Introducing a Yoga Community That Will Support Your Growth!
Sangha Sundays is Coming this Fall!
Over the last few months I have been writing and sharing about yoga “off the mat.” Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me! I am so grateful for the questions, insights, and feedback these essays elicited. I love hearing from you and how my writing has affected you in some way.
If you missed any of the essays, scroll to the bottom to read them all.
I have written articles covering the 5 Yamas (Non-Harming, Truth, Non-Stealing/Boundaries, Non-Excess/Enough, and Non-Attachment), and the 5 Niyamas (Purity, Contentment, Discipline, Self-Study/Self-Inquiry, and Surrender). These 10 principles, which make up the first 2 Limbs of Yoga, aim to guide you into living a wholehearted life, feeling more at ease in your body and mind.
I jokingly call them the 10 Commandments of yoga, but there is nothing commanding about them. Choosing to behave according to the Yamas and Niyamas means choosing to live with intention and authenticity, to the best of your ability. They help when interacting with others, and when living in your own mind.
Yoga is not just poses on the mat (Asana is Limb #3), Yoga encompasses a wide variety of practices that aim to bring you into a peaceful and balanced state of being, and be of service to your community.
Practicing yoga regularly helps you understand yourself better, why you act the way you do, think the way you do, etc. It allows you to slow down, and find some space between your thoughts. This space gives you the opportunity to respond, rather than react. Preventing harm in the first place (Ahimsa, the first Yama) helps you make better choices and clearer decisions to guide your actions.
When you do accidentally cause harm, you can repair the relationships you may have damaged, both with yourself and others, because you’ll gain the insight that pausing allows.
What I love most, is how yoga is a practice, not a “perfect.” It’s an ongoing process of growing, changing, learning, and finding more peace inside. I’ve been practicing yoga for almost 30 years, and I can tell you, it’s never a dull moment. Joy, tears, laughter, understanding, “a-ha” moments, crushing moments, love, loss, it’s all in there.
Bringing yoga into your life as more than just physical exercise is what this post is all about.
Sangha/Community
I am an introvert, yet I crave connection. I like connecting with people one-on-one, or in a small, intimate group. Small talk doesn’t do it for me, I like talking about things that are real, like life challenges, emotions, and how to understand what is actually happening (rather than my interpretation of what is happening).
This is one of the reasons I run yoga retreats and keep them small (10-15 people). I want to hold space and foster these types of connections with my yoga students and retreatants.
Life can be really hard, and navigating through difficult situations is where my yoga practice has come in handy. I have tools that keep me calm when things go off the rails, and strategies that help me have tough conversations while keeping my head and heart.
Sangha Sundays
This September I am launching a program called Sangha Sundays,which will meet online once a month. This will be a space to foster growth, connection, and community, while discussing topics related to living your yoga.
The 3 pillars of Buddhism are Buddha (teacher), Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community).
When you practice yoga in your daily life, using principles like the Yamas and Niyamas, this is practicing yoga off the mat. Getting together with a community of people looking to explore these teachings further is what Sangha Sundays are all about.
Join me once a month to explore different aspects of yoga. Subjects will include:
- Letting go of self-judgment
- Embracing self-compassion
- Setting down perfectionism
- Hearing and listening to your inner wisdom
Connect with like-minded, growth oriented people who, like you, want to understand themselves better. Let go of habits that no longer serve you and lean into a more truthful and authentic life.
Click the button below to learn more! If you are a subscriber to Purple Room Yoga’s online classes, or a paid Substack subscriber to Yoga Living 50 and Beyond, you get a special rate!
I will be running a free online info session about Sangha Sundays on August 25th at 6:30pm ET, where you can ask questions and find out more! Click the button below to sign up!
I am excited to start this group, get to know you better, and share our common humanity through deeper conversations. All sessions will be confidential. What happens in the Sangha, stays in the Sangha.
Previous Posts in the Yama and Niyama series:
Introduction: How to Move Toward Ease in 10 “Simple” Steps
The Yamas:
Are Your Thoughts Harmful to Yourself and Others?
The Mind is a Liar. Only Your Gut Tells You the Truth
How We Steal From Ourselves When We Don’t Set Good Boundaries
How Do You Know When You Reach Enough?
Is Non-Attachment the Cure for Anxiety?
The Niyamas:
Feeling Stuck in Overwhelm? It Might Be Your Environment
Happiness is Temporary. Contentment is a Better Goal
When You Feel the Beautiful Balance between Strength and Ease
Increase Curiosity to Find Out Who You Really Are
How Surrender Might be the Way to an Easeful Life
Join me on the mat!
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