Intuition: Having Ultimate Faith in Yourself

"Trust your feelings... Use the force, Luke. Let go."

Obi Wan is talking about intuition. Just like Luke Skywalker, we all have the ability to access deep wisdom. Intuition can come in many forms... a gut feeling... a deep knowing without knowing how you know... or a feeling about someone you just met.

Following intuition is a surrender. Time and time again, I am reminded of the importance of letting go and having faith. Even my tea bag brought me back to that, "Have faith in your worth and act with wisdom." Thanks, Yogi Tea, I needed to hear that!

It is important to be able to differentiate between the intuition and our citta vritti - the fluctuations of the mind. How do we know the difference? It takes practice.

Recently, I was working on my computer for several hours on a document for Advanced Yoga Studies that was being saved remotely. I heard a voice in my head say, "You have been working on this for quite some time. You should save your work." Then, my mind talked me out of it, "You are almost done with this one sentence. Finish this and then save it." The first round of thoughts were my intuition and the second were my citta vritti. I lost access to the remote server and couldn't find my work because I hadn't saved it. Yep, I ignored my intuition. The good news is when I connected back to the server later, the work was there as if I had saved it. I have no idea how that happened, but I was extremely grateful.

If you look back on your life, there will be hundreds of examples of when you've followed your intuition and it has brought you great joy and times when you've ignored your intuition and it has brought you great suffering.

There are ways we can enhance our intuition... ways we can more easily access the deep knowing. I learned these techniques from one of my teachers and I am excited about the opportunity to share this with you during Advanced Yoga Studies. Advanced Yoga Studies was created for you to learn more about yoga by turning The Mat into something like a fun college classroom. Students in Advanced Yoga Studies will be learning pose alignment, yoga philosophy, chakras, meditation and more! Level 2 ends with a yoga retreat - we will be leaving the cold Dallas weather to set up our classroom in Playa del Carmen. Bring your questions about yoga and we will answer them. The courses are appropriate for all levels and experience... you just need a desire to learn more. Click here for more information.

This month, in my regular classes at The Mat, I will be teaching how to access your intuition through your yoga practice. Let your intuition guide you. Let your spirit give your life deeper meaning.

Use the Force,
Trina

Have a question for Trina? Email her at trina@treenuh.com.

Trina is Professor of Yoga at Eastfield College, perpetual student of ancient teachings, foodie, artist, philosopher, and dreamer. Join her at The Mat on Tuesdays at noon for Open Flow, Tuesdays at 6:30pm for Open Flow, Tuesdays at 7:35pm for Meditation, Thursdays at 8:00pm for Gentle Yoga and Fridays at 5:15pm for Open Flow.

Advanced Yoga Studies - Deepen Your Practice!

Advanced Yoga Studies
August 26 - November 13, 2011

Do you love yoga? Do you want to go on an enlightening journey of self-discovery? If you've been called to deepen your practice, Advanced Yoga Studies is the right path for you. Learn the ancient techniques that make yoga a science and tap into the source that makes yoga an art.

We are thrilled to announce this new partnership between The Mat Yoga Studio and Treenuh Yoga, brought together by the desire to answer our students' requests for ways to deepen their practice at the home they love, The Mat.

Join us for 5 weeks of study to get a taste, or go deeper with the full 10-week program, culminating in a 5-day retreat to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. You can find all the details on our website by clicking right here.

Upcoming Workshops and Events!

Satsang with Blair Lewis
Sunday, August 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Don't miss our next Satsang with Blair! This is a chance to get your questions answered about yoga, yogic philosophy, meditation, ayurveda, and a host of other yogic related topics. This two hour interactive discussion is always informative, enlightening and entertaining. Cost is by donation. Please pre-register if possible, so we know how many people to expect, either online or in the studio.

My Yoga Story - Cori Pratt

Cori has been practicing at The Mat (and previously APY Richardson) since February, 2007. We are so grateful that she is sharing her Yoga story with us this month!

Why do you practice Yoga?
To keep my body flexible, my mind clear, and my heart open.

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?
Lisa Coyle, a friend I had always admired, started practicing yoga instead of going to the aerobics class at the gym that she and I had frequented for years! When I found out how much it had transformed her life, I began a practice with her at our church, and found it to be a tremendous blessing both physically and mentally. This was over 4 years ago. When Lisa told us about APY I tried it, and became hooked. Then she started teaching there and I was overjoyed! Then The Mat took over and the studio grew in spirit and approach, and I have loved it even more.

How often do you practice?
In a good week, at least 3 times. One gentle flow and two regular flow classes.

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?
When I am able to practice yoga 3 – 4 times a week I find that I have fewer aches in this old body! The stretching makes my cardio (walking & swimmimg) workouts much more productive, and I feel so good. It also helps me mentally by keeping me in “the moment” and looking at my world through peaceful eyes. I also do not get sick often – those toxins get wrung out – and as a teacher of elementary students that is saying a lot! My spiritual life is also much better when I am regularly practice my yoga. It helps to calm my mind and focus on God and His purpose for me more clearly.

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?
Keep coming back! Make a commitment to practice several times with different teachers so that you get the full flavor of the studio and the practice of a new routine. It gets easier and you will see a difference in your life.

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?
The studio is committed to bringing its students a variety of yoga practices so that all people of all ages can experience the benefits of yoga. Becky is a fantastic owner who really listens to her patrons. Plus, the cost here is very reasonable and The Mat has lots of choices so you get the most bang for your buck in this economy!

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

"Trina knows how to read her class's energy. She knows when to take it easy on us, when we want to dance with the lights off, when we want a butt kicking. She is always positive and sincerely kind. She inspires me, she makes me laugh. I love Tuesday night open flow/meditation!" -Jessica

"Trina Hall is the real deal. Authentic to the core, her classes have just the right blend of flow, humor, and reflection. She's attentive to the postures with her adjustments, but quick with a wisecrack to keep us from taking ourselves so serious. Constantly seeking to expand her knowledge, both for herself and her students, makes her a true yogi in my book. And always a great playlist to boot!" -Carlos

"I always look forward to Trina's classes because her love, and knowledge, of yoga is evident from the moment she steps into the room. There truly is no judgment in her classes, what you can do is what you're supposed to do at that moment." -Bruce

"After a class with Trina I feel nourished - body and soul nourished. She is a delightful human being and wonderful teacher, I always leave her class with a smile in my heart and on my face…especially when she has us dance in the dark." -Cinde

Do you have feedback about Trina 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