DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

So I don’t think I am alone in saying that I am glad we are nearly at the end of 2020. It has been a year of challenges to say the least. But look at how far we have come. We have all adapted to this new way of being and we are coming out the other end just fine. It has no doubt been tough for people and businesses everywhere and I hope that you have not been personally devastated by the financial burden it has placed upon us.

This year has taught me so much personally. I have a greater sense of my capabilities, a stronger sense of my purpose and my desires and an unwavering enthusiasm for what I can offer in service of others. I will not be shy in saying I am proud of what I have achieved this year. I had to hustle and work hard to keep CYS and my own life in check and I learnt from the process. I have watched my boys mature into extraordinary young men of whom I am endlessly proud. And my personal relationships have thrived. My personal weight loss goals have yet again passed me by, not through lack of trying but for an unknown reason, probably hormones but I will keep working on that as I have my whole life. It does seem however less important to me when I remind myself my amazing body works well and rarely causes me trouble these days, so for that I am grateful.

Our wonderful studio is still kicking on thanks to all your support, our fantastic community and our incredible teachers. We would not be able to stay afloat without you all and I hope you are thriving from your dedication to your practice.

Our CYS teachers are the most wonderful, dedicated and supportive people. They have helped me beyond measure with their dedication and consistency to you and the studio. They are always happy to help each other with fills and step in at a moments notice. This is an incredible gift as a studio owner. They embraced teaching Online, even though it was out of most of our comfort zones and now they do it so well. The fact that they are wonderful, knowledgeable teachers as well means we have developed into a school of Yoga, where deep knowledge, sharing and inquiry can happen freely. We are so, so lucky to have this team and I cannot thank them enough.

I hope you are able to take some time to reflect on your year, to notice your achievements and pat yourself on the back. To look at your stuff that did not go so well and gleam some teachings and insights from them too. We can only do our best at any given moment and that’s ok, even if we make mistakes.

Check In CBR

CYS has joined the Check-in CBR App as part of an ACT government initiative to open businesses up to be able to have more clients in spaces. This means we can now have up to 20 students again in the studio. Hurray!!!!
You will see the QR code up on the wall so please check in on arrival to help keep Canberra businesses open.

Yoga For Face and Neck

Elena has her Yoga for Face and Neck workshops this coming Sunday 6^th December. There are still places available in both F2F and Online. If you have neck and jaw tension, feel tension in your face or just want to iron out the links and look and feel better, then you should come along.
You will need to bring a hand mirror if you have one and maybe a small table, you can also use a chair and some blocks.
Elena has used these techniques on herself with great results so I have no doubt you will get some much wisdom out of this workshop. I will be joining in Online and can’t wait.
Click here to book your place.

The Movement Shift

Anna has 2 extra Movement Shift classes running on the 8^th and 15^th December 9:30 – 10:30 am. These classes have been really well received and are a great chance for you to catch another class with Anna. If you are free, head on in.

Put these dates and times in your diary and book your place via our timetable.

Ashtanga Chakra

An Exploration of the Chakras through Asana

Jayenna has a new class coming next year. Rather than keep her Friday class restricted to only one Charka we have decided to open it up and she will now be teaching a class that focuses on a different Charka each week. Jayenna has a beautiful way of transposing the attributes of the Charkas into words and into the body so I have no doubt you will love this class. She will be starting this week with different Charkas and will then follow the 7 Charka series each week from January when we return to our regular timetable. The new class is called Ashtanga Chakra – An Exploration of the Chakras through Asana 5:15 – 6:15 pm Fridays.

Our Summer Timetable is up and ready for you to book into. You should have received an email late last week with details about our 2 passes and the 80 classes on offer. There are posters up in the studio detailing the Intensives and the full timetable for you to see. There are a lot of great classes and class combinations to help you really dive into practice over the break. I do hope you will join us and have a wonderful Summer of Yoga.

Jon’s Kriyayoga Intensive

11th – 16th January 2021 6:30 – 8:00 am

Kriyayoga Intensive: Application, Observation and Equanimity in practice. In chapter two of The Yoga Sutras, Patanjali identifies Kriyayoga as a practical path of progression for those of us with normal capabilities. Kriyayoga (the Yoga of Action) comprises three of the Niyamas, namely Tapas (application), Svadhyaya (observation) and Isvara-Pranidahana (surrender, or equanimity). Through this three-fold approach to our practice, we can develop the capacities and capabilities which take us closer to balance and harmony. In this six-day progressive intensive, we will work in the consistency of application of the techniques of Yoga, refining our capacity for Observation, and creating a vantage point from which we can engage with our experience with Equanimity. Set aside this time at the start of the year, be prepared to work consistently throughout, and build the framework for transformative Yoga practice.

Jacqui’s Iyengar Yoga Intensive:

Weekday Intensive – 4th – 8th January 2021 6:45 – 8:00am

Start 2021 by exploring the quietening and letting go that you may have found time for after the festive season. In this intensive, we will work on re-finding the security of the ground, and from there realigning body and mind. During the week we will work with standing asana, forward and backward bending, and some inversions (or preparations for). You will get the most benefit from this intensive by coming to all 5 mornings, but you are also welcome to come to as many as you can. Enrol in the class to ensure your place.

Weekend Intensive

16th and 17th January 2021 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Summer and the start of a new year is a great time to explore asana that may not be part of your regular practice. This intensive will focus on back bending and some of the hand balancing asana. Over two sessions that are each longer than regular classes (2 hrs) we’ll have time to prepare mentally and physically, observe what these asana can offer us, and our reactions to them.
This intensive is aimed at students who have a consistent practice in standing asana, forward and backbends, and ideally some inversions. It is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who is suffering high blood pressure, heart or eye problems. To get the most benefit come to both classes.

Eli’s Core Intensive:

12th – 14th January 5:00 – 6:15pm

This Intensive is design to help you build awareness around your midsection; ie your core. Through yoga asana, pranayama and functional movement technique you will learn how to build a stronger and more functional core. You will learn how this area governs all movement and be given practical exercises you can apply each day to improve stability, strength and overall movement. This Intensive is a culmination of my years of study and assessment, combining my love of Yoga and Anatomy as well as the more philosophical aspects of yoga practice.

NB: Intensives are only available with the Restore and Renew All Access Pass. 

Thank you again for another truly wonderful and expansive year. It has thrown us some curveballs but we are all better people for it. I am so grateful for all your support and hope that we have another great year together next year.

Wishing you all the very best for the Festive Season and a bright and luminous 2021.

Much Metta
Namaste