On & Off The Mat – A Yoga Blog

Back by popular demand! As many of you know, I take the opportunity during the 2-week holiday break from regular classes to offer some fun, informative drop-in classes that you don’t see during the rest of the year. Pre-registration is required–sign up early as classes will likely sell out. Sorry, these classes may not be used as make-ups.

Saturday, December 29, 8:30-9:45am
Ask The Teacher!: Asana Workshop

“What’s the difference between Cobra, Sphinx and Upward Dog?” “What do you mean by ‘zip up your abdominals’?” “Am I doing ___ right?'” Here’s your opportunity to ask questions, get your alignment checked, and ‘workshop’ some of the asanas that we commonly see in our practice but don’t always have time to break down in class. If you’re wondering if you really need this class, I’m here to tell you, you do! Bring your requests!

Saturday, January 5, 8:30-9:45am *SOLD OUT! ASK TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST!*
Dump the Slump: Shoulders, Neck & Upper Back Clinic 

Do you have tight, tense shoulders or back pain? Do you slouch? Do you sit at a desk or in front of a screen for a good part of your day? Has your yoga teacher recommended this class to you? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, reserve your spot ASAP! We’ll stretch tight muscles in the front of the body, ‘wake up’ weak muscles in the back, work on softening tense shoulders, focus on improving posture, and alleviate common shoulder, neck & back problems.

**Click HERE to register.**

$20 each. Sorry, no refunds.

Only 7 spots available per class; reserve yours soon!

Looking for the perfect gift for you, a friend or a loved one who loves YOGA this holiday season? You can choose a $20 e-gift card for a drop-in class, $90 to book a private session with me, $50, $100, or any custom amount you choose.

Send a gift instantly! Order HERE.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

5:30-7:30pm 

**SOLD OUT! CONTACT INFO@CHRISTYDEBURTON.COM

TO BE PUT ON WAITLIST.** 

In this fun 2-hour vegan happy hour class you’ll discover how easy it is to add more plant-based options to your menus. Sample several healthy, delicious vegan recipes, ask questions, get answers, and separate vegan facts from fiction. Beer, wine & non-alcoholic beverages included!

$45 early reg by 11/7; $55 after.

6 student limit; register soon!

Pay in person at the studio or click HERE* to register.

Your Hosts: Yoga Room owner Christy DeBurton has a passion for healthy living. She has been a vegetarian for over 20 years and 99% vegan for the past two. Bill Mayer has been a vegetarian for over 25 years and mostly vegan for the past two. A U-M alum, Bill also holds a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in NY.

(*Please note: There is a small $2 service fee to pay online with a credit card.)

BY MADISYN TAYLOR

When dealing with people who seem very unaware, remember that everyone must find their own way to awakening.

You may be someone who understands the true nature of reality, perceiving deeply that we all emanate from the same source, that we are all essentially one, and that we are here on earth to love one another. To understand this is to be awakened to the true nature of the self, and it is a blessing. Nevertheless, people who just don’t get it are seemingly everywhere and, often, in positions of power. It can be frustrating and painful to watch them behave unconsciously. We all encounter individuals of this bent in our families, at work, and in all areas of public life. It is easy to find ourselves feeling intolerant of these people, wishing we could be free of them even though we know that separation from them is an illusion.

It helps sometimes to think of us all as different parts of one psyche. Just as within our own hearts and minds we have dark places that need healing, the heart and mind of the world has its dark places. The health of the whole organism depends upon the relative health of the individuals within it. We increase harmony when we hold onto the light, not allowing it to be darkened by judgment, anger, and fear about those who behave unconsciously. It’s easier to accomplish this if we don’t focus on the negative qualities of individuals and instead focus on how increasing our own light will increase the light of the overall picture.

When dealing with people who seem very unconscious, it helps to remember that everyone must find their own way to awakening and that the experiences they are having are an essential part of their process. Holding them in the light of our own energy may be the best way to awaken theirs. At the same time, we are inspired by their example to look within and shed light on our own unconscious places, sacrificing the urge to judge and surrendering instead to humble self-inquiry.

BY MADISYN TAYLOR
In order to forgive, we need to stop identifying ourselves with the suffering that was caused to us.

When someone has hurt us, consciously or unconsciously, one of the most difficult things we have to face in resolving the situation is the act of forgiveness. Sometimes it feels like it’s easier not to forgive and that the answer is to simply cut the person in question out of our lives. In some cases, ending the relationship may be the right thing to do, but even in that case, we will only be free if we have truly forgiven. If we harbor bitterness in our hearts against anyone, we only hurt ourselves because we are the ones harboring the bitterness. Choosing to forgive is choosing to alleviate ourselves of that burden, choosing to be free of the past, and choosing not to perceive ourselves as victims.

One of the reasons that forgiveness can be so challenging is that we feel we are condoning the actions of the person who caused our suffering, but this is a misunderstanding of what is required. In order to forgive, we simply need to get to a place where we are ready to stop identifying ourselves with the suffering that was caused us. Forgiveness is something we do for ourselves, and our forgiveness of others is an extension of our readiness to let go of our own pain. Getting to this point begins with fully accepting what has happened. Through this acceptance, we allow ourselves to feel and process our emotions.

It can be helpful to articulate our feelings in writing over a period of days or even weeks. As we allow ourselves to say what we need to say and ask for what we need to heal, we will find that this changes each day. It may be confusing, but it is a sign of progress. At times we may feel as if we are slogging uphill through dense mud and thick trees, getting nowhere. If we keep going, however, we will reach a summit and see clearly that we are finally free of the past. From here, we recognize that suffering comes from suffering, and compassion for those who have hurt us naturally arises, enhancing our new perspective.