Share Serene Yoga Studio With Your Friends & Family!

Hi Serene Yoga Community!

Help to grow and develop Serene Yoga studio! All funds help to continue to grow our beautiful yoga community, and share The Studio with others!

Other ways to help us to grow..

Share the studio on social media @serene_ yoga_ on instagram

Tell your friends and family about us, bring someone to class with you!

Add reviews so that others can see how you enjoyed your classes at the studio

As always, Thank you for all of your continued Support!

As a thank you Serene Yoga is having a free class to members on November 27th at 12pm reach out in person or by email to sign up ahead of time.

Thank You To Our Community!

I wanted to say thank you to all of the Serene Yoga community. Thank you for your continued support without you Serene Yoga Studio would never have been a reality.

Our Natural State Of Being Is Peace

Why is it so challenging to be still when our natural state of being is peace?

In today’s world we have been conditioned from a young age to keep constantly busy. Being busy with school, work , errands. With everything so accessible to us on our phones and devices multi-tasking is simple so we can get as much done in a day as possible with just a touch of a finger to a screen.

The thought of slowing down and taking time to focus on one thing at a time seems difficult & incomprehensible to some. Ultimately this type of lifestyle leads to burn out, stress, anxiety and worry.

Our lifestyle choices have made us forget how to be fully present, comfortable with stillness, and have distracted us from our natural state of being which is that of Peace.

We have to do the inner work to get back to our natural state of being, but that is not the type of work we are use to. Therefore taking time to practice yoga or meditate to be in stillness can be challenging and make a lot of people cringe, and doubt they can even do it.

In the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali- Yoga is defined as a “multifaceted method of bringing consciousness to a state of stillness”.

Yoga and Meditation can help slow down your thoughts and quiet “ the turbulence of the mind or citta vritti “ that is brought to us from our exterior worlds, as they both bring attention inward and help to remove the outside noise and distractions bringing us back to home or Our Natural State of Peace.

-Serena

Serene Yoga

Renovations Complete!!

The studio is back up and running thank you for your patience and support during this time! We can’t wait to see you roll out your yoga mat in the studio again in one of our classes!

Don’t miss the recent Redfin article we were featured in: Create a More Peaceful Home: 13 Zen Ideas to Design an Empty Corner

Your home is the space where you start and end each day, where you can escape the stress of work and leave all your worries at the door. Sometimes, however, your home has the opposite effect and may even drain your energy and negatively affect your mood.

In today’s world, creating a more peaceful home that allows you to recharge is more important than ever – and sometimes it starts with just the corner of a room. Redfin asked us to share our best idea to design an empty corner and create a more peaceful home. So whether you’re living in a two-story home in Knoxville, TN, or a condo in Vancouver, CA, these 13 ideas will bring you one step closer to a peaceful home. Check out what we had to say!

Create a More Peaceful Home: 13 Zen Ideas to Design an Empty Corner

Create a More Peaceful Home: 13 Zen Ideas to Design an Empty Corner

July 6, 2021 by Julia Weaver

Your home is the space where you start and end each day, where you can escape the stress of work and leave all your worries at the door. Sometimes, however, your home has the opposite effect and may even drain your energy and negatively affect your mood.

In today’s world, creating a more peaceful home that allows you to recharge is more important than ever – and sometimes it starts with just the corner of a room. So whether you’re living in a two-story home in Knoxville, TN, or a condo in Vancouver, CA, these 13 ideas will bring you one step closer to a peaceful home.

Create a meditation space for a more peaceful home

Your meditation space doesn’t necessarily need to be in a completely quiet room. Ambient sounds such as those from traffic or air conditioning can be useful in some types of meditation practices. Even being outdoors can enhance your meditation experience. Make sure there is space for a comfortable chair where you can put your feet flat on the floor and that the space provides you with the opportunity to store things you need to “prime” the relaxation response. These items may be candles, incense, crystals, or a meditation bowl. And, don’t let the lack of an “ideal” space keep you from your practice. Almost any location can work as long as the space allows you to feel comfortable and safe. – Levelhead

Incorporate handwoven rugs on the floor or walls

Being an antique property in a historic district, our trick to finding the perfect balance between old and new are antique hand-woven rugs, which, in our (and The Dude’s) humble opinion, make a room. You can put them on the floor, or better yet, on the wall as tapestry art. Sure you could buy something online, but why would you when you can build around a piece that is unique, handmade of natural fibers, and has so much history and character? – Addison Choate

Introduce a plant or bouquet to the space to create a more peaceful home

Instantly bring vitality and life to any room or empty corner by introducing a plant or bouquet of fresh flowers. If the space feels incomplete try adding a freestanding pedestal for a potted plant or vase arrangement to be displaced like a sculptural work of art. Another option for a smaller space is to get a special vase designed to hang on the wall. That way you are still able to bring flower-power energy without adding any clutter. – Atelier Ashley Flowers

Stick with a color theme to unite the space

I choose to decorate corners to create a more peaceful home with a variety of sizes and shapes, but have a unifying color or set of colors to unite or create a connection between them all. Layering within the space either horizontally or vertically can create symbiosis and a feeling of depth. Art, found objects, and antiques placed within proximity to each other become a whole, united by the space of the corner. – Happigal Art

Make the most of your wall space

A corner is a perfect canvas for a seating area, but don’t forget about using your wall space, too. Add a wall of floating shelves or hooks and add décor, potted plants, or hanging plants to make the most of the entire corner space. – Furniture Pipeline

Create a mindfulness corner to spend time in each day

To create a “mindfulness corner” start by dedicating a spot in your home that is going to be just for you and your meditation or yoga practice. Once you have your dedicated spot, keep your yoga mat or meditation cushion out at all times. Studies show that seeing your mat will actually increase how often you use it. Dedicate time every day to visit your mindfulness corner and watch as the space begins to grow with energy and power over time. – Tribe

Convert a corner into a personal zen retreat

If you have an empty corner space in your house you can quickly and easily convert it into your own personal zen retreat in the form of a meditation area/altar. Adorn this soon to be sacred space with as much or as little “ceremonial” decor as you like such as plants, candles, crystals, deities/statues, incense and holder, rocks from the local area, feathers you may find taking a walk, oracle cards, sound bowls, meditation pad and/or cushion, etc. Just don’t forget, what you put in your meditation space to set that zen retreat vibe for yourself isn’t nearly as important as actually sitting down and practicing the art of awareness on a regular basis. – The Meditation Station

Raise the bar in your unused corner

Your “corner bar” takes on a whole new meaning when you take that unused corner and make it into the best part of your home. The right bar cabinet can help you keep things neat and provide a functional spot for you and your guests to mix up your favorite drinks. Storage for wine, glasses, and more makes it easy to stay organized and be the calm, collected host or hostess. – Twin Star Home

Find locally-made ceramic pots for your plants

Of course, we love a sweet houseplant as a companion in a quiet corner to create a peaceful home. Even better if it’s potted in a locally made ceramic and has the soil topped off with some stone from a favorite beach. An inspiring or moving print from a local artist can be a reminder that both the work and the rest that you do in this quiet space affect your relationships and the greater community. After all, an empty corner doesn’t need to be empty if it’s filled with ideas and objects that ground and connect you. – The Portland Yoga Project

Design reading nook catered to your tastes

Consider a reading nook lined with artwork, a chair, and other essentials, like a lamp or small table. Plant lovers could add a traveling vine. The really ambitious could envelop it all with a canopy. – Rooster’s Crow Farm Art Studio

Enhance your corner with a round rug

Give your corner an elevated feel by using a round rug to anchor the space. A custom-sized round rug allows you to perfectly fit the room and furniture arrangement. – Sisal Rugs Direct

Choose a sacred space for yoga and meditation

First, find a quiet space, maybe that’s a spare room or a corner of your home where you feel like you could relax. It doesn’t have to be big, just big enough that you can roll out your yoga mat and a few yoga props for practice or a meditation cushion. You may have a small table for candles, incense, or crystals … whatever tools you like to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. A peaceful picture, or a plant, or a window to look at while you are practicing yoga or meditation can help to provide that type of relaxing environment for you, to reflect and practice in. – Serene Yoga

Studio Renovations

Recently there has been a leak in the studio that has caused the need for repairs and renovations. Due to the current situation class sizing is now limited again and there will be some classes that may have to be temporarily canceled. In the event of a class cancelations the class will be removed from the schedule & will also be posted on instagram @serene_yoga_

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation during this time. We hope to have this resolved in the very near future.

COVID-19 Update

Masks are not required, however if you want to wear a mask you of course can. Feel free to come to class masked or unmasked whatever you feel the most comfortable with is what you do. We simply ask that you respect everyone’s decision to do what is best for them, there is no judgment in the studio. Please do not come to class if you have a cold, or flu like symptoms till they have fully resolved. When taking class please bring your own yoga mat with you, we do not have shared mats/ mat rentals in the studio. Please remember to clean all props after use. Be on the lookout for a updated class schedule.

Cant wait to see you on your yoga mat soon!

Yoga Props When You Practice, Should you use them?

Reasons for not using yoga props in your practice?

You think that you should feel extremely uncomfortable or in pain to get a good stretch when practicing yoga. You are comparing your body and how it looks to someone else in the room and they may not be using props at the time so why should you. Maybe you think props are for the inexperienced yogis. Maybe you just haven’t given yoga props a chance.

Whatever your reason I am here to tell you PROPS are a great addition to your yoga practiced for all yogis.

Do you always need to use props - No

Should you incorporate props into your yoga practice - Yes!

Why ?

Accessibility.

Yoga Props will make yoga poses that seem inaccessible more accessible to you. They support your body and when your body feels supported it relaxed and you will actually receive a better stretch. Without support your body tends to tense up because its natural response is to tighten or tenses up when it feels stress being places on it, when your body feels supported your muscles will release & relax. Yoga Props such as - Blocks, Bolsters, Blankets, and Straps can all help support your body during your yoga practice.

Blocks can add length to arms and legs helping to get you into those poses that may seem impossible. You can also use props for core work and for stability. Yoga Straps are great for helping open shoulders and stretching hamstrings. They can even help create a wider range of motion in your body. Blankets are great for helping to cushion your knees or under your head as a pillow and can also be used in place of a bolster when rolled up. Bolsters are wonderful in restorative postures for support, they help aid in relaxation helping to allowing the body to soften. Yoga Props are versatile tools that are incredibly beneficial to your yoga practice.

Clearly Balanced Days, Serene Yoga and Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month. I was honored to be asked to be a guest by Carrie from Clearly Balanced Days on their You Tube channel to talk about Stress and some useful ways we can manage stress. We discuss why I chose Clearly Balanced Days cbd products, stress in the home from work and school, yoga some of my favorite yoga teachers and meditation. I hope you enjoy our conversation and find some useful tips, as a bonus offering there is a link for a free heart centering meditation in the videos notes.

Get Your Strawberry Frosted Pink Donuts For Alec on February 26th, 2021

Pink Donuts for Alec is February 26, 2021  

Your probably wondering Who Alec is if you didn’t already know him.

Alec White was a son a brother nephew grandchild a friend, a cousin to many including myself. 

“He loved skate boarding, downhill skiing, and any situation where he could do flips in the air or walk a slack line. He was creative, full of ideas, and kind – the sort of person who would see a lonely kid on the edge of the basketball court and ask him to join in the game.”

From the outside looking in you would have seen him and thought he was just like any other 16 year old boy. He had good  friends & a good family who loved him so very much.  You wouldn’t have known that Internally Alec was battling with depression.  Unfortunately, on November 3rd 2017 Alec lost his battle with depression. To keep his memory alive Alecs Family and friends work hard to continue to offer support and help promote the importance of mental health awareness. 

They created the The Alec J. White Memorial Scholarship Fund, which gives  two $1000 scholarships to be awarded annually to graduating Merrimack Valley High School students who wish to pursue a career in mental health, human services, or the trades. They help raise money through NAMI ( National Alliance On Mental Illness) walks. Alec was the inspiration behind his moms family based CBD company Clearly Balanced Days, which supports NAMI NH, Reach1Teach1Love1, American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Why February 26th and Pink Donuts?  February 26, 2021 is Alec’s 20th Birthday he loved Dunk’in Donuts Pink Strawberry  Frosted Donuts.  Last year his Aunt started #pinkdonutsforalec  & #alecsantics to keep Alecs memory alive and help show support for mental health & Suicide awareness. We would love for you to join us in helping spread awareness.. 

How you can Participate? Purchase a pink frosted donut of any kind and take a picture of you with your donut post  to Instagram with the hashtags #pinkdonutsforalec #alecsantics  Help us celebrate Alec’s life keeping his memory alive and show support for mental health & suicide awareness. 

START CARING FOR YOUR FEET

Sore Tired Feet?

You are not alone. Especially in the Winter months and colder climates this is a common complaint.

From the moment you stood up to take your first steps to walking and running your feet have been working hard for you. They take you from place to place daily. We continually squish our feet into too tight of shoes that “look good” sneakers or Boots with heavy socks. Containing 26 Bones, 30 Joints, and more than 100 Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments your feet are pretty complex, and made to adapt to many different surfaces. Over the years we have been trained to wear shoes everywhere we go and our feet have adapted to this. Since we have been training our feet to stay stuck in shoes all day everyday of our domestic life our feet suffer from all different problems. Some of the most common are plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes, flat feet collapsed arches, ingrown toe nails, weak ankles and more.

What can you do to help with these issues? YOGA for starters, walk barefoot more, foot massage, and be sure to see your podiatrist if you have any major issues with your feet that need addressing before they get worse.

Get barefoot on your yoga mat. It will allow your feet to breathe and be in their most natural state. Yoga helps stretch your feet and helps with better circulation bringing blood flow to them. Get on your mat, Spread your toes. Take care of your feet they are important and will take you where you need to go.

Welcome 2021

Bye 2020 & Welcome 2021! Have you been struggling to keep a healthy lifestyle due to covid-19 and being stuck in the house more frequently? Do you feel overwhelmed about how to start or even just get back into you health and healing journey? We want you to know we totally get it 2020 was hard for all of us, 2021 is an opportunity to reset and learn how to take care of your health and wellness. Please join Lisa of Lisa’s Rustic Pantry for a live ZOOM Event that will give you the information needed to understand plant based nutrition as well as how to improve your gut and immunity health and learn about what quality supplements actually are. If you would like to join us or have questions before signing up please reach out. You can email Lisa - lisa@lisasrusticpantry.com or find her on instagram @lisasrusticpantry

4 Things Can Easily Do To Elevate Your Yoga Practice By Sheila Johnson

4 Things You Can Easily Do to Elevate Your Yoga Practice

For thousands of years, yoga has proven itself to be superior as a form of exercise in more ways than one. Not only does it have a plethora of science-backed benefits—such as reducing chronic pain, inflammation, and the risk of disease—it also has an impressive roster of unexpected ones, too.

Needless to say, yoga is awesome, and you’d do very well to make a regular practice part of your life. Luckily, you can elevate your yoga practice in ways that are as easy as they are non-disruptive to your normal routine. Here’s how.   

Set an intention.

Yoga starts with one thing, and that is intention, or “Sankalpa” in Hindu. This intention not only helps you power through a session and practice regularly, but more importantly, it equips you to live more mindfully. Essentially, it is Sankalpa that enables you to really live and breathe yoga, both on and off the mat.

While this is largely a mental exercise, there are tools that you can use to set a powerful intention and even help you stick to your goals. Mantras, or affirmations, are known to be helpful, as are keeping a journal or photo diary. These days, smartphone apps are also among the preferred ways to track yoga progress, so consider one like TrackYoga.

Find a good guru.

Your yoga guru—that is to say, your teacher—can contribute greatly in taking your practice to the next level. While a well-trained teacher like Serena at Serene Yoga is a must, finding the right one actually goes beyond qualifications. Of course, you want a teacher who is knowledgeable and makes classes enjoyable. You also have to take into consideration your impressions, their approachability, what you’re learning from them, etc. Ultimately, finding the right guru to guide you in your practice depends on how well they resonate and connect with you, so make sure not to settle.

On another note, choosing a yoga class is largely similar. Moreover, you also have to choose the right kind of yoga for you out of the many styles available, so try out different disciplines to find the right fit, as well as prepare yourself accordingly. 

Take time.

One possible obstacle that you might encounter in the process of elevating your practice is time. Indeed, it’s not rare for someone to get into yoga—then subsequently drop the ball because of a busy schedule. 

Well, know that yoga actually doesn’t demand too much of your time, surprisingly. While classes generally take an hour or so, you can opt for self-practice and spend a lot less time. In fact, it’s been said that all it takes is as little as seven minutes to see and feel improvements. So why not give yourself permission to devote seven minutes—or more—of your time each day to practice? You only have yourself to thank for it.

When you’re at home practicing what you’ve learned at your studio, free your house of negative energy by decluttering, deep cleaning, and letting in more light. Once you remove triggers that can cause anxiety and stress, you’ll be able to properly focus on your practice. 

Make your journey your own.

Finally, don’t lose sight of the fact that your yoga journey is a personal one. Everyone’s bodies are different, so you likely won’t have the same flexibility, endurance, and strength level as others. There’s no point, therefore, in comparing yourself to others. Yoga is not a competition, after all, but rather, a pilgrimage unto your true self, on a holistic level. So turn off the mind chatter and work on keeping to this mindset so you not only will elevate your practice, but also experience breakthroughs physically and mentally.

Suffice it to say, yoga will serve your self-improvement goals, as well as your life in its entirety. So take these tips to heart to level up your practice. A new and better you awaits.

Serene Yoga You Tube Channel

Please Like and visit Serene Yoga on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1MrbNkGnT2s2wVh4UkTHUg

What Is Yoga To You ??

Yoga can be simply rolling out your yoga mat and sitting in meditation for a minute or sometimes longer. Yoga could also be getting sweaty during a intense hot yoga practice or a Buti Yoga class. Maybe, it is really relaxing class focusing on lengthening and stretching during a restorative practice or a yin yoga class.. Yoga could even mean rolling out your mat and writing in a journal for a bit or just sitting there.. The point is yoga can be all of this. It can be 1 minute on your mat or a few hours. It is truly a practice of learning about yourself and what your body needs and taking that knowledge with you off your yoga mat. Every person is different and that is what is so great about yoga it There are so many different styles there are so many different ways to practice your yoga, so I encourage you to do just that. Practice your yoga. Don’t feel like your yoga practice has to be the same as your friends’ practice or that you have to do every single pose the same as everyone else. Your Yoga Practice is as Unique as You!

Welcome Back!!

July 13th 2020, This day couldn’t have come soon enough! We hope you are all healthy and doing well! Finally we are able to re -open our studio doors! Thank you for your patience and dedication during this difficult time.

Going forward there will be some changes to how Serene Yoga is studio will be running day to day. First and most important is pre-register is now mandatory for ALL Classes and Private Sessions and any Events. Please book ahead for classes 24 hours to 2 hours at minimum prior to all classes. Private sessions and Events must be booked 48 hours prior. If you can not make a class you must contact the studio thru email at a minimum of 3 hours prior to class to be able to be refunded. If you do not cancel 3 hours prior you will be considered a no show and your class will not be refunded. Class sizes will now be smaller with 4-5 people in class. Signing up for class will be on a first come first serve basis. Before and after every class the studio will be cleaned per usual. There is hand sanitizer and cleaning products to be used for your props and mat. Please bring your own props and yoga mat going forward as we will no longer be able to share ours. Wear your mask in and out of the building and please do not linger after class. There is an air purifier studio as well as plenty of windows that will be kept open to help keep air circulating. Yoga mats will be spaced out in the studio. Please stay home if you feel sick or if you have been near anyone who has been sick or if you have traveled to any “covid-19 hot spots” for the recommended 2 weeks . Last please bear with us during this transition time as we could have more changes going forward. Although this may seem like a lot to have to consider when attending a yoga class we believe it will help to keep us all safe and healthy and appreciate your understanding during this time. Thank You for your continued support and love!

Serene Yoga

Looking toward our Post Covid-19 Future..

I hope this finds everyone well. Spring is here and summer is soon to follow.. We have been thru a lot since March as a community and in the world. I want you to know it is my promise that when we get back to whatever our new normal I will continue to keep our yoga community and studio going. I have exciting plans that I can not wait to share with you. As for now please follow Serene Yoga on social media. That is where daily journal prompts will be happening some free yoga classes & meditation . Twice a week there are zoom classes available pre -registration is necessary to register. If you have any questions reach out in email to mysereneyoga@gmail.com

I cant wait to see all your smiling faces again soon. Till then please stay healthy and safe.

Om Shanti Om

COVID-19 Studio Precautions

As Public Health Concerns continue to arise about COVID-19 (corona virus) and yesterday Massachusetts issued a State Of Emergency due to the spread of corona virus; I want to address the preventative measures we can all take to keep each other healthy and classes running.

Please do not come to class for about 2 weeks if you have recently traveled out of the country or if you have been to any of the states in the USA where the virus is most prevalent.

If you currently have or if you feel as though you may be coming down with a cold, cough, sore throat, fever, or have been around someone who has been sick recently please stay home, even if you think you feel ok. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, and use hand sanitizer when out in public. Do not tough door handles use an elbow to hold the door. It is advised not to shake hands or hug, be mindful of each others personal space.

Please remember to wipe down blocks, mats, & props before and after use to help keep everyone healthy.

COVID-19 (corona virus) is the main cause for this discussion, the flu as well as the common cold and other viruses and illness are going around as well. Although this may seem like common sense we should all be taking these precautions daily.

In the studio there will be hand sanitizer & extra cleaning supplies. I will keep you updated if there is ever to be a temporary closure or if other precautionary measures need to be put into place. If we ever have to temporarily cancel classes, I would be able to hold virtual classes online.

It is a proven fact that practicing yoga regularly helps boost your immune system and improves our respiratory system and cardiovascular function as well as helping the body eliminate toxins, and reduce stress. The benefits of a regular yoga practice are something we all need. I encourage you to keep practicing yoga at the studio, just to be cautions about your health. Prevention is the key to help stopping the spread. Please remember to take care of yourself, by doing so you are taking care of each other.

-Serene Yoga

How often do you think about your health and well being?

Serene Yoga is partnering up with Lisa from Lisa’s Rustic pantry to bring you a day of Health & Wellness. April 4th at 11am -2:30pm Investment-$45 You will start the day moving your body and allowing your body to really relax with a short guided meditation to take you into the most restful savasana. At the completion of our yoga practice we will have light plant based snacks and beverages brought to you by Lisa’s Rustic Pantry. Then we will sit and listen and learn about how healthy clean eating can make amazing changes in our body for life. We hope you can join us !! Check out the events page to register! please pre-reg by March 21 2020 as space is limited.

Clearly Balanced Days CBD has arrived at the studio

Clearly Balanced Days CBD Products are now available for purchase at Serene Yoga. Clearly Balanced Days is a product that I can stand behind. They are organic , made with simple clean safe ingredients, and a woman owed local business. They third party test all of their products there is never any funky ingredients basically you’ll fell good about using their products because you can read all the ingredients easily and know what everything is. Most of their products are Vegan Friendly and Gluten Free. Check out some of these amazing CBD products the next time you are taking a class .