We can begin to sense the obvious, yet subtle, changes in our environment indicating that fall is coming (again!). However, it’s not so easy to sense the subtle effects of change within us. Unless we become masters of self-reflection, often what we experience is a murky, vague feeling that we must adapt to the changing circumstances around us. Usually we “like” some changes and “don’t like” others. This is not just with the seasons, but with all the vicissitudes of life.
How do you adapt to the changing circumstances of life that you cannot control? This month we use the practice of the fourth niyama, swadhyaya, self-study or self-reflection, to examine that question. We can use the changing circumstances of our lives as reference points to examine our values and look deeper into the core question: “Who am I?” Loss of a loved one, a job, a financial position, a relationship, or a function of your body with age or illness can all be catalysts for self-realization. Using spiritual texts as guides for self-reflection, gathering in small groups for discussion, and meditating are all ways to practice swadhyaya. For another opportunity to look within, join us on the last Friday of the month for our Living Our Yoga yin class.
September updates and special events:
- Next book club meeting. We will meet on Sun., Sept. 10, at 1:30 p.m. to continue discussing two books from our June book club gathering. The books are Sally Kempton’s Awakening Shakti and Rolf Gates’ and Katrina Kenison’s Meditations from the Mat, which is also available on audio book from the Warren County Public Library. We welcome anyone with an interest in either book to join us: bring a snack and stop by to discuss whatever sections you’ve read.
- Classes at The Downing Museum. In September we return to The Downing Museum for our second-Saturday yoga class and fourth-Saturday meditation class. The class fee remains the same as at the studio ($5), and we are grateful for the demand for these classes and for the opportunity to practice in such a beautiful space. See this page for links to the online registration forms.
- Sixth anniversary of 4yoga’s founding. On Wed., Sept. 27, we mark six years as a yoga studio! We will celebrate more fully in October and appreciate your ongoing support for our community yoga classes.
- Swadhyaya focus for Living Our Yoga. This month’s Living Our Yoga class, on Fri., Sept. 29, focuses on the fourth niyama, swadhyaya. This month, Alice will teach this special class solo. Living Our Yoga combines the traditional yin asanas with thematic readings and teachings to enhance students’ experience and to create conditions that may take them deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of their practice.
- Tuesday-afternoon class on hiatus. In September, the 4 p.m. Tuesday Basics class will go on hiatus. If you would like a Tuesday afternoon or evening practice, please let us know what time and style you would prefer. Note, however, that Balance Tai Chi meets at the studio at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; therefore, that time is unavailable for us to hold yoga classes.
For a full list of September activities, please see the calendar section of this site or pick up a hard copy at The Pots Place. We also post updates each morning on our Facebook page, should you find it convenient to keep up with us there.
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