Yoga and the Stress Response

One of the main purposes of yoga is to retrain the stress response habit
so that your brain stops automatically invoking it every time you feel out of
control, experience time pressure, or are impatient. Some people might
think that the stress response is an innate reflex; and thus, can't be
changed. To clarify, the response is partly innate and partly learned in
early childhood. Yes, the stress response comes already downloaded and
installed on your early operating system. However, this tendency is
enhanced, by years of reinforcement. In particular, you absorb how those
around you, particularly your parents, react to stressful situations.
Their reactions get wired into your nervous system. However, just because a
habit is innate, and then reinforced, does not mean it is immune to
change. Almost any habit can be changed, or at least improved, through
repeated action of a new habit. For some people waking up at 5:30AM to go
to a yoga class would automatically trigger their stress response. The
good news is that you don't actually have to go to a class to practice
yoga. The poses most people associate with yoga are just a particular way
of practicing yoga called the asana practice ("asana" translates to
"posture"). The asana practice challenges you in a specific way, but life
itself offers plenty of challenges on its own. Under any stressful
circumstance you can attempt the same calming techniques: breathing deeply and
slowly, relaxing your facial muscles, clearing your head of anxious thoughts,
focusing on the present. In fact, applying these techniques to real life
is what yoga is all about. Yoga is simply the process of paying attention to the
present moment and calming the mind. Over time you will start to retrain
your automatic stress reaction, and replace it with one more conducive to
happiness and overall well-being.I eventually came to the realization that not
only can you practice yoga in real life, but, conversely, you could go to a yoga
class and not really be doing yoga. Some of those people in class might
just be placing their legs behind their heads, and still not be focusing on
keeping their breath calm and steady, or their minds clear. They might be
focused on something else entirely. Without the sustained intention of
focusing on the present, and calming the mind, going to a yoga class is
literally just going through the motions. Alex Korb, PhD.

Class Schedule for today through the end of February at Tranquility Yoga Studio

Thursday, February 16, 2012: Get Your Yoga Energy GoingThis morning at 5:30 a.m. we have our Weight Loss Yoga, this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. a great 45 minute workout with Vinyasa Flow, and 6:40 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. is our Intro to Astanga Yoga class.

Three awesome opportunities for you to get fit, feel better, and experience the benefits of yoga. Please join us!

Friday, February 17, 2012: Three Classes to Choose from for Today!10:00 a.m. Vinyasa Flow: Bring a friend for FREE! 4:15 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga - It's An UpDog -- DownDog Kind of Day! 5:30 p.m. Power Up with Us! It's All About the Plank!

Saturday, February 18, 2012: Two Classes to Energize You! 7:00 a.m. Yoga for Athletes - Yoga is Better than Coffee (but you can stay and enjoy that, too!) 9:00 a.m. Beginner's Core Yoga - Strong Core; Strong Back

Sunday, February 19, 2012: Two Classes (One for practicing individual postures and one for combining the postures into a flowing movement) 2:30 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga - Inverting is easy! Remember this just means my head is below my heart - as simple as a forward fold. 4:00 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Movement with Breath

Monday, February 20, 2012: Happy President's Day! Three Classes for Your Enjoyment and Exercise! 5:30 a.m. Sunrise/Energize - Sun Salute your way to a great week!10:00 a.m. Vinyasa Flow: Bring a friend for FREE! 5:30 p.m. Yoga for Strength and Conditioning - 45 minute class (short and sweet) This class will move to 4:15 p.m. in June for Teen Yoga

Tuesday, February 21, 2012: Two Classes for Terrific Tuesday! 4:15 p.m. Twist and Shout! Pose Specific Yoga 6:40 p.m. Vinyasa Flow for Hips, Thighs, and Knee Health

Wednesday, February 22, 2012: One Class for Beginners 5:30 p.m. Intro to Yoga for Astanga Practice

Thursday, February 23, 2012: Two Class Opportunities = Yoga Just for You! 5:30 a.m. Weight Loss Yoga - Even if you are at a perfect body size, this class is fun and energizing! 5:30 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga for Shoulders, Arms, and Wrists - This class will move to 6:40 p.m.* the last Thursday in May. *If you want to keep it at 5:30 p.m, please let me know. Thanks!

Friday, February 24, 2012: Two Classes and a Great Way to Get Your Weekend Started! 4:15 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga - It's All About the Knees 5:30 p.m. Power Up! This is Push-up Practice!

Saturday, February 25, 2012: Two Classes or Three? See me for more details. 7:00 a.m. Yoga for Athletes - Mix It Up! 9:00 a.m. Core Yoga for Beginners - Posture Perfect

Sunday, February 26, 2012: Two Classes for Sunday Afternoon Delight! 2:30 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga for Wrists and Forearms 4:00 p.m. Vinyasa Flow - Energy Up with Flow and Go!

Monday, February 27, 2012: Two Classes to Energize, Strengthen, and Warrior Up 5:30 a.m. Sunrise/Energize: Archer Series 5:30 p.m. Yoga for Toning and Conditioning - Jump Switch! (45 minute class)

Tuesday, February 28, 2012: Two Classes for Open Hips, Happy Hips 4:15 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga for Back Health and Hips 6:40 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga for Moving What Ails You

Wednesday, February 29, 2012: Congratulations! You made it to the 90 Day Challenge Weigh-In. Let me know how you have made a difference in your life the last 90 days with eating, exercise, and health related ways. We started back on December 1st, and now we have made it through the holidays. 5:30 p.m. Intro to Yoga for Beginners with Astanga

Please note: On Saturday, March 3, 2012, I will be traveling to OKC for a conference; therefore, we will not be having class. We will have a make-up lesson on Sunday, March 4th, at 6:00 - 7:00 a.m. and then have our two regular classes that Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. I hope that the last 90 days have been beneficial for you as you concentrated on taking care of the Goose. Remember without you, the Goose, we have no golden eggs! You are important!

Thank you for being an important part of our yoga community.

Namaste'

Jeanne Kay-- Jeanne K. DossTranquility Yoga Studio Owner and InstructorRegistered Yoga Teacher (300 hour level) - Graduate of YSA; member of Yoga AlliancePersonal Certified Trainer - Cooper InstituteCertified Pilates, Aerobics and Step Aerobics InstructorZumba Training Level 1 and Zumba GoldYoga Fit - Levels 1 and 2

"Be your own person and do not be ruled by the expectations of others. The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." Joseph Campbell

Super Bowl 2012 Weekend

Dear Friends,
Happy Super Bowl weekend! Isn't it amazing how this has become a holiday in February? So, the answer is YES, we are having class tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 p.m. I hope you will consider joining us as we unwind tension with the focus on neck and shoulders.
Just a reminder that we have today and tomorrow for our final two days of "Bring a friend for free week at Tranquility Yoga in Owasso!" If your friend then purchases a punch card, you will receive a FREE week for yourself in February. Congratulations to Maggie, Larry, and Brenda who have received a free week in February!
Read on at the end of the newsletter for how the NY Giants prepare for the big game...
*****Schedule for this week at Tranquility Yoga, February 4 - 11 is as follows: (Please note the difference this week only on Tuesday afternoon and night classes)
Today, Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. Yoga for Athletes
Today, Saturday, at 9:00 a.m. Beginner's Yoga for Core Strength
Sunday, February 5, at 2:30 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga
Monday, February 6, at 5:30 a.m. Sunrise/Energize Yoga
Monday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. Toning and Conditioning Yoga
Tuesday, February 7, at 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Yin Yoga (only class that day)
Wednesday, February 8, at 5:30 p.m. Beginner's Intro to Astanga Yoga
Thursday, February 9, at 5:30 a.m. Weight Loss Yoga
*Thursday, February 9, at 5:30 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Friday, February 10, at 4:15 p.m. Power Up Yoga
Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 a.m. Yoga for Athletes
Saturday, February 11, at 9:00 a.m. Beginner's Yoga for Core Strength
* The Thursday evening class will move back to 6:40 p.m. in June.
Upcoming events include another Yin Yoga class on Monday, February 13th at 7:15 p.m. and Partner Yoga practice on February 14th at 6:40 p.m.
*****
How does a professional football team prepare for the Super Bowl? Aside from typical running, throwing and strength training drills, the championship-bound New York Giants also reap the athletic benefits of season-long yoga sessions. Gwen Lawrence, celebrity yoga coach and spokesperson for Gaiam TV, has been teaching yoga for 22 years and working with the New York Giants for 11 years.“The Giants were my first professional team,” Lawrence said, who specializes in different forms of yoga, including Iyengar, Hatha, and Ashtanga Vinyasa, to engage the entire body and mind.Lawrence, who also works with the New York Knicks, Rangers and members of the Yankees, said she works with the Giants twice a week during pre-season to get the players in shape and prepare their bodies for the upcoming year.“These are pretty active, high intensity classes,” Lawrence said. “We do a lot of long, deep holds, some vinyasa.”Vinyasa yoga, or “power yoga,” focuses on the alignment of movement and breath. Each of the yoga poses are connected in flowing movements from one to the next. During the season, however, Lawrence said, her approach with the team changes. “In-season, I come in on Mondays and do post-game restorative work with the players,” she said. “I can’t just go in there and kick their butts and expect full-body participation.”The routine can change week-to-week, according to Lawrence, depending on how the players are feeling and which areas – such as their legs or their backs – are giving them problems.“You also have to take into account the different positions,” Lawrence said. “An offensive lineman is obviously different than a receiver – the demands on their bodies are different – but there are basic moves that benefit any position.”Among these moves, Lawrence’s post-game favorites include pigeon poses, frog poses and hero poses.The pigeon pose is a hip stretch that is done by bringing one knee forward and bending the leg in front of the body on the floor, while stretching the other leg out behind you. Your arms can be placed on the ground beside your or held above your head.“It’s a really deep hip opener that keeps your hips open and flexible,” Lawrence said. “It also reduces strain and stress on vulnerable knees.The frog pose, meanwhile, is done by lying face down, spreading your knees out on both sides and balancing on your heels, like a frog. Extend your arms, one at a time, out on the floor in front of you. The position opens the groin area and provides a slight back bend.Finally, the hero pose is done by kneeling on the floor, with your thighs touching, perpendicular to the floor. Set your feet apart slightly wider than your hips, with the tops of the feet flat on the floor and your big toes angled slightly inward. “It’s kneeling, keeping the quads open, and the ankles flexible and strong,” Lawrence said. All three of the moves, she said, are meant to improve flexibility, strength and prevent injuries. “My philosophy is, strength plus flexibility equals power on the field. Doing these moves not only keeps players less injury prone – because a tight, rigid body is more likely to crack and break – but they also translate into power.“Think of it this way,” Lawrence explained. “You have a bow and arrow, and the bow string is strong and unbreakable, but if it’s too tight, you can only pull it back an inch and the arrow flops down on the ground. But when the string is flexible, you can pull it far back, and the arrow has more power.”"When joints are open, strong and flexible like this, they can create more power with less effort on the field. That way, they can stay on the field longer and win the game in the end.”But physical toughness isn’t the only important benefit the players derive from yoga training, according to Lawrence. “We’re working on mental toughness, too,” she said. “Sometimes you have players with pre-game anxiety, and the breathing techniques they learn in yoga can help them cope.”Lawrence described how she helped a former Super Bowl champ deal with a medical condition while playing the game.“One of the players I worked with – Amani Toomer [who played for the New York Giants the last time they won the Super Bowl in 2008] – he had asthma, and I taught him specific breathing techniques to help with that.”The best aspect of practicing yoga with the players, Lawrence said, is that the moves aren’t solely meant for Super Bowl contenders. “I work with regular people and hear their problems; and I’ve worked with athletes for so long, I understand theirs as well – and honestly, it’s very similar,” Lawrence said. “I have my athletes, but I also have my soccer moms and other people, and they love it. It works well into their lives – and this goes across the board. It’s not just an athlete thing.”Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/03/yoga-how-new-york-giants-prepare-for-super-bowl/#ixzz1lP0rvi00
Hope to see you soon in practice!
Namaste'Jeanne Kay
P.S. Our receptionist watches the Super Bowl just to see the commercials! I just work on trying to stay awake!

-- Jeanne K. DossTranquility Yoga Studio Owner and InstructorRegistered Yoga Teacher - Yoga Alliance
Personal Certified Trainer - Cooper Institute
Certified Pilates, Aerobics Instructor
Zumba Training, Zumba I and Zumba Gold

“Yoga is really trying to liberate us from … shame about our bodies. To love your body is a very important thing — I think the health of your mind depends on your being able to love your body.”–Rodney YeeFor more information, please call 918-371-3841 or text me at 918-855-6459.

You can also "like" our Facebook page in order to receive updates on class themes and changes by going to Tranquility Yoga in Owasso. Once we make 150 friends, we will draw from that list for a free punch card of 8 classes ($45.00 value).

Meditation for Today

Meditation for today:"Come away with me for a while. The world, the job, the responsibilities, with all the non-stop demands, can be put on hold for a brief moment. Most people put "Me time" on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on themselves. But the longer people push quiet time into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find time for it. We live among people who glorify "busyness." They have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. They have bought into the illusion that MORE is always BETTER; more meetings, more programs, more activity. God has called us to follow on a solitary path, making quiet time alone a high priority and a deep joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often even despised. However, when we take time away for meditation, we are often able to bless others more by the peace that we are able to carry out our day with."

Check out our daily yoga schedule on Facebook by searching for Tranquility Yoga in Owasso!

Workshop on Saturday, January 14, 2012

Our first Tranquility Yoga workshop focuses on the hands, wrists, arms, elbows, shoulders, neck, and upper back. (This was one of my New Year's resolutions - getting up my courage to teach about all I study about every day.)

I believe that we were originally designed for more of a movement based lifestyle anatomically; however, these days in our fast moving, modern society, we tend to sit or stand in a rounded forward position with our upper back and shoulders. Due to this compromised position with our body, we put way too much pressure on our hands and wrists and far less on our strong arms, shoulders, and upper back with good posture. Time pressure and work related stress create even more tension in our shoulders and neck.

The most frequent complaint that I hear in beginner's yoga is concerning the hands and wrists. The deep flexion of the hand in downward facing dog is tough for people who are only used to being on a computer or at a steering wheel or using dental hygenist tools or scissors in cutting hair. My goal is to teach how to strengthen the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and upper back through yoga and help prevent degenerative disease or bring some relief to arthritis which has already set in.

We will start off in chairs to show how to find some relief in a workday situation with the upper body and then move to the yoga mat for poses that strengthen and lengthen. I hope you will consider joining us for our inaugural workshop! 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Cost is very low at $30.00 for the whole afternoon. Hope to hear back from you with a reservation as space is limited.

Namaste,

Jeanne K.

Three Things to Consider

I am so excited about our new schedule for the winter and spring of 2012. Even with a rising economy, our prices remain the same; however, **personal training** will just be a pay as you go type of plan (no more personal training package plans). We remain the cheapest yoga classes in Tulsa County to my knowledge. Each class we endeavor to burn a minimum of 300 calories through movement and breath combinations.

Prices for our yoga classes have remained the same for three years. No reservation needed for the regular 12 weekly class offerings.
$10 drop-in
$5.62 per class with an 8 class package
$5.50 per class with a 20 class package
$5.00 per class with a monthly unlimited which auto renews (classes become cheaper the more often you come to the 12 offerings a week)
$4.50 per class with 6 months unlimited (classes become cheaper the more often you come to the 12 offerings a week)
$4.00 per class with 12 month unlimited (classes become cheaper the more often you come to the 12 offerings a week)
**Personal training is on a pay as you attend basis at $45.00 per hour. These can be scheduled before or after school hours, in between classes, and on the weekends. Please make sure you are writing personal training appointments on the calendar by the yoga room or e-mailing me your reservation for personal training. Otherwise, I will not know that you are coming. There will be a $20.00 fee for late cancellations less than 24 hours.

We offer 3 afternoon classes on Sunday (2:30), Tuesday (4:15), and Friday (4:15). Our evening classes at 5:30 p.m. are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. The morning classes are on Monday and Thursday at 5:30 a.m. and Saturday at 7 and 9. Our 6:40 p.m. classes are on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hopefully, you can find a combination of 3 or more classes a week to fit your schedule.
This coming Saturday, January 14, our first workshop has already started filling up with a cost of $30.00. (Most workshops in Tulsa are $45.00 or up!)Our next workshop will be Saturday, March 24th, with an emphasis on feet, ankles, knees, legs, and hips. Next summer in June, a whole workshop will be dedicated to arthritis. I plan to teach 5 workshops this year of 2012.

Mind-Body-Spirit
Despite knowledge, resources, and the ability to lose weight, many are not able to translate their weight loss to a healthy lifestyle. Many times the reason for weight regain is due to an experiment mentality. We set a time limit, a weight goal, and attempt to create controls of what we will and won’t do, all while obsessing over our jean size. Is this any different than treating yourself like a rat in a maze? You are not only body, but mind and spirit. Yes, you should desire a healthy weight, but seeking overall health is key. Analyze what may be behind bad eating habits and lack of exercise and address those issues as you come up with your weight loss plan. Observe and write down certain circumstances, attitudes and habits in your life that may threaten your maintaining a healthy weight. As you create a diet and exercise plan, consider changing certain variables that may be a hindrance to you, or come up with coping mechanisms for things you can’t control.

Measurements-Fitness-Wellness
Being overweight or obese is a problem in so much that it is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Instead of obsessing about getting to an “ideal” weight, let your motivation be to realize the health benefits that can contribute to a longer, more abundant life. Two separate studies, one on diabetes, the other blood pressure, found that a weight loss between 5% and 15% of baseline weight can have significant health benefits. So while 50 and 100 pound success stories are real, don’t let the scale be your only predictor of success. As you lose weight, keep track of every aspect of your health, including body measurements, biological tests such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Consider testing your fitness as well. Last, consider stress and mental health tests. Monitoring each of these will help you see how healthy habits effect the whole you, not just the scale.

Small-Medium-Large
While it’s true that you should not have French fries daily (or maybe "ever,") think realistically about your ability to completely cut out certain foods as you lose weight. Too much restriction may cause binge eating later on. You understand that healthy eating is about monitoring your portions and creating a caloric deficit if you want to lose weight. To that end, change your mindset from what not to eat, to what "size" certain foods play in your lifestyle. Large portions of veggies, medium portions of fruit and whole grains, and small portions of meat, fats and processed foods will generally create a nutritious meal. Over time, learning to instinctively choose the right portion sizes is what will keep your healthy lifestyle on track. www.caloriecount.com

Yoga is all about the rule of three. Three times a week (or more), three areas of concentration - alignment, attitude, action, and three important calming aspects - breath, gazing point for concentration, calm mind.Hope to see you soon! Today we are working on standing postures in our 4:15 p.m. class and moving with those postures in our 6:40 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. class. Get started today with your rule of 3!

Directions to Tranquility Yoga Studio in Owasso:

• If you are traveling north on Highway 169, take the 116th Street Exit; turn left at the light from the exit and go west past the new Reasor's and its shopping complex. You will go 2 and 1/2 miles on 116th Street pass Garnett where Atwood's is located, pass the sports complex, pass the children's playground, and go over the small railroad tracks. Take your very first right turn after the tracks (you will see a Jehovah's Witness Meeting Hall), and our home studio is the second one on the left. It is white brick and slate grey siding. We have ample parking. Our physical address is 11644 N. 101st East Avenue, Collinsville. However, we are located in Owasso.
• If you are coming south on Highway 169, we are very easy to find. Exit on the Highway 20 East to Claremore/116th Street North to the west ramp. You will see a fairly new Reasor's Grocery Store shopping center with a Sonic beside it and a McDonald's/Walgreen's across the street. Since you are coming from the north, after you exit, turn right or go west at the light. Go west down 116th Street N. approximately 2 and 1/2 miles. You will pass Garnett intersection where Atwood's is located, the Sports Complex, and a kid's park called Funtastic Island. Once you go over a small railroad crossing, you will see a Jehovah's Witness Meeting Hall on your right. That is 101st East Avenue. Turn right. Our house is the second one on the left, and it is white brick with slate grey siding.
• If you are driving north on Highway 75, take the 116th Street Exit and turn right off the highway. You will see flashing signs for the turn. Go about 3 and 1/4 miles, and turn left on 101st East Avenue.

New Winter Schedule for December 30, 2011 - May 31, 2012

Greetings, my friends! Wow! Yoga just gets better and better! I enjoyed continuing education at a yoga studio for three hours yesterday in CT, and I am full of new ideas for making our practices more fun and "do-able." We have had requests for more pose specific classes and afternoon sessions, so check out the new line-up for the winter session.We fly home on Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m., and our yoga schedule for the Winter Session begins on Friday, December 30!

As we prepare for the BIG adventure in June, our class schedule has expanded to make yoga more convenient for you. The prices stay the same with our free yoga on New Year's Day at 2:30 p.m. This is our only required reservation class to ensure that we have room for all who want to participate. The cost is so reasonable! (: I am proud to say that we have not raised our prices in 3 years. Each drop-in is $10.00; but if you purchase a Tranquility Yoga Punch Card for 8 classes, it is $5.62 each class. We also have larger packages at 20 classes at $110.00, $80 monthly unlimited (renews automatically on the day of the month you purchase), $432 for 6 months unlimited, and $864 for one year unlimited.

Our winter schedule begins on Friday, December 30, at 4:15 p.m. for a beginner's pose specific class and then at 5:30 p.m. for Power Yoga in an Modified Astanga Way.

On Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. our yoga studio offers Yoga for the Athletes (which is a more intense class) and then Yoga, Yoga, Yoga at 9:00 a.m. which is a beginner's class incorporating core abdominal work.

Sunday afternoons we have only one class for Pose Specific Yoga at 2:30 p.m. Pose Specific Yoga works on concentrating on 5 - 7 yoga postures that we go in-depth with alignment, movement, and breath.

Monday morning and evenings Tranquility Yoga has one morning and one evening class at 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. This yoga practice is a toning and strengthening class where we enjoy harder poses with balancing work.

Tuesday afternoon at 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. we once again have the beginner's pose specific class (like on Friday's). Then later on Tuesday evenings we have our 6:40 class which is a Vinyasa Flow practice. Vinyasa Flow simply means movement with breath. This one continually moves from pose to pose focusing on lower body strength and flexibility.

Wednesday evenings at 6:40 p.m. we have a beginner's Astanga Power Class. Astanga involves 10 Sun Salutations and then standing poses with long holds as yoga is known for building strength with isometric contractions of the major muscle groups.

Thursday we have a morning class again at 5:30 a.m. and a 5:30 evening class which are similar to Tuesday's Vinyasa Flow, but we consider it Weight Loss Yoga because we never stop moving. The poses are not difficult just sweat inducing!

I offer 12 classes in all with more coming next summer. (I am an elementary teacher and have a school schedule until June. In June, we will re-add more Senior classes, Mommy and Me classes, and Restorative classes.)

Please notice the different time offerings for the two early morning classes, two 4:15 p.m. afternoon classes, three 5:30 p.m. classes, and two 6:40 p.m. classes. Our weekend classes remain the same. Someone has moved your cheese! All classes are 60 minutes in length.

Start your new year off right with adding 2 or more yoga classes in each week!
Namaste'
Jeanne K.

The Little Drummer Boy; Find out what your drum is and play it for all its worth!

The “Little Drummer Boy” has been my favorite Christmas Carol for as long as I can remember. Of all of the holiday songs, I can honestly say that it is the only one that truly moves me. Always has…always will. The idea of a young boy, too poor to afford a fitting gift for the “new born King”, attempting to honor him with that which he does have is a great lesson for all of us. We spend too much time stressing out and concerning ourselves with what is absent in our lives and not enough time focusing on what really matters. The drummer boy may not be able to afford the expensive and fancy gifts that others have brought, but he has something better…he can offer the gift of his unique strengths and talents and that which makes him truly special. He has no material gift to offer but what he CAN do is play his drum like no one else is capable of playing it…and so he does. The fact that his play is met by approval and acceptance from Mary and the animals is certainly of no surprise, because when one is engaged in pursuing one’s passion and offering the very personal gift of doing what one does best, the power is undeniable and clear to all.Isn’t that what it’s really all about? We all have to find our own personal “drum” and then play it the best we can. For me, I never feel more truly alive than when I’m standing in front of a class. That’s my drum I’m playing up there, and I’m going to play the heck out of it. The line, “I played my best for him,” is a call to arms and a challenge to meet. Forget about all of things that you can’t control and make sure that you are playing your drum to the best of your abilities and with all of the passion, enthusiasm, and heart that you can muster. Nothing else really matters. There is no finer gift or higher honor that you can offer to the world than to find out what your “drum” is and then play it for all it’s worth. - Dave Burgess

Please let me know if you are planning on coming to our December dinner this evening at 6:45. So far, we only have 2! I am making a salad; what would you like to bring? This is a pot-luck feast of celebrating conversation and community. Merry Christmas!

Every time I step on the yoga mat, I am offering up my enthusiasm, my passion for yoga, and my heart for helping people. It is an honor for me to play this "drum," and I enjoy your presence in our classes! Thank you for participating in Tranquility Yoga!Namaste'