A New Home

I am back from California and ready to settle into my physical new home in Monument, CO!  I am grateful that I have the opportunity to refresh my design skills with some remodeling and updating.  But while we wait to move in we are still out of sorts, so to speak, as we are living in a hotel in Broomfield, CO....it is a testimony that with Christ, we can be at home anywhere.  In the meantime, I am enjoying yoga for myself and hope to be back teaching next year!  

If you happen upon my blog and are interested in Christ-centered yoga classes in Monument/Co Springs area, contact me, and I can point you in the direction of some wonderful teachers.

                                                                                                              Shalom!



"I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the LIVING. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." ~ Psalm 27:13-14

I read these words this morning. I find it interesting that the place where I wait for the Lord is in the land of the LIVING. I am not waiting on Him where my heart is dark and dead. I am not waiting on Him where my my heart is an empty shell of humanity. I am not waiting where I believe there is no purpose, hope, strength, resolve or abundant Life. These places are indeed dark; dimming my ability to see God's goodness and righteousness. My heart is full of every discouragement, complaint, and negative belief that embraces hopelessness. IF I am in this place of waiting then I trust that I would NOT see God Himself if He stood right in front of me much less His goodness!

I can see God's goodness in me and all around me when I wait in the place of abundant LIFE, the land of the LIVING. Jesus Christ - He is the LIFE - the LIGHT that illuminates all that is beautiful, hopeful and truthful. He brings purpose and beauty to my life. He gives me the strength to wait in hope, and He encourages my heart with His truth.

Where does your heart reside today? Where are you waiting when you face heartache, trouble and despair? Are you in the waiting rooms of emptiness, weakness, hopelessness, or even the grave room of nothingness?

Take time to reflect and evaluate where you are. Then make a brave decision and choose to MOVE. Yes, we can all be confident that He is all that we need, and He is our very LIFE itself. I believe there is nothing more good than this! This is where I want to live; don't you?

Celebrating Friendship

"Friends are For-ev-ah!"

Well, I have always wanted it to be so.  Helen Keller once said, "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."  If you are like me, you too, have sought a kindred spirit to share in life's joys and sorrows.

In this technical age when many draw into themselves, being or having a friend appears to be more and more difficult.  Perhaps life's worries have consumed so much energy that it seems too much effort. However, if we take all of these possible factors out of the equation then perhaps on a level playing field we can start by just showing some basic kindness to those whom God places in our lives.

I know at times in my life, when I have been fearful or struggling with my personal woes, reaching out to others has been the perfect medicine for me.  Offer a smile, a helping hand, a phone call.  I won't deny it is hard to do the very thing our soul rejects when feeling down and blue, but these acts of kindness while experiencing human contact lifts our hearts and eyes beyond our desperation.  If you are lonely, chances are someone else around you is too.

There are many ways to meet others.  Think about what moves you and join a group.  Have you ever checked out  http://www.meetup.com? You may discover others with common beliefs and interests.  And it may surprise you that the very person whom you felt couldn't possibly be friendship material, happens to be the very one who could be your new very 'best' friend!

We all have value, and there is an indescribable potential in all of us.  No one is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.  Resist the impulse to judge someone who appears to be different than you.  Keep an open mind when meeting new people, and watch a marvel happen.  Better yet - I believe if we keep our hearts accessible and refuse to set specific expectations many doors will open to promising friendships!

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear...
We love because He first loved us."  

1 John 4:18a -19

California - Week One, Conclusion

This has been the longest week of my life. :-(   It was full of 'nothingness'...some of it good. Well, mostly good. Rest is good. Recovery is good. Discovery is good!  So 'nothingness' is an exaggeration.  Forgive me.

I wonder how I will fit into the movement of California life to serve, to bless? I am not my happiest just receiving...although, I realize there is a time and purpose for everything "under the sun"...there is no reason to complain. I hope it doesn't sound like I am. This is just a 180 degree turn from where I was a mere four weeks ago. 

I am waiting to see where God wants me and what I am to do here. If it is PURELY for reflection, recreation, reconnection then I need to embrace that. And I have a impression, that this time, this is REALLY WHAT it is all about. OPEN. RECEIVE. I often have to remind myself. :-))  God's gift of fun. 

My first weekend here was spent driving with Kurt south on Hwy 1 along the pacific coast.  We ventured through small towns, stopping in Pescadero for french bread, salami, and cheese.  Blackberries, strawberries and cherries at a local farmer's stand completed our fare for the day. 

We stopped in Santa Cruz for a walk on Sea Bright beach with views of the board walk in the distance.  We saw a light house, sand crabs, crashing waves, seagulls, and there swimming out not far from where we stood, seals and porpoises as they seemed content in their race against one another.  Our feet received a proper exfoliation from the hot sand as we walked to and from our parked car.

We concluded our drive in Carmel where again we walked to the beach.  This time the sand was whiter, the sky bluer, and the ocean more forceful.  Pebble Beach was also in distant view.  (I had no idea it was one of THE most famous golf courses in the USA!)  We surprised ourselves by 'attending' an open house in a residential area that caught our eye.  I can say this $5 million dollar home a stone's throw from the beach had nothing on our lovely home back in the Black Forest.

If you are in Carmel, one HAS TO go to The Hog's Breath Inn, where the owner is Clint Eastwood.  So sorry, Mr. Eastwood.  But service was extremely poor, and those hanging petunias are in desperate need of some water.  At least we can say we have now been there!  And Carmel is indeed a heavenly place - just not so much The Hog's Breath Inn.

Turning around and heading back at 5:30 pm awarded us the delightful treat of a clear bright sunset over the now still ocean expanse.  The hot coal of color dissolved on the horizon in minutes.  The afterglow lasting about an hour longer before darkness enveloped us.  Singing 70's hits, one after the other, kept us occupied until we rolled back into the hotel parking lot in San Rafael at 9:00 pm.

I would say yoga classes, expansive daily breakfasts, two drives to Sonoma, two movies, coastal drive and church on Sunday morning complete a very relaxing FUN first week.

Speaking of Celebrations

I have traveled far away.  In space, in mind, in heart.  I feel the pull of a Divine Force that is taking me to a place where it is NECESSARY for me to trust.  For all the mountains I have climbed, the high leaps I have taken, the fearlessness I believed I possessed, I am humbled in realizing that fear still resides in me.  I am not as brave as I had thought.  All the courage, even my ability to trust is given to me.  I can't not conjure these strengths on my own or even will them into existence.  They are simply what they are: gifts.

I left Colorado on Sunday, September 2.  Journeying with my husband to California where he is working on a project for the next two months.  I am without a home, a job, friends and family, and my passion.  All these things I left behind.  Or did I? 
 
I have often thought of Christ these past few days.  In the three years of His earthly ministry, He was also without a 'home'...Yes, perhaps a physical home, but I venture that what He needed to survive in this world was available and accessable within.  He showed us how it can be done...how we can live our lives, full of meaning, full of joy, with celebration by tapping in to the Divine nature of a Great God whose Spirit dewells within us.

So speaking truthfully to where I am and what I am facing, I will share with you my journey these next two months.  Maybe you can relate; maybe you can learn; maybe you, too, will find your voice - and speak of your celebrations.  For now, I desire to find mine.

Shalom,
Pamela

Last Summer Month for Reflections Yoga

Due to the incredible amount of work that I have to do for our upcoming move, the yoga hiking schedule has been altered. There will be only one hike left this summer so grab your hiking shoes and join us!! Also, I will be teaching this month at simplyYoga, Chapel Hills Church and the Westside Community Center. I hope to see you all at a class soon! My prayers are with you all! Shalom, Pamela

Yoga Classes:

**SimplyYoga in Castle Rock

504 Perry Street, Castle Rock, 80104

Please register at http://simplyyogacastlerock.com/scheduleregister

Mondays: August 6, 13, 20, 27

5:45 - 6:45 pm - All level CAY (Christian Alternative Yoga) ~ $13 per class / $55 for 5 classes

**Westside Community Center, 1628 West Bijou Street, Old Colorado City, 80904
Tuesdays: August 7, 14, 21, 28

9:15 - 10:40 am - All Levels ~ $6 per class
10:40 - 11:30 am - Chair Yoga ~ $4 Senior Discount

** Chapel Hills Church

2025 Parliament Drive Colorado Springs, 80920
Wednesdays: August 8, 15, 22

5:30 - 6:30 pm - All Levels ~ Drop-in Fee $10 per class

Last Yoga Summer Hike:
This will be an evening hike! RSVP by email or phone no later than Thursday, August 9th.

Husbands, friends, and kids welcomed! Mats are not necessary! I will send out directions to meet at the trail head. We will begin hiking at 6:30 pm. Bring your mat, light snack, and water is a must. Wear Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, comfortable shoes and clothes. Pack a light jacket incase of inclement weather. ~ FREE

**Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space, Larkspur
   August 10, Friday

Yoga in the Park:

**Down Dog Days of Summer
Instructor: Donna Carlson, Holy Yoga

Saturday: August 18 / 10:00 am til 11:00 am ~ FREE

Limbach Park, Monument

**CorePower Yoga Park Series
Instructors: Various each week; Live music by Austin Richman

Saturdays: August 11, 18, 25 / 10:00 am til 11:00 am ~ FREE

Monument Valley Park, behind the Fine Arts Center, 30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs

 

 

Yoga Summer Hikes:
Email reflectionsyoga@live.com for directions.  We will meet at the trail head at 8:15 am for each hike. Hikes begin promptly at 8:30 am. Bring your mat, light snack, and water.  Wear Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes you can move it. Pack a light jacket incase of inclement weather. ~ FREE

** Red Rocks Canyon Open Space
June 4, Monday

** Spruce Mountain
June 15, Friday

** Garden of the Gods
June 18, Monday

** Glen Eyrie
July 9, Monday

** Sante Fe Trail
July 20, Friday

** Stanley Canyon
July 23, Monday

**Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space
August 3, Friday

** Paint Mines State Park
August 6, Monday

**Palmer Lake Reservoir
August 17, Friday

Yoga in the Park:
  JUNE 2012

**Down Dog Days of Summer
   Instructor: Donna Carlson, Holy Yoga

   Saturdays: June 2 and 16 / 10:00 am til 11:00 am ~ FREE

Limbach Park

Monument

View Map · Get Directions

 

 

**CorePower Yoga Park Series
    Instructors: Various each week
    Live music by Austin Richman

    Saturdays: June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 / 10:00 am til 11:00 am ~ FREE

Monument Valley Park, behind the Fine Arts Center
30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs

Summer Yoga * June 2012

Reflections Yoga

Instructor: Pamela Reno, CCYT, RYT

Cell: 719-352-9272

Yoga Classes:

**Westside Community Center
    1628 West Bijou Street, Old Colorado City, 80904
    Tuesdays: June 5, 12, 19 and Thursday: June 21

9:15 til 10:15 am - All Levels ~ $6 per class or prepay for all 4 classes
10:40 am til 11:00 am - Chair Yoga ~ $4 Senior Discount


** Chapel Hills Church
     2025 Parliament Drive, Colorado Springs, 80920
     Wednesdays: June 6, 13, 20

5:30 pm til 6:30 pm - All Levels ~ $10 drop in fee per class or $24 for 3 classes

2012 Spring Yoga Series - Cultivate and Grow Your Practice for Home!

After a long absence, I have learned more than ever that there is no place like HOME. Our homes can be a place of refuge, a shelter - a safe and protected place. It's not only a place where our physical needs are met, but a place where we can be real - be ourselves and connect with those we love. Our homes can be a place to relax and rejuvenate when we feel overwhelmed with life. But home doesn't have to be just our physical dwelling, it can be a spiritual place where God restores our soul.

In our anticipation of spring, our next series focus on how to Cultivate and Grow Your Practice for Home - establishing a place of refuge within and without. In union with lots of movement, we will learn to recognize God's unconditional love and Presence within.

We will look at six concepts that will be the foundation of our practice; we will learn how to structure our practice: breath work, warm up poses, poses to cultivate the 'core' of our practice, cool down poses; and final resting poses. We will look at the benefits of each pose. We will learn which poses cultivate energy, relaxation, or provide a release from stress. We will learn how our openness and perspective affects our ability to move or perhaps not move!

I look forward to seeing you next week. Feel free to email me with any questions or for more information.  Click on the link on the side bar for a list of current classes.  Thank you so much!! 
I am so very happy to be HOME. 

SPRING back into Yoga! 2012

Hey there everyone!!  I am HOME.

It was a remarkable and amazing time in Costa Rica teaching yoga retreats, and then with my sisters in New Mexico, but I can't tell you how nice it is to be settled back into a routine, sleep in my own bed, and not live out of a suitcase. (Now where did I put my shampoo??)  I am blessed to have sisters who love me and accept me for all my quirks and faults.  We did so much laughing - and I feel refreshed.

Are you ready to SPRING back in to Yoga?  I am!!  So looking forward to our next six week yoga series!  I have to say that I was leaning toward creating a series that will teach the components of cultivating and growing your home practice...of course, each class will have lots of movement!  But I am open to hear your thoughts, and of course, would love to hear ideas on what you feel you need. 

I will send out a FINAL schedule next Monday (3/26) to all on my distribution list, but below is an abbreviated and tenative schedule.  If you see a class that will work for you, but the time is off a bit (for example you could come Fridays at 11 but not 10:45 - PLEASE let me know.  Although I can't promise to make it work for everyone, I will adjust where I can.)

Remember you don't need to be experienced to practice yoga....we all are on the same journey.  Yoga creates space for peace, flexibility and strength.  Many of us do not practice because we already possess these things...we see the need and begin cultivating these qualities in our lives as we practice.  Yoga is personal - and we practice right where we are with our weakness and strengths but without judgment, comparison or competition.  When practicing yoga, you will experience a multitude of health benefits not to mention a well balanced and more peaceful life!

Spring Incentive - join a six week series ($45 for the series) beginning April 2nd, and when you bring a friend who has never practiced with me before - your series will be FREE!  This incentive does not apply to classes at the Westside Community Center or Woodmen Valley since those classes are already a reasonably low rate of $5 and $6 a class compared to the local industry prices of $12 - $15 a class.  Reserve your spot and rsvp me soon.

I am grateful and appreciative to each of you!  You enrich my life and give me so much joy by sharing your heart and life experiences with me!  I am learning and growing and plan to never stop.  I invite you to come and grow with me this Spring!


See you soon,
Shalom ~ Pamela

Tuesdays      Westside Community Center -  9:15 am (Level 1, 2)    
                                                                       10:30 am (Chair Yoga)
                       Reflections Home Studio -        2:00 pm (Level 1, 2)

Wednesdays Woodmen Valley Chapel -       9:30 am (Level 1, 2)
                       Chapel Hills Church -               5:30 pm (Level 1, 2)

Thursdays     Reflections Home Studio -       5:00 pm (Level 1, 2)

Fridays          Sunridge Retirement Center -  9:15 am (Chair Yoga)
                       Reflections Home Studio -     10:45 am (Level 1, 2)

Revamp Your Diet

The food we eat has a direct result on our health and our emotional life. Sometimes even when we maintain a generally healthy diet, we can hurt ourselves in other ways. For instance, when we feel tired we reach for caffeine or sugar to "pick up" our mood. But these substances often create "crashes" that leave us feeling worse than we did to begin with.

Once again, yoga can help. The next time you need a pick-me-up, don't automatically reach for that dietary crutch. Instead, try a natural stimulant, like a quick walk in the sunshine, some deep breaths of fresh air, or your favorite yoga pose. Your favorite breath technique (pranayama) can also help oxygenate—and wake up—your body and mind.  ~ Yoga Journal, January 2012

Facing Fears

I went ice skating last Thursday with Kurt and some friends. Lynn and Dale 'grew-up' in Wisconsin, and as most of you know, my husband, Kurt, is from Michigan. Well, I am from Georgia. Enough said.

I watched them glide effortlessly in and out among the other skaters while I shuffled (yes, you can shuffle on ice!), along the rink's outer border. You know. Just in case.

My friend, Lynn, at 60 years old, was jumping, spinning and skating backwards. I was in awe. The fact of the matter was since I had never learned as a child, I was just plum scared. Afraid of getting hurt.

Having pity on me, Kurt came along side me and took my hand. He gave simple instructions, and with the stability of a slight touch, I found my sea legs, whoops, I mean skate legs! I was bending into my knees, pushing off with one leg while taking a long glide with the other. It wasn't by any means a pretty sight, but I was skating! And as long as I didn't gather too much speed, I was comfortable and felt, well, safe and encouraged.

I thought how much our lives are like this...when we are fearful. We cling to what we consider safe and watch in envy those around us who are enjoying life! Living life! They are gliding along effortlessly. And here we are - stuck...just shuffling along. Around and around in the never-ending circle. That is until someone comes along side us and encourages us.

Do you have a vision for your life and want to do something greater than what you've been doing? Are you going to cling to the edge of the rink and watch everyone else go by, or will you be one of those rare individuals who glide out on the ice and refuse to live in fear?

May be you don't have a friend or even a family member who is willing to walk along beside you through your fear. Fear is always going to come against us, but I would encourage you to look beyond your fear and see a friend in Jesus. He is willing to hold you, touch you with the slightest touch to bring a sense of calm AND strength to face any fear that is holding you back from living your life to the fullest. Jesus tells us to take courage because of who He is!! He came to give us hope and the power to overcome - Refuse to yield to the fear and remain stuck! Take your first step of many this new year, and glide on toward joy and freedom!!

Philippians 4:13
New Living Translation (NLT)

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Winter Yoga Series

 Yoga WINTER SERIES Schedule - January and February 2012:
All classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. I am here to help you! Come with a open heart and mind! If you have a mat, please bring it with you. I also have a limited number to share. Wear comfy clothes you can move in, and bring water. Also, if you have a light fleece blanket, block and strap, bring them as well; these are helpful props to have on hand. You can find them all at Wal-mart. The block and strap set is about $11 and the fleece blankets are $6. If you need assistance with acquiring props, please let me know. After the first of the year, I will no longer carry props for everyone - just a few for new students. I hope you understand.  Thank you!
If you are new to yoga or just new to class, come about 10 min early to your first class.  Then we can get to know one another, and you will have time to fill out a registration/release form.
I am looking forward to a great 2012 - expecting God to show up in our lives in a HUGE way!  Come enjoy the journey!!

Shalom,
Pamela

Tuesday 9:15 am - Westside Community Center Six Week Series
Yoga for Beginner and Intermediate Levels - Mats provided / $6 per class
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21


Tuesday 10:30 am - Westside Community Center Six Week Series
Chair Yoga / for those with limited mobility, suffering from an injury, or recovering from surgery OR come if you just need stress-relief and renewed energy.  
Mats provided / Senior Discount $4 per class
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21


Wednesday 5:30 pm - Chapel Hills Church Six Week Series

Yoga for Healing - NEW!  Bring your mat!  $45 for series or $10 drop-in fee

January 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22

 

 

Thursday 5:45 pm - Reflections Studio Six Week Series

Yoga for Healing - NEW!  Bring your mat! $45 for series or $10 drop-in fee

January 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23

 Friday 10:45 am - Reflections Studio Six Week Series

Yoga for Healing - NEW! Bring your mat! $45 for series or $10 drop-in fee

January 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24

Classes are approximately 60-75 minutes long. However, chair yoga is only 50 minutes. Arriving at least 5 minutes prior to class will allow you time to sign in, set up your mat and prepare for class. If you are late, please come. Just enter very quietly so out of respect you do not disturb others. Be sure to visit any class near you for a reinvigorating or restful class. I would love to see you!

Lastly, although your mat is not sacred, it is your personal space to meet with God. Therefore out of respect for others, we do not walk on another's mat, nor do we loudly 'unfurl' our mats. Prepare your minds by entering into your practice quietly.

Thank you

Below click on the link, and you will be directed to websites that will provide directions and maps via mapquest.  I am available for private instruction, work-shops, and church group seminars or retreats.  Please contact me via email or phone to inquire about fees.

Chapel Hills Church  2025 Parliment Drive, CO Springs, 80920. 719.598.5086 Ask for Janis Chapman. ________________________________________
Reflections Yoga Studio  7630 Clovis Way, Black Forest, 80908. 719.352.9272 Ask for Pamela.
________________________________________
Sunridge  5820 Flintridge Drive, CO Springs, 80918. 719.352.9272
________________________________________

Westside Community Center  1628 West Bijou Street,
Old Colorado City, 80904. Contact Janice Rosebush at 719.385.7920, ext. 3 for more information; or go to Woodmen Valley Chapel's website.