new to yoga

On The Mat

Hello friends! I've got some exciting news! I've partnered up with a few local yoga studios to bring you;

ON THE MAT!

This will be a 4 class event. I'm hoping to add more dates, but I'm just glad I have my original 4 planned! Originally I had planned 2 to be at Shine and then 2 to be held at the Tiger Club in Aurora. Things haven't panned out with my 2nd location. I'm sure it just needs time. So, I contacted Jenny at Focus Om, and they are going to allow me to hold 2 of my classes there.

I originally wanted to get the 5 Class Passes set up for you. However, I'm fine tuning the details with Focus - and it's looking like this will be a public community event held by them. We will follow their pay structure for this class so unfortunately, I will have to restrict class passes from this location all together.

I have a couple discount codes going around. So if you do plan on purchasing a class pass for a discounted rate, please know that they will not expire and that I AM planning on having more classes within the area. I will be looking at renting Shine out after the new year as well as adding completely NEW locations to the mix.

During this class, it is my intention that you'll be able to take the time to experience a moment for yourself!

We'll practice gentle yoga asanas (postures) and follow it up with a 30 minute candlelight yoga nidra meditation.

In the midst of the holiday season, I promise you, this is JUST what the doctor ordered!

This definitely won't be your typical yoga class! Expect to move a bit, but be prepared for meditation and deep connection with your mind and body!

 

Shine Studio Batavia
Sunday, November 29th from 4:00-5:30 PM
(available for purchase now!)
*join me after for dinner and drinks at Pal Joey's!

Shine Studio Batavia
Friday, December 11th from 7:00-8:30 PM
(available for purchase now!)


Focus Om Batavia
Sunday, December 20th from
3:00 - 4:30 PM
*stay tuned for rates and details!

Focus Om Batavia
Sunday, January 17th from
5:30 - 7:00 PM
*stay tuned for rates and details!

 

Want to get updates sent directly to your Inbox? Subscribe to get up to date class notifications and cancellations.

giving the gift of Yoga

in ,

Going into my first class, I wanted to make it extra special. Sometimes on really amazing practices, a couple of my instructors would also have a bowl of chocolate set up for you to grab a piece on your way out. Sometimes we would even grab a tea bag to have when we got home or the morning after.

I wanted to be able to incorporate this into my class to show how much I appreciate all those who came out to support me truly begin my journey as a teacher.

So, I came up with a little "fluff pack" as one friend likes to call them. Essentially, it's a little piece of heaven for them indulge in and a little piece of me to remember while they enjoy their treats.
 

I came across this tutorial on Pinterest and fell in love with the cute packaging!

From there I began gathering my materials;

  • Treat Bags - I found similar treat bags on Amazon here.
  • The Goodies - I decided I was going to give away both Dove Chocolates and Tulsi Organic Tea and some Tazo Green Tea bags; so I purchased both milk and dark chocolates and a couple different flavors of the Tea (including Peppermint - my favorite) at my local Target. (Because that's where I purchase EVERYTHING!)
  • Fabric - (I ventured to Hobby Lobby and began choosing fabric that caught my eye. I ended up selecting 3 different fabric prints and ordered 1/4 yd each of them. You really don't need much here.
  • Lace Ribbon (you want this thick, like in the above photo and it's totally optional; I didn't end up using any of this)
  • Pinking Shears (not necessary, but I love the way this look on fabric - and someone even commented on the fact that I used them! Which was nice.)
  • Twine (You'll need a needle big enough for this to thread it through the top of the fabric. You may also choose to make a tiny slit with your fabric shears)
  • Gift Tags - (I found cute brown ones from Hobby Lobby)
  • Rubber Stamps/Ink Pads - you may already have this on hand. I just selected a few stamps that I felt had the most positive message and used those.
  • Pretty paperclips - Target Dollar $pot has a GREAT selection of these. They always have the cutest things.
  • Washi Tape - (this will secure the package closed)

From here I just began cutting the fabric/ribbon, stamping the gift tags and cutting the twine so that I could have an assembly line when I was ready to put my packages together.

When I was ready to assemble my bags, I also took out my amazing business cards that I ordered from Zazzle. A few weeks back, I took advantage of their 50% off sale. I also became a member of Zazzle Black for 30 days so I could also receive the perks of free shipping. You can literally go into your account and choose not to extend the subscription after you place that first order. So I didn't have to set a reminder - HUGE PLUS! I ended up ordering a few sets of business cards, loyalty punch cards, 5 class packs for when I begin normal classes, referral cards and one free class passes. Zazzle often runs 50% off business cards and other various discounts regularly.

So I set up my assembly line;

And here's what they ended up looking like when I was finished stuffing them!

IMG_2349.JPG

I have to say; I am pretty impressed with myself on the way these turned out! I even had a few people come up to me and say, "Do you ever sleep?" haha. I had one say "Are you kidding me? These are so cute!!!! I'm taking a few!" It was an awesome feeling to make so many people's day with just something I took the time to make. Not even with what was inside; although EVERYONE enjoyed their tea and chocolate. But, because of the package. I really just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU for coming to support me and for believing in me!

I've managed to Pin a few more packaging ideas that I really liked. Not only do I want to spoil my Yoga students with fun gifts like this, but it would be great for Christmas time for cookie exchanges or small gifts to friends and loved ones.

Anyway, I actually have a few things up my sleeve based solely on this practice, so I would definitely want to welcome those who attended this class with me. In my packages, I have included things that will not only bring them back, and also bring their friends. I'd love for them and anyone else to follow along on my journey with me! Please continue to share my posts with your friends! I love that I'm inspiring all of you not just in Yoga but in your lives. The fact that I can do that means the world to me!

Balanced Bliss Sequence

in

Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to all of those who came to my class last night! Thank you all!

I tried like heck to make this available on Spotify, but I couldn't find a lot of the songs there. To be honest, I'm not the greatest with Spotify either. That's why I went with what I knew. But, both playlists are about an hour and twenty three minutes. The first playlist is what was started in class. After the reading, I switched to the second playlist.  If you remember or want a specific song, let me know and we can probably figure it out.

Here's a screen shot of my iTunes playlists in case you want to purchase any of those songs. (Photos show the order they were played; from left to right). I'll figure out this whole sharing thing sooner or later :-)

This was played through the actual yoga sequence

This was played through the actual yoga sequence

This was played after the reading. Towards the end of Enchanted Forest, I had begun to have you come back to 'reality'. We completed the end of the practice with Balance playing; which was also the song we started the practice with.

This was played after the reading. Towards the end of Enchanted Forest, I had begun to have you come back to 'reality'. We completed the end of the practice with Balance playing; which was also the song we started the practice with.

 

The reading was an excerpt from Melody Beattie's Journey to the Heart. If you'd like the exact reading, let me know!

You can find this book on Amazon.com which is where I got mine!

You can find this book on Amazon.com which is where I got mine!

If you have any questions or want further explanation on any of the poses we did, please let me know! Simply fill in the information and click submit. Once I receive it, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

**Please note; due to me being in training the entire weekend of August 21-23rd; I may not be able to get to my email right away. Expect a response no later than Monday August 24th.

It was a pleasure having you in my first yoga class!

signature.png



Sequencing Part 3

in , , , , ,

Last week I finished tweaking my sequence. I ended up taking TONS of notes on my actual sequence, so I went ahead and re-typed it. But, I found as I've gone through it the last few nights; I'm still making notes. Writing down all the things I want to say, and the things I want to explain. I need to write them down so I don't forget.

I don't want to be that girl at the front of the class reading off of the paper. But there are sometimes where I think I need to. I'm not very good at explaining what I'm doing while I do it. My mom will attest to this, I'm sure. So I have to constantly remind myself that I need to be talking while I'm moving. Right now, just starting - that's hard for me. SO I can't just see the sequence pictures and go. I need to have something to back me up, in case I'm up there and I freeze.

I actually have a feeling I may not need much while I'm up there. At the studio I think I'll be more in the zone. But, I also don't want to get up in front of everyone and then be at a loss for words. It's going to be overwhelming. But it's going to be great! I have 2 days until I teach and I'm so nervous now! It's all setting in and becoming real!

If I can get half way through the practice; I'm golden! While they're laying there isn't much I have to demonstrate. I just have to be really good at explaining and adjusting. That I think I can handle!

I went through the practice again last night. I caught myself thinking "what if this happens?" and wondering if some of the ladies will actually be able to. Then that got me thinking of adjustments. Just so I didn't forget that, I came up with a plan for one of the poses to be able to adjust everyone and get everyone to benefit from it. I was uber proud of myself for that. Because I sure would have been there; staring at Caitlin mouthing HELP! haha

I also practiced teaching on Eric. Bad idea. He doesn't listen to me, and that gets frustrating. He doesn't look at me like a teacher and so I get that. But add that in with the dogs going nuts trying to figure out why Daddy is laying on the floor and it was just overwhelming. I gave up.

Anyway. Sequencing is HARD work. Being a perfectionist makes that even harder!

Sequencing Part 2

in 
You can view part 1 of this blog series HERE!

This week I've begun practicing my sequence. The first day I flowed through it. I'm not going to lie. If you're a newbie, it's definitely going to challenge you. Not just physically either. But I can already tell you're going to leave feeling so renewed and refreshed.

I spent 2 hours (it could have been a bit more... it probably was) searching ITunes for songs to include on my playlist for the class. I ended up spending almost $20 and have some really great core songs for future. I know. I know. "But Mishelle, there is Pandora, and Spotify; why aren't you just using those kinds of things?" Honestly, I've not had enough experience with Spotify to use it for a class yet. I have the free version, so I know there would be Ads. That's not to say I wouldn't splurge in the end. I very well may. But I truly want everything to flow with ease, and creating a playlist on my IPhone is something I don't have to worry about. It's a no muss no fuss. You know, for the most part!

I am looking into making my Playlist available on Spotify though for after class. The creative juices have actually begun to flow. I am also now trying to figure out how I ccan offer this to more than just those who drop in to my class August 20th. Ever since I started practicing this thing on my own, I've also gotten the idea for a workshop. But, it will be something that isn't available until closer to the end of the year when I finish my training. Don't worry! I've got some things up my sleeves. I'm praying that they work.

I've never felt so connected to my practice before. I don't know whether it's the fact that it's me.... MY heart and soul that went into it. Or if I'm just really enjoying a heart opening practice at the moment. It could be both. I am noticing that all of things I've tried, I'm slowly incorporating into the way I teach. I love that. I tell when I'm using something this instructor taught me and when I'm using something another taught. It's beautiful. It truly is.

 

7 Essentials For The New Yoga Student!

in


The above is an image I created for my Shabby-Savvy Maven blog. I've since quit blogging under that name, but you may still find some of the things I wrote interesting. This was my take on a "beauty and DIY" blog. But, it didn't take off; and I didn…

The above is an image I created for my Shabby-Savvy Maven blog. I've since quit blogging under that name, but you may still find some of the things I wrote interesting. This was my take on a "beauty and DIY" blog. But, it didn't take off; and I didn't have near as much passion as I do here!

I went ahead and compiled a list of my 7 essentials for any new yoga student. Whether it be for at home practice or to bring with you to your yoga practices;

1.       Strap – I am still in search of the PERFECT strap that works just as the ones in my actual yoga studio do. I find the ones that I’m finding are too thin for me or are too short. I’m sure it is that I am not looking in the right place. I found mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. My next strap will be from the Yoga Accessories website. These seem super similar to the ones I have in class.

2.       Blocks – You can find these cheapest probably at Five Below. They work the same and are also structured the same. I’ve seen these range at other stores from $10-$20 depending on the size and brand.
 

3.       LIP BALM – I particularly am in love with my Rosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm, but I also always keep a Burt’s Bees on me. I've always got Burt's Bees on me! It's an obsession!
 

4.       Yoga Bag – Or gym bag I suppose. My absolute FAVORITE is this bag from Thirty-One. I actually have it in this print too! When I ordered mine, I embroidered “Here for Savasana” on the front. (It gets me a lot of laughs!) My yoga mat fits perfectly on the back of the bag. There’s a spot for my stinky shoes… AND when I’m wearing earrings, or even traveling with them, there are even holes for you to pin them to! I am SO in love with this bag! I'm not sure that it is still available. My advice to you is to find a yoga bag that you LOVE!
 

5.       Hair ties – DUH!!! (trust me, you'll thank me later!)
 

6.       Yoga Mat –  You can find these cheapest (and sometimes cutest) at Five Below. I feel the quality is more or less the same as what you'd find at Target, WalMart or even some Yoga Accessories at a fraction of the price. Most of the time the print are even prettier! But if you would rather get an “official” sport store yoga mat, that’s fine too… Expect to pay between $30 and $200 depending on where you go and what kind of mat you get. My suggestion would be to hit up your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx if you're looking at investing in a "pro" mat.
If you go around January (or the time when gym and work out gear tend to be 'in season') you'll find lots of Manduka and Jade mats for a fraction of the cost. Last January, I got my purple Jade mat for $49.99 (as opposed to the $80 retail cost). Just do your research and be on the look out at all times for good deals!
 

7.       Water bottle – You don’t always realize how intense yoga can be vs. working out at the gym. You can sweat just as much, and need to replenish your body just as if you were working out on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. You’re just working your muscles in different ways. Most yoga studios offer water complimentary, BUT some require you to bring your own bottle.

And there you have it… my 7 essentials for any yoga beginner!

Please, don't be afraid to integrate these things into your classes or home practice! In fact, I'd love to hear how you're doing just that. Shoot me an email or leave me a comment below!

Namaste,

M