Peace in 2010

As the end of the year draws closer, it's common to look back over the many events of 2009. The News Channels do their usual 'What was the most significant news story of the year?' surveys; and holiday greetings from friends all over the world remind me how fast time goes by and how much our lives have changed.

On a personal note, this year I accomplished two great life goals: First, I became a Certified Yoga instructor and began teaching throughout the community. Although I had taught Yoga in the past (mainly in Japan), it wasn't until this year that I finally completed the required 200-hrs to be a certified Yoga teacher. I'm grateful for having the time and the resources to pursue this long-time dream; and I give thanks for the many friends I've made through the Yoga community in Melbourne and Cocoa (Florida).

The second big accomplishment of 2009 has been to embark on the journey of an expectant mother for the first time. Many things could be said about the anticipation that grows as the due date draws closer and closer, but from a yogic perspective the most gratifying experience has been sharing the wonders of Yoga with other mommies-to-be in a weekly Prenatal Yoga class. Thank you ladies!

On a more personal level I'm grateful for all the quiet happy moments in the company of my husband, the laughs with sisters, nieces and nephews, close and distant; I'm grateful for the lovely walks in the park with our dog Cocoa; I give thanks for a healthy pregnancy; I give thanks for being able to share my love of Yoga with many new students; and I specially give thanks for the beauty of the cycle of life where all things that begin must come to an end.

And thus I say good-bye to the old and salute the new year, in the hope that all humans will know happiness and prosperity.

Namaste!

Schedule change

Starting this week, I will no longer be offering the Sat. morning class at The Zen Room.

Everything else stays the same.

*Wednesday morning (9.30 am) Pre-natal yoga continues during the holiday season as usual, 12/23 and 12/30 at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village (Cocoa, FL). All mommies and mommies-to-be are welcome. Whether you are new to Yoga or have been practicing for some time, use this time to nourish your body and connect with your growing baby.

*Thursday morning Yoga class (10 am) won't be held on Thu 12/24. Join me on 12/31 at 10am to close the year on a positive vibe! At the Hester Wagner Community House in Melbourne Village. (Melbourne, FL)

Namaste and happy holidays!

THU Morning Yoga $3 w/ YC Class Card

I've been requested by some of my students to continue honoring the YC class cards, so I've decided to continue honoring these until the end of December. There are only two classes left (12/17 and 12/31) so if you are staying in town for the Holidays and haven't got much planned for New Years' Eve, why not end the year on a positive note with a gentle Yoga practice.

If you are a more experienced practitioner, you are also welcome to attend my class as posture variations are always offered.

May you enjoy the Holiday Seasons with peace and joy.

Namaste!

New Yoga class for late risers

Every Saturday at 11.30 AM, join us for a fun Hatha Yoga class at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village.

This class is designed for people that want to squeeze in an hour or so of asana practice, breathing, relaxation and meditation into their weekends.

We will start with a few minutes of breathwork to help get ourselves into the right mindset for a more enjoyable yoga practice. Following centering we always dedicate a few minutes to warming up the big muscles of the body to avoid injuries. We then proceed to practice a series of asanas or yoga postures that help us strengthen different parts of the body, always making great emphasis on the awareness of our breath.

After our asana practice, we always leave time for relaxation and meditation to close our practice. Deep relaxation helps nurture the body with the energy created by the asana practice. It helps clear the mind in preparation for meditation.

The class is designed to meet the needs of beginner, intermediate and advanced practitioners alike, in a non-competitive environment.

It is always good to remember that the ultimate purpose of yoga is not to contort our bodies into unimaginable positions, but to liberate our minds and feel at peace with the whole universe.

Namaste!

Go to www.thezenroom.info for directions.

Pre-natal Yoga every Wednesday

A new yoga class for expecting mothers has just begun at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village. (WED 9.30 am)

This class is open to all levels of practitioners, so whether you are new to yoga or have practiced asanas for some time, you are welcome to join.
Also, all the exercises are adapted so that they can be practiced by expecting mothers at any stage of their pregnancy.

How does Pre-Natal Yoga benefit the future mother?

The system of yoga promotes both mental and physical well-being and balance, which are vital during a time of transition like pregnancy.
In Pre-Natal Yoga we practice breathing and relaxation techniques that can become very useful during labor and delivery. Learning how to relax all the muscles of the body is one of the best ways to transit through the first stages of labor, according to the Bradley Method.
The gentle practice of asanas, including postures such as sitting cross-legged and squatting, also prepares the body for labor by strengthening the muscles around the birthing organs as well as increasing the flexibility around the pelvis.
In any case, whatever type of birth you are planning to have, Pre-Natal Yoga can help you deal with both the physical and emotional side effects of pregnancy.
So if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, join us every Wednesday at 9.30 AM.

Go to www.thezenroom.info for directions.