Rekindling a Connection with Yoga
Dear Faithful Companion,
For several years now, beginning with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve found solace and joy in our weekly yoga practice. During our early days, we were fortunate to have the guidance of Stephanie, an exceptional instructor who not only taught us the foundations of yoga but also embraced our efforts with warmth. She even entertained our occasional witty remarks when asked to attempt poses that, at first, seemed beyond our abilities.
Many of our summers were spent outdoors in the backyard of our Hamilton home, practicing yoga on the grass under the evening sky. Winters, too, brought their own charm as Stephanie found welcoming spaces for us to continue indoors. These moments became a cherished part of our routine, a comforting ritual that fostered both physical and mental well-being.
However, with our relocation to a new home, this comforting rhythm was disrupted. Among the challenges of settling into a new environment was the absence of the familiar—our instructor, our routines, and the spaces that had become synonymous with yoga. Since June, our mats lay dormant, untouched.
That changed tonight. Jesse and I resolved to step back into this practice, attending a yoga class at a local studio here in Brampton. Selecting a new studio is no small task; it requires consideration of ambiance, teaching style, and community. Over the holidays, we researched local options and committed to a class pack at Modo Yoga. What we hadn’t anticipated, however, was that our return to yoga would also mark a first for the year: hot yoga.
The moment we stepped through the studio doors, we were greeted warmly. When the attendant inquired, "Have you done hot yoga before?" Jesse and I exchanged a glance before admitting, “Well, we’ve done yoga...but not hot yoga.”
As we moved through the poses in the warm, tranquil space, I was reminded of a profound truth: “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – The Bhagavad Gita. This evening’s practice felt like a rediscovery of that journey—a reconnection with our inner selves through the discipline and serenity of yoga.
Having now returned home from the experience, I can wholeheartedly say it was a decision well-made. The class, thoughtfully designed for beginners, was slow-paced with poses held for extended periods—ideal for easing into the heated environment. The warmth of the room, far from being overwhelming, proved a welcome aid, allowing muscles to relax more deeply and making each stretch and pose more accessible.
Hot yoga boasts numerous benefits: improved flexibility, enhanced detoxification through sweat, and a meditative focus heightened by the heat. While I was initially apprehensive, I left the class feeling invigorated, lighter, and eager for our next session in the coming week.
My gratitude goes to Modo Yoga of Brampton for their kindness and hospitality. If you’ve never ventured into hot yoga, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a truly unique experience—one that might surprise you with its rewards.
As I reflect on tonight’s practice, I am reminded that growth often begins with a step outside our comfort zones. Here's to new beginnings and rekindling connections that ground us in both body and spirit.
Until next we meet, with ink as my witness and virtue as my guide.
JCB
