On & Off The Mat – A Yoga Blog

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.

BY MADISYN TAYLOR
The further you distance yourself from your expectations, the more exhilarating your life will become.

As we endeavor to find personal fulfillment and realize our individual ideals, we naturally form emotional attachments to those outcomes we hope will come to pass. These expectations can serve as a source of stability, allowing us to draft plans based on our visions of the future, but they can also limit our potential for happiness by blinding us to equally satisfying yet unexpected outcomes. Instead of taking pleasure in the surprising circumstances unfolding around us, we mourn for the anticipation left unfulfilled. When we think of letting go of our expectations, we may find ourselves at the mercy of a small inner voice that admonishes us to strive for specific goals, even if they continually elude us. However, the opposite of expectation is not pessimism. We can retain our optimism and free ourselves from the need to focus on specific probabilities by opening our hearts and minds to a wide variety of possible outcomes.

When we expect a situation, event, or confrontation to unfold in a certain way, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the surprises that have the potential to become profound blessings. Likewise, we may feel that we failed to meet our inner objectives because we were unable to bring about the desired results through our choices and actions. Consider, though, that we are all at the mercy of the universal flow, and our best intentions are often thwarted by fate. As you grow increasingly open to unforeseen outcomes, you will be more apt to look for and recognize the positive elements of your new circumstances. This receptivity to the unexpected can serve you well when you are called upon to compromise with others, your life plans seem to go awry, or the world moves forward in an unanticipated manner by granting you the flexibility to see the positive aspects of almost any outcome.

The further you distance yourself from your expectations, the more exhilarating your life will become. Though a situation in which you find yourself may not correspond to your initial wants, needs, or goals, ask yourself how you can make the most of it and then do your best to adapt. Your life’s journey will likely take many unpredicted and astonishing twists because you are willing to release your expectations.

BY MADISYN TAYLOR

 
You cannot control other people’s emotions, but you can control your own.

Hurtful confrontations often leave us feeling drained and confused. When someone attacks us emotionally, we may wonder what we did to rouse their anger, and we take their actions personally. We may ask ourselves what we could have done to compel them to behave or speak that way toward us. It’s important to remember that there are no real targets in an emotional attack and that it is usually a way for the attacker to redirect their uncomfortable feelings away from themselves. When people are overcome by strong emotions, like hurt or anguish, they may see themselves as victims and lash out at others as a means of protection or to make themselves feel better. You may be able to shield yourself from an emotional attack by not taking the behavior personally. First, however, it is good to cultivate a state of detachment that can provide you with some protection from the person who is attacking you. This will allow you to feel compassion for this person and remember that their behavior isn’t as much about you as it is about their need to vent their emotions.

If you have difficulty remaining unaffected by someone’s behavior, take a moment to breathe deeply and remind yourself that you didn’t do anything wrong, and you aren’t responsible for people’s feelings. If you can see that this person is indirectly expressing a need to you–whether they are reaching out for help or wanting to be heard–you may be able to diffuse the attack by getting them to talk about what is really bothering them.

You cannot control other people’s emotions, but you can control your own. If you sense yourself responding to their negativity, try not to let yourself. Keep your heart open to them, and they may let go of their defensiveness and yield to your compassion and openness.

What should I wear, what should I bring, and when should I arrive for my first yoga class?

You may want to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, a perhaps a hand towel. If you don’t have a mat I have extras here students may borrow until they get their own. If you use props in your practice (blocks, straps, etc.) please bring them. Fitted exercise clothing is recommended. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. First-timers should get to the studio 10 minutes before class starts to meet your yoga instructor and ask any questions. Please bring your Session Intention form that you were sent with you so that your instructor can go over it with you before class begins. Please, no cell phones in the studio (even if they are off). 

Is there a place to change or shower?
Yes, there is a bathroom with a shower at the studio.

Why should I choose The Yoga Room over other yoga studios?
First, owner and instructor Christy DeBurton has over two decades of teaching experience! Also, we take a unique approach with our weekly classes by designing two-month sessions around a specific theme – Study of the Chakras, Spring Cleaning for Body & Mind, Yoga for Core Strength & Balance, the 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga – so that students learn much more than just yoga poses each time they come to class. Class sizes are small at our private studio– a maximum of 7 students–so that each student is able to receive individual attention. Finally, the yoga studio is an experience in itself, a charming ‘cottage’ in a quiet, garden setting with a high ceiling, cork floor, and lots of windows overlooking the swimming pool and pine trees.

Why do students have to sign up for a session of classes?

You don’t have to sign up for a full session, but most people do as there is a specific theme to the session and often the classes build upon one another. If you sign up for the full session you are also guaranteed a spot; since classes have a maximum of 7 students in them this is your safest bet to be able to get into a class every week. I run my classes in sessions because to see the benefits of yoga you need to make a regular commitment to it. It is hard for us humans to be disciplined sometimes, and this is a good way to hold yourself accountable.

What if I have to miss a class during a session?

Students are welcome to make up any classes they miss in the same session for which they’re registered. You just have to cancel the class you can’t attend at least 2 hours in advance or else you forfeit your make-up. I have a handy Student Class Management/Online Booking System that helps you with this.

Why is there a fragrance policy at The Yoga Room?
We ask students to refrain from wearing fragrances or scented products (lotions, perfumes, deodorants, hairspray, fabric softeners, etc.) to class, and if you’ve bought a new mat, consider airing it out before bringing it to class, because some of us have sensitivities to synthetic fragrances and chemicals. No fragrances means EVERYONE can take nice deep yoga breaths!

How do I sign up for a session of classes?
Please contact me directly at info@christydeburton.com to check on class availability and request to be put on our email list to find out about upcoming sessions.

How do I sign up to drop in and/or just try out a class?
Please contact me directly at info@christydeburton.com to check on class availability for drop-ins if you do not already have an account for my online booking system. If you are interested I can also create an account for you.

Can I attend your yoga classes if I’ve never done yoga before? What is a good first class to try?
Absolutely! Our classes range in challenge from gentler to more advanced. We recommend those who have never taken yoga before start with a Hatha class. PM Hatha is gentler than AM.

What if I’m not that flexible?
Yoga actually promotes flexibility. You don’t have to be flexible to start doing yoga. During the workday, much of our activity, or lack thereof, shortens muscles. Think about how often you either sit at a desk, in your car or at home. Yoga lengthens and strengthens muscles while helping release stress. Becoming more flexible is a great benefit of yoga, but even more than that, yoga helps us to live more powerfully and peacefully in body, mind and spirit. This gain happens regardless of whether or not you can touch your toes!

What are heat levels like in yoga classes?
I do not have a set temperature I keep the studio at. I believe in moderation and energy conservation. Therefore, you will not find the heat cranked in the winter or the AC blowing full-blast in the summer. I keep the studio at a comfortable temperature for most people year round. I encourage students to wear layers and regulate their own body temperature.

Is there a minimum age to attend classes at The Yoga Room?
I recommend parents wait until their children are 12 years old to attend. Those 12 to 15 must practice with a parent or guardian. If parents would like to bring a younger child, please contact me to ask about using the loft space for the two of you during a class.

How many classes a week should I take?
A successful yoga practice requires discipline, consistency and commitment. To experience the true benefits of a yoga practice, I recommend taking at least one yoga class a week year round. Some of my students take two classes a week with me, and some even take three! The more you are able to take, the more benefits you will see.