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Yoga: A Place Where I Don't Have To Fu*%#n Care
Written by Lori Pollard
So I'm in yoga today and before we start the physical practice, we're just sitting and preparing our minds for some serious, physical shit. I'm in a good, almost expansive mood today, so I'm feeling confident and happy, and I start thinking about how grateful I am for this yoga studio, my body, Katie(owner/teacher of the studio), and the people I'm practicing with. This place is one of the few places that I can come into, and just not have to give one damn about what anyone else, including myself, thinks of me. I think this is because this particular studio/teacher has had the egolessness and presence to make her business and life passion about not just doing yoga to have a rockin body and impress others with how you can contort your body, but more importantly about accepting where your body is right now, and appreciating what your body has to offer you physically and emotionally. There are times when I feel like a badass warrior in class, and other times, my balance is all over the place, and I feel like I have no strength whatsoever. Instead of going into my usual, "What's wrong with me? Fight harder, push harder Lori- this is unacceptable", I am able to just rock back into child's pose, and give myself permission to just do the best I can, and not beat the shit out of myself for it.
This studio/owner is unique from any other yoga experience I've ever had, and I've heard other students who come from some pretty progressive places, comment in the same way. This place, with it's warm tones, laughter, genuineness, and constant reminders verbally and non-verbally to just go with it, and let yourself be has opened me up in ways that no other form of exercise or therapy has. Everyone there is quitely rooting for you. There's no lame high fives going on or anything. But if you're pissed off, sad, scared, or whatever place you're are, you can sit on that mat, breathe in with everyone else there who's going through whatever crap they've got goin on, and everyone gets it. When I fall out of a pose or can't quite get the handstand, I can laugh now, or just breathe into the next pose- that last pose is gone just like the past we carry around- gone. Breathe, accept yourself, move forwardly gently and with confidence, go into childs pose when you need to. Ride it out, and pretty soon you're in warrior two feeling hopeful and strong again.
For all of you Fresnans who want to support downtown, or not, but just want a different place to escape to. Somewhere away from where you usually go, and walk into something that from the first moment you enter, you can feel warm and free- get your butts down to Coil Yoga. Easy to find right off of 41. I can get there from NE Fresno in 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, and it is well worth it for what I get out of it. There are also classes for all you professionals who work downtown that will fit in great with your schedule. If I worked down there I'd be there all the time. If you're doing yoga in a gym, or a trendy studio that's offering just the workout experience-that's ok at times, but you are missing out on some serious stress relief, and pure unadulterated peace that Coil Yoga offers. I'm not writing this to plug the studio, although I'm happy to do that for Katie, because she freakin deserves it, but because with all of the stress and fear I'm seeing lately, I truly want to extend something life changing to the people I care about. You don't have to be flexible, strong, thin, etc... there's classes for everyone for all levels, and for different purposes. I could wear my jammies to restorative yoga. Nobody cares what you can or can't do-that's the beauty of this place with these people- I don't have to take myself so seriously or be anything except honest and genuine with whatever I am at that time, with me on that mat. It's heaven, and I think I deserve it...
Thanks for listening, and sorry if the potty mouth offends you,
Lori
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