Christmas has evolved into something different for me over the years, and I believe this to be common. It is ultimately a celebration, with a few days off and time to spend with family and friends. However, it is a holiday that isn’t always anticipated by all.
To surpass any ‘inner Grinch’ this holiday season, connect with what’s most important. Move past negative energies and into self inquiry. Find a way to transform the energy within yourself and be with your true essence. As an example, if judging someone’s extensive use of Christmas lights, investigate inwardly, asking how it relates to you. In this case, you could connect to the brilliant colors and magnificent warmth these lovely orbs can bring, recognizing that we are all a form of energy. Make a valuable observation in knowing that we are all essentially the same, and all essentially good. Be grateful for fleeting moments of self union, or better yet, oneness with all.
May you be gifted with inner light this holiday season, and allow it to bring all that you need!
Peace, Blessings & Holiday Wishes
Lori
Btw, Please see that we are closed for December 25th & 26th and there are minor schedule changes over the holidays.
Student of the Month
Congratulations Suzanne Ristic! Suzanne’s face is a familiar one as she has been consistent carving out the time for practice in her day, making the effort to attend all of the classes we offer over the past few years! You can be sure when she places her mat, she is an earnest student ready to take direction and learn. She penned this comment on her experience at Body Harmony. “Thank you Lori for the $99.00 Special because it brought me into Body Harmony three years ago and I’ve been a committed student ever since. The first two years I attended at least four classes a week, usually five, and sometimes as often as six but unfortunately my body is wearing down and with great regret I’ve had to stop going to all the classes I love. Body Harmony is a great gift I give to myself. I leave classes feeling revived and relaxed (until I get home!). I often say that it is like getting a full body massage and at a fraction of the cost! The principles that apply to yoga: being in the moment, connection to breath, self awareness, also apply to my profession as an actor and I am convinced that I am a better actor because of the work I do at Body Harmony. Thank you for selecting me as Student of the Month.” It is our pleasure to see students grow on the mat and off. If you would like to support Suzanne in her upcoming production, check out “Old Love” at the Presentation House Theatre this Dec 2 – 18th.
Journey of Our Hearts
Body Harmony would love for you to join our exciting journey! Each week from January 9th to March 4th, we intend to complete Seven Renewal Practices including yoga, cardiovascular conditioning and meditation. Completing all 7 daily activities (each week) for 8 weeks will not only help bring more balance into your life, but we’ll enter you in a draw to WIN 6 Months of UNLIMITED YOGA. In addition, everyone who completes the challenge will receive a $25 credit towards their next pass and the studio will donate $5 to our sponsor child.
To participate, register today with our receptionist by purchasing your 2 Month Unlimited Journey of Our Hearts Yoga Pass. We will put your name up on the studio charts and for each week you complete the renewal practices below, you will help yourself to a sticker to mark your accomplishment. These practices can be mixed and matched in the course of each week to suit your schedule OR perhaps enjoy the suggested schedule. This is a Karma Yoga system that requires honesty and personal integrity. Have fun, join us for some of the workshops that will help with your journey and note the positive changes that develop with this experience!
$165 + HST – Pre Register Now
Mom & Baby Yoga with Lori Charko
Motherhood involves the challenge of incorporating fitness amongst naps, feedings and all the responsibilities associated with having a child. Enjoy learning yoga poses while spending time with your baby (4 weeks to 12 months). We will rebuild those inner core muscles, create endurance in the body, as well as stretch and relax.
January 9th to March 26th, Mondays (10 classes / 12 weeks)
January 11th to March 28th, Wednesdays (10 classes / 12 weeks)
11am – 12pm
$144 + HST – Pre Register Now
Gift Certificates
Give the Gift of Yoga this holiday season by purchasing one of our Special Holiday Gift Certificates, 5 classes for $50 (to be used within 2 months of activation). Or, purchase one of our regular Gift Certificates which can be worth any denomination towards a pass or product of the recipients choice. Yoga is a great and unique gift to give to anyone. It presents an opportunity to explore the body, and cultivate a relationship with mind and breath, bringing awareness into the present moment. It is also a fun and healthy way to stay active and fit over the holidays, or relax and melt away from some of the stress the season can bring! Talk to one of our receptionists about picking up a Gift Certificate for someone special in your life, today.
8 Limb Yoga Shirts
As mentioned (and shown) in last months newsletter, there is a cool new line of yoga shirts available now! These shirts were very well received at the recent Yoga Conference and tradeshow here in Vancouver. Gorgeous to look at and offering messages from some of the ancient yogic texts, this is a way of offering teachings of the ancient practice of yoga, a little at a time. Most of these powerful messages fall under the study of The 8 Limbs of Classical Yoga. Currently, there are 4 designs available in many different shirt styles for men, women and children. Visit the online store at www.8limbyogashirts.com for more information or to purchase this unique Christmas gift. To see the merchandise and avoid shipping charges, shop at Body Harmony Yoga on Saturday, December 10th 12:30 – 4:30pm!