A Meaningful Life

Summer.  I bring that word to the forefront of my mind; reflecting, I think...aah...lazy days; the sun's warmth radiating from bright blue skies, and the smell of freshly cut grass; fewer commitments; a step back to a slower cadence.
It isn't uncommon that we all are blessed with seasons of relaxation, fun, nothingness...and although I love these times, there is something that calls me back to a more purposeful living. I long for routine and structure.
God has given us charge over our lives...We have the gift of choice.  And if we are wise, we choose to fill each moment with meaningful activity; dare I say it?  The word is work.  Work is to enhance our lives.  It isn't a curse or a result of the fall, but an indispensable component to a meaningful life.
We honor God when we invest and involve ourselves in work (service) to cultivate, transform and change all we can by His power for His good. Work. Hebrew: Abodah (ab-o-daw'). Service.  Beautiful words.
We hear lots about our need for rest, and the need to create balance in our lives. Perhaps the focus isn't really about rest and establishing balance, but about seeing work from a different perspective; seeing work/service as a gift and blessing to our lives.
As I think more about this, I also understand that work was never meant to give us our self-worth.  That only comes from the person of Jesus Christ.  With that in mind, I can establish healthy boundaries of work/service by honoring and enjoying times of rest in my life.
We were created to work and rest.  Created in the image of God, remembering He worked 6 days and then rested.  I realize as I age, I am slowing down. But I pray that I never stop living a meaningful life and serving others with the same generosity, love and compassion my Lord has shown me.
Create a routine.  Honor it with work and rest.  They are both essential for a purposeful life lived abundantly in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1;11 and 11:7-8 New International Version (NIV)
"There is a time for everything,
 and a season for every activity under the heavens; God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  Light is sweet,and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.  However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all."

Reflections Yoga May Schedule

As we approach May, and I wanted to give you all a head's up about available classes. I also want to let you know that I will not be teaching this summer. I may have an impromptu class here and there. And yes, there will be some yoga hikes.  With a hectic personal life this summer, I need to stay available for my family.  Most of all I need to be 'flexible'!

If you want information concerning other classes in the area, please let me know, and I will be happy to provide that information for you.

I look forward to seeing you soon!!
Shalom,
Pamela


There is a sacred place within us that we will discover every time we behold Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God our Father Creator. Allow your thoughts to quiet daily, and be at peace in the sacred place. Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. He deserves our praise and so much more. Amen


Tuesdays 2:30 pm
4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27

Wednesdays 4:45
There will be no class 4/30
5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28

Fridays 9 am
5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

Updated 2014 Schedule

I have missed our times in reflection and stillness!  I am bidding my season of hectic living and busy projects good-bye.  I am thankful for the faithfulness of my loving God as He has gotten me through two moves, a six month entire home remodel, my husband working out of town and both of us living in a hotel for almost 1 year!! What a crazy 1 1/2 year.

I love teaching and am blessed to have a small home studio where I can share the insights, hope and love God bestows on me daily through the practice of yoga.  Below is my current teaching schedule.  Should you desire to come to a class, just shoot me an email so that I can confirm space.  Literally.  Floor space.

Classes are still 60-75 minutes long and are $10 a class at my home studio.

Blessings and Shalom,
Pamela

Tuesday - Reflections Yoga Studio (RYS)
2:30 pm - Class is full but call ahead to check for availability for drop-in
4:45 pm - Three spaces available

Wednesday - RYS
4:45 pm - Two spaces available

Thursday - NO CLASSES at RYS
9 am - Woodmen Valley Chapel, Rockrimmon Campus, Rooms 108/109 in the Community Bldg/Gym, $6 per class

Friday - RYS
9 am - Two spaces available

ACCEPTANCE IN NEW BEGINNINGS

This is the season of hope, joy and new beginnings...

As time goes on, in my life I have to be reminded over again that there is so little that I have control over. As trite as the saying goes, "Let go and Let God", it is really true. There is absolute freedom to move ahead when I come to the place of acceptance. However, this is not a defeatist attitude but more of the attitude of the much heard serenity prayer - "To change the things that I can; to accept the things I cannot change; and the wisdom to know the difference between the two."

As I challenged my yoga students this week, I want to challenge you (as well as myself). Let's purposefully enter into this season with expectations only of HOPE, JOY, and ACCEPTANCE. Pray for a new attitude and heart. Let's let go of the burdens and sins that weigh us down. Open our hearts so that we may embrace the love of Christ and experience His Fullness in our lives.  Receive the amazing gifts that are already right there before us!

I believe that the best way we can experience the fullness of God is to offer back the Christ within us our hands - ready to serve in small and large ways. We can offer our feet to willingly walk in the path of His peace and light; we can offer the Spirit a mind that is willing to believe in new beginnings and possibilities; offer our voice to speak of His faith, joy, love and hope! We can offer the Father our cooperation in establishing His Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

Celebrating the birth of Christ and the spirit of Christmas isn't just for one day of the year, but for all the rest...I want a new willingness to believe that I can do my part making Christmas not just one day, but a way of living life. Consider your offerings - then rejoice in what God will do!

Wishing you the warmth of a Merry Christmas and the freshness of a New Year,
Pam

"Know the love of Christ...so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."   ~   Ephesians 3:19

Peace Out Before the Holidays

Dear Friends,

The holidays are approaching! Instead of looking ahead with dread, I am looking ahead with joy and anticipation! I am committed each year to simplify my efforts and truly embrace the essence of what these seasons bring: time with family and friends.

My prayer for me, and for you, is that we not lose sight of this reminder - the importance of people. Those we love; those we are learning to love. Let us all rest in letting things unfold naturally, and put aside our striving. May we enjoy each day's fill of God's good graces and love for US.

Below is a list of classes for the remainder of this year. I will be traveling in November and December quite a bit in addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas break, so I won't be here to teach on several days. I apologize for any inconvenience. Please continue your home practice or connect with other classes in the area while I am away. I will be happy to provide you with any information you might need to keep your practice a priority.

Happy Thanksgiving - and Merry Christmas!!
Pamela Joy

Reflections Yoga Classes
RYS-Reflections Yoga Studio WVC-Woodmen Valley Chapel


November and December 2013
Tuesday 3 pm and 5:00 pm, RYS
11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/17
No classes: 12/10, 12/24 (Christmas Eve), and 12/31 (New Year's Eve)

Wednesday 4:30 pm, RYS
11/6, 11/20, 11/27, 12/18
No classes: 11/13, 12/4, 12/11, 12/25 (Christmas Day)

Thursday 9 am, WVC
11/7, 11/14 (sub), 11/21, 12/5 and 12/12 (sub), 12/19
No classes: 11/28 (Thanksgiving), 12/26 (church is closed)

Thursday 5:00 pm, RYS
11/7, 11/21, 12/19
No classes: 11/14, 11/28 (Thanksgiving), 12/5, 12/12, 12/26

Friday 9 am, RYS

11/8, 11/22, 12/20

No classes: 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/27

Fall Yoga 2013

I will be teaching here at my new home studio THIS FALL:

25 South Sherwood Glen, Monument, CO 80132

If you are interested, please contact me!  I would love to guide you on your journey. Classes start September 10th.  I still have some room.

Also, starting September 12th, I will teach at Woodmen Valley Chapel, 9 am on Thursdays in Room 107/108 Community Center.  Come and find joy in your relationship with your loving Savior!

Shalom,
Pamela

Lost in Translation

Often I will hear a word, a conversation, a story and immediately infuse my thoughts, my experiences and my beliefs into what I hear.  I think we are all wired that way.  It comes natural because this is the only way we can relate to another human being.  Bring it back home to something we have knowledge of or understanding of.  Feelings of empathy may surface because we can relate.  We nod saying that we have walked in similar shoes or perhaps we have walked in THOSE shoes. 


Then with good intentions there are times we try to bring an understanding to what was said by entwining our definition with what was shared because we can't relate; we haven't been there.  It is during these times the best we can do is to just listen, just trust, and just accept. 


What it all comes down to is this: how we relate to others, to our life's experiences, and better still how we develop our own self awareness is largely based on what we believe, what we think about God, life/others, and ourselves. 


I have heard it said that this life is a battlefield.  For me, I believe that the battlefield is actually the mind.  The best defense we have in this life is to be prepared mentally. There is a constant war raging on what will take up space and reside in our minds.  We can always trace sinful behavior back to the things we mediate on (ponder), the things we read, the shows, movies, and  the programs we watch, and the people we engage with. The more we digest thoughts and ideas that are not true, or noble, or admirable, or lovely, or pure, or excellent, then we are acting (or I should say reacting) from a base of distrust, disrepute, and unwholesomeness.


God's truth, His Word, is my anchor.  I trust, believe and hope in God and His ways.   I acknowledge and accept that I will never understand all of God's ways and the reasons behind His ways.  I also know that just because His ways are above my own it doesn't mean that He isn't at work or doesn't love or care for me. 
 

When I first read or hear God's Words of truth, sometimes I have to admit it sounds foreign.  I have questions; I don't understand.  Through so many, many, years of striving and forcing understanding and then questioning in disbelief - I have decided to just trust and come to Him as a child.  Acceptance doesn't mean that I have stopped seeking wisdom or understanding - it's just that I seek HIS wisdom and understanding.  Not my own.  Children enter rest through believing.  So as a child of God this is what I believe: God will translate and apply what's in my head to my heart. 


Each of us can decide what to believe or not believe about God, about life, about ourselves.  That is our choice.  We hold that key.  For me that vital key was to put my trust in God through the person of Jesus Christ.  Since I made that choice, my life has changed. I have experienced a tangible joy through this faith.  The language is more and more discernible and understandable.  Outward experiences over which I have no control no longer wreck havoc over my soul.  I have a confidence and an ability to navigate successfully through the circumstances and influences that I do have control over.  My inward attitudes, beliefs and thought patterns are the admirable expression of a whole being: body, soul and spirit.


The challenge to us all is to remain pure in thought - to guard our minds. To be careful about what we entertain. Am I going to believe the God of the universe who has proven trustworthy and faithful or believe my own version of 'truth' based on my lack of understanding? It's your choice, too. I pray you choose well.

 

"For as he/she thinks in his/her heart, so is he/she." Proverbs 23:7

This Present Moment

"The meaning of our earthly existence lies not as we have grown used to thinking,
in prospering, but in the development of our soul."  

~ Alexander Solzhenitsyn 

as quoted in the book, The Good and Beautiful Life

If you were like me, you probably did at least a cursory evaluation of this past year - even if you didn't make any New Year's Resolutions.  As I reflected back on 2012, I recognized successes and failures, gains and losses.  Each have taught me so much and from each experience, I do believe I have grown wiser.  Or at least, I hope I have!  And for that I can release this old year with a grateful heart.  One of my resolutions is to be grateful not only for the good times in my life but also the hard times. And to eat more vegetables.

In contemplation of 2013, I pray that I will be more teachable, more humble, more generous, more kinder, more patient, more forgiving, more hopeful, more inquisitive (to my husband's dismay, perhaps!), more graceful, more understanding, more repentant, more accepting, more loving, more trusting, more accountable, and certainly more open and transparent.

Three years ago, I would have not prayed for all this.  Instead, my attention was on my definition of a 'good and beautiful life'.  Definition: I could be happier I had fewer problems or heartaches - I even talked myself into believing that everything status quo was better than the mountain top.  I was wise enough to know I couldn't stay on the mountain, but I sure as heck didn't want to go into the valley any more. Middle ground.  That's safe.  Right?  We all believe the lie that life isn't worth it or doesn't even resemble beautiful if raddled with heartache, pain, problems or suffering.  Or perhaps this one: God must not care or love me if I have all these struggles in my life.  But the reality is that no matter where we are in life, there will always be the problems of this world, the heartaches of our lives, and the suffering.  NO one is excluded. BUT the other side of that is a more powerful truth.  God is our refuge and our strength.  An EVER PRESENT help in our troubles.

Whether you are excited or full of apprehension of this coming year, remember that God will empower you to meet every situation with confidence and strength.  With this embedded as a vital part of your foundation, you can release any of your concerns about your future to Him.

Perhaps you don't believe this or you just have serious doubts.  That's OK.  God is a tender God.  He approaches us with gentleness and care.  Let your unbelief or your doubts be the door to His Presence in your life.  He cares for you and will keep pursuing you with His Love. Just be open to the possibilities that await and see what happens!  Allow Him to shape and mold your soul into who He designed and created you to be - a person living in joy and freedom in His Presence despite life's circumstances.

Today, I am ready to stand tall in this present moment.  I appreciate the now - perfectly balanced between the blessings and the afflictions in my life. This is the moment of power and action!  Release and let go.
My resolve is to be ready to make the most of this present moment.  Are you ready to join me?

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
                                       
                                                                                                                               ~ Shalom,
                                                                                                                                   Pamela

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."