Happy New Year!
Hello Oyster Bay Yogis,
This year, more than ever, we’re all craving the sense of change that the new year brings. So much is out of our control in the world right now, and it can feel increasingly challenging to meet that lack of control with grace. This month, I’d like our community to focus on, and recommit to the practice of meditation. When we sit to meditate, we can cultivate the feelings of ease, contentment, clarity, and empowerment that are so elusive in our day-to-day during this difficult time.
In your in-studio and virtual classes in January, expect to see some meditation included alongside your asana practice. I’m also hosting a 21 Day Meditation Challenge starting January 3rd. Read more about it below, and register to join. Additionally, we’ll be hosting a few pop-up meditation classes at both studios so that you can dedicate a whole hour to developing your meditation practice. And stay tuned for a pop up class on the practice at hOMe membership page, and in the private Facebook group as well.
In this month’s newsletter you’ll find a pose breakdown of sukhasana, or “easy seat.” Meditation can become frustrating when you’re not seated comfortably, and aligned properly. In the video we’ll share some tips on finding a comfortable seat for meditation.
You’ll also see an interview with Martha Flanagan, where we discuss the many benefits of Kundalini Yoga. We had a lot of fun recording this “podcast” style interview. Martha is a wealth of knowledge!
Our sutra of the month is 1.12, practice and non-attachment. And stay tune later in the month: Peggy has written a blog post for us to help interpret this timeless and timely piece of wisdom from Patanjali.
This month’s Oil of the Month is Organic Bergamot - check out the mood boosting benefits of citrus essential oils, and enjoy 20% off purchase of this uplifting oil in the month of January.
We’re also offering 20% off meditation cushions, and yoga blankets - helpful tools for committing to your meditation practice at home.
Finally, I’m pleased to announce the return of our Monthly Challenge! Each month, the student who attends the most classes will get their next month of membership for FREE! This will now be an inter-studio challenge. So, classes you attend at both OBY & GCY (in-studio & virtual) will count toward your total for the month. Happy practicing!
I hope that you and your family remain happy and healthy, and I look forward to seeing you all at the studios and virtually. I’ll be gradually returning to teaching in January!
Wishing you all a new year filled with peace,
Amy
Pose of the Month
Sukhasana: “Easy Seat”
In this video, learn how to sit more comfortably in this meditation posture.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about how to sit or lay for a more comfortable meditation practice.
Teacher Feature
Martha Flanagan
Get to know Martha this month. In this conversation we talk about how Martha got started with yoga, and about her diverse background in teaching and practicing yoga and meditation. We dive into the benefits of Kundalini Yoga, and what to expect in her Kundalini Flow class, which is hosted on Sunday mornings in Oyster Bay. We’ll answer some common questions about the practice of Kundalini and we’ll even try out a few breathing techniques. A must watch!
Have questions for Martha? Let us know in the comments below, or shoot us an email at info@oysterbayyoga.com, or info@glencoveyoga.com.
Sutra of the Month
Oil of the Month
Our very first oil of the month is:
Organic Bergamot
Citrus essential oils are great for boosting your mood. We all need that right about now, right!?
“Organic Bergamot Essential Oil is a favorite amongst essential oil users for it's citrusy, uniquely vibrant scent with a touch of floral, and for its many therapeutic properties. The lovely aroma of Bergamot Essential Oil is known to support mental health and clarity by providing a boost to the mind. It can also help ease feelings of anxiety, especially during times of sadness and grief. USDA Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil is gentle for DIY skincare and helps support skin health for acne-prone or oily skin. This essential oil can also be added to massage blends to help reduce muscle tension and give relief from tightness caused by a hard workout.” -Plant Therapy
Learn more about Bergamot here
This month, enjoy 20% off your purchase of Bergamot essential oil at the studios.
An Offering
In an effort to help support your home meditation practice, in the month of January, take 20% off any purchase of a meditation cushion, or yoga blanket. Both are helpful tools for sitting more comfortably in meditation.
21 Day Meditation Challenge
Jan 3rd-23rd 2021
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit
Let’s use the first 21 days of our 2021 to form a meditation practice that will serve us throughout the entire year.
What does it feel like inside your mind right now? Do your thoughts run wild throughout your day? Do you feel like you don’t have any control over what happens inside your mind?
Meditation can absolutely help us clear our minds more efficiently, but it can also help us cope with, and even reframe any distressing, pervasive thinking.
Register for the Challenge
Each week includes 6 pre-recorded meditations you can practice at your own pace. Choose a time that works best for you. The 7th meditation each week will be “live” with Amy on a Zoom call at 7am. You can join in live, or you can watch the recording of the live meditation practice anytime.
No experience required. No special equipment required. Listen in from any device.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Jan 3rd: 21 Day Meditation Challenge Begins
Sunday, Jan 10th: Yin Yoga with Martha Flanagan at 2:45pm (in-studio & virtual) OBY
Sunday, Jan 24th: Pop Up Meditation class with Peggy Adair at 10:45am (in-studio & virtual) OBY
Wednesday, Jan 27th: Pop Up Kundalini Flow with Martha Flanagan at 6:00pm (in-studio & virtual) GCY
Friday, Jan 29th: Yin Yoga with Martha Flanagan at 7pm (in-studio & virtual) OBY