Hey

Happy Wednesday!

Lyle and I spent the last weeks of summer on Haida Gwaii. We camped on the beach and listened to the sound of waves. There was no human-made sound out there—no engines, sirens, generators; no cell reception or Wi-Fi—just us, waves, and tides. There's something magical in the rhythm of the ocean...

When I return to the familiar routine of the fall, I feel connected to that same powerful, soothing magic of a natural rhythm. How about you, ? What do you like about the fall?

Today, in line with the fall rhythm theme, I wanted to revisit one of the most commonly asked questions:

What's the deal with all these sessions? 
Why not just do drop-ins? 

A. At the heart of Satori Yoga is a steadfast dedication to teaching excellence and supporting our growing community of dedicated yoga students. 

While drop-in yoga classes do OK to introduce new students to the practice, they provide little, if any, benefits for students' well-being and progress. 

The flexibility of drop-ins is their biggest drawback. 

For a new student, joining the established practitioner group can feel intimidating. Even if you are familiar with a yoga practice, feeling at ease with a new teacher, their methodology, and the existing group dynamic can be challenging. Only by committing to the group and consistent practice will you overcome that tinge of discomfort from being new to the group. 

On the other hand, it can be frustrating for the committed students in the group to go over the same basics repeatedly whenever a new person shows up. 

That's why we have the Satori drop-in policy. 

It allows you to try any class (that has space!) during the first week of a session, ensuring you find the right fit. After that, session registration is required. This arrangement fosters a consistent and committed group, leading to a more cohesive and effective practice. It's a system to support you, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your yoga journey.

There's more: 

Showing up for a new yoga class can feel intimidating for anyone; it is especially true for folk who live with chronic illness, persistent pain, and movement limitations. I don't just acknowledge this particular challenge; I fully get it (I've been there myself!). I am here to support you and ensure you feel heard, valued, and, most importantly, comfortable in your practice.

When one's nervous system is so sensitive that even the most innocuous occurrences fasten your heartbeat and even the lightest touch makes you yelp, a new and unfamiliar situation can heighten tension and pain perception—in other words, it delivers the exact opposite of what we are hoping to get from a yoga class.

Now, picture yourself practising with a group of strangers week after week after week.

I know that feeling at ease in our bodies and practice takes time. That's why I strive to create a supportive environment where spending time with the same group of people week after week builds connection and camaraderie. 

You're not just joining a class; you're becoming part of a community that values and supports your yoga journey, making you feel included and valued. That is the first building block of that ease and the foundation of our many success stories. 

Warmly,