I'm writing to you this week from my hometown in south Texas. My husband, kids, and I came for an early Christmas visit to see my parents, grandmother, and my sister and her children, before I leave for India next week.

So many of us enjoy feelings of love and happiness during the holiday season, but I can't help thinking about all the people around the world for whom this season is filled with sadness, turmoil, and even destruction.

I think about those who are missing loved ones, those who are cold, those who do not have enough to eat. I think about those who are worried about whether they'll be able to afford any gifts for their children. I think about people who have lost their homes and are affected by terror.

If you're reading this newsletter, chances are you enjoy some degree of privilege in your life. I know I do. It's good to be conscious of privilege and recognize that, all things considered, we have a relatively good life. It puts things in perspective.

Yes, we're all at least a little stressed and we're all fighting our own battles, but generally we're in pretty good shape. And we can all spare a little kindness this holiday season. In some small or large way, we can be helpers.

Did you see the story in the news this week about the man who paid off all the layaway items at the Toys Are Us stores in Austin? What an amazing helper he is! Imagining the faces of all those incredulous parents, and then their happy children on Christmas morning, brought tears to my eyes.

Helping doesn't have to be something as big or expensive as paying off layaway items. You can be a helper in your own unique and special way just by opening your heart to your fellow humans.

Help encourage someone by offering a sincere smile or a kind word. Help an elderly person load their packages into their car. Help lift the spirits of a friend or loved one who is having a difficult time by spending quality time with them. Help people who are cold or don't have enough food by donating to a local serving center. Help people in difficult circumstances by speaking up, praying, or donating to helpful causes.

And please remember that in order to be a helper, especially if you're into helping for the long haul, you must take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, meditate, pray, get adequate sleep, manage your stress. Do something good for yourself every day so that you will be strong enough help others.

And as always, we're here to help you take good care of your body, mind, and spirit.

Get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate
Through the end of the month, get a $10 Gift Certificate with the purchase of a 10 Class Pass. Click here to purchase your 10 Class Pass today and your $10 Gift Certificate will be ready next time you visit the studio!

Give the Gift of Wellness
If you'd like to gift yoga to a friend or loved one, you can do that with a Gift Certificate! Click here to purchase a Gift Certificate in any denomination. You can choose to email or print the certificate. And if you decide on a 10 Class Pass Gift Certificate, you'll receive the free $10 Gift Certificate described above. It will be ready for you at the studio on your next visit.

Holiday Schedule
Please note we'll be closed on Christmas Day. Stay tuned next week for the details about New Year's Day. All classes will be FREE!

India Trip
I'll be leaving for India on Wednesday, and I hope to see you before I go! In case you missed last week's newsletter, I'll be in Chennai for the whole month of January as I attend a yoga teacher training program at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. If you want to keep up with my adventures, make sure to follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Sending you lots of love this holiday season,
Zelinda