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Hello Moonbeams!!!

Can you feel the shift? It is April, my loves, and Luna is ready for a breath of fresh air. The New Moon rises on April 11th or 12th (depending on your time zone) and it’s carrying some powerful energy for manifesting our desires and new beginnings. Aries is a Fire/Cardinal sign governed by hot blooded Mars, so if you have been procrastinating on making some changes in your life, this moon should give you that drive to move forward. The sign of the ram is all about desire, passion, instinct and letting that fire move you forward. With four planets also in Aries, the energy will be even

stronger…our powers of manifestation heightened and our ability to draw in and attract what we desire enhanced threefold. But be vigilant…Mars, after all is the Roman God of War. You might want to think before unleashing the Aries arrows of pure fire.

When the moon is new, you can barely see it, and the sky can appear black. New moons are an ideal time to do shadow work or acknowledge our dark/shadow selves that we typically like to keep hidden. The light draws what was hidden in the subconscious mind into the conscious mind so we can shake it up and make some positive change. Recognize what your mind is telling you.

I have always thought of the moon’s phases linked to the ocean’s tides…the tide is pushed and pulled by the phases. As women closely aligned to the moon and sea, we can best utilize the power in both by flowing with the rhythm of the moon in each of its phases. For this new moon try a little bath magick in that giant cauldron in your home. Water and salt are inherently cleansing, so run a bath, add some sea salt, your favorite essential oil blend and some crystals. Light a candle and climb into the tub. Just let yourself be. This is where the healing begins. Tune into all of your senses and feel the quiet energy of the new moon.

until next month moonlovers…peace & love
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

WOW the Pisces moon has been a potent one! Thank the goddess Luna has moved into Libra ending this month with a potent Full Worm Moon Sunday March 28th at 11:48 am PDT/2:48 pm EDT.

More than anything Libra desires balance (I should know, I am a triple Libra!), so this moon ushers in a time to focus on areas we have neglected and restoring harmony to our lives, focusing on that root chakra to keep us centered and grounded and the heart for some self-love. There are three things you can do during this Full Moon in Libra: release what is no longer serving you, take a self- love bath, and use this energy to make changes in the month to come. Be aware though… Libra is the most peace-loving sign of the zodiac, so this is a time when we want to focus on keeping the peace.

The sign of Libra is the element of Air, which rules over our thoughts. Under this influence we can stew and be self-critical, especially if we feel we’re not feeling confident in terms of love. Time to water those seeds and focus on healing oneself this month. Offerings to the Goddess are always good during a Full Moon in Libra.

Ways to Ritualize this Moon

• Crystals: Sapphire, Peridot, Rose Quartz

• Herbs: Roses, Elderberry, Nutmeg

• Love Bath: organic pink salts, dried rose petals, lavender buds, a little ylang-ylang & vanilla eo’s and add a rose quartz to the tub…and light pink/red candles

Libra reigns over all relationships. Governed by Venus—planet & Goddess of love, romance and pleasure—when we live deep in the well of love, we live with justice and integrity as our guiding force. So, yearn for your big love sisters, feel the wanting and turn to your inner temple, light the fires, make love to yourself with presence and speak sweet nothings into your ears...that special someone may also hear.

For all those with a little Libra in them... and to all you genuine through-and through-Libra souls (there is no mistaking us!!!) I wish you love on your special day.

Libra rules the lumbar spine, kidneys and adrenal glands.

Please enjoy this body-love yoga ritual…

Bow~Chaturanga~Upward Dog~Downward Dog~Dancer~Warrior II~Reverse Warrior~Goddess~Tree~Easy Pose

The wheel of the year has once again turned. Yesterday, the Sun moved into the sign of Aries symbolizing not only a new astrological year, but also the Spring Equinox, also known as the holiday Ostara or as some call it “the Pagan Easter”. Christian religions celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the equinox, which this year would occur on April 4th.

The Equinox represents the balance of light and dark-a day and night of perfect balance…the light increasing until finally reaching its peak on Litha, aka the Summer Solstice (June 20th, 2021). This is the season where the plants awaken, and the first buds burst into bloom as the last frost passes and the earth softens with its own awakening magick, preparing one for the cleansing spring rains.

Ostara is sacred to Eostre the Lunar Goddess of abundance and fertility (from who we get the word estrogen). She is usually shown with her 2 symbols…an egg in her hand and a rabbit in her lap: the egg symbolizing birth and creation-the whole universe in many traditions and the rabbit representing reproductive fertility and as a symbol of the moon is closely related to the goddess. According to myth, Eostre emerges from the depths of the earth where she has been quietly resting and spring is here!

Celebrate Ostara:

• Spring Foods: home baked breads, hot cross buns, asparagus, honey, dairy, egg based dishes and dessert (custard pie, frittatas, egg salad, etc…)

• Spring Flowers: daffodils, jonquil, tulips, lilies, primroses, violets, crocuses, peonies, narcissus and all spring flowers especially pussy willows

• Ideas for your Altar: colored eggs, seeds, feathers, green, yellow & purple candles

• Spring Incense: strawberry and all florals

• Ostara Crystals: jasper, aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz

• Ostara Colors: light green, lemon yellow, pale pink

In this article, we'll be going over the origins of Buddhism and mindfulness. We'll talk about their connection as well as some practices you can use to help live in the present moment and free of suffering. Who knows, maybe you'll become the next enlightened one!

The Buddha lived from 460 to 380 BCE, and he taught from about 425 BCE until his death. For nearly 40 years. He was born to Maya, and his dad was a clan chieftain. His name was Siddhartha before he became The Buddha. There was a priest who prophesied that Siddhartha would become The Buddha and would become a spiritual teacher.

The story goes that his parents didn't want Siddartha to lead a brahman or priest's life because they don't get married or have children. Brahmans and priests live a life of poverty, but his parents wanted a life of luxury and comfort for their son. They loved him so much that they decided to shield Siddartha from suffering and protect him from the world.

So Siddartha lived for years, sheltered in his home. He never went outside or had any experience with the real world. Then one day, his parents decided to let him take a walk down the street. However, Siddartha's parents didn't want him to experience suffering. Hence, they did their best to clean up the streets and make the surroundings look nothing short of perfect.

However, it turned out that there were people on the street that should not have been there. On Siddartha's journey outside, he came across 4 sites that significantly impacted him. These were an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an outcast from society (a yogi).

From these 4 experiences came what we know as The Four Sites:

The old man, the truth is that we all age.

The sick man, the truth is that we all experience illness.

The corpse, the truth is that we cannot avoid death.

The Yogi, the truth being a radically different way to face life and live in freedom.

After these four sites, he decided to leave his family and live among the yogis to pursue a radically different way to face life. He tried many different techniques, but none of them helped him until he sat under the Bodhi Tree and came to realize the Five Remembrances.

The Five Remembrances are:
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape my death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love is of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Practice:

I encourage you to take a moment to sit and mindfully meditate on these 5 Remembrances and allow yourself to notice how you feel when you contemplate the meaning of these words. See if there is one that impacts you more than the others, or if they help you to become more mindful of your thoughts and actions.

Were there certain ones that were easier to accept?

What did each one make you think of?

Feel free to journal your thoughts and come back to them repeatedly to see if and how your feelings change.

For many, Buddhism and mindfulness can be difficult to internalize and may even start to cause a bit of anxiety. The idea that we will all age, get sick, and die is a hard reality to face. Add that nothing is permanent, and everything can be taken away from us at any time, and it's not exactly what most would consider bliss.

These are things we don't want to talk about. Much of society spend their money, time, and energy to avoid or cheat these Five Remembrances. But the sooner you can get comfortable and accept these ideas, the sooner you can begin to remove suffering from your life.

Meditating on the 5 Remembrances helps us find acceptance, so we suffer less. That's when the zen state really starts to manifest.

The goal of mindfulness practices and Buddhism really comes down to experiencing less suffering. The way we go about this is by living in the present moment.

The past is in the past; it is not real. The future is not yet here; it is not real. All we have is the present, right here, right now, and the actions that you take in this moment. The Buddha realized that we are either living in the past or in the future. We are also living under conditioning or beliefs that don't allow us to be fully present in our lives. Because of this, we miss living our lives altogether, which may be the greatest suffering of all.

That is what mindfulness practices. Living in the present moment, experiencing life. As you begin to master this in a meditation environment, you can take it out into your everyday experiences and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So there you have it, the origins of mindfulness and how Buddhism influences this practice.

If you enjoyed this, you'd also love our sample module for our 200-hour yoga teacher training! It includes a 60-minute video training all about Mindfulness and Buddhism. Click here to access it for free.

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Marchs' New Moon moves into the sky on the 13th at 5:21 a.m. EST, under the mystical sign of Neptune-ruled Pisces-my favorite keywords for Pisces are: *Dreams *Creativity *Psychic *Divination *Intuition *Surrender. Let it be & it will become.

The best feature about a new moon is the feeling of starting anew... a fresh start or a new beginning as you journey through the spiral of life or in the case of Pisces swimming through the seas of life. Here’s the thing…I am a triple- a Libra sun, Libra moon, and Libra rising, which is A LOT of air. To create some balance with that, I tend to work with water all the time! Water brings me back to center, balancing all that Libra air. The use of water from the sea is an important aspect in Moon Magic (salt being a crystal form). The "charging" of water, and the release of the "charge" through evaporation, is an important aspect.

And now here we are…back to the sea… in the magical realm of Pisces…her rainbow fins sparkling as she swims alongside romantic Venus and spiritual, oh, so dreamy Neptune. Neptune, the planet of unconditional love, is now aligned with the heart awakening energy of Venus poised to activate that heart chakra and lead us into a deep emotional love. Just remember that excess Neptune energy is like seeing the world through rose colored glasses so listen to your inner voice.

This moon is THE spiritual reboot we need, forcing us to connect with our feelings and assess where we currently stand. Pisceans are not entirely at home in this world. At times they prefer their ethereal life to their physical one as they are forever dreaming, creating, and imagining a better reality. With any New Moon we ask ourselves where do we go from here? What are our dreams telling us? What is your soul yearning for right now? Things to ponder as we prepare for spring’s rebirth…March 20th the first day of spring as well as the astrological new year…all leading to the full moon in Libra on March 28 to balance our hearts and close out the month.

New Moon Altar Magic

In the center position a bowl of saltwater and submerge a white seashell into the water. As you do so, whisper the name of the Goddess who rules the current phase of this moon Diana. Around the bottom of the bowl, set nine white shells, forming a crescent. If the magic is for the gain of something, place the shells from right to left. If the magic is for the removal, or loss of something, then place the shells from left to right. Leave out for 3 days.

until next month…peace & love
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

February 27th…It’s time for some earthy Virgo love! And what a way to end this short month, especially for those dealing with one of the snowier and coldest months on record. With that thought in mind, it is rather appropriate that this full moon is called the Snow, Storm or Hunger Moon.

Virgo, the most meticulous and organized of all twelve signs, is known as a sign of health and healing, calling for a deeper focus on our mind, body and soul. This months’ focus is on greater self-love and spiritual cleansing. Want to know why? Well, we are smack in the midst of a 7 Universal Month (Feb.2021/02 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 7), and that signifies introspection and spirituality. Whatever medicine your mind, body, and soul are craving, Virgo, the natural medicine woman, can tap into the healing needed to empower you to make the necessary changes in your life. Magic is most powerful during the Full Moon…it controls the tide, the female cycle, the eco system & of course, our personal power.

So, this witchy woman wants to know how you are tending to your needs? Are you showing up for your emotional self? Can you sense your innate power?

Self-love from this moon to the next is essential. This means something different for everyone — it can be as simple as drinking water and taking deep breaths, or as in-depth as a ritual or spell. One of the things I love most about my spiritual practice is honoring the cycles of the moon with herbs, crystals, and nature.❤

A few things to do as La Luna shines bright in the sky!
Release and Forgive: The moon is symbolic of emotion, especially female emotion. That makes it a great time to get in touch with your emotions and practice the art of forgiveness.

Yogic Moon Mantra: Sing the mantra of the moon. Moon is translated in Sanskrit as “chandra” which means bright and shining. We can cultivate and access the highest shakti, or power, of this celestial body – the shakti of peace, surrender, and retreat. As you chant, allow for a delightful calmness to wash and purify your being. Sing “Om Shrim Som Somaya Namah” 3-9 times.

Build an Altar: Decorate your altar to honor the season with a cloth, flowers, statues and candles. Add your favorite crystals –gemstones of the moon are labradorite, opal, selenite and moonstone. Purify your space with aura cleansing herbs.

Take a Moon Bath: One of the easiest forms of self-care is taking a moon bath. A moon bath honors our connection to the moon cycle. I load up on sea salt, my favorite essential oil blend and crystals. Salt is the smallest known crystal in the natural world, and since crystals are perfect molecular structures that help clear our own energetic fields, salt grounds us and helps absorb excess energy. ​

Manifesting: With the energy of the full moon, we also have the perfect opportunity to manifest things for ourselves. Those things that you want to bring into your life. Write them down and then come up with a plan to make them happen. Let that beautiful full moon energy inspire you to take the first steps toward following your dreams.

Read your Cards: The full moon has long been associated with magic, divination, and fortune-telling. So do as thousands of civilizations have done before us and channel the intuitive energy of the moon by doing a tarot card reading or get your oracle or angel cards out.

And Don’t forget the Moon Water!!!!
 

Anxiety seems to be one of those topics that pop up everywhere, affecting many but talked about by few. At Full Circle Yoga School, our mission for the past 20 years has been to help our students learn techniques to heal from anxiety.

We've gone so far as to create an entire online course dedicated to anxiety relief! This 7 day transformation goes through many of the following topics in depth so you can get back to feeling more calm, peaceful and at home wherever you are. If you're serious about freeing your life from anxiety I encourage you to check it out. You can even try out the first video for free!

In this article, we’ll help you understand more about anxiety. You’ll learn why it happens and some tools you can use to help reduce it so you can live a brighter, more fulfilling life.

First off, why does anxiety occur? People who struggle with anxiety are commonly triggered by overthinking about the future. When you start to feel anxious, it’s because you’re coming up with stories about the future. The trouble begins when you start repeating these cycles of thought repeatedly. You begin to create neural pathways in your mind that believe these stories. Then you end up manifesting a scary future because those are the thoughts you are practicing all day long.

Fortunately, for the most part, things are OK in the now. Many of the techniques to reduce anxiety we will share with you today will help you get you out of your head, away from your negative thoughts, and into the present moment. There are steps you can take to eradicate anxiety, and we’re going to share some of our favorite techniques for you here.

Mindfulness Exercises
1. Become aware of your thoughts. One of the most critical methods of combating anxiety is first to notice when it starts to come up. When you feel yourself beginning to get anxious, simply become aware of your thoughts without too much judgment. It will help you understand what may have triggered your anxiety and determine if it is warranted.

2. Ask yourself, “Is this true?”. Most of the time, the answer is no. Once you’ve become aware of your thoughts, this question can help your mind from spiraling into deeper anxiety if you have a fearful thought.

3. If you start to feel the onset of anxiety, imagine bringing your relaxation down out of your head and into your heart. Since anxiety derives from overthinking about the future, it’s essential to get out of your head and into your heart. The heart is the space where you connect with the feeling of now.

4. What your eyes do, your body mirrors. Focus on relaxing your eyes, and your whole body will begin to relax.

Meditations

5. Journaling is a powerful way to get anxious thoughts out of your head. The simple act of writing down your thoughts can help you to become grounded in the now and also see how unjustified your fearful thoughts are.

6. Walking meditation is excellent for those who find movement gets them out of their head. A walk in nature is a perfect way to bring yourself back to the present moment.

7. For those who seek stillness, seated meditation will give you space to become the observer of your thoughts as well as provide the opportunity to practice many of the following techniques.

8. Have you ever tried repeating something over and over again until you believe it? Mantras can help you do just that. Instead of filling your head with fearful thoughts, repeat positive affirmations whenever you start to feel anxious.

9. Body Scan Meditation is another quick way to reduce anxiety by getting out of your head and into the present. Start by bringing your awareness like a point to your head, then move your attention to different parts of your body such as shoulders, hands, chest, hips, legs, and feet. This anxiety exercise helps your brain realize there is nothing to fear, and you have everything you need right now.

10. Do you find yourself feeling anxious for the same reasons over and over again? It might be time to try Chakra Balancing. If you find yourself worried about your basic needs or your purpose in life, you may need to strengthen your root or sacral chakras. Trouble feeling love or power? Try boosting your heart and navel chakras. You can learn more about these sacred energy centers here.

11. One way to not only reduce anxiety but to reverse it is through visualization. Instead of becoming anxious through visualizing a scary future, envision a future that gets you excited. Picture it so clearly in your mind that you believe in your positive future more than a fearful one.

Breathing Techniques

12. Many people go around with closed chests and shallow breathing. Shallow breathing creates tension throughout the body and constricts the lungs from functioning fully, which can make you more prone to anxiety. Practice deep breathing from the bottom of your lungs, through your chest, and expanding your ribs to maximize oxygen intake with full deep breaths.

13. Left nostril breathing helps kick on the parasympathetic nervous system and turn off the fight or flight response. Simply push your right nostril closed with your finger or thumb and breath deeply through your left nostril.

14. Alternate nostril breathing is similar to left nostril breathing, only alternating with each breath. This exercise helps to light up both sides of the brain and allows you to feel more clear-headed and in touch with your intuition instead of your fears.

15. 4-7-8 breathing is designed to help people fall asleep, and what’s more relaxing than falling asleep! For this exercise, breath in for 4 counts, hold for 7, then exhale for 8, and repeat. Don’t feel like you have to hold your breath for 7 seconds if it’s not comfortable, but think of it as something to work towards.

Yoga Flows

16. Kundalini yoga is terrific for those looking for a spiritual practice as well as a physical one. Here is a unique kundalini flow you can follow along if you’re starting to feel anxiety creeping in.

17. Hatha yoga works towards balance and uniting opposing opposites. This practice is best for those looking for a well-balanced class that strengthens both the mind and body.

18. Vinyasa yoga focuses on movement and stringing together of postures. It’s an invaluable tool for those who want to get out of their mind and into their body.

19. Yin yoga provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and get grounded in the present. This slow flow yoga style focuses on holding postures for an extended period, really allowing you to feel the benefits of the pose.

Lifestyle
20. With so many fad diets out there, it can be hard to know what’s right for you and your body. Our simple take is to eat as fresh and colorful as you can. If your plate is all one color (for example, both hamburgers and fresh fries are brown), it’s probably not the healthiest option. Try switching it up for a colorful meal of fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains.

21. Adequate sleep may still be one of the most underutilized wellness tools. Particularly in the West, there is a subliminal culture around perpetual lack of sleep and the need to always be busy. Create a nighttime routine where you slow down and prepare your mind and body for sleep. The mind does things that we still don’t fully understand during sleep, including processing information from the previous day. A well-rested mind is far less likely to experience chronic anxiety.

22. Work stress is undoubtedly a leading cause of anxiety. If you constantly worry about work while you’re out of the office, it might be time to set up some better work-life balance. Create clear boundaries like not checking email during the evenings or not bringing work home on the weekends. A healthy work-life balance can help you focus on the present moment and enjoy what’s in front of you, leading to less anxiety around the future.

23. Unhealthy relationships can also be a significant cause of anxiety for many. Though much easier said than done, you may need to take a hard look at the people in your life and actively choose if they are building you up or a source of your anxiety.

24. If you’ve ever felt lost or without a purpose, you’re not alone. Having goals and a purpose in life are some of the best ways to eliminate anxiety and fearful thoughts. Be sure to pick exciting goals that lift you up instead of ones based on stress and fear.

25. Just do it! You might not even realize it, but your anxiety may derive from procrastination. Consider if here’s an action you’ve been worried about taking and only haven’t done yet because of the fear surrounding it. Whether it’s the fear of failure, disappointing someone important to you, or flat out embarrassing yourself, it’s rarely as bad as you make it out in your head. So what are you waiting for… just do it! You’ll feel much better after you do.

BONUS

Sometimes all you need to cure your anxiety is a change of perspective. Whether it’s a weekend vacation or a weeklong holiday, a wellness-centered retreat can do the mind and body immeasurable wonders. If you’re interested in shifting your perspective, we offer a wide range of wellness retreats. We encourage you to check them out here!

Have you battled with anxiety? What tools have you used to overcome it? Let us know in the comments!

Hello Moonbeams!!!

February is filled with many things: the slow return of spring, a new moon on February 11th in the unconventional and revolutionary sign of Aquarius, and of course, Valentine’s Day...

This is the time to plant our seeds, our sacred intentions for this new year of change. It is time to gather and focus our magick. We're also welcoming in the Year of the Ox which represents diligence, persistence, and honesty.

The last time I felt strong Aquarian energy like this was back in the ’60s. All the things that this movement stood for back then- equality, peace, and community, are still focused issues today.

The energy at that time was of a ‘new earth’ dawning…and the ending of the war. Those of us who were part of the counterculture (as it was called) were striving for a new world more aligned with higher vibrational energies. And now here we sit guided into the Age of Aquarius.

Hecate sitting with the New Moon all but guarantees us that we are absolutely at a crossroads on both a personal and collective level. The moon shows that it is time to lay intentions that will spark big change. At its heart this is a Moon about finding freedom. What a perfect month to live groovy, be courageous, aggressive, intelligent, curious,

non- conformist, independent sexually, liberated & rebellious!!!!

In honor of the New Moon & V-day celebrate this month of love with some New Moon Rituals with a twist of love.

Self-Love Bath

Water symbolically washes away the old. Fill a sachet with lavender flowers and rose petals. As tub is filling, add 1/2 cup Pink Himalayan Salt directly to the bathwater. When tub is filled drop sachet into bath water to steep while you soak. Light a candle and turn the lights out. Focus on what you would like to manifest. On what you would like to release. Get specific. Breathe deep. Soak in the new moon energy.

Smudging

Freshen, sweeten and brighten your home’s energy. Clean your sacred space or altar! Add fresh flowers and a new stick of palo santo or sage bundle. Choose a candle to represent a goal, inscribe it, anoint it and light it! Using candles to illuminate manifestation is as old as time! It works if you utilize it regularly as a real tool.

Drawing Down the Moon Goddess

Stand and raise your arms above your head. Let your palms face each other and curve slightly toward the moon. Feel as though you’re a sacred chalice, drawing the power of Mother Moon into every cell of your being—from your toes, to your womb, to your breasts, to your jaw, and your eyes. Feel the pleasure of this energy. It is vibrant with the power to give, to receive, to nurture life, and manifest what is possible.

Draw your hands to your heart. Massage this area. Like the moon, dance as the Goddess that you truly are. When you are ready, bring your hands to your sides, palms facing the earth. Send your divine light deep into the earth. Blessed be.

Simple Love Spell

Write the qualities of your desired partner on heart shaped paper. Under the light of the new moon sprinkle the paper with rose oil or special romance blend and wrap up with a piece of rose quartz. Gently bury in a special spot in garden, by roots of a tree or in the soil of a potted plant you especially love. Let your intentions be consumed by the soil and roots and watch love bloom and grow.

Aphrodisiac Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Take a baking sheet and cover with wax paper. Sprinkle with the rose petals & sea salt

2. Break the cocoa butter into chunks, and melt in a double boiler over low heat

3. Once the cocoa butter is fully melted, slowly whisk in the powders.

4. Stir in the honey until everything is well mixed & pour in pan over petals & salt

5. Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature (takes a few hours) or in fridge

For those like myself, who are no good in the kitchen (except with oils or herbs) here is my aromatic take on candy…the easy way.

Ylang Ylang Chocolates

Get a box of Really Good chocolates. Add a piece of absorbent paper to which you have placed 1 drop of Ylang Ylang. Cover and let sit until absorbed, a few days should do it. Try other oils like Orange or Mandarin for a different twist.

You've finished your online yoga teacher training program and are ready to begin the rewarding journey that is guiding others deeper into the practice of yoga. But now that it's time to sequence yoga classes regularly, maybe you're feeling a bit stuck or uninspired.

Don't worry! Planning a yoga class can seem like a daunting task—even for veteran yoga teachers. This is especially true if you're trying to craft unique, creative sequences that help you stand out from the sea of sameness—yet still promise safe, powerful, and effective yoga classes for your students.

At Full Circle, we're passionate about helping you plan purposeful yoga classes that, in turn, have a more significant impact on your students. If you're ready to expand your toolkit and bring your yoga students into profound mind-body-soul awareness, here are our top tips for planning compelling yoga classes.

Planning A Yoga Class: 10 Tips For Creative + Effective Sequences
1. Have A Yoga Class Plan

The first step of planning a yoga class is simple: take the time to have a class plan! While many yoga teachers think they can "wing it" on the spot, it's always worth the effort to take a few moments and intentionally write out your yoga class plan. We recommend having a notebook specifically for your yoga sequences and any quotes, teachings, or other themes you would like to bring to your yoga students. Never underestimate the value of showing up for your yoga students with intentionality and purpose.

2. Consider A Theme

Adding a theme to your yoga class is a compelling way to bring your students into deeper awareness and purpose during practice. New to themed yoga classes? In that case, our Theme Your Yoga Classes course is a fantastic way to expand your teaching knowledge, step into becoming a more intuitive teacher, and develop both personally and as a yoga teacher.

In our Theme Your Yoga Classes course, we explore the history of themed yoga classes and cover a wide variety of yoga class topics, including winter and summer solstice, spring and fall equinox, chakras, deities, moon phases, and more. For each yoga theme, you'll receive an entire printable class plan of asanas, a Spotify yoga class playlist, and even a recording of our founder, Jolie, teaching the class!

Using themes when planning your yoga classes is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your students' yoga experience. Whether you're new to themes or merely looking for unique ideas to incorporate into your sequences, check out our Theme Your Yoga Classes course for inspiration.

3. Flow Towards A Peak Pose

Whether you're teaching beginners who might have just finished an online yoga teacher training program or more advanced yoga students, incorporating a peak pose into your yoga sequences is an excellent way to structure your class. When planning a yoga class, your peak pose will typically be the most challenging asana or posture.

To lead your students into the peak pose safely, you'll want to integrate asanas into your flow that prepare your students' minds and bodies. Consider all the components of your peak pose, and then choose postures to warm up the body. For example, if you're working towards Wheel Pose, you'll want to ensure our yoga class sequencing includes back bending, open hip flexors, core work, and external rotation in the upper arms—all essential factors of Wheel Pose.

One of the top benefits of planning a yoga class around a peak pose is that your students will leave confident and empowered—and with a clear idea of the path they need to take to move deeper into the posture you've chosen.

4. Have An Anatomical Focus When Planning A Yoga Class

Like planning a yoga class around a peak pose, having an anatomical focus can enhance your practice by providing a safe, effective way to move deeper into a specific area of the body. From yoga class sequences that target the hamstrings to the core to the lower back to the brain, the ideas for planning an anatomical yoga class are virtually endless. You might also consider leading yoga classes for runners, surfers, or other athletes, targeting muscle groups that you know could use the extra love!

5. Practice Your Flow

Have you ever been in a yoga class when, even if you couldn't put your finger on it, something about the sequencing just felt a bit off? It's critical to remember that we never want to sacrifice the effectiveness of our students' yoga practice for the sake of creativity. One easy way to avoid this is to practice your yoga flow before you teach it. Notice if any transitions feel uncomfortable or awkward, and take the time to adjust them.

This is why we include a live recording of Jolie teaching each theme of our Theme Your Yoga Classes online course. We want you to feel the movements and experience the class the way your students will so that you can, in turn, better lead them through their unique practice.

Tip: No matter your students' levels, it's always okay to return to the basics! All yoga students can benefit from moving deeper into the postures, no matter where they are on their journey. Don't be afraid to slow down and return to the basics with your students.

6. Assess Your Students

While we advocate planning your yoga classes, it's vital to remain present and fluid with your students so you can best meet their needs during the class. While it's a luxury not afforded to many yoga teachers, knowing your students' abilities, ages, injuries, and goals in advance can help you better curate a yoga class sequence that meets their needs.

7. Adjust To All Levels

Now that you've assessed your yoga students, you can adjust to their levels throughout the class. This could include:

-Offering less complicated variations of postures for beginners

-Leading experienced students into more advanced versions of the postures

-Guiding your students on the use of props like blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps

-Scrapping a peak posture or anatomical focus if it's clear it's not going to work for your students!

8. Keep it Linear and Balanced

While you're planning your yoga class sequence, keep in mind that the flow should be linear and balanced. Typically, it's best to avoid working extensively on the left side before practicing the same posture on the right side. Many yoga class flows also follow the basic structure of grounding postures, sun salutations, standing and balancing postures, seated postures, and then savasana. This is something that we cover extensively in our yoga teacher training programs so that you can feel confident in crafting a yoga sequence that is safe and effective for your students.

9. Get Inspiration From Other Yoga Teachers

Anyone who is an expert at their craft will tell you the same advice: learn from others who have gone before you! While we don't advocate copying other teachers' sequences pose for pose, we encourage you to go deeper in your yoga practice. Absorb knowledge from other yoga teachers, and you'll learn postures, transitions, and themes that will inspire and mold your unique modality of yoga teaching.

10. Ask For Feedback

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from mentors and students! Just because you are a yoga teacher doesn't mean anyone expects you to be a perfect human being. Constructive criticism can inspire you to plan safer, more effective yoga classes. Ongoing yoga teacher trainings and retreats are an excellent way to receive such feedback from respected yoga educators and support you on your ongoing yoga journey.

Want to start planning better yoga classes? We're now offering planned-for-you themed yoga classes!

What other tips do you have for planning yoga classes that are both creative and effective for your students?
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

January 28…Get ready cause its time to kick start this year with a bang as the Full Moon rises in Leo. For thousands of years the January moon has also been referred to as the Wolf Moon. The wolf is seen as a symbol of loyalty and fierce protection in many cultures. The symbolism here is a reminder for one to reach out and strengthen bonds with loved ones…to work together with passion through the challenges that will most assuredly come up. Leo’s zodiac archetype, the Lion, is a perfect fit as Leos are known to be outgoing, strong and creative as well as dramatic and fiery.

Our mystical moon mother is a symbol of the divine feminine while the fire sign of Leo is governed by the sun. On their opposing sides, the sun represents the physical, while the moon represents the shadow and emotional worlds. Directly opposing each other…the essence of courageous Leo integrated with the moon mother’s innate intuition. The dark and the light. The January union in the sky between moon goddess and sun god brings us to a place where healing and new life begins.

Last month we received the sign we had been waiting for when Saturn and Jupiter shifted into the sign of Aquarius. Aquarians fly their freak flags strong and proud, so this is the time to be hopelessly and unapologetically yourself. To break free and be unconventional and unpredictable. Keep in mind that Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow on the 28th. The actual retrograde begins on January 30th in…you got it…Aquarius. The same usual rules apply- read contracts closely, including the fine print. Watch for issues in communication, with vehicles, and possibly electronics.

As we stand at the brink of 2021, the stars and planets are there to guide us in creating the changes we wish to see in this world. And, if there’s one thing I know, if you thought 2020 was wild, 2021 is going to absolutely blow your mind.

2 Simple Full Moon Rituals

A time for casting out and removing problems and barriers. Ideal for psychic protection. With the white silvery light of the Moon, white magick abounds so you can ask your requests of the universe guided by that powerful white light.

Take a moon bath. The full moon's light can rejuvenate our psyches. Connect with lunar energy by submerging yourself in water. Draw a healing bath around the time of the full moon, and gather your favorite salts, crystals, and candles.

You can say your full moon intentions aloud while you're relaxing in the tub as you imagine the full moon restoring every cell of your body. Or, take a dip in a lake, ocean, or pool if weather and circumstances permit!

Smudging ceremony. To start, light a white candle and set an intention. Light your sage or Palo Santo. With both hands, move the smoke towards your heart, over your head and down the front and back of your body to cleanse yourself. Then walk the smoke around your house to all corners, including cupboards, closets and bottom and top corners of rooms moving through your space in a clockwise motion.

Maybe wear white while you do this…if you feel like it! I'm not a kundalini practitioner, but what Yogi Bhajan says about wearing white does makes sense. Wearing white can expand our aura while filtering negativity. Humans have a 9-foot aura and wearing white can expand it by at least an additional foot, providing an edge or margin between your energy and the energy of other things or people. It's something to think about. Yogi Bhajan says, "We ask you to wear white so that you will reflect what is outside and go within yourself—that’s what white clothes can do for you."