Welcoming the New

As we greet a new year we reminisce about what was and dream of what is to come.  We often make ‘resolutions’… but I saw this and agreed whole-heartedly with its sentiment.

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Letting go and letting love in (and be my guide) are really the two principles I try to live by nowadays.  I find resolutions, goals, and that kind of evaluation is best done on a daily basis.  Listening to your gut and turning up the volume on your instincts is challenging in today’s world, but more and more I find myself working on this.  There are many rights and many wrongs… and many right nows.  Finding a balance between one’s heart, head, and the practical realities are challenging but that’s the joy in the day to day.  And by letting love be your guide; beauty, grace, bliss and laughter find you at every turn.

This year will bring about some exciting changes for our little family.  While it can be challenging not knowing where the future can take us, trusting the universe and going along for the ride can lead you to heights and discoveries never imagined.  I can only dream about the wonders (and the struggles) that awaits us – and am equally eager for both!  Each day and in fact each moment present us with opportunity.  Embrace that chance – nurture your strength, talent, courage, resolve and make the most of each experience.  Leave your mark by inspiring others, encouraging greatness in those around you, sharing kindness, and recognizing that the smallest ripple each of us makes together creates an impact greater than a tsunami.  You can be, do, think, feel, and share anything – what will it be today?

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Wishing you and those you care about a blessed 2014.  

Love & Light to you this Christmas

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The Holidays are a magical time of year. Amidst the hectic rush of festive preparations and a busy social calendar there is always more kindness, love and joy in the air.  And by tuning into that – the love of family and friends, sharing time with people you care about, creating fun new memories, and showing how much people mean to you through word and deed… these joys of the season can remain in our hearts so strongly the entire year through.

On that note I hope that you and those you love have a restful and blessed Christmas.  May the light that fills your hearts and home shine brightly after the twinkling tree is taken down… and may you take this opportunity to savour the precious time we have, and seize the opportunities this coming year brings.

As my own family blossoms, I reflect back on this year filled with so many exciting memories, and look forward to what the future holds.  Many of you know the best gift for us will arrive in a couple of months, which has me dreaming about next Christmas and how wonderfully different it will be.  Life is change, and I feel grateful for every step that has led me to this point (even the times I stumbled).

In what is likely our last Christmas in Oxford I feel grateful for the opportunities we’ve had here; the incredible people we’ve met, worked with and become friends with; and how living in another country has opened up our hearts and minds.  It has been challenging to be apart from our family, friends and loved ones for the last two years.  But the power of love is that it stretches miles and often strengthens when tested.  Our lives have led us around the globe, and because of that pieces of our hearts are scattered across the continents.  I hope wherever you are in the world you smile, and feel the hugs and love this message brings – and hopefully life will enable us to cross paths again soon!

May this Christmas bring bliss in the simple wonders and miracles of life.  May your love and passions be renewed, and your faith restored.  And may you find peace (and perhaps some relaxation) during this time.  I hope the coming year finds you hungry, curious, brave and full of love & laughter.

Finally, while we’ve been experiencing some lovely rain and wind in England, many of my friends and family have been challenged by mother nature and a doozy Ice Storm.  In the midst of hardship what has come through most strongly is the kindness and generosity of others.  And so I leave you with this… and a reminder that all we need is love, and we have so much of it to give!

1470379_629178527144822_766947816_nWith much love ~ Erika (Malcolm, Basil and the little “Howard-to-be”)

One more before Christmas!

The countdown begins – whether it’s to the end of work before the break, or until the last window is opened in your advent calendar!  I’ll be teaching one more class in 2013, this coming Monday’s Vinyasa Yoga Practice.  I know that many of you will have already begun your journey home or elsewhere for the Holidays, but if you’re in town I would love to share one last session together.

Wherever you’ll be for the Holidays I would like to offer you some classes that you can do in the comfort of wherever you find yourself!
A class I’ve put up on youtube is available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pzfE6g3dO0

And this is a fantastic website that has a variety of classes for different levels (and some short practices if you only have a bit of time).
http://www.doyogawithme.com/

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of the season, last minute shopping, the possible chaos of travel and busy terminals, and fitting in all of the fun activities in our busy social calendar… so remember to take some time each day to close your eyes and connect inward.  Breath. Lengthen your exhalation. Listen to the sounds around you, observe the smells, and drink in other sensations that arise.  Take it all in and let it wash over you.  And then release it all. Keep only what serves you and remember what the essence of the holidays are about: LOVE. PEACE. TOGETHERNESS.

Enjoy this little post – where Charlie Brown helps put it all in perspective!

And a song that will always make me think of my youth and the hours I spent in the gymnastics gym 🙂

 

Class & Holiday Update!

dance in the rain

I wanted to say what a joy it has been to be able to share yoga and some fun Friday night dancing with such incredible people!  Thank you for sharing your energy, enthusiasm, passion and dedication!

I wanted to pass along some important information for the next few months.
First of all, class dates from now until up to the Holidays/Christmas.

Monday Vinyasa Yoga
Classes will continue as follows:
Monday November 25th
Monday December 2nd
Monday December 9th
Monday December 16th
* There will then be a pause for you to celebrate, relax and enjoy the festive season with those you love!

Friday Evening Dance
Classes will continue as follows:
Friday November 22nd
Friday November 28th
Friday December 7th
* There will then be a pause as University term ends, students return home to enjoy the festive season!

Class in January
As many of you know there’s a little one on the way.  I’m hoping that I will feel strong, healthy and able to continue classes at least throughout January – however I don’t want to make any promises I can’t keep.  As such I will send out an email in early January to let you know of my intentions in terms of teaching schedule in the New Year.  I appreciate your understanding, support and compassion as I negotiate this exciting time 🙂

Entering the University Club
Many people have indicated that entering the club (especially on a Monday morning) can be a challenge.  The University Club does not require you to be a member to do class!  However, if you do not have a valid membership card, or are a University Member who has registered their card you will need to ‘buzz’ in.  There is usually someone there, however they might be busy elsewhere so you might want to give yourself an extra minute or two to deal with this!

Please know I will always welcome you to class whenever you’re able to arrive, and understand the challenge of Monday mornings and the front door “situation”.  Thank you for cooperating with the Club’s wishes as well!

REQUESTS!!!???!!!
I would love to welcome requests and suggestions for both yoga and dance (poses/movements, music, themes).  If there’s something we’ve done that you loved and you want to do it again – let me know!  If we haven’t touched on something and you’re eager to give it a try, let me know and we can explore it together… Please feel free to send me an email (erika@erikahoward.ca)!

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