Newsletter January 31, 2025

January 2025 felt longer than 31 days for so many. We can move forward, though. The fires in Los Angeles and the tragic plane crash here in Washington, DC, are just a couple.

I was listening to a math school teacher who lost her home to the fires. She shared that she spent over 20 years saving for her down payment for her home and now she is left with nothing. When she went back to the site of her home she retrieved a small dish that she used in her bedroom to hold her jewelry. On the plate, it had the words "I think I'll just be happy today".

I think we can all use these words to be reminded that in the mist of our worry and sadness we can move forward with more tenderness. These are the times with overwhelming feelings and we need to remember to shorten the 'to do' list and just focus on small ways to be happy in the moment.

So how will you find happiness today? Maybe you aren't dealing with sad or tragic events however you can still benefit from being present to appreciate what you have. Find ways to be with community, laugh and cry.

February is often associated with love however we don't have to wait to offer compassion. Just the other day I was wearing my "Commanders" shirt and someone, who preferred a different team, said "You Lost!" and I replied "No I didn't". That goes into a deep place in my heart that knows that I am free from what anyone else may think. The Commanders may not have won the Super Bowl but they "won" in so many other ways.

To be sure, seeing another person's point of view is hard and often, people just want to argue because they aren't regulated, so they can't process another idea or thought. Did you know that it is believed that 15 to 20% of the world's population has been diagnosed neurodivergent and now that number is growing because older people are being properly diagnosed. I work full time at a private school and lead courses to help grades 5 to 12 who are a blend of neurodivergent conditions; using tools of yoga therapy to help them regulate their body. They often respond with anger and irritability. I always like to educate, so I wrote a social post explaining neurodiversity so if you want to learn more please see below. What I see experience, either at the school or the Intensive Outpatient I work for, is how freeing it is when someone realizes that they are not so unusual and have hope.

In the meantime, hope to see you at a workshop and it has been good to see so many I haven't seen in a long time in person. In the meantime, you are in my thoughts, and I hope you find peace and happiness.

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email: paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

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Newsletter December 31, 2024

As we finish the year and move into a new one, I hope you are taking time to set some intentions.

Even better than resolutions, if you positively admit to what you need, you may find it more helpful. For example, instead of wanting something negative to go away, focus on what you could use more of in your life and replace that with any negative goals.

As many of you know I began a new job as a full time teacher at a private school recently. I came in with experience working with teens and tweens however there has been a lot to learn about being a school teacher and managing a classroom. I enjoy working with the students and knowing that I will work with them for the long term. Already, I am hearing from parents about changes they are observing. I also continue to work online with Charlie Health a few nights a week. This work allows me to work with adolescents and young adults across the US with mental health and abuse trauma and introduce them to yoga therapy tools.

Besides work, I just returned from seeing family and traveling across the country in the car with my new dog, Zoe ( in the picture). She did well, and glad that I found time to set boundaries so I had downtime for myself. I watched the new Ken Burns documentary and read books; I have been enjoying books by Kristin Hannah. I had a lot of home improvements this year and returned home recently to a generator that broke in our refrigerator; of course! Fortunately, we ordered a new refrigerator and just had that delivered today. Now I am hoping for a quiet new years eve.

Looking back on this year I began it with a major surgery and recovery. I lost two of my dogs and had some tough choices to make with the direction of my career. I also adopted a new dog, gave myself space to learn, listen, and let go. I did experience shock and loss with the elections in our country and I am worried, however I decided on a way to move forward that allows me to feel safe. I didn't travel much this year as financially I focused on improvements, however did take some mini-breaks. We helped my Mother-in-law move into long term care and just visited her for Christmas.

Anyway if I had to define 2024 it would be the year of change.

I hope to see you in 2025 and I have two workshops coming up in January (see below) and more planned on in 2025 as well. I can also be hired directly for corporate or private sessions so reach out to me if interested.

I do hope to see or hear from you soon and hope that you are safe, happy and doing well. Always feel free to drop me a message and I am so glad we continue to know each other. Have a happy new year!

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email: paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

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Newsletter November 5, 2024

As I expected, starting a new job has taken time to adjust. I hadn't planned for as much of a learning curve as there has been, however to balance this anxiety I took time away from studio workshops and private lessons.

I took time as well for self-care and explored a floating tank and sauna experience in Old Town that was so nice; just one example though. After the elections, no I am not going to discuss politics here, I took more time for reflection.

Whether happy or sad we all need reminding to look within ourselves for answers. The ancient yoga practices have pointed this out as well. As humans we will suffer in our life. We can't avoid it but we can control how we face it. Some think that withdrawing is the only solution, however it can cause more suffering if done for too long.

Therefore I suggest that you explore ways to get in touch with nature, safe community and trust your heart as to ways to find balance. Setting your boundaries are ways for you to find joy from within. Explore interests that maybe you have abandoned and try some new ones you were scared of.

I am back at some workshops and plan on more in 2025, so want to hear from you about ones you want to see. Fortunately the studio in Old Town that I have been at for over 10 years now is great at letting me do any style or format. I am excited to offer a new one that is a yoga therapy style. This will allow me to blend some of the yin and ball style and add Somatic Yoga and finish with a gong bath meditation. The focus is the low back and hips but I can explore more areas both physically and emotionally. Write me directly paigesyoga@me.com if you want to make suggestions. We are also trying these on a Saturday to see if more prefer this time and day.

If you are reading or connected to me in the newsletter and/or social media I want to remind you that I am so glad that we know each other. May you find peace, joy and I hope to see you you on the mat soon. If you do come to my workshops I hope we can reconnect and hug!

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday as well!

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter September 1, 2024

I had a major life choice to make, and I will say that my yoga and meditation helped me once again find some answers. For me the practice is therapeutic, and I listened to so much in my life and when a new opportunity presented itself, I listened to the message and listened.

For many years, almost a decade, I have been an independent contractor and worked at many sites and studios. Making a living this way was possible and requires a lot of organization skills; something I am often asked about by those who want to know how they can make a living teaching yoga full time. I wasn't actively looking for anything new however I know how important it is to network.

In addition to working at various health care sites, I have been working at a private school for 4 years. Unfortunately, the school didn't pay much and couldn't offer me many hours, even when I worked at two locations for them. So, when another school approached me, we began talking. The head of school was going to hire me for a couple of sessions a day and they didn't know much about yoga therapy but listened and inquired more. Often the school hired a yoga teacher or someone with a fitness background. However, they went back to their team to explore other ways I could help them. She saw the potential and experience I had working with adolescents with a variety of mental health issues and ways my accounting and recruiting work would also be educational. I will say that it is nice to work with someone who could 'think outside of the box', but also has a mental health background. Even though we are not providing therapy, we do need to understand it.

Anyway, I began two weeks ago and last week was the first full week with the students at The Sycamore School. I am working with middle and high school groups, often 15 to 20 students; many have ADHD and/or Autism and have experienced bullying at other places of education. They have already touched my heart and now I see where all my years of work and education have brought me here. I am also doing some one-to-one sessions and even some career planning for the seniors. One senior requested me as their mentor as they work on their High School project. The commute time is less and now as an employee I have benefits such as PTO and Parking! I really enjoy the staff as well and there was much that just felt right about the place. The Sycamore School has one location in Rosslyn Arlington, VA, but many come from all parts of the DMV.

This year has presented itself with many changes, loss, grief, and I am glad that I didn't stay within my comfort area and allowed for change to happen; even when I felt scared. Money is not the only consideration, however overall, I will be earning more than all the other jobs combined. However, I will say that teachers of any sort, even yoga, are not compensated well. Therefore, when this school made me the offer, they even noted that 'for someone with your experience it should be more' however what I noticed was it was slightly higher than the market. But yes, all teachers should be paid more. They do a lot of work off the clock time, even for yoga classes. There is a lot of continued education, safety trainings, set up, clean up, mentoring, planning, and they often do what they do because they care so much.

Anyway, sometimes you have to trust your heart. However, listening to our body and its message is challenging. We 'override' the message often and that is where I find the therapeutic 'bottom up' approach quite useful in a yoga practice. It's within a yoga practice where we can focus on the body's responses before another part of the brain 'thinks about it'. In my case I really had to accept the level of anxiety I was living with as well as trying to please so many; known as holding or attaching in the 8 limbs of yoga. It was hard to let the positions and students go, but as I sat with it, I also realized it was time to move on. As I came to this decision, I also gave some notice, even though I wasn't required, and then observed that I was able to refer some other yoga teachers. We often don't see the bigger picture of our actions; karma yoga helps us make choices based on something bigger than ourselves.

That being said I want to take the time to remind each of you that a very important election is coming up. This is your time to make an impact that will make a difference to a large population of people, present and future. You can't rely on the news as your only source though, as it may be filled with a bias opinion. Be sure to do some research, check sources and get involved. Do something!

In the meantime, I still offer online sessions and will do the workshops at 532Yoga in person in Old Town (see next one below). I will also offer workshops at "Life with Cancer" with Inova as well.

You can still reach out to hire me for corporate, group or private sessions as well.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful Labor Day weekend!

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter June 6, 2024

What if you had to admit to something you believed in for so long, only to discover it was no longer serving you?

This sounds simple enough, however it isn't easy.

We can explore this more with the studies of yoga. How?

Have you ever heard of "the Kleshas"?

Suffering is part of human nature and with more awareness we can choose how much suffering we experience. Kleshas are listed in ancient texts that list the human afflictions that are at the source of suffering.

These Kleshas distort our mind and thoughts.

In other words, they will add to the experience.

The distortions are:

Avidya (ignorance)

Asmita (egoism)

Raga (attachment)

Dvesha (aversion)

Abhinivesha (fear)

Knowing this, what if we find time to pause and build more awareness around our reactions? Just considering changes builds empathy and compassion in the brain. This won't eliminate pain however it can change reduce or eliminate the added reactions.

"Pain + Resistance = Suffering" is a formula often shared in the yoga community for applying the teachings of the Kleshas. We won't focus on eliminating pain however we can do something about the other part of the formula.

Therefore in modern day we can observe our reaction and see if it falls into any of these buckets. Am I doing or saying that because I am afraid, scared or blaming? Or am I using a bias or stereotype to classify someone's entire character?

Studying and applying the Kleshsas doesn't mean we will have answers to everything. However maybe we can make space in our thoughts and have more enjoyment in our daily experiences. This can start on the yoga mat and branch out into our life.

Take time today to notice other ways to observe your thoughts. Consider if those thoughts are the afflictions mentioned or not. What happens to you when you think of it this way?

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I have some summer workshops and then I will be off for a break. I will return to the in person sound bath at 532 Yoga in September. However many are away and it makes sense to take some time off as well. I hope you have some plans this summer and will take time to listen to what you body needs.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful weekend!

paigesyoga@me.com

Newsletter May 5, 2024

When I began writing this newsletter I had just lost Jack but then we lost Sadie two weeks to the day. Of course, many of you knew them, practiced yoga with them in person or online for many years. They have both been suffering from heart and lung issues for the past several years. No doubt I had extra time with them; more than even the doctors thought I would have. Still my life has been spent monitoring them, cutting up medicine 3 times a day, cooking them food and sometimes hand-feeding them. My life was filled with much stress and anxiety but I would do it all over again because they were worth it. They brough me so much love and joy. After a long day of work, I looked forward to coming home to their welcome.

Knowing that someone is sick doesn't take away the pain of loss or grief. I don't have any regrets though and know that when the time was right, we let go and listened to the moment. I have had loss before however was never present for it. Even with my family I was always notified, which is very different than being there. Watching someone's last breath and moment as you feel them pass away in your arms is quite hard to do, however at the same time I know I was with them till the end.

I have been taking the time to grieve and this also led me to meeting with a therapist, as there is nothing wrong with asking for help. I also found ways to write, take walks outside and I had pictures printed out to put in new frames around the house. I also went back and read through years of cards I had saved from those I have taught; as I was in a place of doubt and discovering my purpose in life (again). Now I am focusing on things I have put off for years, because caretaking was my priority.

So... I am subbing at a studio in Old Town for a month and glad to help both the teacher and the studio with this. If you haven't gone to a studio in a while and feel up to it again, maybe this will be some motivation to take some steps to return. If so, I hope to see you there, give you a big hug and we'll keep moving forward together.

Thank you for all those that wrote me, sent cards, and flowers

during this very hard time.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful weekend!

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter March 23, 2024

It takes courage to use discernment and question your beliefs. Allowing ourselves to remain open prevents us from developing a fixed view in life which can hurt us and others. Fixed views show up in our mental well-being; leaving us disconnected, withdrawn, paranoid, and suspicious.

Being courageous doesn't mean that you won't be scared though. You are human after all, and will feel discomfort, anger and sadness; especially when faced with ideas that conflict with your inner narrative, belief or desires.

Human nature tends to dismiss, reject, blame or combat alternative views or changes often as a way to protect. Feeling a threat does have its place, however the body remaining in a flight, fight or freeze response is a serious condition today; impacting our health.

How to resolve this remains a question for many

and maybe working with someone would help you.

This may be with a yoga therapist, talk therapist or group therapy.

In the meantime, consider being flexible and curious

which allows you to continue to learn, adapt, change and find solutions.

Our fixed view of who we are in yoga may also be something we question and

it takes strength and energy to transform resistance into a place that

was beyond our initial thought or belief.

From this place so much more can grow, connect and collaborate

physically, mentally and emotionally.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter January 31, 2024

Some of you know I have two small dogs, both around 16 years old, and they have terminal issues. Jack had his follow up ultra-sound to observe his heart and the cardiologist looked at me and said 'we rarely see this' however his heart size is back to normal. This doesn't mean that he is healed however it meant we could cut back some of the medication he is on that can hurt other organs. This picture is us in the doctors office.

Additionally, I had a surgery January 3rd to repair an abdominal hernia and it ended up being a larger area they repaired so the healing is taking longer however each day gets better.

Fact is meditation and yoga taught me not to run away from my feelings or current situations. I learned to be with right now even when it isn't great. Unfortunately, our culture is more about numbing or avoiding when we have problems or discomfort.

Yet when we do that, we live in a place where we constantly need to numb over and over and we begin to observe that it isn't solving anything.

Often, we repeat the numbing and avoidance for a long time.

So maybe it is time to try another way?

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I am offering more private in person and online sessions. Friday lunch and afternoon is open still and I will offer at 20% reduction in the rate for this day & time slot.

Email me paigesyoga.com if you want to know more. Lessons are customized to you; want more physical focus, mental or meditation? Just let me know.

I also offer corporate sessions, where I come to office retreats, outings or lunchtime functions where they want to do some breathwork or meditation.

Having worked in corporate myself for 25 years I understand the office stress and can offer coping skills the group can apply on their own.

Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter December 24, 2023

I began writing this newsletter so many times in October and November however I was overwhelmed with much in my life that I never finished it. I had a lot of health issues with my dogs (4 Vet-ER visits in one week) and then turned my focus on myself. What started with one CT scan turned into an MRI, 2 Ultrasounds, another CT scan, hearing test and two biopsies. Everything has turned out fine, however it is good to have some updates. I am also finally having a hernia repaired that will require an outpatient surgery January 3rd. Therefore I won't be able to lift anything, not even my sound bowls, for at least 4 to 6 weeks. So, I will be away briefly, and I am scheduling my next sound bowl in person in February as well.

Therefore, months later I finally completed this newsletter!

What else is new? One of my newest services is a private meditation online.

It is a 30 minute session customized to each person. I offer a brief meditation session then go over a plan to do on your own and then we add or modify in the next session. This is good for those new or returning to meditation. Maybe staying on track is challenging and by meeting more often it may help.

I've also had some new private sessions and one included a prenatal yoga session for someone who's family member bought some sessions for them and they began not being interested in yoga. However, they quickly discovered its benefits and, in the end, had a peaceful delivery. They also reached out to me for postnatal sessions in a couple months.

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I've still got availability though for private sessions.

Below are ways to find me for online and person sessions.

My hope is that you are doing well and will have a safe holiday season.

Happy new year!

--Paige

Newsletter October 5, 2023

I don't know about you, but I feel like this year is flying by. I am very excited about the change of season and was a bit disappointed that this week has been so warm. However, as we go into the change it can often lead many of us to reevaluate our life, clean things out and shift our plans.

It is ok to start over and if anything, my yoga and meditation practice has helped me to stop clinging to what I remember and be with things as they are.

Seeing things as they are is challenging because we may not like to admit what we discover. For some reason this week I have had many insist that they can multitask. First of all, I am here to tell you that the brain can't. The brain can task fast though, however what happens in tasking that fast is that we are bound to miss things. Furthermore, doing this all the time is exactly why so many are living with chronic states of anxiety.

There are times when someone still insists that they can do this and I move on with what I am doing. Then I come back to them for their thoughts they often reply with "what did you say?" So I reply, "oh, I thought you said you could process two things at the same time?" Of course they don't like to admit this and most often don't recognize the irony as they are too busy notice what they just did; not multi-tasking at all.

In nature the change of the season is a time to slow down.

Get ready for winter and we may need more sleep and heartier foods.

Slowing down is going to help us perform better in our day and

possibly listen better as well.

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Below are ways to find me for online and in person sessions.

I hope you are well and that I will see you again!

--Paige

Newsletter September 21, 2023

I was cleaning out some items and came across a honorary patrol badge I received a long time ago. For a couple of years I attended an elementary school in DC public school, and being in the city meant many walked to school. Therefore being a safety patrol meant standing on assigned corners to make sure everyone crossed the street safely.

Today there are times I will drive past my first assigned spot and remember how I stood there just to help one student cross the street. When I was assigned this spot I was told it was a pretty boring spot; there was only one girl to help cross the street and to be honest she was in 6th grade (I was in 4th); so I think she could handle it. However even at this age I remember committing to things fully; the number of people you help doesn't matter.

Over time I moved up to new positions and by 5th grade I was elected the Captain of Patrols. This caught me off guard because I didn't know that others would vote for me. Fact was many disliked the other Captain and nobody else wanted the role. I won the vote and was the first female and 5th grader to ever hold this role at this school. I still had many battles including initially the supervisor had doubts about me and tried to amend the role to a dual Captain position. She doubted my abilities however I challenged this and won my point; which was you can't doubt me based on age or gender. Yes even a woman could doubt someone based on gender. This supervisor would still challenge me in other ways as well, however I pushed forward and had the support of other patrols.

I am proud of this because it was the first of many times in life when someone was going to make me doubt myself; I just had to keep on believing in me.

You can't base your truth off of popularity, numbers or what others will think of you.

Standing up for what you believe often means that you may have go without any support. At times you may have to trust something that feels right and maybe you can't explain where the feeling is coming from. Of course there is a balance between considering another point of view, however learning to figure out which direction to take is where I found yoga to be helpful.

For me my yoga practice helps me to observe that negative self-talk and figure out ways to become comfortable with it. Seeing that the thought doesn't make it right.

This doesn't mean that I have ever reached a point where I am without anger or frustration. I have to work at being with my feelings each day. I am not the void of feelings, however I can allow my feelings to help point me in a better direction and therefore root me back to a place where I can laugh, have fun and find purpose and meaning.

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As we move into the first day of the fall season, it means change is here.

I hope you will find some ways to embrace change and get back to

some ways to help you reconnect with your well-being and purpose.

How could you have fun today?

I also hope this story helps you to return back to place

that has always existed inside of you.

I also hope to see you soon either online or in person

See the workshops, classes and videos below

--Paige

Newsletter September 4, 2023

Many forget what labor day was initially for. It wasn't created to represent the end of summer activities or last day of wearing white.

Many in the labor industry used to work 6 to 7 days a week and 10 to 12 hours was normal. The employee had very little rights and this was a way of offering them a paid day off and honor their efforts.

I studied labor law myself and we can forget that we have much today in the workplace because of their effort to make changes. They fought for sick leave, child labor laws, minimal wage, sexual harassment laws, anti-discrimination and other employment laws to be passed. Today work places post up employment laws in their spaces, however many may not read it. Fact is we are still out there fighting for change, striking and fighting for the rights as workers.

Furthermore humans weren't meant to isolate and are in need of community.

We seek out validation and connection. Therefore as you go about your day, be sure to thank someone for their hard work. Help that person to be seen and appreciated.

Oh yeah... it comes back and helps you as well.

How you seek out validation and connection?

It is more non-verbally than you may think:

A walk outside as you observe nature, animals and others

Yoga movement with a group - there is unspoken context in the movement

Sound Bowl Meditation session - letting someone else help you relax

Massage or other body work - the power of touch

Making a dinner with your family or friends - feeding your soul and body

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Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person

See the workshops, classes and videos below

--Paige

Newsletter August 17, 2023

The other day I turned 54 years old and yes, this means it is my birthday.

Oddly though I don't have much thought around things or events I must do on a birthday.

I am happy to continue working, and make sure that each day of my life is filled with bliss and joy.

Not to say that I won't find some way to celebrate however it doesn't have to be the way others always told me it had to be.

Whenever I do anything because that is what others want, I am always disappointed. So with age I have learned to find joy in small things; Naps with my dogs, smell of fresh flowers, taste of white chocolate cake and working appliances. (Yes my dishwasher broke the day before my birthday so that was my gift).

So how do you find joy in things each day? Do you find yourself uncomfortable because you think others will judge you? See I use yoga practice just for this reason. I can observe my feelings and begin to expand my response. I can begin to view what I am thinking in a different way. ie like it is a gift that I may not understand or appreciate just yet. Then we can use coping skills in yoga to help co-regulate the response system. Co-regulation means to use what is around us, from others and environment, to help us regulate the body and mind.

A good example is how I come home after a long day and spend a quiet afternoon just holding and petting my dogs. It helps to bring awareness to the action though, because just doing the physical activity won't guarantee a nervous system shift. When awareness happens it helps activate the Vagus Nerve and begin to communicate to the body that I am safe. This becomes very important to everyone however especially good for those dealing with chronic conditions of anxiety, stress and depression.

Which is why many have found tools like stress balls, spinners and anxiety blankets very helpful. It is also why others find things like gentle movement, being with community, and being outside in nature very helpful.

How could you use coping skills today to help shift or co-regulate your body response? Find yourself improving awareness and being with the small gifts in your day.

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Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person.

My social media links are also listed below (see the icons).

In the meantime stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

--Paige

Newsletter Aug 2, 2023

I heard a story that I remembered and wanted to share...

There was a farmer and one day his only horse ran away. The community came by and said "oh what a shame this happened to you" and the farmer replied "maybe".

The next day the horse returned and with more horses as well. The community came by and said "oh what a wonderful blessing" and the farmer replied "maybe".

Days later the farmers son was riding one of the horses, fell off and broke his leg. The community came by and said "oh what a sad thing to have happened" and the farmer replied "maybe".

Many days later a war broke out and the son was pardoned from the draft because of his broken leg. The community came by and said "oh what luck that he was pardoned and you didn't loose your son" and the farmer replied "maybe".

The point of this story is that we are often quick to categorize events happening to us as good or bad. However sometimes if we wait, we will learn that maybe there are multiple feelings and even purposes to be revealed later as well.

Maybe is my favoriate word because it allows me to stop worrying in the moment. From there I can be with the reality of now; discover ways to be with what is here. Even if that experience isn't joyful, it may have more to reveal. So give it time.

My yoga practice is focused on more than movement. I practice pauses in my thought with my breath. Maybe becomes is like a comma. A big pause. What else can we say about the moment? This way I can apply this way of thinking in daily life as well; which often shifts pain, anxiety and stress. Science is still studying the connection of the body to the mind. Pain doesn't begin in your thought. How we hold it in our body is the yoga practice.

How will you find ways to be with reality in your day?

Where can you use "maybe" more?

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Last week I finished teaching yoga at gym I have worked at for over 7 years. The building management didn't renew the contract and therefore didn't maintain any of the staff... including me. It was sad to leave of course, as I have enjoyed helping many there; often many with an introduction to yoga. I had one student, who I hardly knew there, who just made a donation to me on my website. Why I wondered. They specifically thanked me for helping them recover from their knee surgery and that they would miss my classes. So just like the story above, we may have disappointing news but just wait... it may reveal more over time. Maybe!

Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person.

My social media links are also listed below (see the icons).

In the meantime stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

--Paige

Newsletter May 18, 2023

While traveling in Bali I attended a sound bath meditation and really enjoyed the large chimes someone was playing during the session. So I found some myself and they just arrived! I really like the selection of notes on these chimes and how long the ring lasts. Furthermore makes a nice complement to the bowls and when I am leading an in person session I can walk around with them as well; making sure the sound reaches the back of the room.

This Sunday I am back in person at 532Yoga in Old Town so be sure to register and hear the new chimes.

I will be at some New studios and more to come soon! Yes I have some new spaces I am going to be teaching in person! Some information on one of them is below. I begin this Monday night and could use all the support you can offer. So if you can make it I hope to see you soon!

Many people are back and ready to go to person sessions. If you aren't or maybe can't travel to see me, there are still virtual sessions available. I can customize a session for you as well; so let me know. If you prefer shorter yoga or meditation sessions lets break it up into half hour sessions and meet online. My summer is starting to book up though so message me directly paigesyoga@me.com and I can discuss price and times.

--Paige

Newsletter May 4, 2023

Bali was amazing adventure and gave me time to think and come back refreshed. I traveled safely to the other part of the world and back.

So whats next? I have some new open times to teach as the school work at doesn't have any summer classes for me. I am doing more in person and if you want to do yoga, yoga therapy or meditation I can customize a plan, meet with you and help you meet your goals.

Just reach out to me or go to my webpage directly to book appointments. I have updated the times and days open now and there will be more to come as well.

If you make any referrals be sure they let me know and I will also offer discounts to you directly for future services or workshops. I do appreciate it and hope I can do more with you.

I also do corporate workshops which can be single sessions or a series. Online sessions will be discounted so if that is preferred message me and we can set up a private link to book the appointment.

In the meantime I hope you are well and that I will see you soon!

--Paige

Newsletter April 14, 2023

Its been a long time since I went on a vacation and this one is going to be big!

I am going to Bali on a yoga retreat which is a the furthest I have ever traveled. 12 hours ahead of us and the flight will be 23+ hours when I finally arrive. So that isn't a quick trip. I haven't gone away on vacation since 2019 and this is much needed. I will be gone for 2 weeks and back taking some time to adjust when I get back as well.

However once back, refreshed and ready to go, I will be back offering workshops so check the schedule below. I am also going to do a Wednesday night workshop/series online this summer for 5 weeks... more to come. My private sessions are still available and summer will offer some more open time to book appointments as well; as the school I work at will be on summer break.

In the meantime I recorded many new videos on my YouTube channel. If you subscribe you already got the message when it released. I hope it helps you and maybe suggest it to others in need of some physical, mental or emotional balance.

Finding balance isn't easy but we can all loose it so easily. We give away our power and when we do so, taking it back leaves us with pride and energy. So how will you take back your power? Think on that especially in the world today where we can so easily give up hope. Don't. Take it back. You got this!

See you in a couple of week!

--Paige

Newsletter February 23, 2023

Many of you know that I have been dealing with cancer issues with our Cat, Moby, for the past 6 months. Although we knew the time would come, making the choice was so hard.

Last week my husband told me he couldn't make the decision and very much needed me to help us move forward. We had to let go and it was quite hard. We doubted ourselves even though all the signs were there.

We had planned for a service to come to the house but Moby quickly declined and we ended up going to the Urgent Care instead; a few days earlier than planned. Fortunately they took good care of us and he passed away in my husbands arms.

Holding on is our way of freezing instead of admitting to what is present. We use words like 'should' or 'want' and when I hear those words I am careful. That is a good time to pause and take a step back. Re-evaluate that response and consider another way to look at that. Instead think about what is holding you back?

What are you afraid of? Or... what do you need? We won't get rid of pain or hurt but once we let go

we can reduce the extra pain that holding has. I am feeling that so much right now and with that we are taking time to grieve. This will include self-care, quiet time and making sure we eat even when we don't want to.

--Paige

Newsletter January 16, 2023 - Emotions and Sadness

Many of you know my Dog Sadie but for the past few years she has been battling with pulmonary fibrosis but last week was having major health problems. Making the decision to go to the ER is never easy choice; however I think it is that way for many of us. Doubt creeps in and makes you wonder ' is this urgent or could it wait'.

Additionally we had heard that many of the Animal ER's were filled; dealing with a dog flu. So we didn't want to bother them or take Sadie to a place that was crowded with a virus. But finally, at 5am, my instincts knew it was time. We had to call many ER's till we found one that had space. Later my husband thanked me for knowing because he was too scared and uncertain to admit it.

Emotions can tell us things and then show up in the physical body but we often disregard it quite simply because we deny it. "Yoga", the word, means to reconnect and with a practice you find yourself more aware when you feel yourself pushing away. Yes we have to learn to feel again. For me it could be observing my chest tighten, breath is shallow or eyes tearing up; observe my physical avoidance. I will notice my reaction and words I am using as well; very aware of when I use words like "Want" or "Should" as that is often me covering up reality.

Instead yoga can help me redefine reality. I can be with the moment but include other facts I wasn't considering which allows for more creativity, choices and options.

Sadie improved which was a surprise because we were being prepared for the worse. I found myself trusting what my body's message and what I needed in that time. She has been home and we are quite lucky to have more days ahead. We don't know for how long but then again...none of us know that. So I continue to appreciate each moment with everyone.

The workshops I am leading this weekend are almost sold out so if you want to come don't wait to register. Also Tonight I am leading online sound bowl for Life With Cancer which is listed below as well.

Stay safe and hope to see you in person or online.

Newsletter December 30, 2022 - New Year

Different cultures have different times of the year for celebrating the new year. However many of us acknowledge the end of the year as a time to reflect and set goals; this often includes making changes to our health. Make no mistake though the diet industry is already out there promoting ways to make you feel bad for your body. Instead I like to try a different approach.

What if we could enjoy who we are and be glad for the action we take to move and enjoy the present moment? Often I work with so many who are moving in yoga but they are negatively beating themselves up and focused solely on how tight or weak their body feels. However I remind them they are taking action right now to change that; this is Karma! The action you take now impacts tomorrow, so instead of focusing on tomorrow we can focus on right now being ok.

Often though the goals are short lived but it doesn't have to be. Making change is hard but I often suggest making the goals small and reachable; breaking them down from your larger goal. I can help you do this and design a plan in a yoga, meditation or yoga therapy session.

For the new year maybe you want to do some private or group sessions so be sure to check my schedule. I do offer online and in person (in limited areas). If you don't see a day or time available feel free to email me paigesyoga@me.com and we can talk.

I hope you will have a wonderful holiday and take time to enjoy it the way you want.

Rest, recover and restore.

Happy New Year!

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