Integrity

I’m sitting on my yoga mat, 7 minutes early, for day three of an intense, weeklong training I committed to with 99 other yogis; your first clue here is the “7 minutes early” part. The instructor walks in, on-time, talks to his assistants for a few minutes, and then walks to the front of the room and paces, not in a nervous way but with intention. He looks towards me and says, “Stand up if you were late.” About 10 people slowly stand and I look down at my mat thinking... ohhhh, I am so glad I’m not one of them. He continues, with a slight question in his tone, “Didn’t we all agree on day one to be on time for each yoga session?” The room is filled with a hushed “yes” and my gaze is still on the mat feeling embarrassed for those standing. Finally, he says without judgment, “You have no integrity,” ...dramatic pause. “You committed to being on time for each yoga session this week and you didn’t do that. How you live your life in this moment is how you live your life every day.”

I got lucky in that moment. You see, normally I would be standing. Timeliness is not my thing; much to the chagrin of those who love me (my family), like me (my friends) and especially those who employ me (well really I’m thinking of a former boss). Some would say my lack of timeliness is a character flaw, my teacher says it’s about integrity; no judgment, no labels. Do what you say you’re going to do. Simple concept. Easy enough, but often-times it’s easier to make excuses than to follow through.

When you are able to align your actions and your words with your vision for life, there you will find integrity. Only when you can get comfortable with who you are and what you’re about will your life’s vision become clear. And believe me, you will find clarity if you can embrace self acceptance. Disregard other people’s standards, you have your own standards to create based on your life’s experiences. Be honest with yourself, figure out what’s working in your life and what isn’t, then find the courage to change it. Life is too short to remain committed to something that isn’t working. Change your inner voice; it’s YOUR voice so make the conscious effort to be loving toward yourself. My favorite pop star sings, “There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are because He made you perfect.” If the chatter in your head is telling you anything other than you are wonderful, amazing and perfect; stop listening.

Lots of excuses, one too many heart breaks and plenty of second guessing poor decisions lead me to the conclusion that living with integrity is empowering. It creates space to remain true to ourselves and loving towards others, and it’s in that space where I want to live my life every day.

Namaste,
Danielle

Have a question for Danielle? Email her at daniellemclean@att.net. You can find Danielle teaching at The Mat every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Join her for class!

Upcoming Workshops and Events!

DFW Free Day of Yoga
Monday, September 5th, All Day

The Mat is proud to participate in DFW's annual Free Day of Yoga on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. We have our normal full schedule of classes, as well as an additional class at 10:15am. All classes will be free all day long, and we will have raffle prizes after every class! The exact class schedule is available by checking our online schedule. This is a great way to try a new class or get your friends to experience yoga with you! Plan your day to attend class at The Mat for DFW Free Day of Yoga!

To learn more about DFW's Free Day of Yoga, visit their website at www.dfwfreedayofyoga.com

Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, as most classes will be very full. Click here to sign up online now or call us to register at 972-497-YOGA(9642).

Karma Yoga Happy Hour with Tracy Carruth
Friday, September 30th, 6:30pm

Karma Yoga Happy Hour is back, and this time it will be led by Tracy Carruth, the owner of Yoga Balance in McKinney! This event offers a great opportunity to introduce friends to yoga and just hang out and get to know our community a little better. You won't want to miss this opportunity for a terrific outdoor practice with Tracy, so please sign up early!

Pre-registration is greatly appreciated either online by clicking here or in the studio.

My Yoga Story - Bruce Peterson

Bruce has been practicing at The Mat since May, 2011. We are so grateful that he is sharing his Yoga story with us this month!

Why do you practice Yoga?
I started because I was looking for a physical activity that I could stick with. I continue because of the positive changes that are occurring physically and mentally.

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?
My first introduction to yoga occurred during some CrossFit warmups. We were doing some stretches and the trainer referred to them as yoga stretches. Also at CrossFit, during a conversation with the owner of the gym he spoke highly of the benefits of yoga. I began my practice the day before my 50th birthday. That way, 5 or 6 years from now when someone asks me how long I've been practicing I'll be able to say I started back in my 40's and it'll automatically give me a perceived extra decade of practice.

How often do you practice?
I've been taking classes 5 or 6 times a week. If you count the times throughout the day when I find myself paying attention to my breathing or checking my posture then the number gets much higher.

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?
The physical benefits include walking taller, straighter. My habit of walking duck-like, as if one leg is shorter than the other (it's not) is all but gone. I have better mental clarity and just generally feel better. I work in the IT department of a small software company. Actually, I am the IT department. Occasionally an important server will crash and I'll have to scramble to get it back in service. In the past this would send me into a mini panic knowing that it was up to me to perform the repair. It was a panic that led me to become very irritated with anyone that came by to check on the progress. Recently a server crashed and without even realizing it I just took a mental deep breath and very calmly got the machine back in service. The progress checks were not a cause for irritation and I was able to calmly give updates on my progress. Afterwards, my boss complimented me on the “zen like” resolution.

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?
The one thing I would suggest to anyone contemplating starting Yoga would be to banish any preconceived notions of Yoga being only for those who are fit and flexible. Yoga truly is for anyone and everyone.

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?
I practice at The Mat because, without exception, everyone associated with The Mat is a joy to be around. It is the most welcoming place I've ever been. That and because everyone at least pretends to enjoy my sense of humor.

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

"Danielle is the real deal. When she teaches, there is an amazing energy the permeates the space, because the feeling that there is absolutely no other place in the world she would rather be is palpable. Her classes are challenging, but her sweet, genuine and supportive nature allows for a beautiful balance. Spending an hour on the mat with Danielle is a gift that we should all give ourselves as often as possible!" -Jen L.

"Taking class with Danielle is like being fed a delicious and nourishing meal... it tastes so great that you barely notice how good it is for you! Danielle has a way of leading her students through a challenging and effective practice while making us feel totally loved and encouraged. She truly is a ray of sunshine and a beautiful teacher. Please do yourself the favor of getting into her Wednesday 6:30 class at your earliest opportunity. You will learn much and feel great!" -Lisa C.

"I absolutely love taking Danielle's class. She is inspiring, supporting and encouraging and creates an environment that is relaxed and enjoyable. The flow is nicely paced and structured for students of any level. Her sweet and loving spirit encourage me to keep coming back." -Samantha M.

"Danielle’s yoga classes (and character) are filled with compassion. She is able to make anyone feel comfortable and meet them exactly on their level, no matter your age, size, ability, etc. This is true acceptance and is a wonderful welcoming environment for the most seasoned yogi to the ripest newbie." -Katie M.

Do you have feedback about Danielle 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