October Newsletter
- info882267
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
"Meet me in Downward Dog"
Oh, how I love this phrase.
A common refrain in any yoga class that has vinyasa or “flow” is the phrase, “Meet me in downward dog.” Usually offered at the end of a complicated sequence, it gives the student a chance to decide which route they want to take to arrive at the same destination.
They might:
Move through their most fastidious chaturanga–updog–downdog routine.
Drop the knees, lower down to the belly, lift into cobra, and then make their way back to downward dog.
Skip the whole thing and head straight to downward dog.
And what’s also true is that a student could do any of those—or none of those—and still be present in the class.
The idea that we can all take different paths and arrive at the same checkpoint might feel foreign to the Western mind. We like our hierarchies: heads of households, heads of companies… structure. For many of us, actions are stamped with a charge—either positive or negative. And growing up in a society that sees the world through this kind of hierarchy, it makes sense that our psyches and our mental patterns (samskaras) would fall into the same categories.
But one of the many things I love about yoga is that it offers a plurality of possibility. Yoga says your measuring stick isn’t external performance but your internal experience. To hold a pose well doesn’t mean to push it to the limit or to have flawless alignment (though good alignment can help you go deeper and ease strain). Instead, the definition of a pose is this: you can breathe in it.
If you can breathe through a pose, you’re doing it “right.” If you can carry the essentials of the asana and still maintain your breath—you are yoga-ing.
So, when we’re practicing in a room full of people, each moving to their own breath and beat, the invitation to take your own path becomes the lesson. We savor the moment, we notice the resilience it builds, and we cultivate the self-awareness that allows us to choose what’s best for us in any given moment.
And that skill translates into life.
Because to practice yoga is to sharpen mind and body so they can operate at their highest version—whether that’s longer hamstrings, deeper lungs, or greater tolerance for emotional aggravation. We learn to breathe through it all. And we learn that we’re not really doing anything “well” if we can’t maintain it with the grace and integrity of our inner winds.
So, come to a class to explore what your route will look like, and I'll meet you in Downward Dog.
Returning Class: Thursdays 5:30p with Tina
Tina’s Dynamic Flow | 5:30p Thursdays
Tina is moving her park practice inside. Thursdays from 5:30p–6:30 move with Tina in this all-levels based warm flow. Register for this week’s class: https://momence.com/s/123584373
New Class: Saturdays 10a with Carla
Presence and Posture: Mind Body Practice for Everyone | 10a Saturdays
Join Carla Fritchie, a trained social worker and Breathe for Change facilitator, for a welcoming class that blends mindful movement, breathwork, and presence practices. This all-levels offering helps you explore how posture shapes presence—and how presence supports balance in everyday life.
(for the month of October)
Jenn’s Meditation Series *just* started Tuesday 9/30
Oh! And it was beautiful!
In our first session, we savored in the concept of "coming home" and what that feels like in our bodies. So, if you're looking to dive into some philosophy with practical meditation, come check it out as we unravel and parse out the things that separate us from our meditation practice.
Although the series has just begun, you’re welcome to drop in and experience the journey. Register here to get the whole series: https://momence.com/s/122273966
Restore and Breathe with Emilee | Tuesdays 7:15p
This class is designed to help you regulate that nervous system from the activity of our daily go-go-go, to a place of rest. So come in your jammies and soak up the juicy relaxation vibes on Tuesday evenings following Empower Yoga. Or, better yet, double up and do both!
Power Lunch with Brigette | Wednesdays 12p
Power Lunch Yoga is an invigorating mid-day energy boost. In this un-heated class we move through a dynamic flow with a focus on alignment and building up to more challenging variations of poses. As a group, we select a peak pose to work on during a 4-6 week period, progressing by building core strength and flexibility through preparation poses. Students are encouraged to practice at home to maximize in-class efforts.
Reiki Circle Thursday 10/2
Interested in Reiki Level II? Early bird special of $150 for a limited time only. It will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Times TBD.
Core Sculpt with Brigette | Wednesdays at 5p
Core Sculpt is designed to build strength and stability. Using a combination of yoga poses, reps and weights we will focus on toning and sculpting the core with a focus on low-back safety and support. This class is held in the gym, but we work on the mats—shoes are optional.
Wyld Within Meditation with Evelyn | Wednesdays 4p
If you've ever experienced a class with Evelyn, you know that you are never disappointed. She has a fanciful, whimsical mind with an eye for delicate detail. Educated as both an architect and a spiritual guide, she brings a level to her meditation that you just have to experience to get. Experience the twisty turns of her meditation classes this month.
Evelyn is also going to be offering three more classes this month on stones, cards, small group discussions. Reach out out to her for more information. 775-781-4148
Friday, October 3 | 1p–3:00
Strength & Balance Workshop w/ Brigette (through WNC)
Strength and balance are the foundation of a resilient body and a steady mind. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll explore standing poses, core work, and strength-based flows designed to build muscular support, improve posture, and sharpen stability both on and off the mat. With mindful drills, breath-centered movement, and accessible modifications, this practice supports athletes, healthy aging, and anyone seeking to feel stronger, more confident, and deeply grounded.
Register here: https://www.campusce.net/wnc/Course/Course.aspx?c=2012
Sunday, October 12 | 1p–3:00
Falling Into Positivity and Self-Love
Join dynamic speakers Wanda La Russa and Janet Moran for an empowering afternoon of inspiration. This collaborative talk explores the power of positive thinking and the journey toward fierce self-love. Walk away with practical tools and renewed energy to live more confidently, joyfully, and authentically.
Register here: https://momence.com/s/122412842
Friday, October 17 | 5:30p–7
Sound Bath & Restorative Yoga
Experience deep relaxation and inner harmony in this special two-hour event combining the healing vibrations of a sound bath with the calming support of restorative yoga. Erika Olivas will guide you through gentle, restorative postures while Wanda La Russa layers in the soothing resonance of crystal bowls and sound healing. Together, they create a nurturing space to release stress, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself.
Register here: https://momence.com/s/123275244
Psst... Also.... NEW stuff! ✨
Creative Explorations coming soon! Evelyn is doing some special classes this month on Thursdays. Reach out to her for more information. 775-781-4148
Coming soon: Shut Up & Write (or Read) — a gathering to set aside the to-do list and electronic distractions and make space for an hour of focused energy. Details to be announced soon.
Are you interested in deepening your yoga practice on a retreat with a well-known local instructor? Check out Molly Dahl's workshop coming up in November. You wlll recognize a few GYC faces in attendance. Check out their website here: https://www.mollyandmarta.com/
Healthy Living from the Inside Out
My recent health journey has been about what I am putting into my body. I am partnering with Olivia Kraska who special knowledge comes from healthy products that boost energy and save you time… right up my alley. She will be visiting our studio with Arbonne for three events this month:
Thursday 10/2 | 6:30p https://momence.com/s/123924570
Sunday 10/12 | 1:30p https://momence.com/s/123924584
Friday 10/17 | 7pm https://momence.com/s/123924736
Oh! And in case you missed it, there is now MASSAGE at Grassroots!
Go to Stephanie's page at www.grassrootsyogacenter.com/massage to check out her services. We are still working out kinks on the software, so just reach out to her to schedule an appointment. 775-230-4566
What a great month ahead of us!
There is more to come in the month of November including a RAD Roller Workshop with Lorilyn that focuses on myofacial release, a special Thanksgiving Day class. We look forward to celebrating this month with you.
With love!
Emilee and Brigette
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