20 Years and Forever Blessed

In January 1998, I signed a lease to begin what would be a leap of faith into being a business owner. I never wanted to own a business, but it became the best way to share the teachings of yoga. That leap of faith is now entering into our 20th year!

One never plans to go into something with a stop date, but its hard to fathom that we are still thriving, and our community keeps growing. As anyone knows running a business can never be sustained unless there is a team and a strong intention. The truth is everyone is invaluable to its success. So I must give a huge, grateful shout out to the amazing and dedicated teachers that have been the foundation of YAF.

Michael Taylor has been the most incredible gift, not only for all his students, but also for keeping the center vibrant with his passionate integrity for teaching yoga. He continued to study and learn over these 20 years, and his teaching have touched hundreds of souls and helped make our center the valuable place of healing it is today. His humor and huge heart have been a blessing in my life and for all who know him.  

Joyce Owens has also been teaching at YAF since our opening. She has never missed a class unless she was out of town on a family trip. In snow, rain, heat waves and cold freezing weather, Joyce was always there for her students. She has touched so many lives at YAF. Her gifts of music and being a healing source of love is why our center is so special. Not to mention that Joyce is enjoying a full life as a yogi in her 70”s! She's a true inspiration for everyone that assumes age stops our ability to be vibrant and healthy in mind, body and spirit!

I also want to thank Ellen Duff, who continues to be the light at YAF. Her devotion to living in her heart has touched so many. We are very grateful she has returned from Florida and is back at YAF.

I don’t think I would have had the courage to open back in 1998 if these special friends had not been in my life to support this group endeavor. 

Now my deepest appreciation goes out to Karen Weber, Pam Keillor, Candy Stevens, Marina Lisjonok, DL Heraty, Meredith Harbor, Patty Bilbro, Julie Pate, Julie Stewart, Therese Carlson, Krista Fox, Lisa Sparagna, Donna Prenta, Megan Llambias, Kay Gilmore and all the many teachers that have shared their amazing wisdom and heartfelt teachings over these past twenty years. Please know that I am forever blessed and full of gratitude for the family we have created and for the students that have shared in our story.

We are planning a big event to celebrate come April. To honor our community, we will be offering gifted classes throughout the month!

Further, if this isn't enough. come July I am holding an amazing  retreat and excursion trip in Greece! Registration is open with an early bird savings being offered through February 15. The trip is limited to 14 so don't wait to sign up. Check the website for details and let's enjoy the beauty of living in the light!

This year my wish is that we may continue to love and nourish the deepest place in each of ourselves, and that may YAF continues to be our home for continuous growth! Happy 2018!!

Many blessings,

Laura Jane

Teacher Spotlight: Joyce Owens & Megan Llambias

Yoga Among Friends (YAF) is honored to announce that Joyce Owens will now bring her brilliant wisdom and teachings to Fridays starting January 2018.

In 1995, Joyce walked into my first class in the Midwest having never studied yoga. In that auspicious moment, a friendship was born.  Some people walk into our lives for a moment and others for a lifetime. Joyce is my lifetime friend, colleague, and I am honored to say, my student.  

When we opened YAF in 1998, Joyce was right there with me as one of our best teachers and today, she is by far the pillar of integrity at YAF. Her wisdom and heart are what nourish everyone that walks into the center.

When I started yoga at  age 55, I wondered if I would be able to do yoga at all. When I became certified as a yoga teacher at age 58, I wondered how long I would be able to teach. When I was still teaching yoga at age 65, I wondered when I was going to have to quit. I was always looking for an age that would tell me to stop. Now, I no longer look for that end because yoga has gently held my hand through the aging process—and it still does. In keeping with the yoga/teacher tradition and, now in my 70's, I want to pass this gift of yoga on to other people so they can live in peace, harmony, safety, health and happiness.

—Joyce Owens

Starting January 5, Joyce will begin teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging. Healthy aging is about every aspect of the human systems, and wellness is a state of mind. The tools of yoga adapt to change with the ability to stay balanced.  

Joyce has made yoga her lifestyle, and her loyalty and commitment is a testament to her practice.  She has been able to teach what she loves, and we are so grateful for her willingness now to begin this new class.  Thank you JOYCE!

Starting December 7, Thursday evenings at 6:00pm will offer a new Vinyasa Flow class, taught by Megan Llambias. 

Megan recently returned to our area after many years abroad, teaching and raising her three kids around the world. YAF is her home and welcoming her back has been a great opportunity to share her brilliant teachings.

Some of you may recognize her, she has been substitute teaching on Sunday mornings to glowing reviews while Marina was away. Now we are so pleased she has agreed to stay on and cultivate a new class. Marina returns to teach Hatha Vinyasa starting Sunday, November 26.

Please come and experience this wonderful teacher as she takes you through a vinyasa flow sequence for all levels. I have known Megan since 2004 when she started coming into YAF as a student. Today, I am honored that she is sharing her gifts with us and continuing the mission of YAF to inspire heartfelt community.  Thank you, MEGAN!

 

Sutra 3-5 Tad jaya prajna aloke

When the mind can focus and maintain a direct connection to the heart, there arises the awareness of the True Self, and the splendor of being in deep insight. See our true nature and be the light of unlimited possibility.

As we fast approach the holiday season and the longest nights, we must be reminded that this is also the season of holding the vigil for the light. 

I light my candle to meditate in the early morning dark, and in the evening I put my lights on outside to create a luminous glow around my home. I return to the fireplace as a place of reflection and honor the longer nights as a time to come inside. Coming into my inner home and keeping my inner light nourished in the fast paced world of holiday distractions.

As we come into this season, we tend to get overwhelmed with family activities and busy schedules that challenge the balance of our health—not just physical health but emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. In these challenging times of confusion and emotional exhaustion, we must have a way to connect to that which inspires, uplifts and feeds our souls with hope and love.

I find without a practice, my mind is colluding with all the negative thoughts that spin constantly around me. I must delink from the habit of over thinking, and go into my breath.

The feeling of my aliveness is filled by a radiant sensation of warmth, an inner expansion of being more than my limited physical form. I link to the light, the North Star, the sun, the moon, my candle, my spacious sound of OM and feel the connection that we are all in this together.

Together human hearts can expand in the pure consciousness of love. My intellect never gets how, but through my practice, I can feel that true sense of being enough and full. Full of WONDER as we approach the Season of Giving. 

Take time today, to breath into the light, and from your heart exhale the joy of contentment. And remember to say to yourself, "Thank you", as you go out into your day sharing an inner smile of knowing.

Making the effort to be present is the greatest gift you can give and the quality of your attention is living mindfully in your heart! You are the light!

Enjoy each day with love and light,
Laura Jane