The stories we tell ourselves...

Hi ,

I’m not the best storyteller, but I adore hearing stories and can picture myself being great at it.

If you’re like me, negative self-talk often stops me from sharing the stories I want to tell.

Because of this, I’m focusing on improving my storytelling this month, especially when it inspires and motivates me.

While planning my yoga class this week, I stumbled upon Astavakra. Astavakra was an Indian sage whose name means “eight bends,” and he got this name because his body was crooked.

When Astavakra walked into the royal court at age 12, everyone laughed at his body.

But Astavakra didn’t shrink or hide; he laughed even louder.

When the king asked Astavakra why he laughed, he replied, “I thought I was entering a room of wise people. Instead, I found a room of ‘shoemakers’ who only judge the quality of leather (the skin) rather than seeing the soul.”

Astavakra became a revered spiritual teacher.

True value, wisdom, and purpose don’t disappear when the body changes or physical abilities decline.

In our gentle chair yoga classes this week, we’ll explore how we can be more like Astavakra—laughing at life instead of shrinking or hiding.

Practice leaning into your wisdom and purpose.

This week there are two times you can practice with me:

1. Monday, June 29 from 9:00 am to 9:50 am EST via Zoom

Props needed:

• 1-2 blocks,

• a strap, or hand towel.

I will be online by 8:50 am and class starts at 9:00 am.

Drop-in fee is $20 per class. Monthly subscription is $50. All classes include access to the recording.

• Here is a registration link to pay: https://tidycal.com/sandymenzies/mat-and-chair-yoga

• If you prepaid or pay via subscription, please use this zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81612397417?pwd=bmtrSjVPdmdNUUhoN0FWU0FDZnlYQT09

2. Thursday, July 2nd from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm EST via Insight Timer.

This class will be on Insight Timer. It is a free class and donations are appreciated.

Register and join at: https://insig.ht/4xJAUZZIl4b

Note: A free Insight Timer account is required to take this class.

Insight Timer

Guess what? I’m now on Insight Timer! It’s a meditation platform that’s grown to include live and recorded yoga classes. To get started, you’ll need a free account, but there’s also a premium membership that opens up even more possibilities.

I’ve got my first two meditations ready for you!

Yoga Nidra - Honor the Mother Within is a 12-minute Yoga Nidra. It’s a meditation that guides you through all five levels of awareness, sometimes called ‘yoga sleep.’ Many people use it to help them wind down for sleep, while others enjoy it as a regular practice. By the way, I’m using a Tibetan sound bowl in this session.

20-Minute Presence Walk is a 20-minute mindful meditation walk where I’ll be there to support you as you walk with presence.

Also, this Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 12-12:45 pm EST, I’m hosting a live gentle, chair yoga class. We’ll explore the stories you tell yourself as you age. I’d love for you to join me!

All these sessions are free, and donations are greatly appreciated. Please follow me and leave a review. I’m open to everyone!

In addition to Insight Timer, I also offer: Here is my bookings page.

• Career and transition coaching — Personalized support for career pivots, retirement planning, leadership shifts, and other major life changes. I combine proven coaching methods with mindfulness to help you make choices that fit your values and strengths.

• Yoga and mindfulness classes — Gentle, practical practices to reduce stress, build resilience, and bring clarity to decision-making.

• Massage therapy — Hands-on massage therapy sessions from a table, Thai mat, or chair to release tension, restore balance, and support overall well-being during times of change. [Note: Licensed in Maryland and Pennsylvania** this is new.]

Hosting a retreat or an event at your school, work, or with friends and want to bring in deeper spiritual, physical, or mindful awareness - reach out and let's discuss how I can support you.

Ways to reconnect:

• Book a free 30-minute discovery call — let’s talk about where you are and what would help most.

• Schedule a session directly — coaching, yoga class, or massage via my scheduling page.

• Follow my updates — I share ideas and resources about transitions, wellbeing, and telling your story your way on my website and LinkedIn.

Other places you will find me:

Opus Yoga, (https://www.opusyogastudio.com/):

• Thai massage sessions, 3:00 pm slots are available on July 26 and August 16, 2026, Register: https://www.opusyogastudio.com/appointments

• Flop and Drop Restorative Yoga Pop-up Class, Friday, July 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm, Register, https://www.opusyogastudio.com/schedule

If you know someone who could use a gentle, practical guide through a transition, please feel free to forward this newsletter.

Live your best life — tell your story your way. I look forward to our paths crossing.

With great respect,

Sandy Menzies

[email protected]