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
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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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)
Do you see color? Actual images? Darkness? Stars? Did you know that not everyone can see color or images? However, with a little practice, relaxation and imagination through Guided Meditation, images and insight start to take shape. What arises from this kind of contemplation, is NOT an insight or instruction from me or anyone else.
What arises is a feeling, a sense, an image, a message from the deepest parts of your heart and soul. That’s your own inner wisdom.
You don’t need more people telling you how to eat or what to do with your life. Sure, maybe some people can help along the way. Maybe they can share nutritional/business/nature/parenting related techniques that worked for them.
But when you get an insight from deep inside, an idea that lights you up, nobody needs to tell you that it’s right. For you. You just gotta go inside and listen.
How will you know? You’ll feel it. You’ll get that undeniable feeling that something just blew your mind, melted your heart, lit up your brain or set your soul on fire. Dramatic? Sure. But it’s your life we’re talking about here.
One of my first mind blowing epiphanies birthed a little project we call LoveStrong Adventures. The name and idea came to me simultaneously in a guided meditation. It all fell into place from there.
This practice has captivated me. I almost always come out of these sessions with something incredibly useful. I’m not saying I get a cure, or a million dollar idea or a perfect life from this. I get something better… Clarity.
If you’ve had experiences you’re willing to share in these Thursday night sessions, please let me know. I’m genuinely curious and fascinated and it helps me in creating future sessions.
Tonight’s session is designed to
release 2019 and embrace 2020.
MAGICAL WISHES!
A very successful business leader suggested I close my eyes and imagine for a moment that I have a magic wand and can instantly and easily have whatever I’d like. Just one thing at a time, but I can do this every week. You try it. Take a breath, close your eyes, relax and imagine… you have a magic wand. What’s your wish?
The idea behind the wish of course is focus. Which brings me back to our vision. Your Reticular Activation System searches for the things you focus on. Your wishes. And when you’re brain is on the lookout it often finds what it’s looking for. Sooo…. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. Your mind will find it.
Talk to me… really. Tell me what you wished for.
Tell me about your experience with the Guided Meditation class so far.
Email me: love@loveyogstudios.com
p.p.s. Teacher Training 2020 is full so we’ve opened up two spots and a wait list. Let me know as soon as possible if you are interested. We have started a little bit of prep work but won’t begin the live training til January.
“Breathe then, as if breathing for the first time, as if remembering with what difficulty you came into the world, what strength it took to make that first impossible in-breath, into a cry to be heard by the world”. … Author, David Whyte
I’ve been to many trainings for alignment, anatomy, sequencing, joint mobility, spirituality, breathing, business management, meditation, writing, philosophy, and more. This weekend, it was poetry. The Courage in Poetry and Promises with David Whyte. But everything I do is ultimately about yoga. Even Poetry. (side note: I wrote my first poem in the 5th grade… it was about Halloween). More on that another time.
So, I spent the weekend listening to David talk about courage and connection as he reminded us of that beautiful ‘first impossible in-breath that is a cry to be heard by the world’. It’s the very first thing you ever do, how could it not be the most important. #breathingmatters
Poetry and Physiology are intricately connected in that words affect everything about us from the way we talk to ourselves to the way we hear others speak. Powerful phrases ignite a chemical/emotional reaction within ourselves and others. (when you hear things like, ‘You’re overreacting, or I Love You’.) Feel the difference? We use words that matter in yoga also. (when you hear things like, ‘You got this, or Be kind to yourself, or Thank you for being here). #wordsmatter
(Which by the way, I’m thinking of replacing ‘Namaste’ with ‘I love you’ at the end of classes… don’t make it awkward ; )
A Poet draws words out of the stillness and into the heart. A Yogi draws stillness out of the heart and into the mind. One word at a time. One exhale at a time. #WordsMatter. #BreathingMatters.
It matters HOW we breathe and WHAT we say to ourselves and others. Because together, words and breathing can change us.
Start with these three concepts:
1. Mostly Breathe through your nose (google nasal breathing, or The Oxygen Advantage) 2. Breathe deeply and Exhale fully…. when it occurs to you. (The relaxation response) 3. Write and Speak mostly to create optimism, your words have power. (Optimism is soothing for your nervous system)
“We are all a sun-lit moment come from a long darkness, what moves us always comes from what is hidden, what seems to be said so suddenly has lived in the body for a long, long time.”
So we move and breathe to release what’s hidden.
As moving as it was… I’m also now a bit of a Groupie. David spoke to me twice and signed my book. First, when he signed it, he said I must be a friend of Leonard Cohen. (He has a song called Suzanne). The second time, it was to tell me I was heading through the wrong door… into breakfast with the homeless instead of his talk. So it’s official. I’m a fan.
Here’s what we’re doing this week at Love:
This Wednesday, 12/18, Power Yoga Flow and Trivia for Tee Shirts! 6pm. This Saturday, 12/21, LoveStrong hike to Fitton Green. Leaving Love at 10:15. As always, we’ll caravan, carpool or meet you there! This Sunday 12/22, Solar Express Solstice Celebration. 10 seats left on this trip. We’ll have a gentle flow, a guided meditation, a new year intention, truffles, treats and drinks. It’s a celebration of the coming season, longer days and brighter light. RSVP here to get your ticket!
See you on the mats!
I really do Love everything about this place and all of you.
If you’re new here… you can catch up here by reading our past emails to find out more about why we started ‘UnGrinching with Love’.
If you’re not new, scroll on for upcoming events like our ThanksLoving Day Flow on the 28th, The Solar Express* our Winter Solstice celebration in December and our New Year’s Day hiking excursion!
We all have our own opinions about the holidays, what they stand for and what we believe. I think they’re stressful, I think they used to stand for compassionate gatherings and I believe the symbols of the holidays get a bad ‘wrap’. (get it?). Remember a time when Fridays weren’t Black?
Don’t get me wrong. Our UnGrinching efforts are definitely working. I’m actually starting to think that celebrating everything might be a good idea. (Thanks Dad. Thanks Bev ; ). I now sing along every time I hear ‘Jingle Bell Rock’. But I just want this season to be less stressful and more meaningful. Doesn’t everyone?
So, we’ve got to get our Santa Brains on board The Solar Express* instead of The Polar Express. We can celebrate the season, the light (solar) and still engage our children… instead of bouncing back and forth (polar) from store to store.
Here’s How:
We all have 4 major types of Brain Waves: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. (Does it bother anyone else that they didn’t alphabetize these in the order they happen).
Anyway it goes like this: Beta: active attention, alert, awake and takin care of business. Alpha: relaxation with awareness, calm, cool and collected. Theta: deep relaxation, on the cusp of consciousness. Delta: sleeping or unconscious, out like a light.
And if you think about the amount of time you spend in each… we are very BETA dominant. That’s unbalanced.
What does this have to do with Santa’s Brain? We want to be in an Alpha state of mind more often. Or more imaginatively, a Santa state of mind. 3 reasons:
First, when you’re in Alpha and Theta frequencies, (like when you’re about to drift off to sleep, or just waking up), you’re more Open Minded. You have less resistance to anything because you’re not actively trying to analyze, fix or act on anything. You’re relaxed. You could actually dream, believe and imagine – in this state.
Secondly, Biofeedback shows that it’s in these two brain states that we produce sudden states of clarity, ideas and images that seemingly appear out of nowhere. This is your mind at play without you in the way. You Feel Smarter and Better about everything.
And Finally, third, we know these states last long after you get there. So if you feel relaxed and better about your state of mind, things bother you less. Including traffic, rain, holiday jingles, brainwave alphabetization and your neighborhood’s garishly Griswold-ish decorations.
HOW do we get into those states here at Love? Yoga. Breathing. Meditation. Every. Single. Time. Tonight 5:30pm Gentle and 7pm Yin.
Now Back to actual Santa, the Gnomes and what this means here at the studio?
Why does an entire planet perpetuate the traditional belief in a legendary saintly figure of jolly gift giving? Well the history is varied and traditions modified for political and religious reasons along the way. But I venture to say, it’s our relaxed and open Santa Brains that keep the fairytale alive. (See below for the slightly disturbing account of Saint Nick**).
Me? I’m not so attached to celebrating Santa.. but the Gnomes? Those guys are something I can get on board with. They’re funny. They’re defined as tiny, mystical spirits that sometimes mischeviously guard the treasures of the earth. Maybe those treasures are the children? Maybe it’s water or gold? Maybe it’s our hearts and the spirit of the season, or Santa, or Christmas or whatever YOU celebrate.
Whatever it is… here at Love… we won’t innundate you with a specific tradition that excludes anyone. So … you guessed it.. The Gnomes are coming!
Much Love and
Seasons Greetings to you all!
: )
Suzanne
p.s. Tap into your Santa Brain waves tonight at 5:30pm. Gentle yoga & Yoga Nidra Meditation with me. Or check out our newest Yin Class with Christina at 7pm.
**Here’s one account of the evolution of Santa from National Geographic. It started with Saint Nick. No, really, an actual Bishop, Saint Nick. Who was known for protecting children and encouraging them to practice good behavior.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
-Thanksgiving Day 9:30am Flow – no evening classes -Nov. 29th LoveStrong Hike – stay tuned for snow update!
-December 22nd. The Solar Express Winter Solstice Evening -Christmas Eve 9:30am Flow – no evening classes
-Christmas Day – No classes
-New Year’s Eve 9:30am Flow – no evening classes
-New Year’s Day 9:30am Flow & a local LoveStrong Hike
Meet our newest teacher Evan Johnson, Husband, Father of two, Combat Infantry Veteran, Brown Belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, Certified Yoga Teacher.
This is not your Mother’s yoga teacher from the 60s. (But he has been my Mother’s yoga teacher for the past few Fridays! ; )
I have two great uncles that were on the USS Arizona. Their pictures and letters clearly portrayed two handsome, lively, optmistic, brave young men. (Pictured here with three sisters). Respecting the sacrifice has never been my concern.
Yet I’m a little torn every year about what to do at the studio on Veteran’s Day. There are national organizations highlighting Veteran Yoga programs everywhere and especially at this time of year. But when I think about the life of a Veteran, I feel completely inadequate just offering a discount on a yoga class in November. But we do that too.
(We’ve actually always offered Veteran discounts all year long since we opened but I haven’t done a very good job of making that very well known). Plus I never really expected a Veteran to take my word for it that yoga would be helpful. Until now.
Evan arrived with a little insight on all of the above. So I asked for his advice, and he agrees. Yoga works. Breathing better is crucial. Having a dedicated place to concentrate is helpful. Everyday. All year long. Not just November 11th.
And in fact, while holding a special class this month might pique one’s interest… it isn’t an accurate experience of how yoga truly helps. One class could be a game changer. IF it’s a great experience. But it takes a few classes to really get started, a few weeks to notice a significant difference and a few months to understand it. To really get it.
Breathing and moving with a focus on relaxing has been proven to literally change your mind, your body and retrain your nervous system. If you haven’t tried it, you’re just prolonging the inevitable relief that’s possible.
You’d think all this would be leading up to a fabulous class on Veteran’s day with Evan.
But it’s not.
We are open tomorrow for all our regularly scheduled classes.
In fact, I just this minute remembered that I’m subbing the Gentle class tomorrow night! lol.
What I’m leading up to is this:
Evan is here for you. If you or someone you know is a veteran who’s interested or has questions. Feel free to contact us and we’ll connect you, or you can contact him directly below. He’s also willing to give tours of the studio, explain the terminology, demonstrate a few postures and breathing techniques so that someone could feel the benefits immediately. We want to offer continuous introductory classes, customized practices, ongoing education and genuine encouragement from someone who’s been there.
Veteran Intro Sessions: No obligations. No commitments. No pressure. Just Info, a tour and a chance to consider if yoga might be helpful for you. He currently teaches a basics class on Fridays at 9:30am. If you’d like to contact him directly, email: yogiwarfighter@gmail.com or follow him on IG: evan.l.j
Or, contact us at love@loveyogastudios.com and we’ll connect you.
Let us know how we can help,
: )
Suzanne
p.s.
Veteran’s Day Schedule:
Basics with Erin 9:30am
Gentle with Suz 5:30pm
Strong Flow with Erin 7:00pm
Here’s a quick update on the UnGrinching, my sabbatical and what’s coming next!
If you’re new here… Welcome to Love!
We usually send out emails more often with lots of useful and entertaining info around how not to torture yourself . . . and to practice taking really good care of yourself instead. But as some of you know, I’ve been on a sabbatical this month. Trying to do just that! (Which means less emails).
And it looks as if it’s been all unicorns and rainbows, right? Well at least all forest bathing and wave watching. It hasn’t. But it’s been eye opening to say the least. But before I get in to any of that…. here’s a quick update on the UnGrinching and what happens next!
SO, WHO’S BEEN THE UNGRINCHIEST WHILE I’VE BEEN AWAY?
It’s almost time to tally up the hearts on your Grinch Cards and find out! And in case you missed out… there’s still time! You might not get the MOST stamps, but you still might win one of the LOVESTRONG swag bags! (I’ve been shopping ; )
So GET YOUR GRINCH ON and get in here! You can create that amazing deep sense of calm and clarity that your mind and body are craving! Winners announced on Oct. 31st!
After that, we’ll be introducing more fun Holiday Shenanigans that help us all to connect, practice and feel amazing all year long… not just after the kids are back in school and the holidays are over! Lol… this year… I intend to enjoy every single day of the holiday season. And for those of you that know me… or experience that struggle yourself… you’ll get it.
I’m still not going to participate in offering candy to strange and creepy children that knock at the darkness in my neighborhood. I’m still not going to shop frantically shoving knick knacks into sacks for savings on Black Friday. And I’m not going to freak out over every piece of holiday gourmet that crosses my path over the coming season. Because the wreath cookies my mom makes are the best things to ever happen to December. E V E R. (Plus, there will be more of Yats’s Truffles).
What I WILL be doing . . . . is Walking more. Sleeping better. And Practicing. Practicing all the smart and soulful things I’ve learned through yoga and meditation and creating new and wonderful LOVESTRONG experiences for all of us to enjoy together.
Be back soon!
: )
Much Love,
Suzanne
p.s. Oh! I almost forgot. The new list of LOVESTRONG Hikes is coming up this week. We’re thinking Koosah, Horserock, Alsea and more! Remember… these are not endurance challenges. They are our way of getting outside without torturing ourselves! If I can do it. You can do it. Seriously. Talk to me about these if you’re at all curious. And watch your email in the next two days for the list so you can save the dates!
1st stop. Cross fit is no joke! (Pics below). Last weekend I went to a BREATHING clinic… at a crossfit gym in Los Angeles. I didn’t realize we’d be doing all the cross fit things throughout the day.
(*Before I get into that… remember the UnGrinching starts today and in order to win the $100 REI Gift card and other cool swag on Halloween … you gotta get your Grinch Card. Scroll down!)
As this was the first time I’d ever been in a crossfit gym… my body feels like it was there for a week! Rowing machines, kettlebells, jump ropes? Pull up bars, boxes and burpees, oh my! Oh and yea, we did a little breathing in between reps. (FYI: The birth of competitive kettleball lifting is dated to 1885, with the founding of the Russian “Circle for Amateur Athletics”. I’m definitely an amateur, but also proud to say I held my own!).
So the breathing clinic was absolutely scientific validation for everything we’ve been teaching at Love about the importance of breathing.
Exhaling matters.
Relaxation Heals.
Consistent Practice Delivers Results
What Results? Less stress, less tension, more balance, more clarity, better circulation, better recovery, lower bp and the list goes on.
These are significantly powerful, noticeable and scientifically measurable results in your entire system.
All from Breathing!
I’ll be back soon with an all new LoveStrong Breathing Clinic just for you. (No Crossfit needed). Because I want everyone to feel the incredible difference between autonomic breathing for every day survival… and conscious intentional breathing for thriving in every moment.
2nd Stop. Relaxation
I headed to a Restorative yoga class with Phoebe at Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica. As expected… it was complete and total relaxation to the sounds of some traditional kirtan and the Beatles LOVE Revolution. Perfect.
3rd Stop. The Crystals
Then I wrapped it all up with a 9pm New Moon Meditation at Unplug Meditation Studio with Heather. I left with crystals, candles and mind blowing clarity that sparked the sweetest, conversations around the meaning of meditation. Which reminded me of the Soul Compass meditation we started with at the beginning of this year. I’ll be back with more on that too!
So back to: UNGRINCHING WITH LOVE. It starts today! (10/1 – 10/31) To UnGrinch the holidays a bit… lessen the stress and jazz up the joy… we’re adding classes and contests to connect, encourage and uplift each other as much as possible! All ya gotta do is get your Grinch card stamped each time you come to class and you’ll be entered to win that many times. More if you catch a teacher in your class! We hope you enjoy this as much as we plan to!
Much Love,
: )
Suzanne
p.s. I didn’t get any pics of me with the kettleballs but trust me… 45 burpees with kettleball runs while holding your breath is not attractive! But here’s a few to prove I was there. (And yes, that’s me laying on the crossfit floor… ew. The things I do for you).
