Well It appears that November has descended upon us already. I don't know about you, but the thought of this month brings to mind so many different emotions. You have sadness that summer is really truly over and the occasional, warm day is gone and the inevitable white stuff will cover our once beautiful green grass. However, then thoughts of sledding, snowball fights, rosey cheeks and hot chocolate brings Christmas comes to mind and warms the soul. Now the word Christmas can bring so many different feelings forth and the fact that I'm talking about it already has probably hit some nerves right? So soon it comes and our stress level and patience goes through the roof. Why is it that we feel the last 2 months of the year are so stressful? When really (in my eyes) it can be one of the most beautiful and happy. Don't get me wrong, I too get stressed to the nines and my patience wears thins more often than I probably want to admit. But when these moments happen, How about we stop and breathe, find out what's going on breathe again and either deal with what's pushing us us here or find a way to let it go. This is where we need to find out the what? and why? has got us here, then ask yourselves, "Does this really matter? Can I let this go?" Emotions can really do a number on us, and they have a huge affect on those around us. These are moments and memories people! Choose which ones you want to remember. Because these moments don't just affect you, but everyone you come into contact with at the time. Gratitude and happiness is within reach, it's there for the taking! So again I say, Stop! Take a good long breath and take a moment. IS it really worth the time and energy?

So here my friends we talk about the art of 'Letting Go'. Why talk about this now you ask? Well I'm sure you, like so many others, would rather enjoy this beautiful season as much as we can with as little stress as we can.Hopefully this will not just be helpful for the up and coming holiday season but also every other day after that. The following is all you will need to really truly understand what letting go is and help you get through those moments. I keep a copy of this close by me all the time these days for little reminders (which I'll admit is more often these days than I'd like to admit). So without further ado read on my beauties.

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore.

It doesn't leave feelings of anger, jealously or regret.

Letting go isn't winning and it isn't losing.

It's not about pride and it's not about how you appear,

and it's not obsessing or about dwelling on the past.

Letting go isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts,

and it doesn't leave emptiness, hurt or sadness.

It's not giving in or giving up.

Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat.

To let go is cherish memories and overcome and move on.

It's having an open mind and confidence in the future.

Letting go is accepting

It's learning and experiencing and growing.

To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow.

It's about all that you have, all that you had and all that you will soon again.

Letting go is having the courage to accept change and the strength to keep moving.

Letting go is growing up

It's realizing that your heart can sometimes be the most potent remedy.

To let go is to open a door and clear a path and set you free.

Author Unknown

Beautiful right? It amazes me that letting go is so many things, has so many meanings, so many eye opening outlets to move through. It's quite profound really. Our journey through life really is all about letting go. Letting go of what we think we are, what we think we should be, what we think we should look like, what we think we should achieve. So many expectations swarm us constantly and we try and deal with it when really instead of dealing with it we should be letting go and being true to who we are!

"When we let go of expectations, you can embrace life with everything it brings you.

Take each moment as it comes.

Trust in the infinite wisdom you have within and in your ability to know what to do when the moment arises.

Let go of expectations. Live now. You know what to do"

Rachel Brathen

I could spend days writing about this, but really.. I think I've covered the jist of it. Now, what I will say is this. Like everything else in life worth having the ability to let go takes work and takes a lot of practice! Being able to let go doesn't happen overnight, but as usual you have to start somewhere right? Be patient with yourself. Breath and smile, and remember moments pass quickly, so try and focus on the good right now and what's ahead of you.

Ok on to Pose Of The Month. So this month let's focus on child's pose with a slight addition. Yous will require a yoga block for this one so make sure to have one handy. Alright let's get started shall we?

Let's begin by kneeling on all fours. Push your hips back to your heels. Grab your block and place it on the floor in front of you. Relax your body forward and rest your forehead on the block. You'll want your brow line resting on the bottom edge of the block. Now bring your arms to rest at your sides. Close your eyes and rest here in the pose with some nice relaxing breathes. With each inhale slowly roll the forehead over towards the right temple, then on the exhale slowly roll to head towards the left temple. Repeat as many times as you feel necessary. When finished rest your head back at center and take a few deep breathes, then lightly blink the eyes open and sit back up when you fell ready.

If your bum doesn't quite touch your heels, you can roll up an extra mat, towel or blanket and place it behind your knees on your calves. This is a pretty relaxing pose so remember to relax the whole body (so no shoulders up to the ears  

Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for snack time! So I'm thinking it's time for a little indulgence. We all love chocolate, you can't deny it.

While I was away, there's this little ice cream shop my kiddo loves to go to and they also make some pretty amazing fudge right there in the front window of the shop. The smell that lingers outside this place would make any salivate. Point? Yes..yes I do have one and I'm using this little moment of heaven I had while I was away and sharing it with you. My friends.. we are going to make fudge! Now this won't be too time consuming and will only require 3-4 ingredients.

Wave hello to 3 minute fudge my friends!!

Ok, So here's your short list of ingredients

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)

2 cups (1 120z bag) Semi Sweet Chocolate chips

1 tsp Vanilla Extract 

***Optional*** pecans or walnut halves if you'd like to add some. Maybe even some crushed candy cane

1) Butter a square pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the fudge when it has set. Set aside.

2) In a microwave safe bowl (2q) heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for 1 min. Remove and let site 1 min. then stir to combine. if needed, heat for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.

 3) Stir in Vanilla extract. Pour fudge into prepared pan. Let fudge cool completely before cutting into 1" squares. ( you can place fudge in the fridge for 1 hr to speed up to process)

 4) Store in an airtight container If it makes it that far 

Yep, That's usually how quickly it disappears in our house. However, it's easy and fast so multiple batches aren't too bad.

Also with the holiday season just around the corner, what better gift to hand over to friends and family! It's easy on the wallet, fast and can be oh so pretty in a cute little Christmas tin or box. Plus it will taste like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Shhhhh I won't tell if you don't.

Well That concludes this months letter. I hope you've enjoyed. See you all in class my beauties!

Shannon xoxo

P.S.- There will no longer be a workshop. Sadly there wasn't enough interest. But I will be planning something for anxiety and depression with a similar layout just not as long. I will be sending out info within the week so keep your eyes open 

P.P.S.- There will also be another sip and stretch being planned in the next couple weeks, so I will let you know when, when I do.

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