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Radiance November Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM MASUDA

My brother recently finished renovating my kitchen; it took about four weeks from start to finish. Over those weeks, we'd have lunch together on many days and talk about world politics, our families and the future.

We spent more time together in those four weeks than we had in the last 15 years. During my teens and twenties, our values clashed. He felt I should be more loyal to my family and our Afghan culture and I felt he needed to be more open-minded and understanding. We barely spoke - just enough to argue or make fun of each other.

Somehow over the years we have forgiven each other, and we both admitted to making mistakes that hurt the other person. Now, I'm so grateful to have a loving and supportive brother that I can count on. At one point in my life that seemed unimaginable.

Sometimes life provides us with opportunities to make amends and create something beautiful. Perhaps the holidays will present you with such an opportunity. I hope that you will be open to having a joyous and fun holiday season with your family, to forgive the past, let go of expectations, and accept what is.

It's not always possible, and it's rarely easy, but our intention can be to love, to support, and to be compassionate.

Much Love,
Masuda

p.s. We'll be offering a flow yoga class from 10-11:15am on Thanksgiving day offered by Jodi. All other classes are cancelled.

NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS

YOGA MALA WORKSHOP with Michelle
Join us as we celebrate winter with an energizing Yoga Mala solstice workshop. Come together with your fellow yogis and honor the Winter Solstice with 108 sun salutations.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
2:30-4:30pm
$30

YIN SOLSTICE with Jolene
This time of the year by nature is intended to be more yin - slow, quiet and nurturing. Jolene will guide you in a deep yin practice followed by gentle restorative stretching and a long restful relaxing savasana.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
2:30-5:00pm
$35

FLOW INTO THE NEW YEAR with Jolene
Flow into the New Year with a deep, slow yoga session to release the old and welcome the new. In a candle lit setting, we will move through the body to honor the past, respect the present and open ourselves to the coming year. All levels of experience welcome.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
10:00pm-12:00am
$30

WELCOME THE NEW YEAR with Masuda
Start the new year with an energetic Kundalini yoga workshop intended to empower you with tools to live a life of joy, love, and peace. All levels of experience welcome.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2:00-4:00pm
Click Here to Register


NEW BEGINNERS SESSION - 8 WEEKS FOR $96

Saturday
10:00-11:15am Beginners Flow Yoga
12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30

Monday
7:30-8:45pm Beginners Flow Yoga
12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25

Tuesday
10:00-11:15am Beginners Flow Yoga
12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26

7:30-8:45pm Beginners Kundalini Yoga
12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26

Wednesday
6:00-7:15pm Beginners Flow Yoga
12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30, 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27
Click Here to Register

MAYA TULUM VACATION with RADIANCE YOGA

You deserve to start the New Year with a relaxing and inspiring vacation.

Enjoy a week of blissful yoga classes with Annie and Masuda, delicious meals, walks on beautiful beaches, and amazing spa treatments.

Maya Tulum, Mexico
January 23, 2010 - January 30, 2010

Maya Tulum Resort was ranked the No.10 Best Resort in the world in 2004 by Travel & Leisure magazine.

One of Travel & Leisure's "Worlds' Best Hotel's in 2007."

Fights are as low as $300. Register today and join us for a fun, healthy, and inspiring yoga vacation with like minded yogi's. Only 3 rooms left for registrations.
Click Here for more Information & Registration

BOOK CLUB

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom, a best selling author as well as a regular ESPN sports reporter, had lost track of his favorite college professor and mentor, Morrie. When Mitch learns that Morrie has only months to live, the relationship between them is rekindled through Tuesday "classes" about the meaning of life.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.

Monday, December 7, 2009
7:30 - 9:00pm
Free Community Event!

Tips for giving new life to your old yoga mat:

If you've been practicing for a while on the same yoga mat, it may be time to upgrade to a replacement mat that is eco-friendly. Consider these ideas for keeping your old mat out of a landfill.

1. Drop off your old mat at an animal rescue shelter. Most shelters need durable mats, towels and blankets to line crates.

2. Cut your old mat into non-skid pads for keeping area rugs in place.

3. Place small squares of your mat under furniture legs and flower pots.

4. Cut small circles to use as hot pads for your Thanksgiving casserole dishes.

5. Use old mats as extra cushion for your sleeping bag when you go camping.

6. Send your mat to a recycling center. Find out more at: www.recycleyourmat.com

$50 New Student Pass

Our new student pass is only $50 dollars for one month of unlimited yoga. This pass offer huge savings for new students who are interested in trying out a variety of classes at the studio. Be sure to tell your friends and family about this special offer.
Click Here to Buy

 

 

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

MIchelle Volberg

Michelle teaches Flow Yoga Mix on Wednesday mornings from 6:45-7:45am and Flow Yoga 2 on Saturdays from 8:30-9:45am.

Hometown:
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Childhood Ambition:
When I was a kid, my mother used to say, "You will never be bored if you use your eyes." Naturally, my first ambition was to be an artist.

Favorite Yoga Pose and Why:
Lately, I have favored Purvottanasa (Upward plank pose) because it opens up the chest muscles, and the heart. This pose is also a great counter posture for a yoga practice that incorporates chaturanga dandasana.

Life Changing Moment::
After I realized that there are multiple paths to take in life, I learned how to accept these new paths and adventures without fear. This was a big AHA! moment for me. Change can be a very good thing.

One Thing You Want Students
to Experience in Your Class:

Laughter, Relaxation, and I invite students to listen to the wisdom of their bodies while practicing yoga.

Perfect Day:
On a perfect day I'd wake up a little later than usual, and go outside to practice yoga, followed by a large breakfast. This would be followed by a day in a museum, time to sit and sketch, and an evening of cooking with lots of spices, and fresh ingredients to be shared with friends and family.

Indulgence:
Pedicures

Biggest Challenge:
Cultivating more patience with myself.

What's Playing on Your Ipod::
Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and the Kings of Convenience, and Caetano Veloso

Inspiration::
My family. Every teacher I have come across in my life. Rainer Marie Rilke, Al Green, and T.S. Eliot

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Nicole Naassan

Hometown:
Albuquerque, New Mexico

What Got You in Trouble Most as a Child:
Getting into everything that was sealed, closed, or locked. It made my poor mother crazy.

Perfect Day:
The morning starts sitting on a balcony with my husband, a tasty cappuccino and an almond croissant (preferably in Venice, Italy). Next up is a long walk to discover something new and maybe get a little lost on the way. Then to a local market for fresh fish, veggies, cheese, bread and wine and all the fixings for dinner. After dinner, I would finish the day back out to the balcony enjoying a glass of fine red wine.

Two Words that Best Describe You:
Centered and Candid

Favorite Spot in Old Town:
The Promenade Classique sculpture at the end of Canal Street.

Best Gift Ever:
When I was in elementary school, my sister gave me a bandana embroidered with my name. She made it in art class.

Favorite Yoga Pose:
Tree pose. I love that no matter how I feel on any given day, I always feel strong in Tree pose.

Favorite Mantra:
Ad Guray Nameh, Jugad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Devay Nameh. This mantra has a very special place in my heart.

Best Yoga Advice:
Don't worry about what the person next to you is thinking about your pose, they really aren't looking!


RADIANCE YOGA BOUTIQUE

Don't forget to check out our new boutique items! Satya jewelry, bamboo yoga clothing and Jade yoga mats are unique gifts for yourself or loved ones this holiday season.

Gift Certificates
Give the gift of health and well being with gift certificates for yoga classes, workshops, and a yoga vacation to Mexico!

Satya Jewelry
Blending spiritual symbols, healing gemstones and sacred meanings, Satya Jewelry is created with grace, style and a global consciousness.


Jade Yoga Mats
Harmony Professional Mat which is a perfect balance of traction and cushion.

Green Apple Eco Active Wear
Organic bamboo and cotton active apparel that is incredibly luxurious and soft.

Radiance Yoga Studio
110 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703.535.8282