“i stopped resisting the unpleasant feelings and accepted that happiness has nothing to do with feeling good all the time -balance” ― Rupi Kaur

This is a thoughtful and potentially upsetting post, so if you're not into that, HERE is your new class (40 min core balancing) and HERE is your July Calendar (Sweat)

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​I don't know about you, but I feel heavy these days.

Heavy with fatigue.

Heavy with frustration.

Heavy with anger.

Heavy with disappointment.

Heavy with grief.

As an American woman, it is mind boggling to watch the direction of politics in this country, trying to wrap your mind around things that don't make any sense.

But knowing, too, that the other side may feel the same way: confused how we could not see it like them!

There is no we and no them though, in my world. I try not to allow that belief to rise up like a barrier in my thoughts, at any rate.

There is only the sum total of our experiences, which paint a vastly different world for each person living it.

This is what yoga has taught me; what yoga continues to teach me, and perhaps you as well.

That we are all looking through the eyes of our perspectives, generally oblivious to the fact that the person next to you may be having a completely different experience.

And that, if we can step back for just a second from our thoughts, that there is another, worthy, human in front of you, living their experience as best they can.

It's a simple shift in perspective, but it can make a lot of difference when emotions run high.

Yoga has taught me patience; a tempering of the anger that sparks like a match when indignity lands.

And yoga has taught me balance; how to find a way back to center when things are unsteady.

Now, don't get me wrong, {{ subscriber.first_name }}. I would be lying through my teeth if I told you that I am the epitome of zen and compassionate living. I am not. At least not in the thick of things.

But I'm sharing this in the hopes that it will make you pause to reflect when emotions run high.

But also, to remember the practice of yoga when you're not on your mat. How can you use the tools of awareness and resilience, but also kindness and grace, when you leave the safe and predictable rectangle of the yoga mat?

I don't have an answer for you. I can only share my experience, and listen to yours if you wish to voice it. I can also offer you my shoulder and support if you find yourself affected by the politics of the day.

I hope that one day these letters will move back to more lighthearted topics, but I can't be anything other than honest with you and share how I feel, here, with you, my friend.

There are two gifts for you in this email, though. Our free class, a 40 minute slow flow type class focused on core strength and balance. And our July Calendar. A bit early but ready to go and be scheduled into your life!

The theme is Sweat, and I pray the movement helps you release any frustrations you carry.

Come back often to your yoga practice, learn from it, live it, and know that it, and I, support you and your
choices.

Sat Nam ❤️
Dylan

”Be where you are, not where you think you should be.”- Anonymous

I wish that I could say that yoga was the perfect fitness modality.

But unfortunately, it is not. There are no perfect fitness modalities.

Each one has it's strengths and weaknesses, just like our body has strength and weaknesses.

It's the nature of reality.

And yoga, having not been designed as a fitness modality at all, has its fair share of weaknesses in that realm.

Which is why I've changed it, fused it with other things, with the hope of creating a well rounded workout routine for you.

A routine that gives you strength, flexibility, and the relaxation you dearly deserve.

All fit into your busy time frame. Because we all know that we have way too much going on and not enough time to do the things we want amirite?

One of the weaknesses of yoga is that there are limited "pulling" movements that work the back body. In fact, I'd say there aren't any at all.

Because of this, there tends to be an over strengthening in the front body, that is exasperated by the "sit at the computer forever" lifestyle that is prevalent in today's society.

To counter that, I recommend adding in classes like today's free workout into your weekly schedule.

In today's class we work the lower back, which will support the strength in the core and help alleviate back pain. We work the upper back, to draw the shoulders into correct alignment and to support the posture. We work the arms, because we could all use a bit of tightening and toning there eh? And we work the core, to bring it all together.

I hope that these classes bring you strength, patience, and love. We could all use a little bit more of that in our lives.

One last thing before you go!

I am opening up my calendar for 4 new 1:1 clients this summer. This can be either in person if you live close by, or via zoom if you don't.

What you get: 1 hour of fully personalized instruction wherein we work together to achieve your goals. Our meetings will be 1, 2, or 3 times per week for 3 months, depending upon your goals. This time frame is so that we have the opportunity to see the transformation that only occurs with dedication and perseverance.

Outcome: A stronger body, a more positive mindset, and a committed yoga practice; all of which lead to more energy, more joy, more confidence, better balance, better health, and better sleep.

If you're ready to say yes to a better body and a happier life, click  HERE! 

❤️ Dylan