Turning Toward Fall

It is always hard to believe that the end of summer is coming, but here we are again savoring the last warm golden days of August and preparing for all of the changes that fall inevitably brings.   My most treasured experiences of summer involved watching the astounding growth of my daughters. Baby Layla trying out new words every day, constantly trying to run, jump and climb the walls (seriously!) and otherwise keep up with her big sister. And I witnessed my 5 year old Arya learn to go across the monkey bars, swim by herself, swim underwater, learn to ride a bike with no training wheels... the amazing list of physical feats and firsts goes on. Arya would say before dunking underwater or reaching for that first monkey bar, "I'm as scared as a pistle-whistle!" And then off she would go. She always felt fear, but her fiery joy in testing out what she was capable of always won out over her trepidations.   My children are amazing teachers to me (as all children are). Every day, all day long I watch the bravery and unending joy of each of them challenging themselves to expand their possibilities. It's who they are, and that is our nature too, us big people, even if we may have forgotten this.    This is what yoga is all about! It's never about being unafraid. It's certainly not about settling into what is comfortable and staying there. Life won't let us, anyway. Yoga offers us a practice in which to listen to what new frontier is calling to us; to reach deep inside and find the desire for growth that is stronger than the fear of change or the risk of failure or loss.  I watched Arya try out her new skills - on her bike, the monkey bars, in the water - over and over again. Many times she fell over, always she tried again, and every time she tried she got better at it. In yoga this is called abhyasa - dedicated practice over a long period of time.   The promise of yoga is that we all have this capacity for change, transformation and growth. And we have the resilience we need to get through the hard times and the inevitable changes life brings.  This fall you will see some changes in our schedule and mix of teachers. Though it is hard to accept change and to say goodbyes, we honor each teacher who passes through our sanctuary for all the beauty they uniquely contribute. And all of us here now welcome you, new yogi or seasoned student, to sink into the grounding and supportive rhythm of Fall. Come challenge your own perceived limitations, enjoy the opening of your body, breath and heart, and like a free-spirited child claim your joy as you unfold your true self through all that you do.     To support you on this very topic, Sarah Faircloth is offering "The Frontier of your Yoga Practice" in late September, and Douglas Brooks P.H.D. offers "Heroines: Stories of Healing, Hurting, and Awakening the Heart" in late November. Our YS teachers are offering some nourishing and healing workshops as well: Restorative Yoga and Skincare October 20th, a teacher's retreat with Sara Rose and more...   We look forward to sharing a richly beautiful and healing Fall!   With Love and Blessings,  Sara Rose

Summer Open House - June 16, 2012

Come and join us for a Summer Celebration to share the gifts of yoga with the Western Massachusetts Community. This special Open House and Potluck will offer Free Classes by some of the community's
favorite teachers.

Also, don’t miss out on our Summer Specials! New students - $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga
or enjoy a whole Summer of Yoga for $199.  Sign up by June 20th and get 11 weeks of unlimited Yoga
through August 31st for only $199.

One day only! Sign up at the Open House for $179 and save an additional $20.

Current students receive $20 gift certificate for the boutique or classes when they bring a friend to the
Open House.

The class schedule:
**8:15 - 9:30am  Susan Elena         (Level I)
9:00am - 10:00am             Lisa Leizman (Intro to Yoga)                    
**10:00 - 11:30am     Kendra Hodgson (Level I/II)  
10:30 - 11:30am   Kim Bressem         (Gentle/Restorative)
12:00 - 1:00pm   Sara Rose (Level I/II)
12 :30 - 1:30pm   Ellie Cook (Gentle Yoga)
1:00 - 2:00pm   Suzie Goldstein (Yoga for Stress)

** these regular 1.5 hr classes are half price ($10) for new students during the Open House.  All 1 hour classes are free for everyone!  Stop in to visit our beautiful studio, try a new class and bring your friends and family for a great introduction to yoga. It will be a great day to see all that Yoga Sanctuary has to
offer!

We look forward to celebrating the start of the Summer Season with you!