Fall may be settling in here and there, but we are well on our way
to planning out our new programs for next spring, beginning mid
April. I am really excited about some of the new things we are going
to do, so watch this space and our program page for the particulars.
Note: not yet listed, still firming dates!

To all of the yoga teachers attending the KYTA conference this weekend at Kripalu, please feel free to contact us about bringing your own students over
and tailor making programs of your own choice. We continually seek out and
encourage teachers with new ideas and creative strengths to join with us in
broadening our base of experiential adventures. This is a wonderful healing
landscape, not unlike the Berkshires, so if you have enjoyed your weekend
in Lenox, then consider the possibilities across the pond. The weather is mild
for much of the year, so anything is possible, from hiking and biking all year
round to indoor creativity by a roaring fire. Dream or meditate on this, and let
us hear from you!

The other day, I read an engaging quote on the web site
French Word A Day, a very interesting blog site that pairs learning
new French words with armchair experiences of living in France.
Author Kristin Espinasse, an American married to a Frenchman, chronicles life in her adopted country, in her blog and book of the same name, both not to be missed.

The quote is from Michel de Montaigne, who by coincidence is a
native son of the Dordogne region, born in 1533. Montaigne is
best known for his invention of the literary form, the essay. No
doubt, some of you remember translating them in French class.

The essay comes from the French word “essai” which means test
or trial. Montaigne’s essays are ruminations of self examination,
continous probings into attitude towards the world and its beliefs.

Surely this concept is relevant today, when blogs are proliferating
by the moment. Maybe we are all Montaignes in cyber space!
But that is a whole other post.

Back to the striking chord.

Kristin quotes Montaigne:

“L’amitie se nourrit de communication”

“Friendship is nourished by communication”

I got to thinking about Montaigne, and also how we live in a world
that needs lots of figuring out. It brought me back to the practice of yoga and meditation.

For me, yoga and meditation are practices where we make friends
with our own self. We nourish our core through these inner quiet practices. We further a life long dialogue with our own best friends, ourselves.

To be at peace from within, we must be our own best friends and from there we can reach out and help others.

Nourish your own communication, with 5 minutes of quiet time,
noticing your breathing and looking at the changing seasons. See
how much it will enhance your next inner dialogue or external exchange. Strike an unexpected chord with a real gift.