KYD Newsletter for Summer, 2026

What Kind of Yoga Are We Doing Here?

It's Sunday morning, and I'm having my deck refinished.

The man doing the work agreed to help remove an old fire pit that we no longer use. The problem is that bulk trash pickup in my neighborhood isn't until Thursday. Since it's only Sunday, I told him we'd just leave the fire pit in the backyard until Mike and I could move it to the curb on Wednesday night.

He said, "You know, I noticed one of your neighbors already has a bunch of carpeting out for bulk pickup. If you want, I can just put your fire pit over there."

I laughed.

"Yeah, no. I'm a bit of a rule follower. I understand people do what they do, but depositing my giant pile of garbage on somebody else's lawn doesn't seem right. Besides, they might get a ticket, and I don't want to contribute to that."

He nodded.

"Yeah, I get it. Rule following is kind of a lost art."

I told him that lately I've been thinking a lot about ethics, and how ethical behavior often isn't the behavior that gets rewarded.

He laughed.

"Nice guys finish last."

And I replied, "I'd rather finish dead last being a good person than be standing in the winner's circle being just another Class A Jerk."

We both laughed, and then went back to work.

But the conversation stayed with me.

Because it raises a question:

Who are we when nobody is watching?

Who are we when the stakes are low?

Who are we when we can probably get away with something?

Not because we lack ethics, but because convenience is tempting.

Because shortcuts are tempting.

Because everyone else seems to be doing it.

Those are the moments that reveal character.

And that's why I'm telling you this story.

Because this is the kind of yoga we're practicing at Kundalini Yoga in Detroit.

Not just asanas.

Not just pranayama.

Not just mudras, chanting, meditation, or sound therapy.

Those things matter, but they aren't the destination.

We're interested in behavior off the mat.

We're interested in the relationship between our values and our behavior. Because the distance between the two is actually the part that matters.

We're interested in what happens when discomfort arises and we have a choice about how to respond.

At KYD, there's not a lot of room to hide.

It's a small group.

You may be asked to chant or sing.

You'll be given choices about how to approach a pose.

You'll sometimes be invited to stay with an experience a little longer than your mind would prefer.

You'll sit quietly and notice what arises.

You'll be asked to listen to your body and to soften the constant commentary of the mind long enough to hear what your body is actually saying.

And when class is over, there is community.

Tea.

Water.

Snacks.

Conversation.

A chance to speak honestly about whatever is happening in your life.

Yoga teaches us what happens when we bump up against discomfort—in our bodies, in our minds, and in our relationships.

We learn discernment.

What is my body telling me?

What is my mind telling me?

Can I tell the difference?

That capacity changes everything.

Your nervous system is always running.

Your mind can amplify what's happening, soften it, or simply witness it.

Learning to recognize those differences changes how we move through the world.

Over time, yoga becomes less about touching your toes and more about understanding yourself.

And understanding yourself is what allows you to choose your behavior intentionally when life presents you with those small ethical moments.

The ones where nobody is watching.

The ones where you could probably get away with it.

The ones that quietly shape who you become.

Summer Schedule Update

Through June 2026:

• Gong Immersions continue every other Monday at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 7:00 PM, and Fridays at 12:30 PM.

• Kundalini Yoga continues Saturdays at 11:00 AM.

• Satsang/Meditation continues Mondays at 5:00 PM.

  
  

During July and August, regular classes will pause while we shift to private sessions.

Private sessions are available for one to three people and may include yoga, meditation, satsang, yoga nidra, yin yoga, sound therapy, or a customized experience designed around your interests and needs.

Sessions are 90 minutes, with time afterward for tea, fellowship, and conversation.

We will reopen in September with a refreshed schedule and a return to regular classes.

However you spend your summer, I hope you find opportunities to practice being the person you want to be—even when nobody is watching.

Sat Nam,

Andrea and Mike