WInter Schedule December 5, 2011

Hi Yoga Friends,

I hope this message find you happy and healthy. The holiday season is upon us and I am feeling so full of love and gratitude! I am grateful for the love and support that this community has shown and continues to show the studio and the incredible teachers who have joined the Grass Valley Yoga family. I feel so proud and honored to be able to offer you the quality of instructors and the diversity of classes that you all deserve.

 This week, Grass Valley Yoga kicked off our new Winter Schedule.  I began my weekend at Sarah Molaro’s Saturday morning Meditative Movement class. Her calming presence and safe guidance allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the slow flow that she was offering. It really allowed me to be completely present in such a beautiful practice. I am so grateful to Sarah for bringing us Saturday morning yoga! She teaches the weekly Meditative Movement 9:00-10:00am. This is a community class and the cost is only $10.

This morning (Monday), I was fortunate enough to attend Hari Simran Khalsa’s first Kundalini Yoga class at GVY. Wow. All I can say is that Hari is an incredibly gifted teacher. I had forgotten how much I love Kundalini Yoga. It had been quite some time since I had practiced it and throughout class today, I kept finding myself smiling. I hope that all of you local Grass Valley Yogis will try out her class so you can feel as good as I feel right now. Thank you, Hari, for bringing us your kind and graceful presence. I am looking forward to the next class! If you want to join me on the mat, this is a weekly Monday class, 10:30-12:00.

Continuing on with my lucky week of yoga, I will be teaching my weekly Blend Yoga class tonight at 5:30. What a wonderful group of people to share my evening with! Thanks to all of you who make this class a priority to begin your week.

What can I say about Tuesday mornings? If you are looking to feed your soul, than Janet’s Soulfood class is where you need to be. At 9:30, Janet Rankin brings her loving kindness to the mat as she leads us into our own blissful state. How incredibly blessed we are to have this offering! Thank you, Janet, for continuing to share with us your beautiful soul.

If you find yourself looking for a stronger yoga practice, than you will want to come to Sarah’s Athletic Yoga on Tuesday evenings at 5:15. This class is perfect for athletes and yogis who want to gain strength, concentration and endurance. Having taken this class, I can tell you that Sarah safely guides us into postures that feel so good! She is a humble and talented teacher who always makes sure that we are warmed up properly so we can safely enter into the challenging postures. Laughter is usually a big part of this class. Good times!

Wednesdays have turned out to be quite busy at the studio! I teach my Blend class every week at 9:30. With such loyal and dedicated yogis, the energy in that class keeps me going all day.

Starting this Wednesday, Judy Fuller will be teaching her weekly Yoga for Back Care class at 11:30. This Svaroopa style of yoga is geared specifically to those with back pain, injury, spinal condition or for those who are unable to practice any other form of yoga. Judy is extremely helpful with her use of props and is amazing at taking care of everybody! She knows what each individual needs and makes sure they get it. We are so lucky to have Judy to take care of us! Back pain is no fun and nobody should have to live with it.

Wednesdays continue at 3:30 with Gentle Blend. In this class, we slow everything down. It’s a good complimentary class to a stronger practice. After this class, you will be relaxed and ready to go about your evening.

Thursday mornings, Janet continues to give as she offers her Yoga for Cancer Survivors class at 9:30. She has created a community filled with yoga, love and support. Generously funded by Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, there is a suggested donation of $5 per class. From what I’ve heard, once you join this class, you will clear your Thursday mornings so you can return every week. Please pass the word if you know anybody who might benefit.

Thursday evenings, I am back at 4:30 for some more Blend. Restore, balance and renew. Break a sweat and then deeply relax. I love this class!

Friday wraps up the week with Gentle Blend at 10:30. This has become quite the social class with everyone showing up early for chat time. Always a fun class filled with love and laughter!

If you are still looking for some yoga after the regular weekly offerings, don’t forget the workshops! This Friday, December 9, 4:00-6:00, Janet is teaching her Happy Hours Workshop. Ahhhhhhh…….. Two blissful hours of relaxation to end the busy week. She is suggesting a designated driver for this one, because you might be too relaxed to drive home. This workshop could be the perfect date night!

If you wake up late on Saturday and realize that the week went by before you had a chance to fit in your yoga, join Joy Anton, 1:00-3:00, for a Restorative & Yin Yoga, Meditative Workshop. This might be just wnat you need in the midst of holiday celebrations.

As you can see, Grass Valley Yoga continues to grow. I am so proud and so grateful to everyone who makes this possible. There are many choices on the schedule now, so take the time this holiday season to center yourself on the mat, so you can be centered off of the mat. Breathe, relax and enjoy.

Namaste,

Annie

Yoga, Massage, and Core Strength October 17, 2011

Hi Yoga Friends,

On October 8, Grass Valley Yoga hosted a Day of Yoga and Massage for the Barbara Schmidt Millar Foundation. Thanks to the incredible generosity from the community, we raised over $400 benefiting the Breast Imaging Center at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hosiptal, targeting women who cannot afford their annual mammograms. There were yoga classes all day and in lieu of class fees, donations for the foundation were accepted. Thank you Janet Rankin and Sarah Molaro for donating your time! Thank you also to Patricial Catanzaro for the incredible LomiLomi massages. She created a Hawaiian paradise and the suggested donations of $1 per minute led people to enjoy massages for over an hour. What a wonderful day it was!

This week, I was asked to offer a class theme of  ”Strength.”  I will be focusing my classes on Core Strength. When we have a strong core, we are more able to handle the challenges that life throws our way. Speaking of strength, if you haven’t tried Sarah’s Athletic Yoga class yet, I suggest you do! Tuesdays, 5:15-6:45. It’s a strong practice that will leave you feeling so proud of all that you have accomplished!

Any thoughts regarding a weekend offering? The options for a new one hour class (Movement and Meditation) are Saturdays at 9:00am or Sundays at 5:00pm. I’m all about feedback, so if  you would like to see one of these classes added to the schedule, please let me know.

I wish you a wonderful week on and off of the mat.

Peace,

Annie

Appreciation September 11, 2011

Dear Yoga Friends,
Friday evening, as I was cooking dinner, I was fortunate enough to be temporarily blinded by the most beautiful sunset! Looking out of my kitchen window, I called my family in to appreciate it. We all took a time out to sit on the deck appreciating the beauty. Dinner could wait. About an hour before the sunset, we had all been outside appreaciating the cool rain storm that gave us a break from the sweltering heat.
On this 9/11, the tenth anniversary of our nation being rocked to its core, I am appreciative of so much. I remember rocking my then newborn son, watching the events unfold on TV, holding on to him for dear life. As we all take a time out to remember the families who lost loved ones, the fallen soldiers, firefighters, and police officers, let’s also take the time to appreciate all that we have and all that we are.
It only seems appropriate that our intention for the week, at Grass Valley Yoga, will be “appreciation”. I am so appreciative of your continued support and I wish you a peaceful September 11th.
Peace and love,
Annie

Growth August 28, 2011

Hello Yoga Friends!
Let me start by acknowledging how fast time flies. I am having a hard time believing that I haven’t written since February. The good news is that during these many months, there has been an incredible amount of growth all around me. My kids are growing like weeds, my weeds are growing like weeds, my garden is finally producing the fruits of my labor, and the studio is growing in the direction that has been my vision since I opened the doors in January. My goal has always been to create a caring yoga community filled with heartfelt teachers who each bring their passion to share. I am so proud to tell you that next week, Grass Valley Yoga will welcome two new teachers that fit the bill. 

On Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 6th, Janet Rankin will be teaching Soulfood  (9:30-11:00). With her incredibly kind spirit and asana knowledge, I know that this class will allow all of us to leave the mat feeling emotionally and physically better in some way than when we arrived. She also brings us a class on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 8th called Yoga for Cancer Survivors (9:30-11:00). What a beautifully, supportive environment this will be. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor, please join in and pass the word. There is a suggested donation for this offering of $5. 

Also joining the GVY family on Sept. 6th, is Sarah Molaro. Her Athletic Yoga will be taught Tuesday evenings (5:15-6:45). This is a Community Class and the cost will be $10. She brings with her an infectious enthusiasm and a heart of gold.

Continuing to teach her workshops at GVY is Joy Anton. These workshops are growing in popularity and she always brings with her an incredible amount of wisdom, experience and knowledge.  Stay tuned for her next offering. I feel so blessed to have these incredible women in our yoga community!

We have many workshops coming up, and I will keep you posted on all of them!

I hope you will join me on the mat so we can sample these new offerings together.

Peace and love,

Annie

Yoga for Weight Loss Workshop February 23, 2011

Hi Yoga Friends!
It’s February, so to keep the New Year’s Resolutions in check, I’m offering a workshop on Friday (2/25), 5:30-7:30pm. It’ll be a strong practice for those of you who are looking for a good workout, regardless of whether or not you want to shed some unwanted pounds. The cost is $20 and includes a detailed handout (with pictures!) for you to use at home to keep the momentum going. If you’re interested in registering, just let me know. I hope you’re having a great week!
Peace,
Annie

Refer a Friend February! February 2, 2011

Hello!
It’s Refer a Friend February! For the month of February, refer a friend to Grass Valley Yoga (new students only, please) and your next class is free. I hope to see you both on the mat!
Peace and love,
Annie

January 8, 2011

Hello Grass Valley Yogi!
I write to you with a feeling a relief and gratitude. It warmed my heart to see so many “old” students at my new studio this week, along with so many “new” students who are embracing yoga for the first time. Whenever we jump into a new adventure, it is done with a feeling of excitement and trepidation. I was nervous, as you know, to make this leap, but as each class began this week, and I looked out at the sweet, smiling faces of my beloved students, it warmed my heart to feel the love and warmth in the room. I am thrilled to see how we have all embraced the changes that life has thrown at us. It is a new year, and change is always a part of that. I am so proud of the new yogis who have come out to embrace yoga for the first time, and I am equally as proud of the yogis who have followed me from the Yoga Loft and are embracing the change of the new studio. I am grateful for each and every one of you who is taking the time to read my words. I wish you a happy weekend full of peace and love!
Namaste’,
Annie

Grand Opening! December 30, 2010

Hi Yoga Friends!
Everything is moving along right on schedule! The website is up and running at www.GrassvalleyYoga.com and the studio looking very welcoming. As a Grand Opening special, I am offering free classes all week beginning January 3rd! If you (and a friend!) are interested, please look at the new schedule on-line and let me know which class you would like to attend. The new address is 10052 Alta Sierra Drive, Suite C, at the corner of Highway 49. I am really looking forward to sharing this new adventure with you! Thank you so much for your continued support. I wish you a happy and healthy New Year!!
Peace and love,
Annie

Exciting News! December 18, 2010

Hello Yoga Friends!
As the new year approaches, I look forward to it with a blend of nervousness and excitement. On January 3rd, Grass Valley Yoga will open its new studio doors at the corner of Highway 49 and Alta Sierra Drive. The space has everything that I have been wishing to share with my incredible students. A fabulous location, a quiet, peaceful space with wood floors, high ceilings and beautiful lighting. I am in the middle of renovations and have spent quality time mindfully painting the walls. As I balance on ladders and scaffolding, I ponder about which yoga pose might help me through the moment. With nothing but time to think, I know that I have made the right decision to take this leap of faith.
When the doors open, new classes will be added to the existing schedule. I will be updating my website shortly, and I will let you know when that happens.
Thank you so much for your continued support of Grass Valley Yoga. It makes me so proud to be the one to bring yoga to our community. I hope to see you at the new location!
Peace and love,
Annie

Graditude Week November 18, 2010

Hello Yoga Friends!
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful time of year. It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! The Yoga Loft will be open on Monday and Wednesday, and I would love for you to join me in a practice that will center around gratitude. Our collective intention will be “to feel gratitude in the heart.” It will be a wonderful time for us to use our practice to look inward and experience what we are truly thankful and grateful for. I hope to see you on the mat so we can all glow with gratitude together.
Peace and love,
Annie