Once upon a time, one of my regular clients brought a friend to my Evening Yoga class. They wanted to share the joy that is The F*cking Yoga Co with a person who practices yoga. Recognizing there were some new faces in class, I gave my schpeel. “Welcome to Evening Yoga. This is ooey-gooey, the last one to bed is a rotten egg yoga.” Before I could continue the new person interrupted, “We could do an hour of Yin yoga instead.” I stopped and pinned her with a look. “You’ve never been to my classes. Hold the comments until the end.” I worked the yoga groove and rocked her world.…

Buckle up, buttercups. I’m dipping my toes into the whoo-whoo waters. Repeat this sentence: It’s time to let go of who we used to be and embrace who we are. I’ve heard the following multiple times in the last few weeks from new clients and regular clients: I used to be in shape. I used to be able to do this. When I was young, I could do any pose I wanted. My body is too old and worn out.

  Accessibility. This is where I lose my cool. Okay, not the only time, but when new clients tell me they have never been helped in a yoga class I definitely lose my shit. Not the occasional new client either. Every. Single. Time. Most of the people who have come to my beginning class have felt unwelcome in a yoga class because the instructor didn’t create an accessible flow even if the class description said, “Beginners welcome.”

  Last week, I finished up a yoga class that I covered for a sick colleague. It was great to see some of my regular clients, and of course, I love shaking up new yoga peeps. After savasana, I thanked everyone for participating in the yoga program at the recreation center because a couple of new yoga studios (THOSE kinds of studios) have opened locally. “I know you have choices and we’re glad you come here. That’s all I have to say.” One of the newer clients said, “How about Namaste?” I may have sounded a bit short when I replied, “No, I don’t Namaste.”   In a world where…