Newsletter - November 2009
Submitted by debbie on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 06:17
Dear Friends, neighbours and fellow yogis
At Heart Centre Yoga, we collect participation data and try to interpret it so we can understand our business and community better to provide services that are in sync with our customers. We've been in business for 2 years and made the observation that our attendance trend is consistent with the wellness industry whereby in the first two weeks in January each year, participation numbers increase very quickly followed by a decrease of about 50% in the following 6 to 8 weeks. This particpation pattern repeats itself again in September each year. I have friends in the wellness business who tell me that most people will participate in some form of fitness regime until March break and mid-December when the activities of the holidays become too pressing, then the cycle repeats.
It makes sense that many people begin something new after Christmas and after the carefree days of summer have passed and the new school year has started, but some of you seem to have disappeared altogether. Please drop a line and let me know what is happening with your life so we can have a better understanding of what we need to do to keep our local yoga community alive and active. We want to contribute positively to your daily life through Yoga. We would be happy to offer you a free class if you can take the time to write, as we miss you!
I hope you are all faring well and avoiding the various flu and other seasonal bugs. Yoga can help us stay healthy year round, not only with muscle tone and coordination but also by toning the organs and endocrine system and improving breathing and circulation. Yoga helps us develop focus and concentration and find calmness in the daily stresses of life, calming the body/mind can strengthen the immune system.
Wishing you all the best in all that you do, here is a lovely poem I came across the other day, then read on for more news...
A Blessing for the senses (from Anam Cara by John O'donahue. Anam Cara is Gaelic for "soul friend," )
"may your body be blessed.
may you realize that your body is a faithful and beautiful friend of your soul.
and may you be peaceful and joyful and recognize that your senses are sacred thresholds.
may you realize that holiness is mindful, gazing, feeling, hearing, and touching.
may your senses gather you and bring you home.
may your senses always enable you to celebrate the universe
and the mystery and possibilities in your presence here.
may the eros of the earth bless you."
may you realize that your body is a faithful and beautiful friend of your soul.
and may you be peaceful and joyful and recognize that your senses are sacred thresholds.
may you realize that holiness is mindful, gazing, feeling, hearing, and touching.
may your senses gather you and bring you home.
may your senses always enable you to celebrate the universe
and the mystery and possibilities in your presence here.
may the eros of the earth bless you."
* In our last newsletter we told you that Angela (Angela Kayira - HCY teacher) has received her Anusara Inspired yoga teacher status. Although the printed schedules will not change until the new year, effective the first week of November 2009, Angela will be teaching the Thursday 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. class as a general/multi-level Anusara Inspired class and the Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. as an Intermediate level Anusara Inspired class. For more information about Anusara Yoga http://www.anusara.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=77
* CANCELLED... MOM & BABY Yoga 4 week series scheduled to begin on Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. has been cancelled due to lack of registration. We will introduce a new Mom & Baby yoga class beginning in the new year on Tuesday January 12, 2009 - 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A further reminder will be issued next month , although you can register at any time.
* REMEMBRANCE DAY - NOVEMBER 11, 2009 : There will be no changes to the schedule on the statutory holiday - all classes will run as usual.
* On Sunday November 15th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Heart Centre Yoga is hosting a party. In our last newsletter, we told you that we've converted our studio cleaning systems to chemical free microfibre solutions. If the information about these cleaning products interest you, please plan to attend to check out these incredible products - not only home cleaning products but earth and people friendly personal care too. This product line is produced by Norwex www.norwexinfo.com . Norwex is dedicated to "Improving Quality of Life by Radically Reducing the use of Chemicals in Personal Care and Cleaning". Please RSVP to info@heartcentreyoga.ca or sign up at the studio. There is no cost to attend this event and no obligation to purchase any of the products, we really think this is good information to have so hope you can attend. Snacks and refreshments will be served. If you want more information about the products, ask Ariel or Debbie.
* Winter Holiday Satsang and 'potluck' sharing of sweet treats (Satsang: Sanskrit sat = true, sanga = company). Saturday December 5, 2009 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. In a world where the predominant focus of attention is 'out there', Satsang provides an environment which affirms the practise of looking within - it typically consists of kirtan (call and response chant), study (a spiritual reading) and meditation. A beautiful calm start to the often frantic holiday season . Bring along a dozen of your favorite holiday cookies, squares, tarts etc. for sharing afterwards - Heart Centre Yoga will provide beverages! This event is free, please RSVP at the studio or to info@heartcentreyoga.ca
info@heartcentreyoga.ca * FAMILY YOGA Class: Sunday December 6, 2009 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with Shannon. For children ages 3 - 6 years of age (one adult per child) $16 per pair. Join Shannon as she leads a fun and creative yoga class for you and your youngster. Stand tall like a mountain, roar like a lion and lounge like a salamander on a stone! Please pre-register/pre-pay for this class at the studio or
* WORKSHOP with Angela: "A New Year: Stepping into the Light of Your Intention" . Begin your new year and the new decade with positive intention. This workshop will be held on Friday January 1st 2010 - that's right - New Years Day 2010 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This workshop will explore the cultivation and power of intention through journalling, mediation and asana. Cost is $35 (including GST). Please pre-register/pre-pay for this class at the studio or info@heartcentreyoga.ca (and wouldn't it make a great Christmas gift!).
* Also coming in the new year - a 30 Day Yoga Challenge! Not just 30 days of Asana, although the more classes you do, the more points you will receive. This challenge will allow you to take yoga into your daily life and earn points through suggested reading, making lifestyle changes, journalling and more. Dates and details will be announced in the December newsletter.
* Cloth Diapering 101 Workshops by New & Green Baby Company. http://www.newandgreen.com/Workshops_70_cat.htmlNew More cloth diapering workshops are coming in the new year.
* We've just received news of a special Yoga/Dance event in our community - if you love to dance and love yoga (or even if you've done neither one before and always wanted to try) here's a chance to do both at the same time. Saturday November 28th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. $25 (gst included) at the Cranberry Commons (Albert & Madison). Space is very limited. Contact the organizers to register - a poster is attached with all the details.
* Other 'yogic' things to do: Participate in the National Yoga Challenge in support of Unicef. Saturday and Sunday November 21st & 22nd, 2009 at the Olympic Oval in Richmond. Yoga is not just about Asana (Physical Practice). Its about uniting, and that's what this weekend is about. Coming together and connecting with people who celebrate life! You dont need to do yoga, you can try if you like - the challenge is participating in life, and connecting with others along the way! For details and to register, check the web site www.nationalyogachallenge.com
Namaste,
Debbie
