“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. “~Epictetus

Namaste friends,

I went to dinner with a friend the other evening to catch up on life, and noticed how completely downtrodden he was.  I was so surprised by this because his usual demeanor is upbeat and happy.  I didn’t have to pry into why he had so much heavy, negative energy,  I just had to listen as he proceeded to outline all the things he was dissatisfied with in his life.  He mentioned that he didn’t have enough money, that he wanted to progress to the next level in his relationship, but his partner was wanting to move along with caution, that his mother was smothering him with dotting attention, and he was feeling unstimulated at work.

So when he was done listing all of the many setbacks in his life, I smiled, and said, “I’m so glad that everything is well in your life.”

He gave me quizzical look, and said, “What are you talking about?  Everything is going poorly.”

“I heard your words, but I see all that is well.” And then I proceeded to point out all that I see.

He has a comfortable home that he can keep at 70 degrees.

He has a person who loves him laying his bed every night.

He has wholesome, organic food in his refrigerator.

He works for a conscientious company doing something he loves.

His family is supporting and loving toward all that he does.

His health is top notch.

He works part time and is able to pay the bills, shop at Wholefoods, eat out three times a week, drinks expensive beer every evening, periodically goes on retreats through work, grabs a Starbucks in the morning, has amazing friends, wears Lululemon yoga clothes, has a full tank of gas, enjoys live music shows once a month, and owns an smart phone, ipod, and a nice computer.  Jai ma!

He is living well.  He just forgot because he was too busy thinking about the things he didn’t like in his life.

“He” is “We”.  Most of us complain about all that is NOT.  But in reality, there is a whole lot of goodness in our life if we choose to see it.

As we approach this season of celebration, take stock of all that is good in your life.  Look to the stars and send waves of gratitude from your heart to the Divine.  Count your blessings.  And then, share your abundance with those less fortunate.  Hold each other up.  Be a good friend and listener.  Help each other to see all the beauty that is around us all the time.

From all the staff at Karma, and from the depths of my heart, we wish you a blessed season of celebration.

Maha love,

Katrina Gustafson

P.S. To help celebrate the Season of Giving I am offering a package deal of 10 classes for $108 or a month unlimited for $99.  Offer is good til Dec. 20th.

Lots of upcoming events

Free Community Classes

These free classes are offered to highlight our most recent graduates of the Yoga Teacher Training here at Karma.  This was an exceptional class of students and we are sure you will love what they have to offer.  Check around the studio for the schedule.

Sundays in December & January (dates tba)        1:15, 2:30, & 3:45pm            Free

Next scheduled class is Jan 8th:   1:15pm  Natalia Umansky  &   2:30pm  Jenny Kosin & 3:45 Shaina Ferguson

New Year’s Day Flowing with Intention: Flow Class & 2012 Vision Board Creation with Katrina Gustafson

Sun Date: 1/1/2012From: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM $15 ( or can use current package)

This is a special class designed to set our intention and visions for the New Year through movement and creative energy. The first hour will be a mindful vinyasa flow class where we will energetically call in our sankalpas or intentions. Then the next two hours will be spent laying out a vision board to help manifest those sankalpas. When you have an intended focus or concentration on something it can increase the chances of bringing the idea to fruition. Come empty handed. All supplies will be provided. If time is of the essence, you can stay for the class only. If you have particular pictures or graphics that you would like to use on your vision board be sure to bring those along.

Resolve to Evolve: The Practice of Sankalpa with Dave Porter, Katrina Gustafson & Lauren Pech

Fri Date: 1/6/2012From: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM    Suggested Donation $25

Please join us as we set our most heartfelt intentions for the year through the practice of Sankalpa. Rather than focusing on what we haven’t done or become, let’s celebrate who we are now by connecting with our highest values. Suggested donation: $25 per person

Drum Circle with Damon The Zen Drummer

Sun Date: 1/8/2012From: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM  $10 per person

Celebrate the earth, rebirth, and life itself by allowing your body to feel and hear the primordial vibrations and sounds of the rhythmic drum beats. It is another way into enter into a meditative state. Drumming is very grounding for the nervous system as well. Drums are provided! The evening will be guided by master percussionist Damon, the Zen Drummer.

Relax and Rejuvenate: An Evening of Mantra Meditation and the Gong with Dev Darshan

Fri Date: 1/13/2012From: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  $10 per person

Reconnect to the infinite part of you that is calm, spacious, and divine in this rejuvenating evening session. Using the power of naad, or sound current, we’ll do a mantra meditation from the Kundalini tradition (as taught by Yogi Bhajan) to help clear the mind and allow the soothing vibrations of the gong to then carry us into a deep state of relaxation—a great way to end your busy week.

Healing the Heart, Clearing the Aura
with special  guest Akiva Boker

Fri Sat Sun Date: 1/20/2012 – 1/22/2012From: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Friday night session: 7-9pm  Saturday session: 12:30-2:30  Sunday session: 12:30-2:30 Check back for more information as this date approaches.

Kirtan with Jayanti

Sat Date: 1/28/2012From: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM  $10 in advance, $15 the night of.

Kirtan is a call and response Bhakti practice in which one develops an intimate connection between himself or herself and love. Jayanti has been playing kirtan for years and truly embodies the essence of bhakti, love and devotion. Join us for an evening of sweet songs to the divine and opening of your heart.

Free Power Flow Class

Power Flow teacher China Carll is offering her class on the 3^rd Friday of this month free of charge!  This is a great way to release the stress of the week and try your hand at Power Flow Yoga.

Friday December 16^th 5:45-7pm                                          Free!

Tigress comes to Karma

Certified Anusara teacher, Julieta Claire, brings this advanced practice to Karma Yoga Center every Wednesday from 2-4:30pm.  A great way for the intermediate practioner to be challenged to the next level and the advanced practioner to practice their skills.  Come let your inner Tiger/ess prowl!

Wednesdays  2-4:30pm                            Intermediate/Advanced Practioners only, please

Cappellos Pasta

Karma Yoga Center is now selling Cappello’s Pasta, a wonderfully tasty collection of gluten-free and grain-free pasta that cooks in seconds!  We have gnocchi and fettuccini available.

Inquire at the front desk, or give us a call!

Cappellos Pasta                                        9oz. packages                                            $8.50