How versus What

by Jessica Callahan


After 17 years of working as a mental health counselor, I recently closed my practice to be more available to my family. I have gone through several phases of adjustment since then including feeling as if I was on vacation, feeling lost and disoriented, and slowly finding contentment in my new reality. At times I have struggled to find meaning in what I now spend my day doing. When I was supporting trauma survivors in their healing, I had a clear sense of purpose. I had an outlet for my desire to contribute to the well-being of others. While being present for my family is undeniably important, I have missed the clear way I could see my contributions make a difference.


What helped me find greater satisfaction was shifting my focus from what I was doing to how I was being. I realized that whether I was parenting, preparing a meal, or doing laundry, how I show up is what matters the most. I began to take pauses throughout my day when I noticed frustration, boredom, or anxiety. I would breathe and visualize myself rising above all the details I was tangled in so that I could reconnect with my soul deep hope of being a loving presence. This practice has deepened my gratitude of this season and helped me release ideas of what I need to do or be.


Yoga repeatedly gives us a chance to practice this shift. The growth of mind, body, and spirit is determined more by how you approach your practice, then from what you do during each class. As you go through your day and yoga classes responding to all the whats, remember there is a how that can bring meaning to all the details. Mine is to live from a place of love. What is yours?


Namaste,

Jessica

 

 
 

Master Class with Kerry Silver

How Gratitude Changes Us:
Practices to Enhance Resilience and Wellbeing


Gratitude is more than a positive feeling. It’s a practice that can fundamentally reshape how we experience our lives.


In this 90-minute Master Class, you’ll explore how cultivating gratitude can shift your mindset, strengthen emotional resilience, and enhance overall wellbeing. Blending science, reflection, and gentle movement, this session offers a grounded yet uplifting path to reconnect with what sustains and supports you and practical tools you can incorporate into your everyday life.


It is an invitation to actively experience life with greater awareness, appreciation, and ease.


Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Investment: Free for unlimited members. $15 for mini members. $35 for non-members.


No refunds. Register in advance to reserve your spot. In-studio or virtual.

 
 
 

 
 

Quarterly Kundalini Class
with Corinne Maples

Sunday, May 17


This ancient practice is known for awakening energy, sharpening awareness, and creating a powerful shift in how you feel, both on and off the mat. It may feel a little mysterious at first, but once you experience the physical, physiological, emotional, and energetic benefits, you’ll understand why it’s such a transformative practice for so many.


Each 90-minute class will include a warm up, kriya (a specific sequence of postures and breathwork), and meditation.


Date: Sunday, May 17
Time: 1:00–2:30pm
Investment: $35 | Mat Members $25


In-studio or virtual. Please register in advance to reserve your spot. No refunds within 2 weeks of class.

 
 
 

 

Mat Strong
Pilot Class

through June 3


Mat Strong

A functional movement class using light weights and resistance bands to build stability, mobility, and strength for everyday life.


We’re continuing our Mat Strong pilot through June 3 and have loved seeing the response so far. Our hope is to keep these classes on the weekly schedule moving forward, depending on membership and attendance.


Founding Rates (through June 3):
VIP Membership Add-On (unlimited members)
$40/month during pilot
$50/month after


Strength Class Only Membership
$49/month during pilot
$59/month after

Both are month-to-month auto-debit.


Other options:
Drop-in: $15 (pilot) / $20 after
4-class pack: $59 (30-day expiration)


When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00–4:45pm
In-studio & virtual
Recordings available for monthly members

 
 
 

 

300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
with Samantha, Melanie & Alex

Q&A | Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm


You can uplevel your yoga teaching credentials through so many trainings out there. Why take the Mat 300? We offer the expert guest teachers you need to find your niche in the yoga world and to hone your individual voice as a teacher as well as three lead teachers - Samantha, Melanie, and Alex - who will walk with you along the way, providing the constant support you need to incorporate all your learning moving forward in your yoga career.


This training will take place one weekend per month over the course of a year from August 2026 to September 2027. Some weekends will be taught by lead teachers and others by local and renowned teachers. 


Only 4 spots left.


Curious if it’s the right fit? Join us for our Q&A on Tuesday, May 19.


Training Weekends: August 16, 2026 - September 19, 2027


 

 

Strength + Balance: Deep Twists to Awaken the Spine
with Iris, Amy, Kathleen & Kim

Saturday, May 30


Deep twists have the power to transform your practice from the inside out.

In this edition of Strength + Balance, we’ll explore how twisting patterns through the spine create strength, stability, and clarity throughout the entire body. Beginning with familiar poses and accessible shapes, you’ll learn how to organize from the ground up and feel how lines of energy spiral through the body to support balance and lift.

Through thoughtful drills, simple progressions, and creative transitions, you’ll build confidence in twisting from your center rather than forcing range of motion. As the practice unfolds, those patterns will naturally evolve into more dynamic expressions, including playful side crow work and pathways toward revolved Bird of Paradise.

This class is designed to feel supportive and engaging for all levels. Whether you’re newer to twisting or looking to deepen your understanding, you’ll be guided with clear instruction, options, and hands-on support throughout.

Join Iris, Amy, Kathleen, and Kim for this collaborative and uplifting workshop experience.


All levels are welcome. Come explore, strengthen, and awaken your spine.

Date: Saturday, May 30

Time: 1:00-2:30pm

Investment: Members $20, Non-members $30


No refunds. Register in advance to reserve your spot.

 
 
 

 
 
 

The Mat Yoga Studio
17390 Preston Road Suite 220 • Dallas, TX 75252
+1 (254) 228-9620