Category: From the Blog

Yoga Retreats or Yoga Trainings.   What’s the difference?

Yoga Trainings: Immersed in learning and practicing all the aspects of the 8 limbs of yoga at all different levels for several months on alternating weekends.

Yoga Retreats:  Do whatever we want, all day long, for days at a time with mindfulness and intention through the lens of the yoga philosophy. 

THREE RETREAT POINTS: 

1. HOW TO RETREAT. Many of you have told me that you don’t think you are strong enough or do enough yoga to attend a retreat. But…. These are truly RETREATS. Intentionally designed for Rest, Recharge, Relaxation and Reconnection.

Retreats include a morning all level flow, optional experiences throughout the day and evening relaxation practices. So it’s a very nourishing and recharging experience.

The optional experiences range from napping to ziplining and there’s a good mix of both happening, so you won’t be the only one ziplining your adrenaline, wandering the grounds, enjoying the spa or napping by the pool. (I personally prefer the wandering. Short hikes with great views and swimming).

Spend some time on your own or with the group depending on how you feel each day, but we do have all meals together except two lunches off site if you choose.

2. RETREAT FOOD. Every option is available. Protein packed breakfasts with bacon and eggs as well as tons of fresh, tropical fruits and veggies and gluten free options that are DELICIOUS. So food on the island is not a concern. You can bring/buy/pack any specific foods you want for yourself. (I always pack extra chocolate) ; )

3. DEADLINES. Info Session this Sunday. If you’re on the fence about it… let us connect with you or connect you to those who have attended before? Or come to the free brunch/info session this coming Sunday at 10:30am. At the studio or on zoom.  Just to get more info, the schedule, the transportation tips, meet the others, etc. No pressure.

CLICK BELOW IF YOU WANT TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP FOR THE NEXT 4-6 WEEKS. If not, this is Hui Hou to you! (Until we meet again in the spirit of love, according to Hawaiistar.com)

Mahalo!
: )
Suzanne

p.s. transportation is on your own but depending on how many people travel at the same times we will attempt to coordinate airport transfers.

It’s true, I broke my arm. I’ll spare you the gross photos and just tell you the embarrassing story below.

But first…

Many of you have already reached out with incredibly sweet offers to help me… and of course I am so grateful for all of you.

But there’s only ONE thing I really need help with at this moment.

As most of you know, on September 15 – 18th, we’re hosting our 13 year celebration! Four days of free yoga, fun flows, festivities, food and fellow yogis.

That’s only eight days from now. And I’m not able to get around and promote like I had planned… not able to drive, nor type just yet… (I’m voice memo’ing this into my phone).

So what I would really like your help with is spreading the word, filling those free classes and celebrating with as many of you as possible!

We are so excited for this…. 14 free classes, goodies and giveaways, new fall T-shirts, new mats and $29 intro passes!

If you know anyone that has ever considered, starting a Yoga Practice, this weekend celebration is the perfect time and place.

And if I run out of groceries, I will definitely reach out to you, but in the meantime, if you could share a few posts, post a few flyers, invite your friends and neighbors… your doctor, your teachers, your mailman, your hairdresser… ‍♀️

Basically, please just share the Love

As for my embarrassing adventure… I went rollerskating last Friday night. Yep. My precious teal blue skates, the disco lights, the roller rink tunes… The works.

The rumors are not true, though…  I was not doing jumps or trying to shoot the duck or skate backwards, or do anything fancy.

I was actually just cruising along, breeze in my hair, singing along to apple bottom jeans, and thinking to myself how great it is, that I “still got it” ‍♀️

And then… out of nowhere… splat! On my face, on the concrete, smashed shoulder, paramedics, four hours in the ER, massive bruising, and 6 to 8 weeks in a sling.

Broken humerus.  Real Funny.

For those of you who have been reading my emails for years, you know that I consider myself somewhat clever, witty, dare I say, humorous?

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’ve been given the opportunity to embrace, change and challenge, letting go and finding silver linings by breaking my humerus.

The universe has a sense of humor too.

I would love to tell you about all the ways my breathing practices have helped, ALL the silver linings and the people who got me through this first week.

But I’m definitely over my word limit tonight. Maybe next time.

I hope to see you very soon.

The humorous thing about all of this is that … I really do consider this a ‘Lucky Break’.

Lucky it wasn’t a leg. Lucky it wasn’t my hand. Lucky it wasn’t my head.

Because I can still teach classes….

I will be teaching my regular classes… starting tomorrow…

I just will not be doing any planks, lol.

Much love

Suzanne

LOVE IS TURNING 13!

(SAVE THE DATE: SEPT. 16-18)

Yep, that’s right. We’re a teenager.

And we want to celebrate with YOU!

And because we understand what it’s like to be angsty, moody, hormonal, growing in ways that surprise, delight and annoy us . . . we can relate.

I mean puberty, menopause and manopause are all cut from the same cloth.

You heard me guys, this is for you too.

Because we all have challenging things to get through from disappointments to deaths. Ups and downs. Mountains and molehills.

YOGA has taught ME that everything is always changing and the answer is to pause.

To pause long enough to breathe, relax, wait and observe… and things will change. The path will get clearer.

So the better I get at embracing change… the better.

I wish I had learned this SO much earlier in life.

Which is whyyyyy…. we’re offering free yoga to any teenager, any time, any class!

If you know someone 13-19, let’s show them how to embrace change.

How to roll with the punches, go with the flow, enjoy the ride, keep calm and carry on.

How to PAUSE, use their breath, move their body and patiently observe life changing.

It’s the roller coaster of life analogy…. To be brave on the way up, scream on the way down and enjoy the view in between.

Pausing helps.

Breathing helps.

Moving with Intention helps.

Sleeping well helps.

And knowing that I CAN HANDLE IT… helps the most.

I can handle the ride.

No matter what.

And when this coaster finally comes to a stop… I’ll step off gracefully into the unknown because I can.

Because yoga and life taught me that the ride is never over, It wasn’t even real. it’s just changing. And I’m okay with that.

#therideofyourlife. #happynomatterwhat. #embracingchange #icanhandleit

I love getting together with you all after class on Saturday Morning. Thanks to The Brim for giving us that space! And for you guys for giving me that awesome subject line!

It’s only partially true… I haven’t been arrested. Yet.

I have been trying to find a specific type of dog treat for months. I finally found it and the place won’t sell it to me because of some ridiculous red tape. I half-jokingly asked what they would do if I just ran out of their office with the treats.

And I know it’s ridiculous red tape because after more determined research, I found a place in another state that WILL sell them to me. And it’s all legit!

Why do I go to such great lengths for these treats…. If you have a dog and want to hear that story, let me know. Otherwise just know that I take his health as seriously as I do mine… and yours.

The takeaway here is that I will go to GREAT LENGTHS for something I know matters.  He matters. YOU matter.

And here at Love Yoga… we will go to GREAT LENGTHS for you.

We will create the space, clean the space, build walls, change curtains, remove walls, install new fans. I continue learning myself so I can… train awesome teachers, hire said teachers, add new classes, workshops, retreats and trainings….

Because it matters.

And I want you to have EVERY opportunity to find YOUR practice.

But there might be some myths and misunderstandings about some of the options… so let me clear a few things up regarding our classes:

Myth #1:

Power Yoga is too intense. It’s all about handstands, acrobatics, crazy twisting and overall too hard.

The Truth:

Done right, the original power yoga is steady and gradually challenging so that we teach ourselves to feel stronger, calmer and empowered in any situation. Resilient.

Yes, it is a stronger class and you should have some experience.

But Power is a mindset as much as a physical challenge to us. And we teach it that way.
**(new heated Power class 6:30am M/W. No acrobatics).

Misunderstanding #2:

Gentle yoga is too slow, boring and mostly for beginners.

The Truth:

Done right, Gentle yoga is intended to slow us down and spark introspection so that we feel stronger at every level, calm enough to listen to our intuition and empowered in any situation.

Resilient.

Yes it is a slower roll and maybe that’s the just the kind of challenge you need. …just sayin’

OUR REAL POWER comes from being able to adapt…NO MATTER WHAT.

(worth repeating).

To Choose how we experience our experiences.

Remember, the yoga class is just the guide…

How you live, is the practice.

We’re not just about downdogs ‘round here.

We love everything about yoga… the modern parts and the ridiculously ancient parts as well.

And we would never NOT sell you something you wanted because of a little red tape!

So if you don’t see something you want on the schedule, let us know, we’ll make it happen.

See you on the mats!

Much Love,

Suzanne

p.s. Oh! And how Maui helps is that we’ll let go of all the myths, any frustrations and everything else for a glorious week in February 2024… on Maui.

See our events page for the details!

THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN THE FIRST TIME I HELD A RETREAT:

1. Turkish Spa means everyone gets naked. Together.
2. Some countries charge for public restrooms.
3. Air conditioning is not guaranteed… anywhere.
4. How to sleep… anywhere, anytime, on a dime.
5. ‘Adventure’ means something different to everyone.

I’m working on creating FOUR retreats right now because this is something I feel called to do for the studio, for our community, for me personally.

To create more flow. More opportunities for fun connections, eye opening exploration and unforgettable experiences.

(Which we are also creating here at the studio with our Summer Events Calendar!) Scroll down after clicking.

It’s more complicated than I expected to find just the right venue, at the right time of year, with awesome excursions and fabulous food with options … and that’s available.  That’s why I’m throwing one in the mix that is COMPLETE AND TOTAL RELAXATION.

And just to be clear… I am not the ‘sleep in a hammock, under the stars, wake to the morning screeches of monkeys in the trees’ kind of traveler. I believe our ancestors toiled hard to invent indoor plumbing and I think it’s a little disrespectful not to use it. So all of MY retreats will have at least some level of luxury included. Besides, all you outdoorsy camper types don’t need ME taking you on a trip.

The four options I’m currently gathering info for are:

1. Santa Fe – Exploring the Springs, Shops, Spices and Hikes
2. Maui – Deep Reset, Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation Resort
3. Bordeaux – Charming Chateau with Vineyard and Village Visits
4. Sisters – Finding Flow in the Forest and at Five Pines, staying local, but in the wild

Something spicy, something tropical, something extravagant and something locally delightful.

Vote for your Top Two choices HERE:

Here’s a few pics from our past retreats to France and Hawaii…. PLUS our Summer Events Calendar for right here at LOVE…. So far…

I still have a few tricks up my sleeve for all you Summer Lovin’ Yogis.

And Thank you for stickin’ with us during this season… it literally means the Summer to us.

A balanced journey through the south of France. #love #yoga #loveyogastudios #yogatour

Pre tour adventures with @passagepusher @profdanae @vonda710 @wholisticjourney @imomi3. For more tour photos follow us

NEW CLASSES COMING IN JANUARY!

(PLUS THE NEXT TEACHER TRAINING SESSION)

Friday Nights are coming back! 5:30pm!
Plus a new Sunday evening Karma class.

and possibly a lunch time flow???

2023 is bringing us

MORE TEACHERS, MORE CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

AND WITH ALL THAT COMING…

WE’RE GIVING YOU

ONE LAST CHANCE

TO LOVE 2023

LIKE IT’S 2022!

with…

THE HARMONY PASS

AND A

BRAND NEW

JADE MAT!

YOU HAVE UNTIL

DECEMBER 15TH

TO GET IT. 

HARMONY PASS $99/MO
STUDENTS/VETS 30% OFF
*New rates are already in the system… so get your Harmony Pass while it’s still on the website or email me directly

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION!
YIN/NIDRA/SOUND EXPERIENCE

DEC. 22ND 5:30PM – 7:00PM.
$25 DROP IN OR USE YOUR PASS.
(CELEBRATORY BEVERAGE INCLUDED)

ENJOY THIS DEEPLY RELAXING CLASS WITH SOUNDS OF THE SEASON AND SOUNDS THAT HARMONIZE WITH YOUR ENERGETIC FREQUENCY.
IN OTHER WORDS…YOU’LL FEEL DEEPLY RELAXED, ENERGETICALLY RECHARGED AND OVERALL UNSTOPPABLE!

SOUL COMPASS WORKSHOP
A UNIQUE STRATEGY SESSION WITH YOUR SOUL

DEC. 29TH 6:30PM – 8:00PM.
$25 DROP IN OR USE YOUR PASS.
(COMPASS TEMPLATE PROVIDED)
BRING A NOTEBOOK

TAP IN TO YOUR UNIQUE INSIGHT AND INTUITION VIA MINI MEDITATIONS AND INTROSPECTIVE PROMPTS.

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO CONNECT AND STRATEGIZE WITH YOUR SOUL. 
AND NO BETTER TIME THAN JUST BEFORE THE NEW YEAR TO HELP GUIDE YOU FORWARD.

INTUITION IS USUALLY A WHISPER.
HERE YOU’LL HAVE TIME AND SPACE TO RECEIVE IT.

ADDING A CALM CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE TO EVERDAY LIFE.

8 Limbs Workshop

is the perfect way to enhance your personal practice.

Learn the limbs, the chakras and a few marvelous mantras you can use every day!

It’s also the FIRST STEP toward teacher training.

No committment necessary but the cost can be put toward training if you choose. 

January 28th. 9am-1pm $137

If the Rain has got you down… try this. Upgrade your membership, come to yoga more consistently for a couple months and if you start feeling way too good… you can stop and take a break and I’ll even buy you an umbrella!

Okay, all kidding aside… I know the weather is a concern for many. BUT you know me better than that by now, right? Yes, it’s rainy and overcast and it’s about to get gloomier when we drop the clocks back this weekend. (Someone fix THAT unneccessary catastrophe, PLEASE!). Science proves that it’s definitely not good for our Biology. Which is part of the reason so many people struggle with winter.

HOLD ON, cause I’m about to irritate a few of you. How do I know this? Because I already did it to a couple of my close friends by saying this exact thing earlier in the week. I said….’If I hear ONE MORE person complain about the weather…… … oops 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️. But seriously….

THE RAIN SHOULD NOT TAKE THE WIND OUT OF YOUR SAILS. THE COLD AIR SHOULD NOT FREEZE YOUR OARS AND WINTER IS JUST ANOTHER WAVE IN THE WORLD THAT SHOULD NOT SINK YOUR BOAT!

We HAVE to keep rowing. Row, coast, row, coast. row… coast… That’s life.

And we can STILL go outside. Is it as pleasureable as July? Maybe not for everyone. I DO understand that. Vitamin D makes a HUGE difference and if you don’t believe that than I probably can’t help you. And if you need some, I definitely CAN help you.

BUT I am about to go even further – 1000% POLLYANNA  – because I DO know what it’s like to feel sunk. Down, depressed, afraid, worried, sick… trust me I used to be the queen of worry and anxiety. But after the most recent perfect storm of death, panDemic and despair over the last few years… I could care less about the weather. I’m just super f’in happy to be outside with my pup, upright, uplifting and breathing clean air.

And it’s 1000% because I LOOK for those little annoyingly optimistic things that I can attest to the power of ….. (not positive thinking)… ha! You thought you knew where I was going with that.  Nope.

I can attest to the power of FORWARD MOTION. KEEP GOING. BUNDLE UP…(Beanies have been ordered!). FIND YOUR FLOW.

WELCOME THE WEATHER, WHATEVER THE WEATHER AND LET’S WEATHER THE STORM TOGETHER.

(Pro tip: I also watch for the sunbreaks that happen when the Weather app is wrong and I immediately make the most of those).

Seriously though, if I can do it, so can you. I’ve seen hundreds of people over the years pull themselves out of a funk* and go on to love every bit of their lives. You know how….? Yes… You do.

YOGA.(you totally saw that coming).

Here are some fun oppportunities to weather the weather together.
Gah… I’m gonna be saying that a LOT this season. Look out Grinch! I’m comin’ for ya : )

Upcoming workshops:  Asana Alignment, Chakra Talk, Love Strong Hikes. Sign in to Walla or Join the FB Group for more details and any updates.

Much Love and Spontaneous Sun Breaks to you all!

: )

Suzanne

*If you have something more than a weather funk, please know that I am not making light of more serious conditions. I’m simply trying to remind my family and friends, that they CAN walk in the rain and it WILL make them feel better. And whatever else is going on… it at the very least, can’t hurt to try it.

ps. apologies to my friends. I love you and yes I’ll go to Palm Springs with you in January to alleviate the gloom. Please get me a window seat. 😉🤣