Written by Amanda Dzengeleski
Heart of Wonder: Our third semi-annual Art & Yoga Retreat celebrates the beauty of the ordinary at the NC Botanical Garden. Through mindful movement and creative art journaling, you'll see the world through an awe-filled lens. Experience the joy of profound connection, the inspiration hidden in a blank journal, and the heart-felt wonder in every breath. Click here for more information.
Dogwood Studio is committed to learning and growing. Our Lunchtime Learning sessions provide a container to explore your inner wisdom. June is dedicated to exploring the profound impact of wonder on our well-being, mental health, and connection with the world around us.
June 5th: Plant Walk with Ainslee
June 12th: Wonder and the benefits to the Mind, Body, Emotions with Sam
June 19th: Finding Moments of Awe with Aviva
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June 26th: The Infinite Wonder of the Universe with Amanda
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In a world that's constantly evolving, the concept of lifelong learning has become increasingly relevant. Beyond acquiring new skills and knowledge, continued learning directly impacts our health and wellbeing.
Engaging in a regular yoga practice invites us to embark on an inward journey creating an environment conducive to lifelong learning. Through mindful movement and self-inquiry, we develop a deeper understanding of how our thoughts (mind), emotions (heart), and physiology (body) are interconnected. This heightened awareness helps us tune into our authentic selves, recognizing patterns, behaviors, and feelings that might otherwise go unnoticed. The meditative aspects of yoga encourage introspection and self-reflection. Regular practice offers a space for us to reflect on our inner world, identify personal values, beliefs, and desires, and align our actions with our truth. This process of self-discovery is ongoing, fostering a lifelong curiosity about our own nature and experiences.
Over time, we learn to observe our emotions without judgment, which allows us to cultivate a better understanding of our emotional responses and strengthen our emotional resilience. This emotional insight is crucial for personal growth and helps maintain balance and fluidity between mental states. Applying this knowledge in our day to day is powerful in our responses and reactions to others and the world around us.
Oftentimes, we find a supportive community through classes and workshops. This sense of belonging and shared purpose fosters a collaborative learning environment where we can exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Social connections are vital for our wellbeing and can enhance cognitive function through shared learning experiences.
Each practice is an opportunity to explore something new. Allow this openness to new experiences to extend beyond the mat and seek knowledge and growth in other areas of life. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, read books, and engage in discussions that stimulate your mind and shake up your perspective. But strive for a balanced approach to learning and personal growth. Just as yoga balances physical effort with ease - balance periods of learning with moments of rest and reflection to prevent burnout and maintain wellbeing.
Reach out to us with your questions at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help.
Amanda Dzengeleski is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) and yoga therapist in training. She first discovered yoga as a form of mind-body medicine that cultivated a deeper state of self-awareness and personal growth. Using a functional and trauma-informed approach, Amanda empowers her students to move freely and intentionally in celebration of body, mind, and heart.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
