Yoga Etiquette for All

14 Yoga Etiquette Tips I Recommend in a Yoga Studio

1 ~Be Punctual to Every Class

Thank you for practicing with us and coming about 15 minutes before class begins! It is a blessing to have you.  While we realize traffic issues, babysitting problems, and job requirements may require you to be late occasionally.  Please make punctuality a priority.  Your understanding with parking as Brian recommends is also appreciated. He is wonderful to help you in any way.

2 ~ Mind Personal Hygiene  

Clean mats, clean bodies, and clean clothes all contribute to the Niyama Saucha or purity.  Thank you for coming clean!

3 ~ Minimize Conversation. Or Go silent altogether.

Please leave your conversations in the reception area and minimize in the studio. Some people enjoy a quiet time before class begins to get grounded and in the moment.  Be friendly, but use a whisper or soft voice.  Thank you for welcoming every one, and for using a quiet voice.

4 ~ Turn Off all Electronics before Class

There are no cell phones in the studio.  Thank you for turning your phone to silent or off and leaving it in the reception room cubicles.  We appreciate you understanding that we all need to find that quiet and stillness without interruptions.  Brian is happy to watch your phone if you are a physician or on call.

5 ~ Wear Appropriate Yoga Clothing

Yoga clothing is appropriate.  Socks are a little scary due to the polished concrete floor.  Lots of skin appeal may be more comfortable at home.  Thank you for being comfortably clothed for movement and respect for others.

6 ~ Remove Shoes Outside

The Tranquility Yoga Studio has a radiant heated (water pipes underneath) type of flooring.  Due to the moisture and the heat, we chose to use polished concrete instead of bamboo flooring.  Thank you for leaving your shoes outside the studio in the reception room cubicles.

7 ~ Go Easy on Perfume and Cologne

We are all somewhat sensitive to smells.  At Tranquility Yoga we use Young Living Essential Oils as fragrance to protect our people's issues with asthma and sinus problems.  Thank you for going easy on the personal fragrances.

8 ~ Enter with a Positive Attitude

When you enter, expect a wonderful class.  Your positive attitude is contagious.  Yes, I realize that some yoga poses are difficult and not your personal favorites, but your teacher has worked long hours to prepare the best class possible.  Modify as needed. Thank you for kind words, kind smiles, and kind appreciation.

9 ~ No gum, No candy, No food.

OOPS!  Gum was stuck to the studio floor early this morning after yesterday's classes.  Thank you for leaving your gum, your candy, and your food in the reception area or trash compactor.

10 ~ Respect the Teacher

Nobody is perfect.  However, our teachers are all well trained and with yoga certifications.  Please overlook when we say, "Use right hand instead of left," or "Please turn to one side," and we have already been there.  Thank your for respecting the role of the teacher in the sadhana or yoga practice.

11 ~ Observe Silence during Savasana

Nap time as some call it or resting in the last 5-8 minutes of class is the reward for your hard work.  Thank you for not talking during this time.  Snoring is permitted.  

12 ~Always Thank the Teacher

I learned this very important rule from my teacher at YSA.  Always, always, always thank the instructor.  We take it personal because it is "personal."  We put our very best into every class we teach.  Thank you for remembering the courtesy of saying you appreciated the hard work of teaching.

13 ~ Clean Up Immediate Area

Everyone is so good with this cleaning up, and it is a blessing to us!  However, if you are in a hurry to leave to make an appointment, let the teacher know before class.  We are always happy to help.  Thank you for your tidying up!

14 ~ Sign In and Pay without a Reminder

While this studio is attached to our home, it is Jeanne's full time job to maintain the bookkeeping, teach the classes, clean the restroom and studio, wash the cloths, and oversee the schedule of over 30 classes.  Thank you for signing in and paying without skipping out or trying to use an already expired card.  Your faithfulness with our practice here at Tranquility keeps us adding to the class times and making plans to add another studio.

New Beginnings, New Habits, New Mind-sets

"When we put our mind where our heart is.....life comes into focus."

I typically view January 2nd as the beginning of my new year since January 1st is usually a very busy one with hosting a free yoga practice for the community. Our empty studio becomes quite busy with new people giving us an opportunity to share the love of yoga with them, old clients return, and continuing clients enjoy an all level class on a holiday. Yesterday I loved teaching almost forty friends, and Brian said he enjoyed hearing the laughter from inside the studio.

But, today is my fresh new beginning, my new habit creation, my new mind-set revelation. I am really exhausted from the 2015 "me." I am ready for a guilt free, joy-filled start in 2016. Out with the old drama/trauma and in with a new expectancy.

Here are several firsts for me that I see as my life comes into focus:

1. Letting go of trying to please people whose expectations are more about them than who I am.
2. Reaching forward to learning more about myself through meditation, counseling, and quiet prayer time.
3. Being the right weight, body appearance, appropriate size without put downs or self deprecating thoughts.
4. Taking time each day to nourish my soul with reading good books and listening to what I really need for that moment.
5. Refusing to allow "fear" to rule and reign any longer by choosing "love" as compassion, empathy, and self-preservation.
6. Laughing more and crying less...frankly, I just cannot change the unchangeable.
7. Walking more to make me feel released from the worry wheel. There is just something to say for movement by learning to let it go.
8. Not being offensive with my language, but adding a few appropriate remarks to those control freaks who refuse to accept me as I am. I am not who I once was, nor will I ever be again. I really like myself better this way.
9. Living each day, each hour, each minute in a healthy way without the need to stuff the anxiety filled emotions inside where my jaw tightens and my throat jams shut. I think it must be my communication chakra ready to explode.
10. The perfect "ten" must include yoga. I am so very thankful for this tool in my virtual toolbox. It benefits me in so many ways. I am not who I used to be because yoga has taught me to be "who I am." I am peace. I am joy. I am love. I am strong. I am brave. I am beautiful. I am happy. I am...

A new list will begin here of who "I am.." no longer ruled by fear, guilt, and the expectations of others. Welcoming new beginnings, new habits, new mind-sets. Thank you, God, for the lessons of 2015; they were unbearable at times, but they are over. Welcome, 2016!

31 Days in 31 Ways - When I practice every day...

Every day.  I practice every day.  The more I do the better I feel.  Here is my personal list of yoga benefits. 
1. Create more self-discipline
2. Feel better about your body
3. Enjoy a sangha (yoga community of friends)
4. Let go of self-criticism one thought at a time
5. Happier joints and better range of motion
6. Meditate, meditate, meditate (the more I do, the better I pray)
7. Wake up with happier emotional well-being
8. Learn how to quiet your mind
9. Lose inches and self-doubt
10. Go upside down
11. Breathe in; breathe out, let it go
12. Strong muscles in the upper body
13. Better posture - fewer rounded shoulders and tight hamstrings/hip flexors
14. Less neck and shoulder tension
15. Smile more, frown less; stress release
16. "Peace" on the in-breath, "calm" on the out-breath - compose a mantra
17. Learn to modify to make more difficult poses available for you
18. Correct the hips and feet in a standing posture for happier knees
19. Expand the chest tightness and create back muscles
20. Find better blood pressure numbers by learning to stop holding your breath
21. Drink more water; eat less food
22. Become more teach-able and less critic-al
23. Perhaps you will lose weight, perhaps you will lose inches; you will definitely lose the "couch potato" feeling
24. Hips and shoulders experience better extension and flexion
25. Add six movements to the spine each day
26. Fewer headaches, less bloating/stomach-aches, and reduced joint issues
27. Emotional harmony by learning to release pent-up feelings - it's okay to cry, giggle, or groan
28. Get in tune with your body by learning where it is in space - proprioception (body awareness)
29. Balance, yes, balance. One foot, the other foot. You burn just as many calories accomplishing a pose as trying to achieve it
30. Harder postures become more accessible as your courage spirals upward, bravery spills over into your every day life
31. Relax....be still....enjoy the silence
Find more time in your day - yoga does not take away time, it gives it.
These are 31 ways that I have found in my own life from practicing yoga every day. Everyone wins in this challenge!

Success in Yoga Is Not Talent as It Is Perseverance

 Padma Matsyendrasana - Lotus Fish
If I would have followed my natural inclinations, I never would have gotten past CatCow pose sequence in yoga. Today after long hours of Pranayama (yes, it really does work), Meditation, and Pratapana (warm ups), I practiced Full Lotus Fish Pose. I was amazed, with once swollen knees from meniscus tears, this posture was not even imaginable for me. But, I did it!
Perseverance + patience + very thorough instructions + a climate of no fear or feeling insecure, and it just happened! I am still amazed and have one full week to see how my body responds to this healthy climate. I was concerned I would wake up this morning and have swollen or hurting knees. No, I feel great. I can see that the prana (life energy) practice really makes a difference in the body response after twelve hours of hard work.
Pressing forward today with a joyful expectation of learning and trying postures that were once un-fathomable. It just helps me see once again, that there is some talent to yoga, but I have none. I just start each day with a "beginner's mind," and see what unfolds. Once again success begins with the word, "TRY."
Whether, you are a brand new beginner or a seasoned beginner or even consider yourself advanced or a teacher, the secret to success is showing up on the mat time after time, day after day, with a willing heart and no fear. Namaste'

Trip to Massachusetts for Pranayama and Asana - Advanced Training; Being Authentic

I believe that walking in your truth or being authentic is a valuable part of who I am.  Today is my day of travel to the northeast for training.  Part of me is excited for this new journey, and yet, another part of me realizes the rigors of self-discipline, living in a dorm like setting, and taking a vow of silence each day.  I am always a little anxious as I fly and practice my breathing techniques along with meditation while traveling through the air.
Yoga has given me so many valuable tools in my toolbox to handle anxiety, dress rehearsals for fear stories, and actual trauma.  The breath training, pranayama, is one of its best accessories!  I am looking forward to the long hours of teaching in advanced pranayama just for this reason.  I know it will help me benefit others by being truthful about how to deal with worry or fear.
Yesterday evening as I was teaching my last class I thought to myself how wonderful it is to be able to crawl along the floor, get up and down with ease, and have a healthy body.  The yoga postures or asanas keep me in shape and out of typical "grandma hood" behavior.  Yes, there are days that I struggle with stiffness and even arthritis, but the effort to keep moving has been a lifesaver.  When I began yoga back in 1995, my knees were very painful, and I struggled with daily hives due to frazzled nerves.  Now, my body is flexible and strong.  Balance is sometimes a struggle whether I am inverting or standing on both feet; however, I know that my practice is evolving, and my goal is to become better and better every day.
So, Kripalu, here I come!  Advanced classes, pranayama training, and difficult asanas ahead!  Softening into gratitude for how far I have come and finding joy in each part of the journey, I am fulfilling my dharma one right step at a time.

Massachusetts Bound 500 RYT in Progress!

Jeanne K Doss

Headed to Massachusetts for Advanced Training in Pranayama and Asana

500 RYT

November News - Yoga for Aroma Therapy and Immunity

Dear Friends,

I am so happy to see this new month begin as Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Gratitude is something I practice every day and especially for you!  We have exciting events going on this week and throughout November. Join me today on Monday for Core/Back Strength Day at Tranquility!

Our classes include the following:

1. 9:00 a.m.  Flexibility for All
2. 10:30 a.m.  45 minutes of Power Practice
3. 12:00 p.m.  Healthy Back and Core with a Gentle Approach
4. 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Strength, Flexibility, and Balance
5. 6:45 p.m.  Sheri is teaching Beginner's Yoga with a Restorative End

Tuesday classes enjoy the NEW CHAIR YOGA practice at noon:

1. 9:00 a.m.  Flexibility for All
2. 10:30 a.m.  45 minutes of Power Practice
3. 12:00 p.m.  Chair Yoga for Arthritis and Osteoporosis
4. 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga for Happy Hips and Hamstrings
5. 6:45 p.m.  Ashley is teaching a Beginner's Yoga with a Restorative End

Wednesday classes include an additional meditation practice (just 25 minutes):

1. 9:00 a.m.  Flexibility for All
2. 10:30 a.m.  45 minutes of Sun Salutes
3. 12:00 p.m.  Sheri is teaching Gentle Yoga
4. 4:45 p.m.  Short Meditation for Stress Release
5. 5:30 p.m.  HOT Power Yoga for Balance, Flexibility, and Strength
6. 6:45 p.m.  Beginner's Yoga with a Restorative End  

Thursday classes include the Chair Yoga class and WORKSHOP at 6:45 p.m. with Jeanne teaching Yoga for Immunity from Colds, Virus, and Flu Season:

1. 9:00 a.m.  Flexibility for All
2. 10:30 a.m.  45 minutes of Power Up with Sun Salutes
3. 12:00 p.m.  Chair Yoga for Arthritis and Osteoporosis
4. 4:15 p.m.  Iron Yoga - Power Practice
5. 5:30 p.m.  Open Shoulders, Open Chest with Janelle teaching
6. 6:45 p.m.  $10 Workshop fee for "Yoga for Immunity" with the recipe for Tumeric Toddy, what essential oils to use, and how Ayurveda teaches to improve your immunity
7. Tumeric Toddy Recipe

• 1 cup hot water
• Grated (peeled) fresh ginger
• 1/2 squeezed lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey/tumeric paste
• (2 and 1/2 tablespoons of tumeric plus 1 cup of honey)
• Stir and enjoy the immunity building drink!

Friday classes are always fun, and we love ending the week with a positive intention:

1. 9:00 a.m.  Flexibility for All
2. 10:30 a.m.  Sun Salute UP!
3. 12:00 p.m.  Healthy Back for Beginners
4. 5:30 p.m.  HOT Vinyasa Flow - Power Practice

Saturday classes are a trio of different levels and the best of Jeanne K:

1. 9:00 a.m.  Iron Yoga - Power Practice
2. 10:30 a.m.  Beginner's Yoga
3. 12:00 p.m.  Happy Hips and Hamstrings - Vinyasa Flow with a moderate flavor

Sunday classes include meditation and hot yoga for November and December (but we are adding in a fun class at 2:00 in January with Janelle that is not over 75 degrees)

1. 4:00 p.m.  Meditation
2. 4:30 p.m.  HOT Vinyasa with Ashley

*****

​Chair Yoga is taught by Jeanne and will be focused on doing what you can with an open dialogue for questions.  It is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon.    We work on breathing, gentle movements of the body, and range of motion for the joints from a chair.  Please bring your yoga mat, too!  $67.50 for 10 classes in this series of workshops ($6.75 per workshop class).

​Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra offers a wealth of wise advice about posture, attitude, and aging gracefully. Sutra II.46, says, “Asana must have the dual qualities of alertness and relaxation” and calls for a balance of effort and ease in postures. I try to challenge myself without strain, letting my breath indicate if I’m crossing the line into risky territory.  Yoga Journal, Dr. Loren Fishman, Loren Saltonstall, and Carol Krucoff

We will have this class throughout the November, December, and January calendars.  However, as I will be gone for two weeks to Massachusetts for training, the class will go off the schedule starting November 12 - Thanksgiving.  I will restart the Chair Yoga workshop class on Tuesday, December 1, at 12:00 p.m.

*****

Ayurveda, the science of yoga, essential oils from Young Living, yoga postures for immunity, and de-stressing along with my recipe for a Tumeric toddy are the themes of this coming Thursday night at 6:45 p.m.  $10 Workshop fee and join us to help build your immune system with Tranquility Yoga and Mind & Body Essentials, Jeanne K Doss and Dana Rowe.  Please let me know you plan to attend.  Thank you!

*****

​I thought BOGO was the right term, but someone said, "No, it is BOGOHO." Our November special is only on Saturday, November 28, 2015, in the studio itself for a buy one card, and get the next card half off with a year's expiration for a starting date.  In other words, you decide the day you activate the card within a year's period of time, and then the expiration date will begin from the starting date you choose.  The cards that are available include:  6, 10, and 20 punch cards with a 30, 60, and 90 day respectively time limit.  Perhaps you might like to purchase a yoga mat, strap, and card for a friend or relative for Christmas; then, you could get the second card for yourself at half off.

*****

Flying to Massachusetts for training at Kripalu on November 12th and returning home on the 27th, our schedule for November is modified.  Please continue your attendance as we have amazing teachers who are covering the classes for me.  I am so thankful for you!

​Namaste', I am on my way to fulfilling my dream of being a 500 hr RYT and making our studio the only Kripalu place to practice in Oklahoma!  A place where the physical body, the breath body, the emotional body, the mental body, and the spiritual body are in harmony.  Come home to yoga; come home to Tranquility!

Jeanne K

Jeanne K. Doss; www.tranquilityyogastudio.com
ERYT 200/Yoga Alliance; Certified Personal Trainer/Cooper Institute; Pilates and Aerobics certifications; Zumba training Level 1 and Gold; YogaFit 1 and 2; Yoga Therapy Certification Level 1

"Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked."
(The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali)