Wellness Wednesday: Knowing Our Limits

When our focus is largely external, it becomes difficult to determine where our world begins and ends when our inner and outer worlds often infuse. It becomes important to acknowledge a boundary must be set despite how much we adore the idea of being soft and overly resilient to our outer world. We must be confident knowing we are in control of how we respond to the world.

We begin to learn the validity of saying, “no” and that saying yes when we want to say no can only lead to resentment. Fear can challenge us when we decide to set boundaries. We may worry that saying no will be seen as lazy or passive but to do so requires a great amount of awareness and presence. When we are nonjudgementally aware of our own needs and build the appropriate boundaries, we become better able to compassionately handle the emotional needs of others, becoming strong yet soft.

But setting boundaries can require practice just like anything else in life. We may have difficulty accepting where our limits are or may feel sensitive to how people react when we present a new boundary. Once we establish what our limits are, it becomes comforting knowing how much freedom we truly possess.

Namaste!

Angie

*Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule*

*NOTE: studios now open with modifications! Go to yogabydegrees.net for more information*

Wellness Wednesday: Victim of Chitta Vritti

We each fall as victims to what Panjali referred to as the monkey chatter, chitta or simply put, the mind in constant motion. At times it can seem to physically feel like our head no longer can withstand the capacity for additional input.

We learn to tame this natural behavior through meditation. We often gain this misconception that in order to meditate, we must not think of anything when in reality we actually must invite the thoughts whether we percieve them good or bad. This gives us the opportunity to move beyond thought. Instead of attaching to thoughts, we become aware of thoughts rather than creating the origin of one. The difference is subtle, but truly significant.

When we are aware of our thoughts, we allow the eb and flow of our mind to occur without being taken by its potentially overwhelming tides. Our ability to concentrate with effortless effort allows us to slow down to a space of being where we can achieve inner peace.

Namaste!

Angie

*Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule*

*NOTE: studios now open with modifications! Go to yogabydegrees.net for more information*

Wellness Wednesday: Communication From Our Bodies

We often sweep pass the signs our bodies attempt to alert us with in times it needs loving attention. Learning to trust our bodies is something that can connect us with our intuitional selves but often our thoughts will intrude. We will find that the information we receive from our bodies may manifest the answers we had been seeking in the very moment. Simply using our body as a guide may offer the insights we need in all aspects.

When we finally show our bodies attention, we become closer to our own natural rhythm. We can simply communicate with it by noticing which way our body responds to basoc questions and scenarios. Once we conquer the basic, we can start asking the more specific questions.

Since we are always present in our physical bodies, our body becomes a great guide for our mind to remind ourselves to remain grounded when it becomes easy for our mind to become distracted on the external world. Once we learn how our body communicates with us, we realize how it can benefit us through not just daily but also major life decisions. The more we allow our bodies to open up and share with us the connection it has with our deeper self, the better able we will be to truly access the knowledge we have held all along.

Namaste!

Angie

Meet the Teacher Kyle S

Kyle is a natural born teacher; her ability to lead, explain, & breakdown each pose invites new yogis to find themselves & experienced yogis to go further than they thought they could. There is truly something for everyone in Kyle’s class! And if you like to travel, she can share tons! Kyle & her bestie Shasha B have taken on the world, give her an insta follow to see some of the amazing trips they have taken. 

1. When & how did you come to yoga yourself?

I came to yoga during my senior year of college. I stepped away from the world of competitive gymnastics when I went to college. After a few years off of physical activity, my body was craving some movement. Yoga made sense because it combines strength and grace, similar to gymnastics. I took a sculpt class in Western Springs and was hooked! I dove into vinyasa shortly after.

2. What made you decide to start teaching (or take TT)?

Teacher training was something I was interested in but wasn’t sure about. I was in an interim period between my bachelor’s and master’s degree and thought: if not now, when? <–YEP!

3. Favorite yoga pose:

It changes everyday! If you’ve taken my class you’ll know I’m really into the mythology behind the poses and how the stories can make the poses so much more dynamic. <—This is a super cool way to learn more about yoga & what a better way to learn about Eagle Pose than being IN Eagle Pose?!

4. Who inspires your teaching?

Definitely the students! Especially my Sunday crew at Western Springs. There’s some amazing yogis there who have been with me since I started teaching about 5 years ago! (and they suffered through my beginning teacher awkwardness!)

5. Tips for beginners (or advanced yogis maybe):

Yoga is mental and physical. But it’s also a reflection of the human experience. We fall, we lose balance, we tire, we find strength, we get frustrated, we err and make mistakes, we forgive, we find joy. Beginner or not, we all have these experiences reflected in our journeys on our mat. My tip is to always remember that. This practice and this life is a symphony with beautiful peaks and valleys.

6. Favorite quote: 

Not all who wander are lost.

7. Instagram name:

@kylevirginiasellers

8. Interesting fact about you:

Teacher training not only deepened my practice and certified me to teach, but I met one of my best friends through YBDs teacher training! Sasha B. and I met in the Spring 2015 teacher training class. We clicked instantly and have been friends ever since. Her and I share a love for travel as well- we’ve gone to Bali, Peru, and Portugal together.

9. When I am  not doing yoga I like to:

Anything and everything! Read, run, drink wine, travel, laugh, spend time with my friends, sleep!

Wellness Wednesday: Out Of The Thinking Mind and Into The Feeling Body

The stimuli we gather from the day anxiously waits to be processed in our heads hours after we encounter them. Even as we lie in bed, in the quiet dark, our minds can still feel full. This can leave us feeling exhausted to where we have reached such a capacity that we struggle to take in new inspiration. If we do not create the space to process, we can continue to carry the residue from days past.

We may not realize the activities we resort to help us relax only add to the exhaustion we feel. Watching television, reading a book, or talking to a friend all involve taking in more stimuli. In order to truly find wholesome relief, activities such as yoga, long walks and baths help to draw our attention to our bodies, slowing our mental activity enough that our minds begin to settle. Once we are mentally relaxed, we can begin the process of clearing our minds.

Our minds will begin to settle with less effort the more we practice our desired ritual. While it may be frustrating at first, we will later learn that clearing our mind allows us to be more open to perceiving the world as a fresh offering, free of yesterday’s residue.

Namaste!

Angie

*Studios now open with modifications! Please visit yogabydegrees.net for more information*

*Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule*

Meet the Teacher Susan J

Susan’s passion for fitness & wellness inspires her students & her big bright smile lights up a room! Her roll as a mom to 3 & background in the corporate world allows her to meet her students needs in every class she leads. Susan started with our HIIT Pilates team & has added Vinyasa to her schedule, we can’t wait to see what all she can accomplish! 

When and how did you come to yoga yourself

Since my teenage years, I have always had a passion for fitness, nutrition and wellness.   Working in the corporate world, 5:30 a.m. Group Fitness classes and early morning runs jump started and energized my days.  In 2017, my body was taking a toll from frequent high impact workouts and my spirit was craving something more.  At the encouragement of my close friend Laura Lusson, a fellow yogi teacher at YBD, I began practicing yoga at Yoga By Degrees and immediately became hooked.  The mind/body connection was something that I had not experienced before and it quickly became an outlet for releasing stress and gaining perspective on what’s truly important in life.

What made you decide to start teaching (or take TT)?

Soon after starting my practice at YBD, I quickly became hooked taking multiple classes each week.  I loved the way that it made me feel both physically and emotionally both during and following class.  I wanted to deepen my practice and learn more.  I knew that there was so much more than just the asana limb of yoga and wanted to enrich my understanding beyond just taking classes.  Truly understanding the depths of the mind/body/breath connection was important to me.   I shared my thoughts with Laura who encouraged me to listen to my heart and follow my dream.  So, I signed up for the 11 month program.  It was a wonderful experience and during the training I came  to realize that I wanted to be able to share this wonderful practice with others and provide light and encouragement to help others see the best in themselves.

 

Favorite yoga pose?

I love Prasarita Padottanasana, standing wide legged forward fold.  I typically push myself in classes and when we come to this pose, it always calms my mind and helps me reconnect to my breath.  Additionally there are so many variations that can be offered to student or taken when practicing this posture, so it allows for creativity to express yourself and truly listen to what your body and mind need that day at that time.

Tips for Beginners

Many people I speak with are often intimidated to come into a studio because they feel they are not “expert” yogis and are afraid that they will be judged by fellow students.   Yoga is an individual practice, not a competition.  It is about letting go of ego and judgement and having fun. (A quote from Alex L.). It is about breathing and finding your mind/body connection not about being “perfect” in every posture.  Yoga is a journey.  Step out of your comfort zone and try multiple classes to find what fills your heart and soul.  I promise you the risk is worth the reward.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” – Dr. Seuss

Instagram Name

Srjacobs5 <– Suasan’s megawatt smile will brighten your day! 

Interesting Fact about Me

I grew up on a farm in rural Ohio where most of my family still reside.  My farm roots have played a strong influence in my beliefs and work ethic.  I love going back there to the “simple” life, seeing the sunset followed by stars twinkling at night, smelling the clean fresh air, seeing deer run across the open fields as well as trees and green grass for miles and miles.

When I am not doing yoga,  I love to

Hang out with my family – my husband Jay, my son Nick, twin daughters Emily and Alison and our furry friends Parker and Scotty.  I also love to cook, share a bottle of wine with friends, spin, hike and travel to warm climates.

Wellness Wednesday: Seeking To Be Whole

“seek to be whole, not perfect”

When we magnify our focal point on the things we feel we lack instead of the things that we possess, we can develop a vacancy towards our purpose of life. However, if life is about experimenting, experiencing, and learning, to be imperfect is essential. As we do not always like to admit, our life changes more than it stays the same. We may experience perfectionism in brief moments but it will not last because it is an impermanent state. 

When we acknowledge this, we can find comfort knowing this expectation we carry is not realistically achievable. We can release our restricted mindset and transform to one of flexibility. We will never be truly satisfied until we let go of the idea of perfection in the many aspects of our life as we often strive for something that is not completely ours to want. As ironic as it sounds, our life becomes full when we let go of this mindset. We then open up to our own true fulfillment when we strive for what we desire without external influences. Acknowledging what we can offer to our external world may make help to initially focus on the wholesome fullness we attain already.

Once we realize that true security rests in our view of ourselves and how we fit into the world around us, we are able to focus on more important aspects of our existence that brings us joy which only encourages us to flourish in feeling whole.

Namaste!

Angie

*Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule*

*Studios now open with modifications! Please visit yogabydegrees.net for more information*