A word from our President...
December 2012
I have an amazing report to share with you from the Yoga Alliance. Besides the fabulous job that our very own member Sherry did presenting “Chair Yoga is for Everyone” , the Yoga Alliance has projected revenues of $3.4 million and a projected surplus of $1.2 million! What that means to you is that we have a very viable national yoga teacher community! President and CEO Richard Karpel addressed the conference attendees in a membership meeting in which he said that the Yoga Alliance will "First, most importantly, create a community--of yoga teachers, yoga studios and yoga schools." How are they going to that? With our input of course!
They want to start at the grass roots and that's us! We already have roots, we just need more grass…..(that's YOU!) So grow with us! Please save the upcoming date of January 12th to meet our very own Bhava Ram for a night under the stars in Balboa Park to be part of our viable, vibrant, Yoga community.
Our YES Board is working tirelessly to bring about all the structure and foundation for a lively San Diego Yoga Community…Together we can disappear the notion of competition and create only co-operation. We all want to be together with people we deeply trust. That takes time and cultivation. As much of a cliché as it sounds "Become the change you want to see in the world!" I keep reminding myself that I can't start a new chapter in my life unless I stop re-reading the last one…..It's all in the letting go.
So Join us as we let go of the old and welcome this new season of change. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and I so look forward to seeing all of you in 2013.
My very best to each and every one of you,
Naomi Judith
November 2012
As I head off to the Yoga Alliance Conference in Palm Springs, I am reminded of how far yoga has come since I began teaching in 1982. Last year this was an amazing event where several hundred yogis from all over gathered together. This year, just like last, our Sherry is a featured speaker! I am so looking forward to spread the word of our Y.E.S organization this year.
You know we have an amazing opportunity in this Mecca of yoga here in San Diego. We are gathering strength as a community to help build a society based on love, compassion and self-care. YES comes together to help you with resources to find your voice and to instill and inspire you and your students. How can we help you? Tell us- We want to hear from you.
And stay tuned for our "Under the Stars" gathering on January 12th in "Balboa park" -the details are to follow in our next newsletter.
There is great love for you here.
Naomi
October 2012
The secret of success is constancy purpose, said Benjamin Desraeli, the British Prime Minister in 1870. It's still true… Your Yes organization has been on purpose since 1988. Every two year we put together a successful band of talented yoga teachers.
Since I have served as your president I have been blessed to work with Ann, who serves as our secretary with Diane who has kept the books and filled in as needed. She is now being replaced by Gino, who has just now come on to the board. And need I mention Sherry who has tireless put together our news paper and veronica and her committee who have brought you some wonderful parties. And welcome Abby, who will be serving as Vice- President. So, you see, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Please, take the time to read the information and bios of the present board and while you're at it consider what support you would like to give or get. Our needs through the years are continually changing. I remember when I first started teaching in 1982, if you got someone to pay you, that was the only credential you needed to be a yoga teacher!
Consider if you and your yoga business would benefit from associating with other yoga light workers who want to make a difference. Each year we have been pulling together like- souls… What a joy it is to come get together to share insights and ideas. Together we are stronger!
Save The Date- Our Annual Yes gathers us, Jan 12, 2013 details to follow.
Naomi
May 2012
Great things are occurring as a result of the synergy of the Yoga Teachers who come together. When I was married and my husband and I kept asking what is our purpose I KNEW we were out of purpose. But when we were doing the things that brought us joy and stopped talking about why we were together, our relationship flowed. And such it is with YES. Last month we witnessed teachers and studios coming together. This was the brainchild of Sherry, our newsletter editor who conceived the idea of a day of "Helping Helen". Several thousand dollars were raised for her and it is just that action that is one of our reasons for coming together.
Thank you to A Gentle Way, to Yoga Vista, and to all others who have contributed It is only possible with our collaboration. The cliché, "divided we fall, but together we stand", is tried but true. Our possibilities are endless and the more you offer your special talent, the more that is accomplished! Way to go Yoga Teachers! SO much good is possible. Stay tuned for our fundraiser and installation in August. And for upcoming blogs and featured teachers.
Please send us your comments and concerns. We are here for you! Sending you lots of Blessings.
Naomi
April 2012
Hello and Happy Spring! Since, this is a time of new beginnings and lots of growth and beauty, it is also a wonderful to begin to get more involved with YES. If you are interested in a position, or in getting involved with YES, please let us know and we will inform you of the date and time of our Open Forum Board meeting. We look forward to seeing you there. If you were at the Holiday party, and did not get a call from us, please don't be shy and call us. This is a complete volunteer organization and we count on YOU!
We are here to serve you and what could be more fun that connecting to other yoga teachers and enlarging our Yoga community? We all have so much to offer each other!
My very best to each and every one of you.
Naomi
March 2012
This is the Yoga Education Society! Amazingly, this was the title of an article that appeared in the New York Times Magazine. I'll bet some of you either read it or heard comments on the news. It's an interesting article and actually there are some points worth considering. And as we all know, nothing is black or white. There are pluses and minuses to everything. Life comes in shades of grey. And that's our job --to educate people on the benefits and potential risks of Yoga and to make sure that "Above all else, we do no harm.”
Last month I asked for you to suggest a worthy cause for us to unite on and there is once more an opportunity for us to support each other as a community. It does take a village and know that as you give, more comes back, although usually not from the same place. Please read the article and see how You can support Helen. And speaking of giving, there are several openings for Board position, please help us help you. Together we can make a big difference.
Sending you lots of blessings as the first signs of spring appear.
Naomi
February 2012
GET READY FOR GREAT THINGS IN 2012 To all of you light workers who tirelessly gave the warmth, inspiration and open hearts that our world so desperately needs at this momentous time, I salute you and congratulate you for the changes you inspire. We here at YES want to make a difference in your life. To do this, the Board needs your input. We know that you as studio owners, traveling teachers and part-time teachers all have separate needs and we are here for you. Just tell us! Please don't be shy; and also consider volunteering your time. You can make such a big difference!
For the many of you who attended our Holiday Party, a great big thank you! And to Kady Cravens and Veronica Cruz who joyfully created the magic of snowflakes and the entertainment for the room, another round of thanks. One more hurrah for the editor of our newsletter, Sherry Zak Morris; we supported her enormous efforts to be part of "Summer's Hope", a fundraiser, for a teacher at Sherry's studio. This year, we'll leave it up to you. We would like to get your input as to which type of charity YES should apply its fundraising efforts. If you will send us your thoughts, we will put it to a vote by all YES members Yoga, by its very name, means unity, and, as we all play an important role in expanding the unity, the oneness… of nature, of animals, of humanity, and most importantly, of self, remember that it is your radiance which you shine for your students.
So, take the time to bring it home to YOU. We all know humanity is in the midst of a soul and cellular awakening. We are living in one of these special times. Let us continue to unite and connect, making 2012 a special transformational year for yourself, for your students, for YES, and for the universe. As I said in the beginning, it's going to be a great year!
Thank you for being a part of it.
Naomi
January 2012
I can't believe that I am the President of Y.E.S.! How in the world did that happen? I didn't run for an election! I signed up to be Vice President at the suggestion of Nancy Sanks, who has been on the YES board for five years. I know that life shows up sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally, but always purposefully. And while we don't always understand how it comes together, it is my belief that if we play full out, eventually it will make sense. Recently, many YES members and friends came together as a community to celebrate the holidays and share the history of how YES came to be and honor past board members. We came together to support and inspire one another.
You, as yoga teachers, are in the forefront of sharing your knowledge, your wisdom, your visions, and your experiences with one another and your students. We know that now is the time to come together in community and to stay connected as we bring in the new year and new energies. We look forward to supporting, enriching, and connecting the entire San Diego yoga community. Be a part of it now. Wishing you the very best for a happy and a healthy new year full of love and bounteous blessings,
Naomi Judith
