"To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”

― J. Krishnamurti

Isn't this a beuatiful quote?? It makes me stop and think about my own day-to-day practices, my habits, the tasks I have lined up and most importnatly whether or not I have time dedicated to reflect...

How do you find stillness?

Is it easy to arrive in that space ? Does it require practice?

Is it something familiar, repeated?

Is it a new path, something you are still discovering?

May the days ahead begin to offer you moments of stillness, a space to connect with your breath, to tap into your physicality, a moment to honor and feel gratitude for even the tiniest thing - For even that tiny thing, such as a few minutes to be still, to listen - could perhaps be just what is needed to open us up to something waiting to be discovered.

Happy November dear friends! - With love, Annelize & the team at Shakti

Save the Date | Nov 17th @ 4pm

Sound Journey Through the Elements w/Mariana Sawaia Suarez

A Sound Journey is a powerful and immersive experience that uses the therapeutic properties of sound to facilitate healing, relaxation, and personal growth...

As a Certified Sound Practitioner/Facilitator, Mariana guides participants through immersive Sound Journeys reflecting the five elements in nature—earth, fire, water, air, and essence/spirit, using a variety of instruments and techniques to create a rich and immersive experience.

To read more about the benefits of sound healing and to sign up, click here

Community Spotlight

Meet Sandy, one of Shakti's regular Yoga practitioners.

When we asked Sandy what brought her to yoga, this is what she shared "I found an illustrated yoga book when I was a child and practiced all the poses. It wasn’t until I was about 60 that I started up again with some wonderful people. After the pandemic, I didn’t go to practice in a long time. My friend, Paul Kevin Smith, helped me, but we moved, then I found Shakti."

We asked Sandy how her yoga practice has created a positive shift in her life. She shared that it has made her calmer, much more flexible, much stabler! "I love the community, it makes me feel safe and at the same time a part of the greater world." Outisde of her regular yoga practice, Sandy enjoys reading, and spending time with her 5 grandkids, 2 dogs and also loves going to hear live music, all kinds!

When Sandy first came to Shakti she said one of her goals was to be limber and stay flexible as she got closer to 80! Guess what? This yogini will be celebrating her 80th birthday in just a few days,on November 14th. We asked her what she's looking forward to for the new year coming her way, what inspires, what moves... Her response is proof that she's got balance and aligment both on and off the mat, "I have a pretty great life, fun, family, yoga, and music".

Many blessings for your new year! May you have continued health, joy and santosha (contentment) in all that you do.

Middle photo - Sandy at a Santana Concert with her youngest son, Max and daughter in law Chelsea.

Bottom photo - Sandy with her dogs FayWray, BB Rover, and the late, great chihuahua Steve McQueen.

Welcome to Shakti!

We're happy to welcome Victoria as one of our newest instructors at Shakti.

Victoria is dedicated to fostering well-being. She is passionate about sharing the joy of movement through practicing yoga and mindful movement. Her approach centers on creating a supportive space where individuals can connect, grow, and experience the transformative power of movement and mindfulness.

Victoria is looking forward to teaching a Dynamic Vinyasa Flow on Sunday at 9:30am as well as some Yoga & Kickboxing classes at the studio. Come try a new class this month!

Seasonal Ayurvedic Sweet Tea

Subtle and sweet, earthy and grounding, comforting and warming... my new favorite. I make herbal water, daily, for our family and as the seasons change, I love to try new combinations. This one is delicious and I strongly encourage you to try it - not only for the taste, but also for the added benefits of boosing focus, enhancing taste buds, keeping the digestive fire strong and best of all - great for immunity! Much like my grandmother, I don't actually measure when cooking or making tea! I go by instinct, but I realize some of us do better with some measurements. Give this a try and adjust as needed.

In a large pot of water add the following :

1 - 2 lighly crushed Green Cardamom pods,

1 - 2 small pieces of Cinnamon bark (Sri Lankan or Vietnamese)

a thin slice of Ginger root

a thin slice of fresh Turmeric root

1 Clove

a few coridander seeds

Boil for 7 - 10 minutes, strain and enjoy warm or at room temperature - in your favorite mug!

(if you don't have all the spices on hand, no worries, you can make do with some of these and you'll still get a lovely tasting herbal tea).

Optional ways to make this :

Add a few black or green tea leaves when boiling or prepare as required for a bit of caffeine
Add milk or non-dairy beverage (almond, oat, soy) to make it a little creamier
Add your favorite sweetner (raw can sugar, palm jaggery or honey, once the tea is warm -not hot).

Most importantly, when getting ready to have your first cup, it's best enjoyed if you find a spot to sit and really taste the tea. It' an opportunity to take in these wonderful gifts that nature offers.

Hmm.. now that I think about it, this tea may be what's needed to lay the foundation for that stillness Jiddhu Krishnamurthi speaks of... Give it a try and see what you discover!