Building one yoga practice at a time. Our first yogi has completed the 108 classes and earned the studio mala of 108 beads. For practicing with all your heart, Debby Vigeland, we celebrate your beautiful effort!
The mala is jasper, a pale green stone, in the color of the Anahata heart chakra.
On June 12th, I was honored to receive my Mala on the occasion of completing my 108th session in our wonderful studio. Although I would definitely have participated in all of these classes without the incentive of receiving such a lovely gift, I strongly feel that participating in this delightful form of recognition has allowed me to more deeply experience this segment of my yogini path.
I have learned so much from my teachers, most recently Randi (Yoga Inbound) and Ginny (Tai Chi). I thank Barbara for starting me on this Heart path. Jenne has been there from the beginning, providing important healing and continuing to lovingly offer a beautiful, grounded restorative experience. All of these women are incredible embodiments of the best of what Mind/Body practices have to offer. Equally important, I have benefited from the wise company of my yoga companions. These incredible women (and yes, sometimes men) inspire me, surround me with a strong sense of belonging, and offer such a powerful sharing of our yoga journey. I love you all!
This is what it has been like for me. I call Yoga my wonder drug. This practice is so much more than sitting like a pretzel and (hopefully) looking better in yoga pants. For me, it is the only endeavor that is truly and fully 360 degrees. I have learned that I will never arrive, but will always be on this journey. It is okay not to know. Some days are difficult and some flow so easily. It is a process of discovery of both one’s physical capabilities and of one’s Mind. It’s about letting go of fear and judgment. There are moments when you glimpse boundaries falling away and experience a bit of Grace. There are also days when it is tough, and about the best I can say is that I made it to class and have shared this time with my fellow yogis.
Randi said something recently that brought me an insight. She talked about how each of us is a multitude of characters in our own life story. Of course, my mind floated first to thinking about those characters who weren’t particularly admirable. But seconds later, I felt the most incredible peace and forgiveness knowing that each of these characters had a role to fulfill, and none need demand to take center stage again. What story could ever hold your interest if it contained only perfected characters?
I am grateful and privileged to share my journey with all of you dear souls! Namaste,
Debby
Tina Folse - August 17 - 108 Mala
What’s it like to practice at Weaverville Yoga?
Just ask our students!
“It was such a positive experience for my first class ever. I’m excited at the prospects of more.” Colleen R
“Great classes and teachers. Love this place so glad I found it” Cathy R
“Exactly what I was hoping for” George R
“This was my first yoga class and it was awesome.” Janet B
“Awesome teacher and class” B. C.
“All good!” Terri T
“I absolutely love this place. Some of the kindest teachers! Sweet, Calm & Beautiful environment!” Holly S Read more...
“I’m lovin’ practicing at my new home studio right there in the middle of the Great Smokey Mountains!” George C
“5 galaxys of stars. Best little yoga studio there is. Thank you Weaverville Yoga!” A.W.
“Relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating! What a painless way to increase flexibility and improve balance. The small class size feels almost like private coaching!” Candy C
“I feel like applauding afterward. I feel two inches taller and full of light. I am enjoying yoga more than I ever imagined.” Kathy H. 65 years old First time yoga student.
“As I think you know, I resumed yoga with you and Barbara about 5 weeks ago after an eight year hiatus, following a hamstring injury.
I took a long vacation from yoga to consider the personality traits that might have sent me into harm’s way.
So I have come back to yoga with profound respect for the delicate balancing act required when we practice. It’s a balance that reflects how we move skillfully through life: on razor’s edge of paradox and ambiguity. Inner life and outer life. Giving and receiving. Self care and generosity. Moving and stillness. Yoga is all about that. Now I have been introduced to”inward spiral,, outward spiral!” I find your teaching to be a magnificent blend of all these opposites, culminating, always, in your encouragement to stay in this present moment, which is the most healing place of all. I am so grateful to you for your wise teaching. The way you incorporate the poses with the yoga philosophy will keep me challenged physically while protecting me from reaching beyond what is safe for my body in every moment. Plus I love your light heart and humor. Just the right amount of levity and seriousness. Another lovely balance.
Peering through a window, Led me to open a door, I did not know what possibly would be in store.
A yoga studio in a little small town, Had more to offer me, than I could have ever thought I would have found.
I immediately was welcomed and met with many smiles.
Though there were many classes and different styles too; I learned from the best there was in town.
Some days there may be a few aches and moans, a smile, a chuckle or two. But I come just the same; for I know each time would not be the same. For every class has its moments of achieving a new height, a pose which once seemed impossible, is now within my sight.
With a 108 classes, a challenge goal was set and to my delight, for me it has been met.
My thanks go to Barbara who had the initial vision for this space and the countless hours her teachers have given with grace.
I have taken many classes and truly have loved them all.
We have come here from different towns and places, and there remains a common thread; something for everyone, a supportive bond of yogi friends which I am truly blessed to have met. This peaceful place, a tree of life, a cup beyond measure, a blessing for sure, a true treasure!
With my gratitude and thanks to all my teachers and friends I met who have helped me on this journey.
May God’s grace, peace and joy permeate your souls.
Namaste.
Tricha
Carolyn Heidemann - July 5- 108 Mala
Carolyn Heidemann now has completed the 108 classes and earned the studio mala of 108 beads.
We respect and are inspired by your
steady enthusiasm and dedication!
Please accept as a token of our esteem
this mala in the gentle greens of the
Anahata heart chakra.
Generous in all ways, Carolyn presented
Barbara and Randi with essential oil necklaces she made specially for her teachers and read out this genuine message to the students:Read more...
“So many of us move to this place on the map with a sense of adventure, seeking change or love of nature and beauty that is here in the mountains. We leave friends and family, jobs and familiarity for the unknown, hoping not to be disappointed in our decision.
I found everything I hoped to find in one place, here, in our Weaverville Yoga. It is or has become my sanctuary for the Spirit, discipline for the Mind, and strength for my Body. I call it my maintenance program for Body, Mind, and Spirit, which far surpasses the asanas or poses we do together.
Most of all I found a community of ”like minded,” fun loving sisters (and a few brothers) to share this path with.
It is our dedicated, amazing teachers here that take us to new levels in BODY, MIND and SPIRIT.
They are the Heart of Weaverville Yoga.”
Rebecca Ash - July 10 - 108 Mala
I reflected on the 108 classes I’ve attended at Weaverville Yoga since January, reading back in my journal my account of what each class produced for me. It was like seeing layers being pulled off of myself, each time I showed up and participated, whether the class was a challenge or felt like a reward, I was always left amazed at what was uncovered for me about myself and who I really am. Each time I show up to class, the feeling I receive from my body being allowed to lead me outweighed anything my mind might have tried to produce. What was right and to be done in the moment felt autonomous. Everything comes second after yoga, I practice because it has become my most trusted guide in what is right.
