Yoga - Meditation - Spirituality

Saturday, May 1st of 2021 was my first yoga class. Well, my first in a long time. I had only tried practicing yoga a couple other times and really didn't get much out of it. This time was different.

I don't remember how I heard about my studio but I remember feeling "invited" to visit. I decided to stop in and visit the studio to see what the vibe was. A class was just letting out so as I walked in, I noticed the people leaving. They were all happy and smiling and chatting. Every age, every shape, every gender. They all had their gear packed up and headed out. Everyone was saying goodbye to the instructor, Staci. When there was a break in the goodbyes, I asked Staci if I could talk to her for a minute. She smiled so big and said "Of Course!".

I told her I would like to try practicing yoga but was very hesitant. I told her I felt self conscious around all these people that knew what they were doing. Being a beginner is tough. I could see her relax as she began to tell me the story of what a wonderful place Unity Yoga was. The warmth in her voice and in her words told me she everything she was saying was true. One of the students that was still there also joined the conversation. She said the same things.

Staci showed me around the studio and talked to me about the different classes and time frames. I left feeling really good about joining.

So on May 1st, I went to my first yoga class and immediately fell in love. With yoga, with the studio and with the people. Staci was the instructor but I also met Tanja that day. Tanja and her sister own the studio although Tanja is more of the active partner.

Nervously, I went straight to the back of the studio and threw my mat down. There was already one mat down in the back so I didn't want to miss my chance of being in the back. I wanted this first class to be more of a "watch and learn". Well that didn't quite work out as planned. The mat next to me was Tanja's. I jumped right in though and although I messed up a few times and couldn't do some of the poses yet, I was home.

Since that day I have learned as much as I can from them. There are three instructors that I gravitate to. Robbi, the storyteller, is amazing. She talks about poses and chakras and she's got a very mystical, spiritual air about her that I love. She also does Reiki. I have had two sessions with her and both were VERY cleansing. I've done many of her workshops that may include sound baths, acupuncture or guided meditations.

Staci is a mom and has a heart of gold. Since she is the first one I ever talked to, I will always have a special place in my heart for her. First impressions mean a lot and hers was great. She has a way of making you think you're not working hard until the end. When you know you're going to be sore the next day.

And then there's Nicki. I've seen her go from single to married and now, she is having a baby. Nicki likes to travel so she and I always enjoy talking about our travels. When you take a class with her, plan to work. She also is great at adjusting people's poses if they aren't doing something correctly.

Aside from the instructors, the people I have met are amazing! I've made friends with so many people and enjoy them all. They are like family. From women and men my age to young people just starting in the world, we all fit in.

What have I learned from this yoga studio?

- No judgment

- Warm people

- Peace

- Love

- Acceptance

- Meditation

- Movement

- Self Care

In November, Robbi is leading a retreat to India. I will be with her on that trip and I am so excited to be going to the birthplace of yoga. This is the self care I mentioned above. I have never allowed myself to do something strictly for myself. But I'm doing it!!

I still have a lot to learn but I look at what I've learned over the past two years and can't wait to learn more.

Thank you to all of those that are a part of my yoga experience.

Namaste, my friends!