The "Other" Yoga Teacher

Recently chatting before a yoga class, I was sharing a story, in which four other yoga teachers shared a morning practice I was leading, we were honored with a particularly amazing sunrise. (Pictured above) One of my students commented on her love of one of the teachers that had attended.  Then our conversation turned to the importance of exposing yourself to various teacher and styles and how it aids in growing a yoga practice.  She then said that when she started to attend my class she “felt like she was cheating on her beloved teacher” it made my laugh to picture myself as the “other teacher” Seriously though, to my loyal student, please cheat on me. I am always here for my students. Step outside the box. Sure, I would love it if you experienced your growth at A Hopeful Balance, but follow your own path, just do some yoga. My dream is to be a student, and I am living my dream. I hope we will be able to use our studio to attract quality teachers for workshops and teacher trainings. And then we can all learn new things together. You can never learn enough. Much Gratitude.

Stress, Weight Gain & the Benefits of Yoga

Stress, Weight Gain and the Benefits of Yoga

My hometown of New Bern, NC is a very complex area. There are many transplants, and not just military.  Moving can cause stress. I can only speak for myself, but it was hard moving to a new place. With so many others experiencing the same feeling… that can lead to some intense energy. I tried to eat my way to happiness, but it did not work.  I had, however, received 40 extra pounds.  I saw my doctors and I started on the right path. While I was feeling more myself, the extra weight I gained was going nowhere. So for two years I held steady at the same weight, fluctuating a pound here, and a pound there. I realized the medication was a great help, but only if I took care of the underlying issues.  We all find our own path. My path included counseling, Yoga practice and medication (I no longer have to take).  I would have never found the counseling if it wasn’t for the Yoga.  That quiet time finally gave me a chance to really connect with what I needed. a chance to just listen. You know the sayings…. “An idle mind is a dangerous thing ~or~ is the devil's workshop”…  Well I say, for me, the danger is being too busy… even God rested on Sunday. I am not saying Yoga is the path for everyone, I just know the benefits I experienced in my yoga practice. I want to share that in my community because I think there is a fit for it here New Bern, NC.

Don’t take my word for it read these articles…

http://www.lsus.edu/Documents/Offices%20and%20Services/Student%20Development%20and%20Counseling%20Center/Stress%20and%20Relaxation.pdf

http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/cortisol-depression-and-weight-loss

http://www.amc.edu/healthy_life/seminars/documents/lindstrom.pdf

http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/stress-and-anxiety

http://stressedoutnation.me  (this is from a local yoga teacher in the area Sam Love)

Hello! I am very new to blogging. I hope to discuss issues that are import to my students and myself.