The Truth About Flexibility: You Don't Need It to Start Yoga

"Why would I want to do yoga when I'm so inflexible?"

This question comes up regularly, and it reveals a common misconception. The idea that you need flexibility to start yoga is like thinking you need to be clean before taking a shower. You've got the whole process backwards.

You don't have to be good at something for it to be good for you. You don't have to be flexible to benefit from gentle movement. And you certainly don't need to prove anything before stepping onto a mat.

Here's the reality: your body deserves care regardless of its current state. Flexibility is a practical life skill, like bending down without pain, reaching overhead without strain, and moving through your day with ease rather than discomfort.

Yoga is the tool that helps you get to a life you want to live.

Why Flexibility Actually Matters

Inflexibility creates real limitations in daily life. When you can't turn your head fully to check your blind spot while driving, or when simple tasks like reaching for something cause strain, your world starts to shrink. Tight shoulders from desk work turn routine movements into sources of stress.

I remember when my husband started his yoga journey, he had a hard time putting on his socks without sitting down first.

Physical restrictions often lead to disconnection from your body. You start managing your way through each day rather than actually living it. Movement becomes something to avoid rather than enjoy.

Yoga as Your Practical Partner

Yoga approaches flexibility differently than you might expect. This practice works with your body as it is, meeting you at your current level of mobility and building from there.

Think of someone who spent decades in physically demanding work who has tight muscles, creaky joints, skeptical about anything that seems too gentle. Yet consistent yoga practice shows that strength and flexibility develop together through patient, gradual work.

The practice becomes a method for rediscovering what your body can do when treated with respect rather than force.

What Your Body Is Actually Asking For

Your tight hips and rounded shoulders are simply your body's current state. This is information, not judgment. Understanding what your body needs is straightforward:

Permission to move slowly and mindfully

Space to breathe deeply and regularly

Gentle encouragement to explore new ranges of motion

Acceptance of current limitations while working toward improvement

The Real Benefits of Flexibility

Flexibility gives you practical freedom. You can bend down and tie your shoes without planning the movement. You reach for something on a high shelf confidently. You get up from the floor without using your hands or grimacing.

Consider someone starting yoga later in life after a doctor mentions that flexibility and balance support independence as we age. The practice celebrates meaningful improvements of  reduced pain, easier mornings, and restored confidence in your body's abilities.

Starting Where You Are

Your body has always been ready to be treated with respect and care. Yoga guides you toward greater flexibility through consistent, gradual practice. The practice honors your starting point while believing in your capacity to improve.

Yoga meets you in your current state of stiffness and provides a clear path toward greater ease. The practice respects your limitations while gently expanding them.

Your Next Step

Flexibility matters for your quality of life. Yoga is simply an effective, gentle method for developing it.

Come as you are: tight, uncertain, skeptical. Bring your limitations and your goals. The practice is designed to work with real bodies living real lives.

The most practical thing you can do is start exactly where you are.

Yin Yoga for Pain Relief: Your Gentle Path to Healing

Why This Class Will Change Your Mornings (and Your Body)

Wednesdays at 7am might feel early, but imagine starting your day not with rushing or stress, but with deep relief flowing through your body. Our new Yin Yoga for Pain Relief class isn't just another yoga session - it's a sanctuary for bodies that hurt and hearts that need holding.

What Makes This Class Different

Led by Bri or Ustina, both specially trained in therapeutic yin approaches, this class understands that pain isn't just physical - it's emotional, mental, and spiritual too. They don't just teach poses; they create a space where your body can finally exhale and your nervous system can remember what safety feels like.

The Beautiful Benefits Waiting for You

Physical Relief That Actually Lasts

• Gentle, sustained poses that release deep tension in connective tissues

• Improved circulation to areas that hold chronic pain

• Natural reduction in inflammation through mindful movement

• Enhanced flexibility without force or strain

• Better sleep quality (yes, even from a morning class!)

Emotional Healing You Didn't Know You Needed

• Permission to feel whatever comes up - tears, frustration, or unexpected joy

• A space where your pain is witnessed with compassion, not judgment

• Community with others who understand the weight of chronic discomfort

• Tools for emotional regulation that you can take into your day

Nervous System Reset

• Activation of your body's natural healing response

• Decreased stress hormones and cortisol levels

• Improved mood and mental clarity for the entire day

• Grounding techniques that help you feel present in your body

How We Hold Space for Your Healing

At Nurture, we know that bodies in pain need different things. Bri and Ustina create an environment where:

• Props are abundant (bolsters, blankets, blocks - whatever your body needs)

• Modifications are normalized (lying down instead of sitting, taking breaks, leaving your mat entirely)

• Your pace is honored (if a pose doesn't serve you, you don't do it)

• Silence is sacred (this isn't about chatty morning energy - it's about deep inner listening)

• Tears are welcome (sometimes pain needs to move through us, not around us)

What to Expect in Your First Class

You'll arrive to soft lighting and gentle music. Bri or Ustina will check in with you personally - not to fix or diagnose, but to understand what your body needs today. Poses are held for 3-7 minutes, allowing your fascia and deeper tissues to slowly release patterns of holding. There's no rushing, no pushing, no performing.

Some days you might feel immediate relief. Other days, the benefit might be the simple act of showing up for yourself when everything hurts. Both are perfect.

Who This Class Serves

• Anyone managing chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, arthritis, old injuries)

• Bodies that feel stiff and stuck from desk work or repetitive movement

• Nervous systems that run on high alert

• Hearts carrying the emotional weight of physical discomfort

• Anyone who's been told to "just push through" the pain and is ready for a different way

Your Invitation to Begin Again

Wednesday at 7am isn't just a time slot - it's an appointment with your own healing. It's 75 minutes where your pain gets to be seen, your body gets to be heard, and your spirit gets to remember that you deserve gentle care.

Ready to try? Your first class is on us. Because healing shouldn't have a barrier, and every body deserves to feel what relief can feel like.

Drop-in: $18 | New student special: 3 Class Pass for $30 | Members: Included in all memberships

Come as you are. Your pain, your hope, your hesitation - all are welcome here. Bri and Ustina are waiting to hold space for whatever you bring.

The Gentle Art of Slowing Down: Understanding Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra

Life moves fast. Between juggling work, family, and all the little things that fill our days, it's easy to feel like we're constantly in motion - physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you've been craving a different kind of movement practice, one that invites you to pause rather than push, you might find exactly what you need in yin yoga and yoga nidra.

At Nurture Studios, we've seen how these gentle practices can transform not just how people feel in their bodies, but how they relate to themselves. Let's explore what makes these practices so special and why they might be exactly what your nervous system is asking for.

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin yoga is the art of gentle, sustained stretching. Unlike more active yoga styles where you move from pose to pose, yin invites you to settle into postures and stay typically for 3 to 5 minutes or longer. Most poses are done seated or lying down, often supported by props like bolsters, blocks, and blankets.

The beauty of yin lies in its simplicity. You're not trying to achieve the "perfect" pose or work up a sweat. Instead, you're allowing gravity and time to do the work, gently encouraging your body to open and release in its own way.

Why Your Body (and Mind) Craves Yin

In our always-on world, most of us spend our days in what's called our sympathetic nervous system - the "go, go, go" mode. Yin yoga specifically targets your parasympathetic nervous system, that blessed "rest and digest" state where healing happens.

When you hold a yin pose, you're not just stretching muscles. You're:

• Releasing deep connective tissue that holds tension and stress

• Calming your nervous system through sustained, gentle pressure

• Creating space for emotions and thoughts to surface and process

• Practicing presence in a world that rewards constant motion

It's not uncommon for people to feel emotional during yin practice. This isn't something to worry about - it's often your body's way of releasing what it's been holding onto. At Nurture, we welcome all emotions that arise. Your tears, your sighs, your moments of frustration or peace are all part of the process.

What to Expect in a Yin Class

A yin class at Nurture Studios feels different from the moment you walk in. The lights are dimmed, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. You'll set up your space with plenty of props - this isn't about toughing it out, but about finding your edge with support.

As you settle into each pose, you might notice your mind wanting to fidget or plan your grocery list. That's completely normal. Yin teaches us how to be with whatever arises - restlessness, peace, discomfort, or bliss. There's no wrong way to experience a pose.

Our instructors will offer modifications and remind you that you can adjust or come out of any pose at any time. This isn't a practice about endurance; it's about listening and responding to your body with kindness.

What is Yoga Nidra?

If yin yoga is about gentle movement, yoga nidra is about profound stillness. Often called "yogic sleep," yoga nidra is a guided meditation practice that leads you into a state between waking and sleeping - a place where deep rest and healing can occur.

During yoga nidra, you lie down comfortably (usually with blankets and eye pillows) while a teacher guides you through a systematic relaxation of your entire body and mind. You remain conscious throughout, but your brainwaves shift into the same patterns present during deep sleep.

The Magic of Conscious Rest

In our culture, rest often feels like a luxury we can't afford. Yoga nidra reframes rest as essential medicine. Just 30 minutes of yoga nidra can be as restorative as 2-3 hours of regular sleep.

This practice works on multiple levels:

• Physical: Deep relaxation reduces stress hormones and supports healing

• Mental: The guided journey helps quiet mental chatter and racing thoughts

• Emotional: Creates space to process and release what you've been carrying

What Happens During Yoga Nidra

In a yoga nidra session, you'll be guided through several stages:

Body Awareness: Systematically relaxing each part of your body, from your toes to the crown of your head

Breath Awareness: Gentle attention to your natural breathing rhythm

Feeling and Sensation: Noticing warmth, coolness, heaviness, or lightness in your body

Imagery: Visualization exercises that speak to your subconscious mind

Witnessing: Learning to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them

The beautiful thing about yoga nidra is that you can't do it wrong. Whether you fall asleep, feel restless, or sink into blissful awareness, your nervous system is receiving the benefits.

Why These Practices Matter Now

We live in a time when our nervous systems are often overwhelmed. Between global uncertainty, personal challenges, and the constant stimulation of modern life, many of us are running on empty without even realizing it.

Yin yoga and yoga nidra offer something our culture rarely provides: permission to slow down, to feel whatever needs to be felt, and to trust that rest is productive. These practices teach us that we don't need to earn our worth through constant doing.

Perfect for Every Body

One of the things we love most about yin and yoga nidra is how accessible they are. You don't need to be flexible, strong, or experienced. These practices meet you exactly where you are.

If you're managing chronic pain, dealing with anxiety, navigating a life transition, or simply feeling burnt out, these gentler practices can offer a different entry point into wellness - one that honors your current capacity rather than demanding more than you can give.

Starting Your Journey

If you're curious about yin yoga or yoga nidra, know that the most important thing you can bring is your willingness to show up as you are. These practices aren't about achieving anything external - they're about coming home to yourself.

At Nurture Studios, we hold space for all bodies, all emotions, and all experiences. Whether you're dealing with stress, grief, joy, or simply the everyday weight of being human, you're welcome on the mat.

Your first yin class or yoga nidra session might feel unfamiliar if you're used to more active practices. That's okay. Give yourself permission to explore, to rest, to feel whatever comes up. In a world that profits from your exhaustion, choosing to slow down is a radical act of self-care.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is lie down, breathe deeply, and remember that you're enough - exactly as you are, right now. Yin yoga and yoga nidra can help you remember this truth, one breath and one moment at a time.

Ready to experience the gentle power of yin yoga or yoga nidra? Check our class schedule or reach out with any questions. We can't wait to welcome you into these nourishing practices.

Come As You Are: An Invitation to Fall in Love with Your Practice Again

Sweet friend, can we talk for a moment?

I see you there, scrolling through social media, watching other people's perfectly curated yoga journeys, wondering if you'll ever be "that kind of yogi." I see you looking at your mat in the corner, feeling that familiar tug of longing mixed with resistance. I see you wanting to show up more consistently but not quite knowing how to make it stick without the pressure, without the guilt, without that voice that whispers "you're not doing enough."

What if I told you there was a way to fall back in love with your practice that felt like a warm hug instead of a to-do list? What if showing up could feel like coming home to yourself instead of proving something to the world?

That's exactly what our Fall Bingo is - a love letter to your practice, disguised as a game.

This Isn't About Being Perfect, Darling

Oh honey, I wish you could see your face when you look at that bingo card. Some of you light up with excitement. Others? I can practically feel the anxiety radiating through the screen. "What if I can't do all of this? What if I'm not consistent enough? What if I let everyone down?"

Take a deep breath with me for a second.

This challenge isn't here to judge you. It's here to celebrate you. Every messy, beautiful, perfectly imperfect part of your journey.

Look at those squares again, but this time, imagine I'm sitting next to you, holding your hand, pointing them out with all the tenderness in my heart:

"Come to class when you really didn't feel like it" - Oh sweetheart, this one is for every time you've been your own hero.

"Celebrate any personal milestone in class" - Because your wins, no matter how small they feel to you, are worth celebrating.

"Help clean up after class" - Because sometimes the most healing thing we can do is fold blankets with care and put props away with gratitude.

These aren't tasks, love. They're invitations to notice how already whole you are.

The Days When Everything Feels Hard

Can I share something vulnerable with you? Some of my most transformative practices happened on days when I absolutely did not want to be there. Days when my heart felt heavy, when my body felt tired, when the world felt too much.

There's something almost sacred about showing up when you don't feel like it - not because you should push through pain or ignore your needs, but because you're proving to yourself, over and over again, that you're worth caring for even when (especially when) it's hard.

When you drag yourself to class on one of those days and find yourself in child's pose for half the session, you're not failing. You're succeeding wildly at the most important thing: listening to yourself with love.

That's what "Come to class when you really didn't feel like it" is really asking of you. Not perfection. Not pushing through. Just showing up for yourself with the same tenderness you'd offer a dear friend.

You're Already Enough, Sweet Soul

I need you to hear this: you don't need to earn your place on that mat. You don't need to prove anything to anyone. You belong here exactly as you are, exactly where you are in your journey.

When the bingo card suggests "Practice with an instructor you haven't before," it's not because there's something wrong with staying with the teachers who feel like home to you. It's an invitation - a gentle nudge to discover new ways of being held, new voices that might speak to parts of you that are ready to bloom.

When it asks you to "Bring a friend," it's not because you need to recruit people to justify your practice. It's because sharing something you love with someone you care about is one of the most generous acts in the world. And maybe, just maybe, your friend needs exactly what this practice offers - they just don't know it yet.

Let's Talk About Those Prizes (But Not Really)

Yes, there are beautiful prizes. A free month of unlimited classes? Studio credit? That cozy Halloween celebration? These are all wonderful, and I hope you win them all.

But can I tell you what I really hope you win?

I hope you win the morning when you wake up and your first thought isn't criticism of your body, but gratitude for another day to inhabit it.

I hope you win the moment in warrior II when you realize you've been holding your breath through life, and you consciously choose to breathe again.

I hope you win the quiet confidence that comes from showing up for yourself, again and again, in small and beautiful ways.

I hope you win the recognition that you are already, right now, worthy of care and celebration.

A Gentle Revolution in Disguise

Here's what I've noticed after years of watching people transform through challenges like this: the magic isn't in completing every square or even in getting a bingo. The magic is in the moment you realize you're capable of caring for yourself in ways you'd forgotten were possible.

Maybe it's the first time you attend three classes in one week and notice how different you feel in your body. Maybe it's writing that note of gratitude to an instructor and realizing how much this community means to you. Maybe it's posting that selfie and being genuinely proud instead of critical.

These small acts? They're quietly revolutionary. They're saying "I matter" in a world that often tells us we don't. They're saying "my practice is valuable" when everything else demands productivity over presence.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Sweet one, I want you to know something: the moment you step into this challenge, you're joining a community of people who are all figuring it out together. The person next to you in class might be working on their bingo card too. The instructor whose class you're trying for the first time? They're rooting for you in ways you can't imagine.

When you "Share what you love about Nurture on social media," you're not just checking off a square - you're adding your voice to a chorus of people saying "this place matters, this practice matters, this community is worth celebrating."

When you help clean up after class, you're not just being helpful - you're participating in the beautiful ritual of caring for the space that holds us all.

Start Wherever You Are

Maybe you're reading this and feeling excited. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you're somewhere in between, curious but cautious.

All of that is perfect.

Start with one square. Just one. Maybe it's as simple as attending class during the first week of September. Maybe it's purchasing something with the Nurture logo because you want to carry a little piece of this feeling with you into the world.

There's no wrong place to begin, love. There's only your place, your pace, your perfect timing.

An Invitation Wrapped in Love

As autumn begins to whisper its way into our days, as the world starts to slow down and turn inward, what if you let this season be about coming home to yourself?

What if, instead of another thing to perfect, you let Fall Bingo be a gentle invitation to rediscover what it feels like to show up for yourself with curiosity instead of judgment?

What if you let it remind you that your practice - however it looks, however often it happens, however "good" you think you are at it - is already a beautiful thing?

You are already enough, darling. You are already worthy. You are already home.

This challenge is just here to help you remember.

Come as you are. We'll be here, arms open, ready to celebrate every single way you choose to show up for yourself this fall.

Your mat is waiting. Your community is waiting. Your most compassionate self is waiting.

But mostly? We're just waiting to witness the beautiful unfolding of you being exactly who you are, one gentle square at a time.

Welcome to Fall Bingo, sweet soul. Welcome home. Download the Bingo card Here or stop by the studio to grab your paper copy!

Changing the Conversation: Self-Talk on Your Mat

You know that voice - the one that shows up the moment you step onto your mat. It might whisper things like "You should be able to do this by now" or "Everyone else looks so much more graceful." Maybe it gets louder when you need to rest, when you wobble, or when yesterday's easy pose feels impossible today.

Here's what I want you to know: that inner conversation happening during your practice? It's just as important as any pose you'll ever attempt. And just like your physical practice, it can be cultivated with patience, awareness, and a whole lot of compassion.

The way we speak to ourselves on the mat often reflects how we speak to ourselves everywhere else. So when we practice shifting that inner dialogue during yoga, we're actually training for life.

1. Notice Before You Judge (The Gentle Pause)

The first step isn't to stop the critical thoughts - that's asking too much and often makes them louder. Instead, we're going to practice noticing them before they spiral.

Here's how:

The moment you catch yourself in negative self-talk ("I'm so inflexible," "I'm the worst at balancing," "I shouldn't need to modify"), pause. Don't fight the thought. Don't judge yourself for having it. Just notice it like you'd notice a cloud passing overhead.

Try saying to yourself: "I notice I'm being critical right now." That's it. No fixing, no forcing positivity. Just awareness.

Why this works: When we name what's happening without judgment, we create space between ourselves and the thought. That space is where choice lives. In that pause, you remember: you are not your thoughts, and you get to decide which ones deserve your attention.

On the mat: Maybe you're in warrior three and you wobble. Instead of immediately thinking "I'm terrible at this," try: "I notice I'm being hard on myself about wobbling. Wobbling is just information - my body is finding its balance."

2. Talk to Yourself Like Your Best Friend (The Compassion Flip)

Here's a question that changes everything: If your dearest friend was struggling with the same thing you're struggling with, what would you say to them?

I'm willing to bet it wouldn't be "You should be better at this by now" or "You're so weak." You'd probably offer understanding, encouragement, maybe even remind them that growth takes time.

Here's how:

When you catch yourself being self-critical, pause and ask: "What would I say to a friend in this situation?" Then say exactly that - to yourself.

Replace harsh judgments with curious observations:

• Instead of "I'm so stiff today" → "My body feels different today, and that's okay"

• Instead of "I can't even hold this pose" → "I'm learning what my body needs right now"

• Instead of "Everyone else is better than me" → "Everyone's practice looks different, and that's beautiful"

Why this works: We often have more compassion for others than ourselves. This practice helps us extend that same kindness inward. It's not about lying to yourself or forcing fake positivity - it's about offering yourself the basic respect and understanding you'd give anyone you care about.

On the mat: You're in a flow sequence and you lose your breath, feel uncoordinated. Instead of mental criticism, try: "Hey, it's okay. This is challenging today, and I'm doing my best. That's actually really brave."

3. Reframe the Story (The Empowering Narrative)

Our brains love stories, and we're constantly telling ourselves stories about what things mean. "I fell out of tree pose" becomes "I'm bad at yoga." "I needed to rest in child's pose" becomes "I'm weak."

But here's the beautiful thing about stories - you get to choose which one you tell.

Here's how:

When you notice yourself creating a negative story about your practice, pause and ask: "What else could this mean? What's another way to look at this?"

Some reframes to try:

• "I'm not flexible enough" → "I'm exploring my edge and learning about my body"

• "I had to modify" → "I listened to my body's wisdom and honored what it needed"

• "I couldn't quiet my mind" → "I practiced noticing my thoughts without being controlled by them"

• "I cried during class" → "I created space for my emotions and let them move through me"

Why this works: When we consciously choose empowering narratives, we're not denying reality - we're choosing to focus on the parts of our experience that help us grow. We're training our brains to look for evidence of our strength, wisdom, and courage instead of our perceived shortcomings.

On the mat: You're in pigeon pose and it feels intense emotionally. Instead of "I'm being too sensitive" or "I should be able to handle this," try: "My body is releasing what it's been holding. This discomfort is part of my healing. I'm brave for staying present with this."

The Ripple Effect

Here's the beautiful thing about practicing better self-talk during yoga: it doesn't stay on the mat. When you train yourself to speak with kindness and curiosity to yourself in one area of your life, it starts showing up everywhere.

That critical voice that used to take over during challenging poses? It gets quieter in traffic, at work, in difficult conversations. That compassionate inner friend you're cultivating? They start showing up when you spill coffee on your shirt, when you make a mistake, when life feels hard.

Remember This

Changing your inner dialogue isn't about perfection - it's about practice. Some days you'll catch the critical thoughts early. Other days they'll run the show for a while before you remember you have a choice. Both are completely normal parts of the process.

Your yoga practice is already teaching you so much about strength, flexibility, and balance. Now you can let it teach you about self-compassion too.

The next time you step onto your mat, bring this awareness with you: you are not just practicing poses, you're practicing a way of being with yourself. Make it a kind one.

Your inner conversation matters. You deserve to hear love in your own voice.

Your Movement Journey: Small Steps, Big Shifts

Last week, we talked about that beautiful balance between accepting where you are right now and still moving forward in your practice. You know that feeling when you're holding both self-compassion and the gentle pull toward growth? It's not always easy to navigate, but it's so worth it.

Today, I want to get practical with you. Because while acceptance is the foundation, there are some really tangible ways to nurture growth in your movement journey - ways that honor your body, respect your limits, and still invite you to expand.

Start With Your Breath (Yes, Really)

I know, I know. Everyone talks about breathing. But here's the thing - your breath is the most honest feedback system you have. It tells you when you're pushing too hard, when you're holding back out of fear, and when you've found that sweet spot of challenge and ease.

Try this: In your next class, pay attention to your breathing patterns. When does it get shallow or held? That's information, not judgment. Those moments are showing you where you might be forcing something instead of finding it.

Growth step: Practice staying with your breath even when a pose feels challenging. Not forcing the pose to happen, but breathing through the experience of being in it.

Listen to the Whisper Before It Becomes a Shout

Your body is constantly communicating with you, but most of us have been taught to override those messages. That tight hip? The shoulder that's been talking to you for weeks? These aren't inconveniences - they're invitations to pay attention.

Try this: Before each practice, do a quick body scan. Notice what feels open, what feels tight, what feels tender. Then let that guide how you move that day.

Growth step: Start modifying poses not because you "can't do them," but because you're choosing what serves your body best at this moment. That's actually advanced practice.

Progress Isn't Always Linear (And That's Perfect)

Some days you'll feel strong and open. Other days, child's pose might feel like the most challenging thing you can do. Both are valuable. Both are part of your journey.

Try this: Keep a simple practice journal - not to track "achievement," but to notice patterns. How does your practice change with the seasons? With stress? With life changes?

Growth step: Celebrate the non-physical victories. Did you stay present through a difficult emotion that came up in class? Did you rest when your body asked for it? These are huge wins.

Build Your Movement Vocabulary

Growth often comes from having more options, not just doing the same things harder. When you know multiple ways to express a movement, you can choose what feels right for your body today.

Try this: Next time you're in a pose that doesn't feel quite right, ask yourself: "How else could I find this shape?" Maybe child's pose happens lying on your side. Maybe warrior two happens with a hand on the wall.

Growth step: Explore the space between poses. What happens if you move really slowly from one position to another? What do you discover in those transitions?

Find Your Edge (It's Not Where You Think)

Your edge isn't where you fall over or where you feel pain. Your edge is where you meet something new—maybe it's a sensation, maybe it's resistance, maybe it's surprise. It's where you can breathe and be curious.

Try this: In any pose, back off about 20% from where you think you "should" be. Then explore that space. What do you notice when you're not trying so hard?

Growth step: Practice staying at your edge for several breaths instead of immediately trying to go deeper. Learn what it feels like to be present with challenge rather than pushing through it.

Embrace the Power of "Not Yet"

Instead of "I can't do that," try "I'm not there yet." It's a simple shift, but it changes everything. It acknowledges that growth is possible while removing the pressure of timeline.

Try this: Make a list of poses or movements that feel impossible right now. Then add "yet" to the end of each statement. Notice how that changes your relationship to them.

Growth step: Pick one "not yet" movement and explore what might be needed to work toward it—not obsessively, but curiously. Maybe it's hip flexibility, maybe it's core strength, maybe it's just time.

Create Rituals That Support Growth

Growth happens not just in the big moments, but in the small, consistent choices we make.

Try this: Create a simple ritual before your practice - maybe it's setting an intention, maybe it's taking three deep breaths, maybe it's just placing your hands on your heart and acknowledging yourself for showing up.

Growth step: Extend this mindfulness beyond your mat. How can you bring the awareness you cultivate in movement into your daily life?

Remember: You're Already Whole

Here's the thing about growth in movement - you're not trying to fix yourself or become someone else. You're uncovering what's already there. You're learning to trust your body's wisdom. You're practicing being fully present in your own skin.

Every time you choose to listen instead of push, every time you honor your limits while staying open to possibility, every time you show up exactly as you are - that's growth.

Your movement journey isn't about reaching some perfect destination. It's about deepening your relationship with yourself, one breath at a time.

And that? That's already beautiful.

Want to explore your movement journey in a supportive, non-judgmental space? Join us at Nurture Studios, where every body is welcomed and every step forward is celebrated. Your first class is always on us - because we believe everyone deserves a place to grow at their own pace.

The Beautiful Balance: Accepting Where You Are While Growing Forward

I hear it all the time-that voice that whispers “you're not good enough” when you roll out your yoga mat. The one that compares your warrior pose to the person next to you. The one that apologizes for taking a modification or beating yourself up for falling out of tree pose.

Here's what I've learned in creating Nurture Studios: the fear of not being "good enough" at yoga isn't a problem to solve. It's a doorway to something much more profound.

The Paradox That Changes Everything

We live in a culture that tells us acceptance equals giving up, that if we're okay with where we are, we'll never improve. But research consistently shows the opposite is true. Self-acceptance actually increases our motivation to grow and creates the foundation for lasting progress.

When we stop fighting where we are right now, we create space for curiosity. When we quit berating ourselves for our limitations, we can honestly assess what's possible. When we treat ourselves with the same kindness we'd offer a good friend, we build the psychological safety necessary for sustained learning and growth.

This transformation is real and possible. When we soften our self-criticism, we create space for genuine exploration.  Now, avoiding poses we "can't do," becomes about asking, "What happens if I try this?" The fear doesn't disappear overnight, but it stops controlling our practice.

What "Not Good Enough" Really Means

That voice telling you you're not good enough isn't usually about yoga. It's about safety. For many of us, perfectionism developed as a survival mechanism: if I do everything right, maybe I won't get hurt again. If I work hard enough, maybe I'll finally be worthy of love.

Your body holds these old stories. That tension in your shoulders during warrior poses might be about more than alignment. The way you hold your breath in challenging postures could be connected to times when breathing freely didn't feel safe.

This is why traditional "just try harder" approaches often backfire. We can't shame or push ourselves into self-acceptance. We have to create the conditions where it naturally arises.

How We Practice Differently

At Nurture, we channel our desire to grow towards what actually serves you. Here's how that looks:

We offer choices, not commands. Instead of "Do this pose," you'll hear "You might explore..." Every instruction is an invitation. Your body gets to decide what feels right today.

We celebrate process over outcome. Did you notice when you started holding your breath? That's progress. Did you choose to rest when you needed it? That's yoga. Did you stay present with discomfort without going to war with it? You're mastering the practice.

We normalize struggle. Some days your balance will be off. Some days familiar poses will feel foreign. Some days you might cry. All of this is part of practice, not evidence that you're doing something wrong.

We redefine "good at yoga." Being good at yoga is about showing up as you are, listening to your body's wisdom, and treating yourself with compassion, especially when things feel hard. This redefinition creates space for the kind of consistent practice that leads to real, lasting change.

Your Practice, Your Pace, And Your Progress

I watch students transform their relationship with challenge when they realize growth doesn't have to come through force. You can want to get stronger and still honor your body's limits today. You can have goals and still find peace with where you are right now.

The most sustainable progress happens when we focus on process rather than outcome. Rather than asking "Why can't I do crow pose yet?" we learn to notice: "My arms are getting stronger each week." Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we track our own journey: "I used to need blocks in every pose, and now I sometimes choose them." Replacing the rush toward advanced postures, we appreciate the subtle developments- steadier breathing, less self-judgment, the ability to laugh when we wobble.

This approach accelerates your progress. When you're not spending energy fighting yourself, that energy becomes available for actual learning. When you're not paralyzed by fear of failure, you're free to experiment and discover. When you trust your body's wisdom instead of forcing it into shapes, it responds with surprising capability.

Maybe your goal is to hold crow pose someday. The real victory, though, might be in how you talk to yourself when you fall. Maybe the strength you're building isn't just in your arms, but in your capacity to stay kind to yourself when things feel hard. These internal developments create the foundation for all external progress.

The poses will evolve as they're meant to. Your body will open in its own time and way. But the relationship you build with yourself creates the conditions for growth that lasts.

Starting Where You Are

If the fear of not being good enough has been keeping you away from yoga, or making your practice feel like punishment, I want you to know: you belong here exactly as you are. Not when you're more flexible. Not when you're stronger. Not when you've figured out how to quiet your inner critic.

Right now.

Your practice doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Your growth doesn't have to follow anyone else's timeline. Your yoga is about you learning to come home to yourself, breath by breath, moment by moment.

Growth happens when we honor both our longing to evolve and our need to be accepted as we are today. This balance between striving and accepting, between reaching and resting, creates the conditions where sustainable transformation becomes possible. When we stop seeing self-acceptance and progress as opposites, we discover they're actually partners in the same pose.

Behind the Scenes: Creating a Space That Nurtures

A glimpse into the love, care, and intention that goes into making Nurture Studios feel like home

There's something magical about spaces that feel like they were made just for you. You know the feeling when you walk into a room and your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and something inside you whispers "I'm safe here." That's exactly what we've been working toward at Nurture Studios, one thoughtful detail at a time.

Over the past month, we've been pouring our hearts (and quite a bit of sweat) into creating a space that truly reflects our mission: welcoming every body, honoring every story, and nurturing growth in all its beautiful forms. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and share some of the behind-the-scenes moments that are transforming our studio into an even more healing space.

The Foundation: New Floors That Ground Us

If you've been to the studio recently, you might have noticed something different beneath your feet. After weeks of planning, we finally refinished our floors - and the transformation has been beautiful!

The original flooring had served us well, but it needed some tender loving care. What you see now maintains its original charm while embodying a rich, warm finish that creates a gentle glow throughout the space.

Luke spent countless hours methodically sanding every inch of our floors. This was detailed, patient work that most people would hire out, but Luke insisted on doing it himself. "I want to know that every board has been cared for," he told me one evening as I found him still working, filling in gaps and smoothing rough spots with the kind of attention you'd give to something truly precious.

Halfway through sanding the floor.

Then Bri stepped in to handle the staining and polyurethane. She'd arrive early (or stay late!), applying each coat with careful precision, then waiting patiently for every layer to cure properly before adding the next.

Smoother and shinier!

The result creates a softer surface underfoot and a warmer atmosphere that feels genuinely nurturing. What I love most is seeing how the refinished floors have already shifted the energy in our classes. Students seem to settle in more easily, and there's something about that smooth, warm surface that helps even nervous newcomers feel welcome to take their place.

Sometimes the foundation really does make all the difference.

Outdoor Work: Tending Our Garden

With the floors beautifully finished, Bri, Luke, and some dedicated Nurture members turned their attention to our outdoor gated garden.

While Bri and Luke take turns mowing and weeding to maintain a beautiful outdoor ambiance, our community has stepped in to help make it truly special. One member donated native plants and helped plant them alongside petunias that another person contributed. It's these moments of shared care that remind us how community grows organically - just like the garden itself.

Photo by Adrienne Cooley Photography

A Tree of Life: Choosing Our Stained Glass Window

This has been one of our favorite projects to work on! We've been planning to add a stained glass window to the studio: something that would catch the light beautifully and add another layer of meaning to our space. Choosing the right design took time, but we found exactly what we were looking for thanks to Kim, the stained glass artist.

Kim came to our studio with glass samples and sketches to show us what she had in mind, and to take measurements for the space. When she showed us her tree of life design in beautiful blues and greens, with branches that seemed to dance even on paper, we knew immediately it was perfect.

Kim showing us her sketches and some glass samples.

"That's it," we both said at exactly the same time.

The tree of life felt like a perfect fit for what happens at Nurture Studios. Every person who walks through our doors is on their own growth journey - sometimes putting down roots, sometimes reaching toward new possibilities, sometimes weathering storms, and sometimes simply learning to trust in their own strength.

The blues and greens harmonize with the calming energy we cultivate here, while the intricate branches speak to the complexity of every person's healing journey. After we approved the design, Kim and Bri went together to a local glass shop to select the actual pieces. Now Kim is creating her masterpiece in her workshop, and we're planning for installation later this 2025! We will be holding an art reception to debut the installation and so you can meet the artist! Be on the lookout for an event later this year.

The sketch and the glass we picked! :)

The Heart Behind the Changes

As I share these updates, I keep thinking about why these details matter so much to us. It would be easy to say "it's just a floor" or "it's just landscaping," but that wouldn't be true. Every choice we make about this space comes back to one central question: How can we create an environment where every person feels seen, safe, and supported?

The refinished floors are more beautiful and they're softer for bodies that need extra cushioning. The outdoor garden is about creating a welcoming first impression for someone who might be nervous about trying yoga for the first time. The stained glass window is a decoration and a daily reminder that growth is both an art and a natural process.

You're Part of This Story Too

As we continue to nurture our physical space, I'm reminded that the most important element of Nurture Studios will always be the people who fill it. Every laugh shared after Puppy Yoga, every tear shed in a gentle flow class, every conversation before or after class: that's what truly makes this space special.

Nurture is a space for movement in all its forms, whether that's flowing through a yoga sequence, celebrating life's precious moments through event rentals, or capturing beautiful memories with photography sessions. We've designed this space to hold whatever brings you joy and connection.

The behind-the-scenes work matters because it creates the container, but you - our students, our community, our extended family - you're what makes it sacred.

So the next time you're here, take a moment to notice the details. Feel the warmth of the floor beneath your feet. Take a walk in the outdoor garden. and when that stained glass window is installed, let yourself be reminded that you're part of something bigger - a community that believes in gentle growth, inclusive healing, and the radical act of caring for one another.

Ready to experience our refreshed space for yourself? Come as you are and sign up for the class that resonates with you!

Your Body Is Not Your Project: A Gentle Path to Body Liberation

Take a breath. Let your shoulders drop. Notice how your body is holding you right now—not how it should be, not how it could be, but exactly as it is in this moment.

What if you didn't have to earn your worth through your body?

In a world that profits from our dissatisfaction, body liberation feels like a radical act. But here's what I want you to know: your body is not a before photo waiting for an after. It's not a problem to be solved or a project to be perfected. Your body is your home and it's been carrying you through this life with more grace than you probably give it credit for.

Body liberation isn't about loving every inch of yourself every day (though if you do, that's beautiful too). It's about freeing yourself from the exhausting work of constantly measuring your worth against impossible standards. It's about coming home to yourself, exactly as you are, right now - not as a place to stay forever, but as a foundation from which to grow.

The difference between body positivity and body liberation

Body positivity asks us to love our bodies. Body liberation asks us something different: what if your relationship with your body could be grounded in partnership rather than judgment? What if your body could be your ally in creating the life you want?

While body positivity encourages us to find our bodies beautiful, body liberation invites us to start from a place of acceptance and from that grounded place, anything becomes possible. It's the difference between trying to convince yourself you look good in the mirror and walking past the mirror with quiet confidence in who you are.

This doesn't mean we can't appreciate our bodies or feel beautiful - it means our sense of self becomes stable enough to support real growth. When you're not constantly defending against criticism (internal or external), you have energy for the changes that actually matter to you.

Your body knows things your mind has forgotten

Your body holds wisdom that goes far beyond what it looks like. It knows when you need rest, when you need movement, when you need nourishment, when you need comfort. It has carried you through heartbreak and joy, through seasons of growth and seasons of rest.

When we're constantly at war with our bodies - judging, restricting, pushing, criticizing - we lose access to this innate wisdom. Body liberation is about rebuilding that trust, that partnership between your mind and your body.

What body liberation looks like in practice

Body liberation isn't a destination you arrive at - it's a practice, a gentle returning to yourself again and again. Here's what it might look like:

Moving for joy and growth. Exercise becomes about how movement feels and what your body is capable of becoming, not what it fixes or punishes. Some days that might be a vigorous walk that challenges you, other days it might be gentle stretching that restores you. Your body gets to guide the conversation about what it needs to flourish.

Eating for nourishment and growth. Food becomes fuel for the life you want to live and the person you're becoming. You trust your body to guide you toward what it needs to thrive, whether that's comfort, energy, or pure enjoyment.

Resting to restore and recharge. You understand that rest is how you build capacity for growth, that your worth isn't tied to your output, that being human means cycling between effort and renewal.

Speaking to yourself with the kindness that creates change. The voice in your head becomes a wise coach, offering both acceptance and encouragement. When negative thoughts arise (and they will), you notice them with curiosity rather than judgment, and redirect toward what's actually supportive.

The ripple effects of body liberation

When you free yourself from body shame, something beautiful happens. You have more energy for growth that actually serves you. You show up more fully in relationships. You take up space with confidence. You stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable. And from this place of groundedness, you can pursue changes that come from love rather than shame.

And perhaps most importantly, you model for others - your children, your friends, your community - what it looks like to exist peacefully in a human body. You become part of the change you want to see in the world.

Body liberation is a community practice

Here's something the wellness industry often gets wrong: body liberation isn't something you achieve in isolation. It's not about getting your individual mindset right and then you're done. We're all swimming in the same cultural waters that tell us our bodies are wrong, too much, not enough.

Body liberation happens in community, in spaces where different bodies are celebrated, where modifications are offered freely, where you can take up space exactly as you are. It happens when we see other people loving their bodies well and remember that we deserve that same kindness.

Small steps toward freedom

If body liberation feels overwhelming, start small. Start with one area where you can offer yourself more gentleness:

• Notice when you're holding your breath or tensing your shoulders, and consciously soften

• Speak to your body the way you would speak to a beloved friend

• Move in ways that feel good rather than ways that feel punishing

• Practice saying "my body is worthy of care" until you believe it

Your invitation to freedom

Body liberation isn't about being perfect at loving your body - t's about creating a foundation of acceptance that makes real growth possible. It's about remembering that you are so much more than your physical form, while also honoring that your body is the sacred vessel that carries you toward who you're becoming.

You don't have to earn your place on this earth through your appearance. You don't have to shrink yourself to be acceptable. You don't have to fix yourself to be worthy of love, success, or joy.

Your body - exactly as it is right now - is enough. You are enough. You have always been enough.

What would change in your life if you truly believed that?

At Nurture Studios, we believe every body deserves to be honored and celebrated. Our trauma-informed, inclusive yoga classes welcome you exactly as you are - no experience necessary, no judgment allowed. Because the most radical thing you can do in this world is show up as yourself, completely and unapologetically. Book a class here.

Yoga is for Every Body (Yes, Even Yours)

Let me start with something I hear almost weekly: "I can't do yoga because I'm not flexible enough." And every time, my heart breaks a little. Because here's the thing – saying you can't do yoga because you're not flexible is like saying you can't take a shower because you're not clean yet.

The beautiful truth is that yoga isn't about what your body can do. It's about being present with the body you have, right now, exactly as it is.

The Myth of the "Yoga Body"

Somewhere along the way, yoga got tangled up with images of impossibly bendy people in expensive leggings, twisted into pretzel-like poses on mountaintops. But that's not yoga – that's marketing. Real yoga is the woman in our Thursday morning class who modifies every pose and leaves feeling more grounded than she has all week. It's the dad who can barely touch his knees but shows up anyway because these twenty minutes are his sanctuary. It's the person managing chronic pain who finds relief in gentle movement and breath.

Your body – with its limitations, its history, its scars and stories – is exactly the right body for yoga.

What "Every Body" Really Means

When we say yoga is for every body, we mean it literally:

Bodies that hurt. Yoga can be gentle medicine for chronic pain, offering modified movements that work with your limitations, not against them.

Bodies that are tired. Sometimes the most powerful yoga practice is lying still and breathing. Rest is not the absence of practice – it is practice.

Bodies that are different. Whether you're neurodiverse, managing disability, or simply built differently than the person next to you, yoga adapts to you. You don't adapt to yoga.

Bodies that are new to movement. Never done yoga before? Perfect. We love beginners because they haven't learned what they "should" be able to do yet.

Bodies that are aging. Your fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond can be some of your most powerful yoga years. Wisdom in the body is a beautiful thing.

Bodies that are recovering. From surgery, from trauma, from life. Yoga meets you wherever you are in your healing journey.

The Real Purpose of Props (Hint: They're Not Cheating)

Here's something revolutionary: using props isn't modifying yoga – it's doing yoga intelligently. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets aren't training wheels you graduate from. They're tools that help you find the shape that serves your body best.

Can't touch your toes? Put a block under your hands and bring the ground closer to you. Sitting cross-legged uncomfortable? Sit on a cushion or in a chair. Shoulder pain in certain poses? Skip them entirely or find a variation that feels good.

Every time you choose what feels right for your body over what looks "right," you're practicing the deepest lesson yoga has to teach: self-compassion.

Your Practice, Your Rules

In our classes, you might see someone take a child's pose in the middle of a flow. You might see someone swap out a challenging pose for something gentler. You might see someone crying, laughing, or simply breathing deeply. All of this is yoga.

Here's your permission slip: You can modify any pose. You can rest whenever you need to. You can skip poses that don't serve you. You can focus on breath instead of movement. You can close your eyes, open them, or stare at the ceiling. You can be exactly who you are, feeling exactly what you're feeling.

The only wrong way to do yoga is to force your body into shapes that cause pain or to judge yourself for honoring your limitations.

What Really Happens on the Mat

When you strip away the Instagram poses and the flexibility circus acts, yoga becomes something much more powerful: a practice of coming home to yourself.

It's noticing your breath when life feels chaotic. It's finding strength you didn't know you had – not in your muscles, but in your ability to show up for yourself. It's learning that rest is productive, that listening to your body is wisdom, and that being gentle with yourself isn't weakness.

Some days your practice will look like flowing through poses. Other days it will look like lying still and remembering how to breathe. Both are exactly what you need.

The Invitation

Your body has carried you through every moment of your life. It's weathered storms, celebrated joys, and kept going even when things felt impossible. That body – your body – deserves a practice that honors it, not one that demands it be different.

So here's what I want you to know: you don't need to be more flexible, stronger, calmer, or different in any way to start yoga. You just need to be willing to show up as you are.

Because yoga isn't about becoming someone else. It's about remembering who you've always been underneath all the noise – worthy, whole, and enough, exactly as you are.

Your mat is waiting. Your body is ready. And we're here to remind you that you belong, just as you are.

Ready to experience yoga that truly meets you where you are? Join us at Nurture Studios for classes designed around bodies, not the other way around.

Two Years of Growth: Celebrating Nurture's Journey

Yesterday marked a milestone that fills our hearts with incredible joy and gratitude. Two years ago, we opened the doors of Nurture with a simple vision: to create a space where community, wellness, and personal growth could flourish together. Yesterday, Friday, July 11th, we celebrated this journey with yoga classes all day, and what a beautiful celebration it was.

A Day of Connection and Discovery

Our anniversary celebration was everything we hoped it would be and more. Throughout the day, we opened our doors wide, inviting everyone to drop in and sample classes at whatever time worked best for them. Whether someone could squeeze in a quick 30-minute session between errands or had the afternoon free to try multiple classes, they could experience the diverse range of offerings that make Nurture special. From gentle restorative flows to energizing vinyasa sessions, each class was an invitation to experience the beauty of yoga on their own schedule.

The energy in the studio was a beautiful mixture of calm and excitement. Some members tried new classes they hadn't before and loved them! Others were new to the studio entirely and left with smiles on their faces, already planning their return.

Reflecting on Our Journey

As we look back on these two years, we're amazed by how much we've grown together. We've weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and continuously evolved to better serve our community. We've seen students develop not just their physical practice, but their inner strength, their capacity for self-compassion, and their ability to show up authentically in the world.

The diversity of our offerings has expanded organically, shaped by the needs and interests of our community. We've added more classes, special events, and workshops. Each addition has been a response to the beautiful, complex needs of the humans who call Nurture home.

A Celebration of Every Journey

Friday's celebration reminded us that every person who steps onto their mat is on a unique journey. Some come seeking physical strength and flexibility. Others arrive hoping to find peace in the midst of life's storms. Many discover that yoga offers something they didn't even know they were looking for – a sense of belonging, a tool for self-discovery, or simply a sacred hour in their week where they can just be.

Watching our community come together, we were reminded that this is exactly what we set out to create: a nurturing environment where every person can explore their own path to wellness, supported by a community that truly cares.

Looking Forward with Gratitude

As we step into our third year, our hearts are full of gratitude and anticipation for the next chapter. Gratitude for our incredible teachers who pour their hearts into every class. Gratitude for our students who trust us with their practice and their stories. Gratitude for the opportunity to be part of so many meaningful journeys.

We're excited about what the future holds. We have dreams of expanding our offerings, deepening our community connections, and continuing to evolve as a space that truly serves the needs of every person who walks through our doors. In fact, we're currently in contract with an incredible human who will help us install safe supports for aerial yoga! We're also planning new workshops, special events, and perhaps even some surprises that we can't wait to share.

But most of all, we're grateful for the opportunity to continue growing together. Every class, every conversation, every moment of connection is a reminder of why we do this work. We are not only teaching yoga poses, we are creating a space of self-discovery, belonging, and connection to others.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Whether you've been with us from day one or joined us just yesterday, you are the heart of what makes Nurture special. Here's to many more years of growth, connection, and discovery together.

With deep gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,
The Nurture Team

Ready to be part of our growing community? Join us on the mat – your journey of self-discovery is waiting.

5 Ways to Find Joy in Your Yoga Practice

There's something magical that happens when we stop treating our bodies like problems to solve and start treating them like friends to celebrate. If you've ever felt like yoga was one more thing you had to be "good at," this one's for you.

At Nurture Studios, we've watched hundreds of people discover that the most profound transformations happen not when we push harder, but when we soften into joy. Here are five simple ways to invite more lightness and play into your practice – because honestly, life's too short for serious yoga.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Laugh (Yes, Really)

Last week, our instructor Bri was guiding the class through tree pose when she started wobbling. Instead of trying to hide it or power through, she looked at the class with a grin and said, "Well, I guess we're all doing the wobble today!" The entire room erupted in laughter as everyone embraced their own unsteady moments.

What happened next was magic. When Bri gave everyone permission to wobble – to be imperfect, to be human – the whole energy of the room shifted. Students stopped gripping so tightly, stopped holding their breath, stopped trying to look like the "perfect" yoga student. And you know what? Everyone's balance actually improved when they stopped fighting their natural sway.

Try this: Next time you wobble or fall, smile instead of sighing. Remember that even your instructor wobbles sometimes, and that's exactly what makes this practice beautiful. Notice how much lighter everything feels when you're not carrying the weight of perfection.

Your yoga practice doesn't need to look like anyone else's. It just needs to feel good to you.

2. Make Friends with Your Props (They're Not Admitting Defeat)

Blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters – these aren't stepping stones to somewhere else. They're tools that help you find your own unique expression of each pose, today and always.

I love watching new students discover that using a block in triangle pose doesn't mean they're "not flexible enough." It means they're wise enough to meet their body where it is today. There's something beautiful about honoring what you need in this moment, rather than forcing what you think you should be able to do.

Some of our most experienced students have been using the same props for years – not because they haven't "progressed," but because they've learned that comfort and support enhance their practice in ways that struggling never could.

Try this: Next class, grab a prop before you "need" it. Use a block in a pose that feels comfortable without one. Notice how it changes your experience – often, it creates more space to breathe and feel rather than strain and struggle.

Props aren't crutches; they're invitations to explore.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins (They're Actually the Big Ones)

Maybe you touched your toes for the first time. Maybe you held downward dog for an extra breath. Maybe you simply showed up on a day when everything felt hard.

These moments matter more than you know.

In our gentle yoga classes, we've learned that the victories worth celebrating are often the quiet ones: the first time someone feels safe enough to rest in child's pose without guilt, or the moment someone realizes they can breathe deeply again.

Try this: At the end of each practice, take a moment to acknowledge one thing that felt good – no matter how small. Did you feel strong in warrior? Did you breathe a little deeper? Did you simply stay present? That's worth celebrating.

4. Modify with Confidence (Your Body Knows Best)

There's this myth floating around that modifications are lesser-than versions of "real" poses. Let me tell you something: adapting a pose to serve your body is actually the most advanced yoga skill there is.

When you rest your knee down in low lunge because your hip flexors are asking for gentleness, you're not doing it wrong – you're doing it wisely. When you skip a vinyasa because your shoulders need a moment, you're not giving up – you're listening.

Try this: Ask yourself "What would feel good right now?" instead of "What should I be doing?" Trust the answer you get, even if it's different from everyone else in the room.

Your body is the expert on you.

5. Remember: It's Called a Practice, Not a Performance

Here's the thing about practice – it's meant to be exploratory, not perfect. Every time you step onto your mat, you're conducting a gentle experiment: How do I feel today? What does my body need? How can I move in a way that feels nourishing?

Some days you'll feel strong and steady. Other days you'll feel wobbly and soft. Both are exactly right.

At Nurture, we've created a space where you can explore without pressure, where your practice can look different every single day, and where the only goal is to feel a little more connected to yourself when you leave than when you arrived.

Try this: Release any expectations before you begin. Instead of thinking "I hope I can do X pose today," try "I wonder what my body wants to explore today." See how this shift changes everything.

Finding Your Joyful Practice

The truth is, joyful yoga isn't about being bendy or strong or serene all the time. It's about showing up with curiosity instead of criticism. It's about treating your body like a beloved friend rather than a project to fix.

Whether you're brand new to yoga or you've been practicing for years, there's always room to rediscover play, to find softness, to let go of what you think yoga "should" look like and embrace what feels good to you.

Because at the end of the day, the best yoga practice isn't the one that looks perfect from the outside – it's the one that leaves you feeling more like yourself.

Ready to discover what joyful movement feels like? Join us for a class this week. Come exactly as you are – we can't wait to welcome you home to yourself.

Find our class schedule and book your spot at [website]. New to Nurture? Your first class is always free because we believe everyone deserves to experience yoga that feels like a warm hug.

Nurture Studios offers gentle, inclusive yoga in Dimondale, MI. Our trauma-informed classes welcome all bodies and experience levels. Learn more about our beginner-friendly approach to joyful yoga practice.

Holding Space for All Feelings This Holiday

Today, as fireworks echo across neighborhoods and social media fills with celebration, I find myself sitting with a different energy. Not anger, not judgment of those who are celebrating, but a quiet awareness that holidays can hold complex emotions for many of us.

At Nurture, we've always believed in meeting people exactly where they are. That means honoring the full spectrum of human experience - the joy and the grief, the hope and the heartbreak, the celebration and the contemplation.

When Celebration Feels Complicated

Maybe you're someone who typically loves the 4th of July - the barbecues, the sparklers, the sense of community. But this year feels different. Your feelings might be tangled up in disappointment, concern, or simply a need for quiet reflection instead of loud celebration.

Maybe you're feeling disconnected from traditional expressions of patriotism while still deeply loving the people and places that make up your community.

Maybe you're holding space for those who are struggling right now, and celebration feels too far from where your heart is.

Or maybe you're celebrating wholeheartedly, and that's exactly right for you.

All of these experiences are valid. All of these feelings deserve space.

The Practice of Holding Multiple Truths

In yoga, we learn that we can hold seemingly contradictory things at the same time. We can love deeply and feel disappointed. We can hope for better while grieving what is. We can care about our community while questioning systems. We can choose quiet reflection over loud celebration without it meaning we don't care.

This is what we practice on our mats - the ability to sit with discomfort, to breathe through complexity, to honor what's true for us in this moment without needing to fix or change or explain it away.

A Different Kind of Gathering

Instead of traditional celebration today, I'm drawn to something quieter. A recognition that true patriotism might look like caring deeply about all people in our communities. That loving your country might mean working toward the values you believe it could embody.

At Nurture, we've always been about radical inclusion - creating space where neurodivergent folks feel safe, where bodies of all abilities are honored, where emotional expression is welcomed, where you can show up exactly as you are without needing to perform or pretend.

This feels like the most American thing we can do - creating beloved community where everyone belongs.

Moving Forward Together

If you're struggling with complicated feelings today, you're not alone. If you're celebrating and that feels right for you, that's beautiful too. If you're somewhere in between, welcome to the human experience.

What I know for sure is this: we need spaces where we can feel everything we're feeling without judgment. We need communities that hold us through the hard seasons and celebrate with us in the joyful ones. We need practices that help us stay grounded when the world feels chaotic.

This is what we're building at Nurture - not just a yoga studio, but a sanctuary. A place where your full humanity is not only accepted but celebrated. Where we practice loving ourselves and each other exactly as we are, while also believing we can grow into who we're meant to become.

An Invitation

Whether you're celebrating today or contemplating, whether you're gathering with others or seeking solitude, whether you're feeling hopeful or heavy-hearted - you have a place here.

Come as you are. Feel what you feel. Breathe through it all.

And when you're ready, let's practice together the kind of community we want to see in the world - one breath, one moment of radical acceptance, one genuine connection at a time.

If you're looking for community or a gentle place to land, we're here. Check our class schedule or simply reach out - sometimes we all need reminding that we're not alone in what we're feeling.

Your First Yoga Class: What to Actually Expect

If you're thinking about trying yoga for the first time, your mind might be racing with questions. Will I be able to keep up? What if I can't touch my toes? Will everyone be staring at me?

Here's the truth: those worries are completely natural, and they're exactly why we need to talk about what your first yoga class will actually be like - not the Instagram version, but the real, messy, beautiful version where you might wobble and that's perfectly okay.

Walking Through Those Doors

The hardest part is just showing up. When you walk into Nurture Studios, you'll find a warm space that feels more like someone's living room than a gym. Picture an 1890s building with soft lighting, natural wood floors accompanied with indoor plants, and an invitation to unroll your mat and just be.

We'll ask how you're feeling today - and we genuinely want to know. It's our way of making sure the class meets you exactly where you are.

"Walking in that first day, not having done yoga for many years, I was nervous. But within moments, I felt very welcomed, heard, and received lots of extra guidance. It feels like coming into a home rather than a business." -Current Nurture Member

What You'll Actually Need (Spoiler: Not Much)

Come in whatever makes you comfortable - sweats, old t-shirts, leggings with holes. We love when people show up in their most comfortable clothes because it means they're prioritizing feeling good over looking a certain way.

You don't need your own mat or any special equipment. We have everything you need. Using props isn't a sign that you're "not good at yoga" - it's a sign that you're smart about taking care of your body.

The Class Itself: Permission to Be Human

Here's what might surprise you: there's no perfect way to do yoga. Each of us is unique in our own ways, including our bodies - and that is a beautiful thing. When the instructor demonstrates a pose, they're offering you a starting point, not demanding that you replicate it exactly. Maybe your forward fold looks more like a gentle bow. Maybe you need to sit down and breathe while everyone else is flowing.

All of that is not just okay - it's beautiful. It's you listening to your body and honoring what it needs.

"I was not sure how well I would be able to do poses because of my knees, but I was so grateful for options. At no point did I feel like I was not doing what I needed. Bri always says to us, 'this is your practice.’” -Penny, Current Nurture Member

You might feel emotional during class. Sometimes when we slow down and really breathe, feelings surface. If tears come, that's your body releasing what it needs to release. If you need to return to a comfortably seated position or lie down in child's pose for the rest of class, that's your choice to make.

The Things No One Tells You

Your mind will probably wander. You might find yourself thinking about your grocery list during meditation. This doesn't mean you're doing it wrong - it means you're human.

You might not feel instantly zen. Some people leave feeling amazing; others feel emotionally raw or physically tired. Both experiences are completely normal. Yoga isn't always about feeling blissful - sometimes it's about feeling real.

What Your Body Might Experience

You might be a little sore the next day, but it shouldn't be painful. You might feel surprisingly tired after class - moving your body in new ways and focusing on your breath can be more work than you expect.

You might also notice things you weren't aware of before. Maybe you realize how much tension you carry in your shoulders, or how rarely you take deep breaths. These aren't problems to fix; they're just information.

The Community Piece

One of the most beautiful parts of yoga class is realizing you're not alone in being human. The person next to you might be wobbling in tree pose. Someone behind you might be taking a comfortably seated break.

There's something powerful about sharing space with other people who are all just trying to take care of themselves. You don't have to talk to anyone if you're not ready, but you'll find that people are kind and much more focused on their own practice than on watching yours.

"From the very first class to now a year and a half later, I have never felt unwelcome or out of place. It is such a nurturing and welcoming space with nurturing and welcoming people. It took one class for me to be hooked.” - Jodi, Current Nurture Member

After Class: The Real Magic

When class ends, you might feel different than when you walked in. Maybe calmer, maybe more aware of your body, maybe just glad you showed up for yourself.

You might leave with more questions than answers, and that's perfect. Yoga isn't about getting anywhere specific; it's about spending time with yourself exactly as you are right now.

Your Invitation

If you've been thinking about trying yoga but haven't quite worked up the courage, consider this your gentle nudge. Your first class doesn't have to be perfect, and neither do you. You just need to be willing to show up and see what happens.

At Nurture Studios, we've created space for exactly this kind of beginning - messy, uncertain, and completely beautiful. Your first class is waiting for you, and we can't wait to meet you exactly where you are.

Ready to take that first step? Your first class at Nurture Studios is on us. No commitment, no pressure - just a chance to see what all the (gentle) fuss is about. Because everyone deserves a place where they can come as they are. Redeem your free class here.

The Gift of Not Knowing: Why Your Past Self Did the Best They Could

Last night, I found myself with a rare moment of quiet - no emails demanding attention, no one needing my care or guidance, no deadlines looming, no endless task list running through my mind. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or busy professional (or all three), you know how precious these uninterrupted moments are. In that stillness, I began reflecting on different aspects of my life: my work, my relationships, my personal growth, and the constant juggling act of tending to others while managing professional responsibilities.

In the quiet of that moment, a familiar thought crept in, one that visits me more often than I'd like to admit: "If only I knew then what I know now." It's that persistent voice that whispers about all the ways I could have handled that stressful project better, responded to caregiving challenges with more patience, or navigated difficult career transitions with greater wisdom.

But then something shifted. I realized this thought pattern, which I'd always accepted as normal self-reflection, was actually harmful.

The Myth of Perfect Hindsight

Introspection is a gift if used wisely. When we examine our past experiences with curiosity and compassion, we can extract valuable lessons that guide future decisions. But there's a dark side to looking backward - the trap of believing we could have or should have known better. This form of reflection assumes that our past selves had access to the same knowledge, emotional maturity, and life experience we possess today. It's like expecting a first-grader to solve calculus problems simply because they'll understand calculus if they go to college one day.

Here's what that critical inner voice conveniently forgets: growth requires making mistakes. Learning demands trial and error. Resilience is built through weathering storms, not avoiding them. Even if we had read every professional development book before starting our first job, or absorbed every piece of caregiving advice before taking on that responsibility, we would still need hands-on experience to truly understand. Knowledge becomes wisdom only when it's tested in the real world, shaped by our unique circumstances, and refined through our personal journey.

When Too Much Knowledge Becomes Paralysis

Here's the paradox we rarely talk about: sometimes seeking too much knowledge actually makes things worse. I have fallen into this before, when at first my intention of trying to learn and be a better (insert all the hats I wear, such as caregiver, professional, the list goes on!) For me, it could be asking a question with a social media post, and 100 comments later, there’s conflicting advice that leaves me more confused than when I first started. My mind is swirling with more indecision than before. Talk about Information overwhelm!? 

The quest for certainty can rob us of the confidence to trust ourselves. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step away from the books, stop polling our friends, and listen to what our own experience is telling us.

The Courage to Try Despite Fear

Fear of failure keeps so many of us from trying new things, taking risks, or stepping into growth opportunities. We become paralyzed by the possibility of making mistakes, forgetting that mistakes are not evidence of inadequacy - they're proof that we're learning.

You are more capable than you think. That voice telling you you're not ready, not experienced enough, not wise enough? It's lying. You have an inner wisdom that deserves your trust, even when - especially when - you're navigating uncharted territory.

Reconnecting with Your Inner Wisdom

As busy professionals, parents, and caregivers, we often live so much in our heads - analyzing, planning, worrying- that we lose connection with our bodies and intuitive wisdom. When caught in cycles of overthinking, our nervous system stays activated, making it harder to access that quiet inner voice. This is where gentle movement practices like restorative or slow flow yoga become invaluable - not for perfect poses, but for creating space to breathe and reconnect with yourself. Consider taking a class this week and notice how moving mindfully mirrors the self-compassion we're cultivating in our thoughts.

You're Doing Better Than You Think

As you move through your days - working, caregiving, creating, building relationships, pursuing goals, navigating challenges - remember that you don't need to have it all figured out. Stay open to feedback from people you trust and respect, but don't feel obligated to seek everyone's opinion. Sometimes the best book to read is the one written by your own experience.

Listen to your intuition, even when it whispers instead of shouts. Trust that you can handle whatever comes your way, even if you don't have a manual for it.

You are so loved, and you are doing a better job than you're giving yourself credit for. The person you were yesterday brought you to who you are today. Honor that journey, embrace the learning, and trust yourself to keep growing.

After all, the gift of not knowing everything is that it leaves room for discovery, growth, and the beautiful messiness of being human.