Inspired by Earth Newsletter December 2018

"I prefer winter and Fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape--the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. " --Andrew Wyeth

The snow covers my backyard as though Mother Nature painted over my grass with a new canvas. I know what lies beneath, because it is my backyard. I know where the grass does not grow, because the dogs have trampled the space to mu. I know where the grass ends and the mulch begins, because I created the landscaping. A stranger to my backyard would know none of these things. They could speculate, guess, and, perhaps, judge.

To me, Andrew Wyeth's quote is a reminder that we do not know other people's stories. They may have allowed us to read their books' back cover, but we in no way get their story in the same way they cannot get ours. Everyone has days of lonely landscapes and dead, dreary winters. And, on those days, we probably output that energy in the forms of arguments, hasty comments, and judgement. We need to remember what people say and do is their karma and a result of their present issues; it rarely has to do with us directly. So, especially in the hurriedness of holiday bustle, when tempers flare like newly lit wicks, try to remember, "their whole story does not show."

Om shanti shanti shanti (peace)
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Yoga Class Schedule/Workshops
*Gentle/Restorative classes every Wednesday evening from 6-7:15pm.
Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back)
All Levels, Walk-ins, $15

*Gentle/Restorative classes every Sunday from 10-11:15am.
Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back)
All Levels, Walk-ins, $15

*Inspired Vinyasa (Level 1), Tuesday's 10-11:15am, 1 E Benton St,, Aurora, downstairs. Parking in back or on street. $12/class, walk-in, all levels. Even more exciting, I will be making a monthly donation to the Aurora Food Pantry as part of the agreement for using this space.  Work out, find peace and give back all at the same time!

Reiki Sessions, Reiki Classes and Angel Card Readings are available as you need.
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YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!!

*Bookmark Making Class with Amber
(not the stone, the instructor LOL!)
Sunday Feb 3 11:30am-12:15pm
Healing Arts Metaphysical (directly after Restorative Yoga class)
Looking for a fun, quick, but thoughtful keepsake? Let’s create personalized ribbon bookmarks for ourselves and others! They take just a few minutes to create, but are so meaningful to those you share them with. 
Bring your own supplies so you can customize your creations. Class is free to all; $5 room rental fee/person. Please email me at sandracoyner@yahoo.com to let me know you are coming:)

Supply List:
16mm or 5/8inch Ribbon Clamp End Crimps (2 per bookmark)
 5/8" wide ribbon- grosgrain works well... 9" per bookmark
jump rings
nylon jaw pliers and round nose pliers
earrings, pendants, charms or beads for ends

*Board and Brush Oswego
Date: TBA (March)
This class is not a private class so sign up as soon as I schedule the date. We will be able to sit as a group, and I think the class holds about 30 people.  We will be able to make and design our own board signs and we can each pick the one we want to do! Look at the Gallery pics ahead of time. I will plan this for early March so all of the holiday options will be replaced. When you sign up, you must indicate which sign you want to make. You will be asked whom you want to sit with,,,type Sandra's Yoga Group. The cost is $65 but I have a $10 off code: BBOSWEGO
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FEATURED HEALING STONE: Golden Labradorite
by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire

As we approach the holiday season, I am reminded of the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to the Christ Child in the manger.  Frankincense and Myrrh are essential oils used to treat inflammation, digestive disorders, viral infections and the like.  These were most definitely useful and date back to Egyptian times well before the advent of modern medicine.  The third gift, gold, as we all know, is a very valuable metal but probably not suitable for this column.  As I searched for a golden stone, I came across Golden Labradorite that did seem suitable for this piece. It is usually transparent with a gold color that can be brilliant when cut into gemstones.
 
Golden Labradorite is also known as Bytownite.  It is one of the best stones for working with the third chakra, solar plexus, as it represents inner strength, vitality, courage and spiritual purpose.  It is purported to connect with the Great Central Sun, the origin of consciousness in the Universe.  It is highly recommended for use in meditation as it can enhance one’s ability to remember and integrate spiritual experiences into daily life. 
 
Among the many benefits of this beautiful stone is its ability to stimulate the skill to learn and adapt to new situations or surroundings. It can help with insecurities in social situations or in difficulties mixing with new people. It helps one to perceive one’s gifts and abilities and to develop strong self-esteem. Golden Labradorite also connects one with a frequency of joy and childlike playfulness. It helps one recognize the Divine in all aspects of one’s life, and in all experiences. 
 
On a physical level, Golden Labradorite can help with kidney, gallbladder and spleen issues.  It can also aide in detoxifying the organs responsible for purification and cleansing.  It is even said to enhance digestion and metabolism of food.
 
As the days become shorter and shorter, we can utilize this stone to connect with the energies of the sun.  Perhaps, it can even help stave off the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)!
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FEATURED QUESTION: What is your favorite yoga pose or transition? Let me know via email and I will work your answers into my Dec. 18 and 19th classes! This is also a test to see who reads this far down LOL!  

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