A Framework for Living: Exploring the Yamas

Letting go of the faith I was raised in was both freeing and terrifying. For years, I felt like I was floating without direction, missing the structure that once shaped my choices. I wasn’t looking to replace it with something else, but I did long for a way to live with intention—one that didn’t require belief in a particular tradition.

My favorite Yoga Sutras book.
The Path of the Yoga Sutras by Nicolai Bachman

When I first learned about the Yamas and Niyamas, something clicked. Unlike the rigid rules I had known before, these were invitations—guiding principles that encouraged self-reflection rather than fear-based obedience. They gave me a place to land, a way to approach life that felt aligned with my evolving values.

More importantly, they taught me that ethical living isn’t about getting it “right” all the time. It’s a practice, just like yoga itself. Some days, it’s easy to show up. Other days, we fall short. But it’s always possible to begin again.

The Yoga Sutras—especially the Eight Limbs of Yoga—have become a reliable foundation that I return to again and again for guidance. Sometimes the wisdom feels so obvious, almost like common sense. But I’ve found that the simplest ideas often have the most profound impact and need to be reinforced regularly.

Over the next few months, we’ll be studying the Eight Limbs of Yoga—both here on the blog and in Sutra School. We’re starting with the first limb, the Yamas, and next month, we’ll explore the Niyamas.

What Are the Yamas?

Think of the Yamas as yoga’s ethical foundation—the principles that guide how we engage with the world. They aren’t commandments but invitations to live with more awareness and integrity.

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): More than just avoiding physical harm, Ahimsa is about choosing kindness in our thoughts, words, and actions—toward ourselves and others. It’s about recognizing where we may be causing harm (even unintentionally) and shifting toward compassion.

• Satya (Truthfulness): Living truthfully means aligning our words and actions with reality while balancing honesty with kindness. Truth should never be used as a weapon, but as a way to create clarity and integrity in our relationships.

• Asteya (Non-stealing): Beyond material possessions, Asteya encourages us to be mindful of the time, energy, and emotional labor we take from others. It reminds us to cultivate gratitude rather than looking outside ourselves for fulfillment.

• Brahmacharya (Moderation): Traditionally linked to celibacy, Brahmacharya is about using our energy wisely and practicing self-restraint. It teaches us to find balance—whether that’s in how we work, eat, consume media, or engage in relationships—so that we don’t burn ourselves out chasing temporary pleasures.

• Aparigraha (Non-attachment): This Yama encourages us to release the constant need for more—whether it’s material things, status, or control. Aparigraha teaches contentment, reminding us that true fulfillment isn’t in what we accumulate, but in how we experience the present moment.

A Few Questions to Sit With

Rather than just reading about these concepts, I’ve found it’s helpful to actually explore them in my own life. Here are a few prompts to reflect on or journal about:

• Ahimsa: Where am I being hard on myself? How can I offer more kindness?

• Satya: Is there a truth I’ve been avoiding? What would happen if I faced it?

• Asteya: Am I giving as much as I take in my relationships?

• Brahmacharya: Where do I tend to overdo it? Where do I hold back?

• Aparigraha: What’s something I can release my grip on?

Join Me for Sutra School on February 8

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me for Sutra School on February 8 from 12:30-2 PM as we dive deeper into the Yamas—not as abstract concepts, but as real, practical tools for navigating life.

This is a great opportunity to explore these principles in community, share insights, and see how they can shape the way we move through the world. If you’ve ever been curious about yoga beyond the poses, this is the perfect place to start.

I hope to see you there!

Moving with Intention: Applying Kriya Yoga Principles to Business and Change

The journey of opening and nurturing a small business over the past eight years has challenged and helped me grow more than any other endeavor I have ever taken on. I often think the only reason I’ve been able to stomach the intensity of business ownership without quitting is because I am saturated daily in the wisdom of yoga.

Desiree (circa 2016) “Terrified but still moving forward.”

Recently, I’ve felt a heightened sense of uncertainty as we navigate the significant change of moving the studio to a new location. Throughout this process, I find myself leaning on the principles of Kriya Yoga more than ever. These three pillars—Tapas (self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender)—have been a guiding framework not only in my yoga practice but also in the way I approach business and navigate significant transitions.

Tapas (Self-Discipline): Staying Committed in the Face of Challenge

Opening Old Town Yoga was something I felt so deeply called to do that it seemed impossible to ignore. The pull was so strong, it felt as though the studio was meant to exist, and I was simply the one being guided to bring it into being. And yet, the number of times I’ve wanted to quit and walk away are countless.

Teaching outside during Covid (2020)

Still, I know in my heart this is the work I am meant to do—the work my community needs from me. Tapas serves as a reminder to remain disciplined and committed to the actions that must be taken, no matter how daunting they may feel. It empowers me to show up each day, even when the path is challenging, with the understanding that true growth and transformation arise from small, consistent efforts over time.

Svadhyaya (Self-Study): Learning Through Reflection

Oh, the self-study and self-awareness that have come from this journey. Yoga teaches that we are all operating from habitual patterns. Sometimes those patterns are helpful, but often they create massive obstacles.

A vital practice that yoga has empowered me to engage with regularly is the self-examination of these repeated patterns of behavior. Svadhyaya can take many forms: your asana practice, meditation, journaling, or therapy. But it must be deliberately and regularly practiced to bear fruit.

New Building Sneak Peek!
The night I knew this building would be part of our future.

In my experience, the revelations about myself that have been uncovered through Svadhyaya often feel uncomfortable and, at times, downright painful. Yet facing them fully is where our practice of Tapas comes into play. It’s in that combination—reflection and discipline—that true growth happens.

Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender): Trusting the Process

Perhaps the most challenging yet liberating principle has been surrender. As we prepare for this move, I’ve been confronted with the need to let go—of the old, of perfection, and of the illusion of control.

Ishvarapranidhana reminds us to trust that change is part of a larger, divine plan. While we’re called to act, to stay engaged with our lives, families, work, and communities, we are not entitled to specific outcomes or results.

When I find myself gripping too tightly to outcomes, I remind myself of the importance of surrender and consciously soften the energy I bring to the moment. It’s in surrender that I find a sense of peace, even amidst uncertainty.

The Serenity Prayer: A Familiar Parallel

These principles of Kriya Yoga are not so different from the Serenity Prayer:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference."

Tapas calls us to find courage and stay disciplined in changing what we can. Svadhyaya offers the wisdom to see ourselves clearly and discern what is within our control. Ishvarapranidhana helps us accept what we cannot change, trusting in the greater flow of life.

As I navigate this significant transition, I am deeply grateful for the wisdom of Kriya Yoga and its resonance with timeless teachings like the Serenity Prayer. Both remind me to stay engaged, keep growing, and trust that even in uncertainty, I am exactly where I need to be.

P.S. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the wisdom of the sutras, I invite you to join me for my monthly Sutra School Sessions. Our next meeting is on Saturday, January 11th, at 12:30 PM, where we’ll explore the principles of Kriya Yoga. In February, we’ll turn our focus to the Yamas and Niyamas, often referred to as the Yoga Code of Ethics. I’d love for you to join us—hope to see you there!

Celebrating EIGHT Years of Old Town Yoga!

Today, Old Town Yoga celebrates its 8th anniversary!

Heckman family photo at OTY’s grand opening! (December 2016)

Reflecting on this journey is always an emotional and humbling experience.

When I opened our doors in 2016, I was guided by a deep “knowing” that Clovis needed a yoga studio. What I couldn’t have anticipated was how profoundly rich this journey would become.

Over the years, we’ve expanded into two suites, launched an online platform, opened a second location, weathered a pandemic, closed a location, taught thousands of hours of yoga, and created countless memories that will last a lifetime.

Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, gratitude has been the thread weaving it all together. The lessons, connections, and growth have been gifts beyond measure, and I feel immense appreciation for every part of this experience.

Students turned lifelong friends!

That same spirit of gratitude now leads us into year nine with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT to share!

For the past five years, I have felt a similar “knowing” guiding me toward finding a building to call our own—a space where Old Town Yoga can grow and thrive for years to come. The search has been a years-long effort, filled with challenges and hope, and I am so thrilled to share that this dream is now a reality.

I am beyond excited to share that we’ve purchased our very own building and will be moving the studio there in late spring 2025.

Keys to the new building!

While we won’t be going far, this new space will bring opportunities for growth, stability, and longevity that I know will benefit us as a whole. Classes will continue at our current location until the transition, and I’ll keep you updated every step of the way as we prepare the new space to welcome our beautiful community.

While we navigate this transition together over the coming months, I invite you to approach it with patience and surrender. Change can be a powerful time for growth, both individually and as a community. Know that as everything unfolds, we’re in this together, and your presence is a cherished part of this journey.

It is a deep honor to continue leading this studio and our incredible community. I am so excited for this new chapter and all that 2025 will bring.

Here’s to the journey ahead!

With love & gratitude,

Desiree Heckman

Roatán Reflections: Unknown to Unforgettable

I recently returned from my very first trip to Roatán, Honduras, an island that, just two months ago, I didn’t even know existed. It's wild how quickly things can change, especially when everything falls into place. I have wanted to host a yoga retreat for years but had yet to find the right location at the right time. When the opportunity arose to host a retreat in Roatán, everything felt right. After spending five days exploring local sites, savoring local cuisine, and immersing myself in the culture, all my initial feelings were confirmed. The experience surpassed all my expectations.

During my stay, I enjoyed a variety of island activities including scuba diving, touring the mangroves, interacting with sloths, driving around the island, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Each experience was spectacular.

However, what truly made the trip special was connecting with the local people. I had the opportunity to chat with our boat captain about his family, experiences, and life on the island. During our boat ride back, he even showed us his house, where he has lived for decades. The retreat center managers and cooks are also locals whose families have been on the island for generations. They are now raising their own families not far from where they grew up. We had the privilege of learning how to cook some local dishes, meeting local families, hearing personal stories, and learning about the island's history. These moments of personal connection were the actual highlights of the trip for me.

Traveling is known to be an expansive experience, and for me, this trip was exactly that. Seeing a different part of the world and a distinct way of living opened my eyes and deepened my compassion for humanity. I left with an expanded understanding of our deep interconnectedness. This concept is a fundamental tenet of yoga philosophy and a core value at our studio. Yet, personally experiencing it halfway across the world left a profound impact on me.

I feel honored to be returning to Roatán soon and hope to make it a place I visit regularly. On our upcoming retreat, we will definitely snorkel, enjoy great food, and even hold sloths, but more importantly, we will be connecting with and contributing to the local community that has so warmly welcomed us. I dream of making this an annual retreat, giving students the chance to broaden their horizons by experiencing a different country, culture, and perspective on life.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, we’d love to have you join us. I promise it will be an unforgettable and transformative experience.

See you next month, Roatán!

Beginning Again

It’s been four years since I last wrote for this blog.

For over a year now, I’ve felt this nagging urge to start sharing here again, but self-criticism kept stopping me. I worried that after such a long break, I wouldn’t keep up with it, or that it might come off as self-indulgent. And those worries were just the tip of the iceberg.

But, I’m doing it anyway.

When I opened Old Town Yoga, my plan was to document the journey of creating a yoga studio from scratch and watching it grow. I wrote consistently for a while, but from 2018 to 2021, life as a wife, mother, instructor, boss, and evolving human really broke me down in the most humbling and devastating ways. Miraculously, I survived. I may share more about that time later, but for now, I’m starting fresh.

Yoga has changed my life in so many incredible ways. I’m unrecognizable—in the best way possible. Practicing daily has been key to this transformation, and I feel so honored to share yoga with my local community. Despite the challenges of owning and growing a studio, I am truly grateful that this is my “job.”

I deeply appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to sharing Old Town Yoga’s journey here. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start something you’ve been putting off—consider this it. Whether it’s a hobby, a passion project, or reconnecting with someone, take a moment to think about what’s been holding you back. Sometimes, the hardest part is just beginning.

Here’s to beginning again, my friends.

A current photo of my family for no particular reason other than the fact that I adore them.

Discipline vs. Force

Intention is everything.

‘Say it louder for the people in the back.’

INTENTION IS EVERYTHING!

Why are you doing what you are doing? Why are you saying what you’re saying? Why!?

Examining your intentions is a way to clarify your thoughts, words and actions. This process is a form of Svdhyaya, one of the Niyamas in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Svdhyaya is the practice of self-study. When you practice examining your intentions, it can be a confronting and uncomfortable process, but simultaneously provide powerful insight into your unique patterns of thought and behavior.

 A relevant area to begin examining your intention is when thinking about your physical yoga practice. Why do you practice? Is it to nurture and stimulate your body? To care for it? Or, is it to punish your body and work it into a form that your mind deems acceptable? The perceived outcome of your daily practices almost always depends on whether your intention is rooted in discipline or in force.

Discipline comes from a place of abundance, love, and belief in one’s ability and potential. A disciplined practice is characterized by moderate, yet consistent effort over a long period of time. When approaching your practice with a mindset of love and care, you will leave your mat feeling full, regardless of what happened or didn’t happen. This is because you knew you did the work that was needed for TODAY, and it will look different every day.

Force comes from a “lack” mindset or a perception of not being enough of something. When approaching your practice with force, you will often come away feeling unfulfilled because you might not have sweat enough, or nailed a pose you nailed yesterday, or just felt “off.”

And so, I encourage you to examine your intention next time you step foot on your mat. See if you can approach your time moving and breathing with an extra dose of compassion and care towards your mind and body. Spend some time noticing all the incredible qualities you already possess. As Nelson Mandela said, “It never hurts to see the good in someone. They often act better because of it.” This is not only true for others, but for ourselves. Focus on the good in you and watch yourself flourish. 

Loneliness, The Next Epidemic?

In 2015 I was starved for connection. I had been a stay at home mom for three years, lost belief in the religion I was raised in, and had no idea how to make friends as an adult. My home yoga practice, which I had started a year earlier, was on the back burner because I was pregnant with my second baby. To say the least, I was floating in a sea of loneliness and desperate for a lifeline.

I have always been incredibly self-sufficient, so I threw myself a lifeline in the form of a yoga teacher training. Once that training began, I LIVED for the weekends when we would have training. All of the connection I desperately craved was beginning to be satiated. It was like a sip of the purest water after trekking across the Sahara. I was intellectually stimulated, physically challenged, connecting with like-minded people, and for the first time in my life, was making a genuine connection with myself. Who knew that was even a thing? I sure didn't. I was beginning a journey back to myself that would slowly awaken me to the realization that I am limitless. We ALL are limitless. 

I was not prepared to end the teacher training journey, and when it did, I felt lost once again and did not know how to sustain that connection, especially since I lived so far from the training studio. Some of you have heard this story before, but this is exactly what sparked the idea to open Old Town Yoga. I wanted a local space that could facilitate this ongoing journey not just for myself, but for others. A place where self-discovery and connections were fostered. At that time, I believed that I was merely one of just a few lonely, disconnected souls in this world; I quickly realized it was the opposite. 

Our world has become increasingly isolated, independent and disconnected, so much so that psychologists are calling this epidemic of loneliness the next biggest health crisis since obesity and substance abuse. Humans are wired for connection. One of the highest correlating factors to happiness is having a strong sense of community. This is evident is the “Blue Zones” where life expectancy and vitality are highest in the world. When the need for connection is not filled, there are all sorts of repercussions, including heightened anxiety, depression, poor sleep, weight gain and that is just the tip of the iceberg. 

“Never underestimate the empowering effect of human connection.
All you need is that one person, who understands you completely, believes in you and makes you feel loved for what you are, to enable you - to unfold the miraculous YOU.” 
― Drishti Bablani, Wordions

Still, realizing this is a problem is only step one towards resolution. As our world has become more digital, our in-person connections have drastically decreased, and finding places to connect with others who are like-minded is no easy feat, especially as an adult. If all we do is go from work to home and back to work, how do we expect to expand our connections and relationships?

Me and my Swedish host daughter, Julia. One of my most treasured connections that only came about because we both took major risks in putting ourselves “out there.”

Since taking the leap to enter teacher training, and eventually open the studio, I have gained relationships and connections that, to me, are priceless gifts. I have seen others gain the same valuable connections, yet to do so they all had to overcome fear that was holding them back. 

Putting yourself out into the world on any level is terrifying. Rejection by some is inevitable and terribly painful, but full, authentic acceptance by others brings a fulfillment that is difficult to articulate. If it’s been a while since you’ve felt that, take a chance. I want to encourage you to begin making meaningful connections in your life, because they are just as vital to your health as eating right and exercising. Try something new. Start a conversation with someone new. Say yes to an offer you might usually say no to. Take a chance on the thing that’s been in the back of your mind. You just might make a connection with someone who will open your world and completely change your life. 

My reason why

We did it, friends. OTY Fresno is here. Today we held our first day of classes, exactly one year after we expanded our Clovis location. Over the last couple months I have been asked repeatedly, “how is everything going?”…“Are you stressed?”…“Aren’t you spreading yourself too thin?”…“Are you biting off more than you can chew?”…you get the idea. The funny thing is, this has been the smoothest undertaking of all three studio openings.

The initial opening of OTY was obviously terrifying, but expanding last year nearly did me in. I cried for 31 days in a row. IN A ROW, people! I survived though. When I think about why it was so much more stressful to expand, I realized that, by that point, I felt I had something to lose. OTY had an audience watching every move we made and I was terrified to make a wrong one. All signs pointed to the need to expand AND the opportunity was so readily available that it would have been foolish not to go for it.

From the outside though, I was worried that I looked greedy, arrogant and overzealous. All I kept thinking was, “what if this tanks?” I became consumed with that thought and every morning I’d wake up and nearly immediately burst into tears. I have told a handful of friends about this experience and they wonder why I didn’t reach out for help. In retrospect, I could have done a better job of that. Asking for and receiving help is in something I am continually working on.

“It’s so hard to forget pain, but it’s even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.”

— Chuck Palahniuk

What finally broke my crying streak was a “coming home” of sorts. After weeks of relentless self-induced suffering, I realized that I had become obsessed with the “what” and “how” of our business. Those are definitely important to know, but what I lost sight of was the “why.” Some of the most transformative moments of my life have been directly connected to my yoga practice. It scares me when I imagine what my life would look like today if I never started practicing.

So, when I say that yoga has completely changed my life, I mean it in wholeheartedly. Yoga has taught me how RICH every day of your life can be. Every moment has limitless potential. YOU have limitless potential. Yoga has shown me how to realize and manifest that potential by simply being with every moment, feeling, thought, and interaction that arises. Sharing this message is my WHY.

I do not have my practice perfected by any means and I am positive I never will, but the glimpses of it working in my life and other’s is the fuel that propels me forward. When I get bogged down with the logistics of scheduling, finding subs, marketing the studio, reviewing our monthly balance sheets, analyzing attendance and blah, blah, blah, that is precisely when I my ability to manage everything deteriorates. Whenever I have my “why” right in front of me though, it is more often than not, smooth sailing. I also know, for better or worse, I am human and I will inevitably lose sight of my “why” over and over. However, with commitment to the repetitive practice of redirecting and remembering, the frequency and duration of getting blown of course will decrease. 

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.”

— Seneca

Just as we build strength and flexibility with consistency and gradually increased intensity, courage and ambition are built in the same way. Without the trials of starting a business and expanding it within a year, I would not have been able to take on opening a completely new location. I believe most experiences, especially the ones you feel you cannot survive, are crucial lessons that shape you into the person you are meant to be. I had a friend recently post something along the lines of, “if life feels like it has gotten harder, that means you’ve leveled up.” If you are feeling that way, it’s GREAT NEWS! You’ve leveled up! What excites, and terrifies me, is thinking about what I’m currently being shaped to face in the coming years. Whatever it is, I know it will be just what I meant for, and whatever you’re facing is molding you for what YOU are meant to do as well.