KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Nancy Rhoades, a certified yoga instructor at Lake Yoga in Lakeport, will guide attendees at this month's Companion Circle through a series of simple and gentle mindful yoga postures designed to help the body shift gears from a highly active summer pace.

The educational and social gathering is Monday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., at A Positive Light Center for Spiritual Awakening, located at 6470 Kelsey Creek Drive in Kelseyville. The event is open to the public and offered by donation.

"Autumn is a season of transformation," said Rhoades. "As leaves begin to fall and we celebrate harvest, our energy mirrors our surroundings. Fall is also a time of preparation for the coming winter. Yoga addresses autumn by helping us relate to the shifting and changing energy in our bodies, helping us remain grounded."

Rhoades holds a certification in Integrated yoga therapy, a master’s degree in behavioral science, and has taught yoga for the past seven years. She's studied mostly in the Iyengar tradition of yoga for the past eighteen years and currently studies with Carole McGeogch at Lake Yoga in Lakeport.

"I teach 'gentle yoga' with a focus on yoga for healthy aging, as inspired by Dr. Baxter Bell," noted Rhoades.

Companion Circles are monthly gatherings for those curious about or committed to a mindfulness practice.

The circles occur on the third Monday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at A Positive Light located at 6470 Kelsey Creek Drive, Kelseyville. The evening includes a guided mindfulness exercise, question and answer period, social mingling and a guest presenter.

Attendees are invited to wear comfortable clothing, bring a journal, and, optionally, a simple finger food to share. Tea and water are served.

There is a suggested donation of $10, though no one is turned away for lack of funds. A portion of proceeds from the monthly event is donated to Asian elephant rescue efforts working to free elephants in the entertainment field from harmful treatment.

For more information on the monthly gatherings visit www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com or call 707-350-1719.

For more information on Nancy Rhoades' teachings, visit www.lakeyoga.com. For more information on A Positive Light Center for Spiritual Awakening, visit www.APositiveLight.com or call 707-279-6031.