Sale on Tops, Healing Specials until 12/24, New Year Opportunities, and More!

Marnie joined Green Lotus Lakeville in October and brings a wealth of experience to our center. She has treated various conditions utilizing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

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And Get A FREE Class or Bucks in Your Account!

Student of the Month

Craig Woolley found Green Lotus in Mendota right after we opened our doors. He came seeking a class for himself and his friends who are in their 70's, 80's, and 90's. Craig and his dedicated group now attend our chair-based Pilates for Seniors class twice a week. Craig says that he used to need a walker, but his regular practice has increased his mobility, balance, and strength, and he now can walk unaided! Mr. Woolley, you have reversed the aging process and we are so honored to have you as part of our sangha (community).

The Gift of Charity

Looking for a non-traditional gift idea? Make a donation in someone's name to a cause that is important to you. Merry Beth Hovey is supporting the Global Seva Challenge to end sex trafficking in India.

To donate - click the image above & select participants Wendy Helberg or Rachel Allyn from the drop-down list.

Marcia Appel is supporting a similar cause, right in our own backyard. MN Girls Are Not For Sale, an organization dedicated to end the prostitution of Minnesota girls. Donation information on their website www.mngirlsnotforsale.org

Click to Explore

The planets move, you may not be the astrological sign that you thought...Vedic Astrology

A book about creating your own reality...Break the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy...."

Be the Change. Volunteer. HandsOn Twin Cities is an organization that will show you how you can help.

Where do you practice?

Greetings!

Beginning Again

As I am writing this, journalists report stories from around the globe about people's fears - or hopes - for December 21, the end of the current Mayan calendar cycle of 5,125.36 years. Some persons predict doomsday - the liter mayan temple

al end of the world - while others envision a period of a significant change in awareness and understanding. The end date of this Mayan calendar stands as even more auspicious because it coincides with the December solstice, when sun is directly overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn, and the northern hempishere experiences peak hours of darkness.

It seems to me that the world ends and begins every day if we live in this moment and this breath. In Connecticut last Friday, the world we thought we knew ended - all elementary schools no longer seem safe enough for our children. The next day, though, a new world began as we collectively explored what happened and entered a new countrywide conversation.

One day there is more darkness, then there is more light. There is fear, then there is hope. There is despair, then there is action. Day in and day out, the world ends and begins, and we with it. And if we stay present, we - together - learn and grow, our awareness deepening and expanding, our hearts joining together in the global heart. If we are are present.

What would the world - in the new Mayan calendar, the Gregorian calendar or any other measurement of time - look and candles

feel like if more us set intentions to walk toward the light and then to shine that light on solutions and tolerance, respectful conversations and helping hands, cooperation and community?

What if every day we saw that we are beginning again? That is the lesson of the mat - to begin again and again, walking toward the light.

Happy holidays to you and your families and friends. We know many of you have out-of-town visitors and returning students for the holidays. For them, we have created a special drop-in rate of $10 if they attend classes with you during their visit. Thank you for your presence and your dedication, which means more to us than you can know. See you 2013.

Marcia (writing), MB, Candy, and Christie

(Read the entire version of Beginning Again - and all our postings - on our blog, Lotus Blossoms.)

Green Lotus Winter Weather Policy snowy bench

If the public schools in Lakeville and Mendota close, Green Lotus automatically will cancel classes and appointments at the respective centers. During non-school hours, we will make a decision quickly. In all cases, we will communicate to you through this webpage, the live schedule, an email blast, and by phone if you have preregistered. We also will Tweet so follow us on Twitter!

Yoga Nidra: Experience Yogi-Sleep & Deep

Relaxation

Lakeville: Friday, December 28, 6 - 7 p.m.

Yoga Nidra is a soothing guided meditation that has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, easing headache, chest tightness, neck and shoulder tension, and other symptoms. In this state of conscious deep sleep, led by Green Lotus founder Marcia Appel, you will experience profound and effortless relaxation with deep awareness.

Click to read more or register.

Sacred Wellness Journey

Lakeville: January 6 - March 19

Resolve to make 2013 the year of you! Would you like to live a more authentic life, shift limiting beliefs and patterns, release emotional wounding, decrease stress and anxiety, lose weight, transform an addiction, or become more in tune with your body? Our team of natural healers will help you create real, sacred change in your life. Like a labyrinth, the journey towards wellness has twists, turns, and choices... join other like-minded seekers, let go of old patterns, and start making new choices. With the guidance of our healers and teachers, you can start creating the life you want. Click for more details or to sign up.

Manifest Your Dreams!

Mendota: January 12, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Do you have goals and dreams? At times do you feel stuck when it comes to manifesting

the things you want in your life? This workshop is for you! Through the creation of a vision board and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) you can begin to remove what is standing in your way. Uncover and remove emotional and psychological blocks that could be holding you back from attaining what you want in life. You only need to bring your goals, dreams and yourself... all supplies are provided.The workshop and an individual appointment with Dr. Alane are included in the price of $200. This is a great way to start the new year off right. Sign up today, space is limited to keep this workshop intimate.
Click for more info or to sign up.

Hot Fusion Yoga Study & Teacher Training: Opportunity to Expand

January 11 - 13, 2013

Our new 20-hour Hot Fusion Yoga training allows students to delve deeply into the practice during one intensive weekend. T Joe Lusso

he cornerstone of the Green Lotus approach is to study the practice not only by reading and through engaging lecture but also by participating in multiple practices so the principles of anatomy and philosophy can be felt in students' own bodies and minds. The training is being led by Joseph Lusso, whose yoga roots began in Kripalu Yoga and over the years he has branched into many other styles. Joseph is a gifted teacher, known for his compassionate teaching style and his approachability. This training is designed specifically for two audiences:

Yoga teachers who want to expand their teaching repertoire and/or earn continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance and NETA.
Yoga students who want to advance and deepen their personal yoga practice or become more intimately familiar with the Hot Fusion yoga style physically and energetically.

Seize the opportunity to expand your yoga practice and teaching options. Sign up now to take advantage of early bird pricing. Find our more or download the application form by clicking here.

Mai Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture

Provided by Marcia Kirk in Mendota Heights & Lakeville

Cosmetic Acupuncture is a holistic alternative to plastic surgery, injections, and laser/chemical peels. Your face will never look stretched, burned, puffy, or "banded". This series of treatments increases blood circulation to the face promoting collagen production for increased muscle tone and elasticity (this is what keeps wrinkles from forming!) It's prevention at its best! (NOTE: Marcia also works on tummies!)

For more information including prices click here.

Gluten-Free Holiday Sugar Cookies!

By Maureen Farley, Yoga Teacher & Gluten-Free Foodie

Eating gluten-free can be a challenge during the holidays. Having a yummy gluten-free version of your favorite treats really helps maintain a gluten-free lifestyle. Sure, cookies aren't healthy, but what lack in nutritional value, they make up for in fun and yumminess. It is the holidays after all, and total denial of yummy treats isn't balanced. Bake some cookies and savor the yumminess. If you have gluten-sensitive kids, this sugar cookie recipe is sure to be a hit. Just like the cookies you grew up with, these are crisp, buttery, and fun to decorate with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, and candy.

Gluten-Free Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe

NOTE: Do you have a favorite recipe that uses natural, organic ingredients? Submit your favorite to info@greenlotusyogactr.com

30% Off Yoga Tanks and Sleeveless Tops & Dresses!

No Coupon needed. Just mention promo code: TOPS30

NEW
Men's Shirts,
Scarves,
Headbands,
Cozy Long Sleeves,
Tanks,
Yoga Accessories, and Personal Care Products!

Savings for the Holidays	Healing Services Holiday Offers End Christmas Eve Our annual holiday specials on massage and healing touch packages, acupuncture, nutrition, past-life regression and more! Click here for savings, prices, and details.
Offer Expires: December 24, 2012

$10	Bring and Out-of-Town Guest to Class Yoga is the perfect way to stay balanced during the hectic holiday season. Share the love: bring an out-of-town family member or friend to class with you for only $10.
Offer Expires: January 31, 2013