Breathing in Paradise

I started doing yoga 5 years ago in Norfolk, NE at Sacred Yoga. Sacred Yoga is my all-time favorite studio. Not only was every teacher extraordinary, we were a family.

When I moved to Lincoln, I never found a studio that felt the same. I found some wonderful teachers, but they were spread out across the city in different pockets. There were very good instructors at the Y, in studios, churches, and in homes. I never found one place I could commit. Instead, I raced around Lincoln to a different place each day to the best classes.

Then COVID happened. I used the Down Dog app. I zoomed into Sacred Yoga classes. I took my yoga mat outside. I watched Amy Bidrman on YOUTUBE. I have always liked being in the studio more. I feed off the energy of doing yoga with others.

Then I got COVID. For the first time in my life, I was so sick that I couldn't do yoga. In fact, when I did yoga I felt worse. I would try to practice, and I'd cry and cry. It was awful.

I was well enough before I left Lincoln that I was able to attend some in person classes without pain. I wish I would have gotten to take one more of Andy's restorative classes and one more class at St. Matthews with Rose. It still wasn't safe to be inside with other people. Like so many things, I had to leave those places without getting a goodbye.

Hilo has two fabulous studios. Balancing Monkey has classes on the beach. I mean does it get better than that? Rachel Calvert is one of the best yoga instructors I've ever had, and I've had a lot of good instructors. I have learned things about twists that I never knew. Her verbal cues are extraordinary.

Yoga Centered is a five minute walk from my house. I have loved every instructor and every class I've taken there (Except the Nidra. That was not the instructor's fault. I just do not like Nidra). The studio is open and airy and smells good and is socially distanced. They have blocks and bolsters and straps. I like the other members. It feels like a home.

When you move it's work to find the places that feel like home. It's hard to settle in to a new place, even when that place is paradise. It's hard to make new friends during the best of times and harder during COVID times.

My original Yoga Mother Goddess Queen, Lori, often offered a mantra of gratitude. When I think of the word gratitude, I see myself on my mat at sacred yoga with Lori in the front, Marcy and Marie to my right and left. I will be forever grateful to Sacred Yoga for all the joy, goodness, and friendships it brought to my life.

I breathe in gratitude for the friendships I will build here. I breathe out gratitude for the friends holding space for me in Nebraska. I breathe and wait and watch the clock, looking forward to my 4:00 class.