​The workshops and class series on our schedule give you the opportunity to go further or get started and tune into you. Workshops bring in new voices and experiences and give you insights into yourself that can serve to influence your day to day practice, and your day to day life. From understanding Shamanic practices, learning how to let go in Trance Dance, or discovering the basic of yoga in Yoga Essentials,  I strive to bring diversity and substance. 

The series classes give you a chance to start something, see it through to the end, and witness your own growth. They give you the chance to add a new class time to your carefully budgeted routine and commit for shorter periods, building whatever it is you choose to build. In these short term classes, you may try on Pilates Equipment for size, or get moving again in Re-Entry to Fitness. Whatever your goals, a class series may be the ideal kick-start you need. Some classes are such a big hit, we put them on the regular schedule!

I hope that you will make the time to try one of the workshops or series offered here at Maya. Bring a friend and it becomes even easier to keep the goals you set and take the risks that will help you grow. Be sure to register early, this ensures minimum attendance requirements are met so workshops and series classes continue to populate the schedule and return again and again.

Our full schedule of workshops and class series can be found on our website. Stay tuned to this blog to learn more about upcoming workshops and classes as well as meet the wide array of teachers that guide your path and unlock your potential.

See an upcoming workshop you'd like to spread the word about?
Here are a few ways you can assist Maya in maintaining strong workshop offerings:

• Hang flyers in your community; apartment complex, office, faith community, social clubs (ask front desk for flyers)
• Share with friends and family on social media and Invite them to join you. We usually have a FaceBook event link that you can use for easy sharing. Or, share our blog.
• Consider the questions above, then let us know what you want. Provide ideas and suggestions at front desk or        e-mail me directly:  [email protected]

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 425-271-0200 www.mayawholehealth.com

Ever notice how driving a car over the same patch of grass leaves a track? When I continue to drive over the same spot time and again, the track gets more pronounced, deeper, perhaps even destroying the grass beneath it. My brain, as another soft and spongy texture, works much the same way. When I teach myself how to react in a certain manner, conjure the same emotions, and live the same life, I create those tracks. I teach myself every single day how to react, how to be treated, and how to move forward. 

So how do I fill in the tracks on my mind's lawn? I stop driving over them again and again so new growth can happen, life can return, and traces of the past disappear. 

How can meditation heal your mind from old habits and repetitions? Keep reading.

Beginning Sunday February 7, join fellow meditators every week at 4:00 pm for a  group meditation class. 
Unlock your potential.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa 98056 425.271.0200  www.mayawholehealth.com

 Come, come, whoever you are...
 Ours is not a caravan of despair
Even if you have broken your vow
 a thousand times
 Come, yet again.
 ~Rumi

 Each year around this time, I hear the occasional “bah-humbug” in regard to the tradition of New Year resolutions- friends and family pointing out rightfully that any day is a good day to start anew (or more pessimistically that these resolutions always seem to get broken, so why bother). 

 While it’s true that I can make a resolution any and every day of the year, the changing of the calendar year provides a visceral prompt to set new intentions, in unison with others.  it's feng shui for the soul's interior design and a glorious union in committing to new and improved habits.   

In an oft-too-cynical world, optimism is uplifting- regardless of whether I actually manage to learn Spanish or remember birthdays, get in a 10 minute meditation every day, or whatever else it is that I’m inclined to want to do more, better, differently.  The hopefulness feels good- as expressed in the famous poem by Rumi- and that is a hallmark of emotional health.

 On the flip side, I have witnessed loved ones making resolutions that are inherently abusive.  Whether the abuse is physical, mental, or verbal… these types of resolutions do not serve the cause of love or health- though it might masquerade as that.  When we establish resolutions for ourselves that imply that we are not good enough unless or until, fill-in-the-blank, we are defeating ourselves from the get go, sending a message that degrades and subverts efforts to enjoy this life more.  As we move into the year, if the intention we set is based on heavy-handed punishing, denying, or forcing ourselves or others into a different behavior, this is not likely to lead us to a more joyful existence in this life- and isn’t that the point?

Are you resolving to get more exercise because you want to feel good in your body and participate in activities that bring you joy?  Or because you are afraid that you will not be loved as much if your body is not a certain size or shape? Love and fear can be so entangled at times, it might be difficult to sort out the bottom line.

The whole health model at Maya is based on principles of self-love, rather than punishment.  This is why we do not participate in the popular marketing tactics used by many fitness facilities of fear-mongering around fat and body image.  We do not promote punishing styles of movement in our studio, but rather movement that strengthens, loosens, and opens channels in our body for ease of movement and flow.  

All of the services and products we promote are aligned with the idea of loving and nurturing yourself with all of your senses. This creates a positive cycle- as you feel better in your body, your anxiety decreases and your joy increases, so does your energy and desire to care for yourself. Based on testimonials of Maya clients, this dynamic process leads to a more sustainable positive result in the way you look, feel, and function in life. 

For 2016, I resolve to keep Maya on the same path, bringing positive whole health options to our community.  I resolve to develop greater means of communication with all of you, and new opportunities to help shape what Maya will become. As we move into our 7th year of operation in the Renton location, I hope you will join me in making resolutions that are healthy and positive, and support your ability to live your life from a place of empowerment.

With Love,
Shannon

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

When:   Saturday, January 16th 1:30-4:00pm
Where: Maya Whole Health Studio
What:    Indulge in Carnival games, snacks, and photo booth
Why::    Love!
Who::    Everyone!

I'd like to extend an invitation to attend our community event Saturday, January 16th from 1:30-4:00pm. It will be Carnival style with snacks, games, a photo booth, and prizes. 

Prizes will range from 

• Group class pass
  
• Workshop Pass
  
• Private Yoga Session
  
• Maya Pure Essential Products
  
• One hour customized massage
  
• Maya t-shirt
  
• 3-month Unlimited Class Package
  

In order to win prizes, collect a Raffle Ticket from January 1st-16th for each class or treatment attended. Instructors and Front Desk staff will pass out tickets.

Winners will be chosen every 15 minutes during the Carnival -  must be present to win!

Throughout the afternoon games and activities for adults and kids will be offered so bring your families! In the spirit of raising awareness, you can donate to Operation Smile throughout the month by purchasing additional tickets for $5.00 

Learn more about the inspiring work of Operation Smile

This event will also be the last opportunity to purchase classes, memberships, or treatments at 2015 pricing.
Boutique sale as well!

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help out with games, prizes, etc. contact me!
[email protected] or call 425.271.0200

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

Connecting with Malia Dullanty

When I contacted Miguel Jimenez, Resource Development Coordinator for Rainier Valley Food Bank, he was thrilled about being our Community Benefit Partner for the month of December. He made sure he could come to both of our donation classes in order to share about RVFB and the generous work they do - as well as to get some quality yoga in.

At our benefit class on December 12th, Miguel shared the vision RVFB has for this coming year and into the future. Their small nonprofit hopes to begin addressing the root of the hunger problem in our community rather than focusing solely on the symptoms. Rainier Valley Food Bank plans to become a Food Center in the near future, opening up new programs and creating real discussion around the accessibility and disparity of food in our area. It is exciting to hear the financial contributions we are making to RVFB this December will help them move toward this goal.

I was most struck by RVFB’s language based community meals. Each month RVFB holds a community meal which is open to the public, but held in a specific language (ie: ukrainian, pashto, lingala, spanish, etc.) so that people are able to connect with others who speak their native language. The food bank brings in volunteer translators and use the opportunity to ask community members about what they need most; easier access to food, classes about how to use the food they get, more community, etc. What an amazing opportunity to hear about what our community members need most! It convicted me that I should probably be volunteering my translation services more to great causes like this.

There are so many ways to get involved in our community! Right now at Maya we are collecting money and nonperishable items to donate to Rainier Valley Food Bank. I would encourage you to stop by the front desk or the Community Benefit Partner board and give what you can this Christmas!

Visit Maya!

Join us Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve at 10:00am for a donation yoga class with Kristen Swanzy. All proceeds go to Rainier Food Bank.

Stop by the studio anytime and drop cash or a check in the jar at the front desk or bring nonperishable food items to put in the donation basket!

 Like & Share RVFB on Facebook! Your voice and support are crucial to the work that is happening throughout our area.
You can give online. There is a special Holiday Giving event happening right now that you can support! Just click here.
Volunteer onsite. There is always space for more generosity and more love. You can even fill out an application online.

And that’s not all! There are more ways you can get involved, check them out here.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98059 www.mayawholehealth.com

This month's meditation suggests beginning each day with intention. Instead of reaching for electronics first thing in the morning, take a few moments to create your day.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

And so, here we are again, the end of another year. I have found that its true what they say, that the years pass quicker as I get older. The end of the year is a thrilling one for me. I love the opportunity to take a look at the past year, evaluate successes, and put perspective on "failures", although I've never been a fan of that word. I like "lessons", "teachings", since every experience, good or bad, has taught me something I can take with me, pass on, or use again.

When I set aside some year-end time to ask myself a few questions, I find it not only helps me see what was, but also to see what is, and what may be. I'm very good at setting New Year goals! Resolutions! Yes! This year I fit back into the dress I wore in 1997! Or maybe not. Either way, clean slates are refreshing, I get a squeaky clean new year full of infinite possibilities. 

Before I start daydreaming about the next year, I sweep the floor of the last. It's the best route I've found to squeaky clean, and setting intentions that defy the broom. Some of my favorites are listed below.

Have fun!

Was I content?Happiness is sometimes overrated, I ask myself if I was content instead. Contentment definition: satisfied with a certain level of achievement, good fortune, etc., and not wishing for more.

Did I find peace?
First, I define what "peace" means for me. Is it quiet? Free from stress? Maybe it's a conflict that has gone unresolved. Now is the time to take action. How can I create and recreate peace in the coming year?

Did I extend kindness?
When I seem to be surrounded by negativity, strife, and sorrow, the world can be overwhelming, especially when considering those less fortunate. How was I kind this year? I remember that simple gestures like holding a door open, making eye contact, or just saying hello may have more impact than I can know.

Did I stay present?
How many times does my mind wander from one task to another? From one distraction to another? How often am I able to stay present, stay in the moment? Life is made of moments, and they are easy to miss.

Did I take time for myself?
Human nature tends to lean towards helping others. I may define peace as a place where everyone else is at peace! Have I made time for yourself this year? Consider the safety presentation before a flight; the attendant says "Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others". How can I possibly be any good to anyone else if I don't take care of myself first?


Be sure to check back after January 1st for a goal-setting exercise. Find it here on the Maya Connections blog!
And! Join us New Year's Day for Intention setting and Vision Boarding!

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98059 www.mayawholehealth.com

The month is December. The time is now.  Please join us in supporting the Maya Community Benefit Partner of the month: Rainier Valley Food Bank.

In a day and age when our country's economy is on an upward trend, many of us will be enjoying the fruits of our labors this month with hearty feasts and gifts and treasures shared with loved ones under trees and otherwise.  But there are some of us who won't.   How many will need assistance just to get a hot meal this holiday season?  Who out there in our community might be feeling the pangs of hunger and want even more poignantly this time of year?

 As we revel in holiday merriment (or snuggle up inside ourselves and our homes), taking some time to intentionally scan the perimeter and perhaps see what isn't right in front of us can reveal opportunities to deepen our experience of the season.  The joy of giving to those who are most in need, whether we know or see them each day can have a profound impact on our health and well-being, in multiple ways.  Caring for the well-being of our community reverberates to ultimately touch everyone.  If each of us picks up a couple extra cans or boxes of food and drops them in the bin conveniently located at Maya, or drops a $1 or 2 in the donation jar, we can make a powerful impact on alleviating hunger and increasing the joy of our neighbors across the lake.

 Rainier Valley Food Bank has been helping feed the hungry or deliver food to those unable to leave their homes for over 4 years, and this year is no exception.   In 2014 the food bank distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food through over 50,000 visits to the food bank. They provided enough food to feed over 190,000 people. That's quite an impact- and we are honored that Maya Whole Health Studio has been asked to contribute to it.

"When you donate to RVFB, your money goes primarily to our food budget. Our local, national and government partnerships and subsidies allow us to buy more food with $1 than you are able to at the grocery store. We stretch your dollars far and make your donation count!"

"Close relationships with our food bank guests help us to understand what specific kinds of healthy and ethnic foods are needed to feed local families. We serve a very diverse community of people from all over the world."

So let's do it up Maya People!  There are a few ways you can support RVFB in promoting health, fitness, and joy this month.  
1) Monetary donation either dropped into the jar on the front desk at Maya or online through RVFB website.
2) Nonperishable food and other items (pet food, diapers, sanitary products) in the basket at the front door. 
3) Sign up to volunteer at Rainier Valley Food Bank, either for a special event, monthly, or weekly.

To fully immerse in the spirit, attend one of our by-donation Community Benefit Classes and dedicate your practice to the nutrition of our community through RVFB:
Saturday December 12, 5:00 pm
Thursday December 24, 10:00 am 

Questions about how RVFB operates?
Please email [email protected]

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa 98059 425-271-0200 www.mayawholehealth.com