Spring is a time for Transformation

Time to shake off the cold and get moving!

A yoga practice is a way to get involved in your own physicality; to strengthen your body, create space and flexibility in the muscles and joints, build bodily awareness, and ultimately heal. A yoga class is a place to be completely “you”; your practice is entirely in your hands, you’re not competing with anyone or anything, and your only job is to breathe. Many of us have experienced the benefits of a few deep breaths when we feel anxious or stressed. Now imagine that feeling of calm reaching beyond just those few moments, and into your consciousness on a daily basis. This is what we seek with a yoga practice. 

“Do I have to be flexible?” No! Would you take a Spanish class if you already spoke Spanish?

“Do I have to be in shape? What if I’m overweight?” Yoga is, literally, for every body. Don’t be intimidated by the poses or what you’ve seen on the internet when you Google “yoga”, because it’s not about that. It’s about you and your journey. If you have physical limitations, Mariah and Lexi, the Stone Turtle Yoga teachers, are skilled in creating modifications for students who aren’t able to go all the way into a pose, and they teach from experience, being students themselves who need modifications from time to time.

“But I have kids and a job and responsibilities. I don’t have time for yoga!” How many hours of TV do you watch per week? How much time on the internet or Facebook? As a great yoga teacher once said, “If you make time for yoga, you will have time for everything else you need to do.”

The bottom line is, wherever you are today, physically, mentally, or spiritually, we will meet you there, and help guide you towards improved physical and mental well-being. You might not love it or “get it” your first time around (we didn’t, either!), but give it a few tries and wait for that “ah-hah” moment. You’ll begin to develop an awareness you may have never had before, and you will likely begin to feel great on the inside and out, and find space in the body as well as in the mind. The unexpected benefit of any Stone Turtle Yoga class? A wonderful sense of support and kindness from our small but vibrant yoga community, composed of wonderful yogis of varying ages and abilities, each on her/his own path.

What class is right for me?

If you’re brand new to yoga, or looking for a way to stretch and move in a low-impact setting, Gentle Yoga is the class for you. Offered Monday at 9:00am and Tuesday at 5:30pm.

If it’s deep relaxation you’re seeking, look no further than Yin Yoga, offered Thursdays at 5:30pm.

If you’re craving more movement and flow, including Sun Salutations and the occasional back bend or inversion, Empower Yoga is your class. Offered Saturdays at 10:00am.

Now is the time. We have the quiet space, yoga mats, props, and friendly, certified instructors. All you have to do is show up!

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to call or email Mariah at 989-302-7928 or mariah@stoneturtleyoga.com. We look forward to seeing you!

“Yoga is…”

When people ask me what yoga is and why they should do it, I always come back to these insights from some of the great yogis. Enjoy, and feel free to post your own favorites!

“Keep in mind that the poses are not destinations, nor are they strange contortions to force yourself into for some esoteric purpose. They are part of an ongoing process of self exploration and self-healing. Each individual pose is a map into a specific area of yourself, and where you are in the pose is the pose for you.” – Erich Schiffmann

“Yoga is an expression of joy.” – Erich Schiffmann

“This is indeed the great message of all forms of Yoga: Happiness is our essential nature, and our perpetual quest for happiness is fulfilled only when we realize who we truly are.” – Georg Feuerstien

“The process of yoga is one of undoing the obstructions and limitations in your body and mind that inhibit the free flow of creative life force.” – Erich Schiffmann

“The body is not the house of the spirit, it is the spirit taken physical form. And the world, too, is not the creation of divinity, it is divinity as presented to our senses.” – Charles Eisenstein

“Yoga [is] the harnessing or restraining of the senses and the mind so as to yield a quiet inner space… Only in the depth of the still heart can the liberating truth be found.” – Georg Feuerstein