Slayogastl

09/30/2025

It’s the muscles of the deep core that make up the physical nature of bandhas in yoga. Working with bandhas allows you to work with the physiological pressure created by breathing to generate more stability and potentially greater power and force. If you understand the physics you can use this to aid your practice.
The pelvic floor and the diaphragm work together like a canister controlling pressure in the cylinder known as the core. When we inhale the diaphragm lowers, creating more space for air to fill the lungs, at the same time a healthy pelvic floor relaxes and allows more space for the organs as the air filled lungs take up more space in the canister. On an exhale the diaphragm and pelvic floor contract pressure increases and air is expelled out of the lungs.
This is the physiological way breath works and flows, when things are healthy and working together optimally. Sometimes it helps to think of a ballon it expands when it fills with air and contracts when air is released- our body is the same.
Practical application- next time you are working on a posture, exhale- connect to the muscles the pelvic floor and feel a gentle lifting there and a slight pulling in just below the belly button. Feel the support of the canister/your core and then move to the state of the posture from that place of connection

Want more? Local to St. Louis or visiting? Join me in studio 5 days a week. From anywhere check out my YouTube with a variety of offerings
🙏❤️

09/28/2025

I was taught this, all my teachers echoed it, and I did too for a while. I felt A LOT of pressure as a student to show up on my mat for my “full” practice 6 days a week. I did this for a long time. But I learned that it wasn’t sustainable for me or for a majority of my students long term.
What works for me➡️ I usually practice yoga on my mat 3-4x a week (I allow myself grace on the sequence/ what I do)and like to supplement my physical practice with weight training 2-3x a week. My Yoga practice off the mat is supplemented by daily mindfulness- self study/philosophy, meditation and/or breath work.
I support my students if I see them 1x in a week or 5 times. I respect that everyone has a life, interests etc and I am grateful for the moments they choose to spend with me. I encourage you to use the practice to support you❣️
Find the balance that works for you- I have found 3 days a week of yoga on the mat to be a really helpful starting point: enough to make progress but not too much to burn out.

Opportunities to practice with me:
Mysore Class MWF 6-8am and Sun 7-9am
Led Primary Class Sat 9:30am
Book club- Wed 5:30pm
🙏

09/24/2025

Remember that inaction is another form of cause and effect -

In these times I’m reminded of the spirit of the Gita
When Injustice has taken over the kingdom
The dharma has to reassert itself-
the good guys have to make a statement

To everyone who has made a statement, has started a conversation, those still having conversations, those feeling scared, uncertain or not ready to have a conversation, quietly flighting the good fight- I see you and thank you

Wisdom from Ram Dass, Paths to God & The Bhagavad Gita, (both recommended reading) and my own musings
🩵🙏

09/23/2025

Moving forward I’ve started having the conversation. We need systems of accountability and established ethics, that we hold leaders and teachers accountable to. Basic systems in place that offer protections to everyone.

There is no published code of conduct or ethics by SYC in Mysore India. A quick google or chat gpt search will show you that. However, I have learned that teachers who receive authorization do sign something- and that has been clearly violated by the teacher in question. At the same time on their website there is a whole lot of legalese that removes any kind of accountability structure for the teachers they authorize (see the last slide).

I know we can do better. As a community of practitioners, students, teachers we can work together to create a published code of conduct/ethics that we can publicly uphold And Have clear and safe reporting systems in place.

Let’s move forward together to create safe places for students and for the actual practice of Yoga

09/19/2025

My personal struggles have brought me so much more clarity on the program I have built and the teacher I am to be. May it continue to evolve into something beautiful for those called to practice 🦋✨

09/18/2025

09/12/2025

Just a reminder that Sharon is teaching at SLAY! Join her for class, all levels are welcome. Mysore class is a perfect place to start, arrive anytime in the first hour of class and we’ll guide you. No experience necessary, we meet you where you are.

08/30/2025

✨🌞 AUGUST VIBES

🦋🧘‍♀️🍞🥗☕️📚🏚️🐈🕉️🐕

08/29/2025

This holiday weekend class is on as usual Saturday & Sunday. No Mysore class on Monday, but those with an existing practice can join for community practice, Ashley will be there joining you for practice 😊