I don’t think I’m alone when I ask – how is it December already? Maybe a part of that is due to the lateness of Thanksgiving this year and so a seemingly shortened holiday season, but even so. The year has gone by quick. As I think back on the past twelve months personally, I thought it could also be a good time to revisit some wonderful moments with North Dallas’ The Mat Yoga Studio.
An amazing milestone comes to my mind first: The Mat’s 15th Anniversary! At the start of November, the community came together for a happy hour after class to celebrate such the event. 15 years is definitely an occasion to celebrate and there were lots of hugs, smiles, and laughter.
This past summer saw another successful retreat – two of them! – in Portugal. The Mat’s next retreat is in Puerto Rico in the summer of 2025, and while it is sold out, you can still sign up for the waitlist. And keep an eye out next summer for the announcement for the next retreat! A word of advice: these annual retreats sell out pretty quickly.
A new monthly class was added to the schedule earlier this year as well. The 75-minute Strength & Balance class breaks down poses to help a student build up to the full expression and/or learn different tips and modifications to help with accessing the pose being explored that class and its benefits. Keep an eye on The Mat’s schedule and socials as this class is continuing into the new year.
One reason I like reflecting at year-end is, after twelve months, some of the achievements and fun memories may not be top of mind in December. We might be focusing only on the recent weeks or months, but these moments from earlier in the year carry the same weight and can bring the same smiles to one’s face as they did back when they occurred. The year is not just how it ends, but everything that came before as well.
I hope that as we wind down the year and, if you celebrate, enjoy holiday festivities, you find some time to rest and to reflect. I hope there are good memories that bring that smile as you call them to mind, and that it encourages plans to make more good memories in the next year.
And as for me, in addition to reflecting and planning with excitement, there is another thing I look forward to this time of year: taking a virtual class and practicing next to my Christmas tree and its sparkling lights. It can make for a very cozy class.
Happy Holidays!
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
