Today is the best day to begin.

A new student joined us recently for his first yoga class ever - let's call him Bob. As I do with all new students (and regular students, as well) I spent a few moments with him after class to see how it went.

"I wish I had started this 20 years ago!" was Bob's response.

We hear this sentiment often from our students. They look back with regret for not starting then. Often times, this becomes the reason - or excuse - for not beginning now, today, right where you are. 

Certainly Bob had several opportunities to begin a yoga practice over the past 20 years, but something kept him from starting. I see this happen all the time. I listen to the excuses people have for not taking care of themselves and it's painful to watch, but one thing I have learned is that we can only help those who are ready for help. 

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

— Chinese Proverb

We've all been there, right? Maybe you can relate. It's so easy to blame our body, our schedule, our job, our kids - and all the other things that keep us from doing what we truly know we need to do.

I'm not sure yet if Bob will continue practicing yoga, but I do know we can learn something valuable from this. Consider that it's our resistance, excuses and discomfort that keep us from getting what we want. Our resistance, excuses and discomfort are the very things that keep us from growth and transformation.

What is stopping you from beginning or staying committed to your practice? Examine your resistance, excuses or discomfort and choose a new way forward. If you've been waiting to start, stop waiting. Waiting leads to regret and there is nothing more painful than regret.

Private Yoga - with a personal touch

Maybe you've been doing yoga for awhile and have a few little things you'd like to refine, clarify or clean up in your practice. 

Maybe you've never done yoga in your entire life and would like a little one-on-one time with someone who can help you make sense of it.

Our instructors are all certified and qualified to guide you in developing a strong, safe and meaningful yoga practice - one that is as unique as you. We all have different needs, histories and bodies! Sometimes a little extra support makes all the difference in the world. 

Choose between one single session, a small package of 3 or a larger package of 12.

• One session will give you an introductory peek into the basics of it all or help you with that one trouble spot.
• Three sessions will give you more time to connect with a teacher and work through more information and material.
• Twelve session will give you dedicated time with an instructor as well as more opportunity for follow up and greater ability to really track your results. Imagine what some personal attention each and every month of the year could do for you, no matter what your goals are. 

We are here to help you develop a practice that works beautifully for you, no matter where you are in your journey. 

21-Day Challenge :: Ashtanga Inspired!

How might 21 days of yoga impact you? What do you stand to gain by committing to something powerful? Would you like to be stronger in body, mind and spirit? Let your curiosity loose and join us for a 21-day Ashtanga** (ash-TAHN-gaa) inspired challenge! 

Be witness to the very noticeable ways that things begin to shift ... in your practice, your body, your life. 

Whether you are new to the mat or a seasoned practitioner, this is an opportunity to experience the benefits of a consistent yoga practice with a group of people who are equally committed, each of us there to support one another. 

Week 1: We will practice a basic ashtanga sequence that will remain the same each day so that you are able to gauge and track your progress in each posture.

Week 2 & 3: You will be introduced to more advanced postures as an option to take your practice further; but the core practice remains the same. 

At the end of each daily practice, space will be available for those of you who would like to stay for meditation.

Sunday will be a rest day w/ optional homework. 

If you cannot make it to the loft each day, you are encouraged to practice at home.

Registration required, either online or at the loft. $90 fee to participate or $60 if youy are a recurring donor. You will be entered into a drawing to win a sweet yoga+love package that includes a Jade yoga mat, yoga towel and more. Valued at $100+

email :: solyogacollective@gmail.com with questions or for more info.

Grab a buddy and cheer each other on. If you don’t try, how will you ever know?

**Ashtanga Yoga, also called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, is a vigorous and flowing style of yoga developed in the 20th century. It involves synchronizing breath with progressive and continuous postures, which produces internal heat while detoxifying the body. It builds strength, flexibility, and stamina, while calming the mind and improving overall health.

Summer Solstice 108!

Join us for a fiery, yet peaceful practice of 108 rounds of Sun Salutations as we enjoy every moment of light on this longest day of the year, followed by June's full moon! 

This hasn't happened since 1948. There is magic in the air, folks. Transformation under foot. Perhaps your feet will join us tonight at 7:30 as we move our bodies and breathe. Prayer in motion. What does that mean for you? What are you intending? What are you surrendering to? What in your life is ready to be brought to light? Join us this evening and find your answers. 

Participants should have a basic understanding of sun salutations and the ability to listen deeply to their bodies. Resting in child's pose and meditation will be invited and encouraged. Though this can be a demanding practice, it is possible to really make it work for you. You do not have to be an advanced yogi to have this experience. Careful instruction and modifications will be offered throughout. 

This is about coming together as a community, in movement, in breath, in reverence and celebration of the light -- all around us and within us. 

Love for Talya

A student at Sol recently lost her husband to a tragic accident. In an effort to provide support and love for Talya, we are organizing a silent auction fundraiser so that she may pursue her dream of enrolling in a yoga teacher training program, or use the funds in any way that will help her at this time. 

Monday, July 11  5:00-8:00pm

Murphy's Pub & Grill (backroom).

Grab a drink and/or snack from the bar and head over to place your bid on one or many of the generous donations we've received to help our friend in need. Please bring a friend or two!

If you would like to donate an item (products, goods and services are welcome), please get in touch with Karen at solyogacollective@gmail.com or call 605-220-5116. 

Watch for the Facebook event page coming soon. 

Embody Love Movement Facilitator Training

Become an Embody Love Movement Facilitator! This 15-hour weekend training with Dr. Melody Moore in how to facilitate the curriculum that has been effective in changing hearts and minds in over 22 states and 4 countries! Since 2005, Dr. Moore has accumulated over 15,000 therapy hours specializing in Eating Disorder recovery for girls and women. She's an expert in the field and an empowering teacher. 

This weekend workshop is for any woman, including therapists, educators, and yoga instructors, who feels inspired to provide the Embody Love Movement curricula to schools, camps, community centers, yoga studios, and other nonprofit organizations. Our programs serve ages 7-11, 12-18, and adults. 

The weekend immersion will include:

♥ Participation in an Inner Beauty Shop

♥ The Being and Doing of Facilitation

♥ Projection, Transference, and Shadow Work

♥ Using Yoga as an Introduction to Body Acceptance

♥ Finding your Voice and Sharing Your Truth

♥ The Detriments of Fat Talk and the Price of Privilege

♥ Teaching Media Literacy

♥ How to Collaborate and Create Inner Beauty Shops in your Community

How do Facilitators make a difference? The training will provide you with the ability to inspire girls and women who participate in the workshops to:

♥ Value who they are internally over their external appearance

♥ Be empowered to change the conversation from criticism to kindness

♥ Become media literate so that they stop comparing themselves to a false idea of beauty

♥ Embrace their purpose in the world

This workshop is limited to 20 participants. There will be plenty of individual instruction, Q&A time, and practice sessions with feedback. As a certified facilitator, you will leave feeling empowered and prepared to take the Inner Beauty Shop™ into your community. Who better than you, and when better than now? To learn more about ELM, visit http://embodylovemovement.org/

June 17-19 at Sol Yoga Collective

Friday 6p - 9p

Sat. 10:30a - 5:30p

Sun. 9a - 4p

Program Cost: $360