SMORGASBORD, BOWLING & REDFIN

Often times, when I don’t have a dinner plan we make a “smorgasbord.” I guess the fancy term would be charcuterie board but let’s be honest, there are usually goldfish involved. I get out a huge platter and fill it with crackers, sandwich meat, any fruit that needs to get eaten up, sliced cheese, and anything else that might look appealing. The kids know and love smorgasbord night because they get to serve themselves, eat off paper plates, have as much cheese as they can handle and eat with their hands (not only accepted on smorgasbord night but expected.) If this sounds amazing to you then you will love this newsletter because it’s gonna be a mix of everything. Happenings at the studio, writing about the new year, quotes, articles and everything in between. Enjoy!

The new year:
This time of year is really hard for those of us who have struggled with body image issues. The “New Year, New You” pressure is so very strong. We have been taught that at this time of year we have to completely reinvent ourselves and (of course) spend loads of money doing so. It’s a marketing scam just like so many others. What diet, gym membership, or meal plan will you invest in this year?
And when the resolution is not fulfilled (which it usually is not, we ALL know this) who is to blame? Always you. That’s how companies can get you to sign up again next year. It wasn’t their fault, it was yours. Sound awful? It is.
This year, stop the cycle! Stop beating yourself up, self inflicting wounds and then feeling guilty about all of it. If you want to start something new in January, start something fun. Join a bowling league, take piano lessons, find a knitting club, write up an “I want to read” book list, or start a yoga practice (IF that sounds fun to you). If you end up quitting it by the end of February, so what? It was just for fun. You might find something you really enjoy. Sounds a lot better than the annual “New Year, new opportunity to fail at something” ritual, right?

Changes at the studio:
Yep, we are still dealing with Covid and it is really “something” this year. We have already started limiting class sizes and plan to implement mask wearing again. We know we can’t stop the spread and in coming to the studio we are all taking a risk but there are some simple things we can do to help. So, starting Monday Jan 10th the following will be in place:

1. Class sizes will be limited to 6. We will do our best at this without having to turn people away. We like our classes small anyways so that we can really be there for our students.
2. (As always) Please register in advance for ALL classes you plan to attend. There will be a two person waiting list so if there is not room in the class please join the waiting list. If a spot opens up you will be automatically placed in the class so be sure to check. When we did this before the biggest issue we had was people removing themselves from class right before class started. Then the people from the waiting list didn’t have time to get to the studio to take their spot in the class. PLEASE be considerate of others when it comes to reserving a spot in class that fills up. Some studios charge a fee for not showing to a class and automatically limit when people are able to remove themselves from a class. Let’s not go there! :)
3. Masks will be required when you are not on your mat. I’m not going to mark spots on the floor but please distance yourself from others when you come in to class. If you are from the same household, huddle on up!
4. We will keep opening the doors when possible but DANG it has been cold lately!!
5. If you feel under the weather AT ALL please do class online. If you plan to do class online please register in advance. We have gotten a little accustomed to people not taking classes online so sometimes we forget but if you are signed up in advance, we will be sure to turn the camera and mic on.
6. Be patient with us and each other. We are a small studio, a small business, and we are struggling to navigate this pandemic the best we can. Know that we have your best interest at heart and try to be kind.

Lovely Quote:
“This year, instead of focusing on being less, let’s focus on being more. Resolve to have more gratitude for everything your body does for you.
Take up more space in the world. Speak up more about things that are important to you. Do more joyful movement. Eat more delicious food that nourishes you.
This year, instead of trying for to create a ‘new you,’ resolve to take the old you out for a spin. I think you’ll find that she’s pretty spectacular.”  -Ragen Chastain

Great article featuring The Yoga Casa:
Practicing yoga at home can be tough. Here are some tips on how to do it successfully. https://www.redfin.com/blog/yoga-practice-at-home/

A poem about New Year’s Resolutions:
What if you knew your worth, your place on this earth.
What if you could mindfully, rightfully, rest in your own body
like you would a favorite chair?
No matter of the tattered corners, an appreciation of the softness.
Could you sink in and love the curves of the cloth, enjoy the wear and tear?
Could you just for a moment (and especially come the new year)
stop insulting it? Stop analyzing it.
Realize that all this negativity comes from a place of fear?
Fear of what others will say, think, and feel.
Fear that we have adopted as our own.
Fear that our bodies are not enough (they don’t have the stuff) to be worthy in this world.
Could you flip it all, turn it upside down?
And finally love….
Maybe not everyday, but most days, in most ways.
How could you change, if out of the range, of resolutions that scream
“I am not enough?”

What’s coming up:
We are gearing up for another round of our Body Positive Beginner’s Series! Pass this info on to any friends, family acquaintances who you have talked to about yoga and they said things like the following:
“I’d love to do yoga but I’m no flexible enough.”
“I need to lose weight first.”
“I would have no idea what I’m doing.”
“I would be too embarrassed.”
“I have _____ injury.”
“I’m too nervous.”
“I’ve never done it before.”
These are exactly the people we need in our beginner’s series!  Here’s the info.

Much love to you all,
 Lora