One Year After Shutdown

Hi, friends!

Today marks the one year anniversary of being shutdown. WOW, WHAT A YEAR for everyone! The good news is we’re still here.

Good job, US!!!

I always tell clients that the hardest part isn’t class, it’s showing up. Despite everything this last year has thrown at us YOU showed up, I showed up, WE SHOWED UP to keep this business and community going.

Yes, we’re a little battered and bruised. Yes, it was tough. But WE ARE TOUGHER!

Stop what you’re doing right now, give yourself a pat on the back, a high five, an atta boy or girl!

As I reflect on this past year, and what it took to get through, I go back to yoga and what it’s taught me. One lesson that stands out is yoga has taught me to be with things that are uncomfortable - whether that be in my body or mind. Yoga isn’t always easy, it can be uncomfortable, and I am glad that it taught me this important lesson.

This last year has been very uncomfortable, so much so that the stress almost killed me. I suffered a widowmaker heart attack on February 27th, just 20 days ago, but that’s a story for another day;-)

Today I’d like to share the story of how we came together and didn’t let a pandemic stop us.

How did we do it? Outside of a lot of hard work, deep breaths, tears, and a move, I’d sum it up this way:

OUR TEAM. The team of instructors at Full Body is the cream of the crop and the most beautiful blessing. They are what makes this place go ‘round.  Many of them faced their own challenges this year - losing jobs, loved ones, and more, but they never once quit. They did whatever it took for me and for you.

I see it every time they lead you through a class - how they take care of you physically and spiritually. One reason I chose to own a business was so I could build the best team and surround myself with amazing people - and that is exactly what we have and needed this past year.

YOU. You were unwavering in your support through words of encouragement, financial contributions, and so much more. On days I was ready to throw in the towel, someone would send a text, a gift would appear, a blessing was served up at exactly the right time. I couldn’t quit on you because you didn’t quit on me. THANK YOU!!!

ADAPTING, IMPROVISING, OVERCOMING. We didn’t have a clue on what we were going to do on March 18, 2020. We stayed in the game, calling plays literally one minute, one day at a time. We were fully present (again a lesson yoga has taught us), willing to be flexible, and generally did whatever we could to make it work.

I’m humbled and proud of what we accomplished together. We are still here, but we are far from good.

Between those in our community staying healthy at home (stay safe, friends!) and those whose daily lives were upended by the chaos this pandemic brought, we are still down by 40% of our regular weekly attendance.

So what now?

It’s time to reclaim our lives and rebuild.

On June 18th (3 months to the day from now) we will celebrate our 9th birthday! Between now and then, I ask that - as you are able to make yoga and fitness and priority again - you come home to Full Body.

My hope and prayer is that by our birthday, this community will be made whole once more - stronger and more vibrant than ever.

Let’s get back to being us. Let’s get back to living this life to its fullest. Together.

May you be happy, healthy and free.

Namaste,
Ratona