Authentic Success

Authentic Success is a Work in Progress!
Authentic success, what does it mean? Well Webster dictionary describes authentic as, and I quote, "1. Authoritative; 2. worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality, trustworthy; 3. not imaginary, false or imitation."

When I read "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach, her entry for September 15th rang true and clear for me. It starts "Authentic success is different for each of us. No single definition fits all because we come in all sizes. One afternoon years ago, while wandering through an abandoned cemetery, I discovered a wonderful definition of authentic success inscribed on the headstone of a woman who died in 1820: "The only pain she ever caused was when she left us."

Wow that is powerful, moving and something to strive towards.

For me authentic success is sometimes a mystery and at other times I feel as if I am achieving it. Some high points for me are... prioritizing my time properly so that family and friends are on top...answering "if not now when?" with NOW!... knowing in my soul that I did my best and being okay with it regardless of the outcome...Making peace with my past... recognizing my talents and sharing them and not diminishing them when they are recognized by others... making a difference in the world one smile at a time... sharing laughter often and being okay with my tears and the tears of others... truly listening to someone else without interjecting my opinion...valuing my dreams and working consistently to reach them and dream even more... cultivating the attitude of gratitude... and being blessed with faith.

As I reach the cross roads of my life I understand where I have been, liking where I am now and loving the ideas that tomorrow brings. And as I remain present to what really matters, I am achieving my "Authentic Success".

I will be posting the full reading this week on our new website. www.inspirepenfield.com

Namaste.

Website is up and Running

We are so excited that our new and improved website is up and running. Thank you all for your patience - we greatly appreciate it! Please check it out www.inspirepenfield.com

Special blog postings will be posted on the new site beginning tomorrow and our photo gallery will be up and running by the end of the week. The photo gallery will give you a chance to see what goes on at the studio from special events to the everyday fun we experience.

As always your presences is greatly appreciated. Each one of you has a special place in our hearts and in helping us create our dream. Thank you with all my heart.
Namaste.

Welocme Terri!

Spring has sprung and here at Inspire Yoga we have some wonderful changes to let you know about. As you know our new schedule went into effect last Friday and we are thrilled with the response! Beginning tonight, Tuesday April 5th we are welcoming a new teacher to Inspire Yoga, Terri Orr at 5:45 for Mixed Flow. We are also thrilled that Cindy Edington will be treating us to another Power Yoga class with Aroma Therapy at 7:15pm on Tuesdays. Thank you for all your support.

Terri Orr RYT
Terri has been practicing yoga since 1998. She has recently completed her formal Power Yoga training and is now a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance. Terri firmly believes in the power of yoga to heal the mind, body and spirit. She believes in living yoga both on and off the mat. She is a member of the iRocYoga which organizes charity and fund raising events for the Rochester community. Terri is the mother of two daughters and enjoys biking, hiking, reading and studying American Sign Language."

Mixed Flow Yoga
Designed for beginners and intermediate practitioners, this class focuses on alignment, building strength and stamina, and can be a beautiful bridge to the next level. The room temperature is set between 80 to 85 degrees. Bring a towel and water.

About Inspire Yoga
We are located at 1802 Penfield Road just west of the Four Corners.
We can be reached at 249-YOGA (9642).

Spring Has Sprung at Inspire

Good Morning Everyone!!!!

A gentle reminder:
Spring schedule has started! On Saturdays we are now offering 3 classes.
7:30am Beginner Yoga
8:50am Mixed Yoga Express (40 minute express)
10:00am Power Yoga

A little something for everyone! See you all soon!

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift, that is why it is the present."

Namaste.

First Friday Mixed Flow Class

New schedule starts this Friday April 1st - no fooling!!!! We have added "First Friday" which is a friday evening 5:30pm class! This week will be a mixed flow taught by Joan. Come on in for a "Happy Hour" that burns calories!
Namaste.

New Schedule Beginning Friday April 1st - No Joking!

MONDAY 9:30 am, Gentle Yoga (60 min.)
4:30 pm,Yoga for the Stiff Guy or Gal (60 min.)
6 pm, Boot Camp Power Yoga (60 min.)

TUESDAY 9:30 am, Beginner Flow (60 min.)
12:10 pm, Lunch Express Mixed Flow* (40 min.)
5:45 pm, Mixed Flow (60 min.)
7:15 pm, Power Flow Aroma Therapy (60 min.)

WEDNESDAY 9:30 am, Power Flow (60 min.)
4:30 pm, Yoga for the Stiff Guy or Gal (60 min.)
6 pm, Boot Camp Power Yoga (60 min.)

THURSDAY 9:30 am, Gentle Yoga (60 min.)
12:10 pm, Lunch Express Mixed Flow* (40 min.)
5:45 pm, Mixed Flow (60 min.)
7:15 pm, Power Flow Aroma Therapy (60 min.)

FRIDAY 9:30 am, Mixed Flow (60 min.)
5:30 pm, 1st Friday Instructor's Choice** (75 min.)

SATURDAY 7:30 am, Beginner Flow (60 min.)
8:50 am, Mixed Flow Express (40 min.)
10 am, Power Flow (75 min.)
11:30 am, Family Yoga*** (30 min.)

* Lunch Express & Mixed Flow Saturday Express
are each 40 minutes.
** Friday April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th.
*** Four-class session program - sign-up is required.

The above schedule is effective as of April 1, 2011

Namaste.

New Schedule

Inspire Yoga is releasing our new spring schedule on Monday March 28. We are adding new classes, a new teacher and a few new times. Thank you for all your input, we greatly appreciate it!

Special Note: Our "FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH" Class series begins next Friday April 1st at 5:30 TO 6:30. A new twist for a "Happy Hour".

Let me leave you with this quote by Dr. Seuss.... "be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Namaste.

Calories Burned

Did you know...VINYASA YOGA a dynamic form of yoga that connects postures and creates a flow between traditional yoga postures using sun salutations burns 445 calories and hour? So what is stopping you?
Namaste.

40 Days to a Personal Revolution

40 Days to a Personal Revolution
Are you ready for a whole-life Revolution? Based on the program created and presented by Baron Baptiste, Inspire Yoga will be hosting our first "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" beginning Monday April 25th and concluding Friday June 3rd. This amazing program will transform your practice and your life.

Are you ready to transform your mind, body and spirit? Then get committed! "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" blends daily yoga, meditation, healthier eating and personal reflection that will open the door to transformation. Weekly group meeting will keep you on track and accountable for your progress.

Our program at Inspire Yoga will include, the book "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" by Baron Baptiste, yoga pass for unlimited yoga during the program, and weekly meetings with meditations. The price for the "40 Day" program is $175.00.

You will follow Baron's book as a guide for the 40 days and commit to 4 studio practices a week, one weekly studio meeting with meditation, 2 home practices, daily meditation with journalling for personal reflection, and healthier eating.

REVOLUTION is about radical change, transformation at the root rather than the surface. This is a powerful program and we ask you to show up and give 110% of yourself.

Payment is expected when you sign up for this program. Sign ups will begin Monday March 7th. Books will be handed out during our "Kick Off" meeting Monday April 25th at 7:30 to 8:30pm and we will include a 20 minute practice and 5 minute meditation during that time. Weekly meetings will be held on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Our conclusion on Friday June 3rd will be a celebration practice beginning at 5:30 to 6:45pm.

The question to ask is... "ARE YOU READY FOR A REVOLUTION?"
Namaste.

What's New?

Good morning. As I write, the sun is shining, kids still sleeping and coffee is hot - in other words a perfect morning.

We have had tons of fun this past week with all our March Madness celebrations at the studio.

Just a few notes as we begin a new week.
1. Our Website is being redesigned to make it more user friendly. Thank you for your patience while we are under "construction". Meanwhile all updates will be posted here for the time being.

2. Our spring schedule will be posted early next week.

3. We have a new teacher joining our staff - Terri Orr RYT on Tuesday April 5th at 5:45 to 6:45pm.

4. New spring products will be arriving soon. Lots of wonderful ideas for Mother's Day Sunday May 8th.

5. "40 Days to Personal Revolution" sign ups are going on now.

6. "Family Yoga" April session sign ups are going on now.

7. Yoga Journal just released "Yoga for Beginners". This is a wonderful magazine guide for those new to yoga, at Barns and Noble Book Store.

8. Special thanks to the Krista and Lee for having their daughter's party at Inspire Yoga - you all rocked the house and I loved every minute. Also thank you for the wonderful music cd!

9. "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne is a wonderful book. Here is a link to their website. http://thesecret.tv/thepower/

10. Quote for the week: "No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."

Namaste

March Madness Donation Class for the YMCA

This Saturday at Inspire Yoga please join us as we raise money for the YMCA's "Invest in Youth Program". This program at the YMCA helps needy children attend the YMCA's camps and other programs to help them stay active and healthy.

This donation based class will be a Power Class taught by "The Doc" - Lou Papa and Joan Nichols. Please note that the punch cards can not be used for this class. We are excite to see you all!

Date: Saturday March 19th
Time: 9:00am to 10:30am
Location: 1802 Penfield Road, Penfield, New York 14526
Phone: 585 249 9642

What a Weekend!

Wow what a weekend I have had! It started out on Friday with my son Timmy and his friend going to the Strong Museum of play - we had a blast! Later that evening I went to my friend's home for book club which was very funny since non of us read the book - oops!

Then onto Saturday, I taught the 7:30am Beginner Yoga class at Inspire yoga to a wonderful group of people - you all rock! (Oh yeah, someone left their orange mat on the bench with a white towel). After that Ginny came in to sub so I could go help and teach at the 108 Sun Salutations Challenge. Thank you Ginny!!!!

About the Sun Salutation challenge that was organized by iROC www.irocyoga.com all I can say is WOW!!!!! Here a group of wonderful people - yogis - gathered to help children they have never meet, gain a brighter future. You see iROC helped "Carpenter's Kids" - which provides orphans in Tanzania who have lost parents to HIV/AIDs with the opportunity for an education - iROC raised $1200.00!!!!!! Wow! I was thrilled and honored to be a part of such a wonderful thing!

You see wonderful things - "NEWS" - happen everyday. Most people are good and are willing to help - always remember that even though we are bombarded with "nasty news" 24/7. Goodness does exist! And it is the only investment that never fails.

Well that evening I had date night with my son Timmy at the YMCA - Mother Son Event. We had such a great time and the highlight for me was when we were walking to the car afterwards and he grabbed my hand and said, "Thank you mom - I had a great time, you are a lot fun!" and he held my hand all the way to the car. Little 10 year old boys are perfection!

Sunday I felt a bit out of it with the time change but we cooked, went to a basketball party and watched the "Big Dance" Selection!!! Now I have to work on my brackets before Thursday - I love this time of year!!!!

As always I hope this post finds you all well and smiling!
Namaste.

Monday March 14th

Good Morning everyone, I hope this finds you well.

We have a change in this morning's schedule:

9:30am will be a Mixed Flow Class and our 11:00am class has been canceled just for today.

Looking forward to seeing everyone throughout the week.

Make it a wonderful day.

Namaste.

MARCH MADNESS

March Madness had begun at Inspire Yoga and to celebrate we have Two for One Tuesday; St. Patrick's Day; Invest in Youth Donation Class all this week!

1. "Two for One on Tuesdays".
Bring a NEW person to Inspire Yoga Studio on Tuesdays throughout the month of March and pay just for one person. This is a wonderful way to introduce your friends to Yoga or for friends that practice, a wonderful way to introduce your friends to us! The more the merrier.

2. St. Patrick's Day March 17th wear green to class and save some "green"! When you wear green to yoga on St. Patrick's Day this week you pay $7.00.

3. March Madness Donation Class is this Saturday March 19th 9:00am to 10:30 to support the YMCA's "Invest in Youth Program". Suggested donation is $10 and punch cards may not be used for this class. Joan and Lou will be tag teaming it up during class to give you a powerful yoga experience!

Special Note:
Sign ups have begun for our "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" and for April's "Family Yoga".

New Class Schedule will be out towards the end of March and will begin the first full week of April.

Quote for the Day:
"When the power of love over comes the love of power , the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix
Namaste.

40 Days to a Personal Revolution

Are you ready for a whole-life Revolution? Based on the program created and presented by Baron Baptiste, Inspire Yoga will be hosting our first "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" beginning Monday April 25th and concluding Friday June 3rd. This amazing program will transform your practice and your life.

Are you ready to transform your mind, body and spirit? Then get committed! "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" blends daily yoga, meditation, healthier eating and personal reflection that will open the door to transformation. Weekly group meeting will keep you on track and accountable for your progress.

Our program at Inspire Yoga will include, the book "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" by Baron Baptiste, yoga pass for unlimited yoga during the program, and weekly meetings with meditations. The price for the "40 Day" program is $175.00.

You will follow Baron's book as a guide for the 40 days and commit to 4 studio practices a week, one weekly studio meeting with meditation, 2 home practices, daily meditation with journalling for personal reflection, and healthier eating.

REVOLUTION is about radical change, transformation at the root rather than the surface. This is a powerful program and we ask you to show up and give 110% of yourself.

Payment is expected when you sign up for this program. Sign ups will begin Monday March 7th. Books will be handed out during our "Kick Off" meeting Monday April 25th at 7:30 to 8:30pm and we will include a 20 minute practice and 5 minute meditation during that time. Weekly meetings will be held on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Our conclusion on Friday June 3rd will be a celebration practice beginning at 5:30 to 6:45pm.

The question to ask is... "ARE YOU READY FOR A REVOLUTION?"
Namaste.

Meditation

Yesterday I read this meditation from "Journey to the Heart" by Melody Beattie and thought it was just beautiful and wanted to share it with you all. Make today a special day!

March 2, 2011: Value Your Past
Value your past and all the lessons you have learned.

How easy it is to diminish the importance of our past and look on our history with a critical eye. We see the mistakes, we see what we think we should have know, we see what we could have done better. What we forget is that the reason we are able to see so clearly is because of the past and because of what we have learned. Often, it is the very experiences we regret that have created this clear vision.

Value what you've learned in your past. Each lesson has led to the next. Every person and event in each part of your life has been invaluable in shaping and forming you - in creating the person you are today. Each part of your past, each person who has come into your life and shared experiences with you has helped you to open your heart more to life, love, God, others and yourself. Even those experiences you think of as wrong, or mistakes, have been an important and necessary part in creating you. Sometimes, those experiences formed the most important parts of you because they created in you compassion and understanding for others. Often the most painful events of your life are the ones that opened you to your ability to bring healing, help and hope to others. Your past taught you to love - others and yourself. It has helped you become a channel for Divine love and a force for good in this world.

When you look back at your past, look tenderly and gently at all you have been through. Look with the eyes of the soul. See that each experience was necessary to bring you home to your heart.

Namaste.

March Madness at Inspire Yoga

March Madness is upon us. Lots of wonderful things are happening at Inspire Yoga Studio.


1. This evening Lou Papa starts his Boot Camp Yoga at 6pm.


2. Yoga for the Stiff Guy or Gal has been moved to Wednesdays at 4:30pm with Joan.


3. Family Yoga sign ups for March go until March 4th and sign ups for Family Yoga for April begin March 15th.


4. Joan is helping iRoch with their 108 Sun Salutations Challenge, Saturday March 12th 9:30 to 12:00. www.irocyoga.com


5. Sign ups for our First "40 Days of Yoga" will begin March 15th. Details of the program to be released in our blog March 5th. www.nicholsforpennies.blogspot.com



6. Donation Class for the YMCA's Invest in Youth is here, Saturday March 19th from 9:00 to 10:30am. Inspire Yoga staff will be tag teaming it to give you a fun filled Power practice.


7. Inspire Yoga is happy to help Shepherd Home with their 2011 Black and White Ball. Silent Auction for "Inspire Yoga" products and classes will be held throughout the month. www.shepherdhome.org


8. Inspire Yoga is also happy to help Bethany House through a silent auction of "Inspire Yoga" products and classes. This event is being held March 12th, 6pm "Roll and Stroll" at Midvale Country Club.


9. Smart Water and Dasni Water will be for sale at Inspire Yoga within the week. Smart Water has electrolytes which helps the body stay hydrated, very important when doing heated yoga.


10. New SPRING schedule beginning April 1st will be released March 20th. Suggestions for class times and styles are most welcome. Please send us your ideas by March 10th.

Namaste.

Schedule Change as of March 1st.

Schedule change as of next Wednesday March 2nd and forward. "Yoga for the Stiff Guy or Gal" is being moved to Wednesdays at 4:30 to 5:30pm and "Boot Camp Yoga" with Lou Papa will be on Wednesdays at 6 to 7pm. If you have any questions please call the studio at 249-9642.
Namaste.

Family Yoga Sign ups

Here at Inspire Yoga we are starting our sign ups for our March Family Yoga. You have a choice of Fridays (March 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th) or Saturdays (March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th) at 11:00 to 11:30am. Four classes for up to four family members for $60 for the session. For More information please call the studio at 249-YOGA (9642).
Namaste.

Schedule for Winter Break Week Feb. 21-26

Winter Break Schedule February 21st to 26th
Monday: No morning class.
Monday: 6pm to 7pm Power Yoga With Lou

Tuesday: 9:30am Mixed Flow all levels
Tuesday: 7pm to 8pm Mixed Flow all levels

Wednesday: 9:30 am Power Yoga
Wednesday: 6pm to 7pm Yoga for the Stiff Guy - women welcome! - with Lou

Thursday: 9:30am Gentle Yoga
Thursday: 7pm to 8pm Power Yoga with Aroma Therapy - with Cindy

Friday: 9:30am Power Yoga

*Friday: 11:00am to 11:30am Family Yoga - sign up a must/$15.00 per family of up to 4 people/call 249-9642 to reserve your spots/punch cards can not be used for this class.

Saturday: 7:30am Beginner Yoga
Saturday: 9 to 10:15am Power Yoga

*Saturday: 11:00am to 11:30am Family Yoga - sign up a must/$15.00 per family of up to 4 people/call 249-9642 to reserve your spots/punch cards can not be used for this class.
Namaste.

Upcoming Events at Inspire Yoga

In February we will have three new Programs/events planned to get you all excited for yoga!

1. Family Yoga - Family Yoga is a half hour class offered on Friday mornings at 11:00am to 11:30am and Saturday mornings at 11:00am to 11:30am. The class invites families of all ages to practice together. It is a fun filled half hour with giggles and of course the occasional animal sounds. The price is $60 for 4 classes per family. Sign up at Inspire Yoga - space is limited.

2. Pose Break Down - Pose Break Down is a wonderful opportunity to grow your practice. We will be teaching purpose of pose, correct alignment and how to create your own home practice. This two class series meets on Saturdays February 5th and 12th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The price is $75 for the series. Sign up at Inspire Yoga - space is limited.

3. Mother & Daughter Friday Night Yoga and Tea! We have had lots of requests for a mother/daughter night of yoga so here it is!!! Friday February 11th 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Price is $25.00 for both mother and daughter. Hot tea will be served after the class. Sign up at Inspire Yoga - space is limited.

Looking forward to seeing you all at Inspire Yoga - Yoga with heart! www.inspirepenfield.com
Namaste.

Upcoming Modified Schedules

Monday January 17th is Martin Luther King Day.

Schedule:
Morning - 9:30 to 10:30am Mixed Flow With Joan
Evening - 6:00 to 7:00pm Power Flow with Lou

To be posted is the schedule for February break.

Namaste.

Happy New Year!

As I kick the New Year off, I am reading a few wonderful books. The one that is getting me back on track after a lovely - cookie filled holiday is called "The Quantum Wellness Cleanse" by Kathy Freston. I have done this cleanse 2 times before and was most successful when I did it with a friend. So at Inspire Yoga Studio here in Penfield, NY we are getting a group together to help each other "Reset" our bodies. First meeting is this Wednesday at 7:30pm.

The wonderful thing about this cleanse is it takes 5 ingredients out of our diets. There is no supplements etc... just good solid nutrition based on plants. The five ingredients that we take out are:
1. Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Gluten
4. Animal Products
5. Sugar

A very good point that the author makes is this, "I know that whenever I find myself thinking I couldn't possibly give this or that up , I realize just how much I am owned by it......and I know it's time to let go..."

As we welcome the New Year, it is a perfect time for new beginnings and creating better health habits. Remember our body is our "vehicle" for life, if we don't take care of it who will?

Let me end with a wonderful quote from the movie, "Chocolate":
"Listen, here is what I think. I think we can not go around measuring our goodness by what we don't do. By what we deny ourselves. What we resist and who we exclude. I think we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create and who we include."

Happy New Year!!!
Namaste.