Blog

Meet Our New Member Deepa Joshi

Check out our newest member specializing in Sound Baths.

Visit Website

Echoes of Serenity is founded by Deepa Joshi,  who resides in a creative headspace, dedicated to fostering healing and well-being through the power of sound. Her transformative journey into sound healing began in Arizona, where she experienced the profound impact of a sound bath, awakening her to the potential of sound vibrations for personal growth and healing. This pivotal moment was further enriched during her visit to Dharamshala, the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where she solidified her vision of creating a healing space centered around sound.

Deepa is a certified sound healer who infuses authenticity and dedication into every aspect of her work. Her passion for sound healing is matched by her commitment to building genuine connections and transformative experiences for those she serves. Through Echoes of Serenity, she offers sound meditation sessions designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

In addition to Echoes of Serenity, Deepa is the founder of The Raaga Room, a talk show that brings to light the experiences and insights of celebrated classical musicians in the realm of Indian music. This platform not only celebrates the richness of Indian classical music but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of this art form among a broader audience.

Deepa’s creative ventures extend to the world of fashion with Threads of Sarwaa, a saree label dedicated to bringing subtle, classy curations of silks to the USA diaspora. Through Threads of Sarwaa, Deepa aims to connect people with the elegance and heritage of Indian textiles, offering curated collections that resonate with timeless beauty and sophistication.

She is a voracious reader, constantly seeking knowledge and ideas to integrate into her sound bath classes. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that her sessions are enriched with enlightening concepts, offering participants a unique and profound journey into the world of sound healing.

These diverse endeavors reflect Deepa’s love for meeting people, learning from their experiences, and building a strong, supportive community.

December 7th Holiday Meeting

It’s that time of the year when we all come together to share in our organization and the friendships it has brought to our lives.  See you at St Davids!

Looks like we have several people bringing cookies so I think we have enough.
Here is what is coming so far: Cookies and more cookies,Glutin Free Choc. Chip Meringues, Fruit,Apple Kale Brussels Salad, and if Jan comes Apple Chicken Salad. I will bring Lentil soup. Usha is bringing a dish. Humus and pita is also coming.

Fall Retreat 2024 @ Huron Retreat Center

We had a great retreat this year and the weather was much better than our 2023 retreat since we were in Sept. instead of Oct.  We enjoyed each others company and experienced excellent insights into Myofascial /Yin with our guest member speaker Kyla Remus.  Char did a Pilates/Yin yoga fusion class on Sunday.  We greatly missed Jan Chekirda, who has only missed 2 Retreats in 42 years. Ruth Bennet, another long time member always in attendance was also unable to attend. Kristi Warrington and her husband,  who have been coming for the last several years also had a conflict and were unable to attend.

That being said we enjoyed good food, friends and much yoga discussion.

Usha Shah and Valarie Byrd

Both Usha and Valarie had surgery this month. I’m sure they would appreciate a card or handwritten note to cheer them on to a great recovery.  You will find their  information in the Membership Directory.

Spring Yoga Day Success

We had a great time at this years Spring Yoga Day Event.  Thanks to teachers and  members formaking it happen!!

Holiday Party Dec 2nd at St Davids in Southfield

As promised here is the current listing of who’s bringing what to our gathering.

Patti N. Deviled Eggs

Sophia B Hummus & Pita Bread

Sharon H Gluten Free Meringue Cookies

Usha S Lentin Soup

Char V Cheese and crackers

Jennifer R. Tabouli

Doris S Upside-down pumpkin pie

Valerie Mixed Bean Salad

Ruth B Gala Apples to slice and chunky peanut butter

Audrey P Vegetarian stuffed grape leaves

Retreat 2023

Weather was brutal with Gail force winds and rain but that didn’t stop us from having a great time with our fellow yogi’s.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in our 2023 retreat.  Thank you, too, to the 2023 YAGD Retreat Committee:  Sharon Holcomb, Valerie Byrd, Jennie Kurth, Patti Nevin, Laura Lermon, and Jan Chekirda, for a wonderful retreat weekend. We were so sad that Sharon, our inimitable Retreat Chairperson, wasn’t able to attend, due to Covid.  But thanks to her amazing organizational skills, we were able to smoothly continue.  

I’d also like to thank everyone who led a class:  Patti Nevin, Jennie Kurth, Valerie Byrd, Charles Baber, Dan Roney, Ken Aubuchon, and to Laura Lerman, who provided massage services.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate – Friday and Saturday had lots of rain, strong winds, cold temperatures, and high waves – whitecaps as far as you could see out in the lake.  Sunday was better.  A few hardy members even walked the beach despite all that!  

Our retreat meals were very good, as always.  Saturday began with omelets made to order among other breakfast goodies.  Saturday’s soup and salad lunch ended with an ice cream bar.  Saturday dinner was a first – a pasta bar, again made to order for each member. Sunday breakfast  included eggs cooked per member request.  Speaking of meals, thank you to Patti Nevin for organizing our Cadillac House dinner on Friday and the Freighters meal on Sunday.

For YAGD members who have not yet attended the retreat, or for those who haven’t been there in years, please save September 27 – 29, 2024, which is when our next retreat is scheduled.  It’s always a wonderful weekend.  And there’s nothing better than sleeping next to a Great Lake – unless it’s doing yoga next to a Great Lake!

For your YAGD retreat committee (Jan Chekirda, Patti Nevin, Jennie Kurth, Valerie Byrd, Laura Lerman, and Sharon Holcomb), Jan