Beloved Reader!

It's always an adventure to discover what I will write about each month. In a way, it's more about listening to that which decides it wants to be written through me....

Last night I went to bed early, but woke up abruptly at midnight. There was no falling back asleep, so I decided to start searching for an April newsletter image online. I love exploring the internet looking at beautiful art.... Something led me to children's illustrations, and I found the image you see above. It is by a wonderful artist named Kristina Swarner, and you can find out about her here.

I love the lightness, joy, sweetness and freedom I see in this young girl, as she dances with the sun and the moon in a field of spring flowers.... I can remember the marvellous spring breeze on my bare schoolgirl legs, after being layered and bundled up all winter. Ahhhh.....

Years ago, I attended a talk given by a seasoned Zen master. When it came to the question and answer period, a woman sitting beside me stood up and asked how to help someone dear to her who was suffering from a heavy depression. I did not know her, but I could feel the weight of her concern, and of her friend's darkness. The master answered that it would do a world of good for her loved one to spend as much time as possible with babies and young children. Their natural lightness would become irresistibly contagious! Everyone in the room understood this, and we all began to feel lighter too.

Children, animals, plants... no matter what else is going on, there is always newness, lightness, freshness and love available too. All we need to do is to remember to look for it.

Let's give a standing ovation to childlike wonder, unbridled imagination and deep engagement with Now. And let's contact it within ourselves, no matter what our age and stage in life. A shift in reality is only a thought away....

Spring is upon us, and we can ride her energy to open up to becoming fresh and new once more. Take a look back into some of your earliest happy memories. Where did you experience wonder and awe? Where did you feel absolutely connected to everything? Where did you forget time and space and name? Gaze upon the image above to help you reconnect with your young essence. Take some time to breathe, to remember and to dream.... is there something stirring in you that has always been part of you, something that wants to come out and play again?

What will you nurture? How will you guide this tender beauty? What might you prune away to create more room?

Let's dance and play in the field of renewal and delight together this season.

Sending Blessings and Radiant Love to You,
Karusia Nirmala

April Public Classes

All classes are held in the Amenity Room at 21 Nassau St. Please enter through the garden pathway west of the main doors. Mats and props are supplied.

Mondays (no class Easter Monday April 2)
Hatha Yoga 5:30-6:45pm. By donation.
Women's QiGong 7-8:15pm. $15.

Thursdays (no class April 19)
Yoga Nidra 7-8:15pm. $20.

Fridays (NEW CLASS)
Yoga/Barre/Pilates Infusion 12:30-1:45pm. $15

Special Workshops: Kirtan April 20, & Philosophy April 25.
(see details below)

Kirtan: Singing with Our Souls
Friday April 20 from 7-9pm
Ayurveda Rituals 1081 Bathurst St.
RSVP 416-604-6049
~ by donation ~

Call and response singing with roots in the Yogic tradition. Co-led by Ana Shanti Bodnar and me.

Chanting is a form of devotional Yoga that deepens our breath, purifies our emotions and connects us to one another.

All are welcome, whether this is your first time or not. Please feel free to bring a musical instrument and join right in!

Experiential Philosophy: Planting the Seeds of Patanjali in Modern Soil
Wednesday April 25 from 7-9pm
Ayurveda Rituals 1081 Bathurst St.
RSVP 416-604-6049
~ $25 ~

Take Yoga psychology off the page and into your body through breath work, chanting, gentle movement and self-reflection. Based on key sutras from Patanjali's work. I can personally vouch for these practical techniques; they help tremendously in alleviating suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive ills and more.

What do I offer?
I teach people how to move, think and breathe in new ways that free them to be the best they can be. For this, I draw on a lifetime of exploration in dance, anatomy, prayer, yoga and qigong. I bring the sensibility of the artist and mystic to healing. My services include:

Traditional hatha yoga. Ancient teachings for modern times. Blending movement, breath, concentration and meditation to build strength, symmetry, flexibility and equipoise. All levels.

Women's QiGong. The cultivation of universal healing energy in order to skilfully clear the way for vibrant health, inside and out. Based on Daisy Lee's Radiant Lotus Women's QiGong, a form designed to empower, connect and delight women everywhere.

Yoga Nidra. An extended relaxation accompanied by guided imagery that is guaranteed to cleanse, rest and refresh your psyche and your physical body.

Yoga/Barre/Pilates Infusion. A blend of my personal favourite practices! Focus on strengthening and toning your body safely while having fun and getting results.

~ Classes are small, which allows me to customize for your needs. My training as a yoga therapist gives me many tools to help you balance your biomechanics, your nerves, your hormones and your emotions while having fun and learning new skills that will boost your vitality and well-being. My background as an artist helps you to find beauty, harmony and magic on your path. ~

I also offer the following services by appointment. Home visits are available.

~ Private Classes
~ Yoga Therapy
~ Tarot and Oracle Card Readings (Consider hiring me to read for your party or corporate event!)
~ Instruction in breath and meditation
~ Reiki Healing and Laying on of Hands

Tarot: Ace of Wands

Aces contain the seed of all potential, just as the acorn contains the imprint of the oak tree. The suit of wands represents creativity and growth. A spark has been lit.

Shake off your winter hibernation and tap into your childlike enthusiasm and wonder. Set your goal: aim for the place where your natural gifts and the needs of the world align for mutual benefit.

Abundant energy is available now. Ride that wave and fan that spark into a bright flame. Blossom and shine!

Remember to tap into your childlike qualities; don't weigh yourself down in childishness. There's too much to do!

This card is from the "Joie de Vivre Tarot" by Paulina Cassidy.