Making Friends in Yoga

Over the years, I have discovered that yogis make some of the best friends. From my studio in Boston, to my own studio now, and the ones I’ve worked in and visited along the way; I have met so many incredible people & have built many lasting friendships. Yoga is a truly great place to meet and connect with people. 

Yogis of all ages and backgrounds are often united in their love of yoga and a common desire to be friendly both on and off the mat. I’ve been able to deepen friendships through the transformative experience that was my teacher training, numerous classes I’ve taught and attended, workshops, as well as community gatherings and potlucks. 

With yoga as the glue, I have found that that the things we have in common are far greater than those things that set us apart. So yoga studios are a great place for meeting people and building friendships.

Yoga for the individual:

Yoga is about self discovery. It’s a wonderful way to become more in tune with your mind and body so you can find your true self.  Yoga helps eliminate suffering, stress, and negativity in our lives. During a yoga class, you’re challenged to bring your attention inward and connect with yourself on a deeper level. 

With an open mind and willingness that's cultivated in class, we can work on ourselves and begin to strip away the negativity. When we let our guard down like this, we not only begin to explore a deeper connection to ourselves, but also a deeper connection to others.

Yoga for the group:

While yoga is very individual, it is also very collaborative. Yoga helps create union with one another and a sense of togetherness. Through collective breath and movement in class, yoga helps create bonds with the people around you like none other. 

Once class is over, there’s this overall feeling of oneness, connection, and collaborative energy.  There’s this beautiful window of opportunity to make introductions, mingle, and foster a deeper connection and potential friendships to those around you.

Next time you're in class:

Spark up a conversation with your yogi neighbors in class, introduce yourself to the teacher, talk to people after class, whatever it may be, break out of your shell, be brave, allow yourself to be vulnerable and open. We are all connected and if nothing else, one thing we know we have in common, is our love for yoga and our dedication to our practice. There is always space in our lives for new positive people. Take a chance, say hi.

Thank You To My Family & Friends

I wanted to dedicate this week’s blog to you; my friends and family. If you're a new reader to my blog, you may not be aware that last weekend, my husband and I opened our very first business, a yoga studio- Empower Yoga.  I have been talking about starting this business for over two years and now my dreams have finally come to fruition.  I have so much to be grateful for in my life, particularly for all of the wonderful people in it; who have been a part of my journey, helping me get to this point. This letter/blog is for you!

Dear Friends & Family,

The outpouring of love and support I received not only during the Grand Opening Celebration last weekend, but throughout this journey of life, means the world to me.  Without you all, I may not be where I am today.  I wanted to write you this letter to thank you and let you know how much you all mean to me!

To My Husband-

Thank you for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Thank you for always helping me reach my goals and support me every time I make new ones, no matter how crazy they seem. Thank you for always having my back, for reeling me in when I’ve gone too far, for knowing when to push me, but also knowing when to back off, for loving me, for lifting me up when I am down, for tolerating my crazy diets, antics, for always making me smile, for being my shoulder to cry on, and for being my number one supporter and biggest fan. I love our life together and look forward to all of the exciting adventures to come. I love you to the moon and back!

To My Family-

While we may not get to choose our family, we get to choose how much we love them. After everything we’ve been through over the years, I can’t help but choose to love you all more and more every day. We are a unit and we are a strong (slightly dysfunctional at times lol, as most families are) and I wouldn’t wish to have it any other way.

The great thing about family is that you’ve seen me at my lowest, in my most awkward years (four eyed brace face, spiky hair, janko jeans, etc…), but you still love me unconditionally and choose to be my supporters and cheerleaders. I have only had the strength to grow and become more because I knew you were behind me every step of the way. You're the ones that raised me, provided for me, laughed with me, wiped my tears, grew with me, and ultimately showed me how to love unconditionally. You’ve taught me to never back down and to take the world by storm.  The love of a family extends outside of the walls of our home; you have shown me that this love is everywhere, all the time, and it never fades. I love you all so much, thanks for loving me too!
 

To My Friends-

Thank you for not squashing my dreams, but rather encouraging them. Thank you for not judging or criticizing me, or telling me I am wasting my time and money when I told you that Dan and I wanted to open a yoga studio. Thank you for empowering me, helping me know that I was on track, right where I needed to be. For helping me to feel able, in balance and hopeful. Without it, I may not be here today. Thank you for listening to me, even when I talked excessively, for helping me off the ledge when I was feeling anxious, for helping me run off some of my energy and brainstorm  ideas, for pushing me to find my strongest self inside and outside the gym, and for showing me that family does not have to be blood, but that friends are family too.  

I couldn't have asked for better people in my life. Thank you for being their for me, for caring about me, loving me, believing in me, and empowering me to be and do my best.

Sincerely,

Keri