“Suzanne, Just Calm Down”…..    That actually is the worst thing my ex ever said to me.

He’s truly a gem… but that pissed me off every time.

If I had a nickel for every time someone said this to me in my 20s when I was struggling with anxiety…. I’d be wealthy enough to be living my dream, touring with Sting and writing songs about single mums.

In a way, they were right. But the harsh reality was that I didn’t know HOW to relax.

And they didn’t know HOW either.

I have since spent my entire adult life studying HOW to RELAX. And then how to help others RELAX. (I hope we’ve helped you).

I’ll tell you how, plain and simple: breathe slower, only through your nose. It will become your more natural state of being.

You will become calmer.

I have 100 other fun tips and techniques that support this.. because that’s how many I had to test to figure this out. (see a few below).

Simple? Yes. Easy? Not so much.

Simply because Life happens and we forget.

IT. TAKES. PRACTICE.

Being stressed raises excess cortisol and causes other reactions, which contribute to inflammation and illness.

So lowering them… aka calming down and relaxing…. decreases it.

This is why Doctors recommend Yoga. 

Because the combination of moving, breathing and being still… LOWERS STRESS, your reactions and their complications.

One of YOU recently told us you lowered your blood pressure while IN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE by slowing down your breath.

Another told us that you lowered your cholesterol by 40 mg/dl.

Someone else told me they already sleep better after just a few weeks of practicing.

We know it works. (And we know some people who really need it. )

So, instead of suggesting they, ‘just calm down’… try the 4 helpful tips below to get them into a calmer state without them even realizing that you’re ‘yoga’ing them’. ‍♀️

FOUR TIPS FOR CALM:

1. Have them Look at something very far away and soften their gaze. (A soft focus is a direct signal to relax your nervous system. Like gazing at a sunset, a far away tree, the landscape, etc. The trick is to soften the gaze).

2. Don’t tell them to take a deep breath. Instead ask them to breathe OUT as slow and as long as they can. It will make the next inhale naturally deeper and easier. (Slower exhaling also relaxes your nevous system).

3. And if they’re not already in a frenzy, have them hold their breath for a few seconds at a time. Maybe you’ve heard of box breathing? Use any length: 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds… whatever works best.  (Box breathing:  4 second inhale, 4 second hold, 4 second exhale, 4 second hold. Repeat twice).

If they are already in a frenzy, have them breathe into a paper bag. You can google that, it works.

4. Last one… if you’re trying to calm yourself down… or talk yourself through anything… Use your own name. Say… “Suzanne, Slow down your exhale”. Because research shows that your subconscious responds best when someone uses your name. And it will probably piss you off less coming from yourself.

This is a Work in Progress. Isn’t everything? Well, it’s better than just a pile of mats… but THIS is the Mat your Must See…. YOURS!

Because we’re revamping the mat room this weekend and I can’t wait to show off the new storage. Neater, cleaner, cooler, roomier, easier…. you’re gonna love it!  (Thanks John!)

I can sense that your enthusiasm for this isn’t quite as high as mine… but to me… everything about the studio is ALWAYS… a work in progress. The schedule, the events, the flow, the design, the vibe….

I love rearranging. I love change. I love freshening the place up! ‘Freshening’? … is that the right word? Refreshing?….

Anyway… this is just a quick warning shot… more change is coming and it’s ALL GOOD!

That’s why we practice, so we can embrace change, light up our brains without setting our nervous systems on fire and enjoy every step of the way.

So keep practicing consistently! You know that’s how it works best.

And btw, You not only contribute to your own wellbeing when you practice with Love… you are contributing to the well being of this entire community… by helping us provide free TEEN Yoga, sharing yoga at the schools, offering free passes to new yogis and creating a calm community that also loves to embrace change.

THANK YOU! FOR SHARING THE LOVE.

What’s coming this Summer? Outdoor Yoga, Qi Gong workshops, Summer Solstice Celebration, More Booch, More Gong sessions, New Mats for the new mat room and more!

Embracing change with Love,
: )
Suzanne

I’ve tried to write one email a week for the past 14 years. That’s 728 -ish emails! That’s a LOT of subject lines!

I’d rather spend my time naming the colors of crayons, cars or paint chips. I mean, whoever came up with ‘mauvelous’ was just brilliant.

So LoveNote #729 (this one) is all about Yoga Training. Teacher Training. Personal Training. Meditation Training. Whichever you want. They’re all included!

If you have EVER considered it, THIS is my heartfelt invitation for you to ask yourself… what’s stopping you?

And at the very least, I recommend reading through just to see what you’re missing

(The relaxation kit, icebreakers and yoga jeopardy game alone are worth it!).

But beyond that, you’d be sharing this doctor recommended, scientifically and medically proven, healing practice with the world… or a neighbor. How helpful is that!

Here’s the practical pitch….

LoveStrong Yoga Training
is a powerfully transformative journey.

(quoted from many teachers and participants)

Are you ready to elevate your mind, body, energy and spirit?

Are you ready for lifelong transformation?

Are you wanting 2024 (or anything else) to feel different?

Are you up for the challenge?

Yes, It’s challenging to try something new.

It’s challenging to do something out of the norm.

But YOU CAN do it.

Because you know challenge makes you stronger, braver, more confident and more YOU.

Our Training simplifies the 8 limbs of yoga so that you can easily infuse them into your own personal day or into classes if you choose to teach. (That’s optional).

The Training is worth it… to Everyone.

To Teach, or Not to Teach? That is the only question.

In this training, you will focus on YOU.

You’ll explore how you breathe, how you express yourself, how you find flow in your life and in your brain. You’ll learn postures, history and traditions.

You’ll hear lots of stories, You’ll tap into your own insights and intuition. And you’ll leave this training with a profoundly deeper sense of who you are and how you feel.

You will rediscover balance, create a more holistic lifestyle, ignite your passion for this practice.

This is your time… for a journey that expands your mind, body, heart and soul.

You will receive expert guidance and encouragement from myself and our teachers.  Love Yoga is a fully accredited yoga school with Yoga Alliance at the highest level of certification. And our experienced instructors skillfully blend tradition with modern research, ensuring you receive a positive and practical experience.

You will step into a future where wellness, wisdom (and a little bit of woo woo) bring us all together.

I strive to make every step along the way… entertaining, educational and engaging. Because It’s not all ancient texts and anatomy over here. We know… when it’s fun, it lasts. A lifetime.

Remember…. every one of us started off hesitant, uncertain and inexperienced.
But look at us now! ; )

Click Below to send any questions.

Click below that to see the dates, details, costs & application

Start with the 8 Limbs Workshop on Feb. 4th

It’s a MUST see before any training.

Ice, Ice, Baby….

Aloha Yogis! Today is your lucky day!

Because in Just a few more hours (24) this winter ice storm will be history!

Hang in there!

I know you’re home…

(I probably even know where you live. Nothing creepy about that… lol)

So, while you’re waiting it out, here’s a lucky little 20 minute flow with Charlie and I because we care about keeping you moving! Even when we can’t get to the studio.

**Remember we also have lots of other videos, meditations and tutorials in our Video Library, if you have a pass:  https://loveyogastudios.com/video-on-demand

THIS class is mostly sun salutations to get your energy moving and your blood pumping. Because all kinds of magic happens when our energy is flowing!

Feel free to take it up a notch if you know how… or just take your time and keep flowing and breathing deeper.

Moving is the key.

Just keep moving.

(Sue G:  there’s even a little something in there for your hamstrings, you can do this one too : ). Gently! )

Do this as many times as you can until we can get back to the studio and back on the mats! And don’t forget….

NASAL breathing!

Nasal

Always

Slow

And

Light

Much Love,

Suzanne

MY MOM has been practicing yoga for 16 years.

And if it weren’t for her Love for me and Belief in me… none of us would be here reading this email right now.

But her Love of Yoga is what’s really impressive.

Because she STARTED… when she was 64!

She grew up in the 50s, got married, raised a family, got divorced, went to work and retired at 62.

So it’s not like she was a health nut her whole life. She was busy raising three kids and figuring out her own life. Making meatloaf, volunteering, taking us to swimming lessons and then later, working, dating and eventually remarrying, traveling and Yoga’ing.

I tell you all this not to disclose my Mom’s personal history…. but to show that it’s never too late to benefit from a yoga practice. NEVER.

She credits her excellent health to this practice. It keeps her strong, calm & healthy. (She’ll probably kill me for sayin this… but…  ‘she’s regular, takes no meds and walks everyday… but she is…‍♀️ and does).

Now that I think about it… she already had a lot of ‘yogi qualities’ in her.

She believes that things will usually work themselves out and she doesn’t let little things get to her.

She’s also often said, “When it’s your time, it’s your time”. So she’s not staying up at night worrying about her age. And like her Mom before her, she says, ‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”. Classic Yogi staying in the present moment : ).

She just has this calming sense of peace about her.

So with this email I hope to inspire you with my Mom’s and my yoga practice.

I’ve talked before about how this practice saved me from a life of anxiety and fear.

But for my Mom, it was different.

It saved her from the ‘aging painfully’ and instead has given her the strength and confidence to ‘age gracefully’. (as noted by her elegant half moon pose in yesterday’s class!).

And still for others, perhaps you, it gives them energy, a sense of community, peace of mind, or flexibility.

We hope you find something here that gives you strength, peace and health.

I hope you see what a badass she is and make this practice a priority in your own life.

I hope you wish her a happy 80th birthday if you get the chance. : )

Much Love,

Suzanne

That’s right…

I don’t wear sunscreen, I won’t eat farmed fish, and I don’t give out New Year’s advice.

You don’t need me giving you my two cents because my two cents are weird by standard comparisons.

At one time, Yoga was a weird health tip that only hippies and swamis recommended.

But Yoga has led me to fascinating modern day innovators in the health world and I am obsessed with the latest research. (Energy work, MCT oils, Breathwork, Red light therapy, hypnotherapy, ,

I often joke that I am not a doctor even though I play one in real life. Just ask my family. ‍♀️

I do think I have figured out my own life pretty well…  It’s only taken me 55 years. I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t found this practice and then found my way into teaching.

It definitely made me stronger, braver and calmer.

For those of you that are new here… I struggled with severe anxiety in my 20s, discovered yoga, got super healthy and eliminated anxiety completely by 30. I opened Love Yoga in my 40s.

I’ve taught thousands of people, trained hundreds of teachers and hosted retreats in France and Hawaii.

So you can see why I’m passionate about introducing yoga to everyone. It literally saved/changed/improved my life.

Our teachers all have similar stories. Yoga gave them something powerful. Helped them, healed them, connected them. And they are also passionate about sharing it.

Because we know it helps everything.

So we invite you to introduce someone to this life changing practice at our Open House this weekend.

Its our gift to you… to Share the gift of Love when you share this email. Invite a friend. Bring a family member.

Create an experience you can either look back on and laugh… or with appreciation.

Either way… we’ll be here encouraging everyone to keep moving and breathe deeper. Because that’s the best advice we could ever give.

That’s my two cents.

Much Love,

Suzanne

Can you hear your inner voice?

Mine loves profanity. Oh wait that might be my outer voice ‍♀️

Let’s talk about the Soul Compass Workshop next Sunday.

Because I will take you on a Journey to your Soul.

I know that sounds a little dramatic… but going within and listening to your soul… is a powerful experience!

You will learn a lot about yourself.

You’ll be able to hear your inner voice more clearly.

You’ll learn when to listen to it and when to shut it down.

It can be confusing at first.

But with a little guidance, a little stillness and a few strategically placed questions… you can tap into your unique inner wisdom.

You’ll uncover how to light up your own path, follow your heart, go with your gut, trust your self.

I’m going to go out a bit further on this limb and say that THIS is your compass, the personal manual we wish we’d been given at birth.

A trail map to your soul.

(And if you’re a bit skeptical about communicating with your soul… let me assure you… first you’re already doing it… find out how. And second, you’ll see it’s actually quite practical. At the very least you’ll walk away with a heart felt enthusiasm for 2024 and a fabulous lunch. )

Workshop includes the morning class at 9:30am.

What the flood is going on? I know… it’s a lot of rain right now. Hang in there.

(Scroll down for the Upcoming Season Events and our 2024 Fresh Start Challenge!)

If you’re reading this I’ll assume you’re familiar with the PNW and probably know someone that struggles with the winter gloom.

I know the cure. (Humor me?)

Do more things you Love.

Wait… Hear me out!

I know… it’s toooooo cliche.

But have you ever really made the effort to actually DO more things that make you feel good? Things you enjoy? Or even things that just feel satisfying?

We live in a world of ‘Big talk and little action’ especially with an entire internet full of ‘shoulds and platitudes’.

So I think it’s a fair question.

Do you actually do it??

Do you find the things that you enjoy, regardless of where you live or the weather… and do more of THOSE things?

Even if there aren’t very many… make yourself a list and you might be surprised at how many you find.

Ahem…. I’ll go first…..

Yoga /Hot yoga

Swimming

Walking in the rain

Movies

Indoor climbing

Mall walking ‍♀️lol.

Paint the inside of the house

Claen out the garage… just me?

Perhaps Traveling

Volunteering

Quick road trips

High tide photographs

Snowshoeing

Winter s’mores (solo stove fans anyone?)

Live music – preferrably disco-ish

Rollerskating… wait, no, scratch that 

Or listen to any music

Jump rope  – new hobby

Catch up on sleep!

But try yoga first…

Seriously… here’s why?

FLOW STATES.

Yoga helps you get into a state of flow which quiets your inner critic (the voice that constantly tells you, you could do better) and increases creativity…making everything more interesting.

So after yoga is a great time to make your winter activities list! 

You’ll be more curious, more creative, more wildly optimistic and have more fun.

Start with the Winter Solstice or The Soul Compass Workshop.

It’s your chance to gather, get out of the rain and focus on welcoming brighter days.

Now that’s something to look forward to!

I shared my list… send me something from yours? Please? If you send me something back, it tells me you read the email, thought about it, thought of something you love and will be more likely to do it. THAT is something I LOVE.

May your days be merry and bright!

Listen… I’ve had my share of Grinchy holidays and as some of you know… we’ve spent the last few years together… UNGrinching. And I think it’s working!

The holidays are loaded with complexities.

Whether you LOVE shopping, decorating and you jingle all the way to January 1st.

Or you’re missing someone you love, your families are split and there’s pressure to have plans and show up.

Well… this year, I’m jingling my way to January 1st with the best of them.

(Side note: I will never decorate the studio because I want that space to remain uncluttered and free of any distractions or deterrants to focusing on the practice). 

But I feel more peaceful and joyful heading into the holidays than ever.

Why? How? Well first… everything about life is better without my arm in a sling. So there’s that.

But then someone asked me if there was anything I did like about the holidays.

And there is! So I made a list.

I realized that I made a similar list just after my Dad passed. A list of all the things I could remember about him that made me happy. That list instantly changed me. It softened the grief and actually brought me genuine joy when I thought of him.

So I made a list of all the things I DO like about the holidays… and it changed me. I actually felt joyful when I focused on those things.

What were they?

The Sparkle. Not the Griswold-esque neighborhood lights.. but the delicate, shimmering, tiny lights in the windows of elegant gift shops.

The Songs. Holiday music is the ultimate in sing alongs. You might tire of it in the stores… but I love it in my home with the fireplace roaring, the dog snoring and me crooning Winter Wonderland. It’s cozy. And yes, I know it’s not 1948.

The Snowmen. I think snowmen and polar bears are adorable… and you see more of them now then any other time of the year.

Hmmm… focusing on things that bring me joy, make me smile and feel good.

Sounds like a good practice. How can I do more of that? Read on…

Now, I’m not saying I spend 100% of time in delusional holiday joy. Especially when I know others who are currently going through excruciating times.

Of course some stuff gets to me. Challenging things happen.

Of course I’ve cried myself to sleep with a box of snow covered oreos and a few vodka shots. (okay that was only the 2018 holidays).

But for the most part, I’ve gotten pretty good at talking myself into a better state of mind. At Uplifting myself. I look for silver linings and disco tunes… constantly.

We all have things that can bring us out of a funk… if we remember how our minds work.

So we created this year’s holiday challenge as a way to share what uplifts us and hopefully help uplift each other. I mean… what’s the alternative? More vodka?

So here’s our December challenge…. #30daysofjoy.

Do ONE thing every day. That’s it!

Feel free to use our ideas or your own. Consider sharing yours in our private FB Group or email them to us so we can share them. Or tell us in the studio.

You never know who YOU might inspire.