Spring Greetings from Jill!
Happy spring dear friends!
I just recently returned from my retreat in Sedona. I don't even have words to describe the experience we all shared during the Equinox. It was a retreat like none other. Not because the yoga I taught was spectacular. Not because the weather was to die for (but it kinda was). Not because the setting, the food, the hikes and land were breathtaking (and it was). If I had to distill my favorite part of the retreat it was the beautiful Souls that showed up 100% as themselves. We all brought our raw, authentic selves and we were vulnerable. We shared. We supported each other. We experienced family and community. Ten people that were strangers at the start from different walks of life probably never destined to meet if not in this special portal of time we held together. I say "we" because I did too. I had to be held and supported and I could not do it all myself. I had strange reactions to the energy that gave me severe stomach cramps, intense head aches and I felt totally out of sorts for most of the trip. The "plan" I devised before the retreat was replaced day 1. The universe was teaching me about balancing the yin and the yang and here to think I thought I was going to teach a retreat on the topic. Ha! I had to let my guards down (not by choice) and let others help and take roles that I normally would take on as the over doer I am comfortable being. The gift was that they shined and gave so beautifully from their hearts and I was able to receive love and support from their gifts and offerings. This is what these times are about now friends. We need each other. We are in a truly inspirational time of cultivating the courage to act and to step outside our comfort zones and be ourselves. But, the twist is that we cannot and do not have to do it alone. There is support around us and it feels delicious to let go of the reigns sometimes and let others offer up some effort on our journeys. Maybe it is accepting a hug, or an invitation to slow down and take a walk with a friend, or to be vulnerable enough to share your vision with someone who can perhaps lend a missing link to your puzzle. Whatever the way in which you receive, even if it is the love and acceptance of who you are from your own self, don't forget that opening up our heart to let love in is just as valuable as opening our hearts to let the love flow.
To the "Zen Renegades" of Sedona I bow to you. To all of you, I send my love and gratitude for the ways you allow me to give and also to receive the fruits of spending my time with you!
Upcoming Yoga Workshops
Supple Roots Part 2: A Exploration into Pelvic Floor Health For Women
Sunday, April 23 2:30-5pm @ YoYo Yogi
*Must have attended Part 1 to attend. Call the studio to register at 503-688-5120.
What: Explore how to use yoga asana to work with pain/tightness/discomfort in these targeted areas and how to avoid injuries in class when these areas are “trouble zones” in your body. We will practice asanas that work to balance these areas, get tips on what to do to adjust to injuries (props, alternatives) in group classes, and learn about the subtle body relationships (mind/emotional/body connections) to these parts of the body.
When: Sundays, 2-4:00pm April 30 to May 14
Where: Yoga Pearl
More info here
Mondays at 6pm in May at YoYo Yogi.
Join me for an hour of yoga and meditation learning how to use your practice to connect and foster a deeper relationship with your intuition. Our practice is followed by a short talk.
Upcoming Retreats:
Summer Solstice Cannon Beach Retreat: June 23-25
Celebrate the light with yoga, astrology, nature and community! Nurture yourself to keep that inner light radiant and bright! More details here.
Fall Equinox Retreat to Southern Oregon September 22-25, 2017
Fall into balance this Fall Equinox amidst the stillness and beauty of nature!
Astrological Events:
Star Passengers Astrology Study Group
Sunday, April 9th at 5:15pm
Learn about the planet Mars, the archetype of Aries and the 1st house in community and by observing your own experiences.
*Message me for the location
My latest astrological reflection can be found here. I posted these weekly and on facebook.
Aromatherapy Offerings for the Times
Empowered: My Aries blend that helps give you courage and spark to be You!
Beauty: My Venus blend supporting our feminine side of receptivity, listening and connection
Unity: This blend supports balancing action and receptivity, yin/yang/masculine and feminine aspects.
I sell my blends on my website or you can purchase them at Yoyo Yogi.
f you prefer single oils, my favorites during this time are Lime and Grapefruit. I feel these can cool an overly fiery (TYPE A) disposition while stoking to the inner fire of intuition. he scents also invigorate and urge us towards joyful expression.
"Giving feels fantastic and for there to be a Giver, there must be a Receiver, so allowing yourself to receive is an act of love.”
― Rebecca O’Dwyer
Love and light,
Jill Case
