Hello!

I hope you've had a peaceful & powerful weekend and you are ready for the week ahead. It's November. These last two months of the year sometimes give me a bit of anxiety as I start to believe that December 31 is a deadline for everything I've started since 1999. And HOW am I supposed to get all of that done AND have a good holiday season, too?

Yes, I know this is a creation in my own mind that I can repackage as a gift to myself. It's a work in progress. As am I.

Below I share a few tips to think about incorporating gratitude into your yoga practice, as I am set to begin the Gratitude Yoga Series this week. (Live and recorded). I'm grateful for those of you who attend.

Local Events

I'm grateful for my yoga and business community here in Wichita Falls.

• This week, the Texas Women's Business Council is having its Spa Day on Thursday, November 9th, to support the Cosmetology Department at the Career Education Center. I'll be getting a much-needed pedicure! Check out the FB page for details. (Of the event, not my much-needed pedicure...)
• The holidays can be particularly difficult for those who are dealing with loss or any other grief that life can bring. On Friday, November 10 at 6 p.m. Baylee Knight from Angels Care Hospice is guiding a yoga workshop called "Grief in Motion." It is a free workshop at Great Scott Studio. No need to sign up; just go to 914 Scott on Friday at 6 p.m.
• Balance Studio is hosting a Grounded in Gratitude workshop on Saturday, November 11, from 4-8 p.m. $99.
• Coming up on Sunday, November 19, from 2-4 p.m., Shannon Pennington is hosting a Restorative Yoga workshop that incorporates hot stones, sandbags, aromatherapy, and more. Thanks to Great Scott Studio for this offering! I can't wait!

Holidays, Gratitude, and Yoga

The celebrations, the gift-giving (and receiving!), the traveling, and the joy of connecting with loved ones can make this time of year so wonderful.

But it can also be stressful.

All of the shopping, cooking, and socializing that is part of it can sometimes take you away from the season's true essence. As it does throughout the year, yoga can be a way to de-stress and cultivate gratitude.

What can you do to practice gratitude and relaxation this week? Here are a few ideas.

• Set aside some time each day for your yoga practice. Even if it's just for 15 minutes, taking some time for yourself to practice yoga and move into a few poses can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
• Focus on your breath. Breath is one of the most important aspects of yoga. When you focus on your breath, you can help to calm your mind and body.
• Choose poses that open your heart. Poses like backbends and chest openers* can help to create and add a sense of space around your heart, helping you to breathe deeper and feel more. Some yogis say these poses focus on your heart chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, and gratitude.
• Set an intention for your practice. Before you begin your practice, take a few moments to set an intention. What do you want to achieve with your practice? Perhaps you want to focus on gratitude, relaxation, or simply connecting with your breath.
• Be present. During your practice, try to be present in the moment and focus on your breath and your body. Don't worry about anything else.

*Allow gentle backbends and chest openers during short practices, such as bridge or constructive rest pose

Another idea: Join me for yoga practice, listen to one of my gratitude meditations, or schedule a one-on-one to help develop your practice.

THE TINA CLUB YOGA THIS WEEK:

Monday 11/6

7:15 a.m. at MSU. Yoga Flow

6 p.m. at Great Scott. Restorative Yoga

Tuesday 11/7

6 p.m. at Great Scott. Gratitude Yoga Flow

Thursday 11/9

8 a.m. Online at Insight Timer. Yin + Restorative Yoga

Saturday 11/11

9 a.m. at Great Scott. Salute the Sun

NOVEMBER

• 11/7- 11/28: Gratitude Yoga Series Tuesdays 6-7pm at Great Scott. $35 for series or $10 drop-in.

(Can't make it to Wichita Falls? Gratitude Yoga Online Recordings available here. $20)

• 11/13-12/22: Master Class: RELAX! Join us at Great Scott on Monday nights from 6-7pm* for a restorative practice and you'll receive a weekly email with tips to help you reset throughout the week and inspire your journaling. Spots are limited, so sign up soon here. $65 (*Note: Drop-in rate of $10 is still available for individual classes, but will not include the emails)
• 11/14-12/23: ONLINE Master Class: Relax Can't make it to Great Scott Studio? Sign up to get the emails and special restorative yoga recordings sent to your inbox. Sign up here. $49