Jagarata

As some events are unfolding in our city/state/country/world with tremendous rage and violence, you may find comfort in remembering that there is at least an equal amount of love, tenderness, joy and peace more quietly revealing itself throughout this world. Strangers still smile at one another, unexpected generosity and kindness flouish in both likely and unlikely ways, the miraculous sun still rises, and we each have many opportunities to pause, reflect, count our blessings and consider our actions. By responding appropriately to circumstances, rather than reacting habitually, we begin to see that each one of us has the power to contribute in a positive way to this world we share.

Coming to your mat is a priceless opportunity for you to decompress, to breathe in spaciousness and clarity, while exhaling tension, resistance and fear. The yoga studio is a sacred space in which you can find the courage to really examine the inner workings of your mind, to dismantle any negative thought patterns and create instead powerful metaphors to live into. The word 'yoga' itself means union, and through this practice we unite disparate aspects of ourself, shining light on our own darkness (jealousy, anger, greed) so that they no longer have unconscious control over our actions. Through the breath we also find union between ourselves and everything living. Prana, breath, both ignites and unites everything vital, and we come to feel that we are all indeed connected. This jouney of union continues on deeper and deeper levels until, eventually, we come to see, as Hafiz has said, "... there is just one flesh we can wound."

The yoga studio is also a haven of warmth, safety and laughter. It is a place you can come to remember that people are good, that life is incredibly valuable, and that each one of us is on a mission of manifestation. We're here to help you find your way, and enjoy the ride!

Please take a moment to look at our very exciting Special Events. I hope to see you soon and often, and wish you all the clarity, compassion and humor you need to savor your experience of now.

With Love,


Corina Benner
Director, Wake Up Yoga, LLC

Restorative Yoga and Easter Schedule

Hope this note finds you positively THRIVING as we collectively wait out the winter's last valiant effort to hang on, (mostly) confident that spring will soon prevail. At least the sky is still vast and clear, hinting at our mind's innate quality, and we can all relate with the delicate tree buds, so excited and hopeful to open, but needing the warmth and vibrancy of light to coax them out of their shells.

This note is to alert/remind you that tonight is our Once-a-Month Friday Evening Restorative Yoga Class from 7:30 - 9 pm, this month taught by the very lovely and joyful Jill Manning. This is a regularly priced offering, and a perfectly wonderful way to soothe yourself from the work week and prepare to open your heart to greet friends and family this weekend.

Speaking of which: in honor of Easter, we are happy to announce that our schedule at each studio will remain (mostly!) the same. The only difference this weekend is that the Sunday Evening Restorative Yoga Class at Wake Up Yoga West will NOT be happening. Please come on in to move and breathe and remember who you really are at either the 10 am class, or the 4 pm class at West.Of course, you could always get your Restorative Yoga Fix this evening in the Fairmount Studio!!!

And also, please save the date: on Friday, May 4, we will be celebrating Wake Up Yoga's 5th Anniversary with a most joyous celebration. We will have live music (sitar and tabla), a vegetarian potluck smorgasbord of really yummy food (bring anything you'd like to share), perhaps some chanting, dancing?, and a really good time. Please plan to come, to celebrate with your yoga teachers and friends all that this studio and this practice have brought into your life. And remember: it's really fun to see your yoga buddies in "real clothes." Dress for festivities! Hope to see you then ... and sooner!

That's it for now. Wishing you a beauty-full day in which you begin to discover the divine within everything manifest, and uncover the divine residing within your own heart! Jai!