Greetings, dear friends – Happy Equinox and Happy Spring!

I hope this post finds you soaking up the newfound warmth of the season, the longer days, the rain, the cacophony of bird sounds, and all other delights of early spring. My family of four is emerging from a very busy winter, and I am finding myself in a constant state of awe – about the amazingness of children (all of them, all of us), about my own depths of love, and about the wellspring of innate wisdom that is always there if I just listen. AND, I am also constantly humbled by how much I still don’t know. Sitting with this not-knowing is hard for me. But it is a powerful practice, in one way because it is so liberating. How freeing it is, to surrender the need to know everything, and indeed, to actively un-know some of the patterns and habits that confine my mind and spirit?! Very.

Usually around this time of year, we are gearing up to start classes at the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Indeed, the space is ready to go, and we want nothing more than to be with you back in person, sharing this amazing practice of mind, body and spirit called yoga. Some of our crew is traveling for the month of April, so we will continue classes in a virtual-only capacity for the next month. However, we are likely to start rolling out at least some in-person classes starting in May. Stay tuned!

In other news, our dear Lexi is going on a teaching break. She has been teaching yoga for 8 years non-stop, and a break is long overdue! We wish her rest and rejuvenation, and look forward to her return. Lexi’s last class is tomorrow, 3/27 – Saturday Vinyasa at 10:00am. After that, Laurie will be taking over. Thanks, Laurie! Laurie’s evening Core class on Mondays at 6pm will also be cancelled for the time being. All of these changes are reflected on the Mindbody class schedule.

To all of you who have shown so much support for Stone Turtle over the course of this challenging winter – THANK YOU. We need you, we love seeing you in class, and we are so grateful. This community is so important, especially now, and we can’t wait to start incorporating opportunities be with each other in-person soon.

Many blessings as we plant seeds – real seeds, and seeds of intention – at this potent time of year!

Love,

Mariah and the Stone Turtle crew

Join us for another 4-week Fireside Yin Yoga series with Patty Clark!

Following Traditional Chinese Medicine and the origins of Yin Yoga, this well-planned and seasonally-guided series offers a multi-level approach to nurturing and balancing our inner and outer worlds. This NEW series offers brand new content and asanas! Read more about this series, including cost and dates, below!

Testimonials from last month’s series:

“I so appreciate the information that is included within the classes that informs us about the impact of the poses on our bodies. Not only is it interesting, but I find that I can visualize the physical aspects of the poses as they relate to our internal organs and structures, as they are being described.
I also love the meditative, soul filling, thoughts and quotes that are tucked within the practice. While especially relevant this year during the lonely times of COVID, they are always a welcome and nourishing addition, which serve to replenish the spirit along with the body during the Yin sessions.
Finally, the addition of the trauma informed lens has provided yet another layer of support, contributing to the overall emotional regulation benefits being strengthened by Patty’s deep skills and knowledge.” – Donna J., Gaylord

“The fireside yin classes were a pleasant way to calm the body. Patty provides clear guidance into the poses. Holding the poses brought gentle relief to accumulated stress pockets in the body. Inspirational readings feed the mind and spirit. Patty has a gift for integrating body, mind, and spirit work. I love how Patty weaves the cyclic influence of seasons into the practice.” – Mary G., Grayling

The NEW series starts February 9th, and will offer brand new content and asanas to help us embrace the season and flourish!

Class meets on Tuesdays, Feb 9, 16, 23 & March 2, from 7:00-8:00pm  

Cost is $45/series in advance, or $15 per class. An email will be sent with the Zoom link when you sign up!  

More about the series: Winter is a time to look inward and reconnect with ourselves before the rebirth of Spring. Seasonally associated with the water element, kidneys and bladder, this well-planned series helps imbalances that manifest as fear, anxiety, fatigue, lower back/hip pain and rigidity.  What to expect? Less poses held for longer times, mostly restorative, to release restrictions in connective tissue and joints allowing for energy to flow more freely. You will be guided with brand new poetry, imagery, science, Sutra and silence to cultivate an integrated experience. Everyone will benefit from this class!

Click here to register!

Plus, a note on reopening the studio!

While we want more than anything to be with you all again in person, the teaching crew at Stone Turtle Yoga agrees that, for the time being – as long as masks are mandated for indoor group fitness classes – we will refrain from gathering in person. We agree that yogic breathing through a mask is not beneficial, and is in fact quite possibly counter-productive. We will continue teaching classes through our virtual platform, and look forward to when we can gather unmasked. Stay tuned!

With so much love and appreciation for your support,

Mariah, Patty, Amy M., Amy B., Laurie & Lexi