Studio Newsletter Monday 2 November 2026 Yesterday I was writing up a Community Notice Board post for my Geraldine Yoga class (Mondays 7pm, Primary School Hall), and I realised that there are only 7 Monday yoga classes left this year. Looking through the Nov/Dec pages in my dairy, there are a lot of entries. Classes, extra events, school camps & prize-givings, and don't forget to book that hair appointment... you know how it goes!

 

It's very easy to get overwhelmed at this time of the year. The intensity of focus towards one calendar day - 25th Dec - online, in shops, in our conversations generates pressure, a sense of urgency, a looming tiger, which causes the release of extra adrenaline & cortisol and can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.

 

All the practical tasks we have to do (and usually want to do) get caught up in that mind-scramble until we can end up collapsing on the couch, completely fried. Ekhart Tolle talks about practical 'clock' time versus psychological 'mind' time, and how projecting forwards into the future, where things are either better or (often) worse than Now is one of the key causes of human suffering.

 

While it can seem like 'just another thing to do', staying regular with your yoga, qigong, mindfulness practice can make a huge difference in your experience of the Christmas season. These practices encourage our systems back into parasympathetic response - rest/relax/digest - allowing us to reset, ground, and continue forward with more ease and focus. If you can't make a full class, try to carve out 5 mins morning and night to stand on the grass, focus on your breathing, consciously release physical bracing.

 

If you can make a class, our options for this week are below, and keep your eye out for our November day-by-day guide for easy reference. Most classes allow walk-ins. Remember to prioritise yourself... you've got this!

 

🌿WHAT'S ON at 144 Stafford St THIS WEEK?

●Monday 2nd

5.30pm: Yoga with Laura

7pm: Sound Immersion with Jezer (next door at The Portal)

 

●Tuesday 3rd

1.30pm: ACC Trauma-Informed Yoga (pre-booked) week 3

6pm: Hatha Yoga with Leigh

 

●Wednesday 4th

10am: Qigong with Leigh 6pm: ACC Trauma-Informed Yoga (pre-booked) week 3

 

●Thursday 5th

6pm: Functional Mobility with Lisa

 

●Friday 6th

10am:Hatha Yoga with Leigh

5.30pm: Yoga Wind Down with Lisa (pre-booked: 021 0899 1673)

 

●Saturday 7th

9am: Flow Yoga with Deanna

1.30pm/3pm: Trauma-Informed Yoga (pre-booked) week 6

5.30pm: New Moon Dance with Kerry-Ann

 

🌿SPECIAL CLASS THIS WEEK:

New Moon Dance with Kerry-Ann 5.30 - 6.30pm Saturday 7th $10 cash/eftpos/tap Move with the rhythm of the new moon! Focus inwards, release stress. Clear guidance from an experienced facilitator. No expectations, organic free movement.

 

🌿BIG THANK YOU

Thank you for all your kind words and wishes following my receiving the Zonta Syliva Fenton Woman in Business Award. I'm definitely feeling the love and support, and very much appreciate the recognition. I'm working with the team at The Breeze South Canterbury to offer something special later in the month to celebrate the award - more on this next week!

 

🎄CHRISTMAS CARDS

I have created a set of 3 beautiful Christmas cards to share with you at the studio, along with our other mindful gift options. The cards are 130mm square, nice thick, quality card with envelope, featuring calming pictures and quotes. Leigh Marsden Holistic Health Christmas cards are available now, $6.50 each or pack of 3 for $15. Free delivery in Timaru or pick up at the studio - please PM your orders. Thank you!

 

Wishing you all a great week ahead.

Namaste,

Leigh 🙏