We have been counting down the days until the warm weather gives us backyard freedom for another summer. Maybe a bit more this season then in most year, but we do have a particular affection to our backyard oasis, which has kept us tranquil during lockdown and, from over the fence, you can hear much laughter thought out the warm months.  But you might not know that from June until October of 2021 (we held out as long as we could), out fenced in yard hosted one of the neighborhood premiere backyard yoga studies, once a week.   

It all started with wanting to try something new, different, and outside of my comfort zone in the heighted of pandemic lockdown summer. I knew nothing about yoga at the time and reached out in a cold call to a local studio.  Almost a year later Stephanie Weiler has become not only our yoga guide but a true friend as she has taken us from not knowing anything about yoga, to being somewhat bendy. It has also helped to have an adventurous group of friends, who at first suggestion rolled their eyes at the thought of us doing yoga, but now look forward to Thursday night.

Sadly, our backyard yoga studio had to close down during the winter months (mostly because yoga and snowsuits don’t go together).  The gang braved the harsh winter and sought refuge in two other locations for which we were grateful to have access to.  Although, warm and cozy they just were not the same as the fresh air and grass between your toes that could be offered back here.  The day could not come soon enough, for us to roll out our matts to the cool breeze of spring, listen to the birds sing, and open the backyard oasis to bear feet, downward dogs, and standing splits.  

I have loved the yoga journey so far and learned so much about myself. But more importantly it’s been some time carved out once a week that is for me to just focus on the hear and now and have some me time which has been amazing.