If yoga means to join together, (It does. Specifically, to yoke), and if it’s called a practice (it is), we can correctly surmise that the joining together of anything takes time, attention, patience, discipline, repetition and devotion.
And through the practice of yoga, what is being joined together? Yes, one’s mind, body, soul and spirit, but simultaneous to that joining is a joining to others who are giving the same time, attention, patience, discipline, repetition and devotion as you.
At Studio Rise, we desire to foster the practice, provide space for the connecting, celebrate the yoking, and be grateful for those who dedicate themselves to this yoga adventure as a lifestyle. One of the ways we do this is called Society 108. Every six months, we induct new members who have attended 108 or more classes.
Here are our inaugural inductees – celebrate them with us and see that they are regular people who practice yoga. Their lives are transformed just by showing up to class. These are some of our most prized connections, and we can’t imagine doing this yoga practice thing without them!
Lana Bell
Member since January 2016
124 visits since January 2017
“For me, yoga has been something that has evolved. When I took the Beginners Workshop almost two years ago, I was looking to do something for myself. Now that my boys are grown, I found myself in unfamiliar territory of not being their ‘cheerleader’ on the sidelines at whatever school sport, function, club or event they were involved in. I knew I had to start with something and had tried, several years ago, a cross-fit type class and felt uncomfortable.”I wasn’t quite sure what to expect the first few times I stepped inside the studio doors. So began my journey with the Beginners Workshop, and then the Beyond the Basics workshop. I felt I finally had found something that I was comfortable with and was in an environment that was not judgmental in any way, shape or form. I have learned not to be so hard on myself (my A-type personality sometimes gets in the way!) I have also learned that it is OK to take time for myself and not feel guilty about it.”
Linda Coors
Member since November 2014
108 visits since January 2017
“I can tell you that I have loved yoga from the very beginning. It’s something I look forward to and even feel like I’ve had to ‘fight for’ in a way. I’m a very devoted family person, and my family wasn’t used to me having something to do for myself. It’s very hard to say ‘no’ to doing something for someone else because I want to get to a class. I often say, ‘I can go to a 5:45 class or a 7:15 class. Which do you prefer?’ That helps with the guilt, but I still struggle a lot with it. The first time I showed up was a Saturday morning. I was more sore the next day than I ever remembered being in my life, but it was the BEST soreness I’d ever felt. I was hooked! Thanks for giving this 54-year-old woman an opportunity to get strong and feel healthy in a way that I love!”
Susan Edwards
Member since January 2015
184 visits since January 2017
“It has been a rough couple of weeks at work! Anyway, oddly enough – that is how I found yoga, and Studio Rise! I was under a lot of stress at work and had always been interested in yoga. Then I saw the write up in the Ashland Times-Gazette about Studio Rise! I started going to class (once a week), it wasn’t enough – I was hooked! It worked wonders for my stress levels! Yoga has been a wonder for my mind, body and soul! It really has!”
Angela Reynolds
Member since April 2016
125 visits since January 2017
“My aha moment with yoga would be the second month in when I was asked to go out and I was like, ‘oh no … I can’t because I love going to yoga.’ It’s my ‘go to’ for when I am feeling down. Yoga makes me feel confident about myself with how far I have come in the last eight to nine months since I started. I know I have a long way to go, but I look back and see how far I have come.”
Nancy Smith
Member since opening day on March 31, 2014
176 visits since January 2017
“I remember the day I finally could touch my toes in a forward fold. Also, at first I wanted the class to be done before it was, but over time that feeling changed. I only think of the end when it is actually over, enjoying the experience of yoga.”
Angela Watts
114 visits since January 2017
Member since January 2017
“Yoga became my ‘go to’ when I started to crave it! I slowly started feeling better about myself and I liked the new me … The light went on! Honestly, I expected nothing more than relaxation, and I have gained a body and mind transformation. I am so much stronger physically and mentally. I only wish I would have walked through the doors at Studio Rise sooner.”
Studio Rise is a community of passionate people who, through the practice of yoga, are continuously working to find strength and balance in the tension of life and to reach our healthiest personal potential in order to influence the world around us. Stop in at 709 Claremont Ave., Ashland OH 44805. Contact Aubrey for more information at 567-217-3003 or aubrey@studioriseyoga.com.
