This month, we are reflecting on the GIFTS OF YOGA . I can’t imagine what my life would be like without Yoga. My practice has allowed me to grow into myself, learn how to understand my mind, and has led me to connect more deeply with my spiritual life. Yoga has introduced me to new things I didn’t know my body could do, new people who would become my good friends and yoga family, and to new far off places I never thought I would go, like India. My practice has gifted me teachers who provide guidance and light the way to understand Truth. I feel so blessed. 

Last weekend, my teacher Raghunath led Bhakti infused workshops and a Kirtan at the studio. He gifted us with a lecture on the 6 Pillars of Bhakti Yoga. These principles are really the basic foundation for our Yoga practice and for our everyday lives. Without these, it doesn’t matter how fancy your poses are or how well you balance upside-down on your hands. 


6 Pillars of Bhakti Yoga:

I will not criticize
I am tolerant
I take no offense
I am quick to apologize when I offend
I am grateful & I keep a tally of my blessings
As we move deeper into this holiday season and into 2019, let us reflect on these pillars and how we can apply them to our lives, on and off the mat. These practices give us some direction and guidance when our chitta vrittis are taking us off course. Like Raghunath said, they are like our “GPS for life." You can start now… who are three people in your life that you appreciate? What are their good qualities? What makes you feel grateful & blessed? Share your answers with a friend or catch me at the studio. Hope to see you soon. 

In service,
Ashley 

Photo by Handerson Gomes
Here's our schedule of candlelight classes, holiday practices, and more!
THIS WEEKEND
w/ Angelina Petrarca

FRIDAY, December 14th 2018
6:30-7:30 p.m.

by donation // pay what you wish
w/ Mary Anne Buvens

SUNDAY, December 16th 2018
5:30-7 p.m.

regular class pricing
UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY, January 4th 2019

Free Community Yoga Class, 6:30-8 p.m.
Open House w/ Refreshments, 8-10 p.m.

Join us for a fun and thoughtful celebration of the beautiful practice of yoga with the BYSYC Community! Together, we will welcome the New Year with awareness and intention. BYSYC instructors will team teach a complimentary yoga class to say "thank you" to existing students and "welcome" to new students. We'll end the evening with a party!

pre-registration required
w/ Kristen Kolenda

SATURDAY, January 5th 2019
5-6:30 p.m.

Unwind after the holidays with Restorative Yoga and Hot Stones. Enjoy the soothing warmth of hot stones placed on your body while you relax into supported restorative yoga postures.

Cost: $30

***Class size limited to 8 people***
w/ Stefanie Zito

SUNDAY, January 6th 2019
2-4:30 p.m.

Greet the New Year with strength! Explore classical asana shapes in a new and dynamic way. Adding resistance bands to your yoga practice is a perfect way to strengthen your entire range of motion. Students will receive resistance bands to take home as part of the workshop.

Cost: $50 (includes bands to take home)
w/ Brooke Smokelin

SATURDAY, January 12th 2019
2-4:30 p.m.

Come to the Root Chakra Activation LEVEL 1 and gain the yoga "tools" – postures, breathing techniques, sounds, visualizations, meditations, affirmations – to nourish and strengthen All-You-Are.

Dates for other 2019 Chakra Activation Workshops at BYSYC:

Root Chakra Saturday, 1/12 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Sacral Chakra: Saturday, 2/2 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Navel Chakra: Sunday, 3/3 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Heart Chakra: Sunday, 4/7 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Throat Chakra: Sunday, 5/5 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Third Eye Chakra: Sunday, 6/2 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Crown Chakra: Sunday, 7/28 from 2-4:30 p.m.

These LEVEL 1 workshops are open to yoga students of ALL LEVELS, even those brand new to yoga, as well as massage therapists, healers, counselors, and other people interested in gaining an experiential understanding of the yogic chakra system.

****18 CEUs are available for registered Yoga Teachers through Yoga Alliance if you complete the entire Level 1 Chakra Activation Series.

Cost: $50 Each (Sign up for all seven workshops for $315)