A Heartfelt Pause

Dear Studio 71 Yoga Family,

As I write this, my heart is filled with gratitude and reflection. It’s hard to believe another winter session has come to an end, and we are on the verge of a well-deserved break. I want to take this moment to connect with each of you, especially my cherished students, and share some news about the coming months.

For the past twelve years, I have dedicated my heart and soul to teaching yoga, guiding you on your journey toward balance, peace, and self-discovery. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness your growth, resilience, and the community we’ve built together at Studio 71 Yoga. Many of you have been with me since the very beginning in 2014, whether in class or as valued readers of my blog/newsletter, and for that, I am forever grateful.

After much soul-searching—and as you might already know—I’ve decided to take an extended spring and summer break this year. Classes will resume in fall 2026, after the long weekend. Updates will be shared with you once they are available.

This decision wasn’t made lightly, and I know I’ll miss seeing each of you over the next few months. However, self-care remains a cornerstone of our practice, and it’s time for me to fully embrace that lesson.

Pause, Breathe, Resume

During this break, I will focus on restoring—both physically and mentally. I hope to recharge my spirit, deepen my practice, and find new inspirations to share when I return to the mat.

I encourage you to use this time for your own self-care and reflection, giving yourself space to rest and rejuvenate. This break could also be a perfect chance to try new activities, take mindful walks, or simply relax.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Feel free to reach out and share anytime you like. I'll be in touch again before September.

Until then, I send my best wishes for a joyful, restorative, and nourishing spring and summer. And don't forget to enjoy some laughs and fun along the way!

With love,

Jeannine

Are You Living in Sync with Your Values?

A few years ago, I had a student who came to class every week with a gentle smile, but something in her posture felt… heavy. Not physically—emotionally. She was polite, friendly, and clearly caring, but there was a quiet tension in her shoulders that didn’t match her calm voice.

One day after class, she shared that she’d been living a life that looked “successful” on the outside, but felt strangely empty on the inside. She had a loving family, good friends, and plenty of time. Still, she kept wondering, “Is this really what I’m meant to be doing?”

That’s when I realized something important: fulfillment isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how aligned you are with what truly matters to you.

What Are Values, Really?

Values aren’t morals or rules. They’re not about being “good” or “right.” Values are the essence of who you are—the inner compass that guides your choices.

And here’s a small but powerful truth: money is not a value. But what money can support—like freedom, creativity, service, or time for rest—can be.

When we live in alignment with our values, life feels balanced. Decisions become clearer. Our actions feel authentic. And we move through the world with a quiet sense of ease.

To help you reflect on this, here’s a quick quiz you can take right now.

Values Alignment Quiz (True / False)

  1. I can clearly describe my values.

  2. My values are truly my own, not inherited from others.

  3. My life choices reflect my deepest values.

  4. My community and daily environment support my values.

  5. I regularly reflect on whether my actions match my values.

  6. I decline opportunities that conflict with what matters most.

  7. When conflict arises, I look for a solution that honours my values.

  8. Someone observing my life would see what I value.

  9. I use my values to guide decisions.

  10. Feeling upset often signals that my values are being compromised.

  11. I’m not easily swayed when others’ opinions conflict with my values.

  12. I’m willing to re-examine my values as I grow.

  13. I find creative ways to honour all of my values.

  14. My relationships and priorities align with my values.

  15. Living my values feels like success and fulfillment.

If you answered false more often than true, that’s okay. It simply means your inner compass may need a gentle recalibration.

A Mini Yoga Reflection (to Realign)

Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the natural rhythm of inhalation and exhalation—steady, simple, true. Now gently ask yourself:

“What matters most to me in this season of my life?”

Imagine your values as a steady flame in your heart. With each inhale, nourish that flame. With each exhale, release what no longer serves you.

Repeat silently:

“I am aligned with what matters.”
“My choices reflect my truth.”
“I return to my values with each breath.”

Stay here for 3–5 breaths, or longer if you wish.

When you’re ready, open your eyes and carry this clarity with you.

Closing Thought

Living in alignment with your values isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a practice. Just like yoga, it takes gentle attention, honest reflection, and patience. But when you begin to honour your values, you live life more fully… and more peacefully.

This gentle recalibration can make life feel more meaningful, balanced and true to who you are.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Adapted from Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

Welcoming Winter with Presence, Peace & Practice: Yoga Begins January 5th

As we step gently into a fresh new year, I hope the winter season is bringing moments of quiet, warmth, and connection. This time of year invites us inward—to rest, reflect, and return to practices that support steadiness and wellbeing. I’m grateful to continue sharing this journey with you.

Winter 2026 Yoga begins Monday, January 5th.

I’m excited to reconnect—both in my cozy home studio and in our virtual “squares” on Zoom. As you may have noticed, I’ve decided to significantly streamline my offerings this year since my life has become overly busy. Private classes are no longer available to new students, and I am no longer teaching the Sleep Recovery or the Yoga for Osteoporosis programs. My new, simplified schedule is as follows:

  • In-Person (at Studio 71 Yoga)
    Monday Evenings – Gentle Yoga

    • A grounding in-person yoga practice.

    • Reconnect as you begin your week with intention

    • This class is SOLD OUT.

  • Live Virtual Classes (on Zoom)
    Tuesday Mornings – iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation

    • Complimentary (free) guided iRest classes.

    • Experience deep rest, inner ease, and resilience.

    Tuesday Evenings – Gentle Yoga

    • A soothing class to unwind, soften, and restore balance.

    • We’ll also practice breathwork and meditation, and, on occasion, I’ll add a sprinkling of yoga philosophy.

    Wednesday Mornings – Invigorating Chair Yoga

    • A joyful midweek practice perfect for building strength, improving mobility, and uplifting your energy.

    • No yoga mat is required, but it’s helpful to have one.

    • If you see chair yoga as simply gentle or easy, meant only for frail or injured seniors, reconsider.

    • My method promotes a gentle approach that also challenges you.

    • We perform seated and standing poses with variations designed for all levels.

    Saturday Mornings – Energizing Vinyasa Yoga

    • A dynamic weekend practice designed to awaken the body and refresh the mind.

    • Some classes will be Ashtanga-inspired, so come prepared to go with the flow!

There is still time to register. Click here.

A Season for Renewal

Winter invites us to turn toward what matters most: rest, clarity, and intention. Whether you join in person or from the comfort of home, each class this session will focus on cultivating warmth from within—through breathwork, mindful movement, and the steadying presence of community.

Thank you for showing up for your practice, for yourself, and for this shared space. Your presence brings vitality to the teachings and warmth to this community.

If you have any questions about the upcoming session or would like guidance choosing the right classes for your schedule, I’m always happy to help.

Wishing you a peaceful start to 2026—may this season bring softness, strength, and a renewed sense of possibility.

With love, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Breathe, Move, Connect: Winter 2026 Offerings

As we move through the heart of the holiday season, it’s easy to feel the full range of human experience—from joy and celebration to overwhelm and fatigue. This time of year invites warmth and connection, but it can also stir up busyness, expectations, and emotional intensity.

As the new year approaches, your yoga practice matters now more than ever. Whether you’re seeking calm amidst the chaos, strength through the winter months, or simply the grounding of familiar movement and breath, yoga offers a space to return home to yourself.

Yoga and the holiday spirit are deeply connected: both invite presence, compassion, generosity, and deep listening. They remind us to slow down, soften, and honour what truly nourishes us.

With that in mind, I’m excited to share details about the 2026 Winter Yoga Session. Classes begin on Monday, January 5th!

Monday Evening In-Person Yoga

  • This class is SOLD OUT (waitlist only)

Live Online (Zoom) Yoga Classes

  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays

  • Choose from energizing morning sessions, gentle evening classes, or invigorating chair yoga.

  • Participate in live, interactive classes with real-time feedback—just like in person.

  • No commuting, no icy roads—practice comfortably from your home!

Complimentary Yoga Nidra Meditation (Free)

  • If you’re looking for a quieter way to begin your week, join me on Tuesday mornings for FREE guided iRest Yoga Nidra meditation classes.

  • These deeply restorative sessions are open to all and are a beautiful way to reconnect with inner stillness.

Click here for my Winter 2026 offerings.

Spaces are limited, so please sign up early!

Multi-Class Discount

  • If you plan to attend two or more sessions per week, you may be eligible for a wellness discount.

  • Email jeannine@studio71yoga.com for details before registering.

Registration Info

Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season

As this year comes to a close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for being part of our community, whether we’ve practiced together often or only occasionally, or whether you read my newsletters and blogs, your presence matters.

May this season bring moments of peace, unexpected joy, and heartfelt connection—and may your yoga practice support you through it all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and love-filled holiday and a beautiful start to 2026.

With love, joy, and gratitude,

Jeannine

Feeling the Winter Blues? Here’s How to Bring Back Your Light

Even though many of us are ending November without snow (a rare treat in Winnipeg!), the colder temperatures and shorter days still affect us. It’s common to feel the winter blues—lower energy, heaviness, boredom, or loneliness—as the light fades.

Rather than letting those feelings take the lead, winter can be a beautiful opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Here are five grounding and uplifting practices to help you feel steadier, cozier, and more joyful this season.

1. Embrace Hygge: Create Comfort at Home

The Danish concept of hygge reminds us to slow down and savour simple pleasures: warm blankets, soft lighting, a favourite tea, gentle music, or a comforting meal. Creating a cozy environment helps winter feel more supportive and less draining.

Hygge isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, warmth, and ease.

2. Keep Moving (Even If Motivation Is Low)

Movement is one of the best ways to lift your mood during the darker months. Yoga—whether practiced at home, online, or in a studio—energizes the body, reduces stress, and releases natural mood-boosting endorphins.

Practicing with like-minded yogis also creates connection, which is especially valuable in winter.

3. Connect with Nature—Yes, Even in November

Before winter arrives fully, the landscape has its own quiet beauty. Bundle up and step outside for a few minutes each day. Notice the bare branches, crisp air, and soft early-winter light.

A simple 10-minute walk in your neighbourhood can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and help regulate your breath.

4. Prioritize Soul-Nourishing Self-Care

Winter naturally invites us inward. Use this time to give yourself what you truly need. Try reading for pleasure, taking a warm bath, enjoying a soothing drink, journaling, knitting, baking, or watching something uplifting. Choose activities that restore your energy rather than drain it.

Remember: what you watch, read, think, and surround yourself with all influence your internal world.

5. Practice Gratitude and Meditation

This season lends itself beautifully to reflection. Try writing down three small things you’re grateful for each day.

Even a few minutes of meditation can help anchor the mind, ease anxiety, and reconnect you with inner steadiness. With this approach, winter becomes something you move with, not something you “get through.”

Reframing Winter

Winter doesn’t have to feel bleak. With intention, it can become a season of renewal, rest, and deep self-connection. By embracing coziness, movement, nature, self-care, and gratitude, you create your own inner warmth—no matter what the weather brings.

Stay warm, stay mindful, and keep practicing yoga. Surround yourself with positivity and remember: spring always comes.

Upcoming Yoga Opportunities

Yoga can help you stay grounded this winter and beat the winter blues.

Click here for my Winter 2026 yoga and meditation offerings.

With warmth, love, joy, and gratitude,

Jeannine

P.S. If your winter blues deepen into persistent sadness, sleep changes, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness, please reach out to a mental health professional. You’re not alone—support is available.