Happy (almost) New Year, Dear Ones.
The sun has almost set on this year, and this decade. The changes we’ve seen since 2010 are innumerable. As we transition into the next decade, important questions for reflection linger in the air:
What have we learned?
What can we let go?
How do we want to be going forward? With ourselves, with each other, with our world?
This practice teaches us that with each new breath comes the chance to start over, start fresh, start anew. The new year, though, carries with it a special opportunity for evolution. If we have grown tired of the old way of doing – of being – we can create a new way. We can choose to see a bigger, more interconnected picture of our reality, and act accordingly. We can choose to gently love even the darkest aspects of ourselves, and in doing so, cultivate true compassion for others. We can choose to live as if everything we did mattered. What if it does?
This Week’s Schedule…
I hope you find time for quiet reflection as we embark on a new decade. Please join us for two classes on New Year’s Eve: Core Yoga with Mariah at the CRAF Center at 9:00am, and Hatha Yoga with Amy in Grayling at 10:00am. There will be no class on New Year’s Day in observance of the holiday.
Speaking of evolving into the new year, please also join us for a new iteration of Patty Clark’s Friday morning yoga class. Slow Flow Yoga will replace Vinyasa Yoga on Fridays at 9:00am in Grayling. This grounding, intentional flow class is perfect for building inner heat and focus, and offers students the ability to flow in the way that best suits them in their practice. This class features slow, progressive sequences with longer, deeper holds. Poses build on upon the next, offering students the opportunity to modify or advance. Sequences culminate into a vinyasa flow (one breath, one movement). All levels welcome!
Finally, join us on January 4th for Stretch & Slide: A Yoga-Ski Retreat!
Yoga + Skiing + Food… What could be better? Yoga starts at 10:00am at the Gerrish Township Municipal Building (1 mile south of XC Ski HQ). Then, head to XC Ski HQ for a full day ski/snowshoe rental and group lesson at 12:00pm (facilities pass included). Also included after the lesson is a homemade chili lunch (classic or vegetarian) at the Stone Turtle Café (onsite). Spend the rest of the day enjoying the serenity of the beautiful Michigan winter forests on the pristinely groomed Headquarters ski trails, or relaxing with a mug of hot cocoa or glass of wine by the Stone Turtle Day Lodge fireplace. All are invited to participate, including novices to yoga, skiing or both. Over a $65 value for $45 ($35 if you have your own ski/snowshoe equipment). You will have the opportunity to change from yoga clothes into ski clothes before the ski lesson, or shop our great selection of ski clothing if you need to get outfitted! Pre-registration is required. Click here to register now!
Blessings to all of you – thank you for teaching us so much these last 8 years. Let us rise to the opportunities of 2020 and beyond!
Love,
Mariah and the Stone Turtle crew
