Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com
yoga@cherylthomas.com
415-308-3377
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Have a Hallelujah Holiday
I wish you all a holiday season that brings you just what you want (and need). For some of us, it's a few days off work where we can get extra sleep, stay in bed with our organic, low fat eggnog and our unopened, can't-wait-to-read book. For others it's crowded parking lots, long Santa lists and cookies and turkeys to bake (and baste). Regardless, take a moment to revel in the innocence, creativity and shear fun of the Hal-Leh-Lu-Jah folks in Quinhagak, Alaska. Just click on the video above.
Whatever your holiday looks like, I hope you will take a few moments to remind yourself to be grateful for all that we have and find a bit that we can give to others. Maybe you've got a lot and maybe you've got a little. It makes no difference. Sometimes a well-placed smile or touch on a shoulder can be a huge present for someone. Perhaps you laugh at Uncle Harry's jokes when everyone else smirks. Also, not too much booze either alone or at the big family gathering. Although it can be a welcomed social lubricant it can creep up to a "did I really say that" and a nasty next day.
Why not change it up a bit this holiday season. Are you always uber-responsible getting all your presents purchased, wrapped, and to the post office ahead of time? Why not drop some of the responsibility for just a moment. How does that feel? Did the earth stop on it's axis? Slow down a bit. Or, are you a bit sluggish, feeling the effects of the turkey stuffing and sweet potato pie from Thanksgiving? Does this time of the year bring on a bit of melancolia and not in a good way? Change things up, get off the couch, take a brisk hike in the Armstrong Redwoods. Call up your local giving organization and volunteer your time. Really, you'll be all better.
If you're traveling, drive safely and slowly or be extra kind to the people that work at the airport. If you're going to be a guest, take a handful of flowers or a bar of good smelling soap. Are you hosting others? Let them do the dishes and bring some of the food. You don't have to do it all. Are you staying home? Ah, enjoy your book.
*Thank you Ann Austin for bringing this video to our attention.
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There's Still Time - Give a Gift of Yoga Whether it is Xmas or Chanukah or just a reason to show someone you're thinking of them, give the gift of relaxation. Really? Is it that easy? How do you do that? A fifth of Captain Morgan's would do, but then there's that nasty hangover and the phone calls apologizing for something you don't remember.
Booze is out, Restorative Yoga is in. You know who needs it. The new Mom that barely sleeps and is chronically exhausted. Yep, that's her. She can use your generous gift. The friend who is in chemotherapy and is struggling to regain her strength. She's a perfect candidate. What about your friend that wants to do yoga but is intimidated by all the young, skinny, super-flexible girls in spandex. You can help. I'll come to their home with all the accoutrements--bolsters, blankets, blocks, and those cool lavendar-scented eye pillows. The lucky girl/guy will receive 90 minutes of comfort and relaxation by being supported in various positions with a bunch of props. Some call it just laying around. As the nervous system calms down and the relaxation response takes over, the stress, exhaustion and everyday frustrations melt away. It's like going to a spa and getting a 2 hour massage! If you're really crafty, you'll make it a joint gift and you'll join them!
Need more reasons? By giving a service-based gift, you save plastic c*&%p from China making its way to the landfill. And, you're supporting local business. Walmart will make not a penny from the transaction. Yippee!!
I'll send you a nice gift certificate to present to your friend. Email me at yoga@cherylthomas.com with your questions.
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Restorative Yoga - TODAY
I love the response of students to their first or second or hundredth restorative yoga experience. It's the moment when their nervous system shifts from "yikes!" to "ahhhhhh." They leave with relaxed shoulders and brightened attitude.
It's easy to forget that the body knows exactly what to do. The relaxation response is a built in function of our amazing central nervous system. We just have to let relaxation happen. I know, it seems impossible sometimes. Thus, the popularity of restorative yoga where we learn to put the body in positions and let it do it's thing.
In these workshops you will be allowed to relax and let go while your body is supported with bolsters and blankets and lots more. We will do a bit of movement, chat about stress and the relaxation response and then spend 90 minutes in positions that we will hold for 15 to 20 minutes. This practice is for everyone. Go ahead and put the dates on your calendar now so you won't forget. And, while you're at it, invite a friend.
Sunday,December 18, 2011**
3:30 - 5:45 p.m.
BodyWorks in Petaluma
**The third Sunday of each month
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YogaWoman - It's not Just a Movie, It's an Event!
We have a date! Put it on your calendar and call all your friends. Saturday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m., YogaWoman will land at the Sebastopol Community Center Annex Bldg. The the movie's trailer here: www.yogawoman.tv or click on the image above.
Not only will this event bring all of the North Bay's yogis together to geek out on yoga, but donations from this event will go to the Ceres Project (www.ceresproject.org). And if you don't know it, Ceres's founder, Cathryn Couch, is a long-time, kick-a*@%, Ashtanga practitioner. You can find her weekly at Ann Austin's morning classes flashing her Parvritta Trikonasana.
Want more? Yes, there'll be a reception before the movie with Cere's yummy appetizers. The movie's cast members, your local yoga studio owners, and your yoga friends will be able to chat, munch and sip.
OK, there's mas. Just like the fancy-smancy film festivals, we'll have a panel discussion/Q&A following the film. Cast member (OK, let's call her a "movie star"), Anne O'Brien, is rounding up her fellow stars to share their experiences and answer your questions.
Check back soon on Ceres Project's website (www.ceresproject.org) for opportunities to sign up for the reception or become a sponsor. Wanna help? Let me know at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Private Yoga Classes
There are lots of reasons why going to a public yoga class is not always right for you. Maybe the class times are wrong or the location is inconvenient. Maybe you're new to yoga and feel intimidated by a public class or you have an injury or condition that requires some individual attention. Private or small group classes at your location at your chosen time can be the perfect answer.
It's fun to get friends together. Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze. Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves. Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies. Your friends will thank you!
Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions. I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Schedule of Upcoming Classes
Week of December 18, 2011
Sunday
3:30 - 5:45 p.m.
BodyWorks, Petaluma
Restorative Workshop
Monday 9:00 - 10:15 Yoga on Center, Healdsburg Gentle Yoga Wednesday (TO BE SUBBED by Indira) 5:30 - 6:55 p.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha
Vinyasa Flow + Restorative - All
Thursday (TO BE SUBBED by Indira)
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
Graton Community Club, Graton
Gentle Flow - All Level
Week of December 25, 2011
Tuesday
9:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha
Beginning Yoga (Ann Austin's Class)
Wednesday
9:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha
Intermediate Yoga (Ann Austin's Class)
5:30 - 6:55 p.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha
Vinyasa Flow + Restorative - All
Thursday
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
Graton Community Club, Graton
Gentle Flow - All Level
Yoga Studios
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Hope to see you soon!
Namaste,
Cheryl
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North Bay Yogies Unite
Yay, Richard Koman! Thanks to you, North Bay Yogies have our own blog: It's http://northbayyoga.
blogspot.com/. That's right, it's ours. Share, posit, surmise, inform, rant. Check it out!
AND......there's more.
North Bay Yoga Happenings is a newsletter by MaryEllen Whitten dedicated to the spirit and community of yoga! She makes searching for individual studios for classes, workshops and other yoga events easy. To sign up, click here.
Work Hard then Rest Hard.
My Wednesday night class is the perfect combo of a 60 minutes of flow and 30 minutes of restorative yoga. How sweet it is!
Graton Yogis Info: We Gratonite Yogis have a place to call our own. It's www. yogaingraton.com. There is information about current and new yoga classes offered in Graton. Don't live in Graton? No problem. We want you to come anyway.
"Not to have what we want is stressful; to have what we do not want is stressful." Buddha
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