written by Aviva Tulasi
December 27th, Lunchtime Learning: A Mind Training Practice for Stress Reduction with Sam
Learn a practice to carry into 2024 that supports training up mindful and compassionate responses to what life brings us.
Sign Up for Wednesday December 27th at 11:30 am In Person at the Parlour or Online.
January 1st, A Community Potluck to celebrate our growing community!
Join us for a special in-person Mindful Movement and Yoga followed by a potluck brunch in The Parlour's beautiful space.
You can sign up for one or both events. Each event is $15.
Friends and family members are welcome! Pre-registration is required.
If you are bringing family members, select the total number of tickets in the drop down menu before you purchase your space.
There is only one space remaining for the In Person New Year Mindful Movement and Yoga.. Sign Up today.
Everyone has a different experience this time of year. Winter brings with it long nights and promises of holiday cheer. You might find yourself looking forward to spending time with family, or wishing you could climb under a rock. No matter how you choose to spend your time this December, cherish your traditions and honor your values. Give yourself permission to linger in an embrace of a loved one and at the same time give yourself permission to be alone. Enjoy the beauty in all that surrounds you. Notice that connection and contentment is always within. You might notice how your senses connect you to your surroundings, your breath connects you to life or how your thoughts connect you to your experience. Welcome and honor whatever it is that you notice and celebrate it as a gift.
And it is ok if you don’t always find connection and contentment. Looking within and noticing life’s joys is a practice. One that grows as you practice it more and more. Each day is a new opportunity to grow and learn. As winter holidays arrive, remind yourself to embrace the joy that exists within rather than be limited by what is lacking.
The Yoga Sutras of Pantajali can be a source of inspiration. The last word in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is iti, which can be translated as thus it ends, but the sutra reflects freedom.
puruṣārthaśūnyānāṃ guṇānāṃ pratiprasavaḥ kaivalyaṃ svarūpapratiṣṭhā vā citiśaktiriti || 4.34 ||
When they serve no more purpose for the person, the constituents of nature that make up this universe return to their origin without identifying with and thus limiting the person. This freedom is the pure power of consciousness that always remains present beyond time and beyond change.
- Summarized meaning of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali verse 4.34 from A.K. Aruna
As we end 2023, ask yourself, how can you connect to your unlimited self? Can you find yourself enjoying the part of you that radiates beauty? Can you be proud of your accomplishments? Can you recognize the part of you that relishes in doing nothing? Can you allow yourself to be still? Can you find yourself facing your fears? Life is a journey. Take time to celebrate achievements and start the next part of the journey.
We can look forward to practicing connection and contentment. Yoga Sutras of Pantajali starts with:
atha yoga anushasanam
NOW, the practice of yoga begins
“We cannot reach the goal by mere words alone. Without practice, nothing can be achieved. “
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali verse 1.1 from Sri Swami Satchidananda
NOW is the time we can practice leading our lives with connection and contentment.
Your presence in our community is a gift. We value your joy. We value your effort. We value your honesty. We value YOU! Thank You for being part of our community. ♥️ Happy Holiday.
May you be connected to the light of community, may you find comfort and joy.
Email info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com with questions. We are here to help!
Aviva Tulasi is a certified yoga therapist (CIAYT) and studio coordinator at Dogwood Studios. Aviva applies the teachings of classical yoga (movement, focused breathing & meditation) to nourish the nervous system. Aviva’s classes empower students to explore their thought habits in order to promote greater wellbeing both on and off the mat.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
