November resets both our clocks and ourselves to standard time.  Fortunately, yoga is one of the tools we can use to ease this adjustment, and we look forward to welcoming you to the studio this month.  Read on to learn more about November’s asana focus and our special classes and events!

November’s pose of the month: Ardha Matsyendrasana (or Seated Twist or Half Lord of the Fishes)

ardha = half

matsye = fish

indra = lord or king

asana = pose

Mindfully practicing a twist such as this in yoga can help prevent injury from the tasks we do in everyday life. This seated twist activates small muscles along the spine and stimulates digestion.

Prioritize elongating your spine over a big rotation. Inhale to elongate your spine. As you slowly exhale, think about using your core muscles and twisting from the belly button first. As you ease into your twist, you can then gently turn the head and carry your gaze over the shoulder. You may notice an activation of your back muscles and abdominals as you rotate your spine. Begin with the right leg drawn in first, then complete this pose on the opposite side. 

—Liz

November Updates

In order of chronological appearance, here are some November highlights we look forward to sharing with you!

1. Four weekend classes continue.  Weekends offer plentiful options to practice!  Select from a pair of classes on Saturday morning (Basics, then Flow) and a pair of classes on Sunday afternoon (Basics, then something more meditative—Restorative, Yoga Nidra, or Yin).  Drop in for one or both classes—if you choose to double up, you can treat yourself to a mini-yoga retreat for only $20! 
2. Donation class to benefit Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland.  Thank you to Liz for offering a second donation class this year!  To participate in November’s class, join Liz on Sun., Nov. 9, at 4 p.m.  Our donation classes serve our broader community in two ways: 1) they provide an opportunity for folks to take a class without paying a fee—donations are entirely optional; 2) they support a local non-profit organization with 100% of the fees that are donated.  Liz has selected Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland to receive her donations!
3. In person and Zoom options for yoga nidra.  We are pleased again to offer a Zoom option for one of this month’s yoga nidra sessions.  Receiving the Zoom link for that session, on Mon., Nov. 24, is easy: just register here.  Or, if you prefer to experience yoga nidra in person, join Angie at the studio either on Sun., Nov. 23, or on Mon., Nov. 24, both at 5:30 p.m.
4. Book club gathers on Sun., Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m.  This month, we will meet to discuss The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté. Our book club is very casual—everyone is welcome, regardless of how much or how little of the book you have completed!  And, if you prefer borrowing to buying, know that our friends at the Warren County Public Library have copies available in both physical and audio formats. (If you use Facebook, RSVP to our book club event to receive a reminder of the meeting.)
5. Thanksgiving Day class.  Thank you to Uta for teaching our traditional class on Thanksgiving Day!  Whatever your plans for later in the day, we hope you can join her on Thurs., Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. for a holiday practice.

If you ever have questions about or feedback on our offerings, please reach out to Angie, either through our Facebook page or at a post-class gathering.  And, as always, for a full copy of the month’s schedule and descriptions of our class styles, please check the calendar page or pick up a hard copy at the studio.