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“She Just Laughed”: Lady Refuses To Stop Using Person’s Back Yard For Her Yoga Sessions
Yoga is a mindfulness practice that’s supposed to keep you centered and locked into the present moment. It should never cause stress and tension, but this story begs to differ.
A homeowner lives next door to a yoga teacher who holds her classes in her backyard. However, she completely disregarded boundaries and space, continuing her weekend activities even if they spilled onto her neighbor’s lawn.
The worst part was she acted entitled when the homeowner politely called her out for her intrusion. Read the entire story below.
Yoga classes should be a source of calmness and relaxation, not stress and tension
Image credits: katemangostar / freepik (not the actual photo)
This homeowner got more of the latter from their neighbor’s backyard yoga sessions
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
The author tried to politely remind the woman about their boundaries, to no avail
Image credits: Classic-Region-9240
People may disrespect your boundaries because they don’t think you have the right to set them
Image credits: stefamerpik / freepik (not the actual photo)
Based on the author’s story, their neighbor blatantly disrespected their boundaries and held yoga classes that spilled onto their lawn. But as far as the neighbor was concerned, she did not feel like she was doing anything wrong because it was “one big green space,” after all.
She may have felt the homeowner didn’t have the right to set those limits, which is one common reason people disrespect boundaries. This is according to author Steph Sterner, who also focuses on setting boundaries in relationships.
In her article for Medium, Sterner points out that such behavior is expected among people who believe they are entitled to special treatment. These are the same actions the yoga teacher supposedly showed toward the author, whose polite requests had been ignored.
Sterner admits that it may seem easier to give in and keep the peace. However, she discourages it, as it may only enable people to show more disrespect in the future.
“A pushy co-worker might expect you to write up the meeting minutes because you’re ‘so good at that kind of thing,’” Sterner wrote. “Before you know it, you’ll become the official minute-taker at work.”
Some people may also show a lack of respect because they simply prioritize getting what they want. Even if they know better, they will cross the line, regardless of your relationship with them.
The woman’s disregard for the author’s space seemed to have also stemmed from this mindset. She even accused her neighbor of being “too territorial,” which they had the right to be, given that the yoga classes were becoming intrusive.
There are active and passive approaches to dealing with someone who disrespects your boundaries
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
In cases like this story, the author can take a passive or active approach to dealing with their neighbor’s disrespect and sense of entitlement.
A passive approach involves recognizing that other people’s actions are beyond your control. As NYC-based therapist Kate O’Brien, LCAT, wrote in an article for her website, expressing feedback and concerns is as far as you can go. How the other person responds to it is completely up to them.
Self-assessment is another passive approach. O’Brien recommends checking in with yourself to see how flexible your boundaries are. Are they non-negotiable? Or are you open to some changes if they will work for the situation?
Meanwhile, setting limits and consequences is a more active approach. As O’Brien points out, you should be clear and vocal about these repercussions. Part of setting these limits is walking away from the situation.
The author appeared to have shown enough understanding toward their neighbor and claimed to have politely spoken to her, to no avail. They can take further action, such as escalating the matter to the homeowners association, especially if the yoga classes are becoming disruptive.
What do you think? What should be the author’s next move?
Commenters offered their suggestions, a few of which involved some petty revenge
Poll Question
Thanks! Check out the results:
Or... is time for a Megadeth All Hits. Edit: Symphony of Destruction will fit well
Load More Replies...Everyone needs to fight their own battles. It's your yard not public land. You pay taxes and homeowners insurance. Plus you are responsible for anyone on your property. Contact her days prior to the yoga classes and tell her, not ask, to stay off your property or you will press charges for trespassing. Most state laws require visible signage for strict enforcement. Speak with the local law enforcement and advise them of the issue and the steps you have taken. It may seem extreme but normal neighborly conversation with the individual has proven ineffective. You leave yourself open to liability if someone gets hurt on your property unless you have taken steps to thwart their actions. She might be in violation of a local ordinance if money is being charged for the classes.
American laws are absolutely insane. To outside observers the entire nation is just satire at the moment, it's hard to watch. Some of the people are nice though.
Load More Replies...was thinking the same thing.... I'm sure they'd love grass thrown on them if the noise didn't annoy them enough
Load More Replies...No trespassing signs on the fence and some cameras are the first step. Asking any fence jumpers to (politely) get off you lawn is the next. After that it's calling the police for trespassing and getting the council/city involved. The neighbor is allowing (encouraging) her guests/clients to trespass on the OPs yard. The OP should also consider putting up a taller fence. There's likely little to be done about the patchouli sented afront or the music; as long as it's within reasonable hours (usually 7am-10pm) and of reasonable decibels. I could probably live with incense and 'zen' music an hour so a week as long as they stay off my property.
And it’s not like there’s anything implying the backyards are shared space, or any question as to property lines—-OP has a damned fence up that people are hopping over, ffs! Also, is the neighbor charging for these classes? Does she have a license to do that? Is her home and yard zoned for her business? That’s another avenue to go down to get this horse💩 to end.
Load More Replies...Stupid options in the poll. Where is: tell them to get their arses off your property/call the police? No Trespassing notices should make it clear to all of Karen's customers.
Yes! Thank you for saying this. The poll was really bad; I didn't even bother to choose and answer. And you're right; a crime is being committed and OP needs to inform everyone of this, not just the neighbor. And if that doesn't work, post no trespassing signs and start calling the police each and every time. Get them charged with the crime that they are committing.
Load More Replies...She's literally trespassing. You have every right to get them to gtfo.
I'd borrow a dog, a large one. Nothing says namaste like a steaming dog pile.
And a dog getting curious and sniffing around when you’re in downward facing dog.
Load More Replies...People are suggesting some great solutions with cameras etc. Still, that require money. Manure and fertilizer is much MUCH cheaper (and more fun!) She might be so GURI ZEN part of nature and would be ok with literal s**t all over. I doubt her client would be tho. Also you can then grow some plants there! Hearbs,Veggies,Flowers! So NOW EVEN IF they embrace the s**t they will have to LITERALLY crush nature under their yoga mat... Not very namaste!
Not herbs or veggies. THORNY plants. All along that fence line. The more numerous, longer, and sharper the thorns, the better.
Load More Replies..."Good fences make good neighbors." Especially in combination with cease-and-desist orders.
Gave Nimitz an upvote because (1) I'm taking the side of the author of the poem's neighbor and (2) as Nimitz admits, fences CAN be bad things but they can also be GOOD things, as in this particular case.
Load More Replies...Tell her clearly not to use your yard with no maybes or softening language. Interrupt the class and ask them to leave. Going forward, run your sprinklers during their class.
I think this is a case of calling police out to issue trespass notice on everyone who crosses her fence - every single one of them. That'll stop things fairly fast, in fact I think the yoga class will shut down within 24 hrs because the news will spread like wild fire
I doubt the neighbor has a license to teach yoga, or is allowed to use her home as her studio, so calling the cops would totally shut her down.
Load More Replies...Start mowing the lawn as they are trying to climb over the fence...
So many of the suggestions are unnecessarily passive aggressive. OP hasn't told the people attending the class that they're trespassing yet. OP ought to start there. I'm sure that most people (if not all) attending the class don't want to break the law. Probably the only thing OP needs to do is politely walk around their own backyard and tell each person that they are trespassing, that their instructor has been informed multiple times, and that unfortunately the next step to be taken will be calling the police. "I don't want you to get arrested" and all that. Show concern and compassion for the attendees. And in the process, make the instructor look like an inconsiderate douche who is willingly encouraging her students to break the law and possibly be arrested as a result.
Upvote for Slade! Better yet, some Motorhead, Celtic Frost, Megadeth etc. Great music for medicating... er... meditating to.
Swedish Heavy Metal. Or get a goat, name her Biquette, and play some Wormrot.
Load More Replies...You shouldn't own a house if you don't know that the property you buy is yours and you can tell people to gtfo if they're trespassing. It is not one big shared space. tf is that nonsense? I'd be blasting Down With the Sickness every time they came on to my property after I told them no. That would go well with meditation music. Especially the "I'll be a good boy" part.
Provide your neighbor with one warning: "The next time I see your yoga class infringe on my yard, I will be calling the police." Then do it.
I'd set up motion activated sprinklers and also? I remember from being a child, there's a certain lawn fertiliser that smells like poop. Spread that out on your lawn. You'll have nice looking grass and the Stretchy Bendy Wendys will hopefully be deterred too. I do seriously wonder if we all live on the same planet given how some people think. My home is my Home. Learn boundaries Mrs Namaste...
Sprinkle a little flour on the grass and leave a sign saying “Beware of treatment for grass”
Play them some death metal, turned up to 11, see how they get on with that.
Time for some naked sunbathing (spread eagle style) with some friends 😁
Similar thought to mine. When the class starts, strip off and join them. Nobody wants to be behind a naked downward dog!
Load More Replies...i honestly would do the polite approach and if that didnt work id let my dog hang out outside cuz damn does she hate anyone who doesnt live in my house. even family wen they come over for holidays she hates them. moment they hop the fence shed go running out barking like a maniac. best part is i dont need to worry bout her biting anyone cuz behind her mighty bark shes a 65lbs scaredy cat. moment one of them walk up to her she will run away while continuing to bark. id like to see them do relaxing yoga with my dog barking the whole damn time. wen my neighbors r in their backyard she goes nuts, ppl walk past the house she goes nuts, she goes nuts over anyone who doesnt live here. thank god all my neighbors r awesome and kind ppl.
Just call the police and fine them for trespassing. And/destruction of property. First time is a warning, second time is arrested.
Time for a couple pick up loads of cow or horse manure. Just to keep that green space green!
How about an All-Death-Metal Concert on repeat? I'm guessing Spotify could help with that. :) Also, OP needs a taller fence. (Unless there's an HOA involved. Those people are power-hungry dictators!)
AIO = Am I overreacting, NOR = not overreacting. (I thought everyone was Australian, lol) no real updates from OP
I guess it’d be illegal for OP to electrify her fence. Add razor wire, maybe? Slather Vaseline all over it? Oh well. Guess they’ll just have to replace the hoppable fence with one so high a person would need the fire department’s cherry picker to get across it. Maybe put some kind of deterrent on the top, so the more agile yogis can grip the top without injury or slipping—-or putting their hands in piles of sticky, fragrant, fresh 💩.
This is so passive aggressive and likely unnecessary. OP hasn't told the people attending the class that they're trespassing yet. OP ought to start there. I'm sure that most people (if not all) attending the class don't want to break the law.
Load More Replies...In today's society, we own plots of green space and I don't want you on mine.
Try borrowing the largest, smelliest , friendliest buck goat you can find. Everybody loves goat yoga.
I think I might mow the backyard at those times. Noise and fumes and spewed grass clippings will discourage encroachment
My initial thought was "nothing a couple of buckets of cold water can't solve".
Love all the insurance comments, forcing her to show coverage of auxiliary space (OP’s yard, plus telling the participants about the situation & asking them to leave, BUT also decide that starting about 30 min before the yoga class, is the perfect time to run your soccer drills, in your own back yard. Nobody is setting up a yoga mat where they can be hit by a soccer ball. Don’t play soccer? Brilliant time to learn; less skill is even better.
I would start filming while commenting hi i am in my backyard and here are the weekly trespassers this is the fence they hopped over.
Call the police and have them trespassed. Also, inform the police the instructor is running an illegal yoga business on your property. Even with a business license, she still operates illegally by trespassing. Since you know what time they start, you can also go out a few minutes beforehand, grab your hose, and start soaking anyone who tries hopping the fence and don't stop.
Oh, the temptation to paint myself green and walk over there, and inform the... customers I presume of the fact that they are trespassing on the territory of the Jolly Green Giant and start pelting them with peas.
Saturday morning: blare some Meshuggah as loud as you can play it right at them.
The post that advised checking with her insurance seems like a good step.
Look after a friends dog that's likes to bark and let it run around your garden when they are there
Tell her that everybody has to stay off of your property for safety and legal reasons. Put up no trespassing signs on both sides of the fence. Tell her to keep the crappy irritating music turned down. Go easy on the incense, some people have allergies. If none of that works tell them to get off your property and stay off or you will call the police and charge them with trespassing and check into her for a possible illegal business.
Or... is time for a Megadeth All Hits. Edit: Symphony of Destruction will fit well
Load More Replies...Everyone needs to fight their own battles. It's your yard not public land. You pay taxes and homeowners insurance. Plus you are responsible for anyone on your property. Contact her days prior to the yoga classes and tell her, not ask, to stay off your property or you will press charges for trespassing. Most state laws require visible signage for strict enforcement. Speak with the local law enforcement and advise them of the issue and the steps you have taken. It may seem extreme but normal neighborly conversation with the individual has proven ineffective. You leave yourself open to liability if someone gets hurt on your property unless you have taken steps to thwart their actions. She might be in violation of a local ordinance if money is being charged for the classes.
American laws are absolutely insane. To outside observers the entire nation is just satire at the moment, it's hard to watch. Some of the people are nice though.
Load More Replies...was thinking the same thing.... I'm sure they'd love grass thrown on them if the noise didn't annoy them enough
Load More Replies...No trespassing signs on the fence and some cameras are the first step. Asking any fence jumpers to (politely) get off you lawn is the next. After that it's calling the police for trespassing and getting the council/city involved. The neighbor is allowing (encouraging) her guests/clients to trespass on the OPs yard. The OP should also consider putting up a taller fence. There's likely little to be done about the patchouli sented afront or the music; as long as it's within reasonable hours (usually 7am-10pm) and of reasonable decibels. I could probably live with incense and 'zen' music an hour so a week as long as they stay off my property.
And it’s not like there’s anything implying the backyards are shared space, or any question as to property lines—-OP has a damned fence up that people are hopping over, ffs! Also, is the neighbor charging for these classes? Does she have a license to do that? Is her home and yard zoned for her business? That’s another avenue to go down to get this horse💩 to end.
Load More Replies...Stupid options in the poll. Where is: tell them to get their arses off your property/call the police? No Trespassing notices should make it clear to all of Karen's customers.
Yes! Thank you for saying this. The poll was really bad; I didn't even bother to choose and answer. And you're right; a crime is being committed and OP needs to inform everyone of this, not just the neighbor. And if that doesn't work, post no trespassing signs and start calling the police each and every time. Get them charged with the crime that they are committing.
Load More Replies...She's literally trespassing. You have every right to get them to gtfo.
I'd borrow a dog, a large one. Nothing says namaste like a steaming dog pile.
And a dog getting curious and sniffing around when you’re in downward facing dog.
Load More Replies...People are suggesting some great solutions with cameras etc. Still, that require money. Manure and fertilizer is much MUCH cheaper (and more fun!) She might be so GURI ZEN part of nature and would be ok with literal s**t all over. I doubt her client would be tho. Also you can then grow some plants there! Hearbs,Veggies,Flowers! So NOW EVEN IF they embrace the s**t they will have to LITERALLY crush nature under their yoga mat... Not very namaste!
Not herbs or veggies. THORNY plants. All along that fence line. The more numerous, longer, and sharper the thorns, the better.
Load More Replies..."Good fences make good neighbors." Especially in combination with cease-and-desist orders.
Gave Nimitz an upvote because (1) I'm taking the side of the author of the poem's neighbor and (2) as Nimitz admits, fences CAN be bad things but they can also be GOOD things, as in this particular case.
Load More Replies...Tell her clearly not to use your yard with no maybes or softening language. Interrupt the class and ask them to leave. Going forward, run your sprinklers during their class.
I think this is a case of calling police out to issue trespass notice on everyone who crosses her fence - every single one of them. That'll stop things fairly fast, in fact I think the yoga class will shut down within 24 hrs because the news will spread like wild fire
I doubt the neighbor has a license to teach yoga, or is allowed to use her home as her studio, so calling the cops would totally shut her down.
Load More Replies...Start mowing the lawn as they are trying to climb over the fence...
So many of the suggestions are unnecessarily passive aggressive. OP hasn't told the people attending the class that they're trespassing yet. OP ought to start there. I'm sure that most people (if not all) attending the class don't want to break the law. Probably the only thing OP needs to do is politely walk around their own backyard and tell each person that they are trespassing, that their instructor has been informed multiple times, and that unfortunately the next step to be taken will be calling the police. "I don't want you to get arrested" and all that. Show concern and compassion for the attendees. And in the process, make the instructor look like an inconsiderate douche who is willingly encouraging her students to break the law and possibly be arrested as a result.
Upvote for Slade! Better yet, some Motorhead, Celtic Frost, Megadeth etc. Great music for medicating... er... meditating to.
Swedish Heavy Metal. Or get a goat, name her Biquette, and play some Wormrot.
Load More Replies...You shouldn't own a house if you don't know that the property you buy is yours and you can tell people to gtfo if they're trespassing. It is not one big shared space. tf is that nonsense? I'd be blasting Down With the Sickness every time they came on to my property after I told them no. That would go well with meditation music. Especially the "I'll be a good boy" part.
Provide your neighbor with one warning: "The next time I see your yoga class infringe on my yard, I will be calling the police." Then do it.
I'd set up motion activated sprinklers and also? I remember from being a child, there's a certain lawn fertiliser that smells like poop. Spread that out on your lawn. You'll have nice looking grass and the Stretchy Bendy Wendys will hopefully be deterred too. I do seriously wonder if we all live on the same planet given how some people think. My home is my Home. Learn boundaries Mrs Namaste...
Sprinkle a little flour on the grass and leave a sign saying “Beware of treatment for grass”
Play them some death metal, turned up to 11, see how they get on with that.
Time for some naked sunbathing (spread eagle style) with some friends 😁
Similar thought to mine. When the class starts, strip off and join them. Nobody wants to be behind a naked downward dog!
Load More Replies...i honestly would do the polite approach and if that didnt work id let my dog hang out outside cuz damn does she hate anyone who doesnt live in my house. even family wen they come over for holidays she hates them. moment they hop the fence shed go running out barking like a maniac. best part is i dont need to worry bout her biting anyone cuz behind her mighty bark shes a 65lbs scaredy cat. moment one of them walk up to her she will run away while continuing to bark. id like to see them do relaxing yoga with my dog barking the whole damn time. wen my neighbors r in their backyard she goes nuts, ppl walk past the house she goes nuts, she goes nuts over anyone who doesnt live here. thank god all my neighbors r awesome and kind ppl.
Just call the police and fine them for trespassing. And/destruction of property. First time is a warning, second time is arrested.
Time for a couple pick up loads of cow or horse manure. Just to keep that green space green!
How about an All-Death-Metal Concert on repeat? I'm guessing Spotify could help with that. :) Also, OP needs a taller fence. (Unless there's an HOA involved. Those people are power-hungry dictators!)
AIO = Am I overreacting, NOR = not overreacting. (I thought everyone was Australian, lol) no real updates from OP
I guess it’d be illegal for OP to electrify her fence. Add razor wire, maybe? Slather Vaseline all over it? Oh well. Guess they’ll just have to replace the hoppable fence with one so high a person would need the fire department’s cherry picker to get across it. Maybe put some kind of deterrent on the top, so the more agile yogis can grip the top without injury or slipping—-or putting their hands in piles of sticky, fragrant, fresh 💩.
This is so passive aggressive and likely unnecessary. OP hasn't told the people attending the class that they're trespassing yet. OP ought to start there. I'm sure that most people (if not all) attending the class don't want to break the law.
Load More Replies...In today's society, we own plots of green space and I don't want you on mine.
Try borrowing the largest, smelliest , friendliest buck goat you can find. Everybody loves goat yoga.
I think I might mow the backyard at those times. Noise and fumes and spewed grass clippings will discourage encroachment
My initial thought was "nothing a couple of buckets of cold water can't solve".
Love all the insurance comments, forcing her to show coverage of auxiliary space (OP’s yard, plus telling the participants about the situation & asking them to leave, BUT also decide that starting about 30 min before the yoga class, is the perfect time to run your soccer drills, in your own back yard. Nobody is setting up a yoga mat where they can be hit by a soccer ball. Don’t play soccer? Brilliant time to learn; less skill is even better.
I would start filming while commenting hi i am in my backyard and here are the weekly trespassers this is the fence they hopped over.
Call the police and have them trespassed. Also, inform the police the instructor is running an illegal yoga business on your property. Even with a business license, she still operates illegally by trespassing. Since you know what time they start, you can also go out a few minutes beforehand, grab your hose, and start soaking anyone who tries hopping the fence and don't stop.
Oh, the temptation to paint myself green and walk over there, and inform the... customers I presume of the fact that they are trespassing on the territory of the Jolly Green Giant and start pelting them with peas.
Saturday morning: blare some Meshuggah as loud as you can play it right at them.
The post that advised checking with her insurance seems like a good step.
Look after a friends dog that's likes to bark and let it run around your garden when they are there
Tell her that everybody has to stay off of your property for safety and legal reasons. Put up no trespassing signs on both sides of the fence. Tell her to keep the crappy irritating music turned down. Go easy on the incense, some people have allergies. If none of that works tell them to get off your property and stay off or you will call the police and charge them with trespassing and check into her for a possible illegal business.
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