I've been a purely at home yoga practitioner for years. Decades actually. Mostly because I'm cheap, but also because I was a ballet dancer and I was afraid of doing it in rooms full of mirrors and falling back into the habit of constant comparison and judging it myself and others.
But a few months ago I found a sweet new little yoga studio (with no mirrors!) and started going as regularly as I could (which is often only like 3 times a month because of children, but thankfully they use punch cards and not a flat monthly fee). And the in person benefit cannot be over stated! It does something different to my nervous system. (In a good way! Which is not usually the effect being in a room of strangers has on my nervous system). It's been such a blessing. And very possibly you talking about your yoga journey helped get me there. So thank you!
Oh Pamela, this resonates more than you know. True story, the first thing I noticed about this studio was the lack of mirrors. 😉 Love what you said re: how it does something different to your nervous system (in a good way).
Ashlee, as per usual, your writing goes below the surface to the heart of the matter. Thank you for this beautiful reminder about making room on the first day of school.
Oh Ashlee, this just made me cry tears of gratitude for the beauty you experienced and the opportunity it brought for you to share with your kiddos. How wonderful that these women were willing to make space for you and maybe even more so that you allowed yourself to take up space. It’s a lesson most of us are learning (fine, struggling through) every day, and I needed this reminder.
Just lovely, you have a way of sharing the story behind the thing and that craft is remarkable. Thank you for writing (and maybe just maybe I’ll one day convince my husband to join me in my yoga studio).
Before I taught many children for many years, and I experienced the humiliation of trying to fit into a crowd but being shunned or laughed at often.
I have always tried to make my students feel special and loved and encourage them to include others all the time. Also, to go beyond and seek out those who need a friend, not just looking for who likes us or who will be our friend.
This is such a beautiful reminder- to make space for each person, because each person is important and wants to be loved.
Wow, Ashlee. What a beautiful reminder to make space for everyone. I love how you told your kiddos that story the night before school began...such a powerful image.
I love that he went to a class with you—- I’m now gently determined to both go to a class in person again and bring Ryan with me. We’ve gone together before (15!!! Years!!! Ago!!!) in Colorado, the day we eloped ❤️ it’s so fun to get out of our comfort zones and try a new thing!
"Look for the kids who have nowhere to sit. Look for the kids who are new. Look for someone who seems lost, who seems like they don’t have any friends. And for the love, if someone is late to class and everyone turns around to stare, offer that kid a big smile, okay?" I admire that you took a lesson from your yoga practice and shared it with your children -- and us. Beautiful! 💗
Love the way this was written and how you had such a beautiful story to share with your kiddos and encourage kindness! This reminds me of how sometimes the convenience of something (doing workouts at home, driving to nearby shops etc) doesn't make it better. Sometimes doing the workout in studio, or walking to the nearby shops, has way higher benefits!
I've been a purely at home yoga practitioner for years. Decades actually. Mostly because I'm cheap, but also because I was a ballet dancer and I was afraid of doing it in rooms full of mirrors and falling back into the habit of constant comparison and judging it myself and others.
But a few months ago I found a sweet new little yoga studio (with no mirrors!) and started going as regularly as I could (which is often only like 3 times a month because of children, but thankfully they use punch cards and not a flat monthly fee). And the in person benefit cannot be over stated! It does something different to my nervous system. (In a good way! Which is not usually the effect being in a room of strangers has on my nervous system). It's been such a blessing. And very possibly you talking about your yoga journey helped get me there. So thank you!
Oh Pamela, this resonates more than you know. True story, the first thing I noticed about this studio was the lack of mirrors. 😉 Love what you said re: how it does something different to your nervous system (in a good way).
Ashlee, as per usual, your writing goes below the surface to the heart of the matter. Thank you for this beautiful reminder about making room on the first day of school.
This retired teacher applauds you.
Thank *you* for all of the years you poured into your students!! I'm sure they were so blessed to have you ❤️
Oh Ashlee, this just made me cry tears of gratitude for the beauty you experienced and the opportunity it brought for you to share with your kiddos. How wonderful that these women were willing to make space for you and maybe even more so that you allowed yourself to take up space. It’s a lesson most of us are learning (fine, struggling through) every day, and I needed this reminder.
I love this! The moment for me was when your teacher called you out by name. That’s why I went from YouTube to in person. 🫶🏻
Love the way you told this story. I am with you on walking into a room/workout late... instant terror. I love that Brett finally said yes to going!
Just lovely, you have a way of sharing the story behind the thing and that craft is remarkable. Thank you for writing (and maybe just maybe I’ll one day convince my husband to join me in my yoga studio).
Just ask 47 times. That's my tip. 😅
This brought tears to my eyes.
Before I taught many children for many years, and I experienced the humiliation of trying to fit into a crowd but being shunned or laughed at often.
I have always tried to make my students feel special and loved and encourage them to include others all the time. Also, to go beyond and seek out those who need a friend, not just looking for who likes us or who will be our friend.
This is such a beautiful reminder- to make space for each person, because each person is important and wants to be loved.
Wow, Ashlee. What a beautiful reminder to make space for everyone. I love how you told your kiddos that story the night before school began...such a powerful image.
Loved this Ashlee! Love how you used this story to inspire that type of kindness in your kids! ❤️
I love that he went to a class with you—- I’m now gently determined to both go to a class in person again and bring Ryan with me. We’ve gone together before (15!!! Years!!! Ago!!!) in Colorado, the day we eloped ❤️ it’s so fun to get out of our comfort zones and try a new thing!
I love this, Aslee—beautiful writing and such a lovely story of sharing a life lesson with your children!
Love everything about this 🫶🏼💛✨
I did yoga at home on YouTube for years and I agree that the studio is a different experience! It makes the practice more embodied.
"Look for the kids who have nowhere to sit. Look for the kids who are new. Look for someone who seems lost, who seems like they don’t have any friends. And for the love, if someone is late to class and everyone turns around to stare, offer that kid a big smile, okay?" I admire that you took a lesson from your yoga practice and shared it with your children -- and us. Beautiful! 💗
Oh, I love this so much, Ashlee.
Love the way this was written and how you had such a beautiful story to share with your kiddos and encourage kindness! This reminds me of how sometimes the convenience of something (doing workouts at home, driving to nearby shops etc) doesn't make it better. Sometimes doing the workout in studio, or walking to the nearby shops, has way higher benefits!