 I started the month intending to write about resolutions and intentions.
Then January threw so much more our way. Not yet a full month into the new year we are braving huge internal, external and cosmic storms.
We brace against climate snowstorms and state ICE storms while our hearts glow to witness communities upholding each other with fierce love in the freezing cold. We observe the gentle steadiness of 19 monks and a dog quietly walking 2,300 miles for peace across our land.
 Sometimes I feel verklempt, as my sweet student Flora would say, hand on heart, eyes brimful. I am that. That I am, is what I'm feeling, wordless simply sometimes.
Hari Om, Om Tat Sat, as ISHTA Yogiraj Alan Finger closes meditations. Yes, "we are that." This too, we are. We are the ocean pretending to be the waves. Be the wave we want and intend to be, and know our ocean can be.
For me, a resolution is a specific and measurable goal. For example, in 2026 I resolve that I will:
An intention, sankalpa in Yoga Nidra, is more a sacred vow or solemn promise for who we are. For example, I intend to:
- Live "I have a dream" even whilst seeing "reality"
- Live Byron Katie's Questions 3+4: "Who would I be?"
- Celebrate the blessings; celebrate the wins
 How we each translate our own resolutions and intentions into action is our daily opportunity: for surprise, creativity, purpose.
I am deeply grateful that my life feels like a sacred vow or promise. The vow or promise for me, is that we are love, and we are dared to act like it, and dared to see it, especially when and where it is the hardest to see.
Be warm, be brave, be safe, be loving, my friends, through this winter! Be truth, be Satya, stay in light, through our winter.
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 Whew! Holidays are over! What lights up your face in a smile of delight and radiance to fuel you through winter and spring? And summer!? Maybe Morocco October 2-8, 2026, with Mary and VR and friends!?!?
Oct. 2-8 may feel a ways off, but, Early Bird ends March 31st, after which prices go up. And, to help get joy sparked earlier for us all, the first 10 to register are entered in a drawing for two privates: one with VR, one with Mary. That's right, two winners! The private can take place anytime, before, during, or after the retreat, and can be whatever you like (inversions? yoga flow? Reiki or Thai? lunch?) *This photo is an illusion! Lots of films are made in Morocco; this was taken on a film lot!
Check out Kasbah Delight with VR & Mary, and check out Meryem's Qarrya Retreats website where we are! She is a tour manager extraordinaire, as countless testimonials will tell you! Whether it's desert rides, kasbah hikes, market tours, cooking classes, local charity, and the hammam spa massage included in your price, we got you! Your job? Savor the lifetime experience.
 The earlier you register the earlier you can smile, beam, plan, prep, and be easeful, including payment plans to hardly feel it. And, VR and I are all about building the Beloved Community, so the minute we have a group we'll begin having meal and class meet-ups, in-classes and out-of-classes ...
If you haven't been to both our classes, we'll make sure you get to! Because bonding begins right now!
Even if you live abroad, and will fly in October there to meet us, how cool is that! Come, join us: build this beloved community with us!
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This January I add two Yin+Sound classes Tue & Thur, Park Ave and Gramercy respectively, at 8PM and 4PM ~ see below!
I welcome you to join me whenever you can! Email me for an Equinox day pass if you need! Join me in class & enjoy the club!
Equinox Classes January 2026:
 Email for Privates/Corporates:
- Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra
- AcroYoga, Reiki, Thai, Yoga
- Sound Bath Meditations
- NVC/Wellness Coaching
Besides my ENews you can always see my classes page.
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 Thanks for photos this issue to:
Derek Pashupa Goodwin for outdoor Thai & Fly; Raul Aranas & Zouhair Aarab for Morocco pics; Raphael Aranas for singing bowls; Sandy Ames for indoor Thai Yoga photo; my iPhone and trusty tripod for the rest.
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Email Privacy; Reply; Forward
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 I value your privacy and never share email lists.
Please feel free at any time to Reply, Forward, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe.
It's been my privilege to be in a cyber sangha with ENews readers monthly since 2006, twenty years, over twenty-four years of teaching!
Sending you warmth, love, care, friendship, truth to Self, on your path.
OMMMMMmary
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Winter is icy, but play and movement both empower and warm us. And healing touch has a powerful ripple effect, beyond the bodily recovery that it helps with.
AcroYoga combines the wisdom of yoga, the dynamics of acrobatics, and the lovingkindness of partner yoga and Thai bodywork. Come play, and restore.
No partner needed.
No experience required.
Friday Night Fly & Thai
Feb 20th, 7PM-8:30PM
At: The Yoga Common
322 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
$40/person or $75/pair.
*Note your name/s and email/s when registering by email.*
Prepay via Zelle (Mary-Aranas), PayPal or Venmo
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So I used to serve just straight-up Yin & straight-up Sonic. Now I serve two kinds of Yin+Sonic a week, heated & non-heated.
Come Tuesdays 8PM to Equinox Park Avenue's Yin + Sound: deep yoga stretch in timed, held poses, to a backdrop of gentle meditative music and breath. Then in Savasana recline to soak in a walking Soundbath.
Thursdays 4PM, Equinox Gramercy serves the same Yin + Sound but the room is heated, for those who relax better in the heated space.
(I still have straight-up Yin Tues 12PM at E.85, and straight-up Sonic Sunday 5:15 at Gramercy, as well as 7-bowls Pure Sound Meditation Sat 5:15 at W.76.)
Just a few teachers are doing Yin + Sound currently to pioneer it. So, I'll relish your feedback as we co-create it the students with us!
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What puts a smile on your face?
Marshall Rosenberg (founder of NonViolent Communication, NVC) said It is in our nature to enjoy giving and receiving in a compassionate manner.
I'll bet you find that true for you whether with a neighbor, friend, or even those you don't know.
When I do my small donations (mine are small, I dunno for you) to charities I've vetted (Charity Navigator or Charity Watch) I do get this smile on my face.
When I read about the many youth welcomed at Covenant House (20% trafficked) I get it. When I see surgeries we've helped Mercy Ships perform, I get it. What are smile-makers for you? "It is in our nature to enjoy giving and receiving in a compassionate manner."
 What makes us smile? ....
Can we all put that in our Resolutions?
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Snow & ICE * Resolutions & Intentions 