Monthly Memo
Dearest Reader,
Hello December
December is not just another month. It is the closing of a chapter and the opening of a new one. It carries lessons of letting go, of realigning, and of preparing your soul for what’s ahead.
~ Detachment reminds you to release what disturbs your peace.
~ Discipline teaches you to build the life you want, not the life you settle for.
~ Direction keeps your energy pointed towards your purpose.
~ Devotion anchors you in growth instead of excuses.
~ Divine Patience reminds you that everything unfolds at its perfect time.
This month is not about running after life or forcing anything to happen. It is about aligning your heart with what is meant for you.
It is about removing distractions, healing old wounds, and stepping into the version of yourself you have been growing into all year.
December asks you to slow down, reflect, and realign.
Close the old doors gently and allow the new ones to open naturally.
Do not chase life—flow with it.
Go little by Donna Ashworth
When everything feels too big, go little,
Wrap yourself with grace and space,
nibble your to-do's, just one tiny bite at a time.
You can't out run overwhelm, my friend,
but you can stay so still that it passes you by.
If you want to get more done, do less.
Stress dissipates in the face of guilt-free, intentional rest.
Spiritual Literacy Month in December challenges us to read at least one book on spirituality. This December, we can broaden our minds or deepen our faith by reading a book (or 5) about spirituality, faith, or religion. It's important to remember that you can be spiritual without being religious.
December symbolizes the end of the year, completion, and the transition into winter. It is strongly associated with holiday celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and themes of reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Spiritually, it represents rest, stillness, and inward focus during the longest nights, coinciding with the winter solstice.
May Hanukkah on December 14th, Winter Solstice on December 21st, Christmas and Kwanzaa on December 25th bring you peace and many blessings!
The Cold Moon's Last Gleam
The year's last Full Moon, a Cold Moon's bright stare,
A final, bright jewel in the winter air.
On December fourth, it shines, a potent sight,
A time for reflection in the long, cold night.
It watches the old year, the joys and the tears,
The dreams that have faded, the hopes and the fears.
A time to look back, before we turn our face,
To the quiet darkness, that holds a new space.
Then on the nineteenth, the New Moon's embrace,
Will hide all the light, leaving not a trace.
A time of new beginnings, a silent, blank page,
To start once again, from the very first stage.
Dear December…
Come on in, with your brilliant shining light.
May your magic manifest in joy and warm these winter nights.
December, please be kind to those who find your lights too bright.
Let them see that hope lives in every precious invite.
And for gifts, give them memories, old and new.
And show them, gently, what to do, with all that love.
By Donna Ashworth
Warmest Wellness Wishes,
Petra
P.S. Check out the December Savings on the Packages & Programs page.
Wellness Classes & Events in December
Reiki 1 Certification Class - Saturday 12/13 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Learn the essence of Reiki. You leave class with a certificate, and notebook, fully trained to do Reiki on yourself, others, plants and animals.
In this Level 1 training—designed for beginners to experienced practitioners—expand your healing abilities as you explore how Reiki can reduce stress, relieve pain, balance emotions, and facilitate personal healing and spiritual growth. Regular $300. December Savings $250.
In Level 1:
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Explore the history and applications of Reiki
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Receive attunements to empower yourself as a conduit for channeling life-force energy
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Practice Reiki on yourself and others.
Yoga
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You are welcome 15 minutes before class; to get settled in and have a quite meditation space.
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Sign-up is required, as space is limited: PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com
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All equipment provided
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$20 per class
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Check in on Snow Storm days (classes canceled in Studio, but maybe offered on Zoom).
- These classes are at Petra's Wellness Studio and through Zoom, contact Petra for Zoom link.
Tuesday Yoga - Restorative
December - 12/2, 12/9 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Deep relaxation healing practice. To assist the body in releasing tension by using the support of props. To be completely comfortable fully relax into a yoga pose for several minutes to restore balance and harmony.
Wednesday Yoga - Chair
December - 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Chair Yoga is a modified form of Yoga where traditional Yoga poses are practiced while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. It is an accessible and gentle way for people of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of Yoga, including increased flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation.
Thursday Yoga - Kripalu
December - 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM
The class begins with a centering meditation practice, (breathing) pranayama exercises and gentle stretches followed by (movement/poses) asana practice (on the mat and standing) and ending with final relaxation.
Reiki Share
DECEMBER ~ Sunday, 21st from 2:00 - 4:00 PM (Winter Solstice)
Reconnect. Recharge. Realign your energy in community.
Join us for a Reiki Share at Petra's Wellness Studio, co-hosting with Kelly McDermott-Burns of Heart Song Reiki. Together, we will co-create a healing space where everyone both gives and receives Reiki, recharging your spirit and strengthening your flow. A nurturing space for practitioners to exchange energy, deepen connection, and receive support from fellow healers.
This circle is open to Reiki practitioners of all levels. It is a group healing session as we take turns in receiving Reiki and giving others Reiki. It is perfect for those who work in the healing space who often find themselves with little time to practice their own spiritual health. The event encourages community and connection in an equal exchange of energy.
Come as you are. Bring your presence, your hands, and your heart. Themes, tea, gentle music and equipment included. Feel free to bring your favorite things to share, or any donations of cash will be given to the Rutland County Humane Society and donations of can goods accepted for the Food Shelf.
Winter Solstice Event
Sunday 12/21 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Join one or stay for the day and celebrate the season.
Please register at PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com
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10:00 Yoga - 90 minutes of gentle movement, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra - $30
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12:00 Tea Party - celebrating the season with tea and light refreshments
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2:00 Reiki Share - open to Reiki Practitioners of all levels
The Winter Solstice is a time to embrace the darkness and find the light within.
As the Sun stands still, so too shall we pause and reflect on the year gone by.
In the depths of Winter, we discover the invincible Summer within our souls.
The longest night is a reminder that even in darkness, hope is never lost. Unknown
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Book: The Yamas & Niyamas, by Deborah Adele ~ https://deborahadele.com/
Book: Shift Happens! By Robert Holden, Ph.D. on: https://www.discover.hayhouse.com/unlimitedaudioapp/
Book: One Word That Will Change Your Life, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, Jimmy Page
https://jongordon.com/book/one-word/
Book: Breath ~ The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book
Book: The Vital Spark by Lisa Marchiano LCSW
Books by Doug Tallamy - Nature's Best Hope and Bringing Nature Home
https://nationaltoday.com/national-vermont-day/
https://www.vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/onlinemarket
~ I am happy to report that I completed the 5 mile swimming in May. To help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Thank you, I appreciate all the well wishes and it was awesome to raise $300.
~ Rutland BEST of 2025 for Massage Therapist. Thank you for all who voted.
Wellness Appointments
Sessions are scheduled by appointment only.
December: open daily 12/1 through 12/21. Closed 12/22 through 1/4/26.
PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com or (802)345-5244
Petra's Wellness Studio is located at The Dana Center, 41 East Center Street, Rutland, Vermont.
Petra O’Neill, Petra‘s Wellness Studio's sole practitioner has provided holistic integrated therapeutic wellness in Vermont since 1996.