Community

Living in Mykonos was a great opportunity for me to develop and grow my self yoga practice, as well as begin teaching yoga to others. I learned so much, but there was something missing. Since there are no yoga studios on the island, I didn’t have the chance to take any group classes, and I really missed being part of a yoga community.

When I stay with my parents in Newcastle, there’s a yoga studio nearby that I visit regularly. From the first class I took there I instantly felt at home. The teachers there are all amazing, but there is also a strong sense of community. People are friendly, they make jokes in class, they laugh, and we all sweat together. Even as a visitor I truly feel welcomed into and a part of the community.

In class today, right before savanna we were in a very intense hamstring and hip opening stretch. Ooh Child came on and the person next to me started quietly singing along. As I was trying to breathe and release into the pose, listening to the words of the song and seeing my neighbor sing along made me tear up. Even though I didn’t know her, seeing her sing and feeling the power of the song brought me to tears.

I’m in a very emotional and somewhat stressful transition state in my life, and I felt as if she was there in support of me, almost like she was singing to me.

There’s something very special about being part of a community and feeling close to people who you don’t necessarily know. After class I told my neighbor what happened, and she was very grateful that I shared it with her. Sometimes we don’t realize how powerful even the littlest things we do are, and how they can affect others.

It’s fitting that it’s the holiday season, but I am feeling so grateful that I have a community that I can be a part of every time I visit my parents, and I look forward to finding a community to join once I put down some roots.

The sign outside of Yoga Reclaimed is very fitting <3