DECEMBER: THE GIFT OF SLOWING DOWN
- BYC
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
DECEMBER: THE GIFT OF SLOWING DOWN
We usually hear: "stop and smell the roses". In Michigan, that phrase feels spring/ summer-like; weather that is far from our reality. As we know, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. With ads coming in from every which way, trying to snatch up the best holiday deal, weekend plans with friends and family on the schedule - there is a lot of noise to sort through. Maybe a few "No's" need to be thrown into the mix,, just so we can take the time to step back, enjoy the simple things and give ourselves the gift of slowing down this holiday season. Check out some of our tips for slowing down!
10 ways to slow down during this holiday season:
1. Start Your Mornings With Three Deep Breaths
Before you look at your phone or your to-do list, pause. Put a hand on your heart, breathe deeply, and feel yourself arrive in your day.
2. Schedule “White Space” on Your Calendar
Block off time that has no purpose other than rest—an hour to stretch, read, walk, or simply be. Protect it the same way you’d protect any other commitment.
3. Swap One Event for One Moment of Stillness
Instead of saying “yes” to everything, choose one activity to let go of this year. Replace it with something soothing: a long bath, a candlelit yoga practice, or sipping tea in silence.
4. Create a Daily Mini-Ritual
Five quiet minutes with a journal, a short meditation, or lighting a favorite candle can ground your entire day.
5. Practice Presence During Holiday Tasks
Whether you’re wrapping gifts or cooking dinner, slow your pace by focusing on the sensory experience—textures, scents, sounds, and breath.
6. Move Your Body Gently
Amid the hustle, give yourself permission to soften. Take a restorative or slow-flow class, stretch for ten minutes before bed, or simply breathe into tight spaces.
7. Spend Time Outside
A calm winter walk can reset the mind and regulate your nervous system. Notice the sky, the air on your skin, the quiet of nature.
8. Set Boundaries With Love
You can honor traditions and still honor your energy. Practice saying “not this year” or “I need to leave early”—your well-being is worth protecting.
9. Limit the Noise
Choose moments of quiet by turning off notifications, lowering background music, or enjoying a screen-free evening. Let yourself hear your own thoughts.
10. End the Day With Gratitude
Before you go to sleep, reflect on one simple thing that brought you joy. This practice shifts the nervous system from overwhelm to ease.
DECEMBER NEWS!
Beginning December 1st, our class names will change! We know, we know we just did this. We were starting to see how our daily schedule looked a little crazy and we had A LOT of different names for classes that were begin taught the same. So, we have paired down and simplified the names to better represent what is happening in your favorite classes. Please rest assured, your classes and instructors will be remaining the same!! Thank you for your flexibility (literally) and patients. We hope you love the new names as much as we do! Explore our new class names and class descriptions below.
Love, BYC :)
🚨🚨LOVING 11 AM'S?!
NEW CLASS BEING ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE IN DECEMBER! BE SURE TO CHECK THE SCHEDULE AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN CLASS AHEAD OF TIME IN MINDBODY!🚨🚨
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
It's that time of the year again! We want to provide you a space to take a big breath in, a pause, release through movement or a moment of peace through the holiday season. Please make sure you are looking at the schedule and signing up ahead of time when you can to save your spot (and canceling if you cannot make it in) We will be having one Christmas Eve and New Year's Day morning. Check the schedule ahead of time to see if your usual class is being effected.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
POP-UP: LADIES NIGHT IN!
While downtown Brighton is hosting Ladies Night Out, BYC is having their own Ladies Night In. Join Catherine Walker and Leanne Molnar as they guide you in an afternoon of self care.
Come treat yourself and fill your cup with a special 75 minute yoga class that will begin in a guided meditation and reflection, a Slow Burn style yoga class and end with a sound bath and mini scalp massage provided by special guest, AVEDA. Tea will be served in the lobby after class.
Leave feeling rejuvenated, but also with time to join Ladies Night Out if you are feeling it!
December 4th @ 5:30PM
Included with membership. Drop in rates still apply.
WINTER BAZAAR: LOCAL ARTIST HOLIDAY SHOP
SHOP SMALL FIRST!
We have 10 different vendors supplying handmade items such as candles, decor, crochet, jewelry, tapestry and more! Sundazed Coffee will also be in the studio serving up delicious holiday sips while you shop. Mark your calendars and pop in! December 6th, 1:30-5:00PM
YINYASA & YOGA NIDRA
Relax. Release. Reconnect.
Join Catherine Walker for a deeply nourishing experience that blends the best of both worlds: gentle movement and grounded stillness. In this special class, you’ll begin with YinYasa — a slow, mindful flow where each movement leads into a longer-held yin pose. Expect to awaken the body gently, then settle deeply into rest and release.
✨ Flow through intentional asanas✨ Soften into grounding yin holds✨ Close with 20–30 minutes of blissful Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation to soothe your nervous system and restore inner calm.
This is your invitation to slow down, let go, and reconnect with your breath, body, and self.
All levels welcome.
Friday, December 19th @ 5:30-6:045 PM
$25 per person
POP-UP WINTER SOLSTICE: 108 SUN SALUTATIONS
Celebrating the winter solstice with 108 Sun Salutations as a beautiful and meaningful practice that honors the return of light. The winter solstice, marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and connection to nature’s cycles reminding us of the earth’s natural rhythms. As the sun begins to return, it symbolizes hope and the promise of longer days ahead. This transition can be a time to pause and appreciate the stillness of winter. Sharing this practice of 108 Sun Salutations can create a sense of unity and collective energy, reminding us that we’re all connected. As you flow we will take time to set intentions for the coming months. Consider what you want to cultivate as the light returns. Focus on gratitude, renewal, and embracing the warmth that will follow the cold as the days slowly grow longer.
Bring water, a yoga mat, and intention.
Led by Leanne Molnar
Sunday, December 21, 2025
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Included in monthly memberships. Usual drop in rates apply.
PRATYAHARA (BLINDFOLDED) YOGA
Pratyahara is a core yoga practice that involves withdrawing the senses and the world. It is the fifth of the eight stages of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. The word pratyahara translates to "withdrawal of the senses" or "gathering towards.
Join Emily Walter as she leads you in a practice that combines the fundamentals of traditional yoga with the unique sensory experience of wearing a blindfold. This variation of traditional yoga incorporates the use of a blindfold to heighten the senses and increase body awareness, adding an extra layer of sensory deprivation to challenge and deepen the practice that encourages practitioners to rely on their sense of touch, balance, and intuition.
By removing the sense of sight, all the other senses are enhanced and it compels practitioners to pay closer attention to their body’s alignment and movement. This ultimately leads to a more mindful and introspective practice as the external distractions fade away, allowing yogis to focus on their internal experience.
Some of the benefits of blindfold yoga include:
Improved balance and stability
Enhanced focus and concentration
Increased body awareness and proprioception.
Heightened intuition and trust in oneself
Reduced stress and anxiety
A more mindful and introspective practice
The class will be 1 hour and 15 min of Slow Burn + Yin. Class will be unheated, slower and more intentional movements will be taught.
Bring: A yoga mat and water bottle. Blindfolds will be supplied by the instructor.
Friday, January 9, 2026
5:30-6:45PM
Price: $20
YIN & MASSAGE
Join Brighton Yoga Center for a deeply restorative Yin Yoga & Massage workshop, co-led by experienced yoga instructors Kelly Lesko and certified massage therapist, Alissa Earl and Lauren Herman. This unique experience combines the slow, meditative practice of Yin Yoga with personalized massage and adjustments. As you relax into each posture, Alissa and Kelly will guide you through gentle stretches, offering hands-on support to release tension to enhance your relaxation. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, connect with their body, and find deep physical and mental release. No prior yoga experience is necessary—just bring an open mind and a desire to relax!
Friday, January 16, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Price: $40
PARTNER YOGA
Get ready to embark on a heart-centered adventure with our Valentine-Inspired Partner Yoga Date Night! Join Aneesa and her husband Nick for an evening filled with laughter, love, and a touch of zen as you and your partner explore playful yoga poses that celebrate connection and fun.
No yoga expertise required – just bring your enthusiasm and a partner. From heart-opening stretches to synchronized poses that'll have you both in stitches (of joy, of course), this workshop is the perfect way to deepen your connection, enhance flexibility, and share some fun moments with your favorite person.
Whether you're an experienced yogi or just getting started, come as you are and let the spirit of Valentine's Day infuse your practice with joy and togetherness.
Partner Yoga begins at 6:00-7:00 PM. Complimentary spirts & refreshments will be offered from 7:00-7:30 PM.
$55/ COUPLE
**NOTE: Booking a spot automatically reserves TWO spots for you and your partner! Only ONE payment of $55 is required!
If you have been thinking about coming in for class, this is your sign to get here! All new clients can experience their first class on us. After that, take advantage of the new member class pack: $50 for 5 classes, one month expiration after date of purchase. $10/ class, what a deal! You can sign up on the mindbody app or stop into the studio and we'll set you up!
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