Let the Angels Guide Us Today

Angels are beautiful to see
They fly like a bird, totally free
They look like humans,
But with a heart of gold.
Their wings expand the Universe,
Their love surrounds us all.
Up above flying free
See the beauty of the Angels,
Open your heart and eyes,
They are waiting on our call.

(Helen Jane Read)

Thought For Today

Part of the essence of YogaFit is Staying in the Present Moment. We can do this through mindful awareness and with a daily mantra:

"I fly, I soar, released from the past, unbound from the future. Earth and sky meet me in this everlasting moment. I am here now."

I also wanted to share this wellness tip today:


Drink a glass of lemon water each morning (I do before my coffee). It assists in the following ways:
~ Rejuvenates the skin from the inside with Vitamin C.
~ Relieves heartburn, bloating and constipation.
~ Fights throat infections.
~ Natural diuretic.
~ With high potassium, helps high blood pressure as well as asthma.
~ And so much more!!!!

Enjoy!

Inspiring Classes and Students Bring Gratitude and Humility

I wanted to take the time to say thank you to all those who have been attending my Wednesday night class at St. James Church in Novi. We started off our New Year with two full classes, new faces as well as old ones and new energy! Last week I left on a high like no other thus far. As the light increases each day we will anticipate Spring together and all of the new birth that naturally arises. Out of the earth we will rise like the lotus flower or perhaps the phoenix.
I am inspired from my already accomplished 2011 YogaFit training and, more so, from my students. Nothing gives greater pleasure, and gratitude, than to share this beautiful practice together especially when it comes from your own child.
As I sip my African Solstice tea with rooibos (Tea Forte)I reflect back on my already satisfying practice this month (and we're only half way through). Bringing heartfelt pleasure was my morning just this day with my nine-year-old daughter. We viewed, in half lotus, Anodea Judith's Illuminated Chakra DVD. From root to crown we followed an ethereal journey of light as the scent of patchouli filled the air.
When we arrived at the Vishuddha (throat) Chakra, we both verbalized "Om". It came so naturally to her...as did her selection of crystals to assess her Chakras: carnelian. The pendulum only slowed at her Svadhisthana. The rest were perfect!
My yogini apprentice was born today. And I thought scrapbooking with her was special!
Blessed are we who can find peace in our hectic world and share it with others.
Namaste~

New Class at Power House Novi

Beginning next Tuesday, January 11, I will be teaching Yoga Flow at the new Power House Gym in Novi at the Fountain Walk. I am very excited about this new opportunity and look forward to seeing new faces.
The New Year has already brought new opportunities to my world of yoga....my world of peace and balance. I pray that everyone is able to find new beginnings, nurture current relationships and find closure where needed. Often it is the new window that opens when the door closes that allows us to rise like the phoenix...from ashes into beauty.
Our foundation (muladhara chakra)is key in life as it is in each asana. To allow our roots to grow deep, our (mula) bandha allows us to increase core stability, protect our lower back, increase mental clarity, and enables us to hold each posture longer. The bandha also contains the flow of energy.
With mastery of our foundation we are able to move into the second chakra....building our strength and allowing the prana or chi to flow through our nadis (energy pathways).

"When I am fully present in this moment I have everything I need."

The Gayatri Mantra

Om bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dhimashi
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

"Om, We meditate on that
wondrous Spirit of the
Divine Solar Light, which
shines in every dimension of
life. May that Light inspire and
guide our inner vision."

Restorative and Chakra Yoga

In addition to my private yoga instruction, I am pleased to announce two new classes at the Novi Civic Center come January 2011. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Online registration begins December 13, 2010 at www.cityofnovi.org.

Restorative Yoga ~ Tuesday at 10am
Create balance physically and mentally with Hatha yoga poses and meditation. Bring your response system back into equilibrium by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system. This class is suitable for the beginner to intermediate level. Bring a mat, strap, block and towel/blanket.

Chakra Yoga ~ Saturday at 10am
Explore all three aspects of your yoga practice (physical, mental and energy/spiritual) and tailor them to your unique personality and circumstances. This journey will take you deep within yourself to experience the balance and union that is yoga. This class will include some Vinyasa flow and is suitable for beginner through intermediate level. Bring a mat and blanket/towel.

Namaste ~ MJ

Mantra For Peace

Om saha navavatu saha nau bhunaktu
saha viryam kara vavahai
tejasvi nava dhitamastu
ma vidvisha vahai
om santi santi santihi

OM Lord, protect us as one,
Nourish us Lord, as one.
Let us flourish in Thy strength as one.
Let our knowledge, O Lord, be changed to Light and
Change our hate to love,
OM Peace, peace, peace.