Tucson Yoga-I salute you!
Tucson is a yoga town. Many people might think that can be said about their town or city, as yoga studios have popped up on every block in the past 5-10 years. In fact, in places like NYC and DC, they are as prevalent as drive-through liquor stores are in Southern Maryland! I just had to get a plug in for my roots somewhere and this seemed as good of a place as any.. Go S'Maryland, Go SMIBS! OK, again, I digress. But Tucson really is a yoga town, and by that I mean the lifestyle is embraced both on and off the mat. The concept of practicing off the mat is at the core of the yogic lifestyle and often is a reflection of the qualities you exert on the mat, or visa verse; can we find compassion for ourselves and others, can we find where we are rigid and soften, can we acknowledge and embrace our connectedness to others, and can we become a warrior when necessary yet recognize when it is time for the peace talks?
OK, here is a much simpler way to look at it and one that again takes me to my roots. Every Sunday growing up we would go to church and every Sunday I would ask my Dad if he was coming with us. His go to response was "Oh yea, so the guy next to me can shake my hand, say peace be with you, and then cuss me out as he cuts me off getting out of the parking lot!" He would stay home, we would go, and without fail I would watch the reality of those events unfold right in front of my eyes. Sometimes I might even say "Go ahead mom, cut through the grass. It's a cemetery they won't know." Oh, I am just kidding, but you get my point?!
So, back to Tucson. Not only do they have amazing yoga studios and instructors, but the people that I have met all seem to walk the talk, not an easy endeavor, I know. My encounters, albeit brief, have exposed hospitable, compassionate, connected and kind human beings. They don't just do yoga, they live yoga. It is these folks that I salute. Below are just a few who have made an impact on me and my guess is, they have no idea. Writing about them seems like a great way for me to both honor them and carry them with me, and in case you ever come to Tucson, you will also have my recommendations.
John V- Though soft spoken, your presence on the mat is commanding and you are wise beyond your years. We own the same Prana hair bands but yours looks better on your dirty blond, should length hair. Just sayin'.
Rachel-With your cute Pippi Longstocking hair and socks, at 8 a.m. on Monday mornings. Thank you for introducing me to Yin Yoga. Amazing.
Johnny Blue- Thank you for exposing me to QiGong; what a great way to spend a Friday night! More importantly, you embraced me as if you had known me forever. You epitomize my description of the people here.
Tucson Yoga
Michelle M-- I could listen to your voice as you guide a practice and settle into my own meditative state for hours. A master Yogini; you embody so much of what I look for in this practice and in myself.
Alyssa K- I love when people actually teach.
Yoga Oasis
First of all, to Darren Rhodes who came up with the idea and commitment to offer $4.00/hour classes and not just any class either! What better way to bring yoga to all people than by making it affordable. I commend you. And like Edmund Burke School, you seem to have a knack for hiring....or more likely mentoring. Pick any class and you will be happy.
OK, here is a much simpler way to look at it and one that again takes me to my roots. Every Sunday growing up we would go to church and every Sunday I would ask my Dad if he was coming with us. His go to response was "Oh yea, so the guy next to me can shake my hand, say peace be with you, and then cuss me out as he cuts me off getting out of the parking lot!" He would stay home, we would go, and without fail I would watch the reality of those events unfold right in front of my eyes. Sometimes I might even say "Go ahead mom, cut through the grass. It's a cemetery they won't know." Oh, I am just kidding, but you get my point?!
So, back to Tucson. Not only do they have amazing yoga studios and instructors, but the people that I have met all seem to walk the talk, not an easy endeavor, I know. My encounters, albeit brief, have exposed hospitable, compassionate, connected and kind human beings. They don't just do yoga, they live yoga. It is these folks that I salute. Below are just a few who have made an impact on me and my guess is, they have no idea. Writing about them seems like a great way for me to both honor them and carry them with me, and in case you ever come to Tucson, you will also have my recommendations.
Rachel-With your cute Pippi Longstocking hair and socks, at 8 a.m. on Monday mornings. Thank you for introducing me to Yin Yoga. Amazing.
Johnny Blue- Thank you for exposing me to QiGong; what a great way to spend a Friday night! More importantly, you embraced me as if you had known me forever. You epitomize my description of the people here.
Tucson Yoga Michelle M-- I could listen to your voice as you guide a practice and settle into my own meditative state for hours. A master Yogini; you embody so much of what I look for in this practice and in myself.
Alyssa K- I love when people actually teach.
Yoga Oasis
First of all, to Darren Rhodes who came up with the idea and commitment to offer $4.00/hour classes and not just any class either! What better way to bring yoga to all people than by making it affordable. I commend you. And like Edmund Burke School, you seem to have a knack for hiring....or more likely mentoring. Pick any class and you will be happy.
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