Author: LindaGorchels

Definition

Renewal refers to self-revitalization, the shedding of old patterns to embrace new possibilities and growth. It involves being mindful within each pose, particularly at the end of the class. Śavāsana (corpse pose) represents death of the ego—the ego’s surrender to pure being. The ensuing Parsva Savasana (side fetal position) symbolizes rebirth, the moment between who you were and who you’re becoming. We will incorporate transitions to embody elevation, and the journey from surrender to action.

Mantras

I welcome fresh opportunities and new beginnings.

In the now I find peace; in the now I find clarity.

Quotes

“Don’t live the same day over and over again and call that a life. Life is about evolving mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.” ― Germany Kent, journalist and influencer

“We won’t grow and learn doing what we’ve always done, and thinking what we’ve always thought. We need to move beyond our comfort zones. We need to engage with new and different if we want to expand ourselves.”  —Akiroq Brost, musician and writer

“And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Note (from a letter dated January 1, 1907)

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”

— T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding, Four Quartets (1942)

“You must be willing to let go of the life you planned so as to have the life that is waiting for you.”

— Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth (1988)

“Out of winter comes spring.”— Henry David Thoreau, Journal, January 7, 1857

Savasana

5-minute clip from “Guided Meditation for a New Year Reset,”  Mindful Mastery YouTube Channel

Definition:

A growth mindset is a mental framework that embraces the belief that your abilities and intelligence can continue to be developed over time throughout your life. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, it contrasts with a fixed mindset, where individuals view their capabilities as static and unchangeable. Yoga fosters a growth mindset by encouraging a focus on progress rather than perfection. We will reach, stretch, and expand in new directions, focusing on progress rather than on perfection. Growth occurs through exploring the unfamiliar.

Mantras:

Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

I am capable of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Quotes:

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford

“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” — Unknown

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds can continue growing as we continue to live.” — Mortimer Adler, American philosopher, author, and theologian

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Savasana:

“Developing a Growth Mindset” from Everyday Meditation YouTube Channel

Definition:

Loving-kindness, also known as Metta Meditation, is a practice that strives to cultivate kindness, empathy, love and compassion for self and others. It’s about the small, everyday ways we notice what’s often overlooked. Just as we will during this session pay attention to the fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, and eyes—parts that are easy to ignore—we can bring the same awareness and kindness to people and moments in daily life that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Mantras:

Loving Kindness grows through practice & repetition.

Kindness is a choice, available in every moment.

Quotations:

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” — Dalai Lama.

“Think of kindness as a ripple; when you start with one thoughtful act, the effect multiplies.”– Lisa Charles, Wellness Coach

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou, poet

“Whatever you do, do with kindness. Whatever you say, say with kindness. Wherever you go, radiate kindness.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author & life coach

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” — Jennifer Dukes Lee, author & speaker

“Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.” – from Random Acts of Kindness movement

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — The Dalai Lama

Savasana:

Metta meditation

Definition: 

Have you ever had a moment that made you pause and wonder, How did that just happen?

Not in a skeptical way—but in a way that leaves you wide-eyed and grateful? Maybe you were in an accident that almost happened, but didn’t. Maybe you missed a traffic jam by spontaneously taking a new route. Or maybe the traffic jam you are stuck in prevented you from having a bigger disaster. These are the everyday miracles that shape our lives. Acknowledge them. Embrace them. Welcome them.

Mantras:

I cultivate hope and create space for miracles to unfold.

Miracles unfold when I am open to new possibilities.

Quotes:

“A miracle is often the willingness to see the common in an uncommon way.” — Noah Benshea (motivational speaker)

“Miracles happen every day; change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.” — Jon Bon Jovi (or at least attributed to him)

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” — Jean de La Bruyère (French essayist from the 1600s)

Savasana:

Ordinary Miracle by Sarah McLachlan

Definition:

Self-healing is about creating the inner conditions that allow the natural regenerative capacities of the body and nervous system to come forward. Science tells us it is the parasympathetic nervous system that allows the self-healing mechanism of the body to function. Trust what feels nourishing for your body. Make any small or large adjustments that bring you more ease.

Mantras:

I pay attention to what my body is telling me.

My body knows how to heal, and I choose to support it

Quotes:

“When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body’s natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

 “Your body hears everything your mind says; nurture your thoughts.” Naomi Judd

“The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses.”–Harry J. Johnson

“The greatest force in the human body is the natural drive of the body to heal itself – but that force in not independent of the belief system. Everything begins with belief. What we believe is the most powerful option of all.” — Norman Cousins (Cousins was a political journalist and professor who researched the biochemistry of human emotions to study the mind/body connection to health)

“The body does not give up on us, so we can’t give up on it. My goal is always to work with my body, not against it, so that it can function efficiently–Paula Abdul

Savasana:

A 4-minute cut from The Healing Mist on Michelle’s Meditation Sanctuary YouTube Channel.

Definition:

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. The more you feel genuine gratitude, the more things you will attract into your life to feel grateful for. Gratitude rewires our brains, kick-starting the production of dopamine and serotonin. Yogis often refer to it as Vitamin G.

From a yoga perspective, there is a dynamic balance between offering (or expressing) gratitude and accepting (or receiving) gratitude. When we express appreciation, we’re offering energy outward as manifested by expansive, heart-opening poses. When we accept gratitude humbly without dismissal, we honor the giver and use inward, grounding poses as symbols. Together, they form a cycle: what we receive, we can then offer; what we offer, we open ourselves to receive.

Mantras:

Every thankful moment makes me healthier.

Gratitude fills my heart with positive energy.

Quotes:

“Feeling gratitude isn’t born in us – it’s something we are taught, and in turn, we teach our children” —  Joyce Brothers

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault (author)

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast Benedictine monk

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” — Epicurus (Greek philosopher)

“Gratitude turns a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” — Melody Beattie, American author

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” — Meister Eckhart, German theologian from the late1200s

Savasana:

Attitude of Gratitude meditation on Coached by Nikki Dyer YouTube Channel.

Definition: 

Balance refers to physical equilibrium and emotional equanimity. On the physical plane, work to strengthen ankles, hips, and muscles, and awareness of how your body adapts to changing centers of gravity (proprioception). On the mental and emotional planes, acknowledge that all experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant, are temporary and subject to change. Savor your joys in the present moment and accept that adversities are not permanent

Mantras:

May I be a calm observer of my thoughts and emotions.

My mind and body are in harmony and balance.

Quotes:

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. -Carl Jung

To cultivate equanimity, we practice catching ourselves when we feel attraction or aversion, before it hardens into grasping or negativity.

Pema Chodron, American Tibetan-Buddhist teacher, author of “When Things Fall Apart”

“The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is serenity. Balance. Truly finding peace in your own skin.”

Rachel Brathen, CEO of Yoga Girl

“Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford (Australian author)

Savasana:

Balance affirmations meditation on Mini Meds YouTube channel.

Definition:

Detox means supporting the body, mind, and emotions in letting go of what you don’t need.

By doing twists, inversions, and deep breathing, you can improve your circulation, digestion, and lymphatic system. By concentrating on your breathing, you can mentally declutter and reset your mind. When your mind is clear, you can let go of emotional stress and create space for lighter feelings.

Mantras:

Every exhale releases tension and toxins from my mind and body.

I clear my mind of clutter and allow clarity to flow.

Quotations:

“The accumulation of toxins in the body/mind system accelerates aging. The elimination of toxins awakens the capacity for renewal.”  Deepak Chopra

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” — Marianne Williamson

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman, author and motivational speaker

“Twists in yoga are more than shapes—they’re sacred wringing out of the old, clearing the way for energy and vitality to flow freely.”— Elena Brower, yoga teacher and author

Savasana:

A 4-minute cut from Healing Sleep Meditation on Michelle’s Meditation Sanctuary YouTube Channel.