Hello!
Dear Stafford Street hot yoga community, Some of you may know me by now as the blonde curly haired frenchy travelling teacher from Quebec. I have been migrating to and from your studio for the last few years now. Firstly I would like to thank all of you for welcoming me with such kind positivity. They are not kidding when they call ya'll friendly Manitobans! So thank you! For accepting me as a teacher, for inviting me into your homes, for laughing with me, for trying with me and for regularly flooding that room and my heart with a unquenchable warmth that mocks your frigid climate. I would gladly stay here forever!

Something you may not know about me (but likely can relate to) is the reason I am constantly being pulled away from your enthusiastic smiles and gregarious attitudes. I have a brother. His name is Dominic. My brother has been battling lymphatic cancer for the last 12 years. He's been swinging between "could be health" and "cancerous growths" for his entire adult life. I have acted as his primary caregiver for the totally of this time and have witnessed his brave soul survive through de-humanizing medical experiences and soul crushing realizations. Struggling with the idea of health and freedom and mortality.

And though when you ask me to stay here in this grand city of Polar frigidity and sweltering summer heat! A little part of me knows that I am not yet free to commit to staying so far for so long. (Though I'll always come back to you fine folk!)

Last winter my brother had a bone marrow transplant. It was a grueling experience but we hoped it would be for the best to give him one last serious chance of pulling through this experience and living a healthy life. Then during my time here, this time around we got results from his last pet scan. And it lit up like a Christmas tree. Signalling his seventh round in the ring. Things are not looking so good for my tortured family. I know that his case is likely not so different from many experiences you all likely have with some loved person in your lives. For whom do we know that isn't touched by this devastating disease. I would like to thank you again for filling me with hope, hope for a better life and hope for a healthier people. As I see you come in and struggle in that torture chamber to build stronger healthier bodyies and lives full of vitality you inspire me to believe. To believe that there is hope for us regular common people to live longer, happier lives.

I would like to somehow extend this inspiration and hope to my brother. This coming Tuesday the tenth of December will be my last class teaching at Stafford Street Hot yoga. I will host a fun bi-lingual holiday class! A Karma class. I would like to invite you all to come participate. To dedicate a class to sending healing thoughts and energies to all those people dear to us who are being plagued by disease or depression. Let's do a real Karma class with the intention of helping our communities and our humanity blossom into richness! It will be a class by donation and any proceeds will go to help get my brother to Amanda's amazing healing retreat in Coaxal Mexico for his birthday in February. He has never traveled but always since we were children dreamed of seeing a rain forest. I'm talking with his doctors who are encouraging me to help him find some comfort and solace through these dark times. So whether you come with a smile, an intention or a few loose dollars in your pockets all and every contribution will be valued and cherished.

Love and Light!

Miranda