I recently watched the movie 'The Wiz' with my daughter. She had already seen and enjoyed the Wizard of Oz, so I thought this would be a fun alternative for the both of us. It had been so long since I had seen this movie that it felt utterly new. I was completely awed by the philosophical exploration, the spiritual undertones, and the profound messages. Oh yeah, and all the great singing and dancing!

Filmed nearly 30 years ago, The Wiz featured very young Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne. My 5 year old daughter was uncomfortable with the intensity of it, but I was completely absorbed. I don't remember having this reaction to the original - perhaps an indication of my greater synergy with NYC than with Kansas.

The story is so well-known, how could I have had this novel experience? Well, it came at a time when I had been pondering the ideas of living my true nature and being at home in this world. It was clear as daylight that we all have moments of feeling not smart enough, not brave enough, not loving enough and utterly lost. Sometimes those last an entire lifetime. We carry each of the characters - our inner Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and lost little Dorothy - along with us on our journey like trusted companions.

Clinging to our perceived faults, we all look for the magical force that will heal our ills and deficits. The understanding that it does not exist, that there is no great Wizard (and anyone who claims to be is a big phony!), can be initially devastating, and ultimately liberating. All we can do is ask that life sends us enough opportunities to be able to access our inherent powers. Since it turns out that those wonderful gifts often take the form of challenge, struggle and failure, we can also ask that we recognize them and use them wisely.

It is easy to see the difficulties in life as punishment. The blessings come when we embrace our challenges fully, as we embraced learning how to walk. Our most effective teachers are often not the ones who love us the most, but the ones who test us the most. Our most memorable experiences come from moving through a challenge (not around it!) regardless of the outcome. The greatest rewards come from understanding that these lessons are actually in recognition of our greatness, not a display of our lacking.

I truly believe we are created with everything we could possibly need. Some of it is made obvious, but most of it is hidden beneath some great lesson. How would you live your life if you knew that there was no ability to which you did not have access? Would you take more risks? Would you have more fun? Would you tell your companions on the journey that they already have all the courage, intelligence, and heart they ever needed? Would you never waiver in your knowledge that you can be home anytime you want?

Ease on down the road...

Yoga for Life - Fall

We're off and running! It's time to get back in gear and create a regular practice to sustain you into the challenging winter season. Join the Yoga for Life Community Event by committing to a specific number of classes during the month of October. Get the support you need to meet your goal through weekly tele-classes with Pascale and ride the wave of energy created by the group intention.

Need another incentive? Receive $1 off your next class card for every class you complete!

Sign up at the front desk, and pick up the details for all events and activities.

Group Wellness Counseling Programs starting soon!

Interested in getting a tune-up on your eating habits, stress-relieving tools, and emotional outlook? Join Pascale, certified Holistic Health Counselor, for a 6- week program designed to help you:

• increase your energy
• reduce your cravings
• reduce the toll of stress on your health
• change your outlook from blah to bliss!

Fall into Wellness
Seminar Series

Interested in learning how to make this fall and winter your healthiest, most productive and most peaceful? Join Pascale, certified Holistic Health Counselor, for this series of informative and transformative workshops.

Pick the topic of most interest, or attend all 3 for the broadest experience. I hope to see you there!

The Sweet Truth - Sugar and You
October 28th

Humans Don't Hibernate
Staying Healthy Through the Winter
November 11th

Eating for Health
A Step-by-Step Guide to making each bite count
November 18th

All at the Somerset location
Sundays 6:30pm
$15 each, or the series for $40

Spiritual Roundtable

Have you been pondering the role of sprituality in your life? Interested in an open, informative conversation with your community?

Join us for this special series where we explore our positions as spiritual beings in a material world. Topics we will explore include:

* Reconciling religion and spirituality
* The spiritual path of householders
* Common threads among varied traditions
In addition to the mediated discussion, we will also watch and review films, share important writings and enjoy the wisdom of guest speakers.

Let's learn and grow together.

First Sunday of the month, starting November 4th
6:30pm
Somerset location

Participation is offered at no charge in gratitude to the CenterSpace community.

We have a few good Work-Study positions available during the week and on the weekends. What is work- study? We offer a variety of options including administrative, maintenance and inventory, in exchange for free yoga classes. Interested? Please contact Pascale at work@centerspacestudios.com.