But I’m not flexible…and other yoga myths
It was 2006 when I first walked into a yoga studio. I was living in Victoria, BC when my dear friend Sonia invited me to attend my first Bikram class. She said “It’ll be fun!” (mind you, that’s what Sonia says a lot when she is about to challenge the outer edges of what I consider to be “fun”!) I showed up to the class, rented a mat, and tried to follow along as we began to breathe, move and sweat, and boy did we sweat!!! That studio was SO hot and all I remember was the incessant instructions to “lock your knee!”. Truthfully, the class was far from beginner style yoga: the studio was packed, super hot, and everyone was sparsely dressed and looking far more “yogi” than I in my running attire. I had no idea what I was in for. My brain was going the whole time as I was thinking “I don’t belong here”.
Despite this intro (and all the sweaty butts in my face!) I persevered, and decided that there must be something to this yoga thing that I just hadn’t discovered yet. When I found myself back in Toronto later that year, I sought a place of sanctuary as I weathered a rocky transition back into big city life. At the time, very few studios existed and I found myself heading to the Bikram studio downtown once again to perform the same sequence of movements and breath work twice per week for 90 minutes. To say it was addictive is an understatement. There was something about the breathing, sweating and sequential movements that made me feel grounded, calm and focussed, for what felt like the first time in a decade. I continued the ritual, eventually moving from Bikram to Tula to Moksha, and embracing the yoga/pilates fusion class at Goodlife as well.
Fast forward a decade later, after many, many experiments in yoga. I call them experiments because that’s what they were. I’d weave in and out of different classes, but nothing stuck. During the pandemic, I decided I needed a routine to start my day, and joined millions of people on youtube to embrace the 30 day challenge of Yoga with Adriene. Honestly, she was a beacon of light during a dark time. And I healed. But what we were all missing was our connection, our community and each other.
What I’ve discovered is yoga is always better experience when we are in community. Although there will always be a place for virtual classes, for those times when we’re challenged with time, health or transportation, but ultimately, to be whole and human we need the connection.
Yoga is foundationally a way of being. It is a union of mind, body and spirit. You don’t have to be “flexible” to do yoga. It’s about being in your body, present and grateful for what it does for us each day. Honouring your abilities, accepting where you are today, and nourishing yourself with time to enjoy movement, breathing and coming back to you.I hope you will come and join us in our intimate yoga space, whether you have never practice yoga before and are curious or you are interested in taking your practice to the next level. Our small class sizes allow our instructors to personalize your experience, ensuring you get the experience you are uniquely seeking in a safe, guided, community space. We welcome you to experience the difference our community makes at A Moment of Grace.
Xo Jacklyn
Studio Founder, Neighbour, and Curator
