Celebrating Tree of Life Yoga Studio's 1 Year Anniversary

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Tree of Life Yoga Studio! I had a wonderful evening celebrating our first year! I can't believe how much has occurred over the past year. I am so grateful for my family and friends and all of their support in building the studio (quite literally in some cases) and for all of the amazing students I have had the pleasure of working with over the past year! I look forward to many more years of bringing yoga to our community!

Here are some highlights of my yoga journey so far...

February 2003: Take my very first yoga class (with my grandmother, how cool is that?!) at the local YMCA. Immediately fall in love :-)

March 2003: Facilitate the first of many eating disorder prevention groups combining yoga and therapeutic techniques at a local school. Think that combining yoga and psychology is a dream come true. Begin fantasizing about opening a wellness center.

June 2007: Graduate from the University at Buffalo with my Ph.D. in Psychology. Start first "real" job. Spend many hours sitting in my office daydreaming about teaching yoga.

March 2008: Attend Kimberly Wilson's retreat in New York. Begin to think maybe my dreams aren't so crazy after all.

April 2008: Turn down promotion at work. Decide to cut down to part-time at work in the fall so I can explore my career dreams more intently. Start working through The Artist's Way.

June 2008: Mention to my husband that I want to teach yoga.

June 25, 2008: Teach my first yoga class in my husband's colleague's living room!

August 2008: Attend yoga teacher training. Mention to my husband I would love to find a space to rent to teach yoga. He suggests I call The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.

September 2008: Secure a lease at The NACC. Get to work transforming the space into a peaceful and inspiring yoga haven!

The studio at The NACC

October 30, 2008: Teach my first class in my very own yoga studio at The NACC. Meet with wellness director at Barton Hill Hotel and Spa about teaching yoga there. An absolutely amazing, cloud nine kind of day!

April 2009: Teach first Women's Wellness Circle. Another dream come true!

September 28, 2009: Teach the first class in the new studio at Living Wellness of Niagara.

The new studio at Living Wellness of Niagara

I am overflowing with joy and gratitude! Thank you for all of your support along this journey!

Namaste,

Mindy

Spontaneous Mini-Artist Date

Hello! I hope you are having a fabulous weekend! I wanted to share a spontaneous mini-artist date I squeezed in late last week...

I arrived home after teaching and discovered I had 30 unplanned minutes to myself before dashing off to pick up my favorite girl from the sixth grade! Of course, the to-do list was there waiting and the dirty bathrooms were calling out for some cleaning, but I decided to do something to rejuvenate myself instead!

I had been dying to get outside and take some pictures of the gorgeous fall foliage. It seemed especially urgent since it already feels like winter here in Western New York! Which is kind of gross by the way and means I have to work extra hard not to be grouchy everyday that it is below 50 degrees, which is basically everyday for about the last two weeks. But I digress...

I took about 15 minutes to walk around the neighborhood and capture the autumn scenery. Here are a few of my pictures:



Just about the time my legs were beginning to go numb, I came back home for some peppermint tea and pumpkin bread - yum! I also discovered the newest issue of Real Simple in the mailbox - yay - and spent my last few minutes alone leafing through it and soaking up the splendid images!

I felt wonderfully refreshed after my spontaneous mini-artist date! I highly recommend squeezing in some "me time" wherever and whenever you can! Even five minutes can make a difference in your day.

Some ideas on how to refresh your soul in 5 minutes or less:

• Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths
• Check your favorite blog
• Listen to an uplifting song
• Do a yoga pose in your chair
• Take out your journal
• Doodle on a sticky-note
• Take a short walk outdoors
• Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee

Wishing you many inspiring moments this week,

Mindy

Tree of Life Yoga Studio's new home

As of September 28, 2009, Tree of Life Yoga Studio has moved to our new home inside Living Wellness of Niagara at 1517 Main Street! The transformation of the space has involved loads of hard work (which I admit has been mostly the hubby's, not mine). Here are a few pictures of the finishing touch at the studio - an Om mosaic.





























Voila! The finished product! The new studio has gorgeous hardwood floors - perfect for yoga - and plenty of space. If you haven't had a chance to stop in yet, consider registering for our Chakra 1 workshop on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:30pm. Or sign up for the Women's Wellness Retreat I am hosting along with life coach Kim David on Saturday, November 14th. More information on these workshops and our daily schedule here.

Namaste,

Mindy

Thriving in Tough Times

I have been going through some tough times and have stayed away from posting. I'm torn between saying nothing, which does not feel authentic, and sharing too much. I guess for now I will just say that I am in a hard place.

During tough times, I am comforted by the belief that every loss or challenge we encounter brings with it a valuable lesson and opportunity for growth. Other things that help me through tough times are my yoga practice, my friends and family, a cup of peppermint tea, letting go of as much responsibility as I can, being outside, petting my furbabies, reading, journaling, breathing, warm brownies, and my cozy bed.

What helps you thrive in tough times?