Summer Solstice Outdoor Yoga Event

Tues. June 21st from 7-8:30pm.

This is a benefit for Waterbury in Motion an all-volunteer group with a mission to help develop a safe, accessible, and active bike and pedestrian system in Waterbury and the surrounding area.  So walk, bike or run to the field behind Pilgrim Park which is behind the Waterbury train station and celebrate the beginning of Summer.  $10/person.  Bring your own mat or towel and maybe some bug repellent!

Free Yoga Class Every Wednesday at Noon

Field behind Pilgrim Park behind Waterbury train station

6/30 Design Your Own Home Yoga Practice Workshop

Thursday 7-9pm at One Studio Dance and Yoga
All levels welcome with some yoga experience necessary
Whether you are interested in vinyasa, moderate, gentle or restorative yoga, this workshop will help you create a routine that fits your body, mind, goals and your life!  We will explore how you want to benefit, how much time you have, where you will practice, and how to structure a routine.  You will take home one or two twenty minute yoga routines and a plan for when and how your practice will evolve.
Pre-register with me at indystewald@comcast.net
$25/person

Join me in Mexico this January for a Women's Retreat

How about a warm and sunny break from winter in Vermont that includes a daily yoga class and lots of free time to relax and rejuvenate?  January 24-29, 2012, I will be in Yal Ku Lagoon in Akumel, Mexico as the yoga instructor for a small women's retreat.  There are only a couple of spots left!  Reserve your January rest and renewal gift to yourself here: Jayalila Retreats

Santosha- Unconditional Happiness

Santosha is the yoga word for contentment, unconditional happiness.   Contentment is a happiness emanating from the inside out, not determined by outside circumstances.
In the last two weeks, I have had the opportunity to enjoy Burlington during Jazz fest.  One Saturday I was at the Burlington farmer's market.  There was awesome food and craft vendors, live music playing, and people of all ages hanging out on the lawn or walking around the booths.  I was loving the community feeling, music, good food, warm weather, and then....I scanned the faces of everyone there and I was shocked!  Not ONE person was smiling.  I looked more closely at every face in my field of vision.  There was no sign of happiness.  I was really confused.
This past Saturday my friend treated me to a VIP pass for the reggae show under the World Tent on the waterfront.  I was telling my friend about my observations at the farmer's market the Saturday before and so we did a scan of the folks in the VIP tent listening to live music and eating and drinking for free.  Again, there was not a smile or even a glint of happiness in any face.  In fact, we both agreed that everyone looked really serious and most had a furrowed brow. 
What's going on?  I am guessing people are stressed out and are out of touch with the beauty and blessings that surround them all day, every day.
These observations have moved me.  Although stress is ever present, we can choose to see the beauty, love, and blessings in our lives, in our families and friends, nature, in service to others and on and on.....we may need to practice this, diligently, every day.  And gently remind one another.  Life is too short and too precious to let slip by.....

Life is a Practice in Being Human

Life is a Practice in Being Human
Relax in the knowledge of your inherent goodness.
Relax in the knowledge that no person or supreme being expects you to be perfect.
Practice gentleness and compassion towards yourself and others.
Appreciate the ordinary of every day living.
Accept the reality of what is- not what you would prefer or what didn't happen.
Forgive your mistakes and the mistakes of others.
Acknowledge your deep connection to all beings.
Open to all possibilities.
Love, be kind, be of service.
Practice life- that's all there is.

A few ideas on self-acceptance

Here's a list of ideas I came across that were meaningful to me in my exploration of self-acceptance in the month of March.
1. Accept I am whole, as is, not broken.
2. Accept my imperfections.
3. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." Carl Rogers
4. Cultivate Maitri- unconditional friendliness or loving kindness- to help self acceptance.
5. Realize that people everywhere experience joy and suffering and everything in between just like me.

The Guest House by Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.