Time to give ourselves a new theme!

This month we will explore the idea of being "Grateful to Give". This does not necessarily imply giving a thing, like a gift. Nor does it imply giving to someone else... Though, of course, those are possible interpretations.

What I want to weave into this theme is the idea of appreciation towards the time and energy that we get to give to ourselves. To be grateful to give ourselves a chance to show up authentically and honor our integrity.

When we give ourselves space to listen to our bodies, follow our intuition, and pay attention to the more innate gifts bestowed upon us, we are more likely to turn down the volume on our inner critic’s judgement and comparison.

Instead of being frustrated that we aren't yet where we want to be, we can practice cultivating gratitude for the opportunity to be honest in our relationships with our minds, with our bodies, and with other people.

The best part is, when we give ourselves permission to honor our own integrity, we are far more likely to extend that permission to others. Being grateful to give includes giving space for everyone to embrace their truth.

I am grateful to give myself space to be me, and I am grateful to give space for you to be you.

Grateful to give …to others

Working our theme a little further, it also encompasses lending a hand with an open heart. To put that into practice, we will continue our annual tradition of the November Food Drive!

All month long, there will be an open bin ready to receive items to be donated to Provisions Food Pantry in Bulverde. While mostly any dry/packaged goods are welcome, I've included a "most needed" list below:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I also want to extend gratitude to all who participated in the costume contest yesterday! We had such a fun time, and I am so glad for all of your dedication and creativity.

Alas, there could only be one winner...and the class voted for: Kathy P, in her amazing rendition of Winnie the Poodle! Close second was Cat/Cow, worn by Lisa S! Y'all are so great.

Kathy was treated to quite the prize, that included a class pack to Hand Craft Yoga, a handmade eye pillow, a gift certificate to Oro Bianco creamery, a seasonal soap from Spring Creek Garden Center, and a new yoga strap.

Thanks again to all who came to celebrate, vote, and look a little silly with me.

Speaking of looking a little silly with me...

It's almost time to step up to the mirror again! On Friday, November 11th from Noon to 1pm, get ready for the "Lights, Mirror, Action!" mini-workshop. If you were looking to give yourself a chance to deepen your practice, look no further!

Of course, you don't have to take my word for it. Here is some feedback from past workshop attendees:

"Leave it to Moni to design an ideal way to expand my regular yoga practice... These workshops have enhanced my regular practice because they challenge me to really think about the/a pose, the nuance of it and then to practice the pose in a slow, deliberate, focused manner...these workshops have helped me in my practice to build continuity and confidence. So, if your looking to enhance your yoga practice, check out Moni’s workshops, and remember: what happens in yoga stays in yoga!"

"We sat in front of a mirror and, while Monica had a planned lesson, she was open to helping us with the poses we had questions about. She led us through some poses and slowly showed us how to work towards proper alignment for our bodies. Going slowly and breaking down the movement really helped. The hour went by very fast and I think that I have incorporated what she taught us into my practice. For me, it helped me to be mindful as I’m doing my poses and to engage my core as much as possible."

Save your spot for the Nov 11th workshop by clicking the flyer below.

Last, but not least...

It is time to give yourself the gift of Saturday morning yoga! Our once-a-month class falls on this coming Saturday, November 5th, from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

I am grateful to give us the chance to kick off our weekend the best way possible (of course, I may be a bit biased). This all-levels class is also a great chance to bring a friend...remember, everyone's first class is free!

Let me know you plan to attend by clicking the button below:

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Thank you for being a part of my gratitude list, reader. I'm so glad for the chance to share this time and space with you.

And please know that if you have any thoughts you'd like to share with me, I am just on the other side of the "reply" button with an open mind and an open heart, ready to receive.

Grateful to give.

With love,

Monica

P.S. YES, we are still rockin' at the garden center! Hope to see ya Wednesday 5:30pm at Spring Creek.

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