Hot Yoga House

Finding Our [Blogging] Flow

2012-01-18T15:21:00.004-06:00

Hi, yogi friends!

It's me, Jessica! Misty asked me if I would revive this blog and, being the word nerd that I am, I am SO EXCITED to share some thoughts with you guys every now and then!

I thought a good (and relevant) place to start would be with an article you have probably seen floating around the yoga world: How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body by the New York Times.

As a journalist, I see a title like that and cringe – biased much? But upon further reflection, I actually think this article has some good points and it discusses a few things we should definitely be mindful of.

First of all, I think we've ALL heard that “you are your own teacher” and you should “listen to your own body.” These things sound really nice – in fact, I love to say them to my classes because I think it takes a bit of the pressure off students. However, because we can (usually) never leave ego completely out of the mix, sometimes we hurt ourselves by going too far or too deep in a pose. Am I right?

I know I've been there. My vice is often chaturanga; I struggle to do them correctly and, if I'm not careful, can end up with sore shoulders and an aching lower back.

So, I've had to learn to back off sometimes. I've had to check my ego on the mat and ask myself WHY I feel the need to cycle through each and every chaturanga. Is it because I want to simply power through and do it because everyone else is doing it – which is not yoga – or is it because it would feel nice and my body would enjoy the movement?

All this to say – yeah, your asana practice can be a dangerous thing if you're not listening extremely closely.

Obviously, any physical activity one attempts can lead to injury if not performed safely and with care. That's why alignment is so important in an asana practice, as well as serious attention to the breath. If the breath is becoming ragged and you're exhausted, why in the world would you go for another chaturanga (speaking to myself here too, y'all)!

Back the article itself: it talks about “master” yoga teachers who have suffered serious injuries after years of practicing and who have required surgery to fix their ailments, and also discusses a student who experienced a stroke while in wheel – and that's just a small portion of the horrors described.

Scary stuff, yes?

Certainly. But it doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't continue to enjoy our asana practices.

I think, if nothing else, this article can help us cultivate a healthy sense of awareness for the practice we love so much, and maybe help us keep that ego in check. I don't believe that it should scare us off the mat or make us afraid of certain poses – but instead of just throwing our bodies into the pose, let's remain mindful of both the benefits and dangers. Knowledge is power, right?

I could ramble on and on about this, so I'm cutting myself off (much like I have to do at Rosepepper... oh, wait...) – now it's your turn to sound off about this controversial article. What do you think? Have you ever hurt yourself during an asana practice? Share your story in the comments section!

Namaste,

Jessica

From "House" Yogi Chris!

2011-02-24T07:48:00.003-06:00

Thank You Chris for sharing! We love to here from you!

The Hot Yoga House in Goodlettsville, TN

by Chris Kruger on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 9:13pm

I have been going to The Hot Yoga House since January 2nd so I am just coming up on the end of my second month. I went into the experience with few expectations but many hopes. I had researched yoga as a practice and had a little information and a lot of desire to get back into balance and shape. I found that a lot of yoga practices focused on a group of poses that would help you come back to an internal balance. Then there is hot yoga that adds heat and humidity to help to loosen the muscles and open the internals through the breaths. Since this is fairly new to this area and sounded perfect for what I wanted this was what I signed up for in my new year’s changes.

My first class I felt pretty clumsy, way out of physical shape and definitely challenged. The first class was very slow and was geared toward the first time student. This was a great thing given how much I was thinking at the start of the first 75 minute class "What in the world have I gotten myself into." But as minutes passed, and the heat kicked in, I found myself relaxing and just trying to flow to the best of my ability with the poses I was being offered. Now I did fall out of my poses often as my body protested emphatically about being told to get into poses I had never experienced but I continued at my own pace through class and soon we were lying on the mat in our final position for the day. I walked out of there feeling like a pencil with rubber bands for arms and legs but in my head I was clear. At this point it was clear that this was something that had in 75 short minutes become a part of my life I wanted to continue.

So now we get to some of the key things that make The Hot Yoga House so much different and a place I love and highly recommend. One of the keys to growth in any exercise program is cardio. You must get the heart rate up to burn calories. This is done through both slow and quick transition movements that allow the heart rate to get to an accelerated rate. There are also deliberately slow points in the sets that allow the heart rate to come back down before it is raised again. Now for those of you who like to count calories, we are talking 600 to 1000 calories burned per workout.

Now let’s talk about a key factor that allows The Hot Yoga House to excel over many others. When trying to build muscle one of the key components that will allow for optimal muscle regeneration is called muscle confusion. Any of you who have caught the Power 90X commercial on a Saturday or Sunday morning have heard that this is one of the keys to their system also. This is where The Hot Yoga House excels. I my time there I have been to 25+/- classes and have yet to go to two classes that were identical or, for that matter, even close to one another. Every class is difference and leads you though different poses and focuses (i.e. core strength, flexibility, stretching, etc.) but at the end of the class it is all the same. A feeling of release.

Here is another key to building muscle that is only recently getting notice, balance. Balance is also a key in allowing the muscles to grow or rejuvenate whatever you goal. This is also a key component to yoga in any form. As are muscles are re-taught to support the way they were designed to, they allow us to balance better. This balance will help you with so much of your daily life or your workouts if that is more your focus. In your daily life, it will help you walk easier, go up steps easier, sit up straighter and so many other things. We often forget how much balance plays a part in our lives. If you are a "gym rat", it is balance that allows you to do you lifts correctly, to attack both side of the body evenly, run faster, play racket ball better and the list continues here too.

Now for my last benefit, though this is just my view, flexibility. Few other workout practices work on flexibility as a core part of the system. Most other leave you feeling tight and in need of a sauna of hot tub. Not here. Any yoga practice will allow for you to gain flexibility through repetitions and movements designed to stretch muscles and open joints. Now imagine you are doing these same things in a sauna. Now you have hot yoga. You muscles get warm and in doing so are able to gain flexibility much quicker. I must say that in the short time I have been doing this my flexibility has drastically improved. I can now stand in "Tree" just fine where as when I started I could barely pull my foot up over my knee.

So now that I have tossed out my spiel, let me tell you about results. I have been doing hot yoga and The Hot Yoga House now for nearly 2 months. I have lost 19 pounds, have gained core strength in both my stomach and back, I stand up straighter, I can now stand unassisted and lift my leg to put on a sock or shoe, I run faster and longer and I am happier. Now most of you know I am Mr. Happy anyhow and ever so annoying at 7:00 am but I truly am happier now that I have been in years. I could not have done any of this without my friends and instructors at "The House". Now as I get ready for the next great challenge in this journey, I am looking forward to going in, laying out my mat, having some fun with my friends and enjoying one of the places I call home, THE HOT YOGA HOUSE in Goodlettsville, TN.

How Does Your Yoga Grow?

2011-02-07T09:12:00.009-06:00

Have you ever come up against a yoga asana that confronts you and challenges you in a way you're not sure you can take? I have.

Last summer, my world felt like it was spinning out of control, and I was wearing myself out doing everything I could to keep it together. Every time I found myself moving into Pigeon, my hips would open up pretty well, so far so good, I could begin to walk my hands out, still feeling ok, but if I tried to let go and rest, I went into a panic. I couldn't breathe. My heart started racing, and I was immediately overcome with terror. At first, I reacted in fear and would instantly come up out of it, come to a place where I could breathe again and feel in control. Pigeon was not my favorite asana, and for some reason, it sure felt like we did a lot of it last summer.

One day later in the season, I found myself in Pigeon yet again. This time, as my pulse quickened and I felt the familiar sensation of not being able to breathe, something inside me asked if I could be present for just a moment, if I could try to sit with those feelings of being out of control, if I could intentionally breathe, even if it was shallow at first, and honestly assess the situation. Doing so, I found that I actually had no trouble taking an inhalation, but it was nearly impossible for me to let go of an exhalation. Mentally drifting over all the circumstances in my life that felt on the brink of disaster, all those situations I was straining to maintain my death grip of control over, it hit me. I was terrified of letting go of anything - even my breath - because I had come to rely so heavily on this semblance of control I had conjured up to process my life. But I don't have any control, not really. Whatever is to happen will happen, and I can struggle and fret and kick against the unknown future, or I can choose to live in the present, accepting whatever comes with gratitude, and continue to breathe.

That day, I began to let go. Focusing intently on my exhalations, I determined to release the strangle hold I had on my breath, and off my mat, I felt myself beginning to release those situations and circumstances that caused me such fear and pain. Letting go of my exhalations, I could simultaneously let go of my desperate need for control, and as I released my false sense of entitlement over the way things turned out, I found it easier and easier to exhale. These days, I can not only rest in Pigeon, I have become better at taking life as it comes. Although I still have a long way to go, and there continue to be new asanas that arise to confront and challenge me, I am grateful for the mental and spiritual benefits I gained from what I thought was a purely physical asana.

So how about you? Have you confronted a greater life issue through a challenging asana? Are you experiencing something like this right now? Please share in the comments.

Traffic, Arthritis and yoga

2011-02-04T08:00:00.014-06:00

What's up with that title? What do traffic, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and yoga have to do with one another? Well let me try to link them together in my simple little mind.

Practicing YOGA....what does that mean to you? Is it coming to your mat and working thru a series of asanas that aren't a lot of fun but you do it because you feel amazing afterwards? or does it mean something very foreign to you and scary? Guess what...the asana practice of YOGA that you do on your mat doesn't really mean a bunch....nope it doesn't matter what you physically do or not do on that mat (isn't that a relief for some of you) What IS important is what you learn as you move thru your asana, what are you listening to, what do you take hold of and let go of.........this is where the traffic comes in.........

Traffic is very real to you isn't it? I love sitting on I-65 waiting to get somewhere, maybe a yoga class and the cars aren't moving. What can I do? Get frustrated, honk my horn, try to weave around and get more angry! What if I just took a deep breath and realized that everything is perfect, it's happening exactly how's it suppose to be so maybe I can just enjoy the scenery, pray, be still, be grateful because there's nothing I can do about it. IT took me a long time to get to that place and let's be honest it's not always there, but since I've been "practicing yoga" I try to take a step back and see what I can learn from any mountain or CAR in my path.....this is where the RA comes in.......

So I've had RA for about 13 years. My fingers and my toes are mostly affected but I have to tell you that the simple PHYSICAL asana of yoga changed my life with my RA. I have been able to keep the function for the most part (I'm not gonna lie the HEAT is the biggie). I've been pretty comfortable in my practice, I've tried to concentrate on the flexibility of my fingers and toes knowing that one day I may have joint deformities that could inhibit my movement. Sometimes the joints in my toes flare so to stand and try to balance is very painful, and other days there isn't any. Over the last two months my joints have started to change, they have continued to swell and asanas that were very "simple" for me before have become very painful, even a downdog or simply standing in tadasana. NOW I could roll up my mat and say well if I can't do those basic simple things then what kind of "yoga" practice can I have or much less teach my students. BUT I can choose to listen to my body, be grateful I can still get up every morning, I can share my story, keep moving and find NEW ways to get the blood flowing to heal my mind and body..........Get it...THIS is where it all comes together!

If I choose to bring my frustrations about my RA onto my mat and push thru pain what am I building and making stronger? PAIN and FRUSTRATION

If I choose to bring that traffic tie up that made me late into my asana practice then what am I making stronger? ANGER

If I choose to make my yoga practice all about the physical asana and get discouraged because balance or standing in tadasana is a challege what am I making stronger? DISCOURAGEMENT

BUT what If I choose to breathe, to listen to my mind/body, and to follow it's direction, to remain calm when things get challenging, to be grateful and happy for what I have, what am I making stronger? GRATEFULNESS, HAPPINESS, PEACEFULNESS, STRENGTH

WOW I am thinking THOSE are the things we want to make our world and lives better and stronger and happier!

That's where it all comes together.....whatever you choose to build on the mat that's what is going to get stronger.

You can feel the physical when you do 108 chaturangas (ha ha) the mental is harder to "see" but where the true magic happens!

It's all a practice....life...yoga...patience...stillness....happiness....gratitude..... come to your mat!

If you say BREATHE one more time....

2010-10-15T07:59:00.003-05:00

I know you've felt like saying that sometimes during class....maybe you HAVE said it during class, but what happens when an instructor reminds you to breathe?

You probably become aware that you were holding your breath or that you had lost control of the pattern of your breathing or a calmness flows thru you because you ARE consciously BREATHING! Even when you feel like screaming because we are saying it AGAIN you become aware of your breath and that's all you have to do in yoga! YEP let your breath be your guide!

IF you truly listen to your body it will always tell you exactly what it needs, what is feeling good, what is feeling not so good. It will allow you to go deeper or it will tell you that's fine it's enough right now. Why is that we can listen to someone else tell us those things but we cannot listen to our own body!? Hopefully when you come to your mat that is one of the lessons you are learning....to slow down and really listen to what you need, it's all right there, whispering to you.

We are all on a journey, we all go on different paths, some of us get lost and wander off but find our way. When we aren't sure at times which way to go we may stop and ask friends or strangers for directions or "what would you do" (or if you are a guy you may never ask for directions) But again, we ask someone else for something about OUR life and sometimes we listen and depending on the answer you may still be lost! Guess what? We had the MAP all the time!

YES

We are all born with a map it's called your BREATH!

God Breathed into Adam's nostrils and he became a living being!

We have all been given that same LIFE and BREATH!

So why in the world don't we listen to it. Have you ever noticed HOW you are breathing when you are pondering on something? Is your breath shallow or deep? Is it rapid or calm? Are you lungs even filling, or is your belly fully rising and falling? IF you slow down and really become aware of your breath it will tell you ever time what is right and what is wrong for you in that moment. We all are given this gift we just have to tap into it.

Slow down today.....enjoy the colors of fall.....BREATHE in the crisp fall air....feel the sun on your face. Know that you are special and that you have the answers if you slow down enough to become aware.

Come to your mat this weekend, become aware of your breathe, learn to use this innate gift, I promise you, you will never regret it!

Outdoor Yoga, Watercolors & Wine, Thai Partner Yoga...OH my!

2010-07-15T12:47:00.003-05:00

Yoga can be up confronting, it can even make you feel uncomfortable at the beginning but then something magical happens. You decide to really listen to your body, to slow down the thoughts that seem to take over your mind, you start to feel the your breathe and how it can actually move you and transform....REALLY!?

Yes REALLY!

What are you waiting for? We've been having a great time this summer! YES the heat is on INSIDE and OUTSIDE but these are the best times to practice a little patience! Summertime seems to be one of the busiest times of the year so why not SLOW DOWN!

Yoga can teach you to honor yourself, to be "Selfish" (to think of self so you can give of yourself more or less). What are you doing that keeps you from being who you want to be? One of the biggest life lessons I have learned from yoga is the act of slowing down and to truly be still (no comments from those of you who know me and my ADD very well!) Some days it's just about sitting in the meditation room quieting the mind, other days it's pushing my body to make the reconnection between mind and body....but it's all yoga...!

We have a great time here....I am so blessed to have such great people that come thru these doors...they truly make the "house" a "home"! Such a cliche' I know but if you haven't experienced it then come here and you really will see and feel what we mean!

I am so thankful for those of you who make the drive, who come in the heat, who scramble to leave work to make a class, to everyone who at least tries our hot yoga, YOU are why we are here! We have lots of opportunities for you to come...not sure about yoga...how about come meet our gang at another event....arts, Thai, Tie-Dye, movie night....maybe a RV ASANA trip? We have lots of chances for you to just come visit hang with us and see what makes yoga different from anything you have ever done!

Again, Thank You for coming. My husband always laughs at me and says that I opened Hot Yoga House so I can invite people in, to love on people, and to laugh more and I'm glad he is right! (he's an accountant so that says a lot!)

Trying to post pictures of all our recent events! Not computer saavy so be patient!

See you soon!

Lessons Learned from a Clock

2010-05-29T14:12:00.004-05:00

I was asked to put this on the blog and I had to laugh because I am such a horrible writer, I write like I talk so it gets a little "wordy" (no comments) but it was something I mentioned in class during your final savasana...maybe you can relate..maybe it will mean something to you...if so I am glad and if not I'm still glad!

I celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary this week and did you know that it's the year of the "clock"?! You know that thing that Hallmark probably came up with I'm not sure but each year there's a special gift....your 1st anniverary is PAPER...your 5th anniversary is WOOD?....25th anniversary SILVER...and 50th anniversary of course your GOLDEN!

How in the world do people come up with these? It got me really thinking...Hummm....1st anniversary okay PAPER? Maybe to write down all those blissful wonderful things to each other because heck it's your 1st year of marriage and you are still in that in love stage that the other can do no wrong...RIGHT!

And maybe I get your 50th and why it's GOLDEN..Gold is a precious metal, something refined, smooth all those rough ages are soft, worn and comfortable...I can get GOLDEN! But really 15 years is a CLOCK? What's up with that?

Well maybe because at 15 years it's not been THAT long since you've been a newlywed. You can still remember how sweet things were, marriage is still young, maybe your just getting settled in. But yet it's been long enough where maybe you are looking into your future, retirement or maybe you have kids and they are getting older so you can start to see life as a "couple" again.

SO maybe that's where this CLOCK comes in....it reminds you to be in the PRESENT....stop looking back, you can't change it, it's shaped you into who you are as a person and a couple, and stop looking into the future, it will happen EXACTLY how it's suppose to happen so don't rush it..enjoy the PRESENT...a CLOCK...TIME...BE IN THE MOMENT!

Yep I don't know if time on the mat has taught me to live in the moment or if at times I've been so busy looking back and waiting for the future that I forgot the MOMENT! Maybe we all need a big clock that just states "It's Your Time".

BE IN THE MOMENT...BE OF THE MOMENT...IT'S YOUR TIME...IT'S YOUR MOMENT....LIVE IT...ENJOY IT....

You are exactly where you are suppose to be so be in it!

Give a clock...slow down...Love life....Breathe

I'd love to hear from you....share your ideas/thoughts....blessings to each of you!

Calling it "Home"

2010-05-19T15:50:00.003-05:00

SO I was having one of those days....you know the ones where you meant to get up and get to yoga...where seems like everyone has bad news for you.....that no matter how many times you seem to clean the kitchen it gets dirty again? Well welcome to my Wednesday if you haven't experienced one of these!

If I am being honest (satya) I was feeling a tad bit under appreciated. I know that sounds horrible doesn't it! I have so much to be thankful for..health and happiness RIGHT!? (you get the idea that I am trying to talk myself into it) But really how many times can you pick up the same clothes, make the same beds, put the same dishes in the dishwasher and then still hear "where are my clothes" and "what's for dinner!" Needless to say I was EAGER to leave my home with my kids who aren't "officially" out of school till tomorrow to get to Hot Yoga House and teach that core class...THERE someone will appreciate me RIGHT...I would feel better...RIGHT...???

I have to say I walked in and had to laugh when I started my same routine of picking up trash and putting up mats but instead of feeling under appreciated I suddenly felt calm, peace and true Happiness...I know you aren't going to believe me but it hit me like a ton of bricks OR some 2 lb hand weights sitting in a cubby! I truly love that people come here and it feels like "HOME"! It's a place where yes you come to sweat and burn a few calories but I really believe most of you come because you enjoy spending time with everyone here, a place where Melanie said it just feels right to take your shoes off...and that you do!

So THANK YOU for coming and making me part of your life....I APPRECIATE you and if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and that what you do doesn't matter...just come to the "house" take a little time on the mat, chat with some friends maybe make a few new ones, I PROMISE you will ALWAYS be glad you did! (and if that doesn't work I can always throw a 2 lb weight your way!)

Haiti...We are BACK!

2010-04-27T12:47:00.004-05:00

I am so glad to be back at the "house" with you!

Haiti was amazing.....that may sound odd but it really was! God held us in His hands thru-out this trip and may you get touched by a photograph, a word, a thought.....

Can you help every person?

NO....

Can you change a life?

YES....even your own!

How do you feel?

Grateful, overwhelmed, in awe

Just to keep this short, some of you know I have been before and I can truly say that these people are healthier than in years past. That YOU can make a difference. We didn't see as many infections, we didn't see as much typhod fever or malaria that we had in the past. We saw ALOT of allergies (humm sound familiar) We didn't see the malnutrition or as much scabies........things CAN get better....it's just going to take a lot of time,money,education and servants.

We saw over 2100 patients in 4 1/2 days of clinic. Everyone got things we take for granted here i.e tylenol, tums. Everyone got de-wormed, everyone got a loving hand and simply an ear to listen to them and for them to know "WE SEE YOU"! The medical mission trip saw it's UPS and DOWNS...and sometimes REALLY REALLY HIGH and then at times REALLY REALLY LOW. We had a mom from Port Au Prince who lost her twins at 21 weeks, God put Lori on our team who has been an OB nurse for 25 years that could ease her pain and hold her hand. We helped with burial, dressed her wounds, gave her a loving hand and fed her. Then we were able to send 12 people to a hospital about 2 hours away, where earlier in the week we met a team of SURGEONS that just happened to be there that week. They were able to do 10 of these surgeries (and only cost $600!) We gave away hundreds of jars of peanut butter to feed their family and can't tell you how many toys we gave away (I have a great video of that but have no idea how to post)We put several on high blood pressure meds and have a nurse and clinic in the village for their follow up. Dr Joe took off skin tags and removed extra digits. We rubbed countless babies down for scabies and tons of other things!

Could have we done more....I don't know? We saw as many as we could AND then some.

Are their lives changed? Today anyway.

We have a long way to go! Be grateful for what you have, but on that same note, don't feel sorry for these people..... meaning it's the "Haitian way" that is how one of our interpreters put it. When we were devastated for the young mom who lost her twins, he try to ease our sadness by telling us God takes care of them, and it all happens exactly how it is suppose to. We can't let OUR way of life be THEIR way of life, it's not. They are so proud, they are so grateful, they are some of the kindest people you will ever find.

I have posted a "slideshow" on the blog. I will have more pictures later, these were just the ones on my phone.

Thank you so much for your prayers and patience while I was away, I couldn't have served the village of Petit Bourge without a "family" like you! I am truly blessed and grateful for each of you!

Lead with your Heart

2010-04-09T07:55:00.002-05:00

Aligning Anahata

In every yoga pose, when there is a bend at the hips, the instruction is to "lead with the heart." It's a measure that physically insures the spine stays aligned and the neck muscles are not over-exerted. But it's also a life-lesson, one that underpins all yoga philosophy.

In yoga anatomy, the heart chakra balances the three chakras below and three above it in union. Also called the Anahata chakra, which translates to "untouched" or "unstruck," the implication is that the heart remains pure no matter what you encounter. It can be challenging to accept this as true. But when you become aware that the mind influences how you see things, a space opens that allows you to recognize the heart's purity. You also align yourself to the precise reason for letting the heart lead the way. The ancient yogis knew that every one of us has the capability to be holy. All it takes is a willingness to listen to your heart.

Great ENERGY at the "House"

2010-03-12T15:27:00.004-06:00

Spring is IN THE AIR and it's blowing in the "house" this week!

Classes this week were amazing! The shared energy this week was so strong, uplifting, positive, contagious, inviting...I could go on and on but you have to almost be there to "get it"! IF you were in class this week PLEASE post your comments, because if I say it, it's like your mom telling you something (I know we really don't listen do we)?

I know some of you are rolling your eyes saying "oh no Misty getting into that energy stuff I just want to do yoga!" But think about the last time you were around someone who was negative, complained, nothing was "right". How did you feel? Did you find yourself going downhill with them? Well if you said YES than guess what...that's NEGATIVE energy and you are allowing him or her drag you down.

Why are we so quick to understand that, but when it comes to being around like-minded souls with positive energy we say "oh man they are in there trying to levitate now" (hey I've heard it!) We ARE energy beings, take the simple fact that you have to replinish your electrolytes after class! They aren't called "electrolytes" because it sounds cool....we actually NEED those vitamins to keep the body and mind MOVING to keep us alive.

SO don't under estimate the power of a yoga class.....don't make excuses to not come to your mat....don't ever think you aren't going to get exactly what you need in class....we ALL NEED ENERGY we all NEED POSITIVE in our life, so come to the "house" just try us.....if you haven't been here....come, FEEL the positive souls that come thru our doors, you will NEVER regret it!

March IN!

2010-03-05T08:14:00.007-06:00

Wow so many wonderful things happening at the "house!"

Teacher Training coming to Hot Yoga House has been a dream of mine since I first opened the yoga studio. I love to share yoga and by sharing it with alike minded people who want to in-turn share makes that dream a reality! Yoga truly can be for everyone, no maybe not "hot" yoga but that's just the physical part of yoga. Living yoga should be our intention.

But what does that really mean? Well simply put you've all heard it before, follow the "Golden Rule"...treat others nicely....be kinder....more gentle....less harmful...slow down....breathe...find patience.....UGH sometimes those are just to dang hard aren't they! I mean let's be real...people cut you off while driving, you get stuck in traffic, there's that certain co-worker, a kid who just won't cooperate...the list could go on and on! BUT what all of those situations are, are just simply opportunities to see how you react to each situation. It's your chance to LIVE out your yoga...take it off the mat....maybe don't react to the person who is driving on your bumper...just breathe!

It's exciting to see all the new faces and I am so pleased that my "regulars" have reached out and made all our new folks feel like family. I love to see hugs, smiles and well wishes as new folks come in...it's like a big family...all cheering each other on.

Love to you all on this BEAUTIFUL March day...The SUN FINALLY!

See you at the "house!"

What kind of yoga do we do at Hot Yoga House?

2010-02-05T14:21:00.004-06:00

What a loaded question….let me tell you what we do and then YOU come and do a little yoga!!

Hatha Yoga by definition is “HA” meaning “sun” and “THA” meaning “moon”, hatha yoga can be translated as the yoga that brings “union to the pairs of opposites”. Sometimes it’s translated into the “forceful yoga” because it is the most physical type of yoga. This type of yoga is the most popular in the west.

Hot Yoga House’s definition of the hatha yoga we do? We have power classes, iron classes, fast tempo classes and they are HOT to get you more flexible so you are able to go deeper “physically” but then we “pair the opposites” as we cool you down and take you to a state of calm and peace, maybe even stepping into the meditation room to go a little deeper still

Karma Yoga basically consists of entirely selfless service, where ego is given up to serve God in everything, be it man, animal or planet. It’s about doing the right thing.

Hot Yoga House’s Karma yoga? Well it’s the countless people at the studio who give their time and talents to create a place where everyone feels welcome. It’s Robin who paints and decorates without wanting a thank you, it’s Ron who makes shelves and fixes lights, it’s Sherrie who brings toys and has even taken laundry home, it’s Keith who shoveled snow so everyone could park safely, it’s Michael who spent hours working on a pond just so we could enjoy the sounds of the waterfall, it’s Rupert who makes fabulous meals for us to enjoy at our get togethers… WELL….it’s SO MANY wonderful people who make up the “house” you’d have to come and meet them all!

Bhakti Yoga by definition is pure spiritual devotion of love for God which is Love

Hot Yoga House’s Bhakti yoga? This is very personal for each person who enters. For ME the physical part of hatha yoga gave me an opportunity to SLOW DOWN from the busy lifestyle and truly focus on what’s important. I was able to come to a place after my asana practice and BE STILL! If you come into our meditation room you will see posted over the door “Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10 because for me yoga allowed me to be still enough to spend time with God. I often say you can’t minister to others until you minister to yourself, come and spend 75 or 90 minutes on getting filled so that you can give to others.

Ashtanga yoga purifies the mind thru 8 steps or “limbs”..the 8 Limb Path:
Yamas (control), Niyamas(rules of conduct), Asanas (postures), Pranyama (control of breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal of sensory perception), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (uninterrupted meditation), and Samadhi (complete equilibrium)

Hot Yoga House’s Ashtanga yoga? We strive to be on this path and we aren’t necessarily walking together, we are all at different places but on the same path. But at some point we strive for these in every class. For example, we all want to be good people (Yamas and Niyamas). We practice Dharana (concentration) thru the asana practice, think of when we do bow! AND I don’t’ know anyone who has practiced hot yoga that wouldn’t tell you that it takes meditation to get thru the class! It’s a moving meditation during the practice and then stillness at the end.

We practice this and so much more at Hot Yoga House. There are so many more things I could say but to truly feel yoga in all of these examples just come in...that’s all…..just come in….let yourself be bathed in the love and compassion of our house, I promise you will leave with much more then you came in with!

Haiti Donation Classes THIS WEEKEND

2010-01-15T17:58:00.003-06:00

Our church goes to Haiti every year on a few mission trips. ONE is a medical mission trip, one is a Dental mission trip and another for a school mission trip. Our church is very involved with the people of Haiti! I went a few years ago and it changed my life, while we were there we treated over 600 people in 6 short days and saw more life than I could ever put into words.

Ironically our medical mission trip was already planning to go to Haiti NEXT week and is still planning on making this trip. The team needs prayers....it's already very difficult to get the medication in for the people of Haiti and now with everything happening our team will have even a more difficult time.

I am unable to go this year but feel strongly the desire to help this team in some way! SO one thing I'd like to do is give....so I am making ALL CLASSES THIS WEEKEND DONATION BASED CLASSES!!

All weekend we will be taking donations AND I will be giving this DIRECTLY to the doctors and nurses going on the Our Lady of the Lake medical mission trip. I can promise you that your donations will go directly to those in need NO middle man. Many of the people that create this team are people who live in these villages... from interpretors to the drivers to the cooks and ALL have been touched SO our team will be able to personally take our donations and see first hand what it can do.

So please keep that in mind this weekend.....and again God is still wooing me, I'm not quite sure SO if I take off and am gone next week you know where I might be...after all I kept that nursing license for something!

Laughing at yourself....

2010-01-08T10:44:00.003-06:00

Okay this is from Robin (one of our more quiet clients so you may not have met her) she said she sometimes feels this way about Hot Yoga...NOW I am just wondering if she is calling me Satan under her breathe...Enjoy the laugh! PS For a funny actual account of someone's FIRST visit to Hot Yoga House check out Jennifer Johnson's blog on our site.

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
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MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!
Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines.. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!
Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
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TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.
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THURSDAY:
Butthole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.
He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny witch to find me.
Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.
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FRIDAY:
I hate that demon Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
Christo wanted me to work on my triceps I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
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SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
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SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

What Yoga Pose are You?

2009-12-30T13:53:00.001-06:00

(excerpt from Yoga Journal)

I thought this would be fun....let me know what pose YOU are!

Every yogi, no matter how much or how little experience you have with yoga, has one: one particular pose you love above all others. It's the pose that feels most like home, and the one you keep wishing the teacher would call out next.

Here's a guide to what a propensity for a certain pose might have to say about you.

Tree Pose

You’re grounded but you enjoy testing your limits. This is often a favorite pose of newer yogis–it's a first foray into challenging balancing poses and when you nail it, it feels effortless. If you wobble more than you stand still in this pose, focus on feeling your connection to the earth by rooting down through the big toe mound of your standing foot and the sole of the foot that's pressing in to your inner thigh. If you're pretty stable here, prioritize lifting your ribcage and fingertips up as high as you can.

Backbends

Whether you're a wheel junkie or just love lying down with your ribcage draped over a rolled up blanket, a propensity toward backbends indicates an open heart, loving nature, and excitement about the future. Be careful that your exuberance doesn’t lead to injury—if your quads, abdomen, chest and shoulders aren't open in your backbends, you could tweak your back. Translated to daily life, if you aren't as flexible as you are strong, you could wind up with too much on your shoulders.

Forward bends

Sitting or standing, a love of folding forward indicates that you are introspective and not afraid to let yourself get quiet so you can hear you own thoughts. Forward bending is also associated with looking to the past—be sure you don’t spend so much time folding forward that you forget to be open to the present or anticipate the future.

Revolved standing poses

You're not afraid to take a bite out of the cookie of life. You've got a lot going on, and yet it all seems to work because you know that it takes a delicate balance of hard work and surrender to keep it all together. Just remember to treat yourself to rest and a quiet practice of restorative poses to keep your batteries charged.

Headstand

You're interested in building your intuition and learning how to maintain a sense of trust in the face of a scary situation. You're also not afraid of a challenge. Like handstand fans, you're open to seeing things from multiple points of view. Your challenge is to learn how to find your center even when your world is turned upside down.

Handstand

You're a thrill seeker and yet know how to find balance in the midst of chaos. Or, at least, you’re working your way toward it. You also aren't afraid to look at things from a different vantage point from the average soul. The trick for you is to balance your exuberance with grace, and to learn how to fall softly for those times when your enthusiasm leads you into a precarious position.

Cobbler's pose, pigeon pose, and/or split pose

You're not intimidated by a little discomfort and crave the release that comes from working your edges. You also tolerate emotionally charged situations well – the hips are often storehouses for unprocessed emotions, and many people shy away from these poses because they aren't comfortable with accessing the hidden feelings they may have. Just remember that boundaries are healthy. You don't want to overextend yourself, making you either overly vulnerable emotionally or prone to muscle pulls physically.

Corpse pose

You are likely tired, over-scheduled, and craving some profound rest. And what’s so wrong about that? Our society may prize people who can keep up a furious pace, but some part of you knows that there's a time and a place for stillness, quiet, and reflection. Indulge in a few moments of rest each day, always keeping in mind that the true challenge of the pose is to allow your mind to quiet without falling asleep or planning what you're going to have for dinner.

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Be Joyous

2009-12-28T14:01:00.000-06:00

For some, the holiday season is a time of joy, family and celebration. For others, this is a time of profound sadness — wrought with pain and suffering from failed relationships, financial challenges, job dissatisfaction and self-worth issues. Today I want to share a tool to help you or someone you love transform feelings of depression by looking at circumstances as gifts.

On the other side of depression is expression. I believe the reason each of us is here is to express our feelings, thoughts and talents — to share our gifts in service to humanity — in a way that moves us forward, beyond limited thinking and choices that do not serve us. This is where we can move from fear to faith, from doubt to trust, and from pain to power.

Let go of toxic energy
As this year comes to an end, it is the perfect opportunity to release any unwanted experiences, thoughts or belief systems that no longer serve. It feels to me like cleaning out a storage room that is holding broken and restrictive energy. Whatever you are holding onto that is keeping you small, now is the time to let it go! Peace is here. Love is available. Joy is around the corner. Harmony is surrounding you. Light is expressing as your very life. Take advantage of this life you have been given, and dare to step out into a field of freedom that is your divine inheritance.

Take a moment to think about how you have grown, the unexpected gifts you have been given, and the simple ways you have been shown that you make a difference. You are powerful. Shine your light this holiday season. Many await your beauty. Grace is available right at this very moment to guide you to freedom and peace.

Happy holidays to you! I am so grateful that we have had the opportunity to share time together this year!

Take a moment to remember this:
Today, I let go of anything that will not support my peace. I proclaim that my presence is the gift, and it blesses all who experience me. I am joyous and ready to express love and light in every situation.

(excerpt from yogablog)

My Birthday wants to THANK YOU!

2009-12-19T12:10:00.004-06:00

What a special treat to actually get a birthday present that you want AND that can generate such happiness to so many others!

WHAT DID WE GET?

Well THANK YOU for my "party" this morning and to those of you who donated funds to our Hot Yoga House Foundation! With these fund we are able to share hot yoga with people who cannot afford it right now. Each of you has gotten something from your mat that you may be didn't expect and want others to share in that too.....I couldn't have asked for anything more!

The people who are able to come to yoga because of your generosity are speechless and would tell you that they have been blessed beyond measure!

Thank you....I don't deserve such wonderful people in my life but I am sure glad I have you!

Happy Thanksgiving from our "house" to Your's!

2009-11-26T10:51:00.005-06:00

I hope you find this Thanksgiving full of love!

I am SO glad we had class this morning....Thanksgiving is a time when you gather with family and friends and let them know you are grateful they are in your life!

SO....To my Hot Yoga House FAMILY I am so thankful and blessed to have each of you leave an impression on my life! I didn't open our "house" with thoughts of adding to my family BUT that is exactly what I have been blessed with. This past week with your outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and service for me was overwhelmingly humbling. You'll never know what it meant to me. I know people don't do things for a "THANK YOU" but it's nice to hear...SO Thank you to Michael, Melanie and Abby for filling in when I couldn't be there,to Sherrie for her support and laundry services, for Robin who mopped the floor when I couldn't and the cards, notes and words spoken I will always be "THANKFUL".

I KNOW I am NOT the only person who has been on the receiving end of this love, I've seen it and now experienced it! If you've ever been worried or uncomfortable trying a yoga class our "home" is one of the most comfortable places you will find. We invite you in......

NOW to just share a little from this morning's class....hummm where do I start! I am THRILLED everyone can make our "house" feel like "home" and that things you do at your own home you feel like you can do in our's...You know that's all I am saying!! Yes that's it...if you want to hear the incredible GREAT THANKSGIVING GAG played on their poor unsuspecting yoga instructor (me) this morning you'll have to come to a class to learn all the details! OR leave the pranksters themselves leave comments!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...Love and Blessing to you and your family!

Enjoy our Meditation Room! Take some time for yourself!

2009-11-13T17:39:00.001-06:00

Here's just a little clip of our meditation room. It's the perfect place to begin or end your asana practice. Come sit a while....it's for YOU!

Websites...Blogs...Facebook...Twitter...OH MY

2009-11-12T23:26:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it's all just too much!

I apologize for not updating this...but I am making a commitment to you RIGHT NOW...I want to share things with you so I AM going to keep this updated...AND I need your help too! People don't just want to hear from me, they want to hear your comments as well so share them here!

There are so many avenues to "reach out" or to "social network" as they call it, and sometimes it's all just TOO MUCH (and I know many of you can relate!) YES we have a few Facebook pages, I encourage you to become a follower. Now you'd have to talk to the tech savvy Abby to find them all but I THINK you can become a "friend" of Hot Yoga House, then add the GROUP Hot Yoga House THEN there is also a FAN PAGE named THE HOT YOGA HOUSE so when you have an hour or so check it out! They actually can be fun but so can just this simple blog! ONE SPOT where you can check the schedule for classes, see what specials we might have and take a virtual savasana in our new MEDITATION ROOM (once I figure out how to put the video on this blog!)

YES there are ways to "network" but what would really connect you to the world around us is simply by coming to yoga and spending time on your mat! Take the time to SLOW DOWN, go within, spend some time on YOURSELF, BREATHE....see how your life will change!

So all that being said....look forward to a few brief words of encouragement, maybe a moment to laugh, a blog to maybe inspire, I won't keep you long, my hope is that you feel love, peace and security at our little Hot Yoga House! Come on in...

Community not business.......

2009-03-27T15:30:00.004-05:00

This blog wasn't started to be about "business" and those of you who know me well, know I am SO NOT about business.......this blog was started to build a community...a place may be to go and laugh, grow, get information or maybe to start your own post....this is OUR blog!

When Melanie Martin and I started dreaming of opening our own hot yoga studio the ONLY things we truly wanted was to build a community of people. To bring people together who may only begin with one thing in common..."hot yoga" but in return become like family. A place where someone can enter and immediately feel connected and a part of something bigger, I think somewhere deep inside we all want to belong to something.

Well, what I've seen was bigger than I even imagined. I knew that people would eventually feel welcome and feel that sense of "home" but never did I imagine that it would be the instant they started their practice with us. This week I've been blessed to be a part of something much bigger than what Melanie and I dreamed of......

This week as many lost their hot yoga home, even if it's a temporary loss, I saw our community at Hot Yoga House welcome these people as if they'd known them for years. I witnessed you introduce yourself to new people, show them warmth and hospitality and it didn't go un-noticed by many. I have had the most wonderful phone calls, emails and tender conversations after class about how comfortable and wonderful THIS community of people is!

YES....community...being part of something bigger....changing lives....yoga....that seems to be what we all need right now. Things are tough, we've all been touched somehow by this economy and that is why I truly believe time spent ON YOUR MAT can help you thru.

I asked the other day when we were in the final Savasana (coffin pose named by Paul) what did that moment feel like....what did it sound like....what did it taste like....what did it smell like...and would those senses be something that you could take off the mat and into your life to allow you to be calm and peaceful during the storm? I think it was 100% yes! Learn to take your savasana with you!

SO I invite you to come and experience YOUR savasana....experience time on YOUR mat....see what a difference this community and YOUR yoga practice can make in EVERY aspect of your life!

I'd love to hear from you, what do YOU find in your yoga practice that helps you in your day to day routine, others want to know too, after all we ARE a Hot Yoga House community!

I have loved getting to know you this week and I have LOVED seeing those familiar faces. I look forward to future times spent together!

Misty

Just say NO to multi-tasking...YES to patience!

2009-02-06T12:25:00.005-06:00

I began teaching our Friday Vinyasa class because I wanted you to embrace patience, to enjoy the challenge, and to learn to laugh at yourself.

Patience isn't something anyone can teach you it has to come from within. I have to say that before I started studying and practicing yoga I didn't "get it"! David would throw a thimble at my sometimes and say "use this to hold your patience"! But I soon learned patience from MY MAT........YES I learned patience from my yoga mat.

I learned from tortoise and many other asanas. I learned to cultivate patience to move forward steadily, no matter how slow my progress was. It's great to be motivated to do hot yoga by all the wonderful physcial things hot yoga can do for you, but if that is your only thought you will eventually be disappointed, there's so much more. For long term tranformation you have to be patient.

Sometimes our main culprit is thinking that we should be able to accomplish something without making a consistent effort. That hurts us by diverting our attention to what the work IS and what we believe we are entitled to. It also makes it impossible to learn and appreciate what is taking place this very minute!

So resolve to live in the moment, this very minute of this very day, live in the moments of your practice, enjoy it NO matter where it is and let go of expecations!

Workshop....Wine....Way Fun!

2009-01-31T07:27:00.005-06:00

We had a great time on Friday night for our Foundations Workshop....didn't we??

SO who says yoga can't be fun!

They laughed, shared, grew deeper and walked a little farther down their yoga path....

NOW that being said I didn't know that this yoga path had a detour to the liqour store? What you ask!?

YES as friends brought together by yoga, they went thru their "workbooks" studied postures found a perfect foundation for each to begin and they had wine and fruit along the way!

Now I know you are saying, "Misty, I think all that makes sense isn't it you that always says, hot yoga, STRAPS and a name like Misty gives hot yoga house a bad name?" so what's a little wine!?

NOTHING it was a great 1st Foundations Class at our new "House"!

SO the next one is scheduled make your plans to attend, I can't promise wine you'd have to talk to Robin and Holly about that! But I can promise that you will learn a lot and know YOUR FOUNDATION to begin your hot yoga practice!

Thank you all for coming, I had a blast!

Hot Yoga House Thank You.....

2009-01-29T15:53:00.001-06:00

So today I took a little teasing when I opened the studio this a.m.! Paul and Georgia said there were report of some flurries so didn't know if I would be there...HA HA!

I have to tell you that I REALLY missed seeing all of you and leading you in your practice. This isn't just a "job" to me, I don't have to do this, but I really feel called to lead you in yoga and when we don't see each other for a few days I really miss it and YOU!

Why do I love it so much?

ONE of the many reasons happened today......when everyone was in VIRABHADRASANA TRIKANASANA (warrior two with traingle) I saw Georgia, who upon attending her 1st class wasn't so sure of this hot yoga thing...but she stuck to it and her triangle was spectacular this morning, I actually got a little teary eyed!

To get the opportunity to watch each of you change and transform literaly right in front of me is something that I do not take for granite, I find it a privilege!

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life, I truly enjoy each moment with you!