Inspired by Earth Newsletter

Yoga is a practice meant to take off the mat as it is not about one's resume of poses. If you made it to my last 2019 class, you were taken through a review of all of the group outings we have done off the mat. Perhaps, it started with Amber's idea to try goat yoga. We goat to try it after exclaiming, you've goat to be kidding me and it was unforgoatable (so sorry!). We've done quite a few escape rooms, which lead me to Ram Dass' quote, "If you think you are free, there's no escape possible."

We went indoor skydiving rocking our best bow poses up in the air. Steven Wright warned, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you." For Halloween, we went on a tour of the Joliet Prison, itself a theme about the invisible bars we lock ourselves behind. Unlock the door to your mental prison and set your spirit free this year. Try something new. Let go of the past. Lewis Smedes wrote, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."

We got crafty painting wooden signs and compared that to allowing our yoga mat to be a blank canvas of the poses we want it to be. Allow this year to be that same blank canvas and manifest whatever it is you dare to dream. Claude Monet wrote, "I want to paint the way a bird sings," Live your life that way, free and uncontained. We went to a Pub Trivia Night allowing our minds to collectively work off the mat rather than being consumed with thought while on.

Amber piped up again to teach us how to make really cute bookmarks. Think of a bookmark as holding space for you and allow that for yourself when you need a pause. We tried something new and did paddle board yoga and we opened our throat chakras at a couple kirtans and Mani/Pedi Karaoke Night. We exchanged heartfelt Secret Santa gifts and quoted Roald Dahl in saying, " And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Open your eyes to the magic this year and the signs and messages from the Universe will astound you.

Lastly, I quoted Benjamin Franklin who said, "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead", which segues right into the Murder Mystery party we acted out (poor Amber was the victim...perhaps, someone wasn't too fond of goat yoga??!) Agatha Christie wrote, "Time is the best killer." Don't let it be in this New Year. Take advantage of every moment and be present to what will come.
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NEXT ESCAPE... 
Who's in for Friday, February 7th, iPanic Escape Room in St Charles??
RSVP by Jan 12 so I can see which rooms we fit in. Start times are in evening- you can follow link below to check out the place. After I have a head count, I will send you an email telling you which room to reserve:)
http://www.ipanicescaperoom.com/home.html
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 Yoga Class Schedule
*SUNDAY'S: 10-11:15am, Gentle/Restorative 
     *NO class Jan. 5th
*TUESDAY'S: 9-10:15am, Inspired Vinyasa (All Levels)
*WEDNESDAY'S: 6-7:15pm, Gentle/Restorative
 
ALL CLASSES at Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia
All levels, $15, Walk-in's welcome
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FEATURED HEALING STONE: MALACHITE
by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!  As we begin a new year it seems like we are always striving to improve our circumstances.  Malachite may just be the stone to help in that endeavor. 
 
The name Malachite comes from the Greek word malakee that signifies the resemblance to the mallow tree. Malachite was known in Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. and was also popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans for jewelry, ornaments and, in powdered form, for eye shadow!  In the Middle Ages, it was believed to protect against the evil eye and to cure various types of stomach ailments.  The Russian Czars used it to produce ornaments and paneling for their castles as well as for intricate inlay work.
 
This is an important stone for protection from negative energies.  It permeates the aura with positive vibrations and strengthens our shield which can screen out hostile forces.  It activates our psychic intuition which helps us to perceive the presence of danger. It even activates the vibration of luck which seeks to keep one safe and protected.  As a protection stone, it absorbs negatives energies and pollutants from the atmosphere and the body.  It guards against radiation of all kinds be it from television, microwaves or other sources. 
 
It is also said to be a stone of travel.  It overcomes fears of flying especially if you envision yourself in the wings of the Archangel Raphael.  It helps with jet lag and encourages smooth travel and protects in travel on congested highways.
 
This beautiful green stone emanates healthy patterns for the heart and solar plexus chakras.  It assists in maintaining emotional balance and seeing one’s own emotional traps and pitfalls and, therefore, helping to avoid these.  By strengthening the solar plexus chakra, it enhances willpower making it easier to resist all sorts of temptations from ice cream to infidelity!  It is easier to act for one’s higher good in the presence of malachite. 
 
Malachite, with its deep connection to nature, is a must-have for city or suburban dwellers. It personifies the deep healing green of nature and represents the innate beauty of flowers, trees, roots and plants. It is recommended to place a large piece in your living room to remove environmental pollution and bring the wonders of nature into your home.
 
Malachite reminds us to turn over a new leaf and, as such, is a perfect stone for the new year.  This stone is readily available and certainly a welcome addition to your collection.
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FEATURED QUOTE:
Germany Kent
"Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction."

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