Dhyana, the seventh limb

Hello Beloved,

     We've had a few weeks since our last installment of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and we find ourselves moving towards the end of the journey through the  8 Limbs/Aids of Yoga, and further into the exploration of the sutras. We last left off on Dharana,  the sixth limb, and the first aspect of the three-fold Samyama, the mental practice that leads to the culmination of our journey to awaken our true essence nature.  Dharana begins the focus necessary to still the fluctuations of the mind, and leads us toward the next level of concentration: Dhyana. 

    In Dhyana, the seventh limb/aid to yoga, we find the application and direction of what was learned in Dharana. Whereas with Dharana, we are training the mind to not be swayed by the stimulus of outside perception, and to empty itself of "everything else" until there is stillness in thought; in Dhyana, we take that stillness and direct it onto only one thing. Now we begin to contemplate a single thing, and allow everything else to flow through and fade away as if it were nothing. 

    Going back to the metaphor of pouring the oil. While Dharana is the process of steadying the pour from a torrent or a trickle, into a stream, Dhyana IS the stream of oil itself. The state of smooth and seamless flow where the beginning and the end is blurred into one. 

As we move our concentration into Dhyana, we focus on only one thing, our object of meditation, and everything else disappears as we absorb the object of meditation

. 

As stated in Patanjali's Sutra ||3.2||

tatra pratyaya ekatânatâ dhyânam

In its pieces, we have:

tatra: there, in that 

pratyaya: perception, thought, intention, representation

eka: one

tânatâ: extension, stretching

dhyânam: meditative absorption

All together we can understand this as: In that [contemplative] perception and single extension of meditative absorption, we find Dhyana

This lies at the heart of what is often meant when one says to "meditate on something". To meditate on one thing and have its wholeness entirety represented in your mind. It is from this deep contemplation that true understanding often sprouts. and ample practice can lead one to the final limb and aid of Yoga, Samadhi. But that's for next time.

So How Can We Practice?

Dhyana can be practiced in much the same way as we practice Dharana, but unlike Dharana, it is more actively directed on a single thing. 

• Practice by meditating on a flame, or candle, or by firegazing. 

• We can also practice this in our daily meditations, even if it's for a short duration. Set a timer for 5 minutes, find or think of an object, and allow yourself to concentrate and focus on that one thing. It's okay if your mind wanders, just pick up and try again. 

• This can be an incredibly difficult thing to practice and master, so it is often best attempted after an Asana practice, so the body is resting, and the mind can find more ease in stillness. 

    Over the next few weeks, give yourself time to practice moving through Dharana and Dhyana, and know that it may be slow going, but that is why we call it a practice! 

      We also want to welcome the return of our beloved teacher Kristen Rudd! You can find her on the schedule teaching the 6:30pm class on Tuesdays, come on by and say Hello! We've also introduced a Monthly Soundbath with Mikal, that's included in your membership, so if you're a member it's FREE to join! That's the second Saturday of each month from 5:00- 6:30! Check out our website for more fun offerings, like Intro to the Human Design System, with Jeanie Kieran, Saturday 11/17 from 1-3pm. We are so grateful to have you all as a part of our community and look forward to seeing you in classes! 

With all the Love, 

Adriane and the Home Yoga Team

We’re Back with Yoga Philosophy: Exploring Dharana and Focus

Hello Beloved, 

    We've been on a light break since our last installment on our journey through the 8 limbs of Yoga, and our exploration of the text of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Last time, we discussed Pratyahara, and the withdrawal of the senses inward as a way of preparing the mind for the last leaps towards the goal of our practice: awakening ourselves to our true essence nature. These last three steps, as we mentioned before, are often grouped together and referred to as the practice of Sanyama. They are Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Today we discuss Dharana: single pointed concentration. 

Patanjali states in Yoga Sutra || 3.1||

 deśabandhaścittasya dhāraṇā

If we break this up into its pieces: 

    deśa: A single point or general object  

    bandhaś: Fixing, binding or directing (the mind or eyes, etc)

    cittasya: The fluctuations of the mind

    dhāraṇā: Steady abstraction of the mind: Concentration

This sutra can be understood as: "Dharana is the fixation of the mind on a single point or object" or, "Concentrating the fluctuations of the mind on a singular object, is the process of Dharana"

    Taking into account the previous 5 aids in the preparation of our spirit, temperament, body, breath, and mind, with Dharana we begin to actively DO something in a focused and directed manner.  This singular, pointed focus can be likened to a stream of oil being poured from a cup or container.  When the oil is first poured it may be wild, and unsteady. If the flow is too little, it becomes shaky and dribbles; if the flow is too much, it pours out uncontrollably. However, when the flow is concentrated at the right, even frequency, one can observe a solid thread, or cord that is seemingly unmoving.  

    This is just like our mental energy, and the focus of our energy. The practice of Dharana is the pursuit of the solid, unmoving stream of oil, in the context of our mind and focus. This unwavering focus and flow state paves the way for deeper understanding, and sets the stage for the next two Aids/Limbs Dhyana and Samadhi.

Bringing Things Into Practice

    Now, this practice is often harder than it sounds, and can be quite difficult to pick up. When we first start, it can be a major achievement to simply maintain focus for a few minutes, let alone a half hour or more of meditation.  In contrast to Pratyahara, where the goal is to still and empty the mind of fluctuations and withdraw from the senses, Dharana is the filling and focusing of the mind with one thing, sense, or object. It is akin to mindfulness, but more focused and resolute. 

We can bring this into practice by Building off of the previous limbs. 

Practice Asana with Pranayama

Move through a physical practice, followed by some breathwork to still the body and prime the mind.  Ever wonder how much easier it can be to find stillness in savasana after a thorough practice? The body gives way to allow the mind to settle. 

Engage in Pratyahara

During savasana, withdraw from outside thoughts and sensations. 

Find a comfortable seat, and bring a single object or idea into focus. This can be gazing at the flame of a candle, or thinking of the object of an apple.  

Take your Time, and Keep Trying

 Let things build up as you go. Maybe it's just for a minute, maybe it builds to 5 minutes, but focus on the subject of the meditation, while utilizing Pratyahara to close off the path to other thoughts. 

    As you move through this practice over the next few weeks, keep a journal of your progress so you can observe how your practice grows. Next time we meet, we will move onto the next level of this focus and concentration: Dhyana. It is our pleasure here at HOME Yoga to guide you through this study of the 8 limbs and the texts, and we Cherish your time and dedication to your practice here at the studio. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces in class!

With love and gratitude,

Adriane and the Home Yoga Team

So how can we practice Pratyahara?

We've reached the final week of June, and time has really flown by these last few weeks. Coming off the heels of Memorial Day, and jumping into July, with its promise of warm summer days and enjoyable evenings, we return to our study of The Eight Limbs of Yoga with the Fifth aid, Pratyahara. When last we met we discussed Pranayama, our practice of breath control and direction of life-force energy, and introduced a few of its many forms. Now we dive into the mastery of the mind, and the control of the senses, getting into the nitty-gritty of the self and dispelling some of the many illusions we may be subject to in our lives. 

    When viewing the 8 Limbs as a whole, we can more clearly observe the  different stages that the Yogi moves through along the path of awakening to their true essence nature. They can be separated into 3 main sections

• The first two Limbs, the Yamas and Niyamas, govern one's interactions with themselves and others as they move through the world

• The next two, Asana and Pranayama, aim to help the Yogi create the space in the body for healthy movement and prolonged meditation, as well as cultivate and direct life-force energy within the body. 

• These are all setting the stage for the next 3 Limbs, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana, which all pertain to the Yogi's mastery of their mental realm in varying degrees. These three limbs culminate in the 8th and final limb Samadhi, the goal and aspiration of the Yogis Path.

    It's worth noting that while I have placed Pratyahara in the third group, it can also be grouped with Asana, and Pranayama, as it seeks to prepare both the mind and body for the last 3 Limbs. Patanjali groups Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi together in what's called "Samyama", a three-fold practice that leads one to the illumination of true essence nature.  

    Pratyahara is the start of that mental journey. Translating to "the withdrawal of senses" it can be understood as the first step to conquering our "monkey mind" through deliberate and extensive self-examination, and decoupling the senses from the objects of their desire. Going inward, we identify the nature of our senses, and their pull towards the objects of their desire. This introspection, and subsequent decoupling of the senses to that which is outside of us,  grants the Yogi more control over their sensory experience. 

    No longer blindly following the whims of our desires, whether that be preferences of what's "good" or "bad" or impulses as they arise, We more clearly see our true selves and nature beyond the pull of that which is not. 

    Revisiting the analogy of a horse drawn chariot; we can view the charioteer as our true self, the chariot, our mind and body, and the horses as our senses. If we allow our senses full control to pull our chariot every-which-way it pleases, we lose our ability to command our vessel properly, and we become subject to every impulse that may arise in our sensory experience. 

    Instead, by practicing Pratyahara, we can withdraw our senses from those objects of impulse, and command our vessels efficiently with freedom and discernment.

So how can we practice Pratyahara? 

    This week, let's try bringing in some pratyahara in our daily lives by: 

• Taking 5-10 minutes to sit down and observe our thoughts as they arise, and acknowledge where they may be coming from, or what senses may be leading them. Write them down in a Journal! 

• Practice non-attachment by accepting something as it is, without trying to make it better or worse. Notice what impulses arise in your body and mind that make it difficult. 

• Try something you usually avoid, or abstain from something you particularly love doing.  Listen to how your body and mind responds to both, finding value in both experiences. 

    With Pratyahara, it's all about self- discovery that leads to clear discernment. Finding the middle path of non-attachment. Let us know how things go! 

With Love and Gratitude, 

What is Pranayama...

Last week we finished our introduction to the first two of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as described in "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali", the Yamas and the Niyamas. These are self-restraints and personal observances that the practiced yogi adheres to in pursuit of awakening to their true essence nature. Now as we move forward in our journey through the Eight limbs, we move on to the third limb/aid, Pranayama.

What is Pranayama?

 Pranayama can be broken into Prana, and yama, to be understood even clearer.

        Prana: meaning Life-giving/life force energy, or breath,  

        Yama: which we already know as restraint/control, or regulation.

   When we put these two together we get something akin to the control or restraint of breath and life force energy. Or more simplified: "the control and direction of breath" . This practice of directed breath control for a specific purpose can give us yogis a direct line to our nervous systems, as well as help us expand and manage our personal energy.  

 Breath is life, and Prana is the energy that rides along the breath. 

There are a number of beneficial pranayama practices that can invigorate our practice, but for now we will look at 3 in particular: Ujjai, Kapalabhati, and Nadi Shodhana. 

1.  Ujjayi/ Breath of Victory: This breath is used to build internal heat and cultivate prana within the body. We activate this by gently constricting the muscles in the back of the throat while breathing (The same ones we use to whisper!). This is done with the mouth closed, and can sound like waves crashing into the beach, which is why it can also be called "ocean-like Breathing".

2. Kapalabhati/ Breath of FIre: This breath is used to stoke the fires of personal willpower, invigorate, heat and cleanse the body, and clear the mind. (It also improves cardiovascular health!). It's advised to not practice this breath if you are pregnant or on your moon cycle. 

• Breath in and out through the nose

• Breath into the belly and push the belly out

• Engage the inner core to "pump" the belly towards the spine, pushing air out of the lungs,

• Inhae is passive, when you push the belly out again

• Repeat at a moderate-fast pace/ until breath runs out

• Inhale deeply and start again!

3. Nadi Shodhana/ Alternate Nostril Breathing: This breath has many benefits, and is great for balancing the physical body and energy within the body, calming the nervous system, and clearing the airways. Bringing your pointer finger to the forehead, you will alternate closing one nostril with the thumb, and the other nostril with the inside of the middle finger. 

• Inhale through the Left nostril for 4 counts 

• Exhale out the Right nostril for 4 counts

• Inhale through the Right nostril for 4 counts 

• Exhale out the Left nostril for 4 counts

• Repeat

There are versions of this breath that may include breath holds and retention, but that's for another time! 

    As we move through the week, our challenge is to find ways to incorporate a little more pranayama into our practice and lives, even if it's just for a few minutes! Many of our teachers here at HOME yoga incorporate breathwork and pranayama in their classes, so taking classes can be an easy way to kickstart your personal pranayama practice! We look forward to seeing you in classes this week! 

Dive into the essence of yoga this spring with our focus on Asana practice.

We are getting into April and Spring is peaking! The bright skies and intermittent clouds are hallmarks of the season as the wind spreads pollen and lifts the wings of fledgling birds. As we embrace this revitalization of nature after a long cold winter, we look deeper into our hearts for ways to reawaken along with nature! Our Yoga practice brings us along the journey of awakening to our true essence, so what better time than spring to dive deeper and tie these themes together. 

    Last Week we finished our introduction to the first two of the Eight Limbs/Aids of Yoga as described in "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali '', The Yamas and the Niyamas.  These are self-restraints and personal observances that the practiced yogi adheres to in pursuit of awakening to their essence nature. This week we move onto the third Limb/Aid, Asana. 

What is Asana?

    Now this may be what we're most familiar with as members of a yoga community, the physical practice! Everything we do on our mats, from standing in tadasana to lying down in savasana, is a part of the third limb of Yoga.

 According to Patanjali, the physical practice of asana is meant to prepare the body to be comfortable in extended periods of seated meditation. 

   This makes sense, as the rest of Eight Limbs moving forward are usually performed in a seated posture. However, the benefits of the physical practice are so profound, that even in its modern adaptations, the practice of asana creates the space in the body for directed attention and activity. 

So What Are The Benefits?

There are so many benefits to our physical practice!:

• Increased Strength and Mobility,

• Proprioception and Pain Reduction,

• Balance and Discipline.

And that's just to name a few, which is why we at HOME YOGA encourage our members to try different classes and find consistency in their own ways. It's also a reason we offer challenges like last month's Matness Challenge. Asana is a big part of our yoga practice today, but in no way is it the only part, as we strive to be in our practice both on AND off the mat.  

Spring into Action: Ignite Your Inner Fire

April has arrived, ushered in by Easter Sunday, and we find ourselves a third of the way through the year. This month brings with it promises of wind and warmer weathers as we move deeper into the heart of spring. Our March Matness Challenge has come to an end and it's been great to see how many people participated, and deepened their practice while they were at it! We've tallied up the stars on the board and we had a whopping 6 people who made it to or past 21! All the names were put into the raffle and the winner of the raffle was Denyel! Congratulations, you'll be receiving your prize soon! 

    These past few weeks we've been going over the first two of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, The Yamas and the Niyamas. Now, we finish off the last of the five Niyamas: Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Isvara pranidhana. While the first two Niyamas help us create an ideal healthy environment, and broaden our perspective of the world and our experiences, The last three Niyamas help us direct and utilize our energy in ways that are helpful in awakening to our true nature. 

The Last Niyamas

3. Tapas: Discipline, Internal Fire, Austerity, 

"The Fire Within"

• Building heat through consistent asana practice

• Creating space for comfort in times of discomfort 

•  Practicing meditation of any kind, mudras, or reciting mantra

Tapas is that inner fire that builds through consistency and movement. It is the freedom that is found through practiced discipline and deep breath in tough asana classes. Tapas helps cultivate our will, build vitality, and find freedom through self-discipline.

4. Svadhyaya: Self-guided study of the texts

"The path of Knowledge and Study"

• Study of the sutras, and texts (Mahabarata, Bhagavadgita, etc.)

• Recitation of mantra, or practice of Japa

• Practicing Jnana Yoga,or pursuit of doubt-free knowledge

Svadhyaya is often misunderstood as "the study of the self", however this is not what is meant in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Svadhyaya is the study of sacred texts, recitation of mantra, and the scholarly pursuit of yogic knowledge. This Niyama helps clear the mist of ignorance with the light of doubt-free knowledge. 

5. Isvara pranidhana: self-surrender to the divine.

"Surrender and Release"

• Surrendering into stillness in a physical practice

• Practicing Bhakti Yoga, or Devotional Yoga

• Singing Kirtan, or reciting mantra

Patanjali acknowledges that devotion to the Divine is entirely optional, but tends to be an easy aid in the path to awakening to the self, which is why it is the last adherence. Isvara pranidhana is all about surrendering the mind, body, and senses to a higher order, and can be helpful in overcoming difficult situations, and connecting to the self through the divine. 

    We've already been practicing a bit of Tapas this whole month with our Matness Challenge, but see how you can incorporate some of these personal observances in your everyday life. We've got some fantastic things coming up next month including our monthly Reiki Share on Sunday 4/7 at 5:00pm. For you certified yoga teachers out there, Lorrie Shephard will be teaching a Restorative Yoga Training Continuing Ed. on Sundays 4/7 and 4/14 from 11:00-4:00pm. We look forward to seeing you in class this weekend! 

With Love and Gratitude,

Adriane and the Home Yoga Team

Spring's Renewal: Dive into Saucha and Santosha with Us! 🌸

We're more than halfway through March and Spring is upon us! The warming weather, and passing storms provide a fertile foundation for the next generation of flower buds, insects, and birds to start making their way into this beautiful world. Not unlike the weather, our March Matness Challenge has been putting a fire into our practice  and warming things up as we build our consistency and tally our star stickers.  We still have one more week left for anyone trying to get to 21 stars and be entered into a bonus raffle at the end of the month, so keep things up, and don't forget there's more than one way to earn a star! 

    Last week, we finished our journey through the first aid/limb of Yoga, the 5 Yamas that make up what Patanjali considers the most important/fundamental adherences and restraints in a yoga practice:Non-violence, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Sexual Restraint, and Non-attachment. This week we will move on to the five Niyamas, or personal observances that contribute greatly to the Yogi's path. 

The Niyamas 

The 5 Niyamas consist of: Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Isvara Pranidhana. Though this week we will be focusing on the first two. 

1. Saucha: Cleanliness and purity.

"Our bodies are our Temples"

• Cleaning the body, maintaining proper hygiene 

• Maintaining a healthy environment

• Abstaining from invasive or impure thoughts

Saucha is much about how we treat our bodies and our minds, and extends into our environments. Keeping a sense of cleanliness for the body, mind, and spirit, we practice this everytime we bathe, when we are mindful of negative thoughts, or when we do a little spring cleaning as householders. 

2. Santosha: Contentment or Satisfaction

"I have everything I need" 

• Having gratitude for things exactly as they are

• Avoiding the pitfalls of greed, and hoarding

• Detaching from outcomes, whether positive or negative

Santosha can have a profound effect on our outlooks and can broaden our perspective of the world when practiced regularly. We may even find solace in times of anguish, through practicing mindfulness without judgement.

Self Practice!

Here's a list of ways we can incorporate Saucha and Santosha into our daily lives! 

1. Do a little Spring Cleaning: As a way to usher in new life and energy into our homes, and practice a bit of Saucha.

2. Treat yourself to a nice cozy bath: Take your time to clean your body in comfort, maybe adding some epsom salts and your favorite book 

3. Engage in a Mindful Meditation: Whether that is by bringing yourself to nature, writing out gratitude lists, or following a guided meditation, carve out some time to practice Santosha. 

Exploring Deeper Practices

Hello Beloved, 

    For some of us the reason for practicing may be for health, or to feel more comfortable in the body, for others it may be to become more mindful of the self, to stretch and find balance, or to find more peace in their daily lives. Whatever it is that drives us to return to our mats time and time again, is at the heart of our personal practice. One thing that I love about this challenge is it can encourage us to look deeper into our own practice, while also participating in a community event. 

    Now, last week we introduced ourselves to the first two Yamas, Ahimsa, and Satya,  this time around we move on to the remaining three principles of (self) restraint, or Yamas:  Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha. Now it is important to note that when Patanjali addresses and arranges these principles, it was intended to be for the path of the renunciet, or one who is no longer a part of society. It was not arranged with the path of the householder in mind.  As such some aspects may lose their personal relevance depending on the context of our lives.

 So let's work our way through the last three: 

Asteya: Non-Stealing

 Asteya, or non-stealing, is a simple yet powerful practice that is not limited to just taking possession of things that are not yours. This concept can be expanded when we think of not stealing someone's time by being late, or not stealing others' energy. This practice is useful in eliminating a mindset of lack or the belief that one doesn't have enough. 

Brahmacharya: Sexual Restraint

  Put simply, this Yama means Sexual Restraint, or the practice of avoiding energy leakages. This comes from the idea that sexual energy is something to be conserved and we lose that energy when we engage in sexual activities or pursuits. This Yama can be best understood through the path of the renunciet, where one practices celibacy. However, for the householder that does not always make sense, in particular for the raising of a family. So this Yama can be understood to a different degree, while maintaining the importance of avoiding unnecessary energy leaks from the pursuit or excessive engagement in sexual activities. 

Aparigraha: Non-attachment

 The final Yama is Non-attachment, or non-possessiveness. In basic terms it is avoiding being overly materialistic, or attached to certain outcomes, experiences, or ideas of the self. This is not only collecting physical things (ala hoarding), but also collecting experiences, holding onto egoic identities, and reluctance to change. The practice of Aparigraha asks us to remember that everything is transient. 

    These five restraints, or Yamas, when practiced sincerely by the Yogi, make up the first of the eight aids to yoga, and can help immensely in this ever evolving journey of self-integration that we find ourselves on. 

 With Love and Gratitude,

Adriane and the Home Yoga Team

Marching Into Yoga Bliss

Hello Beloved,

Our Yoga Teacher Training has just begun, and soon you may see some new faces in your Form and Flow classes, they are our wonderful new YTT students who will be interning classes for the next few months! You may see them taking notes in a corner, or assisting our Instructors from time to time, feel free to say hello when you see them! As they dive deeper into their studies we will also explore some fundamental aspects of Yoga. Next week we will discuss some of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, starting with what are called the Yamas. This week however, we'll take a glimpse at what we call yoga, and expand a bit more on the yoga sutras of Patanjali, with exploring sutra 1.2 

    As we explore/engage with it, Yoga is the integration of all aspects of the self with conscious awareness, the yoking of our true essence nature to our physical and mental experience. Put simply, it is  a path towards awakening to our true nature, and releasing from everything that is not. But what is our "essence nature"? We can loosely say it is our fundamental sense of being, but it is also that which underpins all living things.  

Now Let's Explore Some Sutra! 

In the Patanjali's next sutra, we expand on the benefits of the practice of yoga, as well as explore some aspects of its purpose or goal. 

sutra 1.2:  "Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodha"

Yoga: the practice of yoga, yoga as a noun

Citta our mind, perception, or consciousness

Vritti: the modifications of consciousness, or the fluctuations of our mind

Nirodha: freedom from, or cessation of

So all together it can be understood as:

 "The practice of yoga contributes to the freedom from the fluctuations of the mind" 

or,

 "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind"

We can be playful and expand this understanding by saying, 

"Yoga is the awakening, and integration of our true nature, through the freedom from the fluctuations of our minds, and all that is not our essence".

 It's a bit wordy, but when viewed this way, it's easier to understand the bigger picture behind the sutra, and find reflections within our own practice 

    On and off the mat we may be challenged by obstacles, difficulties, or experiences that cause a level of suffering or turmoil. In these moments we are given a more tangible glimpse of chitta vritti, or the "fluctuations of our minds". We can take these times as opportunities to utilize some of the many tools we have in our yogi toolbox. Engaging in the ever-constant  practice of yoga can be very beneficial to us, even in the littlest moments. 

We look forward to seeing you all in class this week! 

 With love and gratitude, 

 Adriane and the HOME Yoga Team

Cheers to Community, Smiles, and Yoga Vibes!

We celebrated our Annual Open House this past weekend, and we are so grateful for everyone who came by! We were happy to see so many new faces, as well as familiar friends. It's a privilege and a pleasure for us to provide a space for such a wonderful community, and you all are a big part of what makes this community so great!  We want to thank everyone who came out and joined us for classes, whether you are brand new to the studio, or a seasoned regular, we love seeing your smiling faces and getting chances to know you more!

    This Wednesday is Valentine's Day, and while it's primarily a day for couples, loved ones, and friends, it can also be a wonderful time to give ourselves some needed self-love! That love can come in many different forms. Not limiting ourselves to commercial trends and tendencies, we can invest some loving energy and time in ourselves. Maybe that's by taking care of our bodies with some stretching and yoga, or by treating ourselves to a comfortable bath with candles and a favorite book.

    Self-love and Self-care can take many forms, and there are times when we don't even need to leave the house to honor that energy. We can infuse that love by showing up for ourselves in our practice, gently pushing ourselves towards our goals when we need the nudge, and creating structure in our daily lives that help us reach the goals we seek.  We can also show up by providing space for ourselves to rest when we're in need of it, choosing to be gentle, or more firm, depending on our need and how we work best as individuals. If you'd like to share your love of yoga with your significant other, bring them to class on Wednesday free! All you need is a membership or a class package and you're welcome to bring your partner on us. 💜

    Classes for our next cohort of 200hr Yoga Teacher Training are coming up fast on the 25th, the last Sunday of the month! Anyone who's ever wanted to try teaching yoga, or those seeking to deepen their own practice have just a few more weeks to sign up! Important Note: This will be the ONLY Yoga Teacher Training in 2024!  Head over to homeyogatemecula.com/trainings for more information.

We have some great things coming up for you all this week, including our Men's Group on Tuesday and Mermaid Movement this Friday!  We've had some class changes recently, so look forward to catching Ashley on Monday evenings at 5:15pm for Yoga Reset and 6:30pm for an Ashtanga inspired Form & Flow, and D'Andre on Wednesdays at 6:00am for a Power Flow and 6:30pm for Form & Flow.  We look forward to seeing you in class this week! 

With love & gratitude, 

Discover 2024 Magic with Us! Join Us at Our Warm and Welcoming Open House! 🏡✨

We've made it through the first month of the year, and after these last few weeks we are starting to get a feel for what 2024 has to offer for us.  For some of us January may have flown by like a strong breeze, and for others, it may have felt particularly long or slow. Either way, we've dipped our toes into the water and now that we have a gauge for the temperature, we get to decide if we dive deeper into the next part of the year, or ease our way in.  Whatever choice we make is based on what we want, and what direction we want to go in.  

    For those of us who may be on the fence about expanding their yoga practice, or are looking for a great opportunity to try things out for an easily accessible price, we are celebrating our Annual Open House the second weekend of February! Starting Friday Feb 9th, and ending on Sunday Feb 11th, we will be having special Open House prices for classes and merchandise throughout our store.   All Open House Weekend we will be offering classes for $5 each! That's a wild deal! With a great variety of classes and experiences to indulge in, as well as snacks, beverages, and a good bit of community, it's hard to pass up on the potential for a great time!  

    Things will start off with our morning classes on Friday, followed by a savory restore class with Ashley in the evening. Then on the main day, Saturday, we start off with classes taught by Kristen and Jordan, followed by a meditation sound journey with Liana, Then on our final day, you can catch a really special Sacred Sunday class with Adriane to cap things off!  Be sure to pre-register online or in Walla to reserve your spot, because things are likely to fill up fast.  We will also have special discounts on merchandise and memberships**  that weekend so be sure to take advantage of all the deals coming your way!  It's also just a wonderful excuse to get to know more people in your local yoga community, so come on down! 

    We also have our next cohort of 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training coming up at the end of February, so for those of us who may be interested in expanding your personal practice, or have aspirations of teaching and leading yoga classes in the future, this is the program for you! our 5 month program goes in depth with everything one needs for a well rounded yoga education and training. From Anatomy and alignment, to philosophy and ayurveda, to sanskrit and yoga styles, this comprehensive program will leave you with everything you need to not only have the knowledge and ability to teach, but also have the confidence to do so. For more information, email us at Info@Homeyogatemecula.com, or check out our website HomeYogaTemecula.com.  

  There are always fun things going on here at HOME Yoga, so come on down and check things out!  We look forward to seeing you in class this week! 

Warmest Wishes

Adriane and the HOME Yoga Team

Embrace the New Year's Flow: Energize, Challenge, and Engage with Yoga!

This new year brings with it new energies, challenges, and ways to engage with our lives moving forward! We're two weeks into the year and many of us are already getting into the groove of things. Some of us, tackling new year's resolutions, are starting new activities, changing things up, or trying new things. Others may be taking on a new challenge at work, processing heavy emotions, or finding ways through life obstacles. Wherever we find ourselves, we have the ability to move forward with the aid of a healthy yoga practice. 

    Yoga can be a complimentary practice to any activity we do in our lives. Whether it's something physical: like going to the gym, picking up a new outdoor hobby, or recuperating after a long day of work, or something mental: like processing heavy emotions, building your personal will, or overcoming challenging obstacles. Our yoga practice is not limited to only what's done on the mat, it can expand into our daily lives, giving us strength, flexibility, and necessary perspective when facing obstacles and challenges. 

    We have many different tools that we can use in our yoga practice when necessary: There's Asana, from Yin to Ashtanga, to relieve tightness, and improve flexibility in the body; Pranayama, from Ujayi to Breath of Fire,  to direct energy throughout the body, and calm the mind; and Perspective, from our daily lives to philosophy & mythology, that provides self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of community.

   Yogic philosophy can be a wellspring of wisdom, and there are many benefits from engaging with mythology. Take Ganesha, the Elephant-headed son of Shiva(Consciousness) and Parvati(Creation & Shakti), who rides a nimble mouse and is known in Hindu mythology as the remover of obstacles. He is large and wise enough to tackle many daunting problems, and his mouse is nimble enough to move through any crack or crevice, and chew through any binding. Together they represent the ability to move through, around, or over any obstacle in their path. Many Yogis find it useful at times to embody that idea and energy of Ganesha in their lives or during an asana practice, in order to invoke the removal of some obstacles they may face.  As a certain teacher often says, "We are every character in the story". 

    If you find that practice interesting and would like to learn more, we dive deeper into the substance of our yoga practice as well as yoga philosophy in our 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course. We also will be covering anatomy and alignment, as well as complimentary practices like Ayurveda. Courses are packed full of guest instructors and support to make sure you get the most out of the program. The next cohort of teachers will begin their classes February 25th, so you still have a few more weeks to sign up!

New Beginnings: Navigating the Energies of 2024! 🌟✨

We've arrived at the New Year and the start of 2024, and as we move through the first month, we are graced with brand new energies and a burst of new opportunities and beginnings. January is usually a time when we take stock of where we are, and make plans and choices to help us move to where we want to be. Sometimes that's through changes of attitude or environments, and sometimes we utilize goals and resolutions to help keep us on track. 

    Last year we chose to approach resolutions with a sense of leniency and personal adaption, making our goals simple and measurable, and giving ourselves space to alter and change things as we changed and grew through the year. We checked in every few months to measure and appreciate our progress and efforts, and maybe were surprised by the results.  For many of us this proved very helpful, and we encourage you to keep steady with the process if you've found that it helps you be more personally accountable in a healthy way.  This year, we also invite you to challenge yourself in finding  expansion and growth in an area of interest or need in your life. 

    Now we wouldn't be doing this without providing several exciting options and paths that you can take to find that expansion or growth. Whether it's diving deeper into your knowledge and practice of yoga, or jumping into the unknown, finding purpose, and navigating new paths of intrigue and connection. 

    We’ll be starting the next cohort of our Yoga Teacher Training Certification, and spots are still open for anyone who wants to pursue a path of teaching others, or those who are looking to expand their own connection with their practice. This is a fantastic opportunity for an in depth and immersive training that may leave you changed and more confident in all that you do. 

    Over the course of 5 months you will learn everything from anatomy and alignment, to philosophy and different styles of practice. With ample opportunity to learn from other teachers, and an all included 3-day Yoga retreat toward the end of the program; we guarantee you will find some form of challenge and growth along your path.  You still have a chance to sign up before classes start, so ask yourself if now is the time to try something new and jump in! 

    If the unknown and the natural seem to be calling to your soul this year, you may find solace and what you seek in Liana Xochitl Soria's Starwalker Shamanic Practitioner Training. This 6-month program goes deep into the core and essence of a Shamanic Practice, addressing everything from shamanic healing, journeying, spiritual decontamination, divination, and so much more! These classes will start Saturday, January 13th and run through June 1st, you can sign up for the program on our website Homeyogatemecula.com or through Liana directly. 

    We have so many fantastic things coming up in the studio along with these trainings and programs, including  a New Year Envisioning with Kristen Rud on the 20th. Whatever you decide to do with your time, we hope that this new year finds us all on paths of progress, and we look forward to seeing you in class this week! 

2023 🌟 A Year in Review – The Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between!

We've made it to the end of the year! As we reach the final days of 2023, we get the chance to look back at all the wonderful and challenging memories and experiences we made throughout the year. 

    We're so excited and grateful for all of you who have just recently joined us on this yoga journey, and to all of you who have continued to practice and participate alongside each other throughout these past years. We've made a lot of new friends and made memories with new faces in our community, and we're so grateful to have you all on this journey we find ourselves in. 

    For those of you who have been following along  with us since January, we take this opportunity to look back at the resolutions we made for ourselves at the beginning of the year, and check in. A year can be a long time, and it can also go by in an instant. Although we set personal goals for ourselves at the beginning, we had many opportunities to check in periodically, and review our progress, and we were invited to change and amend those goals to better move with our intentions if needed. Now at the end of the year, we look back and view our progress with eyes of compassion, honoring our efforts and the dedication we showed ourselves, and offering ourselves grace for the places we may have fallen short of our original goals. 

    One thing I've learned this year from this personal practice, is that we always have the capacity to alter and change our goals to better move with and achieve the changes we seek in ourselves. When working with our personal goals, it can be far more helpful and motivating, to bring a sense of fluidity, and to allow ourselves the space to redefine our goals in accordance to the directions we wish to move in, as we get to know more about what we want for ourselves and why. Our goals can be dynamic, giving ourselves the option of change, as we change throughout the year. 

You may have found that adapting those goals allowed us to continue our efforts, and actually make more meaningful personal progress, instead of becoming dismayed or disheartened at the first time we may have fallen short, and giving up.  

    Much like running a marathon (which some of us actually did this year!), we have the opportunity to adjust our pace throughout, so that we can make it to the finish line. Some weeks may have felt like a sprint and we made a lot of progress, and other weeks we might have needed to jog or catch our breath, but we nonetheless kept moving. Now with the finish line in reach, I invite you to look back and revisit the twists and turns of the course and how you made it through those more difficult paths.  

As a final journal prompt for this year, take a few minutes out of your day today to reflect on. 

1. What goals you set for yourself, if any, at the begining of the year

2. How did those goals evolve and change throughout the course of the year. 

3. What helped you the most, in keeping up with your efforts? 

4. How have YOU changed since the begining of the year?  

    We are so happy and blessed to have you all as members of our community. We couldn't have made it through the year without each of you contributing and engaging with each other in this wonderful community. We have so many exciting and new things coming up this next year, and we would be honored to have you continue your journey with us! Come join us for our final class of the year on New Year's Eve at 9am with Adriane Alvarez, and start the New Year strong with Ashtanga on the 1st with Ashley Llano! We look forward to seeing you in class! 

Warmest Wishes,

The Home Yoga Family

Happy New Year

Cheers to You, Our Amazing Community! Happy Holidays from Home Yoga Studio

Thank You for Being the Heart of Our Studio!

As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Home Yoga Studio wouldn't be the warm and inviting space it is without the incredible support of our community.

The holidays are a time for giving, cherishing our loved ones, and pausing to reflect on the moments that matter. In the spirit of the season, we want to remind you of how much we appreciate you for contributing to our wonderful community. Together, we truly feel like a family, and your presence enriches the essence of Home Yoga Studio.

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes for a beautiful and relaxing holiday season. May you find joy, peace, and rejuvenation in the company of your loved ones.

Thank you for being YOU!

Warmest Wishes,

The Home Yoga Family

Merry Christmas

You're Invited to the MM Publication Ribbon Cutting Holiday Celebration!

 Hello Beloved,

'Tis the season to celebrate, and we want YOU to join us for an evening of joy and connection at the MM Publication Ribbon Cutting Holiday Celebration!

We're thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of the 70+ founding contributors in Volumes 00 and 01 of MM Publication. This holiday party is not just a gathering; it's a chance to mingle, connect, and immerse yourself in the world of literature and wellness.

What to Expect:

• Meet and Greet: Rub shoulders with the founder, publisher, creative director, and an array of brilliant contributors.

• Raffle and Opening Circle: Engage in our Opening Circle with live readings from contributors you may already know! Plus, get in on the excitement of a special raffle.

• Volume 01 Launch: Be among the first to get your hands on the brand new Volume 01, officially launching in December 2023.

• Wellness Shopping: Explore and shop for wellness products from Home Yoga, Nourish The Mama, Good Karma Community, and other local contributing businesses.

• Contributor Book Signing: Have your copies signed by the talented contributors themselves!

This evening promises to be a festive blend of literature, wellness, and community spirit. It's not just an event; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic created by these incredible contributors.

Don't miss out on the MM Publication Ribbon Cutting Holiday Celebration! RSVP to secure your spot. For any inquiries or more information, feel free to reach out to us.

Looking forward to sharing the holiday cheer with you!

With Love, 

Adriane and the Home Yoga Team

🌟 Celebrating Our Community 🙏✨

Tucked in hidden corner of Old Town Temecula, but not hard to find, is a hidden gem. . .

Welcome to Home -- The place to be when you are not at home. 

Where you will be greeted by friendly faces and open arms.  A place to deepen your yoga practice or start anew.  A time to meet new friends on the mat or catch up with old ones over a cup of tea in the lounge.

Where many who come return, and all are invited to stay. 

Which begs the question, when met with 'Welcome Home', is it any wonder to feel you are already there?" 

-Anonymous Yogi 

Hello Beloved, 

    This week we continue our Community Appreciation Month with a special spotlight on some of our wonderful members of the community and their contributions! The excerpt above was written by one of our very own beloved members of the community who shared their experience and captured the essence of the space that we strive to provide for all who pass through our doors. They are just a single example of the wonderful kinds of people who we are graced to have in our community, and as per their request, they will remain anonymous, and appreciated. 

     We here at the Home Yoga Team want to let you know how grateful we are for each and every one of you who come and share your practice, your time, and your energy with us. You all are a constant support and place of inspiration for us at Home Yoga, and we strive to deepen our connection and continue to expand and adapt our offerings because we believe that this community is something unique and special that we treasure daily. 

    With that being said, we have some class changes coming soon! For lovers of Ashley's Ashtanga class, the Friday 6am class will be moving to Monday mornings at 6am, giving us all an opportunity to start the week off even better than before! Come join the early morning crew and get your Vinyasa on!  Our fantastic Pilates instructor and beloved member of the community Jenny Redford will be stepping away from teaching her Friday class at 10:30. 

    And as always, we have some amazing offerings coming up in the studio this week and month, Jordan Risdon is offering her annual Thanksgiving Day practice from 9:00-10:30am.  It will be a soft and savory loving practice that will prepare you for the day to come! Sign up now, spots fill fast! Finally, coming up fast on Friday, December 1st, we are hosting our Annual Xmas Parade Potluck! Come enjoy the Christmas Parade as it moves through Old Town. Bring Family, Friends, and your favorite food to share! It will be a wonderful opportunity to say hi and enjoy the community in a relaxed environment. We look forward to seeing you all in class this week! 

🌟 Celebrating You: Member Appreciation Month at Home Yoga Studio! 🙏✨

This month, we here at Home Yoga Studio want to take the time to celebrate and express gratitude to all of our wonderful students and members of the community during our Member Appreciation Month! 

November in America, traditionally is a time when we come together and express gratitude for the people and things in our lives that have helped bring us where we are today.  It's a time when we are encouraged to practice being grateful, not only for things that have brought us joy and smiles, but also for things that have challenged us to grow, and helped reveal hidden strengths we may not know we had.  

     For us at Home Yoga, we will be using this time to celebrate our members and parts of our community that have helped make our Studio the place it is! This week in particular, we will be congratulating and celebrating our New YTT Graduates who just finished up their 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Program! After five months of studying, interning, and practicing, they have all completed their training and are now free to teach, and practice as a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher!  You may have seen them helping or taking notes in classes from time to time these last few months, and now all their hard work has paid off! 

Congratulations YTT Graduates 🎉

     And for those of us who may be interested in joining the next cohort of our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, the course will begin on January 14th! This 200hr training will consist of 5 months of coursework, internship and practice, and will include a 3 day yoga retreat towards the end of the program. If you've ever been inspired to teach, or just want to dive deeper into your practice, this is the program for you! We will work with your schedule to make sure that you're able to get the most out of each class. If you're waiting for a nudge or a sign to jump into this new opportunity, here it is! 

     We'd like to welcome some new friends and facilitators joining our community and offering their services! We have Regina Freres joining us offering magnificent, professional massages that will leave you relaxed and loose in the body, and Dr. Amalia Gardner, an Acupuncturist offering a community Acupuncture session on a sliding scale payrate of $45-$60 on Saturday, November 18th 1:30-3:30pm.  We have more fantastic things coming this month, including a special Thanksgiving Day class at 9:00am with Jordan Risdon! We look forward to seeing you in class this week!

There are more fun and exciting things coming your way this month, so stay tuned! We look forward to seeing you in class!

Closing Out Flowtober Yoga Challenge! 🌟🧘‍♀️

It's November!  And we've reached the end of our Flowtober Yoga Challenge! As we move forward into November we try to carry over our consistency from this month's yoga challenge. Congratulations toScott Jacobs for winning the raffle! Though there were a limited number of prizes, we'd like to thank every one of you who participated! A few students had so many stars they started a new line, Impressive dedication! 

Throughout the month, many of you have joined in and participated in our yoga challenge: increasing the amount of classes you took each week, and engaging with the community in different ways. During this time, we got to dive deeper into our practice, and many things may have come up that made us think, and remember what initially brought us to our mats. 

     There are some of us who are new to the community and might be moving through the fresh energies of new beginnings, and it may be clear in your mind the "WHY" of your practice. That thing that brought you into the doors in the first place, and brings you back to each class. But whether or not your practice has just begun, or you've been practicing for decades, There is always something to be gained from taking a look back at our "WHY"s of Yoga, and reconnecting with our intentions to see if they have changed. 

So What Is Your WHY?  

Take a few minutes to sit down and journal this week, asking yourself these three questions. 

• What brought you to the mat? What inspired your decision to start a yoga practice?

• What Keeps you on your mat? What are some reasons you keep returning to class and working with your practice? 

• How can you Support yourself in your yoga practice? What can you do to expand your practice? 

     This November is Member Appreciation Month, and we at the Home Yoga Team will be taking time to highlight members of our amazing community throughout the month on social media, in the Newsletter, and in person! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive community, and we want to make sure that you all are seen and heard! Stay tuned throughout the month for highlights, spotlights, and honorable mentions!  

There are more fun and exciting things coming your way this month, so stay tuned! We look forward to seeing you in class!

Navaratri Unveiled - Celebrating the Supreme Goddess and Cultural Traditions from October 15-24th!

This last week was the observance of the Nine days of Navaratri, October 15-24th which is one of the largest religious observances around the world based in Indian Culture and traditional practices. It is celebrated differently in different communities and traditions, but they all surround the story of the aspects of the Supreme Goddess Adi Parashakti, in particular Durga, Kali, Lakshmi,  and Saraswati. 

    These aspects of the  Goddess represent different energies and forces in life and nature. Kali and Durga are known as powerful forces that destroy, and protect, Lakshmi carries the energy of prosperity, abundance and preservation. and Saraswati holds the energy of creativity, wisdom, and ultimate truth. In Shaktist and Shaivist traditions the Supreme goddess constitutes the essence of everything in the universe(s) and her aspects represent some of the different forms that her energy can take. 

     During Navaratri, we are invited to work with these goddess energies to release things that no longer serve us, preserve and maintain the things that do, and to pour our energy into creating or bringing something new into our lives.  

While we as Yogis don't necessarily need to adhere to these practices, we can use this invitation as motivation to dive deeper into our personal practice. During these next nine days, take some time in the morning to journal and ask yourself: 

• What things or energies can I release that are no longer serving me?

• What healthy and positive practices do I want to preserve and maintain?

•  How can I channel my energy to create something new or inspiring?

     Don't forget we're square in the middle of our Flowtober Yoga Stickerboard Challenge! Attend Classes and fill out information on Walla to get more stars, and see if you can get 21 stars by the end of the month. Those who get 21 stars will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes and goodies at the end of the month.  That means we only have 13 more days to get those stars, so you still have time to get into class! We can use this challenge as a way of preserving and deepening our yoga practice! 

     We have some wonderful things going on in the studio this week. Claire and Mikal will be leading a Yoga Nidra Crystal Soundbath on Oct 21st, 6:30-8:00pm, spots fill up fast, so make sure you sign up to secure your spot!

      On Halloween were having our 6:30pm Form and Flow turn into a Spooky Glow and Flow.   The 5:15pm Gentle class will be canceled but Kristen's Spooky Glow and Flow will be accessible to all Levels!

   We look forward to seeing you in class this week!