“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”- Ryunosuke Satoro
The world of practicing yoga, philosophizing over yoga and studying the origins of yoga has been second nature in my life. But teaching physical yoga postures, leading discussions over the history of yoga and why we practice has been a huge transition. One that is beautifully challenging and one that I look forward to upon awaking each new day.
I never saw myself teaching yoga in a fitness or gym setting. I saw myself in tiny yoga huts on the beach, in quaint homes teaching one-on-one, on my favorite beach in Australia or on top of paddle boards on calm waters. Then my daydream bubble burst with student loan debt, pangs of loneliness in my chest and a constant calling of support from my friends in the wellness circles of Milwaukee. It was in this moment, I understood what a profound impact community had on my practice and personal well-being.
Thank the universe I listened to their calls, because here I am. I am teaching and sharing my passion, one breath at a time, every single day at AddeoFit. Studio yoga is the one outlet that feels inclusive, safe, welcoming – a space with an open door policy for any gender, body type, experience level, or age. I can say this because this diversity is exactly what I’ve experienced in just two months of teaching at AddeoFit.
Two of my most regular participants are men I’d never think would come into the yoga room. And you know what, THEY ARE FANTASTIC! I live for comments like,“I haven’t had lower back pain all week from just the two yoga classes I attended this week.” or, “I’ve always wanted to try yoga but been too scared I’d be too inflexible, old, the only guy or have no idea what to do in class.”
Let’s start redefining who we are and what we can do. We are not inflexible – we just haven’t bent in that direction in a while. We are not weak – we just need to teach ourselves to work a little harder. We are not outcasts, unworthy, too fat or lacking time – You are welcome here. You are worth every effort you conceive. You are beautiful and perfect. And yeah, I’m talking about every wrinkle, stretch mark, extra pound, what have you… We are in this together.
You do need to hold yourself to a high standard. You do need to work hard. You do need to nourish your body with whole foods and clean water.You do need to laugh, love and sweat a lot.
Please join us in yoga, and in all the other gorgeous spaces here at AddeoFit and truly find the happy, healthy, human that you are.