Dear Friends,

As we wind down to the end of 2012, I find myself feeling introspective, thinking about different aspects of my life.

From a personal perspective, I'm thinking about my family and my wellness. I'm contemplating what I've done well and where I have opportunities for improvement. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to write this weekly post, as it has inspired me to improve my awareness of my own wellness on so many levels. Most recently I've been motivated to set aside time for myself, eat mindfully, and be aware of food portion sizes. While these are all works in progress, I feel like I'm gaining momentum in building a healthier life.

From a studio perspective, I'm thinking about how much I appreciate the community we've become. I appreciate all the skilled and caring teachers who are always so willing to share their yoga. Each teacher has their own style, their own interests and specializations. I think this variety, this blend of teachers, is part of what makes The Yoga Room such a special place.

I appreciate our great team of work traders who impart their energy and love in keeping the studio clean for everyone who comes through the door.

I'm also so appreciative of you and all the other students who have blessed us with your presence at the studio and in our classes. Without you, there would be no studio.

I appreciate the brand new beginners who come to TYR to try out yoga for the first time ever. I love their uncertainty, their vulnerability, their willingness to be open to learning something new. I love to see them grow into their practice and become confident yogis, learning more about themselves day by day.

I appreciate the students who come in once in a while, when their schedules allow. These folks tend to be very busy and stressed, and it is such an honor that when they find a break in their schedule, or they're at their breaking point, they turn to TYR to get back to their practice, back to their breathing, back to themselves.

I appreciate all our regulars, the people who we see almost every day. I love to observe the growth in their practices over time. I am honored to hold practice space for those recovering from loss and grief. I'm thrilled by the health wins of those who've been able to reduce or discontinue their blood pressure, cholesterol, and/or diabetes medicines. I broke into a huge smile a couple of weeks ago when one of our regulars told me that at a recent check-up at her doctor's office she learned that she'd grown half an inch!

I love having the opportunity and platform to share yoga. As you know, I truly believe yoga is for every body. Sometimes new people nervously come into the studio and tell me they've never practiced yoga before and they're not going to be very good. I reassure them that they are going to do great, that every body is different, and every person's practice is different. I love to see these new people's bodies (and in fact all the bodies) and minds soften as they work their way through practice. I'm honored when at the end of class I see that look of relaxation on someone's face and my heart beams when, after class, someone comes up to me and says, "Thank you. That was a great class. It's exactly what I needed."

So in short, thank you. Thank you for being a part of the studio. Thank you for allowing me and the other teachers at TYR the opportunity to serve you and to make teaching yoga our life's work.