Taking Yoga off the Mat

This post describes ways we can take yoga of the mat and live more in the present moment.

Taking Yoga Off the Mat: It's More Than Just Poses

Yoga. We come to the studio, roll out our mats, and move through asanas (poses and postures). We breathe, we pandiculate*, we move our fascia and lubricate joints, we stretch, we twist, and we find a little peace in our busy week. But what happens when we roll our mats back up and leave? Do the benefits of yoga stay rolled up in our mat waiting for the next time, or do they come with us? In my years of teaching here and in Italy, I realized that if I’m open to it, the yoga teachings, mostly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, are a great guide for maintaining an equanimous mind and guiding me through the day. The yoga teachings can turn blah days into amazing days. *Pandiculating might look like stretching but it’s bringing muscles that have been resting into tension and then releasing them.

At Amenia Yoga, I like to think that everyone who comes here, feels and believes that the true essence of yoga extends far beyond the physical postures and far off the mat and into our days. It's about how we live our lives, how we connect with others, and how we bring mindfulness and compassion into every moment. Twice last week, I was reminded of this in the most beautiful way.

In one class, a student who works on a local farm brought in a gift for everyone: fresh Hakurei turnips, so vibrant with their green tops just waiting to nourish us. It was such a thoughtful gesture, a simple act of sharing the bounty of the earth and her labor with our community. Everyone loved it and we started talking about how to prepare them and if we can eat them raw, eat the greens, etc.

In another class, on Valentine's Day, we enjoyed dessert before dinner because a student baked strawberry shortcake for everyone with fresh whipped cream, a delightful and heartfelt way to spread a little Valentine love and sweetness. She later wrote me, “the way I see it, Sarah, we’ve all been taking these classes together for a while and I feel like some of us are family. This is why I bake cakes when I have the time because I enjoy everyone’s company”.

I hope she has the time more often, because we all love a little sweetness. 😍

These moments might seem small, but they speak volumes about the spirit of yoga.

They aren’t only acts of kindness, but they offer connection, which is so important and meaningful particularly in today's climate. With many people feeling uncertain about the future, such gestures can provide comfort and strengthen community bonds.

They demonstrate generosity, connection, and a willingness to share joy with others. It's about seeing the interconnectedness of all things and recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on everyone around us.

This is why we also cherish our teatime after the morning classes. It's more than just a cup of tea; it's an opportunity to connect, to share stories, to support one another, and to build a sense of community. The yoga studio is a place where friendships are forged, book clubs are formed, books are exchanged, laughter is shared, and a deeper sense of belonging is cultivated. Peace and love in our hearts ripple out to reach others.

Taking yoga off the mat means living with intention, kindness, and awareness.

Being mindful in your interactions: Means taking a breath before reacting emotionally to stressful situations and it also means listening deeply to others, offering support, and practicing empathy.
Showing compassion: Extending kindness to ourselves and everyone we meet. It also means practice forgiveness and even letting go.
Practicing gratitude: Appreciating the small joys in life and recognizing the abundance that surrounds us.
Living in harmony with nature: Respecting the earth and making conscious choices that support its well-being. It also means spending more time outdoors and in nature.
Finding balance: Seeking equilibrium in all aspects of your life – work, relationships, and personal well-being. It also means setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, It could mean saying no more often instead of feeling trampled upon.

Being in the present moment is the foundation of a yoga practice both on and off your mat. One simple yet powerful way to bring yoga into daily life is by practicing what yogis have done for centuries. I take a few moments every day to stop and close my eyes and pay attention to my breath. Then I feel my aliveness and notice the lifeforce in my belly. I then open my eyes to the sacredness surrounding me. Today was amazing with both the warm sun and cold breeze on my face. This is union with the present moment and it doesn’t require any props or special equipment or a specific location; it can be done anywhere, anytime. It turns confusion into clarity, stress into calm, and frustration into contentment.

I invite you to try this simple practice: pause a few times throughout your day, take a few slow, conscious breaths, and notice how it affects your state of mind. You might be surprised at how such a small act can bring a sense of peace and presence to your day.

Yoga is a journey, not a destination, and we can use it where we spend most of our time – off the mat. It brings to mind a quote from Judith Hanson Lasater, “it’s not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down”. It's about continuously striving to be a better version of ourselves, both on and off the mat. So, the next time you leave Amenia Yoga, remember to take the compassion towards yourself off the mat and into your day, let it ripple out from your heart to everyone else and you’ll feel awesome!

At Amenia Yoga, we believe in the power of community. Whether it's sharing a smile, offering support, drinking tea or enjoying treats on occasion, people leave feeling a part of a community.