Doug Keller Workshop Weekend

What an incredible weekend! The students and I are so grateful for this opportunity with Doug Keller, and cannot wait to have him back at the studio! As soon as the date is confirmed I will let you know! I joked (but was serious) with Doug that he could have brought his dog to the studio~ha! I just love his picture with his dog on his flyers & website (you can see it behind Marilyn's shoulder on the door, too).

 It makes yoga fun, such as my King Dancer standing in a 30lbs pumpkin~

Sorry to get off track! ;)......

I'd like to thank everyone that attended & helped with the workshop~it was great to meet so many new faces, and see so many familiar ones!

Again, I continue to be blessed beyond amazement with these opportunities, and am thrilled so share them with the yoga community!

Love & Hugs,
Breezy

Bryant's Varsity Dance Team

Today I met up with Bryant High School's Varsity Dance Team to teach yoga and breathing techniques. One of my favorite times to teach is to ages 14-18 (I also taught this age group while being in Las Vegas for a year).  I remember at that age everything being so fast paced, and realizing that things would only speed up. So when I get the opportunity to share with high school-ers, I love it!

Something we all take for granted is breathing. Its something our body does constantly, and once we turn our awareness to our breath, we begin to realize where we hold tension in our bodies. We forget that there's even a second part to our breath...the exhale. Its just as important as the inhale, and at times our exhale can remind us to soften & relax a bit.

I invite you take 5 minutes to yourself today~whether its sitting or laying in a comfortable position. Without manipulating or forcing the breath, start at your toes & ankles, and make your way up the spine to the finger tips & crown of the head~each time you exhale sink a little deeper into relaxation and let go of any tension~even in the jaw, mouth, eyes & forehead. Its amazing how our breath can lead us to see where we hold tension.

Thanks, Bryant Varsity Dance Team, for letting me visit ya'll today!

Love & Hugs,

Breezy

1st Intro to Yoga Course Accomplished!

This past Sunday wrapped up Barefoot's first 6 Week Introduction to Yoga Course since I took ownership! Its such an amazing feeling to share yoga with so many people! For the rest of my personal journey, I'll always be a student and a teacher~learning something incredible & rewarding each day.

The next Intro Course will begin after the first of the year, and will be announced as soon as the dates are confirmed. Please know that Barefoot offers Beginner classes all throughout the week that you can join anytime!~Whether you've tried yoga once, never, or just heard of it ;)...these classes are for you! Pick out the time & day that's best for you, and come see us!

The Beginner classes are as follows:
Sunday 2-3:30pm with me (Breezy:)
Tuesday 5:30-7pm with Caran
Thursday 5:30-7pm with Jim
Saturday 9:30-11am with me

 The full schedule is listed on the website www.BarefootStudio.com & private sessions are available with all of our instructors.  Take a look through the website, and I look forward to seeing you in class!

Love & Hugs,
Breezy

Yoga: Take a Breath & Melt Stress Away

 Check out the link below! Dr. David Lipschitz & KARK featured Barefoot Studio on their stress relief segment earlier this month. A HUGE Thank You to them!!

Here is the article, please click on link below to view the video~Enjoy!

We all know less stress means better overall health. And when it comes to better health a centuries-old practice is still a breath of fresh air today.
   
Monitoring your breathing is advised for a lot of things. Improved health can happen as quickly as your next breath. That is if you're using the techniques that are basic to the practice of yoga. 

Breezy Osborne of Little Rock took up yoga about 10 years ago. She believes it's completely transformed her life.

"This is my passion. I want to share it with everybody what it's done for me. I can't imagine not sharing it with anybody," says Osborne.

Right now she's sharing it with her own class. She's gone from student, to instructor, to now owner of her own yoga studio.  

"Stress is so important for us to tackle in our life that we always forget about it and one of the number one ways you can tackle it is with your breath," she says.

Reducing stress has immeasurable health benefits and the breathing techniques in yoga can do wonders..sure the poses and postures can seem a little intimidating but don't let  that scare you.

"You can always do yoga sitting in a chair, but you can still work a range of motion in your joints," Osborne says.

Yoga may have benefits beyond stress reduction. A study by the famed Mayo Clinic found that yoga can help with a myriad of health conditions. There's the obvious benefit of  increased balance and flexibility, but it may also help with asthma, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, even carpal tunnel syndrome. It can help combat depression and memory loss too, and the great news is you don't have to master the practice to get  the benefits.

"You don't push yourself to get to a certain point. That's not the point of yoga. The point of yoga is to nurture yourself, be kind to yourself," she says. "No matter what age you are, you can begin this."

You too can find inner peace in just a few short hours a week.

"When you leave the class you will feel amazing inside and out," Osborne says.

And, you don't even need a prescription for a yoga mat.

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/Dr_David_Lipschitz_Fulltext/?cid=261792

Love & Hugs,
Breezy

Mama Mia!

Monday, Oct 4, I received a phone call from a cast member of Mama Mia that is currently performing in Little Rock this week.  Elena (http://asanasacrossamerica.blogspot.com) is visiting a yoga studio in every state as they travel and perform, and what an honor that she wanted to take yoga at Barefoot!

To say the least I was giddy from that moment on! And due to one very nostalgic reason....My first love for music were The Monkees & ABBA. ABBA's Dancing Queen was replayed at our home so many times a night as I twirled in Mom's sequined black jacket, and my 'fancy panties'...keep in mind I was 3 years old (ish:).  I seriously thought I was the Dancing Queen, and I used to beg my parents to just watch me...every...night LOL. I recall seeing Dad doze off on the couch and me saying 'Dadoo, watch!'. Thanks, Mom & Dad for watching me spin in circles every night to one of the greatest songs! :)

Today, October 8, nine of it's cast members joined me at the studio for a yoga session.  What an amazing opportunity and such an honor. I'm still in awe that she chose to call me and set up a private session! Ever since I dove into this studio I have been blessed beyond what I can imagine. The possibilities are endless, the yoga community & family is incredible, I just can't say Thank You enough for everything!

Love & Hugs,
Breezy

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hi Dear Friends,

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, if you register for Race for the Cure or 3 Miles of Men, you'll receive 20% off ALL classes & retail during October!

So many of us are affected by this disease, whether it be family, friends, or ourselves, that promoting awareness is a top priority. I myself have family members & friends that have survived, and lost their battles. There is more than one reason why my favorite color is pink ;)

Next time you come by the studio make sure to pick up a pink ribbon!

Love & Hugs,

Breezy

Women In Balance Retreat Nov 7-9, 2009

November 7, 8 and 9: Mindful Living Retreat For Women at Arkansas’ Only Luxury Resort Destination Spa!
 
with other dynamic and empowering teachers at the 6th Annual Women In Balance Retreat on November 6, 7 and 8. This 2 1/2 day retreat takes place at Turtle Cove Spa at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa nestled in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest on Lake Ouachita.

The Women in Balance retreat combines the best of holistic activity and celebration, with the elegant aesthetic of spa services and gourmet cuisine.
Join best-selling author, TV personality and renowned chiropractor, Dr. Elaine Dembe, for an entertaining and inspiring presentation as she talks about her book Passionate Longevity and shares secrets to living a longer, happier, healthier life --- with passion! Whether you are 35, 55, or 75, Elaine Dembe’s humourous, high energy seminars are filled with practical tips for a balanced, positive lifestyle that will change the way you think about growing older.

Also provided will be yoga classes both stimulating and restorative, journaling, aromatherapy classes, a free makeover with the spa’s mineral makeup line, and spa cuisine along with plenty of time to rest, commune, and be pampered. All classes are optional.

Cost: The cost of attending the retreat is $479, and includes all meals, a $100 spa credit to be used at the event, all lectures, classes, a WIB t-shirt, Spa Goodie Bag, aromatherapy oils, other free gifts provided at meals, and all other retreat activities.

Registration: Contact Kristi McCarty at Turtle Cove Spa at 870 - 867 - 1220 or fax your registration form found at www.turtlecovespa/.com/activities.

Lodging: Discounted Lodging is available at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. Space for the event will be limited, so those who want to participate should register early. To make lodging reservations contact Mountain Harbor Resort at (870) 867. 2191, or e-mail: harbor@mountainharborresort.com. Be sure to tell them you are with Women In Balance.

Spa Vacation Giveaway: Register for Women In Balance by October 10, 2009 and be eligible to win a Spa Vacation Giveaway at Mountain Harbor Resort and Turtle Cove Spa valued at over $1000!