Lessons Learned from a Clock

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"

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!)

Lead with your Heart

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"

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!

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!"

Laughing at yourself....

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.
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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?

(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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My Birthday wants to THANK YOU!

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!

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!

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

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...

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

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!

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.....

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!