Seeing, Appreciating, and Loving Our Unique Connections

Recently we had a few challenges – classes changing times and locations, changing websites, taking new pictures in almost all of our classes (some of you showed up for class to this surprise and were nonetheless agreeable), and more. 

In all of this, we were trying to accommodate what January brings: new intentions for our year, new friends in our practice, new ways to look at change, opportunities to grow together, and embracing a NEW DECADE. I stood back and looked at what has been unfolding: a myriad of daily reminders that we are a group of true yogis: ready, willing, open, accommodating human beings, showing patience, encouragement, support and love toward each other. You all come in the door and “check in” to yourselves, “check in” with each other as you “check out” from your day, for a group practice. 

We might come together to practice yoga but what I see is that we are practicing life together and it is uplifting and inspiring. Last fall we spent group class time reflecting on the relationships – of movement, of asana and in pranayama practice even, and I hope you are taking time now to contemplate the relationships off the mat as a cultivated habit. There are overlapping circles of our unique connections, like how two of our yoga students have been responsible for the sea of yoga mat bags, all unique prints (so far there are no two alike) which glide in and out of classes, so that almost all of the Life Fit classes have been introduced to the impressive handiwork of Mary Ellen Kranz’s handmade yoga bags. 

Now a lovely lady, Juana, a friend from Guatemala, is also sewing and providing yoga bags to transport our props to practice (thanks to the Coopers for bridging the gap and helping her while helping us). I see young competitive athletes, STAR swimmers, eager for the “new yoga/Pilates sheets” so they can find the next sequence challenge while they learn that yoga is not part of their competition, but for supporting their sport performance and for self-care.  I hear grandparents share on how they practice their yoga poses with their grandchildren and the new inside jokes and conversations that evolve. 

We share on great yoga gifts as we deepen our practice: Ayurveda products, figurines (rabbits doing yoga poses – thanks to Martha and Marian at the Extra Ingredient), new aromatherapy products, and support handmade goods from Nepal and India (come to class to see singing bowls and yak wool/cashmere products). Then there is the true test of “willingness,” … partner work – whew, you all have been ready to change perspective and embrace challenge while building trust. We all get extra life lessons when we really “see” each other – the greatest one for me is standing back and watching our LifeFit community show up for each other – my heart swells.

Thank you for being part of our great “history together.” I’m planning good things for our regular and specialty group classes – February is going to be filled with treats to support our continued practice of “new” together.  

-Mona