Looking Back On a Magical Year

Wow what a ride 2010 has been. No complaints that is for sure. So much has happened since January and I am blessed to have had such a wonderful year.

I have learned a tremendous amount about myself and people and feel the better for those lessons. Some of the lessons were major highs and a few major lows but all in all they balance themselves out.

Highlights of my year are simple things like watching my boys play their favorite sport, helping in school, hanging out with friends, vacationing with family - bummer about the hurricane, but that is life. Fall camping trip, Cooperstown, Howe Caverns, welcoming new family members - Noah and the list goes on and on!

Baron Baptiste's bootcamp was a major high that I feel I am still riding with the opening of my own studio! "Love what you do and do what you love and you will never work a day in your life!" How true these words are to me - and I am so thankful.

This year I have become more grateful. Everyday "cultivating that attitude of gratitude." It is effort but worth it!

What I am truly grateful for? Health, faith, family and friends.

What will 2011 bring? Who knows but I am ready. Maybe I'll do another triathlon, more bootcamp. Change and growth will happen that is for sure, and that is a good thing.

As I say good bye to the old and get ready for the new one thing is for sure, I am rich in love!!!!

Have a beautiful New Year!!!
Namaste.

Schedule for Next Week

Schedule for next week beginning on Monday December 27th has been modified. We will be holding one class in the morning and one in the evening.

Monday Dec. 27 9:30 to 10:30am Mixed flow; 6 to 7pm Mixed Flow
Tuesday Dec. 28 9:30 to 10:30am Gentle Yoga; 6 to 7pm Power Yoga
Wednesday Dec. 29 9:30 to 10:30am Power Yoga; 6 to 7pm Yoga for the Stiff Guy
Thursday Dec. 30 9:30 to 10:30am Gentle Yoga; 6 to 7pm Power Yoga
Friday Dec. 31 9:30 to 10:30am Power yoga
Saturday NEW YEAR'S DAY 10 to 11:15am Power Hour!!!! Power Yoga!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all!
Namaste.

Remembering the Reason for the Season

As I begin - I admit a bit late - to get things in order for Christmas I was thinking, "What do I want to teach my children about the season?" Do I want them to feel stressed during this time of year? Do I want them to think only of themselves and their "wants"? Or do I want to teach them balance, kindness, charity, tradition and love? Well I choose the last string of ideas. Now I need to figure out how to do that. Many ideas came rushing in and I thought I would write them down so I can stay on track and remember the reason for the season.

For me this is a beautiful and spiritual time of year. There is so much I love about Christmas and I admit it stems from the wonderful experiences of my youth. Thank you mom and dad for setting it all out properly for us.

Here is what I have learned and what I hope to pass on. That the birth of Christ should remind us to be a bit more patient with others, to smile more frequently even at those that seem real grumpy for I bet they could use it the most and that giving is as much fun if not more fun than receiving.

Another thing I learned is that doing the right thing even though it is not popular (THINK ABOUT MARY AND WHAT SHE DID), and it can involve sacrifice and it will always take faith, courage and love. Those are beautiful gifts that we all should work on and pass to our children. In doing so, it will build character and peace.

So how do we go about doing this? Through example. Keep things in perspective, strive for excellence, not perfection - this is the balancing act I listed. Be mindful of the gifts we give children - what do the toys or games really teach and how do they reflect the spirit of the season? Make room for what is truly important, for me that is quality time, not quantity in gifts. I believe we should carve out a bit of "me time" and that even though we are busy we should strive to never be to busy for a cup of coffee with a friend or milk and cookies with a child.

This year is very different for me as I balance home life, a brand new business - yoga studio, my existing art jewelry business, "me time" and friend time. It should be an interesting season and a fun journey as I remind myself that it is the journey not the destination that counts.

Namaste.

Mother = Faith

There are so many words I can use to describe my mother Shirley. The best one now is "Angel" since it encompasses all she was, what she still means to me and her spirit that surrounds me still - I truly am blessed.

On the 4th year of my mom's passing I wanted to share with you all a reading from "Journey to the Heart" by Melody Beattie. For me this embodies what my mom taught me.

"Remember Faith"
"There is a church in New Mexico where the ground is said to be holy, sacred, healing. As I sat in a pew in that church, I was amazed at the numbers that flocked there. I watched one man carry his sick wife, a woman so ill she couldn't walk or stand by herself. They came to pray, to touch the holy ground. They came for a miracle. I sat, watching and listening, in awe of the tremendous power of faith.

Many things in life test us, strain us, deplete us, and sometimes leave us without hope. Yet, there is a place in us where the ground is sacred and holy. That place in us is called faith.

Remember faith. It's important. Without it, life is dull, useless, and joyless. We may have moments when we say, "what's the use? Nothing will help." we may go through times when we're angry at God and don't want to believe anymore. But faith has the power to transform us. Faith can instill joy, bring peace and restore a sense of acceptance and fulfillment in our lives.

Faith is a simple place, but it is also a place of profound power. Faith can turn our lives around. Faith may not bring the miracle we want, but it will always bring the miracle we need. Cultivate faith, touch it, hold it in your hand.

In the back of the church in New Mexico where the ground is said to be holy, visitors are invited to take some of the dirt with them. I scooped up a portion, just a tiny bit, placed it in a small plastic bag and put it in my car.

Faith... You don't need much, a little bit goes a very long, long way."

Make it a happy day./
Namaste.

Five Priceless Gifts From Yoga to you.

My friends at Dancing Mind Yoga shared this on facebook today and thought it was wonderful. It was written by Erica Rodefer from Yoga Journal. Enjoy and start doing yoga!!!!!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Tired Tuesday? (I made that one up.) For me, this time of year brings back memories of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received and the gifts gone wrong. I'm already feeling the pressure and anxiety--the hunt for the perfect, most thoughtful, most cherished holiday gift is on. As I begin to make my holiday list and check it twice, I am reminded that the most meaningful gifts I've ever received were not the cutting edge electronics or even a hand-knitted scarf, but lessons learned that reveal something about ourselves and where we come from. Stories about family history, passing down great grandma's famous cookie recipe, or a secret shared between friends--those are the gifts you really remember 10 years later.

It's the same with yoga. It's true that the time we spend on our mats can eventually help us to attain impressive poses or a slimmer, more toned body. But it's the lessons we learn about ourselves in the process that change the way we view, and interact in, the world.

1. Strength. Physical strength is definitely a gift that helps me in my daily life. But it's the mental strength--the discipline--that I will be able to lean on even as my body ages and I can no longer hold myself in advanced postures.

2. Awareness. Thanks to my yoga practice, I am more skilled at noticing the physical signs of stress. I notice when my breath gets shallow and muscles get tense. And knowing is half the battle.

3. Confidence. There are many yoga poses that make me feel like I can conquer the world. If I could teach myself to stand on my hands, something that seemed SO impossible a couple of years ago, there are bound to be other seemingly impossible challenges today that I can conquer tomorrow.

4. Training for Difficult Life Situations. Even when my mind and my muscles are screaming to get out of a pose, I know I can stay there for just a few more breaths. That's what gives me the strength to keep going in uncomfortable situations in life, too.

5. Rest. This might be the most important gift I've gotten from yoga. It's OK to rest. There's never a reason to feel guilty if your body or your mind is asking for a break, take it! There's wisdom in knowing and respecting your limits.

What priceless gifts have you gotten from your yoga practice over the years?

Erica Rodefer is a writer and yoga enthusiast in Charleston, SC. Visit her blog, Spoiledyogi.com, follow her on Twitter, or like her on Facebook.

Our Annual Christmas Tea

Hello Everyone!!!

It is that time of year for my 4th Annual Christmas Tea!!!

Where: Inspire Yoga Studio located at 1802 Penfield Road behind the Dunkin Donuts

When: Saturday December 11th from 12 to 5pm – Open house come anytime!!!

What: Our 4th Annual Christmas Tea art show and Sale

Why: to help 2 local charities; to support our local female artists; and most of all to enjoy each other and the holiday season!!!!!

This year I am hosting the Tea at my new yoga studio called “Inspire Yoga” www.inspirepenfield.com

We have changed a few things this year to make it more festive and to give back to the community.

First: We will be raffling yoga gear, yoga classes, gift certificates and artwork for our local artists. Sponsors include Lululemon, Solia Boutique and Inspire Yoga to name a few. The charities we will be helping are: Bethany House (shelter for battered women and children) and Shepherd Home (a hospice here in Penfield). 100% of the money will go to these charities.

Second: Artists Lorraine Staunch www.staunchart.com and Jen Born www.psenjoyyourlife.com and myself www.nicholsforpennies.etsy.com will have our artwork for show and sale. Christine Knoblauch www.christineknoblauch.com will have her sculptured hearts for show and sale and Pistachio Press’s Rachel will have her letterpress work available www.pistachiopress.com and last but not least jewelry artist Michele Darin www.micheledarinjewelry.com will also have her work there too!!!

Third: To see our new studio and see old and meet new friends!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!!!

Namaste.