Greetings!
We teachers recently spent some time marveling at and expressing gratitude for the wonderful, dynamic community of people that make Stone Turtle Yoga the special place that it is. The relationships among both students and teachers are meaningful and vibrant. They help create the welcoming atmosphere that is necessary for us to go deeper into Yoga, which is the practice of connecting to and elevating our own consciousness, and the consciousness of the collective whole.
What is just as important on this path of elevating consciousness, though, is the opportunity to become quiet and inwardly focused. Having time to sit in quiet contemplation and direct our awareness inward is a necessary, and often profound practice that contributes immensely to our greater Yoga practice and general well-being. It is this intentional, inward gaze that sets Yoga apart from other types of physical exercise, and is what sets the stage for transformation towards better versions of ourselves and our world.
In the spirit of developing this inward gaze, we are asking students to take the opportunity before and after class to rest in quiet introspection; to use the time before class to center and begin the journey inward to prepare for the practice, and the time after class to process and integrate the knowledge and/or experience gained during class. As a step forward in yoga etiquette and self-awareness, we are inviting all students to honor the practice space of the studio as a quiet space, both before and after class.
We truly love and appreciate your energy and connection, and we thank you in advance for joining us in “tending to our inner gardens”, so that we can bring our best selves forward into the world!
Namaste,
Mariah, Patty, Amy M. Libby, Emily, Amy B. and Dianne
