December 28, 2023

2023 Recap, The Kula Collective, + New Rate Info

2023 was one for the books! Let's review a few of the highlights...

YEAR IN REVIEW
As a community of students and teachers, we raised money for such impactful organizations as The Last Prisoner Project, The Center for Human Rights in Iran, The Diatribe, and Y12SR, and even sponsored the Grand Rapids American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk. 

Kula's teacher training program graduated 15 brand new instructors and sent them off into the world to share all the yoga. For the first time, we offered 2 in-house teacher trainings to the Kula crew--Yoga Nidra and Yin + Restorative. We also hosted a weekend-long Buti Yoga training in May!

Early in the year, Kula teachers took some time away to bond and recharge. We ventured off on a lovely team retreat and spent time together at an incredible home in Hocking Hills, Ohio. By the end of the year, our team grew to 18 talented and passionate instructors. I cannot WAIT for the first team overnight of 2024. I love and respect the Kula teaching team so much.

We retreated with students, too! Our friends at Sun Creek Farm had our crew back for three nights of camping under the stars. From Frisbee games to campfire sing-a-longs, the whole weekend ‘twas magical.

Students enjoyed everything from cannabis-friendly flows to pelvic health workshops to intentional traditional tea service. Our workshop and event offerings continue to expand. 

THE KULA COLLECTIVE GR
Our newest studio, Kula Leonard, opened to everyone in June. Leonard is gorgeous and tranquil and feels like the perfect extension of Wealthy.  I'm looking forward to seeing the evolution of the studio itself, as well as the development of our space upstairs at 744 Leonard St NW--The Kula Collective GR!

The Kula Collective will be an intimate, home-like gathering spot for us all to spend time together. Think Kula potlucks, movie nights, childcare, teacher training, discussion-based workshops, food-focused offerings, “I-want-to-hang-with-my-people” pit stops, and whatever else we come up with. There will be rooms for wellness providers and practitioners to use, and a rooftop deck for everyone to mellow out on. It’ll be such a sweet and special spot.

NEW RATES
Through all of the growth and challenges over the years, Kula Yoga has continued to be the space for high-quality, affordable yoga instruction in Grand Rapids. 

With evolution and expansion comes the need to adjust and adapt. We have never raised our prices in the almost eight years we've been open, and the time has come to account for inflation, cost of current spaces, and future plans. 

Note that, even with a very modest price increase, we're still the most affordable option in and around Grand Rapids for in-studio, boutique-style, group yoga instruction. I'm very proud of that fact, and I keep it at the forefront of my mind when shifting things at the studio. 

Check out the table below. The first column shows our updated rates, starting January 5, 2024. The second column shows the average cost for the very same offering at other Grand Rapids studios. We used the publicly-posted prices from five studios within ten miles of both Kula locations.

You are free to do the math on your own after spending some time on other studios’ pricing pages—I’m confident in the accuracy of the data provided above. Perhaps, after seeing the numbers, you'll feel even better about where you choose to practice. At the very least, you'll be informed on how Kula does indeed make yoga and wellness more accessible to the community in which we all spend our days. 

Current month-to-month members, we adore you. Monthly members are grandfathered in with their 2023 rates for as long as they remain members. 

When your 10-class pack, single month, or yearly membership runs out and the time comes to re-up, I hope you can feel really good about where you're spending your money. 

THANK YOU
This woman-owned, community-focused small business is and has always been driven by its mission -- to provide the Grand Rapids community with thoughtful, intentional, and accessible mind-body-and-spirit nourishing yoga.

I'm all in on Kula Yoga, and I appreciate each individual who makes our community the incredible place that it is. Thank you. 

Happy New Year, friends.
Megan

Improvements and Updates

Thanks for being here and spending some time learning about changes that are on the horizon in March. These tweaks will benefit you as a student, and each of the shifts make total sense based on our growing community's needs. 

If you've been practicing with Kula, you've noticed that our classes and events are often at capacity. There are more smiling faces in the studios and beautiful souls to shimmy around in the hallway while you grab your stuff post-flow. It's been amazing to watch the evolution of our homegrown community.

With change and growth comes the call to transition and adapt. In true Kula Yoga fashion, the “why” behind each of the shifts will be made clear to those who read on. 

Here’s what’s changing starting March 15…

WAITLISTING
The option for students to add themselves to waitlists for full yoga classes will be available March 15. The waitlist will open as soon as a class reaches capacity. If you’re on a waitlist and a spot becomes available within an hour of said class’s start time, MindBody will automatically add you to the roster and send you an email confirming your spot in class. Once you're on the roster, you've got an in-studio spot and are therefore held to the updated cancellation policy, detailed below.

Students may remove themselves from the waitlist only before being added to class. 

Students should add their names to class waitlists assuming that they'll get a spot in class. The system will auto-add students to a waitlisted roster up to one hour before the start of class time. At the one hour mark, the class roster and waitlist will both lock. Therefore, anyone waitlisted will know that they've been added to class at least one hour before class starts.

If you're on the waitlist, have not been added to the roster, and it's getting too close to the start time for you to make it to the studio within an hour, remove yourself from the waitlist so that the next student in line can take the spot in class. 

In order to utilize waitlisting as intended, each student’s email address must be up-to-date in their Kula Yoga MindBody account, and students are responsible for ensuring that email notifications are turned on. It is not the studio's responsibility to inform on waitlist changes, and students are responsible for checking their emails and managing their class schedules, via waitlist or otherwise. Use this link to watch a super short video demonstrating how to update your email settings on MindBody. 

CANCELLATION WINDOW
The updated cancellation window will change from three hours to just one hour prior to the start of class time. If you're signed up for class and realize that you'll likely not attend that offering, whether days or hours ahead of the start time, the considerate thing to do would be to remove your name from the roster ASAP, therefore opening up the space for someone else. Waiting until the last minute to take yourself off the roster is not thoughtful of our community of students. Scheduling limitations will be placed on students' accounts who repeatedly reserve a space in class and remove themselves at the absolute last minute. Consideration is key. 

CANCELLATION POLICY
Beginning March 15, the roster for all waitlisted classes will close one hour before class and any running waitlist will lock. Students who remove themselves from class within one hour of class will be auto-charged a $14 Late Cancel fee. Since the roster is locked, another potential student is unable to claim the spot in class you’d reserved, unless they show up at the studio during check-in hoping for a chance to practice. 

If students are signed up for class and on the roster, via waitlist or otherwise, and do not attend, an $18 No Show fee will run to their card on file. When someone No Shows for class, not only do they reserve a space for themselves, but they make it 100% impossible for another person to enjoy class in their absence.

Kula will partner with a local charity, nonprofit, or organization whose values and mission align with our own. The $4 accrued from No Show charges (the cost difference between a Late Cancel and No Show charge) will be added up and donated to said community organization each quarter. 

Do you have ideas for local organizations that would want to work with us and take our donation cash to help further their cause? Send them our way. Our first round of donations will go toward the Grand Rapids chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

WRAPPING IT UP
We strive to make our offerings accessible to the public. The average Single Class rate around Grand Rapids is $22, with Kula's set at just $14. We are proud to offer pay-what-you-can style, low-commitment monthly memberships, and hefty discounts and perks for said members. Kula is a boutique-style yoga studio with limited spaces, without the premium price tag that often accompanies more intimate fitness and wellness spots. 

One of our hopes with making these changes is that students will hold themselves accountable to their self-care commitments and prioritize mat time. With these shifts, everyone at Kula will be called to consider their neighbors when they sign up for classes and remove themselves from class rosters and waitlists. 

As an added perk, perhaps your days of "stalking MindBody for a spot in class" will become history ;)

It feels appropriate and organic when change and transition must happen based on need, which is definitely the case for us now. You are appreciated and valued by the team and I. 

Peace + love, 
Megan

The “why” behind Kula policies

Kula Yoga is a space for students to practice yoga, learn about themselves, and connect with their neighbors--where you can roll out your mat, flow with your breath, disconnect from the external world, and keep on keepin' on on your yoga journey. 

For Kula to remain the safe and equitable haven it's been for almost six years(!), boundaries and policies have been put in place, and those who participate in this intentional community are held accountable to holding the norms. If you choose to practice at Kula, familiarize yourself with the policies we've set in place--they exist to ensure that all involved have the best experience possible.

We, the team, at Kula assume the best of students' intentions and actions, so when a policy has been disregarded or a boundary overstepped, we simply see it as an opportunity for clarification and connection. Whether you've been a Kula member since our Division days, or are considering stepping in for your first class, take a few moments to read through the "why" behind our short list of studio standards. Each item is an expectation for every student, guest, and teacher at Kula, for every class, workshop, or event. 

Pre-registration: Our check in area is very small and intimate and can easily become congested. The roster for class closes 15 minutes before class and we cannot create new student accounts once check in for class has begun. Signing up for class in advance ensures that arrival to class is smooth for you, the teacher, and other students. Create your account, sign the studio waiver, and pre-register for class before arriving at the studio.

Doors: For the safety of all students and their belongings, the front door is locked at the start time of class, and late admittance is not permitted. 

Phones: Kula practice spaces are phone free zones, because it's important that the space be as distraction-free as possible. If you are unable to disconnect from your phone for any reason during a class time, plan to make it to another class or consider that Kula may not be the yoga studio for you, respectfully.

Shoes: Removing one's shoes before entering a yoga shala is a sign of respect for the space and allows for a shift in perspective as you approach your practice, not to mention that the studio floors should also be kept free of outside dirt and debris since students practice barefoot. Please leave your shoes in the provided hallway cubbies.

Mat markers: To ensure a comfortable amount of practice space for all present, we use mat markers during class. Align your mat with a mat marker sticker, and remain within that space for the duration of class, regardless of how many people are in the studio or on the driveway. Trust that we are looking out for the best interest of every students' experience, including yours. Allow the instructor to designate when it is appropriate to move away from a designated mat marker.

Cancellation Fees: Cancellation charges are automatically run after the roster is closed for every scheduled class. Our class sizes are small, and signing up for a class you later cannot attend removes the possibility of attendance from another student. We understand and have compassion that last minute challenges arise and may keep you from making it to class, which is why students are welcome to Early Cancel up until the minute before class starts. 

Leaving early: Out of respect for everyone in class, remain on your mat for the duration of class, including Savasana and post-class announcements. Take care of restroom and water needs before class begins to avoid entering the hallway during class. 

Help us hold these norms and policies and keep every class safe, consistent, clean, and comfortable. 

We love you, Kula fam.

Peace, 
The Kula Team

Providing More Membership Options @ Kula

It feels like forever ago since I shared our last blog post detailing some of the trials, tribulations, and celebrations of 2020. Since that post from last September, we’ve been working hard to rebuild things at our humble abode on Wealthy Street. The Kula community has maneuvered through the return of in-studio classes, albeit with smaller class sizes, masks, and mic’d up instructors. Student faves, like our monthly Sound Baths, are back, and we’ve continued a string of fun and engaging special events and workshops. The virtual studio has been going strong, rolling out new classes each week. Our mentorship program has developed three more skilled teachers to join our team (shout out to Lyric, Tarryn, and Byron!), and we’re all looking forward to the return of Satya Sound classes in the studio driveway—I promise, once the weather is consistently nice, we’ll make it happen!

Now feels like the perfect time to share about some shifts that we’re testing out in the way we do monthly membership at Kula.

In an effort to make becoming a member more accessible, we’re rolling out sliding scale-type pricing, where students can decide for themselves what they can and want to pay for their membership. We’ve named each tier after our studio motto: PRACTICE. LEARN. CONNECT.

PRACTICE yoga, on and off your mat.

LEARN constantly.

CONNECT with your neighbors.

PRACTICE $75/month ($2.50/day)

LEARN $85/month ($2.83/day)

CONNECT $95/month ($3.16/day)

Each of these tiers still comes with all of those perks you know and love—
-complimentary access to the over 400 audio and video classes in the virtual studio
-one Bring a Pal Pass to use each month
-25% off the cost of workshops and events @ Kula
-15% off @ Phlot Grand Rapids
-the ability to pause or cancel any time with just 7 days notice

You decide your tier. No questions asked, no assumptions made. All tiers are created equally.

Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, Now this is silly. Why would anyone pay more than the minimum asked? I’m happy to explain.

Over the last year plus, I have witnessed some pretty extreme acts of pure generosity from our yoga community, and it’s made it clear to me that, when our students have the means to support this place full of people that they love and appreciate, they step up. If that means contributing $10 or $20 more each month in order to allow for another student who may be struggling to pay $10 or $20 less, they’ll make it happen.

Our crew is pretty incredible.

So that’s what we’ve got to offer, beginning May 15. If it works, lovely. If not, I’ll be glad that we tried.

While I do wish we could do even more to bring costs down, I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge that the studio was closed for ten months of last year, and that obviously had a very negative impact on this small business. I also want to continue to raise money for local, national, and global organizations whose values align with our own, so my options for lowering costs are very limited.

I’ve been deeply inspired by the work of Michelle Cassandra Johnson, as well as the generosity of those students who rode out the pandemic with Kula, in any way that they were able to. “Do what you can, and trust that it will have an impact,” keeps coming to mind and settling my heart whenever I’m chided, by myself or others, for not doing “enough.”

I’d also like to celebrate the fact that, in offering monthly unlimited memberships for as little at $75/month, we continue to be the most affordable studio in and around Grand Rapids, all without compromising the quality of instruction that we offer our students. Knowledgeable, dedicated teachers, diverse class offerings, a consistency across the team and our teaching styles, and a safe space to practice are all things that set Kula apart.

My hope is that by offering varied pricing options, more students can join us and experience all that we have to offer this amazing community that’s kept us around for over five years now.

We’re here, because of YOU, for YOU. Know that.

Lots of love,
Megan

2020 @ Kula Yoga

Well hello. Let's take a deep breath, because this has all been quite a doozy. Come along with me on a journey through time... 

I don't have to be Captain Obvious and state that 2020 has been a complete whirlwind in every way. At Kula Yoga, we started off solid with big plans for our fourth year open, including 44 in-studio classes a week. Our calendar of events and workshops was set, and the team and I were feeling good after our incredible winter retreat. The sky was the limit...

Then came March 16, the date we paused in-person classes. I have a vivid memory of talking to a student in yoga teacher training, which was also put on a temporary hiatus, about “how crazy it will be to have the studio closed for two or three weeks." Oh, silly Megan. You knew so little, grasshopper, though your optimism is admirable.

Without hesitation, the team and I jumped full throttle into creating a thoughtful, quality virtual experience for our students. We wanted to give more value than Facebook Live or YouTube classes, so I invested a considerable amount of time and money into the Kula Yoga Virtual Studio. We tested out so many different cameras and mics, played with layout and lighting options, and did all of the behind-the-scenes work to roll out our Patreon and make it something that we were proud to stand behind. To this day, the Studio 2 prop closet is lined with stacked bolsters, and it serves as our audio class recording studio. 

For five months, we provided a class a day to our community of students, either in video or audio format. Having the virtual platform gave me something to focus on and work with while the 2020 tornado continued to twirl. To date, there are over two hundred sixty online offerings available, and I couldn't be more pleased with all that the Kula Yoga Virtual Studio has become. The classes are solid, and student engagement and participation is high. We've got yogis flowing with us across the state, country, and even Brazil and East Africa! The Virtual Studio is here to stay, by the way. Too much work has gone into that platform to simply have it disappear.  

Countless positives came with the mandated closure. To name a few, students noticed and appreciated all of the effort we put into the Kula-at-home experience, and they weren't shy about sharing their praise with us. Whether it was a DM to our Instagram or a little love note dropped into our mailbox on Wealthy Street, those kind words of support truly strengthened us and kept us chugging along when stress was high and times were tough. I’m thankful that so many of you found peace and solace during the scariness of quarantine in seeing our familiar faces via video and hearing our voices cue you in your earbuds.

We had the pleasure of inviting the uber-talented Ray Anne Barker to grace our studio walls with the loveliest mural. We got to know her and were surrounded by her immense creativity whenever we entered the studio to film or record a class and strolled past her artwork on our stairways. 

Once outdoor classes were deemed safe to hold, we raised hundreds of dollars for the Black Lives Matter movement, throwing our unwavering support behind the constant fight for justice and equal rights with more than words and social media reposts--we backed it up with undeniable action. 

We beautified our garden and driveway for outdoor classes and spent time learning how to provide the Kula class experience with Satya Sound headsets so that students could spread out, yet still enjoy a solid class with us.  

We worked with the community to raise some funds via a Patronicity pledge drive. It was very powerful to see our friends and family come together to give what they could to keep us alive and kicking. 

While we were closed, I continued to hear the same thing from friends, family, fellow small business owners, and even teachers--"Kula seems to be doing great! The studio is thriving, right?" 

Yes, perception is reality, but I'd be lying if I didn't share that this time has been an immense struggle for our small business. 

Since March, we've lost about 60% of our members. Having that many students step back from the studio while we were still working hard to provide value obviously took a significant financial toll.

Wealthy Street is the place to be in Grand Rapids, so rent is at a premium. The studio's rent doubled in July, five months into being closed. There was no rent-waiving happening on our end while the building sat empty, so each month was truly touch-and-go. It was stressful to scrape together the funds to make rent, payroll, and bills each passing month, with no reopening date in sight.

The teaching team has shrunk. We were already a small group, and over the course of the closure, some instructors decided to step back from being at Kula. Change is a good and necessary thing, and some of the shifts in our team were coming in time regardless of the closure. There's a lot of uncertainty around working in the health and fitness realm now, so I understand the need to do what feels right for the individual both short and long-term, but I'd be lying if I said that the fluctuations on the teaching team didn't take me by surprise and hurt on a number of levels.

And so the ebbs and flows kept rolling, but we held on until Governor Whitmer's announcement that indoor classes could indeed begin again, albeit with some significant limits. She’s made it clear that all fitness facilities, including yoga studios, can reopen for indoor offerings if students are kept six feet apart and masks are worn at all times when inside. These limits continue to impact the studio's bottom line, but we understand the why's behind them and care about our community's health so much more than profit. You can trust that Kula will follow the instructions and guidance provided. 

What's coming up for Kula? In addition to continuing our daily outdoor offerings, including a full docket of workshops and events, AND keeping the virtual studio full speed ahead, we've got our Summer Retreat coming up next weekend! We're taking a group of yogis to our favorite yurt camp in Ohio to practice yoga in the woods and commune around an ever-burning bonfire. After the retreat, we'll take two days to ground and reset, then open for indoor classes on Wednesday, September 30. 

The reopening will be thoughtful and intentional, like all things we do at Kula. We'll return with a smaller schedule, then build up based on student participation and requests. Outdoor classes will continue while the weather cooperates. We aren't raising our prices, tightening our cancellation policy, or locking anyone into membership contracts--those details will remain what they were prior to March. We haven't turned to fear-based decision-making so far, and now doesn't feel like the time to shift. 

Thank you to our beloved students. Whether you kept your membership, stopped it and restarted when your situation leveled out, bought a class pack or coffee cup, or sent us an email about what we mean to you even though you couldn't contribute financially--it ALL mattered. You're why we're here and why we've worked our buns off to keep this ship afloat. 

Thank you, Danea. You are one hell of a human being and studio manager. I often think I would have given up in April if it weren't for your relentless belief in the studio and the consistency of our weekly meetings. You were an ear for me to vent about all the things, a shoulder to cry on after SBA disconnections and grant application missteps, and a level-headed voice to bring me back to reality whenever I was spiraling into woe-is-me-ville. I've spent as much time with you as I have with Rey and Elliott, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I'm not sure what I did right to have you choose to be at Kula as fully as you are, but I'm grateful every single day. 

Thank you to the team. I love you and appreciate that you've ridden out this crazy time with me. You jumped right into the virtual studio, learning how to teach from your mats--something that we NEVER do but had to adjust--and recorded countless hours of audio classes for our students to practice along with. I know I've made mistakes along the way, but you've been gracious and kind and have called me out in the softest of ways. I promise to learn, grow, and continue to lead our community with the utmost of integrity. Deep bows to each of you. 

Thank you to my YTT grads of 2020. We stuck it out and came out stronger and tighter, and I've got your backs. You'll each do great things. 

Thank you to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The Grand Rapids Chamber, Tyler at Opportunity Resource Fund, and Amanda. Your guidance continues to be so important to me. 

Thank you to Stacie, my friend and owner of The Barre Code Grand Rapids. It's felt very supportive and much less lonely to have a pal going through all of this in real time with me. 

Thanks to Jessica of Wanderlux for constantly moving your car from our shared driveway so that we could prep for Fresh Air Flows. I know it was annoying to have to run out and move, but you never said so or made us feel bad, and I have a lot of respect for you. 

I don't know what the future holds for Kula. I do know that I've been given the gift of perspective. There was so much prior to March that I took for granted--full classes, hugs and hands-on assisting, seeing students' and teachers' uncovered smiles. Having something that you put your heart and passion into for years of your life almost taken away multiple times over the course of a few months has solidified my commitment to my students and team. 

Each day that Kula remains a community of the heart is a win in my book, and I'm here for it all. I hope you're here, too. Come what may. 

Namaste, 
Megan

Restorative Yoga: Doing Less and the Art of Rest

This season, we're so excited to welcome Restorative Yoga to the weekly class schedule. The Kula team can’t wait for you to experience this gentle yet profound style. Read all about the history of Restorative Yoga, what you can expect from a class, and the benefits of adding this type of practice to your yoga life. 

History + Description

Restorative Yoga is a fairly new style at just about 50 years in the making. Arising out of a noticeable need for individuals and society as a whole to slow down, Restorative meets students at the intersection of their busy lives and their inherent, often neglected, need to rest. Judith Hansen Lasater is widely recognized as the founder and leader of the Restorative Yoga movement. Hansen Lasater was inspired by B.K.S. Iyengar’s alignment-and accessibility-based teaching, which is evident in the heavy use of props within a Restorative class.

According to our very own Restorative teacher, Gracie M. Jurkowski, "Restorative Yoga involves the use of props within yoga poses to access “profound effortlessness.” Rather than working to build strength or stretch deeply, this style focuses on doing less, on a state of ‘be-ing’, allowing, and existing. Restorative Yoga is not sleeping, rather, it brings you to a brain wave state between wakefulness and sleep where the mind can relax and the body can fully rest and reset. 

Restorative Yoga is done by supporting the body with props in such a way that there are no areas of “work,” meaning no muscles engaged to hold the body in poses and no effort to stretch. These supported poses are held for several minutes at a time, and they can be paired with meditation and pranayama breathing techniques, compassionate hands-on assisting, and ambient music. Between poses, students can expect gentle transitional movements and mindful meditation and breath prompts.

Yin vs Restorative

While both Yin and Restorative yoga use props and call for the holding of poses for several minutes, there are some major differences between the two styles. Yin Yoga works to target and change fascia and connective tissue by holding and deepening poses to stretch and release deeply. While Yin can be very relaxing, it requires the body to put forth effort and to “work.” Restorative Yoga uses props to take all effort away from the body, lifting and supporting in such a way that there is no demand on muscles or connective tissues, therefore needing no “work” at all. Removing all effort allows the body’s central nervous system to truly relax so the body can rest and digest.

Props

Students can expect creative new ways to use props to support their bodies completely and to create the effect of no work. According to Gracie, there should be "no harsh angles, no pulling, no muscle activation - as close to a zero gravity environment as possible." This kind of support creates total relaxation and the ability to turn the mind's attention inward, to passively relax or to listen deeply to one's internal environment.

Benefits

This style of yoga is said to bring the body into a state of complete balance. Conscious resting signals the Parasympathetic Nervous System to move from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest” mode. This is the state of being that allows healing and restoration to take place. Accessing this state of deep rest while also maintaining consciousness can help students access meditative states, insights, emotional balance and release. At the very least, Restorative Yoga leads to stress reduction, which means less illness, more healing, and increased quality of life. 

We can’t speak highly enough about Restorative Yoga. Join us for class, and experience this deep rest for yourself.

See you at Kula,
Danea

Sources:

Lasater, Judith. Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times. Rodmell Press, 2011.

Jurkowski, M. Gracie. Restorative Yoga training. May 2019. https://www.dasatemhaus.com

Exploring the “Why” Behind…

I’m a true Virgo, through and through—pretty practical, intensely loyal, and I can be a bit of a perfectionist. I tend to see things as black or white, true or false—there’s not a lot of wiggle room with me. This aspect of my personality can be good or bad, depending on the situation. My students, fellow teachers, and friends know that I always want to get to the root of issues, to explore what the “why” behind things are. Understanding the “why” helps me think more clearly about the issue, and perhaps see where the other person involved is coming from. My husband doesn’t always appreciate this trait in me, since it often leads to more drawn-out arguments and discussions than perhaps need to happen, but he’s stuck with me, so there ;)

I was recently messaged by a student who was upset that the door was locked at the start of class time, therefore preventing them from attending. They explained that they left work later than usual, had a hard time finding parking, and got to the studio “right at the start time,” and the door was “already locked.” This student couldn’t understand why the teacher didn’t wait for them to arrive before locking the door, since the instructor saw that they were signed up for the class. If the teacher couldn’t postpone the start of class, why didn’t they leave the door unlocked? They closed their message with wording along the lines of, “I know your studio has a cancellation policy, but I think this is a special case, and I expect any fee to be waived.” Pretty much, “I got there on time. You guys were wrong. I’m mad.”

I read the message a few times, breathing deeply while taking it in, while totally understanding how frustrating it can be to be late for something one is looking forward to. Three years into owning Kula, I like to think I’ve gotten pretty skilled at disconnecting emotions from emails and messages with angry, sometimes accusatory undertones, but I’m still a human being. These messages, while few and far between thankfully, can be a bit jarring, especially when you’re offering something out of pure passion and service to your community. I’ve learned to step away from these kinds of issues and respond later with a clear head and a calm, grounded perspective. Taking the time away to think about the “why” helps me to respond with more empathy, instead of my matter-of-fact Virgo voice, which I’ll admit, is not everyone’s cup of tea.

I can’t help but think that if the student had done the same—waited—before messaging me at the studio, they would have handled the situation differently, chosen different words, or not sent the message at all. Communicating via screen allows for things to be said and tones to be taken that would most likely not happen if conflict conversations were done in person. Perhaps if the student thought through the “why” behind our locking-up policy, they’d feel differently. I’m not suggesting they’d ever be happy that they missed class, but then they’d at least understand where their teacher was coming from, instead of assuming wrong-doing or assigning blame and expecting compensation.

Maybe they’d respond more like one of our cherished members did when she was registered for a weekend Vinyasa and arrived to a locked door…

I saw the member the next day and mentioned that we’d missed her in class. She informed me that she must have arrived right after I’d went upstairs to begin. I thanked her for not expressing anger that she missed, and she replied, “I get it. You guys have boundaries here. If I want to be here, I have to get here on time and not show up last minute, which is expected, because I’m an adult. I think it’s healthy that you all have boundaries as a studio. Thanks.” I almost cried. As a Virgo, I don’t get choked-up often, unless animals or small children are involved. I thought about commissioning a local artist to paint her words as a mural on one of our walls. She gets it, I thought to myself.

Weeks have passed since I received the message from the late student, but I find myself mulling the situation—and others similar to it—over in my mind. How can I do a better job of letting our community know about the “why’s” behind the way we do things at Kula? We have solid, strong reasons for everything we do. Right now, myself or another instructor usually shares that “why” after something has happened—a door is locked, an auto-charge is processed, a hastily-worded message is sent via social media or email. I need to allow for others to understand our reasoning better, because it really does all make sense.

Why does the door lock at the start of class? Can’t you keep the door unlocked if you think a student is running late?

The instructor locks the downstairs door when our studio clock reads the start time of class—not a minute before or after. If everyone preregistered is present upstairs, and there are still minutes to spare, we wait to see if anyone wants to do a last-minute pop-in. When someone arrives after the door has been locked but insists that they’re “on time,” I can’t help but assume that their cellphone clock doesn’t match our studio clock—there’s probably a few minutes of discrepancy. We’re not all functioning under some universal clock. Just take a deep breath, and arrive a few minutes earlier next time. Please don’t convince yourself that we started early. I promise we didn’t.

Our studios are small and located upstairs. We check students in downstairs, and simply cannot leave an entire retail space filled with two businesses’ products—not to mention all of our students’ belongings—unattended. That would be pretty silly and totally irresponsible on our end. We ensure students that their things are safe in the hallway cubbies while they practice. Considering the size of our studio spaces, walking in late—as well as leaving early—is very disruptive to the rest of the students. It’s important to consider the impact of your actions on others. In the words of George Costanza, “We live in a society, people!” Seinfeld, anyone?

We begin every class, workshop, and event on time out of respect for those in attendance. We never start late, and we never run later than scheduled. Everyone’s—including the Kula team’s—time is valuable. It’s simply a respect thing, and it goes both ways. If you are signed up for something, we’re not giving your spot away, unless you’re not there at the start time. You reserve your spot, we wait for you, and we start at the time designated. If you’re not there when we start, you’re not entitled to a refund or a waived fee. You reserved a spot and didn’t show up or arrived after the start time. The most basic comparison I can think of is for a concert or festival. You wouldn’t purchase a ticket, show up late, and insist that the songs you missed get replayed for you or you want your money back. That’s not fair, and I doubt the thought would even cross your mind. How is your reservation to a yoga class or workshop any different?

In the end, I guess it all comes down to a need to assume the best of one another. If you arrive late for a class, event, or workshop, know that we are not thinking less of you or judging you for not being present. We assume that something stopped you from arriving on time—that’s it. If anything, we think, “Bummer. That’s one less student to serve.” We don’t get pleasure out of you not being present. We want you at Kula—you’re why we’re open.

Please assume the best of us. Even though it would be nice and save so much conflict time, we aren’t all functioning under some universal clock, wherein all of our watches and phones linked up, all showing the exact same time. Kula teachers aren’t waiting by the door, watching their wrists, then turning the deadbolt the second the clock turns to the start of class time. We often look up and down the sidewalk before locking the door. We do have to begin our offerings when they’re scheduled to begin, regardless of your presence. It is out of respect for the students that were on time, waiting upstairs, not out of disrespect for you. If roles were reversed and you were waiting patiently for an offering to begin, you’d like and appreciate that we had clear boundaries about beginning on time.

If you want to be at Kula Yoga, we want you here with us. If what we offer is not your jam, or our boundaries are too firm, that’s cool, too. If you are a member of our community, in any capacity, know that you’re valued and respected. We’ll keep doing the work of holding the values of the studio community to a high standard out of consideration for each of you.

Much love, always,
Megan + the Kula team

Saturday Night Special! R&R: Reiki and Relax

Kula is offering a special event on Saturday nights! Our first R&R: Reiki and Relax is this Saturday evening. Led by Kula instructor and Reiki practitioner, Danea, R&R will be a powerful 75 minutes filled with mediation, binaural sound healing, selenite crystals, and individual energy healing. Participants will consciously slow down and give themselves the gift of sacred rest. Read more to learn what exactly Reiki energy therapy is, what to expect from a night of R&R, and why this type of rest is so important to make time for.

What is Reiki?
Originating in Japan, Reiki is a form of energy healing that works with “universal life force energy,” often referred to as Chi, Ki, or Prana. Simply put, Reiki is the energetic vibration of Love. Reiki energy is pulled through the energetic field of the practitioner, and it flows out of their palms and into the energetic field of the recipient. The person “giving” Reiki is just a vessel, as Reiki, like all energy, is intelligent and will go exactly where it needs to go, healing the individual wherever they need it the most. It is gentle and comforting and not affiliated with a specific religion or set of beliefs. During R&R, each student will receive a mini Reiki session, tailored to their specific needs, either for their mental energy, heart space, or for grounding and centering.

What does Reiki feel like?
Reiki feels like many things and nothing at all at the same time! Every experience with Reiki can feel different and will target different areas of healing. At times, one may simply gain an increased sense of peace and calm. Other times, physical sensations such as warmth, slight pressure, or a cool breeze can be felt. Receivers may experience a rise of emotion. Any thoughts, feelings, and sensations that come are normal and just a tangible sign of energy becoming unstuck and released, which is GREAT!

Self-Guided Meditation
There are no expectations for your mediation practice at R&R. Come as you are, mediation newbie or seasoned practitioner. Meditation often seems like an intimidating or boring pastime. We have all heard how beneficial and necessary mediation is to our overall health, but HOW does one even begin? In a society that creates bite-sized media bits for short attention spans, where we can refresh any page and be rewarded with more imagery to consume, how can we sit still and clear our heads for minutes at a time?

Meditation can be challenging, especially at first. There is a misconception that those who meditate always get their minds “blank.” This is not true and leads many to think they “can’t” meditate or are bad at it. Understand that one cannot expect their mind to be completely empty, but they can direct their thoughts to focus on something that serves them. During R&R, participants will be practice “self-guided mediation.” This means that there will not be a voice or track to follow along with, leaving the mediation time in students’ hands. I will introduce a few options for mediation, and if one resonates with you, you are welcome to use it as your personal guide or intention throughout the evening.

During R&R, students will be given the opportunity to use selenite palm stones and wands, as well as smaller crystals. Awareness can be brought to the stones during meditation, feeling their pressure, focusing on their vibration and healing properties, and noticing shifts in the body and energetic field.

The Importance of Rest
In today’s world, every one of us is pressured in countless ways to DO, to ACHIEVE, to EARN, to GET, to KEEP GOING and to NEVER-STOP-OR-REST-OR-TAKE-A-BREAK-OR-SLOW-DOWN. Ever. Often tied to this pressure are feelings of guilt and shame for needing to slow down. We feel like we aren’t doing enough if we need a nap, a day off, or even to sit down and have a meal in quiet. Obviously this is untrue, so why do we get stuck in the pattern of “do-and-then-do-more?” We can look to our Central Nervous System for a large part of this answer. When you take time to return to your restful and relaxed state, you allow your nervous system to calm, your body to come back to its natural state of peace, and your mind to let go and heal. You are purposefully giving your spirit the big deep exhale that it needs.

Meditation, energy healing, and time for stillness are all ways in which you can take care deep care of yourself. When experienced together, calm and healing become exponential. So set aside time to rest. Enter into a state of meditation, breathe deeply, and experience personalized energy healing, all in a cozy space set just for you with soft fairy lights circling your mat space. Use blankets, crystals, lavender eye pillows, and music chosen to facilitate healing and enhance your journey. There are no limits to what you can let go of and make space for, or to the peace, joy, and relaxation you are capable of experiencing. Give yourself this time of R&R.

Namaste,
Danea

Yoga Nidra: The art of conscious relaxation

You'll notice a new class offering on the schedule beginning Sunday nights in December. I can’t wait to share the transformative practice of Yoga Nidra with you! Thanks to the teachings of Stephanie Lynn of Yen Yoga in Traverse City, I feel prepared to lead you through what I've found to be a deeply healing practice of self-reflection and intentional thought.

Yoga Nidra is yogic sleep, or sleep while maintaining a state of awareness. It is a guided meditation practiced lying down in Savasana. When practiced consistently and correctly, Yoga Nidra can help to relieve muscular, energetic, emotional, and mental tension. Through Yoga Nidra, students can develop a skill set to not only relax on a physiological level, but also release outdated imprints in both conscious and subconscious mental programming. In other words, you'll be gently called to notice your habitual thought patterns, then shape them into healthier, more bliss-driven mentalities. To think that, through Yoga Nidra, we can learn to think more intentionally and work toward mastering our brain chemistry is incredibly empowering.  

During a Yoga Nidra class, the space will look similar to how it does during one of our Sound Baths. Students will dress in cozy clothes and socks, lie down on their mats, get all swaddled up in a blanket, and situate their eye pillows on their lids. This style is best practiced without a pillow or use of a bolster, so as to allow for the deepest breathing possible, but thin, light props are welcome for students' comfort. The music will be soft, and the studio will be lit only by candles.

Students will begin class reclined and remain in Savasana throughout the practice. I'll guide the class through some general relaxation exercises. Everyone will set a Sankalpa, or resolve, before being guided through body mapping and breath awareness exercises. I'll then lead the room through intentional guided and symbolic imagery, and yogis will revisit their Sankalpas before returning to conscious awareness at the end of class.

Life is about balance and honoring both the Yin and the Yang of all that we do and encounter. One cannot take only high-intensity Buti and heart-pumping Vinyasa every day, only to leave out the more restorative practices of Slow Flow and Yin, for example. All are valuable, because they keep us in a balanced state of living. Our western culture wants us to place a higher value on things and changes we can see much more than those shifts that are internal and less apparent to the naked eye, but change only truly begins when the root of an issue is worked with from within. In the words of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the Yoga Nidra practice, "Release of tension, relaxation, and peace of mind are the secrets of transformation. " Change and development come when we are aligned, authentic, and in our true natures. We were meant to be peaceful and easeful, not over active and constantly spinning. Yoga Nidra help to bring us back to our true state.

I hope to see you on your mats for Yoga Nidra, Kula.

Namaste,
Megan

Teacher Feature: Chelsea

We love Chelsea so much, we decided to ask her some questions for our Teacher Feature! Cozy up with a cup of tea or a glass of wine—it’s Friday, ya’ll!—and learn a little more about this special lady.

Describe your start with yoga. 

Like others, I had the preconceived idea that yoga was "just stretching" and "boring.” It wasn't until I moved to Denver for a summer internship that I gave it a shot after learning that it may be helpful with my scoliosis (a curvature in my spine). I also wanted to try something different in my new city. After a few Vinyasa classes, I quickly found that I was wrong– the classes were fast-paced, physically challenging, and proved to have mental benefits, as well. I grew up with a very competitive mindset when it came to sports, which always led to frustration and never feeling "good enough.” I love that yoga is a non-competitive activity where you can grow at your own pace and set your own goals, while also being supportive of other yogis' achievements in their practices. After graduation, I moved to Chicago, where my yoga practice became a daily ritual. I loved being able to move around after sitting at my desk all day, and I noticed a significant release in my back pain and discomfort.

What prompted you to enroll in Yoga Teacher Training?

After about five years of integrating yoga into my life, it evolved and developed into a passion. I wanted to learn more and deepen my practice by participating in a yoga teacher training. I quit my job in Chicago, traveled Europe for a month, and promised myself the next place I moved to I would take the plunge and enroll in a program. An awesome new job landed me in Grand Rapids, where I proceeded to do some research on local programs. Many synchronicities in my life ended up leading me to Kula Yoga and Megan's teacher training. I used to be so terrified of public speaking, which was a big reservation that I had about teaching. Megan's training and Kula have provided me the confidence, encouragement, and a welcoming, community-based space to feel more than comfortable teaching in. I am excited to continue to grow and learn with my Kula family!

What are your Vinyasa classes like?

My Vinyasa classes are challenging, yet light-hearted. I want students to feel comfortable and enjoy time on their mats. Paired with fun playlists, I love to craft sequences with creative transitions, offering modifications for all levels, along with lots of opportunities for arm balances and getting upside-down. :)

What's your favorite season, and why?

My favorite season is definitely SUMMER! I love being outside, whether it’s walking my Goldendoodle, Lou (@loudoodle…yes he has an Instagram), hiking, boating on a lake, reading a book while hammocking, enjoying a beer on a restaurant patio, the list goes on. Warm weather and sunshine make me the happiest.

Catch Chelsea on the schedule on Thursday mornings and Friday nights!

Peace out,
Kula

Open Studio Deets

There are so many great things about the unlimited yoga membership at Kula! Let's take some time to highlight a handful of membership details that set us apart. 

 First, it's the most affordable unlimited option in town. Our monthly membership rate averages out to most student rates offered around Grand Rapids. The Kula exception is that we make membership more affordable to EVERYONE, not just to college students.  

Second, there's no commitment. While we hope that members will remain members forever, we realize that people evolve and their needs change. We only want people to practice at Kula when they WANT to be at Kula. That's why there's no hidden fee or minimum time commitment that yogis must sign away on to be members of our studio. You cancel when you want to. We ask that you give us a few days notice before your charge date to make sure the auto-charge doesn't happen, but you won't get hit with a crazy fee for cancelling your membership.  That just makes sense to us, and it seems fair on both sides. 

Members get a discount on the many workshops and events that we pride ourselves on offering at Kula. A 25% discount on already well-priced learning opportunities that will deepen your practice, get you out of your box, and allow for opportunities to engage with your Omies? Yes, please. 

Well, my friends, it's time to add yet another perk to the list of membership awesomeness we provide to you. Open Studio hours will begin on Tuesday, September 4! Kula monthly members will be exclusively invited and encouraged to use the studio space during designated hours when classes and private instruction aren't happening. Members can use the studio to take time on their mats to lead themselves though their own intuitive, self-guided practices, or they can choose to mellow out on the roof deck and soak up the fresh air and good vibes of buzzing Wealthy St below. Every once in a while, treats may be involved, and "bring a friend" hours might just be offered, too! You'll have to wait and see...

Open Studio hours will change each week, depending on what's happening at Kula during a given time frame. Hours will be announced via Instagram and Facebook each Monday morning--unless that Monday is a holiday--and you can always check at the studio to learn about each week's available times. 

Members, there's no need to preregister for Open Studio. Just show up with your mat within the designated time slots, and go with the flow. We'll be sure to announce any additional perks or changes at the start of each week. 

Any questions? Ask us at the studio or shoot us a message. Your membership each month really does mean the world to us, and we want you to feel the value that you're getting by being a member at Kula Yoga. 

Namaste, 
The Kula team

New Digs, Same Vibes

UPDATED Friday, July 6

I thought I'd take some time to communicate a few important things regarding our move to the Kula tribe. 

The last class at Kula Yoga on Division is happening tonight! If you'd like to join me for the final Vinyasa flow in our very first yoga home, come celebrate tonight at 6:00. 

The studio will be closed on July 4th and 5th. The first class held at our new Wealthy St. location will be the 12:15 Vinyasa with Karolina on Friday, July 6! 

Please read on to learn about some changes coming with the move. 

PREREGISTERING FOR CLASSES

At Kula, students have always been asked and encouraged to preregister for classes via the free MindBody app or through the MindBody website (accessible from our Kula website under the "schedule" tab). 

In the new location, we have two small studios in which we can fit a limited number of students. To ensure you have a space in class, please register for class at least 3 hours before the start time via MindBody. If the system does not allow you to sign up for a class, that is an indication that the class is full. 

I suggest signing up for classes as early as possible. If you show up at the studio unregistered and the class is full, please know that we cannot squeeze anyone in. By all means, if the class has open spots, one will be yours. But being that the studios are located upstairs at the new building, the number of occupants permitted in each studio is firm and truly out of my hands, so a full class is just that. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

With the transition from one large studio to two small studio spaces, there will be a 3-hour cancellation window scheduled to begin July 6. 

At our current location, students and members often sign up for classes and do not attend. Since we have space for 40 students at current Kula, this practice hasn't posed an issue. On Wealthy, however, our space accommodations are shifting. If a student signs up for class and does not show, they've now taken a space away from another student. Students who do not show for a class they've registered for will be charged a $14 late-cancel fee, which equates to the cost of a drop-in. 

If a student attempts to unregister for class after the 3-hour cancellation window, they will be prompted to contact the studio in order to complete early-cancellation. Cancelling within the 3-hour window brings about a $7 early-cancellation charge. 

Please make sure to arrive at least five minutes before the start of class time. At the five minute mark before class starts, the instructor will note which students registered are not present and fill their spots with any students waiting to get in to class. 

NO LATE ENTRY TO CLASS

At the new location, teachers will check students in for class downstairs, then head upstairs to teach at the start of the scheduled class. Therefore, we can no longer accommodate the "5 minutes late" allowance we currently have. Please give yourself sufficient time to travel to Kula, park if you've driven, check-in, and get settled. As noted above, your spot can be given to another student if you are not checked-in before the five minute start time.  

SCHEDULE CHANGES

The regular schedule will remain throughout July. Come August, we'll begin adding classes and tweaking class start times, so please double check times when you sign up for classes beginning in August. We've got some awesome new offerings coming your way :)

Did you get through all of that?! Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Email me at kulagrandrapids@gmail.com, or just stop in at the studio. Our new address is 715 Wealthy St. 

I appreciate you moving through these shifts with us and understanding why these changes need to take place at our new spot. 

Peace, 
Megan

Back to Basics

“I’m not flexible enough for yoga.”

“What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the class?”

“I won't know all of the poses."

"Isn't yoga just stretching?"

As a yoga teacher, I constantly hear the above statements and questions from people who have yet to try a yoga class, or even from those interested in trying out a different style of yoga. 

While I can do everything in my power to reassure potential students that flexibility is not a prerequisite to taking class, that yoga is a journey and you're encouraged to move at your own pace, that you don't need to know all of the poses, and that class at Kula is so much more than stretching--I realize that sometimes people just need a little nudge to help them take the plunge and jump into something new and scary. I understand. 

Join me this Saturday at Kula Yoga for Set Your Foundation: An Intro to Yoga Workshop. 

During this workshop, I'll offer a laid back, safe space for new yogis to explore what Vinyasa yoga is all about. The environment will be welcoming and non-judgmental ( as always), and you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of a yoga class. You'll get an introduction to breath work and learn what it means to set an intention at the start of your practice. I'll spend time detailing foundational yoga poses, and we'll discuss how to incorporate props into your practice. To wrap things up, I'll guide you through a 30-minute Vinyasa flow. This mini-class will allow for you to practice all that you’ll learn throughout our time together. I'll even provide you with an outline, so that you can record what you learn on paper. 

If you are just returning to your mat after taking some time away, you may experience some of the same feelings a new-to-yoga student would. Join me on Saturday! No matter your experience level, we are here to support your growth. If yoga is already a part of your life, but you have a friend or family member who feels hesitant to come to class, attend this workshop with them. Nothing beats having someone by your side to support you. By the end of the workshop, you’ll see that this whole kula has your back!

What are you waiting for? Join me this Saturday from 11-1.  Roll out your mat, or use one of ours. Come experience all the good yoga can bring to your life. Now's the time to take the plunge. 

Namaste, 
Brittany

Self Massage and Myofascial Release

On Saturday, June 23, Megan and Mary will co-host a workshop at the studio during which you'll learn about and experience self-massage via myofascial release, or MFR. During MFR, a gentle, sustained pressure is applied to points of restriction within your body's fascia, allowing the connective tissue to release and "unbunch" throughout your body. Specially-designed therapy balls are used to target those areas of tension. MFR, when performed correctly and consistently, can lead to reduced tension within the body, as well as increased mobility and range of motion. Think deep tissue massage--it hurts so good!

Before we move forward, let's address the question on your minds--"What is fascia?"

Physical therapist John F. Barnes describes fascia as "a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater."

Since fascia is so ubiquitous within our bodies, it makes sense that restrictions or adhesions of our fascia create areas of tension, tightness, and those annoying "knots" that we always try to rub out with our hands. Restrictions within our fascial systems are inevitable. Daily stress leads to fascial damage, as does poor nutrition and lack of use. Scar tissue from old injuries build up tension within fascia, and emotional holding creates tightness within our physical bodies. That being said, your body's current state of being does not have to remain that way forever!

Again, think back to that really good deep tissue massage with just the right amount of pressure. That very same, post-massage bliss can be obtained on your own through the practice of MFR, all in the comfort of your home and at no additional cost, other than the price of the therapy balls themselves. 

On June 23, Megan and Mary will teach you all about your fascia. You'll be given a pair of therapy balls to use and practice with, and there will be balls available for purchase after the workshop. Using the therapy tools, you'll learn different strategies and techniques for rolling out fascial tension in your feet, hamstrings, low back, shoulders, and neck. Wear tight-fitting clothing to ensure no fabric impedes on your fascia rolling. Come ready to learn and untangle your knots. 

Reach out to us with questions. We cannot wait to share our knowledge with our Kula. 

Peace, 
Megan + Mary

How to use Oracle and Affirmation Decks

In this new age of self-care, self-love, and self-exploration, oracle and affirmation decks have been popping up all around us, each with their own unique imagery and themes. But what exactly are these mysterious and beautiful card decks used for?

Oracle decks are most commonly confused with tarot decks, popularized by French mystics in the 1800s. Both are used as a divination tools, however oracle decks are less traditional in structure. They are typically designed around a theme or a deity and utilize your intuition to guide your interpretation of the card. The cards’ meanings are meant to be interpreted quickly and give advice.

Affirmation decks, similar to oracle decks, are intended to give advice, but in a more positive manner that is “affirming”, inspirational, and motivational. They typically have a short sentence or statement written on each card that can be used as a mantra (“tool of the mind”).

Although these two decks have their differences, they can be utilized similarly, and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine to help strengthen your intuition, connect with your highest self, give you daily guidance, or just a good ole’ pick-me-up. Below are some ways that these magical decks can bring some light and love into your life:

Daily draws

Pull one card from your deck to reflect on throughout the day. I prefer to do this when I wake up to set the tone for the day ahead. When you start your day off with a positive mindset, it will affect your attitude and those whom you interact with. You can even use that card as the focus surrounding your day and what you would like to accomplish.

Manifestation

Leave cards out or hang them up if you draw one that you feel strongly connected to. It’s easy for us to forget– so use the cards to manifest the positive vibes that you felt when you first pulled it. Not to mention the imagery will make for gorgeous little art pieces when hung up.

Meditation tool

Using a card from an affirmation or oracle deck can be a powerful and helpful tool for meditation. Using the imagery as a focal point to stare at, or repeating the mantra written on the card will help you focus during your meditation practice, especially if your mind tends to wander.

Receiving guidance

This is when your intuition really comes into play. If you have a big choice to make, or even a simple question to ask, you can use the deck as a device for self-guidance. Pull a card as you focus on a question, then reflect on how you interpret the card’s meaning, and how it is relatable to your life or question.

Collecting

Yes, once you get sucked in (and by sucked in, I mean, fall in love) with your first deck, you’ll want to keep buying more. The good thing is, there are SO many unique decks that tailor to different themes, types of artwork, etc., so that you’ll end up with a large variety in your collection– and always feel like you are noticing something new and beautiful about each card.

Are you intrigued by oracle and affirmation decks, but don’t know where to start? Come to Kula Yoga for our Oracle and Affirmation Deck-Making Workshop on May 19 from 11-2pm to make your own beautifully unique deck that will be specific and special to YOU.

Namaste, 
Chelsea Miller, recent MRY graduate

Find Focus with Vision Boarding

We at Kula Yoga love to offer a wide variety of workshops and events at the studio--from Sounds Baths to dance workshops to mala-making classes. On April 14, we'll hold our first Manifestation Workshop, where we'll discuss the Law of Attraction, adorn ourselves with beautiful henna designs, and create our very own vision boards. 

Perhaps you are reading this and wondering what a vision board is. As an avid vision boarder--I make one with the start of each new season--I'd love to turn you on to the power of this aid. 

Simply put, a vision board is a physical tool used to help clarify and maintain focus on a specific life goal. You can display photographs, illustrations, words, and phrases that represent whatever you want to be, do, or have in your life. Think of a vision board as a visual reminder of your best life. You create it, display it, and allow it to shift your attention back to what matters to you. 

As human beings living in 2018, we're constantly bombarded with things that distract us from living the way we want to. From the moment we wake up, we're being fed messages that shift where we put our energy, what we value, and how we live--whether we realize this or not. Vision boarding help to squash that robotic cycle of subconscious consuming. Vision boards allow you to take the power back by providing clarity, reinforcing affirmations, and focusing on intentions you hold close to your heart. 

I cherish the vision boarding ritual I've developed with each new season. To share, I choose a day in which I have a solid chunk of time to spend with myself. I set up my supplies, which include a fresh new poster board, a stack of old magazines, glue, and scissors. I meditate on what I want to manifest in my life over the course of the season. Once I've gotten clear on my intentions, I sip some tea, crank up some jams, and dig into that stack of mags. I cut out images and words that align with my goals, and I glue them thoughtfully to my board. Once I'm finished and my board is full, I place it in a prominent area of my home--somewhere I pass often so that I can see my vision board multiple times throughout each day. Each time I see that board, my mind is triggered. Manifestation magic!

Join us at Kula on April 14 from 11-1pm. The ticket price includes all the supplies you need. My friend Amanda from Happy Henna will grace us with her presence and provide her beautiful, temporary body art to those participating. I'm confident that once you've created your first vision board and really tapped into the power of manifestation, you too will develop a regular practice around creating these visual tools. 

Reach out to the Kula team should you have any questions. As always, we're truly here for you. I look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

Namaste, 
Megan

Yin Yoga--A Different Kind of Challenge

Oh, how we fear that of which we know little about! When I recommend Yin classes to my students who regularly practice Vinyasa, Slow Flow, or Buti at Kula Yoga, they often ask what the style is all about, with a look of unease on their faces. Read and learn, my yogi friends. 

Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that was created in the late 1970's by Paulie Zink and later spread throughout the west by teachers and developers Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. Yin, the opposite of "yang," is often described as a much more passive practice, especially when compared to Vinyasa. Don't let that fool you, though! There are challenges to be met on your mat during a Yin class. After all, living well is all about balance. Every yang actions needs a yin.

There are three main principles of Yin yoga. These three basic guidelines can act as internal check-points for you to walk yourself through when in a Yin class. 

First, find your edge. Observe your body using an intensity scale, with "1" being feeling nothing and "10" being feeling pain in a pose. During a Yin class, you'd ideally hover around a "5" or "6" on the intensity scale. Turn all of your awareness to your body and how it feels. 

Second, be still. Once you realize you're in that sweet spot on your intensity scale, stay there. Resist the urge to fidget or contract your muscles. Instead, be soft. This is where props come in handy. Bolsters, blocks, and blankets can all help to fill the gaps between your body and the mat, making it much more comfortable to remain still in poses. 

Lastly, hold the pose. Yin asanas are help for an extended amount of time, generally for three to eight minutes. When you hold poses at your edge and are settled and still, you begin to create change in the joints, ligaments, tendons, and fascia of your body. Long holds offer the perfect opportunity to think of your intention for class and observe your breath.  

Do you want to increase or maintain flexibility and lubricate your joints? Do you desire to go deeper physically and emotionally on your mat? Are you ready to explore what lies beneath the surface of a pose? Are you ready to travel outside of your comfort zone? Do you want to balance out your strong, yang, Power Vinyasa practice? Then Yin is for you. Practice on Sunday nights with Karolina, Wednesday evenings with Erin, and Friday nights with Mary. I'll see you there!

Namaste,
Megan

Tell me more about these Sound Baths...

If you've been to Kula, you've heard someone, either your instructor or another student, mention Sound Baths. Sound Baths are held at the studio on the last Sunday of every month, and they've become a highlight of the many offerings at Kula Yoga.

While sound immersion gatherings are all the rage in cities on the west coast, the healing events are not offered as frequently here in Michigan. I regularly attended a weekly Sound Bath at my home studio while living in Seattle--it was the perfect wind-down after a long and often depleting week in the classroom with my fourth graders. When I moved to Grand Rapids and noticed that none were offered to the public on a consistent basis, I decided I had to be the change. My focused studies began, I worked one-on-one with my Washington teachers to deepen my understanding of sound healing, took some accredited courses in sound therapy, and thus, Sound Baths at Kula Yoga came to be. Grand Rapids yogis have been buzzing ever since!

Students have asked me every kind of question about attending a Sound Bath, from 'What do I wear?' to 'How do I participate' to 'Will there be bubbles?'. Let's take some time to learn about the value, purpose, and process of Sound Baths. 

We're constantly surrounded by stimulation, from the time our alarms wake us up, to the moment we close our Kindles and nod off at night. Our phones, the people around us, the computer--it's sensory overload all day long. Our minds and bodies crave a chance to get quiet and relax, now more than ever, and our senses need a break. Sound Baths are a chance to hit the reset button on your central nervous system. This holistic form of stress relief provides the space for you to truly "tune in" with yourself and experience healing through sound. When harmonious sounds are fluidly linked together, the result is a slowdown of your brainwaves, shifting from a more active state to a more relaxed and dreamlike one.

I play a variety of instruments to set your mind and body at ease, including quartz crystal singing bowls, tribal drums, and chimes. Soft singing of Sanskrit mantra is often partnered with the musical vibrations. As the facilitator, I circulate the studio so that the sound echos from corner to corner, which provides a deeper sound experience for participants. We close our sound healing sessions with five minutes of silence, when we marinate in the buzz that seems to float in the air above our heavy bodies.

Participants simply lie back, get cozy, and soak up the sounds. Many students wear pajamas and bring slippers to Sound Baths at Kula. Everyone sets their space up with a pillow from home and a blanket from the prop closet. Phones are off and conversation ceases for an entire hour. The studio is lit with the flicker of candles and the soft scent of Palo Santo wafts through the air. The time is magically restorative. Some students meditate, some doze off, and many let their minds wander in and out of dreams. 

Give yourself the gift of stillness and allow your body and mind to be surrounded by healing sound. Join us for our next Sound Bath at Kula Yoga. Check the schedule for the next offering, and preregister to reserve your spot. 

It's my true honor to provide the Grand Rapids community with healing vibrations. Thank you for the opportunity. 

Namaste, 
Megan

Year of Gratitude

Even if you're someone who's wholeheartedly determined to not make New Year's resolutions, you have to admit that there's a definite sense of "fresh start" that comes with the morning of January 1 each year. You've got the whole year ahead of you, and your slate is wiped clean! There's a lot to be said for the symbolism that a brand new year brings.

The new beginning can also bring on self-reflection--What were some of your best moments of 2017? What would you have done differently throughout the past year? Who impacted you most? How did you impact others? How did you choose to spend your time? These are all fantastic questions to ask. It's never too late to look back and analyze your words, thoughts, reactions, and relationships. 

Oh, how easy it is to spend (waste) time getting caught up in what other people are doing and how amazing their lives are! Social media throws the awesomeness of our friends', friends of friends', and neighbors' day-to-days into our faces. It's often incredibly easy to forget that people are only showing the good stuff via their phones and computers. Instead of spending massive chunks of time throughout your precious days watching the overly-edited versions of what other people are choosing to show the world, why not start manifesting what you want out of your reality? Bring the focus back to you and what you want. 

Cultivating a deep sense of gratitude is one of the strongest, most powerful ways to bring positive, high-vibe energy into your reality. Slowing down and appreciating what you have is the key to happiness, because the more gratitude you feel and hold in your heart, the more abundance you'll bring to this life.

How do I grow my gratitude, you ask?  Below are three simple ways to surround yourself with a sense of gratitude. Once January 1 comes around, commit to incorporating one of the exercises into your day. If you're feeling like a real go-getter, try all three. Be prepared to notice a shift in your perspective. 

Morning gratitude list When you wake up, right after you silence the alarm on your phone, resist the urge to check your emails or Instagram. Be thoughtful about how you start your day! First thing in the morning is the perfect time to focus your energy in a positive direction. Instead of taking your attention outside of yourself, keep it internal, even for just a few moments. Set your phone down, take a deep breath, and think of three things you are grateful for. The first three things that pop into your head will work--my bed, my alarm, coffee. Take another deep breath, then go about your morning. 

Meditation Contrary to popular belief, one can meditate without being seated in Lotus Pose on a fancy cushion surrounded by candles and crystals! While that all sounds lovely, know that you can simply sit up in bed, still cozy in your blanket and pj's, and spend a few minutes breathing and focusing on one or all of the items from your morning gratitude list. Perhaps breathe in and say to yourself, "I am grateful for all of the abundance in my life." On your exhale breath, say, "Thank you." You'll be surprised at how grounded and peaceful you feel after only minutes of meditation. 

Vocalize your thanks At some point throughout your day, tell someone or something that you are grateful for them or it out loud. If a stranger holds the door open for you, express your gratitude. When your dog greets you with unbridled excitement upon your return home, verbalize your appreciation. Even if your candle smells especially fragrant one evening, say that you're grateful for it's scent. Actually say it. It might sound crazy, but there's energy in the thoughts we choose to articulate aloud with our words. 

Gratitude is like a muscle. The more you use it, the bigger it gets. Always remember that you have the power to shape your reality. What you choose to focus on is what you will surround yourself with, so make it good!

Grateful for you, 
Megan

Teacher Feature: Karolina

Spend some time reading about what makes Ms. Karolina tick. Take her class on Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and Fridays at noon and 4:30! You're sure to leave class with a smile on your face and more warmth in your heart. 

Why do you love yoga?

I love practicing yoga because no matter what is going on with me emotionally or physically, it allows me to drop into the practice and release my thoughts and worries. I feel like my mat is always a safe space for me to explore my breath,movement and mindfulness. I love teaching yoga for the exact same reasons. Whenever I have the honor of teaching a class, I feel like I get to hold and share space with the students. Everything else disappears and I love that students get the opportunity to come to their mat and release their day. 

What's your favorite pose?

My favorite pose is Chin Stand because it took practice and focus to achieve.  I love practicing yoga for just that- the practice of it, and I believe in the sentiment that "practice makes practice, not perfect," I learned the layers of chin stand in an inversion workshop at Kula with Megan and have worked on it since. For years, I was working on floating one leg as I transitioned from high to low plank, but I never really understood to what I was building. As soon as I understood the layers of the pose, I felt equipped to try it, and now... I can do it! Of course, every day has been an adventure for me with Chin Stand. Some days I don't feel bold enough to press up, and other days it's just not there. Some days--I'm thinking of one class in particular with the lovely Mary Williams--my legs decided to run the show and kick up with such power that I was forced to back bend out of the pose and (not so gracefully) get out of it! I love that Chin Stand can be achieved in layers and that it is a pose that humbles me. Through my own personal practice and taking the opportunity to be a student, I learned the fundamentals of this pose and the why behind floating one leg in Chaturanga Dandasana- knowledge is power, friends!

What would your perfect autumn weekend look like?

- a hike with my partner and our little furry one, Eleanor, to see the leaves changing. I would love for this to be in northern Michigan, or somewhere out West, but good old GR is always nice, too!

- practice yoga (at Kula or one of our community class somewhere, so I can meet new people!)

- make some delicious home-made food, like apple-pumpkin muffins ,or take on an adventurous dinner recipe--anything that makes our tiny home smell good!

- visit with my mom and chat a while

- catch up and reconnect with dear friends who live far away 

- settle in at home with some tea or warm Witches' Brew wine and some windmill cookies, then play Yahtzee and listen to music

Thanks for sharing, Kar. You're a gem, and we're glad you're part of our Kula. 

Namaste, 
Megan

Riding the Wave of Change

Last week, the Kula community celebrated one year of yoga in Grand Rapids. What a year it was - so full of ups and downs. There were roller coaster highs and stagnant lows. I was frequently reminded of how life truly is all about taking the sour with the sweet. Things have a way of staying in balance. 

On a business level, Kula accomplished a lot in one year. The vision of Kula Yoga came to life while I was working as a full-time teacher at Burton Elementary in GRPS. I had lived in Grand Rapids for years and had still not found my yoga home. After thoughtful consideration, I decided to create what I felt was missing. I walked through the rectangle of bricks at 133 Division Avenue, decided to trust my intuition, follow my heart, and sign a lease. I brought on thoughtful, skilled teachers who are always pushing themselves to grow and care about community and connection as much as I do. I graduated two classes of instructors from the Megan Rader Yoga School. Kula brought BUTI Yoga (If you haven’t been, you’re missing out!), chakra sound baths, mala making courses, and tribal dance workshops to Grand Rapids. We raised and donated hundreds of dollars to local community organizations with our weekly Outreach Flow. Most importantly, we stuck with the original mission of keeping things simple — simple space, affordable pricing, and a focus on connection — connection with the students, teachers, and community at large. Our Kula continues to grow, and I am humbled daily. 

With the highs come the lows, but I worked to see my challenges as my teachers. On a personal level, my relationship with my best friend and partner deepened over the year. Weeks after Kula opened, my husband and I lost our first baby, which left us heartbroken. Processing such a traumatic miscarriage--physically and emotionally--graced me with a much stronger, more immense respect for us women. Our bodies are literally the source of life and, though less frequently discussed, death. I've never felt such sorrow, all while surrounded by the newness and excitement of Kula. With the unconditional love and support of my family and close friends, I got out of bed. We women are powerful, and our resilience is unwavering. What an honor it is to be female. I knew that before. I feel that now. When I felt another cloud of sadness hover over me after the election, I stood in the rain for some time, allowing myself to feel the despair. Nevertheless, I persisted, as we women do. 

Along with all of the change, joy, and loss I’ve experienced over the past year, I have met so many new friends. The friendship I built with one fellow local business owner in particular, Jessica of Wanderlux Beauty Co., was truly destined to be. She and I are soul sisters. Jessica and I are excited to share the news that we will both be moving locations this winter and joining forces under one roof in East Hills, at 713 Wealthy Street.  Our shared mission is to create a unique and collective place for self care, connection, and relaxation. We are so thrilled to be a part of the growing, lively neighborhood of East Hills and to offer the community a unique experience. This new space allows for Kula to not only provide the community with more classes, but also different styles and services. We are working hard to bring this big old house to life, so follow along as we create your new “happy place.”

The ebb and flow of life will continue to meet me with ups and downs, and I will undoubtedly experience more highs and lows as I travel through this next journey. Things perceived as "good" and "bad" will come. I am choosing to push past doubt and fear, instead embracing growth and change. I am striving to live a life of love and abundance. Join me.

Namaste, 
Megan

Teacher Feature: Jenny

Take some time out of your day to learn about the lovely Jenny Tanis. Catch her classes throughout the week at Kula Yoga. You can enjoy Jenny's guidance on Mondays at 12:15pm for Vinyasa, or take it easy with a Slow Flow on Sunday nights at 6:00. 

Favorite Yoga Pose: 

Without a doubt, Tree Pose (Vrksasana). I find myself standing in this posture while preparing dinner, waiting in line, or in casual conversations. Beyond that, I love how this asana is never the same for me. When I come to my mat hurried or during a hectic day, I am able to feel this imbalance during vrksasana and mindfully bring myself to a more peaceful space. On the contrary, some days I feel stable and strong...which is incredibly empowering. I am energized when I root down through my standing leg knowing that as I stand grounded, I enable myself to become open to new possibilities and reach higher and stronger. For me, Tree is an excellent example of how our physical yoga practice follows us off our mats into our relationships, jobs, and every day interactions. 

Struggle Pose: 

Eagle Pose (Garudasana). This is a total head thing. I struggle with the binding aspect of this pose. I rarely can wrap my free foot behind my standing leg or get my hands to connect. In this pose, I have to intentionally draw my attention back to my breath and find a mental space of non-judgement. I have to mindfully incorporate this asana into my classes to not deprive students from the incredible benefits of this pose merely because of my personal barriers. I choose to practice this pose because it gives me an opportunity to breathe through struggle, practice mindfulness, learn to be present, and hold myself and my body in a space of love and appreciation rather than judgement and criticism. 

Why do you teach yoga? 

I love providing a space for people to engage in self-discovery. Whether that is learning how to intuitively connect and listen to your body, or diving into the power of the mind-body connection. It is powerful to create a safe space where people trust you with their bodies and souls. It is humbling to be invited into the intimate experience of connecting with your self. It is an honor to connect with others through a shared love of breath and movement.

We love you, Jenny! Kula Yoga is enriched by your presence. 

Be well, 
Megan

Let's Talk 'Vinyasa'

Here at Kula Yoga, we have a number of class types on the studio schedule. Kula yogis can choose from Yin, Slow Flow, BUTI, or Vinyasa, depending on where they'd like to take their practices on a given day. Students new to Kula Yoga, or even to yoga itself, often ask what the word 'Vinyasa' means. Awesome question--especially when Vinyasa class is offered at Kula sixteen times a week!

Vinyasa can be defined as "breath and movement linked together." During a Vinyasa class at Kula, when you start to "flow with your breath," you're in the heart of Vinyasa. For example, imagine yourself moving through the flow of, "Inhale, Crescent Lunge, Anjaneyasana. Exhale, Revolved Crescent Twist, Parivrrta Anjaneyasana. Inhale, Warrior II, Virabhadrasana II. Exhale, Side Angle Pose, Utthita Parsvakonasana." That's Vinyasa. When your movement is linked with and guided by your breath, that's Vinyasa. It's almost as though you're dancing on your mat, and the music is your breath. 

Try taking the act of Vinyasa off of your mat. While you're sitting at your desk, inhale to slowly roll your head back, then exhale to draw your chin to your chest. Even as you stand in line somewhere, inhale, and grow tall through the crown of your head, then breathe out, and relax your shoulders down your back. These are easy ways to live your yoga outside of the physical space of Kula Yoga. These small actions taken off of your mat can bring you more awareness of your breath while you're on your mat, too. Inevitably, you'll be more mindful and at peace when you consciously breathe big, and that peaceful feeling will ripple around you to the people you encounter around Grand Rapids. Everything ties together, my friends. 

See you in class, 
Megan

What is Buti Yoga?

Buti Yoga is coming to Kula as of May 15! Imagine an hour-long class that combines yoga, tribal dance, and plyometric work-- a class that gets your heart pumping and your body spiraling to some amazing beats. That's Buti!

Buti Yoga was founded by Bizzie Gold--a yogini, speaker and entrepreneur, ‘Buti’ is derived from an Indian Marathi word, and it translates to “the cure for something hidden or kept secret”. Buti Yoga fuses together various yoga asanas, tribal hip-shaking dance, and heartbeat-pumping plyometric bursts. Buti classes begin with a warm-up of breath work and poses that target various movements of your spine. The focus then shifts to internal core muscles and hip rotation isolations. You'll increase strength and unlock and increase your feminine energy. 

In the words of Lili Daniel, certified Buti Yoga instructor, "Our feminine energy is unleashed through moves that combine powerful warrior yoga poses with hip rotations and spirals, and the primal, tribal dance brings out your inner fieriness. These moves encourage everyone to be comfortable in their own skin and love themselves. The students within the class are considered to be a tribe — a tribe that moves together, and sweats together."

You may find yourself giggling at your reflection during different points in class. Lighten up, and have a good time! Before you know it, you'll begin to embrace BUTI as real and powerful experience. It can be incredibly empowering to see what your body will do, along with the kind of community you'll build while practicing with others.

We'll see you on your mats, Kula yogis!

Namaste,
Megan