For many of us New Year starts with a depleted budget, a cold or a flu, and a resolution that this year is going to be different. We are going to get healthier, take better care of ourselves, stick to our financial goals and most definitely drink more water. January turns to February, then comes March, and before we know it, all the healthy new habits go where they usually go  - to the land of diminishing intentions.

A powerful way to set your resolution in motion is through a cleaning ritual that will sharpen your focus and bring clarity. Start your New Year with a " deep clean". As you get rid of  physical clutter and shed light on those hidden places - in the closet, under the bed, in the basement - set the intention to clear away what's not serving you mentally and emotionally, to make space for the fresh and the new. As you clear away old stuff, reflect upon what truly moves and motivates you, and set the intention to bring more of that passion into your life.

"Every new year is an opportunity to reflect upon who we are, what we have experienced, and what we want to accomplish. Through reflection comes awareness, through which skillful action can arise," writes yoga teacher Rolf Gates, " Show up with full integrity, no matter what is happening to you - joy, loss, anticipation. Where you put your vision is where your life goes."

Happy Cleaning!

  Traditionally, every yoga class begins and ends with the sound " OM". Many of us, teachers and students alike, pay our dues to this tradition without giving it too much of a further thought.
 Pause, feel and listen. The shift of energy in any space where "OM" has been chanted is far beyond subtle - it is palpable, almost touchable, as if the cool veil of calmness  has just been suspended over the room.
Ancient wisdom traditions see the universe and human beings as the symphony of vibrational frequencies. Modern science is only beginning to accept this concept. A recent pilot study at Boston University School of Medicine had proven that chanting "OM" out loud regulates our nervous system by improving vagal tone (the vagus is the largest cranial nerve in the body; it influences respiratory, digestive and nervous system) and deepening the relaxation response.

Winter Yoga session is now in full swing and registration for all regular classes is closed. However,
Trial Therapeutic Yoga Session registration is open for anyone who wants to try just a few classes before committing to a full set. Please register early - space is limited.

Trial Therapeutic Yoga Session Information:
When: Mondays, January 21 - February 11, 7:30 - 8:30 PM.
Where: Second floor, suite 200, 9914 - 109 Ave.

Missed classes:
Going to miss a class? Please give me a ring at 780.512.7573
Missed a class or two? Feel free to join any other class to make up for what you've missed.

Attendance:
To make yoga slightly less serious and also to encourage your commitment to practice, I am going to be taking attendance in all classes. Get perfect attendance by the end of the session and win awesome yoga goodies. See, now it's a game!

Yoga gets friendly:
January is " friendly yoga" month at Satori - bring your yoga-shy friend to a class for free. Chances are, your friends will really like yoga, and you will have someone to discuss the merits of proper alignment for Downward Dog afterwards.

Out of consideration for yourself and your fellow yogis: please stay home and sip ginger tea if you are feeling under the weather - your body will appreciate the rest and recover faster; we all will really appreciate you not bringing germs to class. Chant the healing mantra "Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha" while you are resting. Thanks!

Did the frenetic, unpredictable energy of "holidaze" leave you feeling restless or depleted? May be, it has gifted you with a cold? Try these simple Ayurvedic techniques to pacify Vata dosha. They will nurture your body, calm the frazzled nerves and boost your immune system.
Stick to a routine: Regular meal and bedtimes help to create comforting stability; while abhyanga - a daily self-massage with warmed sesame oil - soothes the dry skin and overactive nervous system. Use your tongue scraper, neti pot and nasaya oil everyday to prevent head colds and sinus infections.
Stay away from cold drinks and raw, cold foods:
in winter, they dampen your digestive fire, and weaken your immune system. Instead, snuggle up with a cup of hot tea, and eat warm, moist foods - stews, soups, and root veggies.
Use this Aromatic Gargle at the first signs of sore throat:
1 cup of warm water
1 tsp cider vinegar
1 drop of lemon essential oil
1 drop eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 tsp honey
Put the cider vinegar into a cup, stir in the essential oils. Top with warm water, stir in the honey. Use 2-3 times daily. ( adapted from " Aroma Remedies" by Chrissy Wildwood.)

  Would you like your private sessions to continue in February? Please remember to re-book early!
Looking to schedule your first one-on-one? On-line scheduler is a super easy way to book. And, of course, if that seems too complicated, simply give me a call at 780.512.7573