Karma Yoga is the selfless yoga of action; it is when we do something for others without expectation of payback. Karma Yoga is based on using kindness and compassion to be of service to others and is intended to be a way of life. Since April 28th is National Pay It Forward Day, I thought we all could participate by offering Karma Yoga to those around us. So... below is a list of ideas I grabbed from the Internet. You can use these or create your own. You have until April 28th to do as many, but at least one, Pay It Forward Act and you have until 11:59pm on April 29th to tell me what you did (you can include pictures) so I can put it all in the May newsletter. That way, we can see how we came together as a group to make a difference. Pass this newsletter on to anyone you feel would be interested in joining us!
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), most Tuesday's 10-11:15am, 1 E Benton St,, Aurora, downstairs. Parking in back or on street. $12/class, walk-in, all levels. Email me first to see if we are having class that week. No class April 2 or 16 Reiki Sessions, Reiki Classes and Angel Card Readings are available as you need. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! *Trivia Night, Ballydoyle's Aurora Date: April 4, 8pm Let me know in advance if you are coming so I can save seats! We need a good yoga group name- send me ideas! *Kirtan, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band Tuesday, June 18, Garaj Mahal in Batavia. Thinking we may want to go again again as a group- need feedback!!! If you want to go, we will purchase tickets individually. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEATURED HEALING STONE: Diamond by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Born in April? Lucky you! The birthstone for this month is a “girl’s best friend!” Diamonds are a crystal of pure carbon with a hardness of 10, making them the hardest of all substances. Although often seen as a colorless stone, diamonds actually are found in many colors---yellow, brown, blue, pink, green, orange and even red! Each of these colors adds its own unique frequency to the stone. Diamonds have been considered to be magical for many centuries. Hindus believed they protected one from evil spirits, fire, poison, snakes and illness. Other cultures believed them to provide victory, courage, purity and love. During the Middle Ages, it was not common for women to wear diamonds and only men wore them as symbols of invincibility and bravery. King Louis IV of France even forbade the wearing of diamonds by women. He felt that the only woman who should wear one was the virgin Mary! Diamonds are conductors and amplifiers of energy, and, as such, are considered master healers. They have a high frequency which stimulates and opens all of the chakras, but especially the crown and etheric chakras. They are very intense stones which seem to emanate more energy for their size than any other stone. This intensity can work both positively or negatively so they probably should not be worn if one is in a bad frame of mind. These stones encourage one to perceive how life’s trials and tribulations can be put to good use. As a powerful crystal, it can aid the wearer in becoming a beacon of light and encourages us to seek the light within. On a spiritual level, diamonds promote truth, vision and alignment with the higher self. They encourage us to develop ourselves from our current state to one closer to the Divine. They carry the energies of angels who are aligned with both courage and light. On an emotional level, they can help dispel density in the emotional body allowing one to feel lighter and more joyful. Today, diamonds are mostly seen as symbols of love and fidelity. “A diamond is forever,” is a slogan that we have all heard. It is a symbol of deep, everlasting love. No matter your view of diamonds, they are beautiful stones and worthy to add to your collection! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED QUOTE: “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” —Bob Kerrey. PassItOn.com.
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The Ides of March falls upon March 15th each year, symbolizing that period of time in the Roman calendar when one should pay back their debts. The Ides were generally recognized by a full moon, as well. This month, ours falls on March 20th. March's full moon is called the Worm Moon. Perhaps not a very exciting name but, yet, a reminder that spring is near, because March is typically the time when earthworms resurface and robins appear more readily to find them. As we look forward to the warmer weather moving in, remember that spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. I want you to consider allowing for your own rebirth or renewal by letting go of debt you carry around in the form of guilt, blame, or other negativity. What do you constantly hold yourself accountable for that needs to be released along with winter's winds? I chose the picture of the flower above because the flowers, by now, have paid their debt to winter. They have stayed buried underground awaiting their time to bloom. Allow this moment to be your moment. The time is now for whatever you have been putting off. The flowers will transition from seed to stem to bud to bloom and maybe this will help signify to you that not all change is difficult:) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! *Board and Brush Oswego Date: March 15 6:30-9:30pm 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. 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. They have added spots so plenty of room if you have not signed up! The cost is $65 but I have a $10 off code" BBOSWEGO *Kirtan, Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band Tuesday, June 18, Garaj Mahal in Batavia. Thinking we may want to go again again as a group- need feedback!!! If you want to go, we will purchase tickets individually. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Bloodstone by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire March is one of those lucky months with two birthstones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone. This month, I will focus on Bloodstone as I have previously written about Aquamarine! Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, from the Greek meaning “sun turner,” is an intense healing stone used to cleanse and realign the lower chakras. It is conducive to balancing the entire body in order to overcome any distress or anxiety associated with the realignment of these energies. In the Middle Ages, the red spots in Bloodstone were thought to be spots of Christ’s blood and special magical powers were attributed to the stone. The legend is that the blood from Christ’s wounds dripped on the dark green earth and turned it into stone. This legend gave the stone its name and inspired the belief of its exceptional power to heal wounds. Bloodstone, as its name suggests, is useful for all types of blood ailments. It works within the bone marrow to strengthen and fortify the blood to overcome weaknesses such as anemia. It is stimulating to the liver and endocrine system and can be useful to balance hormonal imbalances even in menopause. This stone is also good for athletes. The Ancient Greeks and Romans often wore Bloodstone during athletic competitions to boost endurance and increase physical strength. It was also used to protect against injury and disease. The Ancients dipped it in cold water and placed it on the body to aid circulation and promote healing. On a spiritual level, it instills courage and assists in taking the right action. It can help those who are going through great changes in their life due to spiritual awakening. On an emotional level, it can help one from becoming discouraged when meeting obstacles in one’s path. It can strengthen self-confidence and help one to feel self-sufficient. It is even purported to get rid of sluggish feelings that can plague us in the afternoon hours. Known for its ability to move energy, it might be the perfect solution for those afternoons when one feels tired and unmotivated! You could even use it for your afternoon nap! I definitely think I need one! It might even be healthier than that afternoon dose of caffeine! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED QUOTE: “Listen, you are no longer a boy. You are forty. When will you learn not to wait for chance but to build on what you have and use each day to consolidate your position? Why have you never been anything more than Tribune? Because your plans always begin with next month.” ― Thornton Wilder, The Ides of March layers of love "Sanskrit has ninety-six words for love; ancient Persian has eighty; Greek three; and English simply one." - Robert Johnson, The Fisher King and The Handless Maiden. The number of Sanskrit words for the English word "love" may be up for debate; Elyse Poppers wrote a book listing 267 Sanskrit words for love. Regardless of the number, there are definitely more words for love than we embrace in English. And each one takes on a different meaning relative to the context of the sentence in which they are used. In English, we seem to attach adjectives to this all important word. We might say brotherly love or romantic love, but I do sense a diminishment of the noun they adhere to. For February, I thought we would focus on a different adjective-noun connection: that of self-love. In my opinion, self-love is the most important facet of love when referencing the heart chakra energy center. Buddha said, "“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection”. Note: he did not say "you yourself...deserve love and affection." He said YOUR love and affection. Why is that so difficult to give? Your homework for the month of February is to look in the mirror each morning, eye to eye, and say, "(your name), I love you." It may seem awkward; it may seem ridiculous. I am hopeful, by the end of the month, it feels second nature. “Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-break on.” – Maxwell Maltz We had to tap our brakes as the January jester of winter tossed ice our way causing our caution upon the sidewalks and roads. But, energetically, I encourage you to release your hand-brake on Life and be receptive to what new experiences you may encounter. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! *Board and Brush Oswego Date: March 15 6:30-9:30pm 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. 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Chevron Amethyst by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Amethyst is the birthstone for February. As I had previously done a piece on Amethyst, I was looking for another variation when I encountered Gina working on the Chevron Amethyst for Healing Arts Metaphysical. She has such a wealth of knowledge and helped me to choose a beautiful stone! So, I have her to thank for the inspiration for this month! Chevron Amethyst is a combination of Amethyst and White Quartz that are mixed together in a V-shaped pattern. As it is a combination stone, it combines the qualities of strength from Quartz with the stress relieving qualities of Amethyst. It is sometimes called Banded Amethyst or Dogtooth Amethyst. This stone is one of the best Third Eye stimulators. It enhances inner vision (intuitive) and outer vision (physical), thus enhancing peace of mind, relaxation and self-discovery. It also helps to remove negative energies and resistance to change. Folklore suggests it can lessen resistance to helping oneself and diminish any addictive tendencies as well as helping an addict in recovering from any present addictions. It is advised to put a Chevron Amethyst under the mattress at the head of the bed of anyone suffering from addictions from alcoholism to anorexia! It is even said to heal a broken heart! Chevron Amethyst is a lucky stone to have if you are serious about increasing wealth and eliminating debt. Its energies will give you the willpower to follow through with your plans. It dispels laziness, co-dependency and procrastination replacing these with drive, motivation and inspiration. One can never have too much Amethyst and this month’s stone is a great addition to your collection. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED QUESTION: What yoga field trip ideas should we look at for April? Post ideas on either my personal FB page or my Inspired by Earth FB page! "The metamorphosis of your life begins with your mental appreciation for the cocoon stage of your journey. The adversities, the struggles, the perils of life are what either destroy your motivation or encourage your transformation to become what you were truly born to be." DeWayne Owens I was scared to go waterfall rappelling before I even signed us up. I wasn't afraid of the act itself or even the heights; I was afraid of how cold the water was going to be. And, it was. Damn cold. That may look like a smile of satisfaction in the picture above, some may even say bliss, but that is the unfortunate look of someone who finds themselves right. That is the look that crossed my face before I let out a piercing shriek. And, that shriek was all I could muster before the coldness closed off my lungs, and I knew I had to swim quickly or be pulled out. I have never been much of a water person. I like to stand on the beach and look at the ocean. I like to dip my feet in a pool but not the rest of me. But, I loved paddle board yoga when we took a class field trip to try it out, and I loved the rappelling, too. Perhaps at the age of fifty, my cocoon is chipping away and my journey has begun? January is a cocooning month as we in the cold states hibernate our lives away. But January also brings change. Though a new year can begin any day you really want it to, January gives us the illusion of out with the old and in with the new. I have to honest; I thought 2018 sucked. If I could dunk the year in that frigid water to give it a cleansing, I would. I am writing this on New Year's Eve, and this year is still dragging out each hour. Just for good measure, to make sure 2018 goes out with a doozy, my daughter's hamster died yesterday. On most nights, I am happy to be in bed around 9pm. I have news for you all! This New Year's, I'm staying up to personally escort 2018 out and 2019 in. I intend to create my own metamorphoses over and over again as I knock down cocoon walls to breathe in fresh air. January brings change. What kind of change would you like to own? How about we intend to do it together. Om shanti shanti shanti (peace) There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/edith_wharton_100511?src=t_light 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. 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 ***See picture below *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 FEATURED HEALING STONE: Garnet by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire As the New Year begins, I thought I would focus on the birthstones of each month. So, in January, we examine the properties of Garnet. Although commonly known to be red, it is found in a variety of colors. The six types of Garnets, Rhodolite, Almandine, Spessartine, Grossular, Andradite and Uxarovite, have different colors, but we will focus on the Rhodolite, the most commonly seen. The name, Garnet, is derived from the Latin word granatum which meant pomegranate and refers to the stone‘s resemblance to the shape and color of a pomegranate seed. Garnets haven been used since ancient times for protection and as a talisman against negative energies. It combines the energies of the root chakra, heart chakra and crown chakra offering support on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. These stones were used in Europe as far back as the Bronze Age, in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece and even in Aztec, Mayan and Native American cultures as well. According to the Talmud, a very large Garnet provided the only light on Noah’s ark! It was used as a Warrior’s Stone during the Crusades as a talisman for both Christians and Muslims. The folklore on Garnet is extensive. It is purported to bring peace, prosperity and good health to the home and symbolize deep and lasting friendship. It was believed to make the wearer invulnerable from wounds, but some Asian tribes launched them from their bows and later used them as bullets believing they would cause more damage to the enemy. Garnet is thought to reduce body toxins and stimulate the metabolism. It treats spinal and cellular disorders, purifies the blood and regenerates DNA. It provides a protective influence and is thought to heal emotional disorders. In a crisis, it activates survival instinct bringing hope and courage to those situations. No matter how you wear this beautiful stone, it is perfect to start the New Year with a sense of goodwill, happiness and purpose. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. May you enjoy peace, good health and prosperity in the coming year! FEATURED QUESTION: What yoga field trip ideas should we look at for April? Post ideas on either my personal FB page or my Inspired by Earth FB page! "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) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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)! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! "A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." --Eric Sloane In my Inspired Vinyasa class, the day before Halloween, we focused on the ever relevant theme Tricky Transitions. We did some crazy stuff on the mat recognizing that, off the mat, Life throws us some tricky transitions on its own. And, in both cases, it may not be where we end up that's as important as how we got there. Balance and trust are necessary foundations. If November brings you unexpected challenges forcing you to maneuver, catapult, or twister your way along your path, here are some "rules" to remember... 1) Divine Timing: Remember that foundational word "trust" I mentioned? Create an inherent belief that all things happen when they are supposed to: when the timing is right. Everything needs to align and be in the correct space for our hopes to manifest. And I apologize for using a vague word like "everything", but if I didn't, I 'd have to write your energy encased in positive affirmations and focus, your internal and external balance, your root chakra foundation, the people's attitudes around you, the nurturing of the symbolic seeds you have planted, etc etc etc!-- all need to align (aka everything). Develop patience, trust that what you need will come to you, while establishing positive thoughts towards this wish as though you already have it. 2) Appreciation: Thank whatever higher power you believe in, God(s), Jesus, Angels, Spirit Guides, Energy, Universe (etc) for the good things that come your way. For example, Thank you Universe for letting my dog sleep throughout the night without waking me to go out. BUT, also express thanks for the other stuff. The sad things, the negative things, the unexpected things- they all have something to teach us so your expression of gratitude could be, Thank you Universe for signs pertaining what I need to learn from ...(fill in the blank). All of the "why me's" and "why is this happening" stuff merely places you in the seat of the victim, not in the seat of strength. 3) Signs: Speaking of signs, learn how to ask for them! "Thank you Universe for sending me a sign regarding..." Keep your eyes and ears open! A couple of days ago, I felt life was at a low and, later that day, someone I hadn't heard from in many months sent me an "I love you" text. I knew immediately she was God-sent though her reasons for reaching out to me were her own. Signs do not come in the manner we expect them to. Most of my signs come from strangers who cross my path. 4) The Learning Lesson: Why take an algebra class if you do not intend to learn from it? You may respond, well it's required. Guess what? So is Life. Life requires you to show up and participate. Think back to all the teachers you had who gave out extra points to the kids who spoke up. If you intend to sit in Life's corners, you are missing out on the learning that you are here to do. And, I believe, the lessons you choose to not learn from will follow you here in your next life. Stop wasting time, stop allowing Fear to be present. "Thank you Universe for helping me to see the learning lesson in this situation". 5) Interpret: I wasn't going to make this a rule but it just occurred to me as I wrote this it needs to be here, too. Think outside of the box. I always see white feathers in weird places when I am struggling. Feathers are reminders from our Angels that they are present and support us. Yesterday, I found a tall black feather in my backyard. It was standing straight up in our long un-mowed grass as though someone had placed it there. As I walked towards it, my initial thought was "please be a leaf!" The black color was throwing me for a loop but, no, it was a perfect feather. Black's connotations are bad, unlucky. But, thinking outside the obvious, I also recognized black is my favorite color and, had that feather been white, I wouldn't have given it as much thought. I said my usual, "thank you angels for your reminder" and I did something I never do- I picked up the feather and carried it inside. Om shanti shanti shanti (peace) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! Tuesday, November 13th 7-8pm Private Sound Healing Gong Bath I have scheduled a "private" sound healing gong bath with Rodrigo at Healing Arts Metaphysical. This event is for any of my yoga and/or Reiki students. You can walk-in but a head count would be helpful if you want to shoot me an email. $20/person (normally $25) 4 E Wilson, Batavia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Leopard Jasper by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Doesn’t this beautiful stone just look like November? Many of the leaves have already done their color thing, but there is much beauty to be seen in the colors of November if one just looks. Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones and is mentioned in the Bible many times. Leopard Jasper is just one of the many varieties. It gets its name from the Greek word, isaspi, which means “spotted stone.” Leopard Jasper reflects the duality between dark and light reminding us to see dark as a complement to light rather than the opposite. Sometimes referred to as Leopardskin Jasper, this is a shamanic stone, which is helpful in journeying and getting in touch with one’s power animal or when trying to connect with animals. It serves as a reminder of the oneness we have with the natural world. It is also connected to the physical body supporting and strengthening the spine and thigh muscles. As such, it is most closely associated with the root chakra and the astrological signs of Gemini and Scorpio. This stone is beneficial for anyone who experiences chronic health problems as it facilitates healing. It supports one during times of stress and helps to bring tranquility and overall wholeness. It helps to unify all aspects of life. Leopardskin Jasper has benefits on many levels. It is a stone of regeneration and may help you to look and feel younger. It is good for skin problems and can help fight infection and is good for insect stings and animal bites. It is reported to bring you what you really need, not what you think you need! It keeps negative energies away and gives one strength and energy. It can help you in being in the right place at the right time, and being surrounded by people who will be instrumental to your personal growth. As we become aware this month of the earth shutting down and going to sleep, this stone us help you deepen our connection to the earth. Just as Leopard Jasper reminds us of the duality between light and dark, perhaps we should see November as a complement to spring rather that its opposite, as difficult as that may be. "October is Nature's funeral month. Nature glories in death more than in life. The month of departure is more beautiful than the month of coming—October than May. Every green thing loves to die in bright colors. " ~Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887)
This quote reminds me that it is not only okay to release and move on, but that we should do so with a vivid brush of color. Allow what you need to release and let go of at this point in your life to fade away in beauty, without regret, without emptiness. All of life is temporary, and what feels like emptiness is simply an opportunity for a new filler to step into that space. What amazing newness is waiting for your acceptance? Invoke the colors of autumn by surrounding yourself with them. An orange shirt, red lipstick! Visualize those habits, issues, and situations you want to release as colors. Appreciate their beauty and what they may have offered you at one time and, then, allow their vividly colored images to dissolve in mid air. Sometimes, we are like autumnal trees; we need to shed ourselves of our dried up leaves. We feel barren and vulnerable. We may judge ourselves with the harshness of a November wind, but compassion will always be the necessary nutrient for growth. Chad Sugg wrote, “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! *SUP Yoga was so much fun! Thanks to all who came to give paddleboard yoga a try. You can see some of the pictures on www.inspiredbyearth.com under photo gallery. *NEXT ... Tuesday, November 13th 7-8pm Private Gong Bath I have scheduled a "private" gong bath with Rodrigo at Healing Arts Metaphysical. This event is for my yoga and/or Reiki students. You can walk-in but a head count would be helpful if you want to shoot me an email. $20/person (normally $25) 4 E Wilson, Batavia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Black Kyanite by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Welcome to “Rocktober!” This month’s crystal is Black Kyanite, which is found in a fan or blade like shape. It has been used for centuries to manufacture bricks and mortar and is, therefore, a stone of connection and building bridges, helping one to find a way to connect disparate ideas and beliefs. Legend claims that the blade of Archangel Michael’s sword is made up of Black Kyanite! That is why it is considered to be an excellent crystal for cutting cords. It has the ability to sweep debris, negative energy and blocks from your chakras and auric field. It has long been the choice of energy healers who use it to send healing vibrations to any of the chakras. Although useful for healing all chakras, it is mostly associated with the root chakra. Black Kyanite has the ability to sweep debris and negative energy from your surroundings and is wonderful for clearing your space and adding a layer of protection. You can place it in different areas of your home or office to eliminate energies that are not aligned with your highest good. This versatile crystal aids in manifestation and visualization. It can be used in meditation to open the third eye and is purported to allow one to return to past lives and project forward to probable futures! It assists in channeling, vivid dreams and dream recall. Some of the benefits include: bridging the energy gaps caused by bone breakage, surgery and other trauma, healing the brain from the effects of head trauma, seizure or stroke, protecting your energy from “energy vampires,” and cutting cords from negative attachments. Known also as the “Witches Broom,” this is the perfect crystal for Rocktober! Use it this month to deepen your connection with the natural world and elevate the level of good vibrations in yours! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEATURED QUOTE: “If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best teach it to dance.” George Bernard Shaw (or do yoga!) "...there is a clarity about September. On clear days, the sun seems brighter, the sky more blue, the white clouds take on marvelous shapes; the moon is a wonderful apparition, rising gold, cooling to silver; and the stars are so big.” ― Faith Baldwin, Evening Star I love that the sky does appear to be bluer in the crispness of the fall. There is a clarity to each tree leaf that is much like walking outside wearing a new pair of glasses for the first time; it seems that every leaf is outlined, individualistic, and defined. But, Life is not always clear. So often, the energy around us becomes murky, and we stumble with our hands out before us as we seek clarity. When we lose sight of our dharma, our reason for being here on Earth, our path, our senses lose focus. Our mind wanders aimlessly looking for truths we thought we once knew. The only truth we need to remember at this time is that the answers still clearly exist within us, and we will see that when we allow our internal light to shine brighter. The question is, how do we increase the brilliance of this flame when we ourselves feel lost? I find mantras to be quite helpful. You can make one up or look up a mantra to learn that serves your needs. Remember, when creating your own mantra, the words must be positive, affirming you already have what you seek, For example, "Today, I see clearly with my eyes and heart." Or, "Thank you, Universe, for allowing me to clearly see my own answers." When in doubt, I turn to the Gayatri Mantra. It is not the easiest Sanskrit mantra to learn but it has comforted me in numerous situations. Om Bhuur-Bhuvah Svah Tat-Savitur-Varennyam Bhargo Devasya Dhiimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracodayaat The Gayatri mantra is a widely revered, powerful mantra that pays homage to Savitr, the sun god (see the word Savitur in the second line). There are so many translations of this mantra. One that has stuck with me for a long time is a paying of respect to the heavens and earth and everything in between. But, perhaps, a definition that more closely resonates with our discussion on clarity is by Monier Monier-Williams (1882): "Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine vivifying Sun, May he enlighten our understandings." Each sun-filled September day, embrace the crisp breath of the air around you, engage the birds in discussion or song, and look to the sky for the sun deity outlined by a pristine blue canvas. Offer gratitude for the days that appear clear, and offer gratitude for the lessons that come with the ones that are not. Om shanti shanti shanti (peace) There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/edith_wharton_100511?src=t_lightYoga 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. NEXT FUN YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! SUP Yoga (Stand-up yoga or Paddle Board Yoga!) Friday September 7 at The Labs in Aurora.I have a few more spots open for this fun event...email me ASAP if you are interested. This class is in a pool, and the boards are tethered. Our first group will be from 5-6pm and our second, from 6-7pm. $20/person for the hour class. The early group can stay and watch the later group and vice versa. Should be fun!! Attire: bathing suits (with shorts over) or yoga tight leggings with rash guard t-shirt, bathing suit top, or t-shirt. Avoid loose clothes; choose breathable:) The Labs is located at 3000 Thayer Ct #500, Aurora. If interested, email me back at sandracoyner@yahoo.com FEATURED HEALING STONE: Tiger's Eye by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Carrying this month’s stone makes me feel like Rocky Balboa! A member of the quartz family, Tiger Eye is a solar stone of vitality, practicality and physical action. Its name is derived from its resemblance to the eye of a tiger! Stimulating the root, sacral and solar plexus chakras, it helps one to take action and make decisions while remaining calm and centered. It helps one to make decisions based on discernment rather than emotion or judgment. Tiger Eye is an ancient talisman thought to grant the wearer the ability to observe everything. It was used by the ancient Egyptians as the eyes in the statues of their deities to provide the protection of the sun and earth combined. It is purported to be ever vigilant and provide clarity to our inner vision. It was also carried as an amulet against curses or ill wishes! It is said to be a good luck stone to attract a flow of money especially for those setting out in business. It encourages one to leave the comfort zone, giving the wearer the chance to grow and transform, stimulating ones ability to manifest the deepest desires. Some of the benefits include: supporting general vitality, strengthening the endocrine system, balancing hormones and biochemistry, balancing the physical with the spiritual and finding equilibrium in our emotional lives. Carrying the interesting Tiger Eye stone may make you feel like Rocky Balboa as well! FEATURED QUOTE: We were on a tour bus for the day, traveling our way around Italy. A young woman sat next to me, and I asked her where she was from. She said, "Korea." She paused and then added how it always surprised her when someone responded with, "North Korea or South Korea"? I hadn't asked that, but her surprise at the question surprised me! I had, perhaps naively, assumed she was from South Korea since I thought anyone from the north would have had to have escaped, but, whether my assumption was right or wrong, that wasn't what she meant, either. So, I asked why that would surprise her. She said, and although I am putting this in quotes, I am paraphrasing a bit, "Because to Koreans, there is only one Korea. We come from the same culture and background. We weren't divided until the U.S and Russia divided us. We don't want that. We want unity." It wasn't said accusingly or with judgement. She stated it very matter-of-factly. So much to think about! In a world so tormented, so fragmented...thank you, Universe, that there are still people across the world wanting unification, wanting peace. I pondered being from a country this woman held accountable for breaking hers apart. I explored feeling that statement with a touch of guilt and, then, without any. I didn't resonate with either. Our conversation was eye-opening. I had always referred to North and South Korea as separate entities; I will not do so any more. I think there is a good amount of us who really do want global peace, compassion and protection of the Earth, and unity for all peoples. The haters will hate but, we have to respond with love. Of course, everything comes back to yoga. The Sanskrit word yoga means unity. There is no coincidence in that. Om shanti shanti shanti ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEXT FUN YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! SUP Yoga (Stand-up yoga or Paddle Board Yoga!) Friday September 7 at The Labs in Aurora.This class is in a pool, and the boards are tethered. Our first group will be from 5-6pm and our second, from 6-7pm. Both classes max out at 8 spots so I need RSVP's to hold your place. Please tell me which time slot you prefer, and then, let me know if either would work. $20/person for the hour class. The early group can stay and watch the later group and vice versa. Should be fun!! Attire: bathing suits (with shorts over) or yoga tight leggings with rash guard t-shirt, bathing suit top, or t-shirt. Avoid loose clothes; choose breathable:) The Labs is located at 3000 Thayer Ct #500, Aurora. If interested, email me back at sandracoyner@yahoo.com So far I have confirmations from Kathy and Jeff, Amy C., Amber, Jenn P, Sharyl, and Marcia. Let me know if you want to be added to the list!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Amber by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire Amber is often considered to be a gemstone even though it is not mineralized. It is a tree resin that has solidified and become fossilized. According to Greek mythology, it was formed when Phaeton, son of Helios, was struck by lightning and killed. His sisters grieved so much that they turned into poplar trees and their tears were transformed into droplets of amber. The energies of amber are solar and they have the quality of creating a comfortable sense of warmth, health and well being in the wearer. Because of its origin in living trees, it carries the vibration of organic life. It has been honored for a long time for its energetic and healing properties. It promotes tissue revitalization, cleans the environment and the chakras. It is associated with the solar plexus or third chakra and can bring the energy of life into all levels of our being. Amber can help one achieve longevity and is beneficial to be worn by the elderly. Today, amber is still used for jewelry, although not as much for healing in modern society as it was in ancient times. Some of the benefits include: alleviation of stress, treating throat problems, alleviation of joint problems, clearing the aura and manifesting prosperity. Amber is a beautiful stone as well as the name of one of my favorite yogis! A great companion for stone lovers or, as I fondly call them, “stoners!” The quote by William Faulkner seems especially timely in our world of chaos. Most of the disputes going on around us seem to have such an obvious answer to me, but, apparently, obvious is the last thing it is. Have you been emailed hundreds of causes asking you to sign their petitions? Whenever I sign, it usually asks if I want to add any comments. I always write, "Compassion." Why is compassion not an obvious go-to? If we were to execute compassion for all living peoples and animals, none of our dilemmas would be that difficult to solve! If I were argumentative and politically inclined, which I am not, I would give examples. But, I have zero interest in arguing with people who just don't get it; it is an exhausting waste of energy. I continue to find you cannot impose an attitude of compassion on those who do not already own it. So, we believers in humanity must manifest change through our examples and our execution. You cannot expect (claim) people should be kind and respectful to you if you walk around exerting the opposite energy towards others. See? We are not here on Earth to claim but to practice. Practice what? Practice everything! Practice kindness. Practice compassion. Practice healthier habits for you and the Earth. Practice listening. Practice forgiveness. Mentor, mentor, mentor. Chant shanti for peace whenever you think about it; write it on your to-do list for the times you don't. Infiltrate negativity with the beauty and brightness of your blissful spirit. We can not eradicate darkness. Darkness exists, because light exists. But, we can strive to take them out of balance so the light prevails and makes its way into the cobwebby corners. "We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us thru that darkness to a safe and sane future." JFK Om shanti shanti shanti -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! WE WILL HAVE CLASS SUNDAY JULY 8!! Originally, we were not scheduled to:) NO CLASSES ON: Wed. July 4 (Healing Arts closed) Tues. July 24 Sun. July 29 Tues. July 31 Wed. Aug 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEXT FUN YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!! UPDATE to Paddle Board Yoga Field Trip!!! Erase the previous date and location from your minds...we are now scheduled for Friday September 7 at The Labs in Aurora. This class is in a pool, and the boards are tethered. Our first group will be from 5-6pm and our second, from 6-7pm. Both classes max out at 8 spots so I need RSVP's to hold your place. Please tell me which time slot you prefer, and then, let me know if either would work. $20/person for the hour class. The early group can stay and watch the later group and vice versa. Should be fun!! Attire: bathing suits (with shorts over) or yoga tight leggings with rash guard t-shirt, bathing suit top, or t-shirt. Avoid loose clothes; choose breathable:) The Labs is located at 3000 Thayer Ct #500, Aurora. If interested, email me back at sandracoyner@yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Red Jasper by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire It appears that we will be in for a very hot summer and will need all the stamina and endurance that we can muster to survive the heat and humidity. Red Jasper might just be the stone to assist with this daunting task. Ancient peoples and civilizations revered Jasper as a sacred and powerful stone that protects the physical and spiritual realm. These stones were used to bring rain to the environment, thus healing it, and healing to the body and spirit. Jaspers were used by physicians and healers throughout the centuries to support the circulatory and respiratory systems. This is a great stone for those who need support to recover from physical weakness or illness. Today, Red Jasper is still known as a stone of endurance and a stimulator or chi and stabilizer of one’s energies. It activates the root chakra stimulating the rise of energy throughout the chakras thus cleansing and strengthening the aura. When carried, it does its work gradually, rubbing off on the owner the more it is used. Some of the benefits include: aiding in quick thinking, promoting organizational abilities and stimulating the imagination. It provides insight into difficult situations and can be used as a “worry bead.” It is also a stone of protection that can be kept in the car to help prevent accidents, theft or road rage. As we dive headlong into the challenges of a hot summer, Jasper just might offer the protection we will need. |
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