Safe in Narnia

We are back in the yoga studio - almost back to normal. I have missed our community during the time of quarantine for COVID but have felt fortunate to be able to bring classes to our yogis via Facebook Live. Our instructors did an amazing job bringing creative, inspiring, empowering and healing classes to our community online. The instructors and our yogis make the magic of CatFit. I loved being able to feel that even in an online class.

I was discussing this with Tricia Hurst, a talented writer and yogi I have been mentoring. I started mentoring Tricia in yoga a few years ago and in writing a year ago. Tricia told me she was scared to go back to the studio. I didn’t understand why she would be scared. She said she was worried the magic of CatFit Yoga might be gone. I asked her to write about it. I loved it and wanted to share it with you all today.

Sending you each love and magic,

Cat

Safe in Narnia

The drive to the studio feels abnormally long on this rainy morning.

The usual 30-minute drive seems to be taking hours instead.

It has been a few weeks since I have performed my own practice at the studio.

Today will be my first actual yoga class with other Yogis in the studio for over two months.

I have to admit I am feeling a little nervous about making my return.

Due to stay at home orders and social distancing, I haven’t been able to see many people since the middle of March.

My yoga practice has taken a backseat to this thing called life.

As I drive to the studio, I begin to prep my mind, body, and spirit for my practice.

I know I am not going to be as strong, but I am healthy.

I know I am not going to be as flexible, but I am unbreakable.

I know I am not going to feel as confident, but I am courageous.

Like a good song, I put affirmations on repeat in my mind.

I am healthy.

I am unbreakable.

I am courageous

As my squirrel brain gets distracted, I begin to wonder.

I hope I remember all the poses.

I hope I can at least semi balance.

I hope I am able to relax.

I remind myself to lessen my expectations; after all, yoga is a practice not a perfect.

Back to repeating affirmation.

I am healthy.

I am unbreakable.

I am courageous.

I am certain about all of this but what I am uncertain of is…

How will the studio feel when I walk through that glass door?

Will I still experience that magical Narnia feeling once I enter the room?

Will friendships be the same?

Has the community weakened?

Has the studio become an estranged family?

Has COVID-19 taken away the connection and belonging that resides between the welcoming walls of this studio?

While nervously and excitedly looking around, I see my mentor warmly inviting us in.

I see familiar smiling faces.

I quietly unroll my yoga mat and place it perfectly between the green tape markings on the floor.

Multiple conversations are taking place among yogis.

I see and hear Yogis supporting the studio and supporting each other.

There is laughter once again echoing between the warm walls.

Today I am not alone in my practice at the studio.

I engage in my practice.

I block out the world and get out of my head.

I relax.

I flow.

I breathe.

I pray.

I meditate.

I feel safe and comforted.

What I am able to easily recognize is…

I still happily feel the magical Narnia feeling after I walk through the CatFit Yoga studio door.

There is still pretty, glittery fairy dust lightly sprinkling down from the ceiling.

The anxiety and nervousness I am feeling melts away like snow on a warm day.

My expectations of my practice disappears like a good magic trick.

There is still peace, love, and support in and out of the studio.

The Narnia magic exists even stronger.

The threads of connection between one another have become even more secure.

This family has heart.

I belong here with all of them.

This is my tribe.

I feel proud to be surrounded by an amazing community full of wonderful people.

This pandemic didn’t take anything away from the studio.

The studio still feels like coming home.

Tricia Hurst

5/22/2020