If Nothing Changed, There'd Be No Butterflies!

There's a small plaque in the office with this wonderful phrase on it. The metaphorphosis of the caterpillar into butterfly is such a beautiful, powerful image that many of us can relate to for all kinds of transformation.

When we are in the cocoon, it can be a dark & uncertain place. We are looking inward, working on ourselves - really experiencing change. The caterpillar knows when it's time to create the cocoon, but she has no idea what the final outcome will be. She uses her instinct and trusts in the universe.

Sometimes, we get scared. We know things are changing, but we have no idea what awaits us on the other side of the change. If you are afraid...if things are up in the air...if your world is becoming almost unrecognizable...acknowledge to yourself that you may be in the midst of a transformation.

And then remember the butterfly. It's beautiful colors, expansive wings & breathtaking beauty.

Let yourself work through your transformation, trusting the universe, knowing that soon you will spread your wings and embrace your new self.

reVITALize yourself!

The definition of the word VITAL is, "existing as a manifestation of life".

Those of us on the path of yoga, come to find an awareness and a connection deep within ourselves that becomes a vital part of our lives. Yoga becomes like food or water - something vital to our experience on this earth!

Some of us are away from yoga for a period of time, or we have strayed from our regular practice. Coming back to that practice will bring new life to our bodies, minds & spirits. A revitalization occurs when we connect to the divine that resides within.

Doesn't that sound good? Meet yourself at your mat today, and discover your own neccesity for life - the vital need of a yoga practice.

Go ahead...Do NOTHING!

Work. School. Dating. Exercise. Family.

We all have more things to do than we can actually get done at any given time in our very busy lives. And most of us forget to do one very important thing - Nothing.

Do nothing, otherwise known as relaxation, can be a crucial aspect to our sanity and our health. Rarely do we remember to take the time to just sit, whether it be in a hip opening yoga posture or just in a chair.

Yoga gives us a chance to practice the art of doing nothing. When we practice our asana, physical yoga, we put ourselves in poses that will take us down the path of being present. In the present, we don't have to do anything. We can just be.

As the saying goes, we are human beings...not human doings.

Come on in for a class, or just find a quiet space and take a little time to do nothing. The benefits will be vast and plentiful.

Building Confidence Through Yoga!

Shorts....Tank Tops....Yellow Polka Dot Bikinis....Summertime can leave us feeling less than confident about our physical selves.

Through yoga, we can build our own self confidence. Practicing strength in poses helps us build the confidence we need to find our fullest expression. Rooting our energy, grounding and extending, engaging in muscle energy - these physical aspects can inspire an inner bliss and empowerment.

Finding your confidence comes from within. Having sculpted abs or really tan and buff arms may make your summer wardrobe look good and will make you feel good about your physical self - but feeling a deep sense of true ownership for your life and embracing exactly who, what and where you are in this moment - that is true confidence.

DAYS OF SUMMER ARE HERE!!!

It is that time again...Summertime!

We celebrated the summer solstice here at the studio on Tuesday with 54 Sun Salutations in Karen's 4:30 class. The students were all incredible with their focus, dedication and perseverance. It was an impressive feat for us all - and was a beautiful way to kick summer into gear. It brought every students attention to their body. Summer is the perfect time to pay attention!

Summertime means bright colors, warm weather, more daylight. People buzz with energy and our bodies crave movement. Yoga is the perfect balance of physical exertion and mental centeredness. It is easy to get distracted and tired by the heat of the season. Yoga helps restore balance and provides mental clarity.

Incredible author and teacher, Christina Sell, talks about paying attention to the body and says, "In the practice of yoga we develop a set of communication skills that deepen our ability to pay attention - to speak, to listen and to respond to the sensations of the body. This practice of communicating with the body and the mind, creating union, or "yoga".

Let's all make the commitment to pay attention to the body this summer. We can do that by enjoying a day at the beach, an evening stroll, a summer concert in the park, an afternoon in the pool, and by practicing yoga. Deepening our commitment to our own personal yoga practice will create the union and make us whole.

Summer gives us opportunities, unending...

What a BEAUTIFUL Challenge!!!!!!

Way to go for all our Jade Apple Yoga Challengers - who committed themselves to yoga-a-day for 30 days!!!

I think I speak for all of us challengers when I say that there were certainly ups, downs and savasanas in between!

Some of us had to change the initial commitment and could not get 30 classes in 30 days in a row - due to injuries or life in general. The challenge enabled some of us to modify the commitment and to stick to taking 30 classes in 40 days or something like that.

One of our challengers, Nathan Anderson, actually went beyond 30 classes and managed to complete 43 classes in just 30 days!!! WAY TO GO, Nathan. (It's interesting to know that Nathan was gearing himself up for a 2 month journey to India for teacher training. We are wishing him all the very best on that journey and hope his 43 classes prepared him!)

Another of our lovely challengers, Keelia, is so inspired by this journey that she has committed to doing 60 classes in 60 days. On some days, she is unable to come in to the studio for her yoga. On those days, she practices on her own.

Sara & Todd joined our challenge about 10 days later than the rest, so they are working their ways to completion now.

Karen completed her 30 days and felt 'at home' in her body with the practice.

As for two of us, Jenny & me, injuries stopped us short of 30 days in a row. Yoga has been a crucially helpful journey on the road to recovery from our ailments (injuries sustained by doing REAL LIFE things without proper alignment!). The humility and courage to admit ones own humanness and to listen to the body when it says it needs a break....this is just as important as anything else on the challenge.

If you have some time, stop by the office. Our yoga challenge tracking sheets are hanging on the wall for people to look at - including the section on "how we felt", which is a 1 word description of the feelings we had after the class on that day.

Congratulations to all of our challengers. It was a beautiful experience for everyone! Way to go Sara and Todd who are getting near 30 and positivity and light to Keelia as she goes for month 2.

AMAZING AND WONDERFUL

YOGA CARNIVAL!!!

What a fun, delightful evening we had here at The Jade Apple!

We kicked off the holidays with a Yoga Carnival here on December 11th and had a blast. From reiki, facials, massage & tarot readings to belly dancing, acro yoga and live music...the Apple was jumping!

And then there was the absolutely incredible LISIMA - A live Gypsy band - making melodies & fun out back.

For those of you who joined us, and for those who missed it, I'll walk you through the carnival.

The red fabric banners welcomed you into the studio, which was transformed into a beautiful holiday delight thanks to my dad (wonderful designer & drapery man). It was spectacular to see the colors and billowing beauty that flowed throughout our space...both inside and out!

After entering, you had many choices. Signing up for one of the special treatments; reiki, massage, facials & tarot. We had truly extraordinary people providing the services and they were all, in a word, YUMMY.

And then into the studio, with a makeshift stage area that featured a myriad of performances. Jennelah performed a Middle Eastern number (that's ME, using my belly dance name), Gigi & Chelsey gave us wonderful Acro-Yoga demonstrations, Sakuntula performed a stunning classical Indian dance & Danny and Nathan WOW'ed us with their partner yoga skills and cool tricks!

Onto the outdoor patio, it was time for food and libations. Sunpower Cafe provided delectible raw vegan treats for us. Chelsey baked vegan brownies that were simply outta this world and several of our students brought dishes that were wonderful! Warm pear cider and a little vino heated our insides and our lovely Lara donated drinks on behalf of Farmscape.

And then the band started to play. Funky, unique & really lively! Everyone was enjoying the music...and some were dancing. We had a couple of amazing ladies perform with the band, including my gorgeous friend Akasha Starr - belly dancer & yoga teacher.

All in all, it was a magical evening. I was thrilled by how much fun everyone had. If you weren't able to make it, I hope to do something this amazing again.

Yoga Carnival...yeah!!!

Jenn