Namaste,
"Sometimes surrender means giving up from trying to understand, and becoming comfortable with not knowing." ~Eckhart Tolle
This showed up on my news feed today and like most often, with seemingly perfect timing in seeing a particular message. It was as if the universe knew exactly what I needed to hear and it also has been a recent topic of discussion with others.
To so many, upon hearing the word surrender - defeat is what comes to mind. That we have given up, that we have become powerless, and perhaps that we no longer even have the energy to care.
But this way of defining surrender is only one aspect of the word.
Surrender is ultimately giving way to simply what is and often to what cannot be changed. We have been conditioned to think that we either win or lose. That we are either the victor or the victim. That surrendering is to accept defeat, to accept that we have been conquered.
But conquered by what?
By our own fear? By a circumstance in our life that we wish could be undone?
What if we saw it another way?
What if we saw it as simply releasing our control over something that we really didn't have control over anyway? We can work for our goals, our beliefs and our ideas - and we can work hard. But in the end, we must let go of our attachment to the fruits of our work and let the fruits ripple out as they may.
Surrendering can bring us clarity on where we need to be in life and our true purpose for being here. If we are in an occupation or a relationship and we are met with constant resistance - we may need to surrender into the reality that it is not working. We may need to surrender into making a change.
Surrender, is the intersection between acceptance and change.
We can also understand this idea in a very practical and physical way through our asana practice. Think for a moment of a yoga posture that is very difficult for you or one that seems impossible to obtain. We can practice diligently and mindfully - working to find greater ease or accessibility into the pose, but in the end, try as we might, the posture may still escape us. It is very possible that the given structure of our body, may be a contraindication to the posture. There are some things that are as they are and we cannot change them. Forcing our body to achieve a pose because the mind desires it, will only bring us harm. Our ego may tell us a million things - if only I practiced harder this would change, or if I don't practice this pose it means I am a failure or I have "given up".
But the reality here is that you surrendered into greater wisdom. You surrendered into what is and the knowing that bringing force into your practice will only create harm and injury. You are not defeated. You are wise in your understanding.
In another case, the difficult posture perhaps can be accessed, but it will take time and diligent practice. Here, the practitioner surrenders into patience - understanding that it will require steadiness and a commitment to conscious and consistent practice. The practitioner is then supported by faith - faith in the efficacy of the practice.
Much of life requires faith. Faith is not belief.
"Belief is a preconception about the way reality should be; faith is the willingness to experience the reality as it is; including acceptance of the unknown" ~ Judith Lasater.
Our ego is not comfortable with unknown. We like to know things with absolute certainty - we prefer things to be
guaranteed.
The unknown can be terrifying, which is often why we would rather remain uncomfortably comfortable in what we know, rather than risk making a change. Surrendering into the many moments in our life and trusting that we are right where we need to be to learn what we need to know, requires leaps of faith. Each moment has something to offer and teach us, and it is this that we must ultimately surrender to.
Have faith.
Surrender.
Take the leap.
You might feel fear.
As Erin Hanson wrote,
You might think, "What if I fall?"
but
"oh, my darling, what if you fly?"
Trust.
For you either already have wings, or you will build them on the way down.
With love and light,
Laura McKinnon
www.laurasrainbo.com
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Updates/Changes to Schedule
**We've got lots of workshops and events this month - be sure to check them out!**
- Gemma returns!!! Gemma is back to the Sunday morning restorative class in PG. She will return to her 9:30am Hatha class in June - for May we will have subs (you can check our schedule page for which teachers are filling in, Laura M teaches Sunday, May 7)
-
Laura returns to teaching regularly,
Thursdays 7:30-8:30am 4/20 and
Mondays, 5:45-6:50pm, Seaside Studio
- Carolyn Bluemle is now teaching the Level 2/3 class on Tuesdays in PG, 9:30-11:00am. This is an Iyengar class.
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Kids Yoga is on a temporary break. We are currently working out a plan with another instructor to offer classes during summer and Aungela will return to teaching in the fall.
- Yoga for the Maturing Body & Gentle Beginners on Wednesday mornings in PG, will be subbed by Rebekah - Cathy will most likely return in June
-
4 Week Beginners Yoga Series with Laura begins again in June Mondays, June 5-26, 7:00-8:15pm, Seaside studio
.
-
Insight Meditation & Cultivation of the Heart (2wk Series)
,
Led by Isabel Fleury, Wednesdays,7-9pm, May 17th & 24th
- We say a fond farewell to dunja. We have been so blessed to have her with us and we are sad to see her go - blessings to you dunja until we see you again!
- May is the last month Danielle Wegman teaches with us. She and her family are moving to Nebraska in June. We are super sad to see them go, but we are also excited for their new adventures that lay ahead!
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Journey with the Breath
with Mahendra Briksha
Saturday, May 6th 1-4pm
Pacific Grove Studio
Awakening the power of breath to master resilience.
Some of the factors that makes someone resilient, are
~positive attitudes
~creating coherent field and space
~the ability to regulate breath and hence emotions, and still the mind
This workshop will include various Breath opening movements, Breathing exercise tips and practices, along with a full session of Conscious Connected Breathwork to support awakening, integration, and clarity.
Cost: $35 early reg/$45 day of
Register Here!
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Introduction to Archetypal Astrology
with Isabel Fleury
Friday, May 12th 7:00-8:45pm
Pacific Grove Studio
The astrological chart can be seen
as a description of the way we are likely to process experience and see the world. We can use it as a tool
to bring clarity and to contact
who we
really are in essence therefore supporting wholeness to arise. It offers the opportunity
of becoming more aware of how we tend to relate and react/respond
to the world and reality itself - inner and outer one - therefore fostering
more
awareness of our attitudes and their ripples into the world. In every moment we can choose to respond skillfully to what happens, growing closer and closer to being wiser and healthier... growing closer and closer to being a whole person. This is an avenue open to everybody!
In this class we will take some time to meditate together and to specifically understand more of the Saturn-Neptune complex and how they manifest in the world and in our personal lives. As we have more clarity we can choose practical and helpful ways to bring those principles into our daily
lives being in service of the greater good and this compassionate universe.
Bio: Isabel Fleury is a licensed psychologist and an archetypal astrologer dedicated to the integration of body and mind through Yoga, meditation and awareness practices. In 2007 she came to California to study at Esalen Institute, Big Sur, where she still works and studies with inspirational teachers: Bernie Clark, Sarah Powers, Silvia Boorstein and James Baraz. Her style is greatly influenced by Yin Yoga, Insight Meditation and the Buddhist philosophies and practices.
COST: $30 /Register Here
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The Restorative Sound Experience
with Kristen & Kerensia
Saturday, May 13th 5:00-7:30pm
Seaside Studio
Just in time for Mother's Day,
we're offering you a transcendent reboot.
With the powerful, restorative yoga guidance of Kerensia and the remarkably astounding musicianship of Kristen, come
LET GO
.
Concluding yoga practice, we'll have a connection circle, and give insights.
All are welcome.
Cost:
$30 Early Registration ~ bring a friend for $25 each ~ $35 Day Of
Early registration IS recommended. Space IS limited.
Register Here
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Insight Meditation & the Cultivation of the Heart
May 17th & 24th, 6:45-8:45pm
Pacific Grove Studio
How do you relate to the idea of cultivating the heart on the path of awakening?
This 2-week series will focus on cultivating a quality of loving presence
that embraces our heart, mind and body with kindness and wisdom.
Love is our true nature, but it is often covered over by a protective layer of fear. We will work with heart practices as meditations and contemplations that come from the Buddhist tradition and heart opening asanas to cultivate loving-kindness in order to awaken the heart chakra supporting a more full and radiant presence.
*All Levels of Students Welcome, no experience necessary
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Healing Touch Yoga
with Danielle Wegman & Danielle Rodhouse
Friday, May 19th 7-9pm
Pacific Grove Studio
The Yoga of Connection: experience the healing power of touch and movement
Through their background of yoga, massage, and craniosacral therapy, Danielle Wegman and Danielle Rodhouse combine their expertise to bring Healing Touch Yoga into an extended, hands-on yoga class. Danielle W instructs a warming practice followed by a restorative session, as Danielle R moves around the room throughout the practice integrating touch into the various postures and movements. Warm the body through movement, and receive the benefits of touch and connection in a safe space.
Come experience the power of touch while moving!
All levels welcome.
Props and modifications provided for maximum comfort.
Space is limited to 16 participants.
COST: $30 Early Registration / $50 for two / $35 Day of
Early Registration Recommended
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Establishing a Home Practice
with Laura McKinnon
Monday, May 22nd 7-9pm
Seaside Studio
One of the benefits of having a home practice is the ability to tailor the practice to support the individual need. Establishing a home practice also leads us to discover the teacher within and to develop a more intimate relationship with ourselves.
This workshop is suitable for any student ready to begin a home practice and to support those in strengthening their existing home practice.
We will discuss how to create space in our busy lives to take care of ourselves and how to choose and sequence postures. Included will be various take home sequences to get you started!
$25 early reg/$30 at the door
Register Here!
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Confidence - Courage - Calm
with Kerensia
Sunday, May 28th 1:00-4:00pm
Seaside Studio
-Elevate worthiness
-Address negativity
-Find balance that UPLIFTS
The New Moon at this time regards changes in our love life & finances. Find inner & outer confidence, courage & calm to begin anew in these areas. The attitude adjustment through reflection, stillness & movement to rise & shine instead of rise and decline.
"Our inner perspective creates our outer reality." Learn how to shape and manifest yours.
WEAR comfy yoga clothes >> gently move.
BRING a journal + pen >> explore.
ALL welcome! All levels. All feelings. All bodies.
$27 Early Reg - $30 Day Of
Book Early To Ensure Space
Register Here!
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Creative Abundance
with Kristina Santiago
Saturday, May 27th 1:00-3:00pm
Pacific Grove Studio
Embody Wealth & Wellness
This Yoga for Business workshop is suited to all of us welcoming more wealth, self reliance, and prosperity into our lives. The perfect fit for teachers looking to expand their reach, small business owners, independent contractors, and those of us looking to create new avenues of income.
Find clarity around your calling, your gifts, and the powers already within you. Access and amplify your voice to attract your ideal clients- or general greater abundance.
Invigorating Yoga infused with empowering mantras of self worth. A presentation on Wealth & Wellness, personal discovery, and practical application to your business, day job, or hobby.
A closing restorative practice to meditate and reflect on the days work. Satiate the body, mind, and spirit with Creative Abundance.
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Live Music & Yoga
with Gabriel Harris & Laura McKinnon
Monday, May 29th 6:30-8:00pm
Seaside Studio
Join us for an evening of Live Music & Yoga!
As Laura leads a Hatha Yoga practice, Gabriel blends live music throughout the class. Gabriel draws on rhythms and melodies from around the world to enhance group yoga practice, accentuating the flow of the asanas, alternating between rhythms that give
support during strenuous poses, and subtle and enchanting melodies that encourage an inward journey during restorative poses and periods of relaxation.
This event is open to all levels of practitioners!
About Gabriel:
Percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Harris has been touring internationally
with his mother, famed folk musician Joan Baez, since 2004. His musical roots run
deep, in Africa and other indigenous cultures, and he has a unique talent for building
bridges between musical genres and traditions. Prior to his touring career, Gabriel
founded and directed Rhythm Village, performing and leading African drumming
workshops for countless organizations and communities.
He has performed on stage
with the likes of
The Grateful Dead,
Carlos Santana,
Mickey,
Indigo Girls,
Babatunde Olatunji
, Pete Escovedo's Latin Jazz Ensemble
, and many more.
Gabriel also practices yoga, and his philosophy is that the merging of sound and movement allows for a deepening of awareness and more complete immersion in one's practice. There is
a strong intention of healing and support that is expressed in Gabriel's music.
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4 Week Beginners Yoga Studio
with Laura McKinnon
Mondays, June 5-26 7:00-8:15pm
The practice of yoga can be quite diverse, but the beauty of the practice is that it can be tailored just to you! Through yoga we connect back to ourselves, become aware of how we move our body both on and off the mat, and begin to create a better sense of well being. Whether you are brand new to yoga or been away from the practice and want to brush up on the basics - this series is for you!
Each class will begin with brief meditation and the postures are taught in safe, supportive manner with emphasis on building a strong foundation for the practice, supporting the individual need, and breath awareness. Included will be a take home packet summarizing the series to support practicing at home.
We have yoga mats that you may borrow for class - simply bring yourself and comfortable clothing, we take care of the rest!
Cost: $70 per person
Register Here
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Yoga Retreat
Sierra Hot Springs Resort
with Laura McKinnon & Mahendra Briksha
August 25-27
Mastering Resilience
Resilience is defined as our capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, and challenges.
It is elasticity, a capacity of an object to bring back it into its original shape.
According to Psychologists, some of the factors that makes someone resilient, are
~positive attitudes
~creating coherent field and space
~the ability to regulate breath and hence emotions, and still the mind
~the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback
Journey with us to the beautiful Sierras
MASTERING THE RESILIENCE in your body, heart and mind
Enjoy a weekend of nature, hot springs, yoga asana, meditation, breathwork and deep connection and conversations.
The weekend will offer group practices and self-study, along with healthy meals served by The Philosophy Cafe.
Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and workshop center located at the cusp of an enchanted forest and a beautiful alpine valley.
For centuries, Native Americans have regarded this land
as a sacred healing place.
Now we invite you to discover its incredible powers for yourself.
$375/pp Camping
$425/pp Dorm
$500/pp Shared Double
$550/pp Single
*Early Bird Special*
$50 off the above price when you sign up and pay in full by July 15th
Retreat details will be sent upon registration
Arrival time is between 2-4:30pm on Friday, retreat concludes after lunch on Sunday
Click Here for More Information & Registration
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Yoga Related Resources
If you are seeing this post - stop.
Stop what are you are doing and become still
Pause for three long, smooth, and even breaths in and out through the nose.
In playing the video, let your first exhale come with the first crashing of the wave. Then let the tidal rhythm lead you through the next three breaths.
Bow and smile to the heart
Namaste
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"Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it.
Water does."
~Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad
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