Blog-Inspiration

Summer is over, and with its conclusion can come some heavy emotions. The good news is Yoga can help you prepare your mind, body, and soul for the fall and winter!
Summer probably found you spending most of your time soaking up the sun, sipping on cool beverages, and playing in any body of water you could find, but that doesn’t mean fall and winter can’t be just as fun.

Our yoga practice asks us to return to our breath. To stillness. To reconnect with ourselves. It also helps us process our experience from the summer and invites us to come back to the present moment with gratitude.

Don’t cry over what’s gone—appreciate what’s right in front of you and you recalibrate yourself by rolling out the mat once again.

If you’re ready to shake off your summer blues and enjoy the beauty of fall, I warmly welcome you to join me for fall yoga classes at Val Vista Village beginning October 4. I’ll help you get prepared for what lies ahead by focusing on what’s already here.

Check out my schedule page for more information.

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November 2015 News

10/25/2015

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“We're afraid of failing, so we guarantee it.”
― Sadie Nardini

The Sedona Mago Retreat Center was just what I needed after our long hot summer. Last weekend I enjoyed attending The Warrior Within led by Sadie Nardini, who is quite a warrior herself! I collected many gems of wisdom, met some amazing people, got to hang out with my yoga buddy Nan, and came away feeling energized and renewed.

Sadie sports a mohawk of bleach blonde hair with pink accents, along with a lot of makeup; not your average looking yoga teacher. However, she is a crazy-fun yoga teacher/rock star musician with a teaching style that is both casual and intellectual. I was thrilled to find Sadie to be a warm, friendly, open and beautiful person willing to share her story, what lead her to yoga, and the secrets to her success. Sadie taught us to break through our barriers and rock on with our dreams. To say the least, I am inspired. What do you do in your life to guarantee failure? Be a warrior and walk through the fire to live the life of your dreams. Start with your yoga practice!

Let me know if you're interested in going to a yoga retreat in Sedona and I'll put something together for you. Getting away from your daily routine and being immersed in the serenity and beauty of Sedona with open conversations and amazing food is definitely a wonderful way to recharge and find your center to live big and make your dreams a reality.

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October 2015 News

9/24/2015

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“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Camus

Ah. Today is the first day of Autumn and the air is already cooler! Autumn is considered a season of balance, a time during which you can restore balance to your own life. Here are couple of things to do today:

Make a list of your inner harvest. An inner harvest refers to all the achievements and experiences that you have had or felt during the past few seasons. This is a way of restoring gratitude in your life, as you realize what you have done and how you have coped with challenges during the past months. Take this opportunity to consolidate your energy and to fine-tune what you've achieved since spring. Be grateful for what you have.
Contemplate. This is a season when the buzzing activity of summer dies down and the excitement of life outdoors begins to relax into the more evenly paced, more predictable rhythm of fall. Think about the ways you have neglected your inner growth and how this might be remedied. Meditate or do tai-chi. Try to find your balance, in the same way that the world finds its balance on the autumnal equinox.

As for me, I am anticipating the return of our winter visitors and cannot wait to guide you in your yoga practice once again. It is always a pleasure and so much fun to see everyone. Look for me at Val Vista Village on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10AM in the new Activity Center. I'm working on new ideas for workshops and special events so send me an email if you have a special request. What would you like to see me teach? Watch my website and Facebook pages for the latest news.

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September 2015 News

9/1/2015

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“Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul... but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October.”

― Peggy Toney Horton

In other parts of our country, summer is winding down and the cooler months are beginning to show their color. Soon, warmer clothes will be worn, and activities will move inside. Here is the desert, cooler weather means we get to come out of our summer hibernation and once again enjoy all our favorite outdoor activities. I can't wait to lace up my hiking boots and hit the trail!

Cooler weather here in the desert also means our winter visitors are beginning their journey to the southwest once again. I can't wait to see you all! Val Vista Village has once again agreed to allow us to hold our classes on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10AM in the new Activity Center. I'm working on new ideas for workshops and special events so send me an email if you have a special request. What would you like to see me teach? Watch mywebsite and Facebook pages for the latest news.

This summer I spent time developing my web design and maintenance consulting service. I've enjoyed developing new websites and e-newsletters for many very interesting and innovative businesses. I love teaching yoga and it's equally enjoyable to develop creative websites that clients love. Contact me to help you build or redesign your website and/or help you with e-newsletters for your business. Have you ever thought of writing a blog? I can teach you how. Send me an email and let's get started.

Join me in the studio on your mat for yoga, online for web design, or hit the trail with me and let's breathe fresh air and delight our senses with the sights, sounds and fragrance of the desert. Fall is in the air!

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April 2015 News

4/10/2015

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April... When yoga at Val Vista Village goes on vacation. :) There were just two students in the last class today. At our height we had 29! Today, two students holding onto their love of yoga and Arizona, biding their time until they too head to cooler climates. It's been a fantastic season thanks to all of you and your interest in practicing yoga. I appreciate your willingness to show up, try some new things and continue to fit our classes into your very busy schedules. Our new facility proved to be worthy of our large classes and it was nice to have wide open windows letting in the Arizona sun adding light and energy to our practice.

Of course yoga has not gone on vacation! We all live our yoga every minute of every day and practice our physical postures as often as we like. I hope you will continue your practice with new teachers, on your own and with videos online as you travel and find your summer homes. Stay strong and keep the peace. I look forward to seeing all your smiling faces again next season. Always remember you're making a difference in the lives of those around you. YOU MATTER!

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March 2015 News

3/1/2015

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March... the month our winter visitors begin their journey and transitions back to their first homes, and onto their next destinations. Here in the desert, our population grows more than 300,000 people during the winter months. Our traffic gets a bit crazy; the golf courses swell; restaurants have endless lines and Fry's is absolute mayhem on the first Wednesday of each month when seniors enjoy a 10% discount. For a native Arizonan, I expect and look forward to "snowbird" season. I love trying to find an ARIZONA license plate in parking lots and on busy roads. It's fun to see how many cars come from other states, and Canada. And I enjoy meeting people from all over the country who come to Arizona for our sunshine and beautiful landscapes. "My" winter visitors, whom I've coined, "my village people," because they live at Val Vista Village, bring me sunny tanned smiling faces, many kind words and embraces, much encouragement and high praise. I could say they are my biggest fans and I will say, "I am sad to see them go!" I wish you all safe travels as you head back to your homes and the next place on the map of your many journeys. Thank you all for a fantastic season at the Village in our new activity center where we truly thrived. I anxiously await your return next fall. And, please always remember, YOU MATTER!

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." -Anonymous

Yoga on the Road

I remember all too well how I felt after a long day of travel on our Harley, and in our truck and motorhome. Yes, we've tried them all! I can feel those tight shoulders and legs, sore hips and lower back. To ease your aching back muscles, use a rolled up towel and place it at your low back. Take another one and place it between your shoulder blades. This will keep you from slouching, straining your muscles and ruining your good posture! You can also cross one ankle over the opposite thigh and lean forward from the hip with a straight back while lifting your tail bone. This will go a long way to stretch your hips. Try partner stretches while you're at gas stations. Hold onto each other's wrists, then sit way back as if you're sitting in a chair, bend at your hips and take your back parallel to the ground. Keep your arms straight and pull away from each other. This will relieve your lower back. Remember to do "legs up the wall" and "supported back bends" at the end of your day to feel rejuvenated. Don't undo all the good you've done this past season with your yoga practice. Keep practicing on the road!

Yoga Potluck

Thank you Village People for the fabulous potluck! We enjoyed hosting 40 people who brought their best potluck dish, and their spouses. We see each other on our yoga mats during classes but seldom do we take the time to meet each other off the mat. I love the community we are building and I love spending time with all of you!

My Schedule

Meet me on your yoga mat at any of the following locations!
Classes continue through March and into the first couple of weeks of April (dependent on student numbers)
Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-10 AM
Val Vista Village, which is open to the public.

3811 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85205
NEW LOCATION!! - the new Activity Center building is on the north side of the resort.

Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM - Mercy Gilbert Hospital
My classes at Dignity Health Hospitals are open and free to all employees and their family and friends. Surely you know somebody who works at the hospital! Contact meprior to attending one of these classes. Our room is a moving target. I can tell you where to find us at the hospitals.

Fall registration at MCC will soon be open! Save your space, classes fill quickly.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9 AM - Dobson Campus
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 PM and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:10PM - Red Mountain Campus. Mesa Community College is open to anyone registering to attend for the full semester. Spring semester is currently underway and fall registration will be open soon.

Check out my Web site for more information on yoga and my schedule.

Featured Student

Meet Jackie and Vic Martin! They have been attending classes at Val Vista Village for the last few years. Vic often sets the room temperature for us because he is the only one tall enough to reach those thermostats way up high on the wall! Here are Jackie and Vic's answers to my Featured Students questions, where we learn more about our fellow yogis who brighten our path and make our journey joyful.

SJ: Where is your permanent home?
JVM: We live full time in our Motorhome right now. When we return to BC (Canada) we split our time time between an RV park in Vernon BC and at a piece of property on Okanagan Lake.

SJ: What prompted you to try yoga for the first time, and why do you keep practicing?
JVM: I (Jackie) started practicing Yoga many years ago because I knew that it was good to keep my body flexible and my mind focused. Vic started practicing Yoga to help with his troublesome back issues. We keep practicing because it stretches and strengthens our muscles and it also calms our minds which we especially believe in.

SJ: How does yoga influence your life outside of classes?
JVM: Yoga influences our life outside classes as Vic continues to practice yoga every day for his back and this allows us to pursue an active lifestyle.

SJ: Name three things on your bucket list.
JVM: Jackie - Cooking school in Italy (which we are doing this September), growing a vegetable/flower garden, learning a new sport (tennis). Vic - Go to a (NHRA) National Hot Rod Association race in the US, complete 20 hikes in the Arizona area, and ride his motorcycle down the Blue Ridge Parkway.

SJ: What would your friends say you are most known for?
JVM: Vic - Friends would say I am most known for - Mr Fix It. Jackie - my enthusiasm for life.

Thank you Jackie and Vic for being the 'Featured Students' and for being part of our yoga community at Val Vista Village. We'll look forward to your Italian potluck dish next year, and Vic can lead us on some yoga inspired hikes! Your presence indeed makes a difference!

Send your answers to these questions to [email protected] so I can feature you in my next newsletter.

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February 2015 news

2/1/2015

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February... the month of purification and great festivities. The word "February" actually means to "purify." This makes complete sense. Our crazy busy holidays filled with abundance in every corner of our lives are behind us now and we are finally able to get our first big breath of fresh air. Our New Year's resolutions have either become part of our daily routine, or they have fallen by the wayside. Either way, we no longer worry or spend time thinking about them. Devoting a whole month to the process of purification allows us to purge the clutter in all ways and create more space to live and breathe. February is a transitional month and change is in the air. It is the last month of winter and signs of spring can be seen.

We cannot think of February without remembering Valentine's Day and our celebration of love. It is a lovely day to remember and honor the people in our life we love.

As for yoga postures that would benefit us during this month, try: Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani) to allow
gravity to move lymph out of the legs; Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) which will allow your head to fall below your heart reversing the pull of gravity, encouraging circulation of blood throughout the body as well as filtering lymph nodes; Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsya Indra) or any twisting pose to stimulate the liver and kidneys and stimulate the digestive fire in the belly; Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana) for more cardiovascular stamina; Cobra (Bhujangasana) to stimulate abdominal organs and open your heart and lungs; and a daily practice of belly breathing to nourish your body's cells in doing their detox work. Be sure to come to my yoga classes for a full program of detoxification and heart opening poses.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."- Lao Tzu

Featured Student

Meet Chris Wilson! She is one of the original five Val Vista Village yogis who began classes with me six years ago. Chris has also become a dear friend and faithful dog sitter for our big girl, Heidi. Here are Chris's answers to my Featured Student questions where we learn more about our fellow yogis who brighten our path and make our journey joyful.

SJ: Where is your permanent home?
CW: I am a Canadian snowbird, and my permanent home is Lethbridge Alberta which is 60 miles north of the Montana border. I retired in 2008, and attended Susan's yoga class the first season that she started teaching at VVV.

SJ: What prompted you to try yoga for the first time, and why do you keep practicing?
CW: The reason I went to yoga was to find a way to heal my aching body. My left knee was wrecked, I tore the meniscus and severed the ACL and above that I had a herniated disk in my lower back. These injuries were the result of years of competitive curling. However, as a side note, all of the practice and effort was not in vane because after winning the provincial title twice and Canadian title, our team went on to win the World Senior Ladies Curling Competition in Veramaki Finland March 2008. A proud moment. Susan taught me how to use yoga to heal and stretch my aching muscles which is the reason I continue to practice to this day. For me it is equally as effective as physical and massage therapy for a fraction of the price.

SJ: How does yoga influence your life outside of classes?
CW: Besides the physical benefit, I believe yoga has taught me patience and respect. Regardless of our differences, the person next to me on a yoga mat is the much the same as me.. We are all doing what we can with what we have.

SJ: Name three things on your bucket list.
CW: I want to go to England to see the queen - ha. Actually I just want to see England, Scotland and Ireland plus more of Europe.

SJ: What would your friends say you are most known for?
CW: As for this last question, my husband says I am kind and caring. I hope my friends think the same. (SJ: We absolutely agree with Jack!)

Thank you Chris for being a 'Featured Student' and for being part of our yoga community at Val Vista Village. Your presence indeed makes a difference!

Send your answers to these questions to [email protected] so I can feature you in my next newsletter.

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2015... A Happy New Year!

1/1/2015

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January... the month of new beginnings.

During this time of year we tend to reflect on our lives and the past year, and look to the new year as an opportunity to begin again. It's a brand new shiny year without dents and scratches and we have an opportunity to start fresh. We often decide to set new year's resolutions and new goals that establish new patterns in our life. So often our new ideals fade away after just a few weeks or months. It can be easy to over commit and feel let down when the results aren't what we expected. With a clean slate and a new beginning, consider a new approach. Don't tie your success to the outcome. Being focused on the end game allows us to discount everything that unfolds along the way. This is a wonderful opportunity for growth and joy along the way, before you reach the end. As in your yoga practice, enjoy the journey and live in the moment. What can you learn about yourself as you try to balance on one foot? What can you learn about yourself as you approach and begin new practices in your life?

This year, I am going to keep a Happiness Jar on my dining room table. I've been inspired by
Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love. Everyday I will write one thing that made me happy on a slip of paper and drop it into my jar. On a difficult day, I'll be able to jam my fist into that jar and pull out a note with something that made me happy and it will absolutely make me smile. At the end of the year, I'll have an entire jar to read and remember all those precious moments of 2015.

As for your yoga practice on the mat, the turn of the page from December 31 to January 1 reminds us to de-clutter and detoxify, to eliminate the societal expectations that draw you away from your authentic self and to explore the wonderful resources that are uniquely you. Try more meditation. Whether you sit or walk, breathe deep. Try inversions (legs up the wall is nice, headstands are great too) to reverse the flow of gravity, simulate a face lift, flush fresh nutrients and oxygen to your face and brain, creating positive thoughts and putting a smile on your face. Headstands are not recommended if you have neck injuries, extremely high blood pressure, ear and eye problems, or have acid reflux. Also try more twists to address hip and back pain, to massage your abdominal organs, including your kidneys and liver, and stimulate your brain.

Remember to create time for yourself! Putting yourself first allows you to give mroe energy and enthusiasm to everyone around you.

“Every New Year people get you some presents but the best present you get never changes: Your own existence! It is also your best present to others!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan

Featured Student

Meet Penny Easterwood!

Penny attends yoga at Val Vista Village (VVV) and here are her answers to my Featured Student of the month questions where we learn more about our fellow yogis who brighten our path and make our journey joyful.

SJ: Where is your permanent home?
PE: Warrensburg, MO, 50 mi SE of Kansas City

SJ: What prompted you to try yoga for the first time, and why do you keep practicing?
PE: I had always wanted to try yoga but never had the self-confidence to do so. A few years ago, my good friend Charlene invited me to share a long weekend at Val Vista Village with her and her family. I tried your class at her encouragement and was hooked. I continue the practice to stretch, build strength, and quiet my mind. (Thank you Charlene for bringing Penny to class!!)

SJ: What have you found most challenging about the practice?
PE: Building strength and balance continues to challenge me, as well as not holding my breath.

SJ: How does yoga influence your life outside of classes?
PE: With each practice I feel I have rewarded myself by taking care of me. That's empowering!

SJ: Name three things on your bucket list.
PE: I'm not really a bucket list kind of girl..... but I would love to live in Europe for an extended period of time, travel more with my children, and teach abroad. Travel seems to be the theme!

SJ: What would your friends say you are most known for?
PE: Positive Energy. (I can agree with Penny on her positive energy. Her warm smile brightens my day!)

Thank you Penny! for being a 'Featured Student' and for being part of our yoga community at Val Vista Village. Your presence indeed makes a difference! We'll have to schedule a happy hour yoga at your place soon!

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Happy Holidays 2014

12/1/2014

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December... the month of giving- gifts, time, effort, kindness, compassion, love, your heart. November, is the month of giving thanks and gratitude, during December we give...Period. As Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." And, I would add, given with the heart. Above all gifts, give your presence this holiday season. Our gift of time with others while being fully present cannot be forgotten or cast aside after all the glitter and glitz of the holidays is long past.

During this time of year we tend to indulge in all things we love. We eat more food, and often make food choices that may not agree with us. Some of us drink more sugary sweet libations, most of us move less, and do less exercise in exchange for high stress to do lists of shopping, cooking, gift wrapping, socializing and party going. It is natural to feel physically and emotionally out of balance. Take this opportunity to practice more restorative poses like legs up the wall, supported back bends and yoga nidra to calm your nerves and sleep better, AND be sure to engage in more active practices that include twists to improve digestion and maybe even bring a little sweat to your brow. You'll feel better and your new found energy will last throughout the day.

My wish for you is that you'll enjoy the magic and wonder of this beautiful, sentimental holiday season. Much love and Peace to you and your families. xo!

The best and most beautiful
things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart.

~Helen Keller

Featured Student

Meet Charlene Flynn!

Charlene attends yoga at Val Vista Village (VVV) and I couldn't run my classes there without her assistance! She is the one who greets you, takes your money and initials your punch cards always with a smile. Charlene was in my very first class at VVV when I began with just five students seven years ago. We've come a long way from that first day, eh? She is not only a student of my classes and yoga, but has become a dear friend too! Here are her answers to my Featured Student of the month questions where we learn more about our fellow yogis who brighten our path and make our journey joyful.

SJ: Where is your permanent home?
CF: Nevada, Missouri (Ne VAY da, Missourah) on the southwest side of the state - about 100 miles south of Kansas City or 60 miles north of Joplin, or an hour and half from Branson!

SJ: What prompted you to try yoga for the first time, and why do you keep practicing?
CF: I had chronic migraines, was having acupuncture one to three times a week, and my doctor suggested it. It was another year before I tried it, but the minute I did, I knew I had found something profound that I was meant to do forever! A few years later, I began doing yoga two to three times a week and my migraines also stopped... but I was also starting menopause, so what is the real cause/effect - who knows?!! But I really feel good after each class too!

SJ: What have you found most challenging about the practice?
CF: A handstand. Still can't do it. But, really, with my flexibility, sometimes, it is remembering that "just because you CAN do it, doesn't mean you SHOULD do it!" When I actually back off a bit, I've learned better muscle control in places I didn't realize I had muscles, because my tendons are so loose.

SJ: How does yoga influence your life outside of classes?
CF: I stand taller, my posture is better, and when I feel better I approach life in a more positive manner. The jerks in life can still get to me, but at least I start out with a good attitude!

SJ: Name three things on your bucket list.
CF: 1) New England Fall Colors cruise from Boston to Quebec. 2) A 200+ day World Cruise seeing China, India, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, etc... 3) Riding camels at Petra in Jordan. 4) Touring Ireland with my son, Michael Patrick Flynn! He's always been 'all things Irish' and I think we'd have a fun trek.

SJ: What would your friends say you are most known for?
CF: My smile, a quirky way of looking at most of life, being the energizer bunny (of sorts) on some days, and enjoying my wine!

Thank you Charlene! for being a 'Featured Student' and for being part of our yoga community at Val Vista Village. Your presence indeed makes a difference! We'll have to schedule a happy hour yoga at your place soon!

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Fall 2014 News

11/1/2014

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Fall is in full swing, or is it spring? Here in the desert cooler temperatures can feel like spring all over again. The bounty of the earth becomes plentiful. Flowers bloom, plants grow, and we desert dwellers emerge from our summer hibernation of indoor activities, moving to all things outside. We feel energized. As we move into fall we consider more root vegetables when planting our vegetable gardens, and our weather is headed toward the cooler temperatures of winter (say, 75!) This makes us VERY happy after the long, intense heat of summer. The days are shorter and the nights are longer. The time we spend in day and night becomes more even.

Fall is transformational beyond just the season. Many people turn inward, both physically and mentally. As we move from longer days to longer nights, it is natural to feel a bit out of balance physically and emotionally. We may become more reflective on the parts of our lives that feel out of balance. This is an opportunity to use our yoga practice to cultivate a sense of calm, balance and grounding on every level of self. Try a consistent practice of Child's Pose, Warrior Poses, Tree Pose, and Triangle to bring balance to you.

Take a big breath - air is all around us.......

Sunlight and Shadow

Go within.

Focus your senses. Face the challenge.

Balance sunlight and shadow.

Blend with the path.

~Tao. 56

Featured Student

Meet Joy Nutter!
Joy attends yoga at Val Vista Village and agreed to answer a few questions and be the first Featured Student for my occasional newsletters. Learning more about our fellow yogis brightens our path and makes our journey joyful.

SJ: Where is your permanent home?
JN: We live full time in an RV.

SJ: What prompted you to try yoga for the first time, and why do you keep practicing?
JN: I took yoga for the first time for exercise and meditation. I keep doing it because it works!

SJ: What have you found most challenging about the practice?
JN: I find yoga to be a very positive challenge.

SJ: How does yoga influence your life outside of classes?
JN: Yoga has increased my energy level and self image.

SJ: Name three things on your bucket list.
JN: Three things on my bucket list are to spend a summer in Alaska, win a jackpot at the casino, and a return visit to the Turks and Caicos where I was married.

SJ: What would your friends say you are most known for?
JN: My friends would say I am most known for making good desserts.

Thank you Joy. It is truly a JOY to have you in class and now we will all look forward to an after yoga dessert some time in our future!

Send your answers to these questions to [email protected] so I can feature you in my next newsletter.

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Susan Jarvie

Our teachers often use just the right words to inspire us on our mat, and in our lives. Here are some of my favorite quotes, thoughts and stories that inspire me to live my best life.

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Shake off the summer blues

November 2015 News

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March 2015 News

Yoga on the Road

Yoga Potluck

My Schedule

Featured Student

February 2015 news

Featured Student

2015... A Happy New Year!

Featured Student

Happy Holidays 2014

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Fall 2014 News

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Susan Jarvie

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