October, 2013
Explore
By Gabriela Vokic

"Exploration is what you do when you don't know what you're doing." -Neil deGrasse Tyson

Even those who don't know me well know that I am an avid traveler. I will go everywhere and anywhere. You just have to invite me and I will be there. Truth be told, sometimes an invitation isn't even needed. Why do I travel extensively? Well, there is the obvious: the thrill of a newly conquered territory, immersion in landscapes that will leave you speechless, learning about customs that will make you realize how ordinary your piercings and tattoos are, trying dishes that will require you to develop a seventh sense in order to be properly enjoyed, meeting people who refer to you as belle fleur. I will not lie: a bike ride along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, humpback whale tracking off the coast of Panama, waking up to the sunrise in the Saharan desert, playing with tigers in Thailand, keeping secrets alongside the Sphinx all make for really nifty experiences and memories - and even cooler Facebook pictures. But more importantly, every trip allowed me to explore in greater depth and gain a better understanding of the country called Gabriela. Every trip revealed a bit more about Gabriela's limits, how fearful/fearless, close/open-minded, tolerant/intolerant she is, her threshold for pain, her capability/incapability, her spatial orientation (or lack thereof).

Then this summer first-world tragedy struck in the form of having to spend a month in one place. What could I discover about myself in Dallas that does not entail speeding ticket accumulation or the amount of cuss words aimed at the heat that I can produce in less than a minute? So, instead of speeding and cursing at the weather, I took a sewing class, a few cooking classes, took on hot yoga and started training for a 5K. What have I learned? All I can say is this: continue taking your clothes to your tailor; when you visit me, you won't leave hungry; and I will definitely stick with power yoga (hot yoga in Texas summers should be illegal). Did I enjoy all of these new activities equally? No. In the case of running, more like heck no. But at a minimum, I learned what I don't like and my dislikes are as much a part of me as the things I do enjoy. This better understanding of yourself, of the facets that comprise you, and what place you occupy in this world bring you one step closer to that state of contentment in which you don't feel the need to compete and compare, because you know who you are and what moves you.
 
I define myself as a traveler. Yes, it is a label, but it is a label that makes me happy. So, contrary to everything you've heard from yoga experts, I won't tell you to lose the label that makes you happy. Whether you are a nutritionist, lawyer, teacher, consultant, CEO, or stay at home parent - keep the label. But also remember: none of us are monolithic. There are multiple layers to all of us and consequently many more labels with the potential to make you equally as happy. Therefore, explore and uncover: get to know yourself better. 

Fair winds and following seas,
Gabriela 
 

 

Have a question for Gabriela? Email her here.    

Join Gabriela at The Mat on Saturdays at 9:00am for Mat Open Flow!
Feed Your Soul
with Chrissy Cortez-Mathis  
 
Saturday, October 5th
12:00-1:30pm 
 
Fall is the best time to start a vegetable & herb garden as our weather starts to cool off and rain is likely in the forecast. You will learn how to prepare your soil or containers, which plants to put in & how to care for them from seed all the way to harvest time. 

Learn about the benefits of gardening to the mind, body, and spirit.  Smell, sight, touch, taste, sound-they all come into play in the garden.

 

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.  

 
Pre-registration is appreciated, either online or in the studio. 
Meet Your Practice:
The Next Steps
with Becky Strahan and Samantha Martin  
 
Sundays, October 6th, 13th and 20th
4:30-6:30pm 
 
This 3-week series will take your understanding of yoga a bit deeper by: 
  • discovering the techniques and proper alignment behind some of the most common standing, balance and seated poses in vinyasa flow classes. Learning these fundamentals will help you prevent injuries, advance your practice, and optimize your flexibility
  • since practicing yoga asanas (poses) is only one of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, this series will also include an introduction to yoga philosophy, meditation, and pranayama (breath work) 
Meet your Practice is open to students who have completed the Meet Your Mat: An Introduction to Yoga Poses series, or to those who practice at The Mat. Please consult with Samantha to determine which series is best for you.

 

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.
AYS Karma Classes
with Level 3 Advanced Yoga Studies Trainees    
 
Various Dates in October and November
Tuesdays 8:15pm Gentle Flow
Sundays 6:30pm Open Flow
Sundays 7:35pm Meditation 
 
Our Advanced Yoga Studies Level 3 teacher training program has some amazing brand new Yoga teachers graduating after their year-long studies. Please join us as they hone their teaching skills and offer free public classes at The Mat. Interested in deepening your studies or learning how to teach? Learn more about AYS 2014 here.   

Cost: Free!

     

Check our class schedule to confirm dates, times, and instructors. 

Kids Yoga by Yogees 
hosted by Stephanie Spett

6-week Series
Mondays, October 7th - November 11th
4:00-4:45pm

This 6-week Yogees kids yoga series introduces the practice of yoga to children through books and games in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. We encourage strong mental and physical health and abide by the philosophy that in yoga, "Everyone is a winner!"
  

Cost: $100 per child for entire series 

 

Pre-registration is required.  

To register, email or call Stephanie at 214-212-2059.

Karma Yoga Happy Hour
with Jenny Parum   
 
Friday, October 18th
6:30-7:30pm 
 

Join us for our quarterly Karma Yoga Happy Hour! This free yoga class is 60 minutes long and is open to everyone. Join us for complimentary snacks and drinks afterwards as we get to know our community a little better. Bring your friends for free yoga and a great time!  

  

Cost: Free!

Pre-registration is greatly appreciated!
Sign up online now! 
Find Your Feminine
with Karyn Pentecost    
 
Saturday, October 26th
1:00-3:00pm 
 
Open your mind and body to your feminine freedom through dance.  Sensual dance moves are intuitively created for the love and acceptance of what is naturally present in your body.  With an enhanced awareness of your body in space, you will become more connected to your authentic, spiritual beauty.  As we move through sequences of dance moves, you will begin to surrender to your soft, sensual, and more gracious feminine self.  

  

Cost: $40
Register before October 18th and receive $10 early bird discount!
Space is limited. Sign up online or at the studio. 

Did you know we moved?
Come check out our new digs!! 

 

The Mat is now located at: 18484 Preston Road, Suite #201, Dallas, TX 75252. 
 
We are on the SE corner of Preston and Genstar, just behind Dallas Martial Arts, on the second floor.  We DO have an elevator.  It is in the center of the building.  Genstar is just one traffic light north of Frankford, on Preston.  Call us if you need directions! (972) 497-YOGA (9642).
 

My Yoga Story  

  

Rick has been practicing with us at The Mat since August, 2013. We are so grateful that he is sharing his Yoga story with us this month!
 
Why do you practice Yoga?
I sprained my back while working at home and was instructed to completely stop all physical activities for weeks.  I began practicing Yoga with the hope that it would help me return to running. I love that I have found Yoga to be about the personal journey rather than the goal. It is very freeing.

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?
My younger brother, who is a personal trainer and multiple Iron Man participant, was telling me I needed to start practicing Yoga so that I could strengthen my core, improve my flexibility, and ultimately not re-injure my back. I started at the beginning of August.

How often do you practice?
I participate in Yoga at The Mat 3 to 4 times per week now. But I also use it before I run now.

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?
I returned to light running when I began with Yoga and I am back up to much longer runs already. Improved breathing awareness has helped my running as well as tension associated with work. Also because of Yoga, I have relaxed my upper body while running and just concentrate on my legs. I had a bad ACL injury three years ago. Although surgically reconstructed, I always wear braces for physical activities. With Yoga stretching and balancing, I have stopped wearing my ever-present compression brace much of the time.

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?
Relax, enjoy, and explore. Try different classes and instructors. Embrace the variety. Forget about being self-conscious. I have never been around a more supportive environment.

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?
Positivity, encouragement, variety, acceptance, respect, convenient, reconnecting with neighborhood friends seldom seen elsewhere.

What Others are Saying about Gabriela's Classes...

 

It's magical how Gabriela's class can kick my butt so hard, yet energize me profoundly at the same time. Being brand new to yoga, Gabriela's supportive and caring spirit was really instrumental in making me feel comfortable in the (novice) level of my practice and hunger to learn more. I look forward to her class every week. -Laura 

 

Gabriella has a beautiful voice.  I love her instruction of how to accomplish poses, how to modify poses, and how she walks around and adjusts us students.  She doesn't have us stay in the poses too long, but yet long enough to get a full benefit.   Most of all, I love her can-do spirit.  She says, "Doesn't matter how you get there, just get there some way or another." -Debby  

 
When you leave Gabriela's class, you feel such a sense of calmness, inner strength, and balance. Gabriela's class is truly an experience of connecting the breath with movement.  She guides you through poses with such graciousness and ease.  It is a Saturday morning treat! -Betty

Do you have feedback about Gabriela, or any other instructor at The Mat? Email Becky.

Visit us at www.thematyogastudio.com for studio information. We look forward to seeing you on The Mat!
Contact:
The Mat Yoga Studio
18484 Preston Road, Suite 201 972.497.YOGA (9642)
Dallas, Texas 75252 | www.TheMatYogaStudio.com  
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