two ways, both emotionally and physically.

Our Sanskrit focus is “Maitri”, and this is an inner focus on the relationships of friendship, compassion, and love. Our mudra focus is “Hakini” for improving memory, opening the 6th chakra, or the third eye, Ajna. This mudra promotes balance of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and improves circulation in the lungs and brain. The meditation focus is “SILENCE”.  Try to incorporate at least 5 minutes of silence in each day this week. Enjoy another selection from Winds of Samsara for meditating-“Mountain Solitude” . As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat at YFL.—Namaste’, Deb

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!! It is time once again to meet one another at the wall!!! We will use this marvelous prop to enhance resistance within our bodies, and this will deepen the effectiveness of our asanas not just at the wall, but away from the wall as well. Our mudra is the classic “JNANA” hand gesture, which is to invoke wisdom and knowledge. Our Sanskrit focus for this week is “EIM”, one of the seed sounds. Repeating this mantra will improve memory, intelligence, and our artistic endeavors. This week’s music for meditation is from the Grammy Award winning CD, Winds of Samsara. Our meditation focus will be “PRESENCE”. As always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat.

The deadline for registering to attend Deb’s summer retreat to Montecito is this Friday, 2/20. The retreat is scheduled for 6/14-6/19/15 at the beautiful campus of La Casa de Maria. Spaces are limited, so sign-up quickly!!!

We are accepting registration for Sophie’s 2-hour workshop on “Yoga and Ayruveda” :Spring Detox”. The cost is $25. Register at the studio or call-in.

Sign-ups are also being accepted for the 3/27 Yoga-Hike to The Santa Rosa Plateau. Spring is coming!!!—Namaste’, Deb

Greetings!!! It is restorative week, which is always a welcomed choice after weight week!!! Our Sanskrit focus is “KARUNA”, or compassion, an excellent focus for the week of Valentine’s Day!!! The hand gesture or mudra is “SHAKTI”, for evoking silence, peace, and harmony. Our meditation focus is “SHANTI”, or peace.

Our spring Yoga-Hike to Santa Rosa Plateau is Friday, March 27th!!! We will meet at the Visitor Center around 11:30 a.m., and prepare to be guided by Carol. Once we reach the Oak Grove, then I will lead our yoga and meditation practice. Your cost: reserve fee, your sack lunch, time, and gasoline. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes. Please register at the studio.

The deadline for registering for the summer retreat to Montecito is 2/20. Your first deposit of $75 is due that date, and is NON-REFUNDABLE. Deb will be hosting the retreat at La Casa de Maria from 6/14-6/19/15. Details are available at the studio.

Have a great week, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat!!!—Namaste’, Deb (Music: Om Shanti by Bhava Ram)

 Greetings Yogis and Yoginis!!!  Let’s pump it up this week, but at the same time allowing our minds to be still with the focus of our practice. We will be adding the use of hand weights to our asana flow this week, which will promote strengthening, toning, sculpting, and conditioning.

Our Sanskrit focus is “Sattva”, or the third Guna of energy promoting lightness, clarity, and balance. Our mudra is “Ganesha”, or the remover of obstacles, and our meditation focus is on “Lightness”.

We had a fabulous retreat this past Saturday with 29 yogis and yoginis!!! We hope to make the Sankalpa Retreat an annual affair with your support. Our annual yoga-hike to Santa Rosa Plateau is approaching, and will be either late March or early April. Watch for the post on the date.

Deb will be hosting a 5-night summer retreat for yoga and meditation renewal at the fabulous La Casa de Maria retreat center in Montecito. The dates are arrival at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 14th, and departure on Friday, June 19th. For double occupancy the cost is $671.50/person, which includes 14 meals, $566.50 triple. Deb’s fee for the yoga and meditation is $150 for the week. Space is limited, and the deadline for registration and first deposit is 2/20.

You should have received the monthly newsletter yesterday. Read and enjoy. Have a fabulous first week of February, and as always, we can’t wait to see you on the mat.—Namaste’, Deb  Music: Gayatri by Bhava Ram