An Ant on the Move
Lao Tzu is quoted as "An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox".
The ant is a symbol of strength, diligence, willpower, honesty, diligence, unity, patience, determination, stamina, sacrifice, and loyalty. Despite its minute size, the ant is known to possess an immense strength of accomplishment, reminding you that nothing comes easy in life without putting any effort.
Not intended to be a polar opposite of stillness, we can
move
as prayer, as meditation, as a commitment to a goal, to shift and make a subtle change that has a profound impact on our alignment with our true nature and state of balance. As Yogi Bhajan says, "keep up to be kept up."
As we find ourselves on the rugged path, we may learn to trust it is the righteous one.
Where do you find the motion that allows you to be in rhythmic harmony, in union? Even in a movement so small we can barely see it, we can feel its momentum.
I find when I move too fast I am more likely to make a mistake, hurt myself, or get frustrated. When I don't move at all I can be pulled into the pits and lose tone.
What binds you? What sticks you, or holds you back?
How do we strengthen ourselves to live
unbound
?
My breath moves me. My intentions move me. My awareness moves me.
I honor my sloth and my cheetah when they are called in, but today I honor the
discipline and endurance
of the ant. I notice the importance of the ant, even if they can be a nuisance to our kitchens, and smile when an ant can make its way in its work seemingly unaffected by stomping feet, vinegar sprays, or other obstacles.
Whether it's a ritual or service, prayer and devotion, a meditation or mantra, a self-care task, etc., what area of your life requires your discipline now to recalibrate a commitment within your virtues to perpetuate your best life and fulfill your sense of purpose?
In the ways I have experience caring for others and being cared for in my own life, I have learned clearly that
little things make a big difference.
I venture to also apply that in my own life in the ways I care for myself...knowing that a goal without a plan is just a wish. The balance of believing and receiving with acts of service to one's self and community.
How do you live your Yoga? Through compassion, peace, and getting in touch with our intrinsic nature we are part of a movement greater than ourselves. As we work to enhance our individual systems, we strengthen the collective.
While the ox may doze, the ants will march.
Yours in Truth & Kindness,
Heather
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Those who register are guaranteed a space. Please RSVP if possible in the case that we sell out.
Energy Exchange $15 (cash, check or card, in person or online)
please pre-register to reserve your spot! These events tend to fill up very quickly.
will meet in the front treatment room. Due to classroom size, please RSVP. We have room for three more. You may use two class cards or a sliding scale of $10-$20.
please pre-register to reserve your spot!
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Class Updates:
Starting Friday August 2, Lunch Crunch Pilates will meet at 12:15 instead of 12:00.
ELDOA
with Jennifer Armstrong returns to The Shift for the month of August on Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00-7:15pm. See website for details. This is a specialty class and registration is strongly encouraged.
After trying a bit of a later start time, we are moving the
Tuesday Slow Flow & Mindful Movement back to 11:15am.
Thursday
mornings have just gotten even stronger!
Loretta Zedella gives us Yoga for a Strong Back, every Thursday 8:15-9:30am.
Jagdeesh
is on hiatus from regular classes and we have an energetic facilitator of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan joining us from Asheville.
Hari Mander Singh Khalsa
will be delivering the teachings in his series,
Be Kind, Be Happy, Be You on the first three Sundays of the month, 4:00-5:30pm.
We will wait to add the additional Kundalini Yoga option that we had discussed for Tuesday evenings, but hope to have these classes come fall.
Sunday morning
was in a state of trial and error with two classes led by
Jenne Sluder;
for now we will hold
one class at 10:30am, SubtleYoga for Healing, every week.
Starting in September, Daya Narayan's Thursday Kundalini Yoga class will meet at a later time
to accommodate the scheduling and requests of our regulars. For now, we will maintain the 5:00pm start time.
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Are you seeking to enhance your practice with a guide who has sat with Yogi Bhajan? Hari Mander will be delivering the teachings and sharing the art of Gong with you in the Sunday Kundalini Yoga classes.
During this time, expect to tune in to your authenticity, experience the technology of awareness. His first set will be for the kidneys and adrenals which will set you free from stress that is trapped in these important organs.
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Welcome, Hari Mander to The Shift!
Kundalini Yoga (as taught by Yogi Bhajan) is also called the yoga of balance and awareness. In this class, Hari Mander will guide you by using the prescribed structure that puts us through a process. At the beginning of each practice we will "tune in" to the golden chain. As consciousness, we are always tuned into something. Tuning into the golden chain aligns us with the teacher within, our inner compass or universal mind. Tuning in opens us up to our highest intelligence and enhances self awareness which opens up a possibility to overcoming self imposed limitations.
The class structure will be consistent yet the practices will have variety. We will use "kriyas" or a specific series of movements, breathe, and sometimes sound to create the changes that strengthen the body's function such as the glandular, nervous, and endocrine systems. We will be creating an environment for self healing, the body's autoregulation and cleansing of the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious minds. The process will also help develop a healthy relationship and understanding of the positive, negative, and neutral minds.
All levels of experience are welcomed and encouraged to join us. The requirement is to kindly show up for yourself as yourself. The outcome includes self experience, increased self confidence, self awareness, sensitivity, subtlety, personal growth, and healthier mental relationships with ones' self. We will have fun and after each class you should feel more calm, and rejuvenated.
Come join us. Let's explore self awareness, relaxation, and community together.
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JOIN ACU-NA AT THE SHIFT
Acupuncture & Guided Meditation with Crystal Bowl Sound Healing at The Shift Studio
Tuesday, August 6th 12:30 Arrival
Guided Meditation 1:00 - 2:00pm
Facilitated by Mary Houge and Karen Benson
Karen Benson, Certified Health Coach and Mary Houge, Licensed Acupuncturist, have teamed up to provide a wonderfully synergistic combination of acupuncture and guided meditation for well-being in a group setting. Mary will insert micro acupuncture needles in your ears (you may opt for ear seeds instead). Then while the acupuncture transcends you into deep relaxation, opening you to possibilities, Karen will lead you through a beautiful guided imagery for balancing your chakras as Mary enhances your journey with sound healing using crystal bowls with the frequency of each chakra. You will be able to continue balancing your chakras at home using a healing touch method that Karen incorporates into the meditation.
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YOU'RE INVITED
Aerial Yoga Weekend Immersion
Sept. 21st and 22nd
12-6pm both days
You don't have to be a Yoga teacher to attend! We encourage you to come get a new understanding of your practice with anti-gravity silks that help you stretch & heal in a new way. Young adults are welcome to attend as well.
We have just one remaining aerial space left! Contact us to join the experience or to ensure you are on the waiting list!
$400 Investment. Scholarships available.
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ACU-NA HEALING WATERS JAMAICA RETREAT:
February, March, & April 2020
Escape the madness AND fulfill your dream of a tropical escape this winter. Visit our retreat website to get all the juicy details and to check out our amazing destination pictures. Picture yourself experiencing pure bliss.
Early Bird Savings! Save Your Spot Now and Save $300
SECURE YOU SPOT, MAKE YOUR $500 DEPOSIT ASAP
Payment plans available at the Early Bird pricing.
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FINAL THOUGHT:
“A seed doesn't stay beneath the soil, too afraid to grow. It journeys upwards boldly, for that is all it knows."
-Atalina Wright, Unbound
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The Shift Studio, 708-B Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
www.theshiftstudio.com
828-450-1166
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