Gratitude changes the way you see the world.

My friend Suzanne was visiting yesterday and she mentioned how, during COVID, people shut down.  Started communicating less. Would stop texting, emailing as often.  
I, myself, who always gladly sent out a Good morning! How are you?  stopped doing this as often during COVD.  
I became isolated.   The lack of social contact depleted my energy.   It was like I got tired of running in the race because there was no one at the finish line any more.  Everyone had to stay home.
But come September, it was time.  Time to replenish and so… I took the leap and had a reopening celebration.  It was an emotional day.  I looked around at the people who came and I knew of the struggle and challenges many had faced. I was grateful that they had had the courage to pull through.

I remembered the help of friends and neighbours.

And then I remember, my thoughts for some reason went back to Christmas Day.

Christmas out on the front porch, next to an outdoor Christmas tree, having cinnamon buns and hot chocolate with my daughter instead of turkey and all the trimmings. Christmas carolling door-to-door delivering hot chocolate and cookies instead of opening presents by the Christmas tree.

I looked over to my 6-month-old oh-so-beautiful granddaughter.  An angel in my eyes and in my heart.  I remembered the moment she was born. Getting the news. A miracle. I remembered how relieved and grateful to God I was at that moment.

It was time for the welcoming speech. It went something like this.
“Thank you to each and every one  who came to the celebration today. And to those who were not able to come, I know your energy is present. The beautiful connection we all share today is indeed very special.  The opening day of the studio four years ago to the day, was very exciting. But today, the celebration is even more significant. More special. All of us have faced some challenges during the past 20 months. … ”

Today I reflect on that day and I would have to say that it was more like coming together at a finish line of a race.  

This post is an expression of gratitude to each and everyone one of you who continue to support my venture from close or from afar.  It is an expression of gratitude for your friendship.
I count you among my blessings today on this Thanksgiving Day. 
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

First, some business news.
Belated thanksI would like to thank everyone who came out to the Wine and Nibbles Party on September 18th.  It was wonderful to see you.  I just wanted you to know how very much your support meant to me.  Thank you.
There will be no class Monday, October 11, Thanksgiving.  Michael Dynie, guest teacher comes to DOWNdog on Monday, October 25th.  Not to be misse

Drop-in/try-out availability this week:

(New students are welcome to come for a try-out class. This first practice is free.)

Monday evening All Levels Hatha (7h-8h15) 2 spaces

Tuesday morning: Beginner/Gentle Hatha (10h-11h15) 1 space

Wednesday evening Hatha Flow (7h-8h15) full 
(Studio opens 15 minutes before class.)

“Your Sunday Morning DOWNdog Post!”

 At this time of the year, when the days get shorter and the sunshine hours decrease, it is challenging to find the motivation to go to our mat.  Resistance, as mentioned in last week’s DOWNdog Post, beckons. 
For example.
Prior to the change in seasons, I used to do an evening practice. Lately,  I have found myself drawn to the Tube for yet another episode of “Dr. House!” 
Dr. House. What an interesting character. Excellent episode last night!  The series has finally given me food for thought, food for this morning’s DOWNdog Yoga Post!
Let me give you a little background info about the Netflix series.
Dr. Cameron, a principal character and excellent doctor, is fed up with Mr. Tough Guy who keeps debasing his fellow doctors. Fed up with his uncaring, flippant attitude. She quits.  (She likes him which complicates matters.)
In last night’s episode, Dr. House asks her to come back.  She does so on one condition: A Real Date.  Reluctantly, he  accepts.  
During this same episode,  there is an incident that brings forth the importance of vulnerability. 
A friend comes to visit a patient.  During the visit, she says, in the presence of Dr. House, “When we allow ourselves to be completely vulnerable in a relationship, things change.”  (I imagine, “To be vulnerable or not to be,” for Dr. House, will become central to forthcoming episodes.)
And now let’s connect with yoga…
In yoga philosophy, the most important yama, or guiding principle for a happy life is self love, self compassion. In other words, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. To be open to whatever is going on with us can change us.  Can help us move forward with more positive energy.  
In a nutshell, letting go.  Yoga is amazing in so many ways.  But it takes time and over time, things can and do change.  

Serious DOWNdog Post this week! But sometimes being serious is the best way to find more lightness, more laughter. To find Savasana!

Namaste my dear students and friends,

Looking very much forward to our practice this week!