Smiles Yoga Wellness and Meditation
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1/19/2025

Yoga Nidra and Benefits

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Dark curly haired women in bed resting on white pillow under white comforter which is pulled over her eyes. You can see her eye brows and forehead and hair
Yoga Nidra - Yogic sleep by SYWM
Discover the Restorative Power of Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra, often called "yogic sleep," is a deeply restorative practice designed to help you relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. It involves guided meditation while lying comfortably in savasana (corpse pose), allowing your body and mind to rest deeply while remaining aware. This practice is ideal for preparing for sleep or simply taking a mindful pause during a busy day.

Three Benefits of Yoga Nidra:
  1. Promotes Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce stress and tension while bringing a sense of calm.
  2. Enhances Sleep Quality: By quieting the mind and relaxing the body, this practice can improve your ability to fall and stay asleep.
  3. Supports Mental Clarity: Regular sessions can reduce anxiety, boost focus, and increase overall emotional resilience.

I’m offering 30-minute Yoga Nidra classes every Thursday at 9 PM est, perfect for those preparing for bed or seeking a peaceful break. These donation-based sessions provide time to rest and reconnect with the present moment in a nurturing, stress-free environment.

​Life is busy, but your well-being is essential. I encourage you to make time for your health and wellness—you deserve it. Register for my classes here: CarmitaSmiles Yoga Nidra Classes.
​

Take a step toward better sleep, less stress, and a more peaceful mind. See you Thursday! 🧘‍♀️

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1/13/2025

Cleveland Clothing Swap

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No registration needed but it is encouraged via Eventbrite.
​Event by Peter Rabbit Project.
​Call 216.375.4934 with questions. 

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1/9/2025

What’s new with SYWM: Many January Blessings

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THIS IS A REPOST OF THE MEETUP COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER THAT WENT OUT on 6 Jan 2025. 

Salut à tous (that's French for hello ),
I hope this email finds you well. It's been quite cold and snowy in the northeast which is a reminder for me and others to start the year slow. So, unless you're on the opposite side of the earth or near the equator, take this time to connect with your present self, breathe, and enjoy all the wonder winter has to offer. The warmth of the sun will return in due time.
Class offerings also slow. I use this time to re-evaluate what has worked, what hasn't, what have folks been able to participant in or not... updates to the calendar are below.️
Live classes and teachings at venues, festivals, and community events will be put on the calendar as they are confirmed. These offerings take place all over the globe! So, if you're not in the north, that's alright. Here's what's on the calendar so far:
  • Markham Wellness Circle Winter Fair & Market in Markham, Ontario, CA Feb 8th at Markham Village Public Library
  • Midwest Yoga Conference, Eagan, MN, March 29th - 30th
  • A retreat at Angels Holistic Animal Sanctuary in New Smyrna, FL Oct 25th - Oct 26th
    ​

What's changing?
  • Morning classes... attendance has been low and it's been difficult with my own schedule.
  • Tai Chi For Balance, Rise 'N Shine Yoga, and Vinyasa, and other classes will be offered as specialty lives and on-demand offerings online via YouTube. Follow to stay up-to date. This will make classes/videos more easily accessible because you won't need to pre-register and you can watch them when its best for you!
If you're building a (new) routine or habit, this is a great way to well.... start slow. No pressure or FOMO needed! Just turn on the video, maybe it plays int he background for a bit while you're doing other things or maybe you just aren't "feeling" like doing all the movements at that time, but by watching the classes that's a way to encourage yourself and you'll start moving little by little to eventually getting in the habit of watching and moving your body along at the same time! (That's just one way of a million to start.)
​

What's staying the same?
  • Yoga In French (or Franglish, as I like to say) remains on Saturdays at 1pm. You will have to register through the Eventbrite link to received updated communications, receive PDFs after class, and the Zoom link!
  • Yoga For Sleep (aka Yoga Nidra) Thursdays at 9pm est. A 30-min class to get you ready for rest and/or bed . You'll also need to confirm through Eventbrite.

Looking for more?
Smiles School has launched! Learn the basics (foundations) of yoga, welcome your dog(s) to the mat with a playful practice that can be playful, fun, welcome bonding between you and your four legged friend(s), and welcome you to the present moment (dogs are typically great at it already). More classes to come! Like AstroYoga Extended Lectures, Tai Chi For Balance Review Videos, and more!
Get started at SWYM School!

Questions? Send me a direct message to discuss it.

​Until then... À plus tard,
Carmita
https://www.carmitasmiles.com

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12/30/2024

Mat Direction: Does it matter?

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As I've started diving deeper into my own yoga practice the question "Which way should my mat lay?" has repeatedly come to mind. So I did what anyone would do- I Googled it. 

There were many different reasons for why yogis and practitioners face their mat a certain direction. Some face their mat in whatever direction gives them room to move freely during physical practice. Others stood facing true north to welcome the sun, life, or connection to the universe to their practice. While a couple articles I read mentioning people who liked their mat to face East. This also welcomes the sun and Divine into their practice (whether meditative or physical). 
​
Some directions seem to have similarities for why a mat or body faces a certain direction. Here is a review of my findings. 

Mat or Body facing North: Pulls one in the right direction of life. Welcomes stability, one to be unshakable, keeps goals in mind, and open's self up to guidance from the universe or Divine. 

Mat or Body facing East: Related to the mind - retention, memory, and meditation. It is also the direction the sun rises. So it welcomes sun light, guidance, and protection into one's life. For some it's the direction for prayer. 

Mat or Body facing South: Looks inside one's self. This direction you want to leave things behind. It also relates to sleeping or physical death (of the body). It's going within the individual. Said to be good for meditation when you need physical relaxation. 

Mat or Body facing West: Sun sets in the west. Leaving the day, fear, negativity, and other not so great happenings behind you. Find rest to refresh. 

Some last considerations:
​Don't get caught up if you can't physically have your mat facing a certain direction. 
​Spatial considerations are something to keep in mind.

If you're in a class you're not going to want to cause a fuss if the teacher has their mat facing a certain direction. They're setting their mat in the best direction for participants to see and hear them.

When in your own space feel free to take a moment, get quiet, and come into awareness. This will allow you to feel which direction calls you to set up your mat.

Finally, breathe and open your mind and body to the world around you as you dive deep into your practice.

Namaste.

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12/30/2024

Clothing & Art Swaps: What are they? How do they benefit you and the environment?

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clothing on clothing rack on hangars blue jeans red yellow and white bottoms hanging on rack
​The Importance of Clothing and Art & Crafts Swaps: A Creative Way to Freshen Up Your Wardrobe and Keep Goods Out of Landfills.

Sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, especially when it comes to reducing waste and refreshing our wardrobes or crafting supplies. Clothing swaps and art & craft swaps are simple yet effective ways to give new life to gently used items, keep them out of landfills, and connect with others in fun and creative ways. Whether you're refreshing your closet or adding new materials to your craft stash, these swaps can be a low-cost, environmentally friendly option to get what you need without buying new.

What Are Clothing and Art & Crafts Swaps?
A clothing swap is an event where people exchange their gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories with others. Similarly, an art & crafts swap involves trading unused craft supplies like yarn, paint, fabric, or beads. These swaps can happen in person with a group of friends or neighbors or be organized as larger community events. The idea is simple: bring items you no longer use, and take home things that are new to you.

Why Are They Important?
  1. Environmental Impact: Clothing and textile waste is a major contributor to landfills. By swapping instead of buying new, you keep garments and materials out of the trash, reducing waste. For craft supplies, it's common for people to have unused items gathering dust—by swapping, these materials get a second life, minimizing environmental harm.
  2. Affordability: Swapping is often a free or low-cost way to freshen up your wardrobe or try new crafts. In today's world, where the cost of living continues to rise, swaps provide an affordable way to acquire what you need without spending a dime.
  3. Creativity and Fun: Swapping can be an enjoyable social activity that allows you to discover new styles or craft projects. Whether it's finding the perfect sweater or unearthing a box of paints, the surprise factor adds a sense of excitement. Plus, you might find something unique that you wouldn't have otherwise considered.
  4. Community Building: Hosting a swap with friends, family, or neighbors brings people together. It fosters a spirit of sharing and reduces the pressure to constantly buy new, helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities.

How Can You Get Involved?
  1. Host a Swap: Organizing a swap event is easier than you think. Invite friends or neighbors to bring their unwanted clothes or craft supplies. Set up a designated area for people to browse and exchange items. You can even make it a themed event or incorporate fun activities like fashion shows or crafting demos.
  2. Swap with Friends or Neighbors: You don’t have to wait for a big event. Consider organizing a mini swap with friends or neighbors. It can be as simple as a few bags of clothes exchanged over coffee or a small box of art supplies shared with a crafting buddy.
  3. Join a Community Swap: Look for local swap groups or events. Many communities host regular clothing or craft swaps through community centers, libraries, or social media groups. Keep an eye out for announcements or even start a group in your own area!
  4. Support Online Swaps: If in-person swaps aren’t feasible, consider joining online platforms dedicated to swapping. Many online groups or apps allow users to trade items with people from around the world, reducing the need for purchasing new goods.
    ​
Swapping is a simple, fun, and effective way to be more sustainable and creative, all while saving money and meeting new people. Whether it’s refreshing your wardrobe or finding new materials for a craft project, consider organizing or participating in a clothing or art & crafts swap in your community!

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