I loved this inspirational message my yoga instructor sent me this week! A great message on gratitude and not listening to the media message of fear.  So timely as I had a conversation today with a friend and discussed how I had been feeling stressed lately about business, family and finances.  Then I looked around me and thought how ridiculous it was that I was in Starbucks sipping on a fourBucks coffee and feeling sorry for myself.  Truly a case of FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL-fear.  So grateful for all I have and to be living in an abundant country!

Will be jump starting my New Year getting in touch with faith and spreading good vibes!  Check out deAnna New Years Day yoga chakra tuning class below!

Seasons Greetings!

"It is only with the heart we see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
           ~Antoine de Saint Exupery, Le Petit Prince

What a perfect time to count our blessings! Traditionally, the harvest season has been a time to take stock of all we have that supports us and will nourish us through the winter. With all the beauty around us and all the comforts we are blessed with which are vastly superior to a huge percentage of the rest of the population, it's hard to believe how many of us allow fear infused media to train us to dread the future and then insert an advertisement telling us we need to buy something now to fill that void of uncertainty. Buying things to distract ourselves from our emotions seems to be a cultural phenomenon. Seems like by now most of us have experienced and survived quite a few ups and downs in life, emerging stronger, more capable and resilient. The yoga teachings say that we are our own source of happiness, yet we always seem to be looking for satisfaction from external things. The holiday season can be a time where we recognize and celebrate all the things in our life that are already there or it can be a time when we are constantly reminded of where we are lacking. With all the fear about the economy going on it was interesting to hear that "Black Friday" retailers reported record breaking sales. Has anyone else noticed that the parking lot at the mall the past few years was and is always full? The lines at the grocery stores are always busy too. Noteworthy.

Jivamukti Yoga's David Life says that our attention is the most valuable thing we have and that's why the media and advertisers spend so much money trying to get it. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts our yoga practice brings is the ability to focus our attention for an extended period of time. In turn, being fully present for others is one of the best gifts we can offer. It's more valuable than any material item. Our presence is a present! How often have we heard the cliches of wealthy husbands or parents attempting to substitute fancy gifts as a replacement for their time and attention leaving the recipient still feeling a certain void? The best thing about this time of year is the opportunity to connect, celebrate and rejoice in our relationships with loved ones and to remember to offer what we can to those less fortunate near and far. The yoga teachings of Patanjali say that the more generous and honest we are the more our doubts and fears will be reduced. We will gain insight into why we are here and understand past, present and future. Sound good? Let's give it a try and see what happens!

Hope to see you at some of the exciting events I am offering during the month of December! Those of you who are physically unable to make it to class, remember that there are a few FREE Audio Classes that you can download to stay in the groove. For your convenience, my current class schedule for Karmany and Equinox Highland Park and Preston Hollow is below.

Private sessions are available as well.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu~
May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

In gratitude~
deAnna

7th Annual New Year's Day Jivamukti Chakra Tuning
December 31, 2011, 3pm-6pm, and January 1, 2012, 2pm-5pm
at Karmany Yoga Dallas
Donation $40

Come tune your instrument and clean your lens! Prepare yourself to navigate through whatever may arise during uncertain times.
The practice will include uplifting chanting, vigorous asana, elevated intention, a great soundtrack, Colorgize TM lights and the company of many others dedicated to the path of yoga.