Iron Yoga?

The core components of yoga involve poses, also called postures and breathing. Weight training involves lifting either free weights, such as dumbbells, weights on a machine or--just like in yoga---your own body weight. You can combine the virtues of both yoga's flowing postures and weight training's muscle-sculpting moves. "Do not feel like you need to exclude one or the other," note the founders of the My Yoga Online website.

I used to be against weight lifting and yoga due to the swinging effect of the weights and the isometric contraction hold of the pose.  However, with osteoporosis and osteopenia on the rise, I see the shift in my thinking.  Light hand weights with long holds and lifts metered to a slow tempo may just be the benefit we are looking for in yoga.  Another great advantage to yoga is that we lift our own body weight.

So, the answer is yoga with light hand weights, "Yes!"  But, the answer could also be, "Yoga lifting your body weight -- Yes!"  Either one is profitable to you.  Join us on Monday and Wednesday evenings for our power yoga classes where we do both!

 

Chakra Workshops Ahead! Consider signing up for these powerful afternoons!

We have three powerful workshops ahead on Saturday afternoons as we practice and discuss the chakras, seven energy centers up and down our spine.  These are important because blocked chakras can often lead to emotional or physical illness; whereas, opening them can result in a happier emotional state, more daily energy, and physical well-being.

The first workshop is on Saturday, October 13th, from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m.  This teaching and practicing time will incorporate movements and work on the lowest two chakras, Muladhara and Swadhistana.  

The Muladhara, or root chakra, has to do with issues of family, shelter, food, and basic needs for survival.  Changes in our lives, such as moving to a different job, the death of a loved one, a change of household status, or children growing up and moving away all affect this chakra.

The Sacral chakra, also known as the Swadhistana, concerns the "joy of life," creativity, enthusiasm, and basic emotional needs.  The adrenal glands are near and dear to this area of our body; thus, it affects our stress level.

Our second workshop in this series will be on Saturday, November 17, concerning the Manipura chakra and Anahata chakra.  These vital energizing areas affect our physical bodies in the area of digestion and heart/lung related areas.  However, they are all about our will center and compassion giving in life.

Our core, solar plexus, region is often referred to as our power center and governs personal power, fear, anxiety, and developing opinions in retrospect of others.  This is the area of the Manipura chakra and gender specific glands.

The heart chakra, Anahata, on the other hand is where the seat of our mercy mindedness for ourselves first and then others.  Mentally, it corresponds to our passion for our path in life and spiritually it affects our devotion quotient.  The gland most associated with the heart chakra is the thymus, relating to our immune system.

The third part of this series will be on Saturday, December 15, as we complete the chakras with our Vishudda, Ajna, and Sahasrara energy vortices.  These three chakras are so important as they are nearer our heads affecting our glandular system physically, our seat of communication in the throat, our minds, and our connection spiritually.

The throat chakra, also known as the Vishudda, governs our ability to speak up for ourselves, act independently, and affects our security system in the realm of confidence.  This is located near our thyroid gland, regulating the metabolism of your cells.

The sixth chakra is our intuitive energetic wheel.  This area is also near our pineal gland that affects the ability to sleep.  It helps us balance the lower chakras with the higher ones as we learn to trust ourselves and our own inner guidance.

The final chakral area is our crown of the head energy where we relate to spiritual areas in our lives.  It is close to our pituitary gland, affecting our hormonal secretion to our endocrine system.  Meditation and self-reflection are a big part of its work in our nervous system calming.

When everything is in balance, our lives seem to be happier, more free, and sing for joy!  Consider adding these workshops into your fall agenda.  $30 for each workshop; or $75 for all three if you purchase by October 12, 2012.  

Reserve your spot today and change your life for the better by e-mailing tranquilityyogastudio@gmail.com or call 918-371-3841 for more information.

Contracts and Refund Policies

What is a gentleman's agreement?  I looked it up recently in the encyclopedia and it said, "An informal agreement based on etiquette and the integrity of both parties."  In our world today, I believe that it is a sad day when people either ignore the rules of etiquette, respect, and a life of integrity to challenge every agreement that is made.  Perhaps I am just old school where a handshake and a signed receipt gave authority to the informal contract made.  However, business is business, and after discussing matters with an attorney several times, our small yoga business is becoming an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).  We now have a contract with our liability waiver, and our refund policy, which was always in place on the books, has to be written on every piece of paper that is signed.

I do think it is sad that such measures have to take place in order to protect the small business owner whose only desire is to provide a service for its people; a service I might add that I am so passionate about sharing.  Nonetheless, it has not dampened my love for yoga and fitness, nor my desire to teach it to others.

When I first began Tranquility Yoga in Owasso, I believe that God gave me the verse, "Do not despise the day of small beginnings."  This truly is my dream, and I know in my heart that someday we will build the $80,000 studio and these are just growing pains.  Our yoga classes are quality, our training is exceptional, and our continuing education is just that "continual (as I just attended another training two days ago)."  The dream lives on in my heart and others who are so faithful in their attendance and appreciation for Tranquility Yoga in Owasso.   We have many people who continue to be thankful and show gratitude by coming to class each week, enjoying the newsletters and updates, scheduling on www.schedulicity.com, and sharing words of kindness.

While our prices are some of the least expensive in Tulsa County, the teaching and instruction are top notch.  Our mission has always been to make yoga accessible to every body, and there are plenty of single moms who just cannot afford an expensive class price.  Therefore, our price is as low as possible.

I am so passionate about it that my husband says, "Jeanne K., you will even teach for free just to share the message."  My desire is to never become indifferent.  I just want to live the teachings of the Eight Limbed Path of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras on and off the mat full of compassion and truth.  Namaste'

The Great Teacher Inspires!

"The mediocre teacher tells.

The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates.

The great teacher inspires."

William Ward

My prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.

The courage to change the things that I can.

The wisdom to know the difference.

And please, Lord, help me to tell, explain, demonstrate, and especially to inspire others.

Amen.

Frequently, I have interested people call and inquire about Tranquility Yoga Studio in Owasso.  I love visiting with everyone who inquires about our yoga practice, prices, location, and schedule! Yoga is my passion and I believe that it benefits every body at every age.  Your flexibility or strength level  (or lack of it) are not reasons to refrain from practicing.

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

• What is your class schedule?  Currently (as of September, 2012), our schedule of classes is as follows:  However, we do update our schedule regularly depending on our clients' desires and attendance.

1. Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
2. Mondays at 5:30 a.m., Noon, and 5:30 p.m.
3. Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
4. Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
5. Thursdays at 5:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
6. Fridays at Noon and 5:30 p.m.
7. Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  Walk for Fitness is at 10:05 a.m.

• How much do you charge?

1. $10.00 Drop-in charge
2. $5.62 each class when you purchase a $45.00 punch card for 8 classes with a 6 month expiration date (non-transferable and non-refundable)
3. $5.50 each class when you purchase a $110.00 punch card for 20 classes with a 6 month expiration date  (non-transferable and non-refundable)
4. Approximately $3.00 or less per class when you purchase an Unlimited package.   (non-transferable and non-refundable)

• Unlimited for one month (19 classes per week for options) $80.00 (19 x 4 weeks = 76 or more classes each month) Each class provided you attended all of them would be a little over $1.00.
• Unlimited for six months (76 or more classes each month x 6 = 456 class options) $432.00  Each class would be less than $1.00 (about 95 cents per class).
• Unlimited for one year (456 x 2 = 912 class options) $864.00 If you attended them all, each class would cost about 95 cents or less). 
• May friends punch off of other friend's cards?  Cards are not transferable; however, you may punch twice off of your friend's card if you are a first time attendee.
• What forms of payment do you take?   We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
  • Checks should be made out to "Tranquility Yoga in Owasso."
  • Credit or debit cards are charged a courtesy fee of 2.75% as we use the "Square."

• We are working on adding "EFT" to our fees where you auto draft your payment each month from your checking account. 
•  Where are you located?
• While our address is technically listed as 11644 N. 101st East Avenue, Collinsville, OK 74021, we are actually in Owasso.
• Our studio is located in a residential section because it is in our home.  We believe it is to your advantage, due to the fact that

• the cost of classes is low due to overhead expenses 
• the cleanliness of the studio
• the peacefulness and quiet nature of our practice
• it is part of my dream to have my studio in my home.
• Conveniently located off 116th Street North in Owasso between Garnett and 97th Street (Mingo), follow these directions:
• From Highway 169 north, take the Highway 20/116th Street N. exit.  Turn left at the light as soon as you exit onto 116th Street N going west.  You will drive approximately 2 and 3/4 mile.  Pass the Reasor's complex, pass the German Corner, pass the Sports Complex, pass the Funtastic Island Children's playground, go over the railroad tracks, and immediately turn right.  You will see a Jehovah's Witness Meeting Hall at the corner of 101st East Avenue.  Our home studio is the second on the left or west side of the street.  It is white brick with grey siding.  There is plenty of parking.
• From Highway 75 north, turn at the flashing lights for 116th Street North traveling east.  Go approximately 3 and 1/4 miles.  Just as you pass the storage units on 97th Street, slow down and turn left at 101st East Avenue.  Second house on the left, big grey barn in back, and this is a dead end street.  We are not part of Country Estates.
• Call 918-371-3841 if you get lost.  We will be happy to give you more information.


• What if I am a "beginner" to yoga?  What classes would be appropriate for me?

1. Any of our classes are modifiable for beginners.  As the instructor, I give many variations of the yoga postures to either help enhance the movement, build strength in the poses, or to prevent injuries in sensitive areas.
2. Some of our classes move more quickly than others.  You may find that a beginner friendly class would have more direction and a slower pace.  Good class options for beginners include the following:
• Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
• Monday at Noon.
• Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday at 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
• Friday at Noon.
• Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

• What should I wear?  While we do offer some yoga clothes here at the studio, I suggest something comfortable without being too blousy or bulky as this type of clothing will restrict movement.  I personally wear Champion brand yoga clothes.  Yoga is practiced barefoot - no socks, no shoes.

• What do I need to bring with me?  Yes, you need to bring a yoga mat; however, I have mats that you may purchase that I sell for a friend in Tulsa.  I also have blocks, blankets, and straps for sell or borrow.  We rent mats for 50 cents.

• What time should I arrive?  To be early is to be on time for yoga; to be on time is to be late.  Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class for your first time to fill out the necessary paperwork and arrange payment for the class.  Thank you.

• May I bring my children with me?  We have one class on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. where children may practice with the parent if they are 10 years old or older.  However, we do not provide babysitting services and ask that you do not bring them unless it is a special Children's Yoga class.  Children's classes are frequently held in the summer for ages 3 - 9.

• Do you offer advertisement or daily updates for classes?  
• Yes, I post on Facebook under "Tranquility Yoga in Owasso" every day.  If you "like" our page, you will receive our postings on your account.  
• I also post on Twitter under the same name.  I send out a newsletter once each week and an update on the weekend with yoga tips and a current schedule for that week.  
• To receive the newsletter, please contact me at tranquilityyogastudio@gmail.com or call 918-371-3841.



• • • • • • • • Are you a personal trainer?  Yes, I am a certified personal trainer at Cooper Institute in Dallas, I am an ERYT with Yoga Alliance, certified Pilates Instructor, and have several other endorsements.  

              Personal training packages are available for ten personal lessons, and the eleventh lesson is free of charge.  Personal packages are not refundable after the tenth day of purchase.  Less than a 24 hour notice of cancellation would cause the trainee to lose one lesson in the package.

              
              

• Are you a college graduate?  Yes, I have two undergraduate degrees from Northeastern State University in Speech Pathology/Audiology, Elementary Education, and a master's degree from Oral Roberts University.  I am currently a student at Oklahoma State University adding on a Reading Specialist certification.  My yoga certification is from Yoga Spirit Academy, a vocational school certified in the state of Oklahoma and through other yoga workshops for continuing education.  I am an ERYT200 classification with Yoga Alliance.

• Are workshops available at your studio?  Yes, we have several workshops in the fall of 2012 and enjoy teaching on a variety of subjects.  Our workshops are also available to teach at other locations.

• September 29:  Dharana:  The Yoga of Concentration and Balancing at 1:30 - 3:45 p.m.
• Cost of each workshop:  $15 (nonrefundable) reservation fee; $30 for the afternoon teaching and practice.

Upcoming Workshops include:

• • Chakra Work Part I, II, and II:  October 13, November 17, and December 15 (all Saturday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:45 p.m.)
• • 
    

My husband, Brian, who is our handsome receptionist, and I.

• Do you teach at other locations?  Yes, I sub at the Tulsa YMCA's and am an adjunct yoga professor at Rogers State University in addition to my home studio classes.  I am also available for businesses and corporate classes upon request.  Please contact me for more information.  
• Do you teach all of the classes at the studio?  Yes, with the exception of one class.  Micah Davis, whom I mentored, teaches a Thursday evening class at 6:00 p.m.  She also teaches at the Owasso YMCA.
• Do you offer gift certificates?  Yes, please contact me for more information.
• Do you host special events, like birthday parties or get togethers?  Yes, I do, and they have been very successful.
• Join us for our fourth anniversary party on November 9th as we celebrate 2008 - 2012 as a yoga studio.  We have come a long way, and our dream studio is soon to be built!