May, 2013
 
Invisible Aligners
By Samantha Martin
 
I had braces as a teenager, and as many of us choose to do... didn't wear my retainer. Over time, my teeth shifted back to their original position, leaving me frustrated for not listening to the orthodontist and wearing the retainer in the first place. As an adult, I wanted straight teeth, but didn't like the idea of wearing braces again. Invisalign seemed like the perfect answer..."the custom-made series of aligners made for you and only you... will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place." Perfect. I would have straight teeth once again! 

 

Straight teeth have more than just an aesthetic benefit; a balanced bite also keeps the joints safe. When our teeth are in proper alignment, oral health improves, and we lessen the risk of cracked teeth, headaches, and tension in the jaw.

 

All of this thought about re-aligning my teeth got me thinking about the importance of alignment in yoga and life. Our yoga practice isn't just about moving through the poses; we also learn to connect with our true self, and stay in alignment with our core values. Yoga helps us clear out the junk that accumulates in our mind, so we can recognize when life starts to get out of alignment. With a regular practice we are able to stay in tune with our minds and notice more quickly when something doesn't feel right. We're aware of these sensations much earlier than if we allow our minds to get bogged down and overloaded. Life is a balancing act, but by staying true to who we are, it doesn't have to be as much of struggle.

 

The same is true in our yoga.  We receive the most benefit from the poses when we practice safely and in alignment. Knees, ankles, wrists, and shoulders are likely to suffer if these joints are not stacked and protected in weight bearing poses. It seems simple, yet consistently practicing alignment doesn't happen automatically. Rather it's our natural imbalances - like rounded shoulders, forward head position, and sway back, that determine the way that we find ourselves in a pose. Practicing awareness, along with the guidance of our teachers, will help us become more aware of these mis-alignments in our bodies.

 

The more we practice good alignment (on and off our mats), the more it becomes habitual, and we retain that feeling and sensation. Eventually, we only need a subtle reminder to hold things in place. Just like our teeth have a strong tendency to relapse into their original position, our bodies and minds will easily do the same.

The next time you find yourself slipping out of alignment... close your eyes and imagine a custom-made aligner made for you, and only you, gradually and gently shifting your body and your life into place.

 

"Aligning yourself with the intelligence of the universe means coming to understand your life's purpose and applying it fearlessly to life's circumstances." ~ Rod Stryker

 

Love,

Samantha

 

Have a question for Samantha? Email her at [email protected].

     

Work on the alignment of your yoga poses with Samantha in her very popular Meet Your Mat series.  A brand new series starts on May 5th.  These detailed and personal workshops fill up very fast, so sign up now!  Join Samantha at The Mat on Wednesdays at 8pm for Mat Gentle Flow, and Sundays at 9:30am and 11am for Gentle Flow.
David Romanelli
A Weekend with Yeah Dave 
 
The Mat is so excited to welcome back David Romanelli for some of our most favorite workshops! These all-new workshops from David still feature his signature wine and chocolate tastings, and they are almost sold out! 

David Romanelli's flowing vinyasa style, hilarious stories, awesome music, and post-yoga tastings of wine and chocolate create a truly RICH and one-of-a-kind yoga experience. 
  
Live Forever 
Friday, May 3 7-9pm

1,440 Reasons to Eat Chocolate
Saturday, May 4 1-3pm

The $261,000 Makeover (for only $45)
Saturday,  May 4 6-8pm

Pre-registration is required, either online or in the studio. 
Our 30-Day Challenge is Back!
May 3 - June 1, 2013

 

Whatever your inspiration, the goal is simple - make a commitment to practice 5 days a week, for 30 days!  That's just 20 classes* in 30 days.  We have two special bonuses for this challenge!

  • Sign up for the challenge and get two free bring a friend passes!
  • Bring a friend for $5 is back!  During this challenge you may bring any friend (who is not a current student at The Mat) for just $5 per class.  The friend must attend class with you.

As usual, we'll have prizes, raffles, and lots of fun!  This is a great opportunity to strengthen the body, focus the mind, and begin or renew a daily commitment to yourself!

 

*Meditation classes and all workshops during the challenge period do count toward your challenge incentives.  No more than two classes per day may be counted.

 

We've heard you asking for a summertime Yoga Challenge and here it is! Check out all the details and signup in the studio today!

Meet Your Mat
An Introduction to Yoga Poses with Samantha Martin and Becky Strahan

Back by popular demand, we have added one last session before the summer. This series won't be offered again until September, so sign up now!

Sun, May 5  5pm-7pm

Sun, May 12 5pm-7pm

Sun, May 19 5pm-7pm

 

This 3-week series is perfect for the first time yoga student as well as those wanting to get back to the basics. Upon completion you will have a strong foundation of basic yoga poses and the confidence to walk into the gentle or open level classes at The Mat.

 

Cost: $65 per person, or bring a friend and that person pays $45! Class size is limited, so sign up today! 

 

Pre-registration is required, either online or in the studio. 
Satsang
With Blair Lewis

Sun, June 2 6:30pm-8:30pm

 

This will be a community gathering led by Blair Lewis of the Alive and Healthy Institute

 

Come learn more about the yogic science of how to develop a personal philosophy and worldview. This foundational process is supported by lifestyle habits that you choose to awaken and nurture - including, diet, breathing, sleeping and meditation patterns. 

 

Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, either online or in the studio, so we know how many people to expect. 

My Yoga Story  

With Sarah Tindell

  

Sarah has been practicing with us at The Mat since January, 2013. We are so grateful that she is sharing her Yoga story with us this month!

 

Why do you practice Yoga?

 

Yoga has become many things for me. I wanted to do something for myself to get back in shape and to find strength, but it's hard to stay committed to something if you don't have a teammate. So, when my mother-in-law asked if I wanted to give this a try, I jumped on it. Now though, I practice Yoga as a means to find an inner me that can cope with life, for the strength of body, and for a stronger bond with those close to me such as my mother-in-law.

 

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?

 

I found Yoga some time ago. It was just the in your living room kind of Yoga though and I leaned more towards Pilates. However around the end of January this year my mother-in-law asked me to join a Yoga studio with her.

 

How often do you practice?

 

I come to The Mat three times a week, but I try to incorporate things into my daily life. While standing at my desk I try to do open hip stances and chair poses. I'm always reflecting on our meditation sessions, and on ways to keep that peace with me no matter what craziness life might bring my way from day to day.

 

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?

 

I have suffered from insomnia nearly my whole life. As a kid I could go a week or more without sleeping. I can recall cleaning the house in the dead of night while my family slept just to be doing something other than lying in bed awake. I have also always struggled with racing thoughts and an inability to just NOT think. Since attending weekly Yoga meditation sessions I sleep peacefully and with ease. I find still waters more often.

 

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?

 

I run an autism community page on Facebook, and the one thing I am always telling people is to just do it. Whatever your apprehension is....just do it. Forget your social struggle, forget that you're not in good shape, just go and find that there is something there for everyone.

 

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?

 

It started over a Groupon and a very convenient location, but it has quickly become about the fabulous instructors.  Especially Trina and Julie who lead the meditation classes, they guide you to your inner place so easily. I just adore them! But everyone there are good caring people who want to help you.

 

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

 
Samantha's classes are heavenly! They are the perfect blend of a spa-like retreat and challenging poses. I love her gentle spirit and words of encouragement! - Lynn M.
 
I feel well-guided and like I know what I'm doing... And I could perhaps, even, by the end of it, take over the world. Love her class! - Jacky B.

 

I love Samantha's classes because she is really focused on making sure you practice safely and she also just knows when you can push a pose further without hurting yourself.  I always feel eager to go to her class and I always leave feeling tired but really confident and refreshed.  For me, that is the key to a good yoga class because I suffer from MS which often leaves me drained, hurting and discouraged.  Samantha fixes that every time! - Karen H. 
 
I met Samantha at the "Meet Your Mat" series for first time yogis and continue to enjoy her inspirational guidance in the "Open Flow" class I regularly attend.  I appreciate the way Samantha encourages each of us to reach our individual daily goal, while accepting the unique differences of each participant.  She thoughtfully incorporates the daily theme for the class into the brief quotes or readings, poses and final thoughts at the conclusion of the class, which leaves me feeling peaceful, uplifted, and energized by the end of each class. - Beth D. 

 

Do you have feedback about Samantha or any other instructor at The Mat? Email Becky at [email protected].

 

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

Contact:
The Mat Yoga Studio
670 N. Coit Road, Suite 2381 972.497.YOGA (9642)
Richardson, Texas 7508| www.TheMatYogaStudio.com  
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