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Dearest Yoga Students, The decision to write an update like this has eluded me for far too long. As with any offering I put out to the world, I always want it to be infused with purpose and consciousness and aligned with Yogic principles. All of those things take time- which this year I seem to have had so little of! I do hope you’ll take a few moments to read and enjoy this New Year’s note and update- from my heart to yours. 2024 has been my busiest and most successful year yet. I have now logged nearly eleven thousand teaching hours since I began my career in 2013. I finally feel like my yoga clinic is thriving, and this is in large part due to your commitment and dedication to the yoga tradition. For this, I thank you deeply! As my practice continues to grow, I would like to renew my commitment to you- my friends, students, and fellow practitioners- to continue infusing heart, mindfulness, intention, skill, and intuition into all of my offerings. As both my personal yoga/meditation practice and my teachings have evolved, it has become clearer to me that leading life with the above qualities (and in alignment with yama/niyama/brahmavihara), is what creates a strong foundation for deep, transformative work, lasting and profound change, success, and good karma for all. In reference to the above, please take some time to consider these teachings more specifically as outlined below, in accordance with the Yoga and Buddhist traditions: Yama- Restraints (don’t do these!): Non-Harm, Truthfulness (Non-lying), Non-Stealing, Non-greed, Right Use of Energy (hard to translate this one) Niyama- Observances (do these!): Cleanliness, Contentment, Discipline, Self-Study, Surrender to a Higher Power Brahmavihara- The Abodes of the Heart: Kindness, Compassion, Heartfelt Joy, Equanimity I suspect that the above terms are familiar to you- as I try to teach them directly, or at least infuse them into every one of my offerings. The above virtues are really what make a yoga practice different from “fitness”- we are asked to infuse everything we do on the mat and in life with these virtues (which I often refer to colloquially as “goodness”). A note about our current state of affairs: In Yogic cosmology, the universe is separated into 4 Yugas (cycles, world-ages). As we cycle through each Yuga, the general moral and physical state of humanity decreases. While an entire cycle of 4 Yugas is 4,320,000 years, we are currently in the Kali Yuga- the final Yuga that lasts 432,000 years. This is a time when the world and humanity is at its worst. Basically, Kali Yuga is defined by a shallow world culture filled with greed, hatred, anger, and attachment- the antithesis to the above listed yogic virtues! It is not difficult these days to venture outside and, in some capacity, feel sick, stolen from, attached, lacking, anxious, angry, depressed, etc. This is a time where suffering in all forms is at its highest. In light of these very real conditions, it is more important than ever for us- as aware humans- to anchor MORE deeply into what is right, righteous, and good. We are asked to develop such a strong relationship with the above listed virtues that, at least in our own vortices, the limitations and suffering representative of Kali Yuga is transmuted. While I am not always successful (and for those moments, l try to lean on compassion and forgiveness), this is always my intent in my work and life, and I invite you as yoga practitioners to participate in engaging with life in this way. Yoga is a tradition that recognizes duality- what happens inside happens outside. As above, so below. The antidote to our collective suffering has always been, and will always be, a life lived by virtue and a spiritual practice (sadhana)- like yoga, meditation, religion, time spent in nature, whatever that practice is for you- to help cultivate these virtues towards self and others. As we step into 2025, I invite you to contemplate the above virtues, include them in your sadhana and lives, and- as always- to ask me about them! I am here unendingly as a consultant and guide to help you unlock and apply the principles of yoga to your life. To that extent, please look at my below offerings in 2025: Group Classes, Private Yoga Therapy, Massage, Bodywork, Ayurvedic Health Consulting, Public and Private Workshops, and Retreats. More info can always be found on my website, www.matthewmitlas.com. Thank you again for your trust, presence and participation in this tradition. I wish you a happy and prosperous 2025 filled with GOOD! And, when challenges inevitably appear, may you anchor into the teachings of yoga and endure and transcend in the most easy, loving, and graceful ways possible. May all beings be filled with loving kindness May all beings be well May all beings be peaceful and at ease May all beings be happy With all my love and gratitude! Namaste, Matthew Mitlas (Yoga Matt)
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Finding peace and quiet can be difficult. This day in age, constant preoccupation with distractions such as phones, computers, and televisions makes it is easy to forget what it’s like to simply sit and be in your own company. When you choose to start a yoga practice, whether it be to relax, build strength in mind/body, or expand your consciousness, it is important to create the space so that your practice can be as nourishing and beneficial as possible. Here are a few tips for creating the perfect home yoga space:
1. Choose a room which you use less often than others. A room which gets used less will be quieter and have a minimal amount of distraction. Think of using rooms like the guest bedroom or sitting room. Find a clear spot in the room in which to roll out your mat. 2. Mark your practice space by lighting a candle, placing a flower or something symbolic nearby, or ringing a bell to make the space feel special. 3. Stand and kneel on your yoga mat and stretch your arms wide. If possible, your arms will be clear of any high or low standing furniture. If this is unavoidable, take note of how you might re-orient yourself in certain poses. Often times, arms can be lifted straight forward and overhead instead of out to the sides. 4. If using a virtual yoga program, like the Matthew Mitlas Online School of Yoga, position your streaming device where it can be seen from different angles. Phones can be propped against a nearby wall or a shelf. You can also “screen cast” your device to the tv. Turn off all other unnecessary electronics. 5. Have appropriate lighting. In the evening, it is helpful to have dim light to facilitate the relaxation response. In the morning, lots of bright, natural light will motivate and energize your practice. In either case, make sure you can see your body and your surroundings! 6. If you use yoga props like blankets and blocks, have them within reach at the start of every practice. Do your best to remove any potential distractions. If you live with others, kindly ask them to respect your quiet time for the next hour. If you have animals that might become a distraction, close the door or put up a gate. Most importantly- if you do get interrupted, try to stay lighthearted and embrace it! Life is rarely what we expect- but we can cultivate a positive and friendly attitude towards life’s surprises and make them part of our practice. Remember, Yoga is not about separating yourself from the ailments of life, but embracing and finding peace within yourself and the world as it is. May your practice be fruitful in all ways! *Are you excited about your new yoga space? Show us by dropping a picture on our Facebook group HERE! Okay, so you’ve heard all about it, you’re friends are doing it, you’ve told yourself you’ve been meaning to do it, and here you are! Showing up to a Yoga class for the first time can be nerve-racking- so congrats on getting this far. There is a reason everyone who does Yoga talks about it all the time, how it changed their life, how you should come to a class with them. Can you guess the reason? Yoga Works! Yoga is an effective way to exercise the body and calm the mind. We don't often realize the importance of a Yoga practice to support our quality of life until we begin to practice. Here are some of the ways Yoga increases quality of life:
How many times have you driven from one place to another and, upon arrival, have no idea how you got there? How many times have you had trouble falling/staying asleep? How many days have you suffered with low back pain, neck and shoulder tension, digestive issues, and inability to focus? Stop Suffering! The truth is Yoga can be the all-natural solution to all of these problems. The poses, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques found in Yoga are unlike any other form of exercise. They target all aspects of being human and make it a better experience- even an experience worth celebrating! Don’t believe me? Come to a class and see for yourself. It may very well be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Just like life, Yoga is a practice that is always evolving. Sometimes we go to the mat to balance and calm ourselves, other times to energize and invigorate. Sometimes it’s helpful to sit and meditate in silence, other times it’s helpful to sing in joyful devotion and raise our spirits. Whether you are a new student to Yoga or already have a consistent practice, you will benefit from different types of Yoga, including private study and group study, as your life and Yoga practice evolve together. Here are a few things to think about when choosing between private or group classes:
1. Are You a Beginner? When first starting a Yoga practice, I typically recommend beginning with private sessions or workshops designed specifically for beginners. In these sessions, the teacher has a chance to meet and develop a connection with you. During this time you will have the opportunity to share any injuries or health conditions you may be dealing with and what you’d like to get out of your Yoga practice. Private sessions and workshops for beginners are all about making a connection with the teacher so that he/she can provide you with an effective practice suited to your needs and desires. Upon completion of three private sessions or a workshop series for beginners, the teacher will most likely have enough knowledge to guide you to the appropriate group classes or help design a home sequence for you to practice on your own. 2. Do You Have Injuries, Health Concerns, or Recent Emotional Trauma? Finding a teacher who can work therapeutically with your injuries/traumas will be a fundamental part of your healing. I would highly recommend learning from a teacher who can, depending on your situation, teach you how to modify your practice and increase your capacity to heal. This is typically done in a private session, but you might be able to find audience-specific classes like Yoga for Pain Relief, Yoga for Cancer Patients, etc, which you might consider joining. 3. Do You Want to Develop a Regular Yoga Practice? Practicing at home is very rewarding, but it can be sometimes be difficult just to get yourself on the mat. If you are struggling to practice at home, I would recommend starting group classes. Group classes are fantastic because they encourage a sense community which supports each other’s yoga practice. Attending group classes is a great way to meet friends and learn something new, choosing and regularly attend class times that work for you. Many studios offer class packages or memberships- I highly recommend taking advantage of these offers as they provide incentive for you to keep coming back. I recommend taking classes twice per week- anything more is bonus! Remember: the more you practice, the more benefits you will receive and the better you will feel! 4. Are You Looking to Advance your Practice? Advancing your practice can mean different things. Some people are looking to advance their Asana (Hatha Yoga) practice. In this case, attending an advanced level group class or working privately with an instructor who knows a lot about advanced Asana can be beneficial. For others, advancing their practice means learning Yoga breathing exercises (Pranayama), exploring different types of meditation and higher consciousness, or learning more about Yogic philosophy. In this case, it will be beneficial to study privately with a teacher who can share these techniques with you or to find a workshop or series about your topic of interest. Remember, a Yoga practice is always evolving. It’s okay to practice different types of Yoga in different settings depending on how you feel each in moment, day, or phase of your life. Still have questions? Contact me and I will help you decide the best type of practice for your needs and desires! |
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AuthorMatthew Mitlas is a writer and yoga instructor in the Collegeville, Ambler, Blue Bell, and greather philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Archives
December 2024
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