Play

"A child who does not play is not a child, but the man who doesn’t play has lost forever the child who lives in him and who he will miss terribly." ~Pablo Neruda

The first thing my 9 year old son does when we get home from school is to throw his backpack on the floor, run to his room and start playing. The hardest task of my day is to ask him to stop playing and do his homework. I have to fight all the arguments, “but Mom, homework is so boring!” Why is it so hard for me to fight it? Because I agree with him and I love so much to see him play! (Okay, I will have to make sure he is not reading this part!) So as Mom I ask him, “Can we make homework more fun? More playful? Can we start multiplying M&M’s? Nerf gun darts? Legos?”

Our true nature is to play. We are born to play. We are able to do it when we are kids and little by little we get conditioned to become more responsible, to do our homework, to work, to have a job; and before we know it, we start taking life too seriously.

The world is a giant playground. Life is a giant playground. We can decide if we want to make every second a little more playful. The number one regret people have when they look back on their lives is “I wish I had not taken life so seriously.” They often realize that they worked hard, but they didn’t really live.

We are here to enjoy ourselves and to play – throughout life. Playing is not just for kids; it’s our life force. Playing keeps us young at heart, puts passion in our work and helps our relationships thrive. It rejuvenates us. To play is to live life to its fullest. Unfortunately, play is usually given a low priority. While it is true that placing a high priority on work is useful, since we all must take care of our families and ourselves. However, this priority can be taken too far. Too many people feel a desperate need to be constantly productive, successful and always achieving. This generation knows how to do, but doesn’t always know how to be.

Play is something we do for pleasure. Every time we play we find that energy, that inner joy coming back to the surface of our being. We feel free. For me, playing can range anywhere from singing loud in the shower, dancing in the living room like nobody is watching, singing even louder in the car, having snowball fights and making snow angels, going in-line skating outside, going windsurfing on the lake, cooking dinner for my friends, bringing French crepes for an after class treat, trying something completely new like belly dancing (thank you Skila!), or kite boarding. I grab every opportunity I get, so I don’t forget. Because every time I play I also feel younger and more positive. It’s natural; instinctive. Research shows that laughter is an awesome natural medicine, releasing endorphins in the body and reducing stress. So what are we waiting for? How do you play? We can’t help growing old on the outside, but if we keep playing, we’ll stay young inside.

Let’s play together at The Mat on Thursdays at noon! Have fun!

Love,
Karine

Have a question for Karine? Email her at carrier.karine@gmail.com. You can find Karine teaching at the Mat every Thursday at noon, and subbing other classes whenever she can.

Upcoming Workshops!

Yoga for Foodies Weekend
Friday & Saturday, April 15 & 16

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back David Romanelli and our all-time favorite workshops, his Yoga For Foodies series. We'll be hosting three amazing workshops this time:

Yoga + Wine... Makes You Smarter! Friday, 6:30pm - SOLD OUT
Fill Your Belly (and Soul) with Yoga + Chocolate Saturday, 1:00pm
Yoga + Chocolate... Makes You Happier! Saturday, 6:00pm

If you've never taken one of Yeah Dave's workshops, you won't want to miss this. Dave's humor and insight, combined with a great flow, incredible tunes, and chocolate (yes, chocolate!) make these workshops you'll remember for years to come.

Please note: The Friday evening workshop will be followed by our quarterly Karma Yoga Happy Hour on the patio. Please join us for great music, snacks, drinks, and the best community around! All are welcome, even if you missed the workshop!

The Friday evening Yoga + Wine event is already sold out! We highly recommend you register online now for one or both of the Saturday workshops. Be sure to note the cancellation policy, as it is different than our usual workshop policy at The Mat.

Karma Yoga Happy Hour
AFTER David Romanelli workshop!
Friday, April 15th, 8:00pm

Because we are hosting David Romanelli this month, we will not be having the free class portion of our quarterly Karma Yoga Happy Hour. However, because we love any excuse for a party, and because Yeah Dave is in town, we will still be having the happy hour! Please join us on the patio around 8pm for great music, food and drinks, even if you can't make the workshop that evening. We really do have the best yoga community around, so come get to know your fellow yogis a little better!

Yoga Teacher Training at The Mat!

Yoga with a Therapeutic Emphasis
200-hour and 300-hour RYT programs

The Mat is thrilled to announce that in 2011 we will be hosting Divine School of Yoga Therapy’s teacher training programs. The 200-hour RYT program will begin in May 2011 and the 300-hour RYT program will begin the last weekend in April 2011. For dates, pricing and more details, please visit DSOYT’s website at http://www.dsoyt.com/ or call 682.325.YOGI(9644).

We will be hosting an Open House at The Mat on Saturday, April 2nd from 1:30pm-2:30pm and on Sunday, April 2nd from 1:30pm-2:30pm for all those interested in finding out more about either program. Click here for more information. Don't miss these extremely informative sessions!

My Yoga Story - Evya Richards

Evya has been practicing at The Mat since May 2009. We are so grateful that she is sharing her Yoga story with us this month!

Why do you practice Yoga?
I practice yoga because for 60 or 75 minutes it’s just me and the mat. I love just going within myself and feeling so strong and free for that time period. I feel strong and invigorated after my practice and it’s a feeling I want to feel forever.

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?
I first started yoga by video with Bob from the Biggest Loser. He was my BVF (Best Video Friend). However, I realized about two weeks in Bob couldn’t explain to me how to modify my poses, so I needed to find a studio in Richardson. I started in 2009 and my first instructor was Erica (and she was so awesome) and she laughed when I explained to her about me and Bob! It was extremely challenging for awhile because I had never challenged myself that way before. So for a couple of months I would only come on the days Erica taught and I would go to the same spot in the studio, far left side (I still go to the same spot) because that’s “my comfort” spot. I finally got strong enough and comfortable enough to try other classes and experience how other instructors teach and that is so much fun!

How often do you practice?
Ideally a great week for me is coming in three days, but most often its two.

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?
Wow! Where do I start? Because of yoga and the strength I’ve gained physically and mentally, I have really challenged myself over the past two years. Yoga is my center and my catalyst for doing other things like: strength training, zumba, Pilates, hula hooping. I feel like if I could walk in that studio and expose myself like that to yoga, I can do anything. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel the best I’ve felt since I was 30 years old (and no I won’t say how long that’s been!)

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?
Don’t give up! It’s so rewarding mentally and physically and it’s worth staying with it. For me, the mental part is even more rewarding and that’s because it was hard for me to walk into the studio over two years ago and not be in control. I always hate that time period where you don’t know anyone or know what you’re doing. I wanted to be able to walk in and just leave feeling like okay I got it. That was so not how it worked. You have to allow time. I still can’t do everything, but now I’m okay with that. I do what I can and just laugh at myself when I fall. Or laugh when I see Lisa in a pose and think – that girl’s gotta have wires attached to her behind! It’s a practice and we are all still practicing and now I realize if I knew everything or could do everything – what would be the challenge? I like stretching myself. I have a fused ankle; therefore it limits me some, but now I’m not afraid to work through the pain.

Now when I travel to other cities, states or provinces I always try and find a yoga studio. I enjoy experiencing other places and seeing how others practice. Before yoga, I wouldn’t have ever opened myself up to those new experiences.

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?
I love the instructors and I love the very friendly environment. I love practicing with Julie because I love her music because she has a great mix of “old school” and some us find ourselves singing while doing yoga and we just laugh and flow on. I’m a big believer in “if it aint broke don’t fix it!” The Mat is my home and I’m totally comfortable there. I’ve tried other places, which is okay because I’m open to different experiences, but The Mat will always be home base. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to practice alongside you and to share my yoga story. I’ll see you very soon on The Mat! --namaste.

What others are saying about Karine's classes...

"Karine's genuine passion for her students and her uplifting spirit make her classes so enjoyable. She will encourage you to explore your physical limits and challenge your frame of mind while her playlists and warm personality leave you feeling like you just set foot on the French Riviera. Her honest enthusiasm and charm always inspire me." -Alyssa

"To take a class taught by Karine is like your own mini vacation! By the end of her class, you will think that you have gone to France and back without ever leaving the studio! Her encouraging guided practice leaves you feeling exhilarated, enlightened, and limber, accomplishing things you never would think that you could do." -Jesse

"Karine’s class is one of my favorites in the studio. Her poses are as beautiful as her music in class which is as beautiful as her sing-song French accent which is as beautiful as her lessons that she offers which are as beautiful as her whole being. She has taught me to feel safe as I become more alive, because she herself is passionately alive. In simply being, she honors the world and I am honored to share the practice of yoga, and life, with Karine. Please join us!" -Katie

Do you have feedback about Karine or any other teacher at The Mat? Email Becky at becky@thematyogastudio.com.

Visit us at www.thematyogastudio.com for studio information. We look forward to seeing you on The Mat!

The Mat Yoga Studio
670 N. Coit Road, Suite 2381
Richardson, Texas 75080