Like Yourself Today! Give Yourself the Gift that You Have Always Needed.

• Like yourself in the morning. Like yourself in the evening.
• Like yourself on the mat. Like yourself off the mat.
• Like yourself even when you don’t feel like it.
• Like yourself a little bit more every day.
• And be with people who like you. A lot.   Curvy Girl Yoga

Sometimes Valentine's Day can be romantic, and sometimes it can feel like the loneliest day of the year for some people.  I have been in both places. 

However, I have a new idea!  Why not be your own Valentine whether you have a special someone or whether you don't?  

Here are some of my own ideas...

1.  Treat yourself to a day of yoga and massage.  One of our wonderful yoga teachers is a massage therapist.  Sheri Dossett is both!  Ask me for her number or e-mail to schedule yours today.

2.  Treat yourself to a day of no condemning thoughts.  Try one hour and then two...of letting peace be the umpire of your thinking.  No negative Friday!  If you are going to eat a piece of chocolate, savor it, smell it, and make it last a long time.  Then, let it go.

3.  Treat yourself to a day of a movie that you really want to see, a walk in nature with no time limit or speed requirement, a long talk with a friend, whatever makes you smile.

4.  Treat yourself to a day of not worrying about what you eat.  Eat only until you are 80% full and let go of the guilt.  Just for one day, no bad thoughts about your size, your face, your hair, etc.  

P.S.  There are no starving children in China that will eat your leftovers on your plate.  (:

I use a smaller plate to ensure my portions are less.  My mother's voice is still in my head about leaving food on my plate, but I am getting better at ignoring it.

5.  Treat yourself to moments of quiet.  No TV.  No internet.  No phone.  Just sit quietly with a cup of coffee or a glass of tea.  Breathe.

6.  Purchase a shirt you have always wanted..."Strong is the New Skinny!" is my gift to myself today.  It doesn't have to be something big, just something small you thought was self-centered.  Then, let go of any condemnation.

7.  Do some art doodling.  My friends, Carol and Kim, love to draw and see what happens with Zentangles and meditation.  Their creations look like miracles to me, the "unartist," but they both assure me that anyone can do it.

8.  Take a Savasana.  In our world, we value stress over rest.  We have been scolded for laziness and only believe that workaholics or perfectionists are to be praised.  Once upon a very long time when I overworked and bragged about my work load, I never felt any better at the end of the day because tomorrow I began again.  I actually tried to beat the clock every single day accomplishing more and more.  The problem was that rest was out of the question, and sleep became a bigger issue with every passing day.

9.  Talk to God like a best friend.  No "Thees" or "Thous" are necessary.  Just a friendly chat without guilt or condemnation.  Better yet, write out your prayers on paper.  Journaling can be a wonderful chat!

10.  Put on some beautiful music and sing!  Your throat chakra needs this ability to let it all go!  Who cares if you can carry a tune?  Find your favorite song and belt it out!  Roll down the windows in the car and make music in your heart.

Enjoy your day!  Ignore all your friends with their love triangles, heart candies, and flowery gifts.  

Just be yourself and like who you are.  That's what yoga is all about...self-acceptance.  JKD original

*****

Friday, 2/14/14  Yoga Schedule

1. 5:30 a.m.  Early Morning Yoga with a Spiritual Emphasis
2. 12:00 p.m.  Back Healthy Yoga with a Core Emphasis
3. 4:00 p.m.  Beginner's Yoga with a Learning Emphasis
4. 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga with a Sweaty Emphasis
5. 6:45 p.m.  Restorative/Flexibility Yoga with a Rest Emphasis

Saturday, 2/15/14

1. 7:30 a.m.  Iron Yoga with a Weights or Weighted Body Emphasis
2. 9:00 a.m.  Core/Vinyasa Flow Yoga with a Bandha Emphasis
3. 10:30 a.m.  Last Workshop with a Closing Sequence Emphasis
4. 12:00 p.m.  Happy Hips and Hamstrings with a Flexibility Comes from Strength Emphasis
5. 1:30 p.m.  Power Yoga Workshop with a Foundation Building Emphasis

Sunday, 2/16/14

1. 1:00 p.m.  Military/Veteran Warrior Yoga with a Wounded Warrior Project Emphasis - FREE
2. 2:30 p.m.  Sun Salute Yoga with a Spicy, Fun Emphasis
3. 4:00 p.m.  Beginner's Yoga with an Open Mind Emphasis

I like you.  I really like you!  Why not treat yourself to a day of liking yourself?  It might become the best habit that you have ever cultivated.

Namaste'

Jeanne K

Wear Your Blessings Well! Say a Kind Word Today!

Yesterday one of the meditation/devotional readings that I gave was about wearing God's blessings well.  Sharing a good word or a kind compliment with someone else.  Thanking them for the blessing that he or she is in your life.  Kim Patocka calls them, "Campfire Words."  She quoted me as saying these words, and I didn't even realize that the things I said were so meaningful to her, such as the following:

• "You are safe here."
• "You are welcome here."
• "We are thankful you are here."
• "There is a place for you here."
• "We miss you when you are not here."

It was on an Instagram photo, but I did not know the origin.  Lately, Facebook (where I advertise every day about our classes) has started a star rating system.  To be honest and vulnerable with you, it was hard for me to see where some people had given us a 1 or 2 out of 5 stars.  They can do it anonymously which is even worse.  However, Brian reminds me to encourage myself by the good things that you are saying about Tranquility Yoga.

Here are some of your kind words that I am encouraging myself today with as I write:

• Jeanne, I wanted to tell you how thankful I am that God led me to Tranquility Yoga.  Yes, I needed help in getting my legs physically ready to run again.  Unbeknownst to me (God knew, of course),  I also needed help with my outlook on life.  The last couple of years have not been easy.
• After 20 years of marriage, my former spouse and I divorced.  He battled alcoholism, and it became unbearable for both my son and me.  I struggled so much with making that final decision to leave, but I felt it was best for all of us.  I knew he was on a path of self-destruction, and I was enabling him.
• While there were some unpleasant moments along the way, we maintained a very good relationship afterwards.  I still had hope that someday he would get the help he needed and maybe we could reconcile.
• Just as my son and I were adjusting to our different life, my ex-husband was killed by a hit and run driver while riding his bike to a friend's house.   I was given the task of fixing up the house he had bought to get it ready to sell, probate the estate, etc.
• Now, two years later, I find myself single and 'head of household' for the first time in my adult life.  I have a great, supportive family and friends, but the adjustment has been huge. I went through some depression, spent many days just going through the motions, etc.  
• I am very thankful to you and your great staff for always teaching a wonderful class at Tranquility Yoga with a positive message.  I'm now feeling confident, have motivation that I didn't have before, feelings of every day worry are not replaced with positive vibes!  I am God's miracle, and I know He has great things ahead for me.  Thank you for the time and effort you put into making the lives of others better."
• "Jeanne, thanks for making my day start so great today.  (:  Tranquility Yoga is truly inspirational!  I love your attitude, youthfulness.  It radiates and is contagious.  I want more of what you have."
• "Tranquility Yoga is a peaceful, relaxing environment to challenge your body, your mind, and most importantly, the Spirit living in you.  I LOVE practicing here so much I drive from Broken Arrow, and I always leave extremely blessed."
• "Great teachers here at Tranquility Yoga in Owasso!"
• "Jeanne, you have gone above and beyond to help me and my messed-up lower back.  You are a fabulous teacher and a wonderful person.  Tranquility Yoga is a great place for guys!"  
• "I really enjoyed your reading today at the 10:30 class.  The theme has been my 'intention' each class for the last month or so.  Thank you for sharing - not just your story, but your home and your time!  Class was awesome today!"
• "Just want you to know I read and love your e-mails.  Usually I am at work when I read them, and it is a wonderful reminder during my day to breathe and let go!
• I also love you and all the yoga classes.  It gives me a place to go to just settle my mind and focus on me.  I get to be myself, not just someone's mom, someone's wife, someone's employee, just me.  I also love how you protect your yoga room from negativity.  Thank you!
• Before yoga, I was on a very small dose of Zoloft to help with personal issues.  I don't like being on meds; but even with such a low dose, it helped just enough.  After I started yoga, I decided to get off the Zoloft, which my doctor said was fine.  I am going six months now without it, and I truly believe that you and Tranquility Yoga's classes have the difference.  I have gotten off of it before, but it was work emotionally without it.  Now this time it's not hard at all.
• Plus, I am now letting go of my diet pop three weeks and counting.
• All that to just say you, your e-mails, your Facebook posts, etc., are making a difference!  Thank you!  God is working through Tranquility Yoga Studio!
• "Love Tranquility Yoga.  The studio is beautiful and peaceful.  Jeanne's passion for yoga shines in every class.  My week would be much longer without practicing here at Tranquility."

There are more stories and testimonials.  I would love to hear your story as well.  

People said that it would never work and no one would come to a home studio in a neighborhood.  People said that I could never quit teaching school and make it financially as my sole employment.  People said that I personally was too old, not the right size, and not bendy enough.  People said that we would never build the new studio and be successful.  People said that I couldn't be a Christian and teach yoga.  

But God had a different idea!  He said, "The plans I have for you are for a future and a hope."  He gave me a vision and a dream.  I am not giving up no matter how many or how few.  Your size, your age, your ability levels are welcome here.  Tranquility Yoga is a place for all of us.  If you can breathe, you can do yoga!

So, I encourage you today.  Be vulnerable enough to share a good word with someone else.  Make some campfire words into strips and bless yourself today!  Your stories make a difference in the lives of others.  Thank you for being my blessing.  I am wearing God's blessings well today.  Hope to see you soon.

Namaste and God Bless You!

Jeanne K.

Join us for class no matter the weather!  We don't have far to drive, and we are always OPEN!  (:

Thursday, February 6

• 10:30 a.m.  Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Easy Beginner's Yoga
• 4:00 p.m.  Glow and Glisten Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength and Conditioning
• 6:45 p.m.  Chest and Shoulder Flexibility Plus

Friday, February 7

• 5:30 a.m.  Holy Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Core Strength/Back Healthy Yoga
• 4:00 p.m.  Beginner's Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength and Conditioning
• 6:45 p.m.  Restorative/Flexibility Yoga

Saturday, February 8

• 7:30 a.m.  Iron Yoga (with or without weights)
• 9:00 a.m.  Core Strength Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 10:30 a.m.  Chapter 5  Power Yoga Workshop
• 12:00 p.m.  Easy Beginner's Yoga - Happy Hips and Hamstrings

Sunday, February 9

• 1:00 p.m.  Yoga Warriors (Veterans and Military only)
• 2:30 p.m.  Spicy Sun Salutes
• 4:00 p.m.  Beginner's Yoga
• 6:00 p.m.  Softball Yoga; Thanks, Terri!

Monday, February 10

• 5:30 a.m.  Holy Yoga
• 10:30 a.m.  Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Core/Back Strength Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength and Conditioning
• 6:45 p.m.  Restorative/Flexibility Yoga

Tuesday, February 11

• 10:30 a.m.  Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Easy Beginner's Yoga
• 4:00 p.m.  Glow and Glisten Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength and Conditioning
• 6:45 p.m.  Happy Hips and Hamstrings

Wednesday, February 12

• 5:30 a.m.  Holy Yoga
• 10:30 a.m.  Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Core/Back Strength Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength and Conditioning
• 6:45 p.m.  Flexibility Plus Yoga

-- 

“Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them –

we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.”
–Brene Brown