Good morning! Tiki here again, bringing you a little fun and inspiration. This week, remember to just relax and ride the wave!

Yoga is like a wave - each class has high points and low points, challenging poses and relaxing poses. We never know exactly what's coming up next or how long we're going to be in a given pose. From what I've observed watching classes, with yoga, you're teaching yourself to remain calm in the difficult poses and to stay focused during the more passive ones. So you're enjoying and getting the full benefit of each and every pose, whether it's a challenging strength-builder or a nice stretch. You also realize that even if you're in a challenging pose and your shoulders are burning, that discomfort is just temporary and soon you'll be in a calming stretch. For me, I ride the wave by staying calm and relaxed in my house during class and then running around like crazy doing my happy laps afterwards!

Life is like a wave, too - it has ups and downs, challenging times and fun times. When we realize that we can't control these ups and downs, we can begin to relax and enjoy the ride. And we also realize that no matter how challenging or painful the situation is, that pain is just temporary, and there's a nice, relaxing "stretch" right around the corner.

So don't try to force life. This week remember to ride the wave of life and enjoy and learn from each experience. Enjoy the time when you're relaxed in your house, and then come join me and enjoy a couple happy laps after yoga class. And don't forget to print this out and share it with your friends and coworkers so that they, too, can be reminded to relax and ride the wave!

Namaste,
Tiki

NEW! Night-Owl donation-based class offered at Joy Yoga Center!

We all need our yoga now, more than ever, and we at the Joy Yoga Center would like to make yoga available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With that intention, we will be offering another donation class - this one for you night owls out there! Come connect to your joy through yoga and just pay what you can. This All Levels class will be held on Thursdays, 8:30-9:30pm, beginning Thursday, January 28th, and will be taught by Bob Pattan.

This is a perfect opportunity to introduce the life-changing benefits of yoga to your stressed-out friends, family members, bosses, employees, and anyone else who has yet to experience Joy Yoga! Join me in my mission to remind people and let them feel, via their yoga practice, that life is meant to be wonderful and joyful!

Namaste,
Joy

Good morning! It’s Tiki here, sharing a little something I learned this week during a walk at the park.

This past weekend, the weather was so beautiful, so my mommy and I decided to go to the park for a nice, long walk. I was trotting along happily, enjoying the scenery and all the new smells. About this time, just as I was feeling completely at peace with myself, I spotted a beautiful Great Dane walking past us. She was so noble and strong and big, and suddenly I didn’t feel quite so happy with myself. Wouldn’t life be better if I were just a little bigger, or my fur was a different color? Suddenly, I felt really jealous of her and started to doubt myself.

I looked back over my shoulder at the Great Dane as she passed us, and the funny thing was that she was looking back over her shoulder at me. Maybe she was wishing she were a little smaller or had two black spots on her back like I do. It made me remember how special I am just the way I am. No other dog could demonstrate downward dog the way I do, and no other dog could greet all my yogi friends at the studio like I do. It finally dawned on me that I have my very own special gifts, and by sharing these gifts to the best of my ability, I can be completely at peace with myself and happy in my own fur. I don’t ever have to try to be something that I’m not.

So this week, if you start to doubt yourself, just remember my story from the park. Remember that we all have insecurities from time to time, but it’s important to remember how special each and every one of us is. We need to appreciate our own special gifts so that we can recognize and appreciate the gifts that others have to offer, as well. When we embrace our own uniqueness and appreciate the uniqueness of others, we can all learn to be comfortable in our own fur. Be sure to pass this along to your friends and family, and post it prominently to remind yourself all week to be happy with yourself just the way you are!

Namaste,
Tiki

Special on Massage Therapy at Joy Yoga Center from now until the end of January!

Joy Yoga has two of the best massage therapists ever, Ansberto Gonzales and Teresa Rembert, and they are both offering a great deal for new clients. From now til the end of January, book a massage at regular price ($80) and receive your second for half price! (Please note that this offer is for clients who are new to Ansberto and Teresa.)

Call 713-868-YOGA (9642) today and book your appointment!

Volunteer for the Texas Yoga Conference!

Come join in the fun, bond with awesome yoga peeps, and help out with the first-ever Texas Yoga Conference! If you're interested in volunteering, please meet Saturday, January 23rd at Unity Church, at 3:00pm. The address is 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, 77057.

And sign up today for the first-ever Texas Yoga Conference!
You can view the amazing class line-up and sign up at TexasYogaConference.com!