Modifications For Side Plank

“Give Up the Need to Know” by Emily Kendall

 The 40 Days to Personal Revolution Program is about to start and I am SO excited. I love this program; gaining a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, learning and exploring the new habits and practices related to my diet and stress management, not to mention the enhanced camaraderie around the studio! It has changed my life in so many positive ways.

“I don’t have enough time – how can I?” Of course, there is that voice! That one in the back of my head. Typically it doesn’t have anything good to say. You know the one. It creeps into thoughts and says, “You don’t have time for that!” “You aren’t going to make all the meetings, so how can you really succeed?”

During the last 40 Days Program I almost didn’t participate due to business travel for work. The energy was building at the studio with excitement and I was going to sit this one out. The thought of not being 100% available made me feel like a failure, even before the program started.

“Give up the need to know.” A sign I interacted with almost daily after my yoga practice – posted on the exit door of the PLAY HARD room at Spotted Dog Yoga (SDY). This idea was a foreign philosophy. I have spent my nearly 40 years on this earth collecting ALL and everything I can. And I love planning, planning my day, planning my week, planning anything and everything. This sign challenged me, challenged my life long belief to know, to know ALL I possibly can.

Fellow yogis were talking more and more about the upcoming 40 Days Program. I was frustrated, I wanted to sign up too…but how? How can I make it all work? I can’t figure it all out! I can’t plan every detail. Suddenly it hit me like a ton of yoga blocks! I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to participate and commit to my fullest because life was too busy. I was willing to give up without even trying. I couldn’t control where I was going to be and where I was going to eat, I didn’t even want to sign up and see what I could do with my life at this current busy state.

I had to “give up the need to know,” to give up that my participation needed to be all planned out. Suddenly being out of town felt like an opportunity! Yes, I can’t plan for everything but here is a chance to practice. To practice my commitment to self-care even though my schedule is not perfect for it. Life is outside my control and I am going to commit to doing the work with what I have in the present moment.

The perfect time rarely comes when you want it too. Life keeps going – often not as planned.

Yes, travelling and doing the program was challenging at the same time. I missed a meeting and didn’t make it to all the Friday night practices, but I also got to practice at new studios with interesting and fun teachers. The daily meditation practice grounded me in my commitment again and again as a reminder to do the work and balance what I could do with my schedule. The weekly themes gave me new and powerful tools to help me move through any extra unforeseen daily challenges. Plus I had the support of my fellow yogis in this powerful and supportive community at SDY.

It was another life changing experience, I lost weight, tried new recipes, enhanced my yoga practice and shifted my resistance towards meditation. I recommend this program to everyone!

Emily Kendall

Spotted Dog Yoga Teacher

SDY Named Best Yoga Studio In Sacramento.

“fit DOG” CHALLENGE: 5 Tips For Success

Do you have what it takes to be a fit DOG? Of course you do! Spotted Dog Yoga is excited to kick off the first 10 day “fit DOG” challenge on November 9th followed up by the second one starting December 7th! These exciting programs have been designed to help you kick start and maintain your yoga practice as you move through the holiday season and into the New Year!

Here are 5 tips to help you and your friends get the most out of your experience:

1. GET YOUR NAME ON THE DOOR. Sign up at the front desk or on your SDY APP…it’s FREE! Until you do, there is no real proof that you will even show up. Don’t give yourself an excuse, give yourself a reason! P.S. Sign up for both the NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER challenges.
2. RALLY THE TROOPS. Grab your buds and your family and get them in on it too! Completing a challenge together, or competing in a challenge against each other, is a great way to connect to those that you love most.
3. REGISTER FOR CLASSES EARLY.  Jump online or onto your SDY APP and schedule your classes early. Once you’ve scheduled them, put reminders on your calendar and don’t look back!
4. SHARE YOUR PROGRESS AND SUCCESS. Every time that you come to Spotted Dog Yoga, check in on Facebook, snap a photo for Instagram or send out a tweet! Let the world know what a “fit DOG” you are! #fitdogchallenge @spotteddogyoga
5. DO IT TWICE and STAY CONSISTENT in between.  Finish your 10 day challenge in November, commit to a consistent practice (3-7 times a week) until December 7th, then sign up and complete the December “fit DOG” challenge. Do this to avoid the holiday fitness slump AND propel yourself into 2016 ready for anything!

**WARNING** Completing the “fit Dog” challenges in November and December (while maintaining a consistent practice in between) will prepare you for the healthiest and happiest New Year yet!

Emergency Pack The Van

The Butte fire has displaced more that 600 domestic pets. Most of them are dogs and cats. They are being housed by the animal shelter or other organizations that are assisting the shelter. In efforts to support the shelter and the displaced animals, Spotted Dog Yoga has become a drop off point for animal related donations. Our goal is to pack the SDY Van and deliver the items the morning of Thursday September 17th. 

 

THANK YOU for your willingness to support our four legged friends.

HERE IS A LIST OF SUPPLIES THAT WE NEED:

Pop Up Kennels

Dog and Cat Food

Litter

Gallons of water

MONETARY DONATIONS are also being accepted at the studio and will be used to purchase necessary supplies.

Spotted Dog Yoga is open 30 minutes before and after classes for dropoff.

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Dog Days at Spotted Dog Yoga

Join Abby as she rolls in for a great class at SDY! Of course Bandit is there to great her! For more other greet videos like this check out Spotted Dog Yoga on Youtube and on Vimeo. Enjoy!

Dog Days from Spotted Dog Yoga on Vimeo.

Teacher Training Essentials

Nick and Katie, assisted by Dawn, will be leading a new group of students through the “Light Up!” 200 Hour Teacher Training, starting on September 24th. I completed teacher training through Spotted Dog Yoga in April this year and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Here are a few thoughts on being prepared for teacher training.

1. Have a regular yoga practice. I hadn’t practiced yoga consistently in more than a year when I started teacher training. This was not ideal (sarcasm, understatement). A foundation of 3 to 5 classes per week will help you withstand the physical rigors of the training program.
2. Get comfortable with not knowing. Teacher training is designed to challenge you and to disrupt business as usual. So don’t be surprised when you find yourself out – way out – of your comfort zone.
3. Find deodorant that works. You’ll be sweating a lot in close proximity with other yogis. A great deodorant will make you smell, if not great, at least less bad.
4. Prep quick healthy snacks. Breaks are often short and have to be used for many purposes, and bringing snacks means you’ll never have to choose between a shower or food when you’re dying for both.
5. Trust the process. You’re in great hands at Spotted Dog and even when things feel tough and you don’t think you can go on, remember that you are stronger than you know, and that everybody guiding you through has been in your shoes.

I’ll never regret doing teacher training. If you’re considering it, just do it. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever teach. Even if you’re not sure you’re strong enough. You’ll be amazed at who you can become at the end of the journey.

See you on the mat!

Leslie

Owner/Blogger Leslie Gandy Yoga and Fitness