My Yoga Practice
- dannienm
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 7
When I was 18 my grandparents enrolled me in a weekly yoga class at the studio they frequented in Ann Arbor, MI. It's there I got the pleasure of meeting Karen Ufer who graciously taught me Iyengar Yoga. It was a bit slow for my taste back then as a teenager, but I enjoyed the community, the stretching, and learning. Later in college, I'd find Detroit Yoga which was a traditional Vinyasa and Asana studio that really elevated my practice.
Yoga encompasses so much for me. Sure, it's physical exercise that keeps your muscles strong while emphasizing flexibility, but the spiritual side of Yoga is what keeps me coming back. Typically, each practice, or each time I step on my mat, I set an intention. Sometimes it's simple, like "I am love," other times a bit more specific to the exact situation I'm dealing with, "I can pivot when faced with challenges and still find joy." The intention helps strengthen my connection to Spirit. The words repeated over and over throughout my practice create a clear message to the Universe about what I'm seeking in life, needing help with, or asking for guidance.
Other go-to intentions or meditations:
I am Divinely guided and protected.
I am one with the Cosmos and grounded with the Earth.
It is safe to fully express my authentic self.
I deserve the very best in life.
All is well in my world.
Throughout my travels over the last (almost) two years, I have prioritized finding yoga studios, practicing on my own by making up my own sequences, or following a video online. When looking for an in-person studio, I tend to prioritize convenience and cost. Which studio is the closest to me and which one is offering a new student special? Sometimes I get lucky, other times I prioritize the convenience. But, here's the list of all the studios I've visited since January 2023. The fastest way I've been able to build community while traveling is through yoga studios and I am eternally grateful for the ones listed below. I added a few notes if it was a place I was able to spend more time in and really got to know the culture of the studio.
United States:
California:
Arcata:
Movewell Pilates Studio (not yoga!)
Colorado
Arvada:
Carbondale:
Kula Yoga - I bought a five-class pass so I could go every day during our week in Carbondale. I absolutely loved taking Cari's classes. Typically we built up strength and flexibility for a big posture at the end of class, and I really enjoyed that style of teaching. I was able to access poses in a different way, which felt really empowering.
Denver:
The River Yoga - with three gorgeous studios, there are endless class options with incredible teachers. I experienced some of the best Yin / meditative stretching classes with Gary and Mallory, intermediate flow with Danielle, as well as some excellent hot power classes. The studio amenities, excellent vibes, and welcoming culture make this one of my favorite studios to visit in Colorado.
Longmont:
Nederland:
Florida
Saint Augustine:
Serenity Yoga - This studio has an incredible Yin offering, which was perfect for the phase of my life I was in at the time. I highly recommend Ruby and Danielle. They had a great new student special!
Stuart:
Neptune Beach:
Hot Spot Power Yoga - I absolutely loved coming here - I managed to go every single day while living here. Their hot flows are incredible, I also loved the Saturday morning Yin class. I attribute this studio and the instructors for a massive personal transformation I had during this period of my life.
Sarasota:
Michigan:
Ann Arbor:
Tiny Buddha Yoga - Mixing in an Ashtanga class with Kevin was amazing. Rachel P had my favorite flow class - the music was soft, her instructions were clear, and the flows helped me feel strong but also stretched out and aligned.
Grand Rapids:
Mississippi
Ocean Springs:
Downtown Yoga - the owner, Ellen, is incredible - I love her spiritual messages that kicked off the classes. Melody is also amazing, and her gentle flows helped with muscle healing and stretching.
North Carolina
Raleigh:
Charlotte:
Charlotte Yoga - go to Suzanne’s class if you can! Great messages/ takeaways and no music which I love. They have a great new student special going on with lots of class offerings. This was my favorite studio in Charlotte that I've tried.
Ohio
Columbus:
Cleveland Metro:
Chagrin Yoga (Chagrin Falls)
Flow Yoga Studio (Gates Mills)
Oregon:
Bend:
Rhode Island
Providence:
The Love Offensive - Tara will double down as an hour long life coaching session, she is incredible! Ben has a great flow and his hands on assists are superb!
Cranston:
South Carolina
Charleston:
Utah
Park City:
PC Yoga Collective - This place is the epitome of community. Welcoming, kind, and buzzing! Lots of variety of classes all throughout the day. No new member pass, but cheap drop-ins (comparatively) with a discount on a 10-class pack.
Canada:
Charlottetown, PEI:
Montreal, Quebec:
Mexico:
Tulum:
Yoga is so much more fun with friends! I hope we get to practice together soon.
Comments