January 2026
Welcome Back, Everyone & Happy New Year!
It’s so nice to welcome everyone back to class as we step into 2026 together. A new year offers us a fresh beginning—an opportunity to move with intention, breathe with awareness, and continue building strength, balance, and ease both on and off the mat. May this year support you in feeling grounded, grateful, and gently inspired.
Class Updates The website has been updated with the full winter schedule. Zoom links will be sent out Monday and Tuesday this week, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
December Coffee Meet-Up – Thank You! A big thank you to everyone who joined us for coffee at Fortino’s at the end of December. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout—and yes, the caution tape truly did its job reserving our section! Always a lot of laughter and good conversation.
—such a great memory.
Looking Ahead – New Focus for 2026 Part of our 2026 program will include opportunities and gentle activities to help you explore your gratitude journey throughout the year—if you choose to take part (and I truly hope everyone does). You’ll hear more about this in class over the coming weeks.
As many of you know, each year I like to introduce something new to keep classes fresh and engaging. This year, I’ll be adding more components focused on lymph drainage in most—if not all—classes.
What to Bring to Class Please bring a tennis ball or pickleball—any small ball that fits comfortably in your hand and can be gently tossed. Please note: toning balls are too heavy for this purpose.
Next Coffee Meet-Up Friday, January 30, 2026 10:30 AM Location: To Be Determined More details coming soon!
Meat Pie Orders – Deadline This Week The church will be making meat pies again this month.
- Pickup:January 15, between 1:00–3:00 PM, or at your next yoga class
- I must place the order this week, so please email or text me by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 7if you’d like to order.
Thank you all for being part of this wonderful yoga community. I’m looking forward to sharing another year of movement, connection, and mindful moments with you.
Warmly, Darlene East End Yoga
December 2025
☕ One Last Coffee Meet-Up for 2025
- Date: Tuesday, December 30
- Time: 10:30 AM
- Location: Fortino’s – Eastgate Square
- The East End Yoga website will be updated this week.
- A $25.00 deposit saves your spot on the floor.
- Classes begin Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
- All remaining classes start the week of January 12, 2026.
- January 15, 2026
- Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Cost: $4.00 each
October 2025
🌿 East End Yoga – End of Fall Newsletter 🌿
With gratitude,
Darlene
East End YogaAugust 2025
🌿 East End Yoga – End of Summer Newsletter – August
✨ Summer Reflections
This summer has been filled with sunshine, movement, and community. From gentle outdoor practices to our indoor Wednesday morning stretch/weight yoga class and small group coffee meet-ups, each gathering has been a reminder of the joy yoga brings—on and off the mat. Thank you for showing up, sharing your energy, and keeping our community connected. This August, we explored partner poses in the park—and what an incredible stretch and deep opening they brought! Many students discovered new ease and depth in their practice. Here are just a few of the benefits: 🌿 Physical Benefits- Deeper Stretching & Alignment – Gentle support helps you access fuller stretches.
- Improved Balance & Stability – Builds core strength and steadiness.
- Increased Body Awareness – Feedback from a partner highlights alignment.
- Safe Exploration – Encourages confidence in challenging poses.
- Connection & Trust – Builds communication as you literally lean on each other.
- Stress Relief – Playfulness helps ease tension.
- Mindfulness & Presence – Greater awareness of movement and breath.
- Fun & Joy – Brings laughter and lightness to practice.
- Community Building – Strengthens bonds in classes and workshops.
- Supportive Practice – Encourages cooperation over competition.
☕ Coffee Break
Do you have a favorite coffee shop you’ve been keeping secret? I’m looking for 10–12 new or favorite spots to explore together this upcoming yoga season—send me your suggestions!🍂 Fall Classes Coming Soon
Our Fall 2025 Session begins the week of September 22 with classes designed to bring balance, strength, and ease as the seasons shift. A full schedule will be posted on the website soon—stay tuned! Draft Class Outline:- Tuesday evenings 6:30–7:30 PM (In person only)
- Wednesday mornings 9:00–10:00 AM – Stretch Yoga (In person & Zoom – back to regular time)
- Wednesday mornings 10:30–11:30 AM – Chair Yoga (not an easy class 😊) (In person & Zoom)
- Friday mornings 8:00 AM – Calm Practice (Zoom only)
🤝 Community Connections
In July, a small but mighty group gathered at Simply Italian Bakery for pizza, cheesecake, and laughter. In August, we welcomed new members at The Coffee Brick on Parkdale and enjoyed sampling Korean treats. These gatherings have been such a joy—more are planned for fall! Ongoing Community Support:- Birth Kit Assembly – Saturday, October 4, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM at Pioneer Memorial
- Donation Reminder – Please bring socks, women’s underwear, sports bras, etc. for delivery to women’s shelters in December. (Boxes will be packed end of November.)
🌸 Special Note
Yoga is more than postures—it’s about creating space for kindness, stillness, and balance. As fall gets busy, may you carry this spirit of presence into your days.📅 Save the Date
Fall session details will be emailed out soon—sign up early to reserve your spot! Feel free to share this newsletter with friends who may be interested.Wishing you a peaceful close to summer, and looking forward to seeing you on the mat this September. With gratitude, Darlene East End Yoga 🌐 www.eastendyoga.ca
