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

The Joy Yoga Center is now offering Acupuncture!
with Susan Underwood, LAc, MSW, MAOM

Receive your first session with Susan absolutely FREE when you book your appointment before April 15th!

Susan received her first teacher certification with Sivananda Yoga in 1988 and has always been in awe of yoga’s powerful systematic approach to improve physical, spiritual and emotional health by strengthening the body, mind and spirit. Upon entering her first class at Joy Yoga Center, she immediately fell in love with Vinyasa Flow Yoga and completed Joy’s Teacher Training in 2008. She holds a BS in Biology, a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Her understanding of anatomy, physiology and meridian theory enhances her practice and teaching style.

In addition to yoga, as a licensed acupuncturist, her passion is to share the healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Along with acupuncture, she is fascinated by using asanas, pranayama and meditation for the healing and prevention of physical and emotional imbalance.

TCM and acupuncture takes a holistic approach to diagnose, treat and prevent illness by addressing patterns of imbalance in the body to promote self healing. Systems of the body are carefully analyzed and optimized with acupuncture, food therapy, herbal medicine and physical exercise. TCM is based upon the belief that a universal life energy, Qi, is present in every living creature and this energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians. Optimal physical and mental health is maintained as long as this energy flows freely. If the energy is blocked through imbalance or injury, body systems are disrupted and pain, illness, and emotional imbalance may result. Acupuncture serves to harmonize and help restore normal function by inserting fine needles in specific points on the meridians to rebalance the flow of Qi.

The World Health Organization recognizes the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of over 200 clinical disorders; some of which include chronic pain, stress related disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, allergies, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorders, sciatica, arthritis, fibromyalgia, plantar fascitis, chronic fatigue, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Many conditions can be alleviated after 1-4 treatments. However, chronic conditions may require a longer course of treatment.

On the first visit, which typically lasts for approximately 40 minutes, each client will complete a patient history and discuss health concerns and will be encouraged to take part in the design of an individualized treatment plan, that in addition to acupuncture, may include dietary changes, yoga, meditation, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping and massage in order to optimize health and well being. Whether on the mat or as one interested in acupuncture, Susan looks forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have about TCM.

Joy Yoga Center Presents:
Massage Stimulus Package!
with Teresa Rembert, L.M.T.

What's the rub, you ask?

Purchase A One Hour Long Massage
Receive your Second Massage 1/2 Price
when you book your Massage by April 15th

Teresa Rembert, L.M.T
713.385.3239
www.JoyYogaCenter.com
713.868.YOGA (9642)

Tiki the Yoga-Dog here, with your weekly Tiki-gram! This week I’m feeling very refreshed and rejuvenated after working so hard the week before in my guard dog capacity. You see, this week I’ve learned how important it is to take a little quiet time to relax. It’s all about creating that balance in our busy lives so that we don’t burn ourselves out.

For me, my life can get very hectic – I’ve got cats to chase, toys to play with, walks to take. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem like there’s enough time for it all, and I start to feel overwhelmed. But I’m realizing how important it is to find those moments where I can snuggle up on the sofa and be quiet. This week I really noticed how restored I felt, just by taking a little time to curl up on the couch and burrow under my favorite blanket. Just a minute or two of relaxing gave my brain a chance to quiet down, so that I could listen, rather than constantly letting my mind chatter away. I even had to help my mommy remember how important it is to relax, too. There were several times when she was trying to run around too much, so I had to jump up on her lap to physically hold her down. I finally let her up after she had taken some quiet time, too!

Now I’m sure you have days where you feel like you’re running around like crazy, and I totally understand how frazzled this can make you feel. It’s on these days that it’s very important to take even just one or two minutes to breathe and relax. Or do what I do and curl up on your sofa and burrow under your favorite blanket. When we take a minute or two to relax, it reminds us to breathe and we suddenly feel focused and energized. As our frazzled minds relax, the mind-chatter starts to quiet down, we feel refreshed, and any feelings of burn-out begin to dissolve.

So this week, remember how important it is to nurture yourself. And remember that we can do this even if we only have a minute, simply by taking a quiet moment to ourselves to breathe. Now be sure to print this out and read it whenever you’re running around like crazy, so that you can remember to take a little time for yourself to relax and just be!

Namaste,
Tiki

108 Sun Salutations
at the
Joy Yoga Center

Saturday, March 21st; 2:00-4:00 pm

Join us for an energizing, uplifting experience. You will be amazed at your own strength and ability to break through barriers and accomplish
more than you ever thought you could.

On Saturday, March 21st, from 2:00-4:00pm, Joy Winkler will lead an exhilarating, confidence-building workshop in which we will perform Surya Namaskar (sun salutation “A”) 108 times. As daunting as this may sound, Joy breaks it down into 9 sets of 12 sun salutations, gives you a different focus for each set, and of course, coordinates rocking music to keep you motivated (those of you who've done this before may recall performing sun salutations to "Sexy Back" and "Stayin’ Alive”!).

Investment: $25 on or before March 15th; $35 thereafter.
Space is limited, so sign up today!

To register, call 713-868-YOGA or register online at www.JoyYogaCenter.com.
Come celebrate the start of spring, and meditate on this auspicious number!