November Newsletter
2025 Mt. Princeton Asana Retreat
Hello, everyone—
Last month I shared my recent hip arthritis diagnosis, and while I don’t have many concrete action steps yet (the medical and insurance maze is quite something), I’m happy to report that my pain is manageable. With some activity adjustments and a reliable anti-inflammatory medication, I’m feeling a better overall.
On a practical note, I’ve handed the Wednesday Level 3 class to Andrea Fotopoulis, which gives me a needed midweek break and helps me stay within moderate ranges of motion. Tiffany will continue leading Stretch & Strengthen on Wednesday mornings until her upcoming knee surgery—at which point we’ll adjust as needed.
Reflections and Evolving Directions
The annual Mt. Princeton Retreat was a great success—filled with learning, laughter, and many “ah-ha” moments. One big takeaway for me was how limitation can be a profound teacher of empathy, compassion, and love. In our closing circle, I shared how my inner child still believes that excellence earns love and belonging, while my adult self keeps relearning that true connection often blossoms through shared struggle and honest vulnerability. Next year’s intensive is scheduled for October 2–4, 2026 so save the date.
I know my osteoarthritis will likely lead to hip replacement surgeries at some point, but the when and how remain unclear. Financial realities and slow medical scheduling mean nothing will happen quickly, and that’s okay. I’m taking it one step at a time as best as I can.
Of course, I’ve been in deep reflection about the future direction of my teaching. I’ve begun an apprenticeship with a former mentor from my Holotropic Breathwork days and plan to create offerings that blend personal growth, somatic awareness, and psycho-education. For years, my workshops have been asana with a side of inner work. Currently, I sense a natural evolution toward inner work with a side of asana. My focus in asana continues to shift away from “advanced poses” and toward cultivating function, presence, and well-being.
Upcoming Offerings
Weekend Workshop with Darren Rhodes
Tucson, AZ; January 16–18, 2026
Darren and I will once again co-lead this weekend of asana and personal inquiry at Yoga Oasis, one of the most soulful communities I know. I’ve been guest teaching there since 2003 and co-teaching with Darren since 2007—it’s always a highlight of my year.
3-Day Asana Intensive with Gioconda Parker
Austin, TX; January 30-February 1, 2026
For me, hope isn’t dependent on the news cycle or fleeting emotions—it lives in the initiatory center of action. not to be confused with optimism or trite affirmations that “it will all work out,” hope is a seed of faith in possibility that insists small acts of love are never wasted. Join us for asana, conversation, writing, and shared reflection in a collegial, supportive environment.
3-day Yoga Intensive
Bellingham, WA; March 20-22, 2026
Through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and practice, we’ll connect key anatomical principles to the shapes and actions of yoga postures. Rather than abstract theory, this course emphasizes embodied understanding—learning anatomy from the inside out so you can feel the principles in your own body and apply them in teaching or personal practice
San Francisco, CA; April 30-May 3, 2026
I’m honored to join the faculty for this special event designed for teachers and dedicated students. I’ll be co-leading a Teacher’s Intensive with Noah Mazé, exploring both theory and practice. Expect a full weekend of inspiration, inquiry, and community.
Here We Are: Presence, Practice & Community
4-Day Asana Intensive
Bellingham, WA; May 28–31, 2026
This year I’m experimenting with a new format: leisurely mornings followed by an extended afternoon session that includes writing, sharing, and a full-spectrum asana class with a long savasana. We’ll finish early enough each day to enjoy Bellingham’s trails, shops, and local charm. If you’ve attended the past Bellingham intensives with me and Desirée, I hope you’ll consider joining this year. I promise you will have plenty of practice and plenty of life off the mat.
3-day Intensive with Mary Angelon Young
Care of the Soul: A Creative Contemplative Workshop
Bellingham, June 26–28, 2026.
Together we’ll explore what it means to care for the soul—through writing, reflection, movement, drawing, and deep listening. While yogic teachings remind us that the soul is eternal and untouched by circumstances, in day-to-day life our souls do need tending. As Ann Ulanov writes in Picturing God, “The soul’s life requires willingness rather than intelligence or undamaged psychological background to be developed; the willingness to pay attention to what happens to us and to learn from it.” She continues, “Unlike the body and psyche, the soul’s life can be renewed at any time; it makes its claim on us right up to the end of our lives.” Bellingham in summer is stunning—mild weather, long evenings, and vibrant energy. I suspect your soul will thank you for making the trip.
If you made it this far into my newsletter, thank you! And a special thanks to all of you who reached out with supportive words and gestures last month. I am grateful to be walking the road with you all. Let me know how its going for you out there in the wilds of your life.
With love,
Christina
