Definitely don't let them scare you away. These silly people have no right to invade your personal life. Quite honestly, I would say something to the manager of the studio. Perhaps taking this instructor's class is not an option, however, the studio should be aware that this sort of petty, very "un-yoga" behavior is taking place. Shamefull rat bastards.

I agree completely with Felicia. Especially the "Rat Bastards" part. The interest people have in other's lives when they should be looking inward is sad.

Shameful rat bastards LOL... actually the studio is just my instructor's studio... no one else... it's actually part of her home. It's a unique and loving setup and I really enjoy it which is why I'm not willing to give it up. Petty is absolutely right though... and more than that... there is one big ego thing going on and that *IS* very un-yoga.

That sucks, Julie. It is hard to be willing to speak up for yourself when you know the other party is not even going to consider your side as valid. It is hard for me, when I'm in that situation, not to want to just walk away. {{{HUGS}}} and I hope you are able to work it out.

I think that sucks, and I agree with Felicia that you should say something to the instructor.

I know what you mean about the fact that your first instinct whenever there's drama or tension somewhere is to pack up and leave. I've been fighting that urge myself for, well, pretty much my whole life in response to those kinds of situations. I'm learning now that if I just sit through it and let it ride, I become less and less vulnerable to it each time it arises. I was chatting with you the other day about my Houseguest from Hell and her reappearance in my life via my blog, and how it just got me all frazzled all over again. What I think I'm learning from that is that you can say your peace - you always have that right - but your motive needs to be unburdening yourself of your feelings about it, not to expect them to actually change. The person I mentioned is one of those people who simply will not entertain the idea that she's incorrect, and she won't examine her own behavior and how it contributes to drama in her own life. When people are content to live in that little bubble where they never question their involvement in drama or consider the idea that others may have valid points to offer, you CAN'T reach them. There has to be some receptivity there for the message to get through, and as frustrating as it is, I'm realizing that some people just don't have it. Then also, from the buddhist pov there's no proof that you are right either on a big-picture sort of scale - that's why all you can really do is state your opinion and try to let it rest.

Holly, as I said on your blog, you are on a roll and absolutely right. I said my peace via email letting her know that I was disappointed with your insinuations and that in an effort to be greater than I am, I was going to simply forget the whole thing and move on. That's my plan... forget and forgive and realize, as my husband so plainly put it this afternoon, this is nothing, Julie, simply a blip on your radar screen of personal growth.

Julie, I hope you feel at peace about this now. FTR, when I find that someone is not open/receptive to hearing me, I find it best to just say my peace (as calmly and respectfully as possible) and then disengage from the conversation/drama. I sounds like your plan, too, so I hope it works :-)

and a good plan at that! I love the comment Kevin made, I'll have to remember that one.