This is me working hard at our women's retreat in Mexico.  It takes commitment and concentration to truly relax. Not the easiest thing to do in our busy over scheduled lives.  In fact, it takes determination to say, I am taking this day or week to unwind, unplug, do nothing.  Each day of our 5 day retreat another layer of tension fell away. By the 5th day, I felt almost carefree!  I have happily returned nourished by free time, warmth, ocean water, meaningful conversations with other women, yoga, meditation...Feeling refreshed to be of service to my family and yoga community.  Join us next year for your retreat and renewal. 
Namaste, Indy

Slow Yoga

Have you heard of the Slow Food movement?  It was created in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life.
I have created Slow Yoga in a similar vein: to counteract the high levels of rampant stress I see wreaking havoc on otherwise happy and healthy people.  The pace and expectations of living a modern life can wear us down and scatter our energies.  Slowing down, deep breathing and becoming mindful of the present gives us a chance to sew together the seeming fragments of our existence.  This class is open to anyone with yoga experience or not.  Give yourself the gift of deep relaxation, deep breathing and a profound connection to yourself.  See Schedule of classes

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.....