January, 2014
New Beginnings
by Kim Salisbury

  

I have had the incredible opportunity for most of my adult life to move every two to three years. Some of you might think that sounds awful, but I truly loved it. I have lived in diverse places with opposing climates, people and customs. From Canada, California, and Colorado to Minnesota, Arizona and Connecticut to name a few.

 

As each transfer would begin to materialize I would get an excitement of a new beginning and adventure on the horizon. Moving provided me with a chance to realign and recommit to the things that were important to me. As well as let go and move away from things that were no longer serving me. Moving allowed me to analyze the person I wanted to be and gave me an opportunity to start fresh in pursuing that authentic self. It is fair to say that over the years I have learned much about ME and I continue to fine tune and tweak this person that I continue to get to know.

 

Since moving to Dallas in 2004, I committed to my children that our somewhat vagabond life would come to a halt to create some normalcy. I have to admit it has been a challenge to stay in one place. There are often days where I get the "itch" to start packing the bags, googling the next city, and dreaming of what lies ahead. But then I am reminded that the same opportunity to live the adventure still remains even though I maintain the same zip code. Every day I can create a new beginning.

 

When my life was blessed with yoga and I committed to this life long journey, I was drawn to Patanjali's fourth Niyama, Svadhyaya the study of self. Looking inward without judgment, shame or guilt. Quieting things down so you can hear yourself talk, think and feel. 

 

Rather than start this year with the usual list of goals maybe we try something different. Instead of a list of to-do's, time with just you. It's never too late to shift, change and re-create. Maybe you love what you see and will cherish again the fabulous you.

 

I will again embrace a new beginning in 2014. My hope for this year is to continue my passion for yoga, learn and grow and go somewhere new with this amazing way of life, and share yoga with all who seek light, life and love. I'm looking forward to seeing where my new beginning will lead, and to seeing the new beginning in YOU.   

 

Namaste, 
Kim Salisbury

 

Have a question for Kim? Email her here.  Kim subs classes at The Mat. Be sure to check our online schedule and join her for class! 
Mat Kids Yoga and Schedule Changes 
 
Mat Kids Yoga starts Saturday mornings in January, 9:00-10:00am.  First child is $15 and each child after that can drop-in for only $5.  Bring the whole family for yoga on Saturday mornings!

Mat Open Flow on Saturdays is now 9:00-10:00am, Mat Prenatal has been discontinued, Mat R&R starts on Tuesdays in January, 5:00-6:00pm.
New Years Day Class  
with Heather Hopper

Wed, Jan 1, 12:00-1:00pm
(All other classes are cancelled for the day.)
Please join us for a special donation Open Flow class benefiting two local charities.Register online and bring a donation to attend.
Meet Your Mat 
with Becky Strahan and Samantha Martin  

Sun, Jan 12, 19, & 26, 4:30-6:30pm  
 
This 3 week series is perfect for the first time yoga student as well as those wanting to get back to the basics. Pre-registration is required. Sign up online or in the studio. 

Karma Yoga Happy Hour
with Melody Moore   

Fri, Jan 17, Class @ 6:30pm,
Happy Hour @ 7:30pm
 
Come practice with Melody Moore, founder of Embody Love Movement, who is guaranteed to crack open your heart. Bring your friends for free yoga and a great time! Sign up online now!
Advanced Yoga Studies Open House
with Trina Hall & AYS Graduates     

Sat, Jan 18, 12:00-2:00pm  
Trina Hall and past graduates of AYS will be on-hand to answer your questions about the program. This program is known to change lives. Come hang out and see what it's all about! Sign up online or drop by with your questions! 
Advanced Yoga Studies: Deepen Your Practice
with Trina Hall  


2014 Weekend Program:
Level 1: February 1-February 23
Level 2: March 22-April 13 
Level 3: August 17-November 16 
If you have a desire to deepen your practice, consider taking it tothe next level with Advanced Yoga Studies. Trina Hall will be your guide on this enlightening journey of self-discovery.

My Yoga Story   

  

Christy has been practicing with us at The Mat since we opened in November, 2009. We are so grateful that she is sharing her Yoga story with us this month!
 
Why do you practice Yoga?
I practice for the physical, mental and spiritual benefits I have come to discover. My yoga practice has helped me through some challenging times. 

How were you first introduced to Yoga? And, when did you begin your practice?
My first introduction to yoga was many years ago while vacationing in Colorado one summer. I enjoyed it but did not pursue it then. About 4 or 5 years ago my friend, Kristi, started practicing and encouraged me to attend. With her encouragement I started practicing and have been doing it ever since. I have been practicing at The Mat since it opened.

How often do you practice?
I practice 3 to 5 times a week. I would come every day if I could make it happen!

What are a few of the benefits that you have experienced? How does your practice help you in your daily life?
Wow, so may benefits have come my way. One of the most powerful ones is the breath. I am amazed at how focusing on one's breath can be so calming. Yoga has also helped me become more mindful and more compassionate --- to myself and others. It has also given me increased energy and flexibility. I have to admit I get pretty jazzed when I can make an arm balance happen.

What is one tip you would give to a new practitioner of Yoga?
If you are taking up yoga for the asanas, that is great. If you open yourself up to all of the other possibilities that yoga can bring, you will be amazed and transformed. 

Why do you practice with us, at The Mat?
I love The Mat! I love the teachers because I learn so much from each one of them. I love the friends that I have made and I love the sense of community that The Mat offers. When I step through the doors I feel at home.

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

 

Whether it's a gentle or flow class, Kim always takes me to a deeper place in my practice. With her guidance, I feel stronger & more in tuned with my breath. Her smile & encouragement seem to make the class feel relaxed yet focused.-Chrissy

Kim is precise in her instruction and leads the flow beautifully giving you ample time to find a sweet spot in your pose.  It instilled confidence in me to go deeper and be more committed to each pose because I didn't feel like I would be "shocked" to move fast into a place that I wasn't familiar with.  She made me feel safe to explore. -Barbara

 

Kim has a great playlist and some of the cutest yoga pants I've ever seen.  Her teaching plays nicely with all of The Mat's talented and super awesome staff!  Did I mention cute yoga pants? -Phyllis     

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

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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