SPEND THE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR INNER YOGI

Yoga can be a lot of different things depending on the practitioner. It can be a physical and sweaty practice, daily meditation, mindfulness throughout the day, intentional breathing, and so much more. Practicing yoga in these various ways doesn’t have to be just an internal practice. Another extraordinary part about practicing yoga is going out there and being of service to others whether that is through teaching (I’m looking at you teachers, parents, and role models), doing a favor for someone, or simply being present with a friend who is going through a hard time. Since this is the season of giving, I have some suggestions on how you can be of service to your community right here in Denton during the holidays. 

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OM FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Step one: breathe. No, for real. Literally close your eyes right now and take a deep breath. This, my friends, will be the simplest and most helpful tool to get you through the stress (I mean joy?) of the holiday season. Whether your holidays consists of less than amicable family gatherings (that may or may not include food fights and yelling) or you’re just super busy with work and school – the holiday season can just be hard. Really hard. Like pass the eggnog and a 5th slice of pie hard. But it’s okay! I have some helpful tips on how to use yoga as a way to destress this holiday season.

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A YOGA MOMENT WITH LIZ: WTF IS YOGA?

Alright, y’all. Maybe you’ve noticed the multitude of yoga studios around downtown or perhaps you’ve been driving by the square and witnessed bodies twisting and contorting together on the Courthouse lawn. What the heck is going on and what is this “yoga” that seems to have invaded our wonderful city? I’m Liz King – a Denton native and manager and teacher at Authentic Yoga Life – and I’m here to break down this whole yoga thing and WTF it actually means for our Denton community. 

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AN OVERVIEW OF DENTON YOGA

by Naomi Wood

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We aren't yogis by any stretch, but we can appreciate a good yoga class when we find one. Regardless of your fondness for Vinyasa, Chakra, or Hatha, at this point they're all fairly well represented in Denton.  Now if you can’t shove your legs behind your head while chanting mantras, no worries. We've gone out, stretched too much and done a little research on the various yoga facilities in town. While we're all the more zen for it, we've also got a bunch of information we'd like to share with ya.

One of the most familiar Denton landmarks, The Yoga Hut,  has been around for decades. It's been nestled in it's comfy little corner on North Locust since 2000. Their Buddhist-style frame attracts many curious glances, and although the healing garden is a bit overgrown, it could be a quiet refuge amidst Denton’s bustling streets. So if you like the shrine-y/temple feel,  you’re in luck! The yoga hut also doubles as a  residential space, where locals can live and stretch in harmony. Owner Lori Blunk follows the B.K.S Iyengar teaching, which focuses on the eight-limbed body. Now, this isn’t a human centipede style she’s talking about, the eight limbs are in reference to the eight steps of yoga, which include a focus on morality, observances, postures, breathing, senses, perception, meditation, and union.

The Denton Yoga Center on Congress was started by Denton native Becky Klett in 2008. Her therapeutic, alignment-focused practice can be adapted to all levels, whether you're a beginner or super zen. Whether you can barely touch your toes, or can simultaneously headstand while in camel pose, this studio may just be the right fit for you. The smaller setup and supportive community environment allows for more teacher-student interaction. Although Becky has been teaching yoga in Denton for over a decade, she still makes a point to walk through her classes and personally align her students.

 

“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
— Buddha
Valerie Warren of Authentic Yoga Life Photo by Stephanie Smith

Valerie Warren of Authentic Yoga Life
Photo by Stephanie Smith

Maybe the kumbaya approach that the two previous studios embody are a bit much for your taste. If so, we featured the new Authentic Yoga Life studio that opened on Austin Street this past spring. Valerie Warren saw the need for a modern hot yoga studio in Denton, and jumped on the opportunity to be close to the square. This studio is bright, simple, and chic, and provides a vinyasa style that anyone would feel comfortable participating in.  

If yoga really isn’t your thing, but you’re still interested in subduing your stresses, you can head over to Seven Mile Cafe on Wednesday nights at 6:30, for a mindfulness and meditation session led by Kadampa Buddhist Teacher, Jenny Streit-Horn.

You might feel better, and if not, you can always grab a cup of joe afterward.

Namaste, Dentonites.