I’ve been trying to find video formats that allow us to share more of our classes… and in the search, I’ve found some other cool apps. Here’s one that I’ll refine so that next time I don’t cut off Hanawalt’s head. But I still love it. I love these people. We wouldn’t be here without them…..
See, I wanted to work for myself. I was 22. Living in Seattle. So I got a job selling Rainbow Carpet cleaners. A $1500 RAINBOW vacuum with Eucalyptus oil – before oils were all the rage. It left the whole house smelling like a brand new bottle of Vick’s vapor rub. Clean!
Upon arriving at someone’s home to demonstrate (clean their carpet), I handed them their bonus gift: a set of steak knives. The first house I went to, I accidentally backed into their fence while trying to park. They didn’t buy. But 3 days later was the real eye opener.
I was sent to a house about 8 miles out of town on a long dirt road. At 6pm. In the fall. Not quite dark, but eerie enough. I hesitantly approached the door of a battered modular home with the sound of guard dogs inside. (probably poodles). The large dude that opened the door had a bushy beard, a leather vest and a bright and shiny hook for a left hand. I politely handed him his bonus gift…. and then calmly walked back to my car to ‘get the Rainbow’ and instead, got in my car and drove away. I resigned that night. It was not for me. And I knew it before that night.
Why do I tell you this, other than it’s a good story of my naievete. It’s a good story about going with my gut. It’s also a good example me trying new things and things not working out. He could have been a perfect gentlemen. He could have been a nightmare. I had a gut feeling it was neither and not worth the risk for me to be there alone at night.
But I also knew in my heart… the Eucalyptus Rainbow was not my future. After that I sold Discovery Toys, Advertising in animated maps, Pampered Chef, insurance, mortgages, siding and newspaper advertising.
I wanted to run a business. I still do.
I’m still going to. I’m not afraid or naieve.
I know what it takes and I have it.
And if you’re struggling with the current state of affairs….
I want you to remember one thing.
You have it too.
You have what it takes to go with your gut. You have what it takes to get through things. To create new things. Or to change things. Maybe what you currently have is falling apart and you can’t imagine how it’s going to work out? I felt like that for the first few weeks too and then I remembered the acorn’s fate.
So there you have it. Wise words from Suzanne during C19.
At first I was a little concerned that this email would sound pompous… boldly stating that I have what it takes. But the truth is I’ve spent most of my time in quarantine reading things that inspire me because I need it! I’m over here by myself talking to my tomato plants and reading biographies of survivors! (Ernest Shackleton is now my hero!)
I know some people don’t want to feel pressured to ‘accomplish big things’ during quarantine. But I DO want to accomplish big things. And I’m proud of the way I keep myself inspired. We could be losing everything we’ve worked for the past 10 years at Love. I’ve applied and got zero funding. This is my only gig. So I know it’s scary and complicated for everyone.
That’s why I had to do inspiring things for myself. I planted a mini garden. I fixed my garage door. I learned to change a bike tire and then broke the chain. I Marie Kondo’d my house… again. I practice yoga and meditation every single day. I’ve mowed my lawn more times than I have in 10 years. Edged, weeded and pruned. I’ve walked 204 miles almost every day and improved my sleep considerably! (that was suppose to say 2-4 miles but when I saw the typo, I thought that was funnier).
Coincidentally, I also binge watched The Heart Doctor on AcornTV. ??
I also launched our online studio and became an audio/video expert with the help of our amazing teachers. We rearranged the studio and put most of our stuff in storage to make way for the new regulations for re-opening. (more on that later).
It’s not easy. But the alternative… scotch and oreos… doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried that technique before.
So I hope you do some things too. I hope nobody comes out of 8 weeks of quarantine and says, I drank a shit ton of vodka and made the most of my Netflix account. If you did, then you’re probably not reading my emails anyway but if you are… stop it!
STUDIO UPDATE: We are re-opening. We are just waiting to hear from the state what our new regulations will be. We are getting prepared with what we know is probable and we will accomodate anything new. We are making the studio as clean, comfy and welcoming as we can so that you’ll feel safe and excited to reconnect with Love.
Stay tuned… we have more on the horizon for later this week.
Here’s a new video for you – a little clip of our latest online videos
and a
Guided Meditation to help with relaxation.
Much Love,
: )
Suzanne
But sometimes that’s where some of the most challenging things, turn into the most humorous things.
Seriously though, It’s ABSURD how many times I’ll redo a 13 second video. Ridiculous actually. I know a lot of you are like, ‘whatever, it doesn’t matter, don’t be vain, just send it’. I’m not vain. I just don’t want to look stupid. Or blotchy or bitchy. It’s fine line, LOL. You are probably the same people who’ve used the hashtag #wokeuplikethis (Huge eye roll). I teach yoga. Filming is not my forte.
However, I have managed to figure out which is my good side, how much powder helps and how to avoid the ‘chins’ look.
So now….. we’re officially ONLINE.
Available now. Technically, Everywhere.
#LoveisEverywhere #StayhomewithLove
With full yoga classes, short classes and guided meditations. Everything you need to stay fit, remain calm and forge new paths in the world! (too much?)
(Side Note about the blooper reel: You can’t put videos in emails, or I would have strung all these together and left it here for your entertainment. But I want to get all the teachers in there first. ; ) Maybe next time).
In the meantime, I’d like to ask for your help… PLEASE don’t let my new found Tech Skills go to waste. If you or someone you know would like to try yoga in the comfort of your own home… in your pajamas? Now’s your chance. Nobody’s watching you!
Plus, when you get an online pass for our Virtual Studio and our Live Facebook Group videos, you are making a positive contribution to the entire community. This is how we’re keeping it all together, keeping us all connected and making sure that we can practice together again soon.
And if you’d like to GIFT a pass to someone on the front lines or someone out of work, just let us know, we’d be happy to share the love and split the cost. Let us know how we can help.
Message me directly with any questions: love@loveyogastudios.com
Much Love and Appreciation,
: )
Suzanne
HOW IT WORKS:
We have two online portals: (Yes, I’m Judy Jetson now)
1. A Facebook Group where we shoot LIVE classes every morning.
2. Love’s Virtual Studio in Namastream (Video/Audio library/workshop + shorter classes + bonuses)
TO GET IN:
1. If you currently have a full studio membership or an online pass, we already sent you your email with your private link. Email me if you didn’t see it.
2. If you currently have an intro pass, or an 8 or 16 class pass, we will pause it until we return to the studio. You can purchase our ‘one month’ online membership HERE. Your receipt will contain links to join the FB Group and Virtual Studio.
3. If you don’t currently have a pass in the system, you can purchase a new one here.
When purchasing, in MindBodyOnline, Your receipt will contain links to join the FB Group and Virtual Studio.
4. If you or someone you know is new to yoga in general, now is also a great time to try out our Introduction to Yoga class in the comfort of your own home! Email me if you’d like to GIFT an online pass to someone.
Your links to the Facebook Group and Virtual Studio will be in your receipt.
When you click through to Namastream:
It looks different from ipad, to iphone, to laptop. So if you have any tech trouble, first try switching devices
ReConnect…with us, with each other and with your self in this 4 part series, online, for a deeper version of the Soul Compass workshop. (12 person limit).
Four One Hour live group sessions via Zoom
Sunday Nights 8pm in April
$20/ea. $80 total.
Bring quiet, comfortable space, journal, pen, eye cover, open mind.
We will connect together once a week starting April 5th, to move forward iin life with encouragement, creativity, peace of mind, open hearts and clarity.
Purchase HERE in MindBody. Your link will be in your receipt to Connect via Namastream.
Much Love to you All,
: )
Suzanne
I feel guilty because I fully understand the extreme privilege of being a white girl in North Albany, fighting to keep a yoga studio open, while people all over the world are fighting to breathe. The irony does not escape me.
I also know from my practice, that where I focus my energy and attention is what matters most. I can spiral down the rabbit hole of CNN or I can set my sights on the ball and swing for the fences.
So I practice and teach for my self, our team and all of you in the stands cheering us on and supporting each other! It’s like this is our 7th inning stretch.
Being human however, it feels like we’ve been ‘left on base’, these past few weeks. And as many of you are likely doing… especially my small business owner friends… I’m also staring up at the stars wondering what’s happening and where we go from here. (Well, except for those of you watching tiger king. I can’t. even. )
I’ll tell you where we go from here… Online. (The Big Leagues)
But I’ve been Grappling with the tech world… and I’m super tech savvy. I had my own poetry blog before blogging was cool. Seriously like 12 years ago. But this A/V stuff has driven me bat sh#% crazy (too soon?)
TEACHING ONLINE.
As some of you know we’ve been teaching our usual lineup online, daily at 9:30am via FB Live. We will continue with this but we have also created an online video library with over 12 classes so far, two guided meditations and a Soul Compass workshop coming soon! This way you can watch the replay and do double headers anytime you like!
(barring any tech trouble, launching it tomorrow)
I am incredibly grateful that going online is even an option for Love Yoga. Among the many other things I am also extremely grateful for: like everyone staying inside, having a backyard, my family, my friends, our teachers, my phone, my sleep, not needing deodorant! And so much more. I remind myself of all these things every single day.
It’s been extra innings of emotions for many of us. It took me almost the full two weeks since we closed to really find my balance. And I realized that I didn’t come THIS far, to only come this far. And If I’m goin’ out, I’m goin’ out swinging. But luckily you’re in no danger. ; )
Cause, you know… 6 feet………
All this to say…. The guilt has driven me to up my game, the grasping gave me new tech skills and the Gratitude once again highlights all the blessings I might have been taking for granted. (Hugging anyone?)
I may not like the game but this is what I practice for. The base hits, the pop fly’s, the ground balls, the bunts…
The practice prepares you for the game. I have what it takes to get through this. And so do you.
BREATHE.
Link to our Online Studio coming tomorrow. Thank you for being here… just… Thank YOU. Much Love to you all,
Suzanne
p.s. Tomorrow night’s email will be just links and directions for all our pass options, including your current pass and what we’re doing for you with those.
For now, it’s two weeks. We hope. It could be longer depending on how the next couple weeks unfold. But closing and knowing for sure that we aren’t exposing anyone to anything, feels right.
If you just recently bought a pass with us… we will honor this and reactivate you once we get back into the studio.
Nobody will lose their classes and no pass will expire.
As a human, I’m not too worried. I know the risks and I like my odds. As a business owner, however, this is scary. My back up plan was to be a rapper. #spittinrhymes ; ) But concerts are out too, so that will have to wait.
HERE’S OUR ONLINE PLAN:
1. Use your current pass for online classes – see how below
2. Buy a new online trial pass for $48 for online classes – see how below
3. Join the private Facebook group for Live streaming classes
4. Use our Video library once we get them online (coming soon).
I’m going live tomorrow at 9:30am in the new Love Yoga Members Facebook Group
HOW:
1. If you have a current Love Yoga class pass or membership, you can join the group and have access to live classes and recordings. Go to the FB Group here to request access.
2. If you don’t have a pass, you can get an online pass / membership pass for $48 here on MindBodyOnline. (Discount applies at checkout). Once you have your pass, go to the FB Group to request access.
(Our regular monthly passes are $88 and $99/mo, so this is half off for March and April if you don’t have a current pass).
3. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can create one for free to join this group and delete it when all this is over. (see more on this below).
4. I’m still working on getting a video library up for you for now and future use.
NOTES:
I know some of you don’t want a facebook account and here’s what I want you to realize. I, 100% guarantee that I don’t want to be on a live video – more than you don’t want to be on Facebook. But this is the sacrifice I’m willing to make. You can always delete it later! ; )
This FB group will include all our Love Yogi friends, teachers and teachers in training. So you’ll have access to everyone all at once. I think it will be a fun place to connect us all. You can ask Yats for the truffle recipe. You can ask Evan for personal training tips. You’ll get audio versions of my guided meditation class. And we’ll post short video sequences you can use on your own.
This could be a really cool online space. I’m now wondering why we haven’t done this before……
And To be completely honest… right this minute, tonight, it feels very heavy and very empty to do this. All my studio owner friends around the world are closing too. I feel worse for them because many of them don’t have… YOU. Our LoveStrong peeps.
So many of you have written, messaged, texted and called to offer support and encouragement.
IT. MEANS. THE. WORLD. TO. ME.
You all asked how you could help…. this is it. Please Join the FB Group and join us for online classes.
I know by tomorrow morning at 9:30am with my sunny disposition and a half hour of rapping beforehand… I’m gonna be out of this funk and back in the groove. I hope you’re there too!
Love you all,
: )
Suzanne.
No this is not Leif Garret from Seventeen Magazine 40 years ago. It’s ME. Approximately age 12 I think. How well did I know myself then? I knew I loved to take pictures, tell jokes, write poems, read and ride bikes. I loved tostadas but wouldn’t eat pizza, cake or chinese food. I had a parakeet named Buddy and a unicycle. Neither of those lasted all that long. After our grandma and our dog died, I used to wonder if the entire universe was a game and it was constructed to see if I could play it right. I know… deep. But now I’m starting to think I was on to something. Maybe more on that later.
But how well do I know myself NOW? And you? These are some sample questions we contemplate in the guided meditation class. (tonight 5:30pm). But also questions I’ve encountered over the years of self discovery that led me to where I am today. Yoga’ing with all of you! : )
Here’s your quiz:
1. What is fun/enjoyable/satisfying for you?
2. Why are you here?
3. What pisses you off? (limit 3)
4. When do you feel most at peace in your heart?
5. What makes you smile immediately.
6. If everyone you know was doing what they wanted to do in life, what would you be doing? (and what small steps can you take in that direction?)
I enjoy driving, I’m here to try new things, excuses piss me off, even my own. I’m at peace when I practice. Completely. The ocean makes me smile immediately as long as I’m not in it. And number 6. I answer that different every time.
On a more serious note . . .
Today, around the world, we’re collectively asking ourselves, should we leave the house, go to work, go to school, go to yoga? Should we share space, share meals, shake hands… or worse… HUG! ; ) What’s happening around us? Who’s closing, cancelling or rescheduling? Should we still order from Amazon, go out to eat or go to the store?
As a small business in a local community, I feel strongly that our risk here at the studio is low but of course we are taking extra precautions. Extra cleanings, limited props and limiting class capacity in order to provide you a 3 foot personal bubble. I say personal bubble because we usually joke about those being luxurious.
We truly want you to have somewhere safe to practice and connect, so that you don’t isolate yourself from this big, beautiful, mostly safe, world.
And so you know… We have ALWAYS disinfected the studio on a regular basis. (not just the floors. The towels, the mats, the door handles, the bathrooms, the hallway, the front desk and more). We do it even more now so that it makes you more comfortable here.
You can help by keeping your body and mind relaxed and healthy… and wiping down anything you use. You could also bring your own mat, wear your socks and skip using the props for a while.
We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and sound… and help you find the peace of mind that will keep you that way. IF you do happen to feel under the weather… please continue to practice on your own at home. IF you’d like us to send you some sequences, videos or guided meditations to help, let us know. We’re here for you.
I’ll leave you with this contemplation about any confusing situation.
Ask yourself, when and where do I feel the most at peace in my heart?
Go there. Feel into that deeply and you’ll have your own answers.
Leif Garret circa 1980
We appreciate all of you so very much!
We are currently planning our next few hikes and our workshops for the next few months!
Next Workshops:
March 3rd. Yoga/Breathing for Anxiety with Suzanne 3/10 @ 7pm
March 21st. Crow Workshop with Erin Yatsui 3/21 @ 11am
Next LoveStrong Hikes:
Subject to change due to weather or better options.
Get the latest updates through our email list or the FB Group: LoveStrong Adventures
March 22nd to Shellburg Falls. Leaving the studio at 8am.
April 12th HorseRock Trail
May 31st Blue Pool
CURRENT WEEKLY SCHEDULE
I didn’t really understand about lockouts until yesterday.
One of our teachers in training, Justine, recently told me that they had a lockout…? lockdown? At her elementary school. You know, where they lock down the school to lock out any danger. I didn’t realize we had those here.
What she realized after it was over was that it didn’t impact her as much as it did the first time she experienced it.
I know, it’s desensitization. Do the thing you fear enough and it will be less frightening. But SHE has the where-with-all to recognize this.
Do our kids? Mine does.
Because he’s been listening to me blather on for years about things like:
Breathe slower. Let it go.
Stand up for yourself.
Try Meditation. Get more Sleep.
Clothes IN the laundry basket
Drink more water.
Answer me when I text you. Even a simple emoji will do!
Figure out what you Love/do more of that.
If you need me. Call.
This is why when he dislocated his shoulder at 17 on Mt. Hood… the paramedics said he was ‘one tough kid’. He, himself, thanked me when he got home… for teaching him to breathe. I love to tell that story in more dramatic fashion. Brings tears to my eyes every time. But today it’s not about him. It’s about our collective response to stress.
Do you know what your response is? Do you let it out? Tamp it down? Act like it didn’t happen? Cry your eyes out? Freak out and exaggerate? What’s your style? I almost swallowed a bug the other night and realized my response isn’t always on point!
But, do you know what your child’s response is?
And most of all, do you know what it does to their nervous system when it goes unaddressed? For years? Yep. Anxiety. Depression. Chaos. Illness.
Aaannnnddd… the antidote?
Breathing. Moving. Talking. Connecting.
Which brings… you guessed it: Calm. Courage. Clarity, Compassion.
Wherever your stress comes from, it has a plan. To help you survive.
And whether it’s a huge loss or a simple disappointment, Our practice helps.
It is a proven antidote for stress.
We practice until what we practice, becomes the ‘Norm’. ; )
Would you like your stress response to be more like Justine’s? She’s practiced enough lockouts that now she doesn’t react. She responds calmly and clearly – which is the response we need more of.
The way we respond matters to those around us. Another local example: One of our guests told me yesterday that when she comes to yoga, it gives her the strength and clarity to do what she does for our community. She feeds it. She grows farm fresh food for all of us. So ‘Practicing’ actually nourishes our community. How sweet is that?! That also brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Cynthia for the thoughtful encouragement.
Soooo…..
** If you want to practice… hit reply and tell me what’s holding you back.
Maybe I can help, no pressure, I promise.
** If you want to come to our next Yoga/Anxiety talk in March and find out how exactly we can help… hit reply and ask.
Don’t let stress wear you down. It’s actually designed to save you. If you let it.
Much Love,
: )
Suzanne
p.s.
Private sessions are available by appointment in person, workshops at your school, work or other space, plus guided meditations via zoom/phone. And my Group class is on Thursday nights at 5:30pm. The easiest way to eliminate anxiety is to learn cell-deep relaxation. Get good at it through practice. Hit reply to get more info.
==============================================
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WHY ARE WE DOING THIS CHALLENGE?
Valentine gifts aside… if the whole world is focusing on Love this month, we wanted to participate in a way that encourages us all to feel amazing. So mostly, we just want YOU to feel good. Better, actually. Better than you ever have in your entire life.
Yes, I’m being slightly dramatic. But the truth is… I do feel better than I ever have in my entire life. And it’s not because my life is easy*... it’s because I take better care of myself than ever before. And I’m not talking about just eating, exercise and meditation, although those are key.
I’m talking about making time for ourselves, doing enjoyable things on a regular basis that make you feel good about yourself, for yourself, just because. Plus there are great gifts involved. win/win/win.
BUT . . .
I’m not here to tell you what you SHOULD do. I just have some ideas you might enjoy. Things to help us all remember to do more of those things we enjoy, with the people we enjoy, just because. And when you get right down to it… if you take good care of your self… you’ll be strong enough to be there for others when it matters most.
You’ve heard the saying… ‘don’t set yourself on fire just to keep someone else warm?‘. It’s easy to do when we lose track of ourselves. Here’s a few ways to stay on track, take care of ourselves, Share the Love with others and win super cool gifts. (Did I mention the great gifts? There’s a night at the Inn at Nye Beach in our grand prize gift basket!)
*side note: My life is actually kinda easy. Because I don’t have toddlers at home! The other day I babysat a sick toddler for a friend and by sick I don’t mean super dope and cool…although she is… I mean tired, feverish and snotty. She sneezed directly on me numerous times and those of you who know me…. know I don’t think that’s funny. ; ) So after a few hours, on my way home I realized… yes my life IS easy, compared to that! My son is 26… he might be more expensive now but not nearly as exhausting ; )
How to play/participate/win?
1. Come to Class = get a stamp!
2. Practices from the post card = get a stamp!
3. Share free class passes for the drawing!
(Be sure to write your name in the white space on the free class cards – see below. When they come back, you’ll be entered for more chances to win!)
Win Truffles! Win Eye Pillows! Win the Gift Basket!
BONUS GIFT!
If you can’t make it to yoga often enough for a membership, you can still treat yourself this month!
Buy an 8 or 16 class pass and get soothing, custom, hand crafted eye pillow! These come in especially handy during restorative, yin, gentle yoga and meditation. *(Only avilable with the 8 cp or 16 cp)