Hi all, It brings me so much joy to connect with new people across the world, and this month we had members tune in from British Columbia and Oregon! If at all possible, I highly encourage live attendance to get a chance for human (albeit virtual) contact especially in these darker, colder winter months. Please check out the calendar for February below and mark your calendars --you'll also get a 24 hour email reminder before each class if you've allowed notifications from Skool. If you can't join live, the classroom library is growing! In addition to the yoga classes and webinars from January, I've added three more webinar recordings: The Science of Stress & How to Manage It Monotasking: How Single-Task Focus Boosts Productivity, Attention + Wellbeing Digital Detox: Building a Healthier Relationship with Technology As always, please reach out with any questions or feedback. Dedicated to your success, Erika

Daily self-massage (Abhyanga) is one of Ayurveda’s most grounding practices —nourishing the skin, calming the mind, and strengthening immunity. Why Abhyanga Works: * Calms Vata dosha → reduces anxiety, restlessness, and dryness * Improves circulation + lymphatic flow → boosts immunity and energy * Deeply nourishes tissues → supports glow, vitality, and resilience (ojas) * Enhances sleep → especially when done in the evening * Balances the nervous system → encourages parasympathetic “rest + restore” mode How to Do Abhyanga: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide 1. Warm your oil. Place your oil bottle in a mug of hot water for a few minutes —warm oil is more soothing + grounding. 2. Set the space. Dim lights, breathe deeply, slow down. This is a ritual of self-connection. 3. Start at the scalp. Use fingertips to massage in circular motions. Great for calming the mind + improving sleep. 4. Face + neck. Gentle upward strokes on the face; longer strokes down the neck. 5. Arms + legs. Use long, downward strokes on bones and circular strokes on joints. Move from extremities toward the heart. 6. Abdomen. Massage in clockwise circles to support digestion. 7. Feet last (but not least). Spend extra time here—foot massage grounds the entire nervous system. 8. Let the oil soak in. Rest 10–20 minutes in warmth and steam. Allow the oils to penetrate the tissues. 9. Warm shower. Rinse gently without soap on the arms and legs to leave a light layer of nourishment on the skin. Choosing Your Oil: Qualities + Dosha Benefits Use oils based on season, skin type, and what your body-mind needs. Sesame Oil — Warming, Heavy, Grounding - Best for Vata or cold seasons - Deeply calming for anxiety, dryness, and overthinking - Feels like a warm hug for the nervous system Coconut Oil — Cooling, Light, Soothing - Best for Pitta or hot climates - Reduces heat, inflammation, irritability - Great for sensitive skin Sunflower Oil — Neutral, Light, Balancing - Excellent tridoshic (good for all doshas) - Absorbs easily, won’t feel too heavy - A supportive everyday option