January 2025 at Oyster Bay Yoga

Discipline

 
 

Dear Yogis,

Happy 2025! Thanks so much for continuing to practice with us and support the studio. Can you believe we’ll be finishing our 9th year of operation this June? Although this past year has taken me away from the day-to-day with all of you, please know you’re in my daily thoughts and always in my heart! I miss seeing you on the mat, but each time I drop into the studio I can feel the positive energy you pour into your practice and this community of special, spectacular students and instructors.

January is a time of new beginnings, making it the perfect month to explore discipline. Discipline isn’t about harsh rules or perfection—it’s about showing up with intention, even when motivation fades. In yoga, discipline is considered a key practice for inner transformation, encouraging us to commit to what nurtures our well-being. Whether it’s rolling out your mat, prioritizing mindful habits, or embracing personal growth, discipline helps us align our actions with our highest goals. As the new year unfolds, consider how small, consistent efforts can spark meaningful change in your life.

All the best,
Amy

Pose of the Month

Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana: Dolphin Pose

 
 

This month at the studio we breakdown
Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana: Dolphin Pose.
Learn how best to practice this pose in any class all month long!

Sutra of the Month

 
 

In Yoga Sutra 1.21, Patanjali emphasizes the power of dedication and sincere effort in one’s spiritual journey. Progress in yoga accelerates when a practitioner approaches their practice with deep commitment and a burning desire for transformation. The stronger the intention and focus, the sooner spiritual realization can be attained. This sutra highlights that success is not dependent on external circumstances but on the practitioner’s inner drive and devotion.

Expanding on this, Sutra 1.22, acknowledges that while all sincere efforts yield results, the speed and depth of progress depend on the intensity of practice. Patanjali identifies three levels of effort: mṛdu (mild), madhya (moderate), and adhimātra (intense). Those with mild commitment may progress slowly, while moderate practitioners experience steadier advancement. Those practicing with intense dedication and unwavering focus achieve the most profound results.

Together, these sutras remind us that spiritual growth is directly influenced by our level of commitment and the consistency of our practice.

Oil of the Month

Our January OOTM is:

Peppermint Oil

 
 

“Nothing says fresh quite like Peppermint. Its minty, cooling aroma holds stimulating benefits that can help enhance alertness and stamina. Whenever you’re feeling sluggish, reach for Peppermint for a midday boost of energy. Due to its menthol properties, it can induce a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. When experiencing head or neck tension, dilute Peppermint to a carrier oil for a soothing massage. When you’re feeling nauseous or need support for respiratory health, it can be helpful to take in its scent through a personal inhaler.” -Plant Therapy

Enjoy 20% off your purchase of Peppermint essential oil all month at the studio.

Follow us to stay connected for upcoming events and news

 
 
 

Events

 

New Year’s Day Flow

 
 

Wednesday, January 1st
10:30am-11:45am
with Peggy Adair

Join us News Year's Day for an empowering, steady-paced flow designed to set the tone for your year ahead. As we move mindfully, we’ll explore the theme of living with intention, creating space to reflect on what we wish to embrace as we welcome new opportunities. This class will be focused on building strength, cultivating fluidity, and opening the heart to welcome the blessings of a new beginning.

$30 to drop-in
FREE for members

Ashtanga Vinyasa Fusion

 
 

Sunday, January 5th
6:00-7:15pm
with Diane Libman

Experience the best of both worlds in Diane’s Ashtanga Vinyasa Fusion class. This dynamic practice blends the traditional structure of Ashtanga yoga with the creative flow of Vinyasa, offering a balanced and invigorating experience.

In this 75 minute class you will sweat, stretch and strengthen with a fusion of Ashtanga and vinyasa. In keeping with the Ashtanga tradition there will be plenty of chaturangas but we will also get to flow and have a long and well deserved Savasana at the end. 

$30 to drop-in
FREE for members

Restorative Yoga with Reiki Activation & Aromatherapy

 
 

Sunday, January 10th
7:00-8:30pm
with Nancy Rich

Settle into a nourishing evening of relaxing restorative yoga postures, enhanced with reiki & aromatherapy. Restorative yoga is a blissful, slow down practice that relieves stress, anxiety, fatigue, while releasing mental/physical tension & chronic pain through the use of supporting props (bolsters, blankets & blocks). You will be guided into a peaceful state of stillness, while receiving reiki & aromatherapy. Reiki is a form of hands on healing through which energy is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the recipient to encourage emotional & physical healing. The experience will be enhanced with gentle aromatherapy to promote a sense of relaxation & wellbeing. This deeply healing practice is appropriate for everyone & is essential for those with a fast paced life.

Space is limited for this event, please sign up in advance.

$45 Early Bird Pricing (Ends 12/27)
$55 per person
10% off for members

Women’s Circle

 
 

Sunday, January 12th
5:00-7:00pm
with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc

“Yoga helps us to remove all obstructing (mental) clouds, so that we may come to enjoy the sunshine within.  It is an extensive program of reeducation through which we learn, step by step, to live the light of our true nature.  Only when we have truly found ourselves will we be able to live in peace, harmony, and happiness in the world.” - Georg Feuerstein

Consider deepening your personal practice by engaging yoga as a way of life.  Every second Sunday from 5-7pm, we gather to create sacred community by grounding in our breath, gently moving our bodies, settling into our hearts, and listening for our inner knowing.  This experience of mindful inquiry encourages you to show up for yourself and one another as we explore the spiritual in every day life.  Your level of participation is up to you as we honor the Light and Love within and among us all.

Registration is required to attend. This event is FREE.
We gratefully welcome donations to help sustain and grow the Women's Circle, ensuring it remains an ongoing space for connection and healing.

TLC For Your Hips: Unlock Your Emotions

 
 

Friday, January 17th
7:00-8:30pm
with Peggy Adair

Join Peggy Adair for a 90 minute hip opening session where we will dive deep into the sacral chakra and the significance of this energy center for our hips and its connections to our emotions. With a combination of restorative poses, light stretches to release tight hips and a balanced flow, we will gain fluidity, openness and stability in our hips. Leave this exploratory class feeling refreshed, full of creative energy and a new found freedom in your body.

$40 per person
10% off for members

Yoga Workout

 
 

Friday, January 24th
6:30-7:30pm
with Diana Singh

Elevate your energy and transform your practice with our invigorating Yoga Workout class! This session mixes a unique yoga sequence with strength-building exercises, creating a unique experience that tones muscles, boosts flexibility, and enhances stamina.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi seeking a fresh challenge or new to yoga and craving a fitness twist, this class offers something for everyone. Bring your mat, a positive mindset, and let’s sweat, stretch, and strengthen together!

Yoga Book Club

 
 

Sunday, January 26th
6:00-8:00pm
with Peggy Adair

For our next Yoga Book Club meetup, we will be reading Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. This class is led by Peggy Adair with a one hour all levels flow, followed by an hour of book discussion. 

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to nourish your body, expand your mind, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for both yoga and literature! Make sure to stop by our neighbors, Theodore's Books, and get a 15% discount on the book. Grab your mat, BYO drinks & snacks, and write down all your questions about our book pick!

$30 to drop-in
FREE for members

Friday Night Flow: Valentine’s Day

 
 

Sunday, January 12th
5:00-7:00pm
with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc

“Yoga helps us to remove all obstructing (mental) clouds, so that we may come to enjoy the sunshine within.  It is an extensive program of reeducation through which we learn, step by step, to live the light of our true nature.  Only when we have truly found ourselves will we be able to live in peace, harmony, and happiness in the world.” - Georg Feuerstein

Consider deepening your personal practice by engaging yoga as a way of life.  Every second Sunday from 5-7pm, we gather to create sacred community by grounding in our breath, gently moving our bodies, settling into our hearts, and listening for our inner knowing.  This experience of mindful inquiry encourages you to show up for yourself and one another as we explore the spiritual in every day life.  Your level of participation is up to you as we honor the Light and Love within and among us all.

Registration is required to attend.
This event is FREE for all. We suggest a small donation if you are able.

 
 

Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates

UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Until then, stay well,

Amy