Back to Blooma

Blooma was born (I think), right around the time my only child was born, in the fall of 2007. I first discovered Blooma in early 2009 when a friend invited Johan and me to try a BYOB yoga class. Johan was just about 1 and we had a grand old time. While at the studio, I saw that Early Bird Yoga was offered at 6 a.m. Because I have to work at 7:30 a.m., I thought this class was perfect for me and began attending regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This worked out because Eduardo would stay with Johan while I was at class. I found my time at Blooma physically, emotionally, and spiritually fulfilling. I was a healthier person and better mom because of it.

Then life, as it does sometimes, threw me a curve ball. In the fall of 2010, my marriage was ending. I sought solace on my mat at my Early Bird classes. I sometimes crumbled into child’s pose, weeping. The amazing instructors helped me through a most difficult time. They didn’t ask questions or pry, just lingered a bit longer during hands-on adjustments and communicated their support non-verbally. My time at Blooma on my mat was respite during that difficult journey.

Some months later, my parenting situation made it impossible for me to continue with Early Bird classes. I was a single parent with no one to watch Johan  in the early morning hours. I continued my yoga practice at another studio and at home, but always missed the early class. Arriving in the dark, watching the sun come up to greet the Minneapolis morning in a space that I found supportive and non-threatening, and that helped me grow in my practice, enhancing my life in every way. I was sad to walk away from Blooma.

Then, something wonderful happened. A new person entered my life. I told Andrew about Blooma and the ways it had been there for me in good times and in bad. And, because just when you think life is done twisting, it finds new ways to surprise you, today I returned to Blooma after over a year hiatus. It was emotional for me to return. My head was flooded with memories: the first time Johan and I entered the studio; the wonderful music during the early bird practice; the tears I cried in front of other yogis as I navigated divorce and single motherhood. As I unrolled my mat and began practice, it was like meeting an old friend. We’ve both changed, but not too much. We recognized each other at once, greeted each other warmly, and fell back into our familiar dance. My body and mind and soul feel rejuvenated after the class this morning. I can’t wait for next week. We have some catching up to do.