The importance of awareness allows your mind open and understand why you should

Move your body. Grow food. Smile at a stranger. Host freecycles and clothing swaps. Love nature. 

​Movement is power. The power of taking the very first step in life, in work, and in breath. It promotes circulation, greases up the joints, and releases stagnent energy.  Growing your own food. If you're on the go you, live in a dense urban setting, or just don' t have a green thumb, this one might not be possible. What can you do? Learn about the food you eat. Support local farmers by purchasing fresh veggies and fruits at farmers markets or the local farmer in the chain store. Food that is grown closer to where you live will have more nutrients. Smile at a stranger. There's a joke that Germans don't smile. (Here's a secret-- they do just maybe not as much as Americans.) A smile can change someone's day or even your own. Give it a try, unless you're feeling like a sad kitten, then cry. LET IT OUT. Host freecycles and clothing swaps. I have articles on this one and I will direct those of you who don't what these are to that article: Clothing & Art Swaps: What are they? How do they benefit you and the environment? - Smiles Yoga Wellness and Meditation For those who do... save yourself some money, give the clothing industry a scare, and Mother Earth a break.  Which floats right into Love nature. I can't say this one enough. We are part of nature. Our environment at its roots is born of wood from trees, walls made of stone, and plants that have been pulled and transported from their original homes (those that aren't crafted in a lab). Nature is within us and all around us. Take a moment to pause and breathe in the air, listen to birds and bugs, and be reminded to just be. It's all connected. If you choose to acknowledge this can ignite the magic of living but if not, it may just dim the light you seek. 

As the season slows and winter settles in, I find myself reflecting on the transitions that have shaped my path.
For nearly ten years, I was a full-time pet care provider—working around the clock, supporting staff, and caring deeply for animals. But somewhere along the way, I began to fall apart, mentally and physically.
In 2019–2020, I made a change. I stepped away from that life and onto a new path—one rooted in self-growth, awareness, and yoga. What started as a practice for teaching evolved into something much deeper: a process of unlearning and remembering.
Over the years, I’ve watched yoga trainings become more focused on producing teachers than cultivating personal transformation. So, I took a step back, burned a few bridges, and turned inward. I chose to study yoga at its roots—to learn from the East, from India, where it began—not to reject the West, but to walk a different road.
Today, my lessons often unfold outside the classroom—in quiet conversations, one-on-one connections, and the everyday moments of life. Whether I’m working my day job in communications, chatting with someone at a language meetup, or connecting on the road, yoga continues to guide me.
As we enter another winter, a few events still await: clothing swaps in Columbus, donation-based classes for Bottoms Up! Yoga, and upcoming wellness retreats in the South.
To those who’ve stayed in touch, deepened your own practice, or simply crossed paths with me—thank you. Before I enter a season of deep rest and study in January, I hope to see many of you soon.
This next chapter will be one of growth, exploration, and sharing knowledge in new spaces. Let’s stay connected. 🌙

​Event Details: Global Gallery Coffee, Sunday, Nov 9th from 12pm - 2pm

FREE! This event brings the community together to support local business while promoting sustainability by keeping clothes, shoes, and textiles out of landfills.

Clothing swaps offer a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe and reduce the impact of an already overproduced industry.

What is a clothing swap? A clothing swap is a community event where participants exchange gently worn items for fresh new styles. Guests bring clean, quality garments and browse others’ contributions—creating a free, eco-friendly shopping experience. By participating, you help refresh wardrobes, cut down on textile and packaging waste, and extend the life of clothing pieces that deserve a second story.

What to bring? This event will be late autumn/winter themed (coats, sweaters, long sleeved shirts, leggings, boots, closed toe shoes, scarves, knitted hats, jeans, and pants) items but other styles are welcome (t-shirts, button ups, dresses, stockings).

Is it mandatory to donate to participate? No, but it helps to bring items to swap so we can support varying bodies. 😊

Pre-registration is not mandatory but it gives us an idea of how many people to expect. Please invite your friends and neighbors!

Contact: Carmita Smiles https://www.instagram.com/carmitasmiles

🌍✨ Yoga Mission Trips: Travel with Purpose ✨🌍

​Looking for a travel experience that goes beyond the typical getaway?

​Step off the typical retreat path and into an adventure of service, connection, and growth. Volunteer, practice yoga, and experience Seva in action—healing hearts, including your own, along the way.

Yoga Mission Trips are designed for those who want to step outside their comfort zone, explore the world, and travel with a compassion mindset. These journeys combine meaningful service, community connection, and personal growth with yoga, self-care, and mindful reflection.

As someone once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” On these trips, your heart heals while making a difference—not just for yourself, but for the people, animals, and communities you touch.

Whether volunteering at an animal rescue, sharing a meal, or learning a skill to give back, every experience puts Seva into action. Some trips will be free, others may have a cost, and scholarships will be available as sponsorships grow.

✨ Travel with purpose. Practice yoga. Serve with heart. Join a Yoga Mission Trip and discover how giving can transform both the world and yourself.

Trips and experiences can be found HERE and through my Eventbrite page. Don't see anything? That means there's something in the works! So, make sure to stay connected online via Instagram and Facebook for more information. 

💛 Travel. Serve. Reflect. Transform. 💛

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

​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!