November News

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Happy November Yogis! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this month we are sending out a big "Thank You" to all of our students and our yoga community for continuing to support us! We wouldn't be where we are without you and look forward to continuing to serve and grow with each and every one of you!

Check out the newsletter below for details on upcoming workshops, teacher training, special Thanksgiving Day donation classes, our Small Shop Saturday Sale, and much more!

WORKSHOPS

This workshop is an introduction to the principles of Ayurveda, the world's oldest health system. In this workshop, we will explore how Ayurveda offers a deep understanding of imbalances we may experience and how to address our unique needs for a healthy and vibrant life.

The Ayurvedic healing system is centered on understanding the root cause of illness and disease. The Doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha, express a blend of physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. Based on individual constitution, Ayure da looks at the symptoms that lead to disease and provides a roadmap to reduce or eliminate them to prevent illness. In this workshop you will learn about the ancient Ayurvedic healing system, identify your Dosha and explore how to achieve balance through yoga, diet, aromatherapy, and more.

Herbal tincture blends and essential oil samples will be provided.

Dress comfortably, bring your yoga mat, and a mug for tea.

This workshop is led by, Jamie Garrison, founder of Yoga Shala & Wellness Center and Botanic Sage Herbal Apothecary. Yoga has always been a part of Jamie's life. She recalls as a child being deeply connected to the world around her and as an adult it has become a way of life to maintain that union. Jamie began practicing asana and meditation as a teenager. Over time Jamie's interests have evolved to include aromatherapy, herbalism, Ayurveda, and energy healing through Reiki & crystals. Jamie considers herself to be a humble student of life and it is her passion to share these interests with others, so they too can attain health & balance in life.

30 DAY CHALLENGE!

We are truly blessed with the students that enter our studio doors every day.

Thank you so much to all of you that signed up for our 30-day challenge. Please join us in congratulating everyone who has finished their challenge and help us support and encourage those still on their journey!

The community and vibe that you have created at Happy Dog inspires us to be better!

THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE

Please join us on Thanksgiving day at either the Port Huron or St. Clair studio for a practice to show gratitude for all the good around us. Gentle flowing classes suitable for the whole family.

All other classes are cancelled for the day!

Rhonda will be leading the 9am class in Port Huron and Paul will be leading the 9am class in St. Clair.

These are donation classes with ALL proceeds going to Mid-City Nutrition. Please consider a $10 minimum cash/check donation.

***Class packages do not apply***

SMALL SHOP SATURDAY

Our "Small Shop Saturday Sale" will be held on

Saturday, November 24th!

We hope you can stop by and

say HI over the holiday weekend

and take advantage of our

BIGGEST SALE of the year.

We will have extended hours of 8am - 3pm!

20% off ALL class packages

(with the exception of the 1 year unlimited and 1 year autopay)!

This will be the last sale we have before our class packages increase in 2019!

25% off ALL in-stock merchandise!

MEET OUR TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Meet Rhonda, our featured teacher for October!

1. What got you interested in yoga?

I first started when Kim Nesbitt opened her studio in downtown Port Huron. I instantly fell in love with the practice.

2. How long have you been practicing/teaching?

Practicing for about 15 years and teaching for almost 4 years.

3. What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

Supported Candlestick with a foam roller. There is an immediate sensation of floating and it is restorative not only physically but mentally!

4. What is your least favorite yoga pose?

For sure "Reverse Table" or "Reverse Plank". My shoulders are just not designed to do those poses.

5. What do you love about teaching yoga?

I did not plan on becoming a yoga teacher but life sometimes takes us on unexpected journeys. I have witnessed the transformation and healing this practice can provide. Each student comes to the mat looking for something different and helping them find whatever that might be is truly fulfilling.

6. Any pets or children?

2 daughters, Georgie & Hannah and 3 dogs Morgan, Maggie, and Mia, a rabbit named Easter, and Fred & Killer the fish.

7. What is your favorite food.

Easy...anything Mexican.

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Currently I have Hawaii on my bucket list!

9. What is your long term goal?

To stay active, to be happy & healthy, to explore, and to give back!

10. What hobbies do you have aside from yoga?

My hobbies have been vast over the years: scuba diving, long distance bike riding...but the ones I still consistently do are paddleboarding, boating, snowskiing, and watching my youngest daughter play soccer.

11. What is one thing no one would ever guess about you?

I have a huge fear of being pulled up on stage. At any event where I feel like it might happen I try with all my might to not make eye contact and if I feel too threatened I get up and run to the restroom.

12. What's your favorite song?

Lol any song that is not country :) My playlist is very eclectic from an AC/DC, Janes Addiction genre to Jack Johnson to even some rap music. And of course the Big 80's! If I had to choose one it would be "I Can See Clearly Now"! The late Johnny Needham performed this song on my wedding day 27 years ago as I was walking down the aisle.

13. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only bring 3 things what would they be?

I can't sit still for very long so I would probably bring a knife, something to make fire, and duct tape. Lol I have been visualizing myself on Survivor for many years :)

HAPPY DOG STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Our student of the month is Rachel Kolar!

I started doing private lessons at Happy Dog Yoga Studio in September of 2016. I came here unsure if yoga would help me in my rehabilitation after suffering a traumatic brain injury (tbi) from a car accident. It has ended up being a blessing. The breathing and deep stretching has helped me tremendously in my recovery. Everyone here is accepting and caring, and it is a judge-free atmosphere where the staff focuses on the positives, and I find myself always leaving class feeling happy afterwards. I originally fought with the idea of breath work. I have learned that by integrating my breath with movement, like I do in Yoga, it is very beneficial in my everyday life. Something as simple as shaving my armpits was a real challenge prior. I now use the "Shave the Armpit" pose and move my right arm (which is my weak one) upwardwith my breath. Lol at least that is what we call the pose. The willingness to work with my challenges has made my experience with yoga a positive one and has opened the doors to other new experiences that allow me to have some fun while still being very therapeutic. This summer I was able to kayak with Happy Dog Paddlesports almost every week out on Lake Huron. Yoga, massage, kayaking....I love it here!