 I’m writing this upon return from a 10-day sojourn in Athens, Paros, and Santorini.
The deep blue of the Aegean Sea and sky, white villages atop soaring cliffs, biking through winding blue and white cobbled streets...
The ancient theaters and temples, the more ancient Akrotiri Bronze Age Minoan civilization frescoes, thought to be lost Atlantis, preserved under volcanic ash...
These images swim behind my eyelids as I nap, dream, ride, teach. As I play the singing bowls, I hear Greek Bouzoukis dancing in my ears, and the wind in the olive trees in Paros.
 The Greeks created democracy, theater arts, and the Olympian ideals we still celebrate. They light the torch from rays of the sun, runners carry it through hills and towns to Athens, then pass the fire to each nation’s representative.
There is so much awe in a larger view, a longer perspective. we live through tumultuous times, and we are not the first, nor will we be the last. What then endures for us? What endures for me? For you?
 Love. Connection. Song. Celebration. Play. Movement. The light in someone's eyes. Their laugh.
Deep connections, and simple, light, friendly connections. These have reverberations beyond us and before us. As singing bowls continue to resonate beyond our audible hearing, our connections do, too. What endures for you?
Here is Giannis, our bike tour guide with a Raki toast to the sunset after a day of Santorini trails, hills and vineyards.
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Mother Teresa: "Do It Anyway"
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People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy;
be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.
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YINspirations New Year's Retreat
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 This January 18-24, join Donna Amrita Davidge and me in easeful Dominican Republic, for a week of delicious food and drink, tropical sunshine, VIP beaches, cabanas, pools, and twice daily gentle yoga for your pleasure, from slow flow to yin/restore to kundalini to yoga nidra dream meditation.
YINspirations New Year's Vacation Retreat
January 18-24, 2025
Tropical Hotel on the Cofresi Beach
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
We welcome non-yogi friends and family to join with you.
 Relax and chill out completely, maybe book optional excursions or treatments at the Yin Yang Spa.
Deposit by Hallowe'en for your early bird $100 discount!
See retreat details here
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Catch me in these New York city classes in November:
Email me for an Equinox day pass if you need one! Do check to see that I am teaching; I am away in late November.
You can find my updated schedule any time on my website. For private yoga, coaching or Thai bodywork, email me directly.
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We head into Hallowe'en week, a time of fun for many, and for some a reminder of our eternal spiritual nature. I hope you enjoy it, however you do it!
Then we head into a climactic election week, for the nation and the world. Amidst the uncertainty, I lean into a few quotes that help anchor me. Perhaps they give you some equanimity too. Or perhaps you share what anchors you.
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"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to the Lord.
And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Consciousness."
~Philippians 4:4-7
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We've done two luscious Sunday night YinNidra series. Let me know if you'd be interested in one again this holiday season!
 Alternatively, would you like a Sunday night Soundbath? I've got these beautiful singing crystal chakra bowls ....
Thanksgiving through Christmas/Chanukah and New Year's could be lovely for a Soundbath season.
Maybe Yin+Sound: 20 minutes yin, 40 minutes singing bowl soundbath to send you into cosmic dreams. Any interests?
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 Photo thanks this issue to: Raul Aranas, Eileen Segall, Giannis Massas.
I value your privacy and do not share email lists.
Please feel free any time to Reply, Forward, Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
 Shanti ~ Peace,
OMMMmmary
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