I have been looking for words to go along with this post for a few days now. When we moved to Tacoma, I knew I was going to have to adjust. It’s a big change to move away from the area you have called home for so long. Not would the climate be incredibly different, or the to the fact that our immediate family wouldn’t be in the same city any more, but I was also leaving my beloved yoga studio behind. I was going to have to finding a place to practice yoga.
I tried out one studio, and really liked it. But it was difficult to find the time to go without having childcare readily available. My husband then suggested we sign up at the YMCA. I was hesitant. Yoga at a gym isn’t usually up my alley. But, when we stepped into the facility, we were blown away. The YMCA is a fabulous resource for the Tacoma community.
Then I took a yoga class (I could go mid-day while my son is at school and my daughter at the on site daycare). The class was fantastic. So I went to another, and another, and another. Each teacher exceeded my expectations of what a typical gym yoga class usually was. This is how I met Rebeca. She is the director of the Yoga and Wellness program at the Y, and is a passionate yogini. We instantly clicked and started visiting after a class one day.
She asked me the usual questions, what brought us to the PNW, what do you do for a I did for a living? When I told her I was a photographer and a certified yoga instructor we started to brainstorm. About two weeks later, she gathered a room full of beautiful women to practice. While they moved and breathed as one, I photographed. These images are the results. I am full of gratitude for moments and connections like this in my life. Being surrounded by this sort of energy is amazing. I think it shows up in the photographs that I am sharing here with you today.
A huge thank you to Rebecca and the other women for sharing their practice with me last week. I hope to not only to sun salute with all of you very soon, but make new friendships as well.
Namaste and keep chasing that light, Vanessa
PS If you are in the area and have Thursday mornings open, I will be teaching a regularly at the Y starting on the 10th. I would love to have your smiling faces in the room with me. If you would like a private lesson or a small group practice, contact me- the space photographed here is available for use.
This is lovely, Vanessa. I hope the Y uses this for advertising. Your photos are wonderful, as usual. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
I should clarify, these photos were actually taken at Rebeca’s personal studio and she WILL be using them for advertising! so excited.
We love you and miss you guys SO very much. Can’t wait to give you a giant hug.
beautiful shots, vanessa.
so glad your passions are meeting. xo
Me too Michelle, me too. thank you!
The images are so good and I love how you are finding your way there in a new city and state.
Tracie, it truly feels like a good fit. thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your words.
Vanessa, your images depict the spirit of yoga so honestly and beautifully. Love all if this.
Thank you for such sweet words. xo
Vanessa, you have beautifully and organically captured the peace and calm and strength of yoga practice.
I actually found myself taking several deep breaths as I looked long into your photographs.
Deb! what a beautiful and wonderful compliment. Truly. This is exactly what I want my audience to do.xo