 These days, there has been tough news surrounding some of our beloved yoga teachers. While yoga teachers typically radiate health, energy, vibrance, and flexibility, they're human beings and life happens. Life has been happening and we want to always be keeping you informed. The love in the Santosha community is mutual between students and teachers - we are a yoga family. Families rally, support, cry, and cheer each other on. {Photo left: Brittany's chemo socks} Please keep these three in your intentions. ~ Namaste Jodi - The same day she taught her morning Vinyasa last Thursday, she went into the ER with abdominal pains. It turns out, she had appendicitis. Thankfully, it was discovered before the appendix burst. She was admitted to the ER for overnight antibiotics before having surgery on Friday. Jodi's marveling at the timing- she was supposed to be on a much-anticipated trip to Europe with her mom and instead went thru her second abdominal surgery in three months. It's been a disappointment for her mixed with relief to be healing at home and grateful it wasn't a worse situation. Jodi was just getting back into her practice from the last surgery and so it'll be some time before she's on her mat with you to once again find her toes in forward fold. Jodi will be back to teaching soon. Jamie - Our sweet Imagination Yoga teacher was seven weeks into her first pregnancy when she learned it was ectopic and not viable. Her fallopian tube ruptured causing her to lose 50% of her blood volume. With a lifesaving abdominal surgery and blood transfusions, she is alive and healing. She is home to recover and will be on a six week leave until she can teach again. She misses the kids , Santosha, and her yoga practice. Jamie has a gift for finding a message in the lessons life brings us and she is gracefully taking this time to go inwards as her body heals. As she says, "as teachers and healers, we are learning a lot." Brittany - Her cancer chemotherapy is an intense protocol, this week is five days in a row! And she is taking it to the highest level of health and healing, doing all she can through nutrition, meditation, prayer, and rest. Last week, we held a Karma Yoga class where all the money earned, plus extra donations, were given to Brittany for her cancer fund. From the Karma Yoga class and the for-donation jewelry earnings, she received almost $3,000. Brittany wrote an open letter of gratitude on our website, but here's an excerpt: With some of the money donated, I recently paid down a large chunk of my medical bills and purchased a hair prosthesis (wig). As you most likely will see me around the yoga studio with my new buddhist monk hairdo, ever so often you might see me around the village as a long haired brunette : ) Again, thank you for all your donations, but more importantly your presence, support, love and compassion. I CAN NOT do this with out you. You have become my Yoga family. I look forward to many more experiences with you all, delving into the deeper aspects of our lives and supporting each other along the way- This is Yoga.  Photo courtesy of one of Jodi's aunts via Facebook. Original author unknown.
When we hosted the holiday party in December, we didn't know who we'd see or how many people were coming. The tables were ready, the bar stocked, the desserts piling up. We also set up a Yogi Twister corner and Holiday Pose Photo Booth. Many people came, laughed, ate, and the poses grew trickier and sillier the later the night went. The turnout was marvelous, larger than 2013, and really a wonderful evening of warm spirits and fun energy. Here's a few of our favorite from the fantastic night! Thank you all for coming to be part of the Santosha community. To see all the 130 photos and share with your family and friends, check them out here Santosha Yoga 2014.
Cancer doesn't realize that it just rallied a strong community around one tough gal and we're ready for a fight! The support that we have seen coming from staff, teachers, and students in the Santosha Yoga studio is inspiring and heartwarming.
Here's how you can be part of the support and help Brittany in her journey with cancer: ** Special Karma Class for Brittany M. ~ Tuesday, Jan. 13th @ 5:30 pm Beginning Vinyasa. All proceeds from this class will go to Brittany's cancer treatment and are greatly appreciated! This will be taught by Brittany herself. ** Handmade necklaces and bracelets have been donated by Cindy, a yogi/TT/jewelry maker, so that all the "sales" will go directly to supporting Brittany. Come into the studio to see them. A great gift for yourself or upcoming birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day; beautiful gift, beautiful cause. Check or cash, only. ** One of Brittany's family members set up a site to support her throughout her journey with cancer and the year of chemotherapy. Every dollar helps. http://www.gofundme.com/LetsHelpBritt ** And, lastly, but not least, we will be establishing a Care Calendar where we will post what Brittany's needs are for help, rides, grocery runs, etc. On her chemo days, having someone else make a quick run to the store and drop off fresh produce for her juicing could make all the difference. Stay tuned to start signing up! In the meantime, her blog is updated regularly and she's open with her words and experiences. She is setting an example for all of us to, "Go out and live your life." Read more from Brittany herself at True Bliss Massage Blog "I want to affirm how rare and magnificent and messy it is to be alive” ~ Mark Nepo. Thank you all for your kindness, words of support, and donations given to her. ~ namaste |
DINA & Katy
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