Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new!

Let’s look a little deeper into this phrase…”the old” implies the past, and “the new” is now, the present. So, how about saying, “Out with the past and in with the now?” OK, we can say that sentence, but unless there is actually some way to DO it or experience it, nothing will change. We can find ourselves living the re-runs of our programing (memories from the past) over and over.

Many cultures and traditions prescribe practices with the goal to improve ourselves, to be happier and healthier, more in tune with our divine nature. One of those is an ancient Hawaiian teaching called Ho’Oponopono. Very simply stated, it is based on the premise that in every given moment we are creating thoughts, emotions, words, and actions that are either coming from memories or inspiration. (This theory, by the way, is congruent with the teachings of the yoga sutras.)

Right now, are you experiencing the memory of the thorn or the inspiration of the rose? The practice of replacing memory with inspiration, of healing ourselves and thereby those around us, is to recite these four phrases, preferably from the heart: I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you. This is a powerful practice that is oversimplified in this brief introduction.

To understand and read more about this practice as a tool to implement the changes you would like to experience in the new year, you may find it helpful to look at the book Zero Limits, by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len, Ph.D., or this website that explains the practice further. In addition, realizing that memories are stored in the body, using those four phrases in an asana practice may be a great experiment.

Wishing you peace, hope, and inspiration for the New Year.

January updates:

• New Year’s Eve class at 9 a.m. To conclude 2015 with a Mixed-level practice, join Angie on Thursday, December 31, at 9 a.m. Mixed-level classes are appropriate for all students, with modifications provided to make the poses accessible for everyone.
• New Year’s Day class at 10 a.m., followed by potluck. To begin 2016 with a Mixed-level practice, join Angie on Friday, January 1, at 10 a.m. This class will be followed by a casual potluck brunch.
• Talk/meditation session on Friday, January 15. In January, Juanita will offer this session on Friday, January 15, at 6:45 p.m. As always, there is no charge for this gathering, which provides an opportunity to ask questions about and discuss meditation and to experience a short meditation.
• Special Yin class: Living Our Yoga on Friday, January 29. Many of us started our yoga practice to tone our bodies, decrease stress, or focus our minds. Along the way, we gradually began to feel and think and “intuit” another realm of yoga. Slowly our minds and spirits were awakened to something more: a seed of newfound peace, compassion, and energy was planted. In this special class, Alice and Angie will introduce readings and teachings to enhance your experience and to create conditions that may take you deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of this wonderful gift of yoga. Practicing the traditional yin asanas will remain the same as in our classic yin class. If the response is favorable, this class could join the regular schedule.

For a full list of January classes, please see the calendar page or pick up a hard copy available at The Pots Place. Note, too, that we post daily updates on our Facebook page, should you prefer to keep up with us there.

Welcome new teacher, Shigeko Sleeper: Shigeko is from Tokyo and holds shihan (Master) of Japanese flower arrangement and 3rd degree of Tae Kwan Do. She also studied Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, Kung Fu and Tai Chi. In May 2015 she completed her 200RYT at Harmony Therapeutic Yoga in Bowling Green and obtained the certification of Jikiden-Reiki practitioner in Japan. Since September, she has been teaching Basics yoga classes in Franklin, Kentucky, and substitute teaching the Relax and Flow yoga classes at BAC. Her classes focus on strengthening and stretching the neck, shoulders, and back and provide relaxation.

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class. If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.