When I first started falling in love with yoga, I found myself sleeping better, feeling stronger, and keeping my cool in the face of challenge like never before. With such great benefits, I had a hard time not talking about this awesome practice to pretty much anyone who would listen. I couldn’t wait to spread the word and share the gifts of yoga with my family and friends.

While most weren’t ready to buy a mat and pop into tree pose, a few friends agreed to give yoga class a try. For some it stuck and others it didn’t, but I remember very clearly the joy I felt at having offered up my little slice of heaven.

Last week one of my long-time students brought four of her close girlfriends to class. They laid their mats one next to the other, giggled during class, and quietly helped one another when lost. It was an absolute joy to see and feel the warmth of friendship in class and made me fondly remember those moments when I shared yoga with loved ones.

While we certainly don’t want to push others to yoga, it’s a great feeling to share something you love. If you have a friend that is looking to get healthy, build community, or just get out of the house, bring him or her to yoga class! Your support and encouragement will undoubtedly make their experience and yours a whole lot sweeter. –Michelle Laxton

When just arriving to your mat and closing your eyes, be extra sensitive to the first few breaths of your practice. I’ve found that the first few breaths can reveal a great deal about the current state of your mind-body-heart.

The first few breaths that happen to be deep and relaxed reveal the soothing effects of your earlier jog and healthful breakfast. The first few breaths that happen to be short and choppy reveal the stress caused by the traffic jam you encountered. The first few breaths that happen to be labored and tight reveal the pain felt from a disagreement with your partner.

In order to live our lives, working our jobs and caring for our families, we often feel the need to ignore our feelings. However, healing through yoga requires an open and observant mind. By watching the first few breaths of your practice, you may discover what situations throw you out of balance. When those same challenges arise in the future, you’ll be more connected to your mind-body-heart and therefore better able to keep your yogic cool. –Michelle Laxton

In years past, I’ve never been a big fan of Daylight Savings. The suddenness of the time change and the loss of light so early in the day always left me feeling as though I never had enough time. This year however things feel a bit different. Instead of lamenting the darkness, I’ve felt a sense of protection and warmth with the early arrival of night.

In my evening yoga practice this week, I’ve been especially grateful for the darkness. With the night sky, my mind shifts to release the day more easily and I feel more open to embrace a clear mindspace. I am better able to listen to my breath and move into the “yoga zone” where mental stresses and plans are put on hold. It’s as though the darkness informs my mind that the day is winding down. If you’re having trouble adjusting to Daylights Savings on a physical, mental, or energetic level, try taking time for a yoga practice in the evenings in order to embrace and integrate the darkness into your mind-body-heart. –Michelle Laxton