“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around, once in a while, you could miss it.” To quote the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s a quote that has endured for over three decades, and with good reason. The sentiment holds true today, perhaps even more so than in the ’80s. We live in a society where productivity is glorified, and we are constantly pulled in multiple directions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to simply live. But yoga can be a powerful tool in helping us slow down, be present, and focus on what’s really important.
I took some time this week to visit friends at Seek Peace Yoga in Galveston with my daughter—a much-needed break. Connecting with loved ones can make a difference in getting by and living life. We did yoga on the beach, paddle-boarded, and connected.
Being present with yoga
Yoga can help us with many things, from improved flexibility and strength to reduced stress and anxiety. But one of the most crucial benefits is the increased awareness that comes from being present. Practicing yoga encourages us to tune in to our bodies, breathing, and surroundings. We learn to let go of distracting thoughts and focus on what we’re experiencing in the present moment. This heightened awareness can translate to other areas of our lives, helping us see and appreciate the small things that make life worth living.
Human Connection
One such thing is human connection. The Blue Zone Project is a global initiative that studies areas where people live the longest, healthiest, and happiest lives. One of the common denominators they found across these regions was a sense of community and strong social ties. Human connection is what gives us a sense of purpose and belonging, and it’s something that can be easily overlooked in our fast-paced world. Yoga, emphasizing mindfulness and compassion, can be powerful in fostering connection and empathy towards others.
Finding gratitude
Another way in which yoga helps us see what’s truly important in life is through its focus on gratitude. Gratitude is acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives, big and small. It’s easy to take things for granted, especially when we are busy and stressed out. But when we take time to focus on what we’re grateful for, we’re reminded of the abundance that surrounds us. Yoga can help cultivate gratitude by encouraging us to be present and mindful and reminding us to appreciate the inherent beauty in the world around us.
What are you chasing?
In addition to helping us appreciate the small things in life, yoga can help us clarify our values and priorities. When we take the time to slow down and connect with ourselves, we can gain clarity on what really matters to us. We might realize that we’ve been chasing after the wrong things or that we’ve been neglecting important relationships or aspects of our health. We can make more intentional and fulfilling life choices by tuning in to our inner voice.
In a world where life moves pretty fast, it’s more important than ever to take time to stop and look around. Ferris Bueller wisely noted that life moves fast, and we might miss it. Yoga is one tool that can help us do just that. By encouraging us to be present, connect with others, practice gratitude, and clarify our values, yoga can help us see what’s truly important for a healthy and happy life. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily living, take a few deep breaths, roll out your yoga mat, and tune in to the present moment. You may just be surprised by what you notice.
Studio News!
Did you know you could earn 10,000 Reward Points by leaving a review? Here is the link to leave a Google Review, then claim the points on the app. https://g.co/kgs/wkMM3t
While working on the new studio space this week, Eric uncovered Yoga Joe underneath the burned pillar. We do not know how old he is, but we are happy he will watch over us in the years to come. The new studio is at 127 North Main Street in Historic Downtown Mansfield. Viridian Roofing and Construction is doing an incredible job of preparing our new space.
Summer Solstice Sound Bath
Join Mallory for this 90-minute Summer Solstice class celebrating our inner power and light. We will start out with a yin yoga practice allowing the body to release and settle into our yoga nidra meditation. Then we will enjoy the sounds of the therapeutic crystal bowls.
Sound therapy is based on the idea that every part of your body creates a vibration that resonates in a certain way. Sound healing works by sending sound waves throughout the body, helping restore balance at a cellular level. During sound meditation, the client starts out in a beta state (thinking), then starts to move into an alpha state (passive), and finally into a theta-deep relaxation state.
The benefits include nervous system restoration, better sleep, increased brain wave frequency, and decreased stress and anxiety. Feel free to bring blankets, pillows, essential oils, or anything else to make your practice more comfortable.
All levels are welcome! Mallory Green Spielman is an RYT 200 Certified Sound Bath Practitioner, Aerial Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master.
Sunshine School of Yoga
300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
Are you interested in advancing your skill set as a yoga teacher? A 300-hour yoga teacher training is an advanced program for aspiring yoga teachers who have already completed a 200-hour training course and strive to know more.
Sunshine School of Yoga’s 300-Hour Training Program is designed to advance the basic level of knowledge presented at most 200-hour yoga teacher training programs. We will tap into what you love about teaching yoga and enhance your skills and all areas.
Sunshine School of Yoga is a Register School with Yoga Alliance and is Accredited with 200 Hour and 300 Hour Certifications Requirements. You will be able to advance your designation with YA upon completion of this training program.
We have broken out our 300-Hour Training into three different 100-Hour Certifications.
The Body of Yoga, The Mind of Yoga, and The Spirit of Yoga
Each module can be taken in person or online exclusively, or a hybrid of both. These modules are designed to be taken together in one 300-hour training course or for continuing education; on their own.
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Aug 2023-May 2024 Yoga Teacher 200-Hour Training & Certification is Open for Registration!
If you crave to teach or deepen your yoga practice, join Sunshine on this Life-Changing Journey. Sunshine School of Yoga 200 Teacher Training Program will focus on the science and art of teaching yoga. We will explore posture, breath work, mindful meditation, and the science behind it.
We will move deeper to understand anatomy, the benefits of movement, Yoga history, and an exploration of the eight limbs of yoga.
Book your classes this week in the studio or online. See why Living Magazine and Fort Worth Magazine voted us THE BEST yoga studio.