December 2020
Holiday Message from ICY
John and I can’t believe it was a year ago that we prepared for the last holiday message; this has been quite a year with no other like it in history – for many reasons!

We feel incredibly blessed to come to the end of 2020 - another profound year of growth, learning, discovery, and awakening. Every day at ICY John and I hear so many of you sharing your paths, your challenges, your heartbreaks, your dreams, and your growth through your yoga practice. It is humbling to see how each of you courageously brings the philosophical teachings from your daily spiritual practice (Sādhana) into your own lives, where the true teachings have the most sincere and authentic energy.

Our practice at ICY in 2020 has been a powerful place of stable refuge, as well as a soft place to land where grace is the only gift we want or need. Our practice has been our shelter; to bring us gifts of quietness and stillness to breathe our way back to our own unique way of being. We have committed ourselves to choose the light, even in times this year where the dark, anxiety-riddled oppression has suffocated and overwhelmed – a reminder that the light is never too far away, if we allow ourselves the patience to sit still long enough to recognize the peace within. 

For us, to be teachers and owners at ICY is both a gift and a great privilege. We are honored that you choose, every day, to share this path of Yoga with us, and allow us into your humble hearts when connection to your family, friends, and community is needed most. How we gather every day, whether in person or in spirit, from the morning to the night, and give these ancient teachings the wind beneath the wings longing for expansion and flight. For us, life is challenging enough with the teachings, and almost unbearable without. The seeds of these ancient teachings reach out to find us just like the strong roots of the redwood trees; not down, but out and towards one another in search of connection and sacred gathering (Satsaṅg) once more, particularly at this time of year.

Invite this festive season to be a time of sharing your unique light in love, connection, and gratitude with your family and friends – whether that be your birth family, your chosen family, or your spiritual family, trust in the presence of love that surrounds you now and always.

We look forward to sharing another blessed year of Yoga and life with you all in 2021. 

Sending you love, light, and joy,
Jeanne & John
Celebrating Peace and Selfless Service (Seva)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says that “to increase your joy, you must share joy with others. Giving is essential for spiritual growth. A willingness to share what you have and to help others is called seva.”
Christmas
December 24- Sunday, 27
Classes resume Monday, December 28th


New Year's Day
Classes resume on Saturday, January 2nd
Starts January 2021
REGISTER NOW!
Space in limited!
THE INFORMED YOGI
STAY HEALTHY
Start a Habit of Salting 2 Times a Week and Feel the Difference!

Salt Therapy at ICY
So how does it work? Well, the scientific community isn't really sure. There are a lot of theories on the how, from the tiny salt particles being inhaled killing off microorganisms in the lungs to reducing inflammation and decreasing mucus, or a mixture of these hypothesis.
Dr. Norman Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association, suggests that potentially, it could be more than just a placebo effect. Most people with obstructive lung disease such as asthma or COPD cough sputum (a thick mixture of saliva and mucus), and trying to bring it up can be distressing. (Think about the last time you had bronchitis, for instance.) Dr. Edelman suggests that it's possible that salt therapy offers relief to these symptoms.
"When fine salt particles are inhaled, they will fall on the airway linings and draw water into the airway, thinning the mucus and making it easier to raise, thus making people feel better," said Dr. Edelman. "Also, these environments are allergen-free and thus good for people with allergies affecting their lungs."
Ginger Molasses Cookies

Try these wonderful cookies recommended by Jeremy Rock Smith, the executive chef at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.

Ingredients
  • 5 ounces butter (or vegan alternative)
  • 1 cup sucanat (unrefined cane sugar)
  • 2/3 cup molasses
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 egg (or egg replacement)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
First, cream the butter and sucanat in a mixer, then add the molasses. Add all of the dry ingredients, then add the eggs and water. With an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not press down. Bake for roughly 19 minutes.
Grand Canyon & Sedona
In November, John and Jeanne spent magical days and dreamy nights in Sedona, AZ. Not only did they hike the major energy centers in Sedona, they hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on South Kaibab Trail ( 6.8 miles) stayed overnight in Phantom Ranch, and hiked the Bright Angel Trail up (9.3 miles). It is said that about 1 percent hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. We recommend it to everyone!