Welcome to my first monthly newsletter. Now that my book has been out in the world for over a year, I finally can feel and acknowledge the shift to calling myself an author and writer, and own it. That feels good. It is now time to engage with the You – the beautiful people who have come to my website to sign up for *something* and, instead of spam, you have received silence for a long period of time! Or you have come to my Tuesday Gentle Yoga class during the last few years. Or maybe we connected through Yoga in Schools. My goal is to send you a monthly email that lets you know what I’ve been up to, what projects I am working on, and how to engage or connect with me should you want to add me to your list of trusted healers in order to help move your own journey forward. I would be honored.
Each month you can expect to hear specifics about how you can begin your own healing path through connecting to my work in some way. You’ll hear about what I am up to, what is inspiring me and keeping me going, or how I have found rest in the midst of challenging times. I’ll keep you up to date on what I’m working on and some of the process of how I do what I do. I will include a practice for you to try each month. I’d also love to hear from you - what are the practices that help you stay grounded during this season?
If you have been to my house/home studio you may remember that I have the words of an ancient Chinese proverb, The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step stenciled on my steps. I see these words and take them in daily.
Today, my single step is to send you this email newsletter with my love and hope that you will move (and breathe) one more step on your journey to flourishing.
Thanks for reading.
Pause for Practice
What I’ve been up to
I love to travel. The pandemic has slowed me down a lot, and that is a good thing. So far this year, I have made mostly short trips to see family here in the US. I do not enjoy being on a plane like I used to. However, I am grateful that air travel is still possible. I took a long road trip to Florida in January. I actually like the solitude of driving; time to be alone with my thoughts. Or sometimes I’ll enjoy an audio book. My husband, Doug, flew to meet me at St. Pete’s Beach where I was working and taking a class for a week. Florida in January is so lovely even when it’s a little chilly.
I decided to spread my wings and apply to teach yoga at the
Chautauqua Institute (Western New York) for Weeks 1 and 2 of their 9-week summer season. I was able to offer the class lakeside, outdoors each morning. If you’ve never been to the Chautauqua Institute (it’s free on Sundays), it’s like summer camp for adults. I realized that, between writing a book and living through the pandemic, I had not experienced much art and culture in person in the last two-plus years. There has been a lot of artistic output and not much input. Chautauqua was the perfect remedy. I liked the informality of walking or riding my bike over to the amphitheater in my shorts and sandals and getting great seats for world class violinists, symphonies, ballet, rock, blues, acoustic artists of many musical genres and even fine art exhibits. Although I am not Jewish, I attended an outdoor Shabbat service with a good friend. The ancient prayers moved me and connected me to the deep roots of my own faith. The daily lectures from well-known people in their fields and best-selling authors also were a plus. In fact, it was heavenly. There was something about not having to get in the car, fight the traffic, find parking, etc. that made me appreciate Chautauqua as my one-stop summer shop for all things art and culture. What fills your tank and how can you get a top up?
Last week I stayed at a Benedictine monastery in Indiana for a week. For 21 years - meeting every other year - I have met with a small group of Catholics and Protestant Christians who practice yoga. It has been a significant part of my spiritual formation. This group also has a blog and a website that you can check out here. I am also a guest blogger. I feel full and grateful!
Current Projects
I am wrapping up my first yoga card deck project. It is currently being edited at PESI (my publisher). It contains most of the practices in my book but in a very abbreviated version that can be used anywhere anytime. Each practice has an image of a real person! I smile broadly every time I look at the images of the beautiful people who volunteered their time for this project. By now, you may realize how important accessibility and inclusivity are to me. The volunteer models embody what words alone cannot say. I look forward to sharing more with you in the future. Right now, we are hoping for a Spring launch. Stay tuned.
A Poem
The Tree and Me
How to Engage or Connect
Group Class: Tuesdays 8-9 AM ET Zoom Gentle Yoga Class
Buy my book
Community Class at Schoolhouse Yoga - Saturday, August 13, 12-1pm – my daughter, Merryn, is back from Brazil. She will be assisting me during class and playing her handpan.
Individual Sessions
Yoga Therapy
Embodied Spiritual Direction
I have limited time slots available due to my writing commitments, but I still have availability. I do my own scheduling via email or text. Joyogi5@gmail.com or 412.287.4591.
For more details on the above sessions, click here.