December 2010

With the holidays fast approaching, 'tis the season to be many things: jolly, grateful, generous, patient. Gratitude and generosity can improve your holiday jolliness...or lack thereof, all depending on if your glass of eggnog is half empty or half full. I find that the grind of daily life is more enjoyable when you take a moment each day to think about what you do have, rather than what you do not. Though gratitude is something you should allow yourself to experience everyday, it is especially important during the holidays, when our thoughts are often clouded by holiday decadence and coveting things we want. Taking inventory of what you have is often easier when you consider what others don't have. When I start to consider how many people don't have a roof over their head or food on the table, I am grateful for my aging furniture and the leftovers on my plate. When I think about how many people lack freedom of movement within their own bodies, those who cannot walk, much less make it to their yoga mat on a regular basis, I am grateful for the ability to even stand, much less bend. Being thankful for what we have can foster santosa, one of the niyamas--fixed observances in yogic philosophy. Quite literally, santosa is contentment or joyfulness in even the most basic elements of life.



Doing something selfless can help improve your gratitude. They say it is better to give than to receive, and as cheesy as that statement is, it holds true. The warm fuzzies that follow a kind word or thoughtful deed are unmatched by tangible gifts. Try to do something for someone else this holiday season. Maybe you already volunteer at the soup kitchen or donate toys and books to needy families. But maybe you can just never find the time. Make giving to someone else a gift to yourself this holiday season. In fact, there are several opportunities to give back in the coming weeks. This Sunday, December 12th at 1:00pm I am holding a yoga class that is FREE by donation of a block, strap, yoga book, or yoga video for the IREF yoga program. IREF is a re-entry facility located in Indianapolis that houses male offenders with less than two years remaining on their sentence. Making a donation is NOT required to attend, nor is a prior knowledge of yoga. Even if you have nothing to give, come and lend your practice to a good cause. More details on this special class are contained later in this newsletter, and may also be found here: http://www.amandamarklandyoga.com/IREF.html

In addition, Invoke Yoga & Pilates is still accepting donations for Coburn Place, a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. More information on items needed may be found here: http://www.coburnplace.org/goods. Studio location and where to donate may be found here: http://www.invokestudio.com/index.html

Finally, don't forget the Annual Invoke Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 16th from 7-9pm. Wine and snacks will be served, and all class packages are 10% off all day!!! details on the holiday party may be found on Invoke's website: http://www.invokestudio.com/index.html.

Have a safe and happy holiday, and I hope to see you all in 2011. In fact, I am teaching on New Year's Eve if you would like to ring in the new year with me. I am offering heated vinyasa class on Friday, December 31st from 1:00-2:15pm at Invoke Yoga & Pilates. Use your current package or drop-in for only $17! You may sign-up in advance online here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=2357.





Namaste!