Radiance December Newsletter |
MESSAGE FROM MASUDA In this month's Yoga Journal I read about a woman who had chosen to give a gift to someone every day for 29 days. Her gifts were simple things like a flower, a kind word, a sea shell, or small amounts of money to someone in need. This woman later described experiencing a deeply satisfying shift in her mindset as she chose to focus on others rather than herself.
I believe that the act of giving opens our hearts and reminds us that we can make a difference in the lives of others. My prayer is that we continue to give even after the holidays are over. There is a bonus to giving: it opens us up to receive the things we want. If you want joy, give joy to others, if you want love, learn to give love, if you want wealth, help others become wealthy. This cycle helps us all feel abundant regardless of our material possessions.
I hope you all receive wonderful gifts this holiday season including love, happiness, joy, and laughter.
With Love,
Masuda
Become a fan of Radiance Yoga on Facebook Click Here |
MAYA TULUM VACATION - ONLY 4 SPACES LEFT |
Start the New Year with a relaxing and inspiring vacation.
Maya Tulum, Mexico
January 23, 2010 - January 30, 2010
It's been a cold couple of weeks, so we're getting excited to escape to the warm beaches of Maya Tulum. We're looking forward to warm sunny days, walks on pristine beaches, the company of lovely yogi's, and ample opportunity to practice yoga and meditation. A wonderful opportunity to create meaningful intentions for the upcoming year and return home relaxed and refreshed.
Annie and I have both experienced the beauty and serenity of Maya Tulum and we're so excited to to share this magical place with you.
Registration closes on December 22nd.
Call 703-535-8282 to book your vacation.
For more information |
|
 
|
|
UPCOMING WORKHOPS 108 SUN SALUTATIONS WORKSHOP with Michelle
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
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 KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG MEDITATION 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
DETOX THE MIND AND CLEANSE THE BODY with Jodi
Ring in 2010 with a heated vinyasa flow workshop where we focus on deep twists to rinse & cleanse the body. Be prepared to sweat out the toxins.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
2:30-5:00pm
$35 Click her to register |
TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE STRESSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON The holidays are a lovely time to gather with family and friends and reflect on the blessings in your life. They can also be the source of excess stress and strain on the body and mind. Here are some tips for keeping calm and centered during the holidays.
1. Give to charity.
Take the stress out of gift giving by suggesting that family members donate to their favorite charity in lieu of a gift exchange.
2. Be realistic.
The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
3. Learn to say no.
Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
4. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Whenever possible, tell people why you are grateful to have them in your life. Thank the store clerk for helping you and the stranger for holding the elevator for you. Recent studies showed that people who make a conscious effort to be thankful were not only more joyful and optimistic, but they also had fewer illnesses.
5. Set aside quiet time for yourself.
Practice yoga, listen to soothing music, read a good book, or go for a walk at night and stargaze.
6. Don't abandon healthy habits.
Overindulgence only adds to your stress. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and exercise. |
NEW STUDENT PASS - $50Our new student pass is only $50 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. |
2010 ANNUAL PASS SPECIAL - One year of unlimited Yoga
- 1 Free workshop
-10% off all Retail items
-Free Radiance t-shirt or mug
Buy now for $995
Available from January 1-31, 2010
Other discounts and coupons not valid with this offer. |
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Howell Crim
Hometown:
Alexandria, VA
What Got You in Trouble Most as a Child:
Distracting not only myself, but others from what we were supposed to be doing.
Perfect Day:
Starting off a weekend by riding my bicycle (5 miles) to Radiance for the morning flow class and having tea and conversation after is stellar! Then playing on the water or in the woods with my boys and later cooking a wholesome meal while chatting about the day and sipping vino. During the work week having a Radiance break really makes my perfect day complete.
Two Words that Best Describe You:
Kind & Humble
Favorite Spot in Old Town:
The Alexandria waterfront.
Best Gift Ever:
I have been given the best friends one could ever have!
Favorite Yoga Pose:
My favorite yoga pose would be downward dog because I feel like I can go anywhere from there.
Favorite Mantra:
"Let it go" because I need to.
Best Yoga Advice:
Listen...Breathe...Do...Repeat |
TEACHER'S CORNER
Allison Davis
This month Allison offers her best yoga tips, advice and insights for Radiance students.
What tips do you have for mastering Halasana, the December pose of the month?
My advice to students who may experiencing difficulty is to make sure that you are properly supported: use a folded blanket underneath the shoulders (making sure the edges of the shoulders rest on the edge of the blanket fold with the head resting on the floor), use a folding chair, blanket or other support behind you to support your feet if the toes don't touch the floor, and keep the elbows in line with the shoulders to provide proper support for the back.
I have found that setting up halasana so that my feet can press against a wall behind me can be a comfortable way to get a supported but deep stretch to the back of the body.
Name a recent challenge you have faced in your yoga practice and how you confronted it.
The most recent challenge I've experienced in my practice was an injury to my pelvic girdle/hip area. The connective tissue was damaged from poor running shoes and running alignment over long distances. It has been slow to heal and can make forward folds of any kind downright excruciating. I've used it as an opportunity to try "easier" in my personal practice by developing a deeper, more gentle practice of yoga. It's also an excuse to get more massages. :)
What pranayama would you recommend students practice at home this month?
I love Ujai pranayama. I find it so calming and centering. I practice it while driving, meditating, and working. It always pulls me to the present moment and I can tell that my body just loves all that fresh oxygen flooding in!
Read any good yoga books lately?:
I just finished Judith Lasater's "Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times."
It's a wonderful book on how to cultivate a restorative yoga practice and the beneficial effects it has on stress-related illnesses. I find restorative yoga feels especially delicious over the winter months.
What is next for your practice/teaching?
I'll be taking my teaching to a deeper level by beginning my 500 RYT in January 2010. It will be a year of deep practice, introspection, enrichment, and transformation. I'm very much looking forward to bringing this into my classes. Om Shanti! |
RADIANCE YOGA BOUTIQUE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
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.
|
|
|
