Happy November and gratitude month.

  

As the year begins to wind down many of us will find ourselves reflecting back on what we accomplished, how we did it and what we did not do. Often as soon as we get to that point then we begin to look at what and how we want to do next year. Maybe even trying to get a head start.  

Notice how quick you are to jump from what you did to what did not get done and to beginning to visualize your new goals or figure out to bring those old ones back to life. Are you skipping over the simple yet profound act of pausing to be grateful? When you recognize what you are grateful for, how long do you allow yourself to savor it? Like with a fine wine or a luscious dark chocolate, there is much to be discovered within gratitude, on the palate, as you roll it around in your mouth and as you enjoy the lingering notes, taking plenty time before the next taste.

  

Gratitude can be easy to breeze by. Any of us who are driven or passionate about what we do may keep the thrill alive by seeing the new possibility, discovering the bend in the road and taking the corner, ascending the next mountain. There can be a sense of joy in ongoing progress but it is easy too, to get drawn into the need for constant accomplishment. Then, in any moment that progress is not being made we feel somehow unfulfilled, bored, disheartened. But is it really realistic to be always achieving? Is it really ultimately satisfying?

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Namaste,

Leslie  

 

  Did You Know...

...and you're invited?! That's right, Leslie will lead a weekend retreat at Buckhorn Springs Retreat Center in Ashland, OR May 2-4, 2014.

Whether you've been on a yoga retreat before or not, here are some great reasons to gift yourself with such an experience (or add it to your holiday wish list -- we do have gift certificates!)

Retreats offer you:

• the chance to focus on your yoga/meditation practice away from the demands of everyday life

• the opportunity for reflection and contemplation, often in a beautiful natural setting

• the social time to enjoy good meals and conversation with like-minded individuals on a similar path

• the free time to simply lay down and rest if you feel that would best serve you

What are you going to make time and space for in 2014? Set the stage for a beautiful year by setting aside this time for you. Why are we telling you about this so early, you ask? We do have special early-bird pricing that you can get in in if you sign up before February 2nd, so jump down to the events section to learn more and mark your calendar!

There are also rumblings about a retreat in Costa Rica or Hawaii in 2015.

Are you interested? Let us know!
 

Recently, we asked one of our very dedicated students, Karen to share with us a little bit about her yoga journey and what brought her to HeartSong in the first place. Here's what she had to say:

Since January 2012. Started going to yoga classes with my daughter Rachel.

When did you become a student at HeartSong Yoga and what was it that brought you in?

March of 2012, started with the unlimited month of yoga classes to see if HeartSong fit my needs. Rachel brought me in as she told me about your studio but also I was having aches in my joints and outside stresses that I was looking for some inner peace within so I could control my own feelings & let outside stresses just roll off of me without upsetting me inside.

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   Want to share something about your yoga practice for our newsletter? 

This month, we want to offer Leslie and her vast array of pelvic knowledge as our resource. If you want to learn more about the pelvic floor, hips, low back, etc. her website (www.lesliehowardyoga.com) has everything you need, including books, lists of medical practitioners and yoga teachers with this same specialty,  as well as other websites and products she loves. Enjoy!