Be kind to yourself ❤️

Be kind to yourself ❤️

J. William Worden, a leading researcher in Grief and Loss says that "there are those who, in an attempt to make somebody feel better, start speaking about the losses and tragedies they have had in their own lives, perhaps unaware that comparing tragedies is not helpful. People in pain make us feel helpless. This helplessness can be acknowledged in a simple statement like 'I don’t know what to say to you'."

It is ok to not know what to say and to acknowledge someone's pain without adding advice, comment, or opinion. We have been bearing witnessing to unimaginable pain, so I invite you to be kind to yourself.

This week I have been in the practice of asking myself when I am moved to make a comment or add an opinion (especially on a platform as precarious as social media) who is this comment for, me or the person in pain? Is it true? It it helpful? Is it aligned with who I want to be for myself and others?

The kindness for me comes from reminding myself that this is a practice, and while simple, it is not easy, I will and have made mistakes. So I invite you to be kind to yourself in the best way you know how. Kindness can be small and you are deserving of kindness this week and all the weeks ❤️ Because when you start to truly be kind to yourself, it becomes easier to be kind to others ❤️

Thank you for being you and all that you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

If it's out of your hands...

If it's out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too ❤️

What is living rent free in your head? What would happen if you just let it flow?

So much easier to say than do, I get it. I feel a special type of rage when someone ask me to just let it go. Consider if I could let it go, it would be gone by now. So instead of letting it go, I let it flow with my breath, specifically my exhales, and when it comes back, I can look at it with curiosity and a sense of new-ness, and then I can let it flow again or choose to keep it or disrupt it.

Sometimes I need to disrupt that flow, similar to what Kyle Williams from A Long Talk shared in his video to Haddon Township PRIDE. But I can't heal what I can't feel, and I can't disrupt what I am not aware of...

This little shift in perspective may be simple but it's not easy. This type of mindfulness and self-awareness is a daily practice, like my asana and meditation practice, it takes a willingness to let go of control and falter. Yes, I still have a lot of stuff living rent free in my head, but most of it is out of my hands, so what would be possible if I let go of my need to control it and set it free to flow, get curious, and be constantly open to growth?

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio ❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

How many thoughts do you have a day?

How many thoughts do you have a day?

No one really knows for sure, but Deepak Chopra has argued we have anywhere from 60,000-80,000 thoughts per day and 95% of them are recycled from the day before. Even if the research is still a little unclear on the exact number, I know I have A LOT of thoughts a day, and to think that 95% of them could be from the day before really wakes me up to how important is is for me to be kind to myself in my self-talk. So when I feel like my thoughts are getting the better of me or causing me unnecessary worry or anxiety, I just STOP and practice this technique:

S - stop what I am doing

T - take 3 deep four count breaths

O - observe what is happening, are my thoughts true? are they helpful? are they aligned with who I want to be for myself and others?

P - proceed mindfully and with awareness so I can wake up to my reactions and respond accordingly

Remember the famous Turkish proverb, “No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back.” You have the power to STOP, to pause, to pullover, and to ask for a little time so you can change and start again ❤️ There are even times where I like to STOP in my yoga practice, disrupt the flow, observe what is happening in my body, and proceed with awareness. At Anjali Power Yoga you can always STOP when you need, take a break, re-set, and move forward and flow with awareness ❤️

Also, an important reminder that the Haddon Township PRIDE Parade and After Party is THIS Thursday October 5th! If you are interested in walking with Anjali Power Yoga in the parade or volunteering in the studio to hand out goodies, please email me. The parade will start at 6pm with a 5pm line up, so people are invited to come to the studio starting around 4pm. Please note that the Thursday October 5th 6pm class will be cancelled for the parade.

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio and or lined up along Haddon Ave during the parade ❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

I openly welcome the change ❤️

Hello September and October! I openly welcome the change ❤️

I LOVE fall! The pumpkins, the sweaters, the scarves, the crips air, and the HEAT in the studio making me feel so good, like getting a warm hug. With all the change, Anjali Power Yoga is here for you. Holding space for you to find what you may need during the seasonal shift ❤️ Our feedback boxes are out again at the front desk so please share what you are looking for this season ❤️

Fall schedule updates! 

Saturdays 7am and Sundays 12pm are back!

Virtual 6am classes are now on Tuesdays AND Thursdays!

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio ❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

Fall happenings at Anjali 💙

Fall happenings at Anjali 💙

So many exciting things happening at Anjali in September! New workshops and new classes for adults, teens, tweens, and kids!

Fall schedule updates! Saturdays 7am and Sundays 12pm are back!

Equanimity and Arm Balances Workshop with Lisa Horoff

Saturday September 23 12-1:30pm - $30 - Spaces are limited - sign up online ASAP

Join us for an exciting workshop focused on the equanimity series of the JIP with added arm balances fun! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will help you build strength, stability, and confidence in your practice. All levels welcome!

Develop core strength and upper body stability.

Working in mobility for the areas that may be stopping you from what's possible

Enhance your balance and body awareness.

Learn some additions to your current practice

Connect with a community of yogis passionate about growth

In Studio Tween/Teen Yoga Flow $10 with Kim Vogt and Lisa Horoff

Tuesdays 4:30pm - starting Tuesday September 19th

This class is tailored especially for 5th to 8th graders and will be a fun and non-competitive space to learn and explore the practices of vinyasa yoga. The class will be based on the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Journey Into Power Sequence and you will be led through a yoga class that incorporates asana (yoga poses), meditation, and self-inquiry. This is a great opportunity connect with yourself and others and tap into our own inner power!

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

Join us for HT PRIDE!

The new dates for HT PRIDE Thursday October 5th and Friday October 6th!

This event is hosted by the Haddon Township Equity Initiative and we are so excited to be involved and able to participate in the new dates 💛

We are looking for volunteers on Thursday October 5th to help us decorate the studio, walk with us in the parade, and hand out goodies from the yoga studio windows! We also have extra butterfly costumes volunteers can borrow to wear during this special day! If you are interested, please let me know how many people you will be bringing and I will add you to the list of volunteers 💛

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio 💛

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

💛 When change is happening 💛

💛 When change is happening in the lives of people around you, don't forget that you are changing too. There is so much more depth to the stories of the people you know...and there is also more to you." ~Morgan Harper Nichols 💛

Change is happening...summer is coming to an end, school is starting, and the mornings are feeling a little bit more crisp. This also means the schedule will change a bit...keep a look out for time shifts and the Labor Day schedule :)

And a helpful tip I like to remember when summer is winding down...allow for the change, for yourself to change, and for others to change. It makes life so much easier when we allow the change 💛

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio 💛

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

little pretzels kid's yoga is here to stay! 💙

We are excited to announce that Little Pretzels Kid's Yoga is here to stay!

Sundays 2:30-3:15pm with Abigail beginning Sunday August 27th

"Little Pretzels" like yoga too! Kids aged 7-11 years old will bend and twist, jump and sing, relax and unwind! Your kids will be guided through yoga postures, songs, games, breath, and meditation (yes!) Yoga will help your child develop a creative, calm, balanced mind and a strong, agile, flexible body. Our Little Pretzels have fun and act silly while improving concentration, body awareness, focus, and self-confidence!

Little Pretzels Kid’s Drop in $15

Little Pretzels Kid’s 3 Class Card $39

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you, and all the little pretzels, around the studio 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

💙 the power of positive affirmations 💙

💙 the power of positive affirmations 💙

Positive affirmations have power because they are away we can replace some of the unhelpful things we say to our selves with something that is more helpful, more motivating, and creates greater possibility and abundance in our outlooks (as opposed to restriction or scarcity). We can say them to ourselves in the morning, meditate on them, and or say them during our asana practice when things get difficult or we get distracted. Here are just some examples of affirmations but there are so many to pick from, which one speaks to you?

I deserve joy and relaxation

The warmth of summer energizes me

I am radiating with happiness and positivity

This season will be full of exciting opportunities

I will give myself the time to rest and recharge

Thank you for being you and all you do, I look forward to seeing you around the studio 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

focus on the road ahead 💙

💙 Focus on the road ahead

you are on your way to

extraordinary things 💙

TJMaxx/Homegoods at Cape May Courthouse NJ didi it again 💙 It can be so easy to get stuck in the mud of things...All it takes is for me to look up, refocus on the road ahead, and then I am able to get present to the extraordinary adventures ahead. Sure, there may be big, little, and even a little scary steps ahead, but they are adventures, and I am always up for an adventure 💙 If you are too, don't forget to look up and ahead 💙

Thank you for being you and all you do and for being you, as a reminder, maintain a lifestyle of hydration in these hot August days and I look forward to seeing you around the studio 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

live with heart ❤️

Use your head to live with heart  ❤️

This Homegoods mug in particular always gets the best Yogitea reminders. As it gets hotter outside you might notice some changes in Anjali Power Yoga...turns out when it is this hot we don't even need to have the heat on to build heat in the room! Yes, we have turned off the heat and put in a fan to keep the air moving in the space. It is still as hot and humid as ever, so you will still sweat! Please remember to stay hydrated and should you ever need a water before or during class, just let us know. We wouldn't be here without you so take care of yourselves in this heat inside and outside the space ❤️

Thank you for all you do and for being you ❤️ I look forward to seeing you in the studio ❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

The kittens are coming back to Anjali Power Yoga! 😻 😽 😺

The kittens are coming back to Anjali Power Yoga!  😻 😽 😺  

I love kittens, I love yoga, and combining them is a no brainer! Come slow flow and restore with some kittens and a good cause 😺 

In Studio Slow Flow & Restore with KITTENS donation class with Lucia and some kittens!

Monday July 31st 7:30-8:30pm - this class fills up fast so please sign up ASAP 😻 😽 😺  

The Sarama Animal Rescue’s mission is to provide animals with a loving home and to give abandoned and abused animals what is necessary to be placed in a forever home. Sarama Animal Rescue serves a resource to the community by providing education and information on being responsible pet owners to build a community where animals are valued and treated with respect and kindness. All donations for this class will be given to Sarama Animal Rescue to support their mission.

The Sarama Animal Rescue will bring some foster kittens to play and most likely nap in the studio space during this Slow Flow & Restore class. 

This Slow Flow & Restore class will follow the intention of the Journey Into Power Sequence with emphasis on restorative variations, breath work, and time for longer holds. You will warm up your body with a slower vinyasa flow then come into asana postures that explore the depths of your flexibility with long holds. This approach gets deep into the muscular fibers of the body and is very restorative. Our goal will be to "release" built up tension and stress and "restore" a peaceful mind and body. Class will end with a meditation and long savasana.

Please bring what you need to support you in your practice.

Thank you for all you do and for being you 😻 I look forward to seeing you in the studio 😽

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

your greatest strength is love ❤️

your greatest strength is love ❤️

A strength based approach to life and your yoga practices leads to possibility. Yes, being mindful of struggles, weakness, and injuries is important to inform how much you go into or out of a a pose and a practice. Yet when we allow ourselves to focus and even be proud of our strengths, it is a little shift in perspective that can bring a big difference ❤️ So today and this week, in your practices and in your life, I invite you to think about what are some of your strengths? What would be possible if you leaned into those? Made decisions from those? and talked to yourself from your strengths as opposed to any perceived weaknesses? I am not a betting woman outside of the penny slots at the Tropicana, but if I was, I would bet that when you start to practice, live, and be from your strengths, you will feel a lot more love ❤️

Thank you again for all you do and for being you, Anjali Power Yoga is here because of you, and your love and commitment to yourself and your practices ❤️

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

life's a beach enjoy the waves 💙

life's a beach enjoy the waves 💙

One of my favorite theories from school was the Chao's Theory. The idea that while life is total chaos and we never know how things will go, there are underlying interconnected patterns and forces that hold it all together (or something like that...). For example, waves break in a chaotic way and we don't know exactly how a wave is going to break, but there is an underlying current and force that causes waves and tides

So in the chaos of it all, life is in fact like a beach, and while you can't control the waves, you can enjoy them, ride them, and go with the flow of them 💙

And remember, if you are down the shore, come visit us at the Stone Harbor Recreation Center Basketball Pavilion on 83rd street overlooking the ocean!

***

Power Vinyasa Yoga - 8-8:50am

Mondays with Cheryl C / Wednesday with Sheryl P / Fridays with Cheryl C / Saturdays with Keith / Sundays with Joy

***

Little Pretzels Kids Yoga (for kids ages 7-11)

Wednesdays 9-9:45am with Sheryl Parente

***

Thank you again for all you do and for being you, Anjali Power Yoga is here because of you 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

the four way test 💙

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and friendship?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

On my second to last day of my trip to the Philippines we came across this sign, and I thought, how auspicious 💛 This trip was an important reminder of just how necessary good friendships are for self care and rejuvenation. Self care isn't just sweatshirt I buy and wear to bed with my chamomile tea. Self care is the ACT of letting things flow, letting things go that no longer serve you, so you can create space for all the amazing things that lie ahead. So you can create space and hold space to build friendships that lift everyone involved up 💛 I was able to connect with my classmates in a whole new way by gaining a deeper understanding of their lived experiences outside of the classroom. I can truly say the people I traveled with are no longer just classmates, but lifelong friends 💛

I acknowledge my privilege and understand not everyone can hop on flight and go halfway around the world in the name of self care. That is why at Anjali Power Yoga we strive to create a space of rest and rejuvenation. There is power in connecting with others, connecting with your body, connecting with your breath, and in rest and rejuvenation 💛

Thank you again for all you do and for being you, wishing you a wonderful week 💛

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

Summer Solstice, Little Pretzels Kid's Yoga, and more 💛

Summer Solstice, Little Pretzels Kid's Yoga, and more 💛

When an Anjali teacher wants to try on a class or series, we are a YES. When you ask, we provide (when we can, sorry Chanel can't be here ALL the time). This makes for a perfect combination that generates possibility 💛 I am so excited that Anjali Power Yoga is able to offer these amazing opportunities to move, breath, and be inspired 💛

***

In Studio Summer Solstice Celebration with Lisa Horoff

Wednesday June 21st 1:30-3:30pm

Join us for an extraordinary yogic tradition! On the summer solstice, we celebrate the power of the sun and the sacred number 108 with a transformative practice of 108 sun salutations. 

We will flow in rounds of nine and on every ninth round there will time for rest. Join us for the whole two hours or come for only part. This is an opportunity to move, flow, and celebrate together!

Why 108, you ask? The significance is profound! In astronomy, the distance between the Sun and the Earth is believed to be about 108 times the Sun's diameter. This number resonates with cosmic harmony and completeness.

All levels welcome and regular pricing options apply

***

Little Pretzels Kids Yoga is back!

Wednesdays 9-9:45am with Sheryl Parente at the the Stone Harbor Recreation Center Basketball Pavilion (SHRC Wednesday June 28th to Wednesday August 30th)

Thursdays 3:30-4:15pm with Abigail Kramer at Anjali Westmont (Anjali Westmont Thursday June 22nd to Thursday August 24th)

"Little Pretzels" like yoga too! Kids aged 7-11 years old will bend and twist, jump and sing, relax and unwind! Your kids will be guided through yoga postures, songs, games, breath, and meditation (yes!) Yoga will help your child develop a creative, calm, balanced mind and a strong, agile, flexible body. Our Little Pretzels have fun and act silly while improving concentration, body awareness, focus, and self-confidence!

Little Pretzels Kid’s Drop in $15

Little Pretzels Kid’s 3 Class Card $39

***

The HT PRIDE Parade and events has been postponed. I will let you know as soon as I know anything 💛

***

I will be in the Philippines for my graduation trip and vacation from June 11th to the 25th!! So this means this is the last newsletter until I get back. Cheryl, Jen, and even Chanel will be here while I am gone so if you have any questions, please feel free to let them know.

Thank you again for all you do and for being you 💛

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

💙 Anjali gear is here 💙

💙 Anjali gear is here 💙

I am not sure if you saw, but Jen has ordered some amazing new Anjali gear! Chanel Belle is here to show you how cool it looks 💙 We have new branded tops and tie dyed crops for PRIDE and beyond! We have crystal bracelets to empower and protect you on and off your mat 💙 We have mats, books, mugs, water bottles, bolsters, and more 💙 Our intention for the retail has always been to celebrate Anjali and give you the tools to take your practice home with you 💙

Thank you again for all you do and for being you, I (and Chanel!) look forward to seeing you in the studio 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

One who brings happiness 💙

One who brings happiness to others will find it 💙

I love Yogitea, and every now and again, it gives me the quote I need in that moment. And sometimes, it even gives Chanel one too! Chanel always makes me happy with her little bell and constant want to be held and smooched. She brings a lot of happiness, and I wonder if that is why she always seems so happy and content 💙 She is a constant inspiration to me to be kind to others, as we never know what journey people are on, and a little kindness goes a long way 💙

Thank you for being you and all that you do and your continued support for the Anjali Power Yoga community 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

❤️💛💚💙💜 love WINS ❤️💛💚💙💜

❤️💛💚💙💜 love WINS ❤️💛💚💙💜

We will be walking in the HT PRIDE Parade again this year and opening our windows to pass out water, beads, play music, and blow bubbles!

The parade and events are Thursday June 8th 6-10pm (the parade will most likely end by 8pm followed by events in the square). If you are interested in walking in the parade and or helping at the studio please email me!!

My hope is that volunteers come to the studio by 4:00-4:30pm for snacks, to help decorate the studio, and get dressed and glittered up (line up usually starts at 5pm). Those walking in the parade are asked to wear an Anjali Power Yoga shirt (if you have one) and come dressed as a butterfly. We have some extra butterfly costumes you can borrow as well. ❤️💛💚💙💜

❤️💛💚💙💜 it was so much fun last year, so if you even have an inkling you would be interested please say YES! I would love to have as many community members as we can ❤️💛💚💙💜

Thank you for being you and all that you do and your continued support for the Anjali Power Yoga community and beyond 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com

Anjali down the shore 💙

Anjali Power Yoga will be back down the shore starting Memorial Day Weekend 💙

We are excited to be back down the shore all summer long offering power yoga and kids yoga classes at the Stone Harbor Recreation Center Basketball Pavilion on 82nd St. We LOVE this location because it is covered and you can see and hear the ocean when you practice 💙

YES you read correctly, we are also adding a Little Pretzels Kid's Yoga Class on Wednesdays 💙 We are getting get great feedback every time we offer yoga to kids and so we are excited to be able to offer this down the shore 💙

***

Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday May 26th 8am Power Vinyasa with Cheryl

Saturday May 27th 8am Power Vinyasa with Keith

Sunday May 28th 8am Power Vinyasa with Cheryl

***

Sundays in June!

8-8:50am

Saturday June 3rd with Keith / Sunday June 4th Cheryl

Saturday June 10th with Keith / Sunday June 11th with Cheryl

Saturday June 17th with Keith / Sunday June 18th with Cheryl

Saturday June 24th with Keith / Sunday June 25 with Joy

***

June 26th to September 3rd 

Power Vinyasa Yoga - 8-8:50am

Mondays with Cheryl C / Wednesday with Sheryl P / Fridays with Cheryl C / Saturdays with Keith / Sundays with Joy

***

June 28th to August 30th

Little Pretzels Kids Yoga

Wednesdays 9-9:45am with Sheryl Parente

"Little Pretzels" like yoga too! Kids aged 7-11 years old will bend and twist, jump and sing, relax and unwind! Your kids will be guided through yoga postures, songs, games, breath, and meditation (yes!) Yoga will help your child develop a creative, calm, balanced mind and a strong, agile, flexible body. Our Little Pretzels have fun and act silly while improving concentration, body awareness, focus, and self-confidence!

Little Pretzels Kid’s Drop in $15

Little Pretzels Kid’s 3 Class Card $39

***

Thank you for being you and all that you do, I look forward to seeing you in the studio and down the shore 💙

with gratitude,

Lucia (she/her/hers)

Director - Anjali Power Yoga

lucia.anjalipoweryoga@gmail.com