If you have forgotten who you are, look at nature. Often when we embark on a journey inward, our shortcomings come up all too clearly. But imagine if we saw ourselves for who we really are….beautiful, perfect and divine.

This song has come to us recently, one we use sometimes to get our little guy to bed. It’s sung by Raffi, the 1980’s children’s singer, and I thought it fitting to share it here:

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the sun in the sky
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the clouds so high

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the whispering wind
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the birds in the spring

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the wondering me
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the way I feel

And thanks for the animals
thanks for the land
thanks for the people everywhere

Thanks a lot
thanks for all I got
Thanks for all I got

Itinerary:

Pranayama 8:30-9:15

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. It is made up of two words: “prana” – vital energy or life force and “ayama” – expansion. Thus, pranayama is the expansion of the life force in the body through the regulation of the breath. When we deepen and slow down our breathing, we also slow down our mind, preparing us for meditation and higher states of consciousness.

Chanting and Japa 9:15-10:15

Explore deeper in your yoga practice with chanting and Japa. Japa is the repetition of sacred sounds (mantra) as a pathway to meditation, an integral component of yoga sadhana (spiritual practice).

Forgiveness Asana Series 10:15-11:00

This asana series is the act of bowing to the Supreme Spirit or Divine Presence, with outer movement to express faith and devotion from within. We offer our negative aspects (the ego centric traits that are obstacles to our self-development and spiritual growth) in order to reveal the universal and divine qualities within us.

Yoga Nidra (Yoga Sleep) 11:00 – 11:30

Explore into the six subtle layers of your being (koshas) as you experience the meditative heart of yoga- Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is a heartfelt meditation experienced through deep relaxation and self inquiry. The practice helps us recognize the timeless wisdom that lives inside, our inborn nature and teaches us to wake-up, to who we truly are!

Benefits of Massage:

Touch releases chemicals that have healthy and therapeutic effects.

When you are gently touched:
- your stress level declines
- your circulation improves
- your body’s natural pleasure enhancing chemicals enliven and these travel to both mother and baby
- also improves immune functions, reducing mother’s susceptibility to colds and flu

Studies have shown that pregnant mothers who receive massage sleep better and have lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Massaged mothers experience fewer complications during pregnancy and have a lower level of premature deliveries.

I once heard that a baby’s crown chakra, his “soft spot” isn’t fully developed because he is still so close to the divine spirit, being so new on this earth. And when I look into Gabriel’s eyes, so bright and pure, I reckon I am as close to God as I have ever been.

Although my asana practice has been minimal since his arrival, Gabriel reminds me of several yogic principles everyday. Anytime I start to think too much about planning for the future, Gabriel seems to call for me again – to be fed, or cuddled, changed or entertained…. and I am reminded to be present and to serve. Although at times, the serving can seem exhausting, he also reminds me to rest, and to breathe anytime (which is often) that I nurse him. And I have to say, life is so incredibly sweet since his arrival here on earth. I have never felt so content, so exactly “who I am and where I am meant to be”.

Please check out the new calendar for February as well as the new classes in the class list. Gabriel has a wonderful papa who will be looking after him during these times and classes are set to resume February 4th.

Many blessing to you and yours for a healthy, happy, and joyous new year! I hope to see you all soon!

Namaste, Christina

Contact
Christina Michalenko
778-430-0231
christina@sweetearthyoga.com
I’d be happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns!