Studio Notes | Be Well Yoga Fitness

October at Be Well

Hey yogis, as we move deeper into fall, I'm feeling especially grateful...for our little studio, for the community that gathers here, for the practice that continues to meet us where we are, and for our bodies that carry us through each season of life. As the days grow shorter and the natural world begins to quiet, we enter Yin season, a time that gently invites us to slow down and turn a little more inward. Yin represents the quieter, softer, more receptive qualities of life: rest, reflection, stillness, and simply allowing ourselves to be rather than always do. At the studio, there’s room for all of it...movement and stillness, strength and softness, effort and rest. Here’s what’s happening at Be Well this October...

October brings two special offerings to the studio: Sound Immersion on Sunday, October 11, 4:00–5:30 pm, an opportunity to rest and experience the soothing effects of sound and vibration; and Restorative Yoga on Sunday, October 18, 5:30–7:00 pm, a deeply restful, prop-supported practice designed to help the body soften and the nervous system settle.

Reflections

Sacral Chakra

In yoga philosophy, the chakras are described as energy centers within the body, each associated with different physical, emotional, and psychological qualities. The traditional system includes seven primary chakras, beginning at the base of the spine and moving upward toward the crown of the head. Rather than something we need to “fix” or perfectly balance, we can use the chakra system as another lens for self-awareness and an invitation to notice our patterns, our energy, and what may need a little more attention or care. This month, we’ll continue our seven-month exploration of the chakras with the Sacral Chakra, Svadhisthana.

Located in the lower abdomen and pelvis, the Sacral Chakra is associated with creativity, emotion, pleasure, movement, connection, and our ability to adapt to change. After spending September exploring the grounding and stability of the Root Chakra, we’ll shift our attention toward flow and finding a little more ease, curiosity, and freedom in both our movement and our lives. Throughout the month, we’ll weave these ideas into our practices through movement, breath, meditation, and reflection. Here are a few journal prompts for deeper exploration:

Where in my life do I feel most creative or inspired? What brings me a sense of joy, pleasure, or aliveness?

Where am I being asked to go with the flow a little more? How do I respond when plans change or life feels uncertain?

What helps me feel emotionally open and connected? What relationships or experiences help me feel nourished and connected?

Mats, Props, and More
If you’re practicing regularly, having your own mat and props is one of those little things that can make your practice feel more comfortable and familiar, while also giving you the peace of mind that comes with using equipment that’s just yours. We especially love Manduka PRO 6mm mats for their comfort, support, and durability, and we’re able to offer them at our wholesale price (30% off retail). We also keep a small selection of yoga blocks and 8-foot straps available at wholesale prices. If you need something for your practice, check with us before you shop, we may already have just what you need.

Looking Ahead...
In November we'll host a specialty class on Yoga and the Low Back, take a deeper look a the chakra that lies at our Solar Plexis (or core), and add some spice to our practice with Yang to Yin on Black Friday. A little advance notice as you make your holiday plans: Be Well will be closed December 19–31 for our winter recess. We’ll share reminders again as we get closer, but wanted to give everyone plenty of time to plan their December practices.

Community

A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed to the Kalamazoo Log Cabin Quilters Lovie Project. Because of your generosity, a wonderful pile of new stuffed animals will soon be making its way to children who could use a little extra comfort and care. Thank you for helping Be Well extend our sense of community beyond the studio walls. Every stuffy was given with kindness, and together we made this collection something really special.