Dear Yoga Loft Family,
Just over 4 years ago, my wife Lori and I received a deep, heartfelt nudge to open a yoga studio. This wasn’t something we planned, but we learned to trust the inner voice of love and began to follow through. Shortly after, we met Nikki Rogers, and then we found the perfect location in South Boulder. We each brought unique contributions to the vision. It was perfect, and still is.
Owning a business is hard work. You have to thrive on solving a myriad of problems on a daily basis. Last summer, Nikki came to us, wanting to move in a different direction. We were concerned that we couldn’t run Yoga Loft without her. We knew it wouldn’t be the same and there’s just no replacement for her. It was not easy taking on her responsibilities and then eventually finding someone to take on her considerable role. We are grateful Nikki still teaches at Yoga Loft and wish her the best. Thank you Nikki, for who you are and all you have done for this community.
The only thing constant in this world is change. Some of you have been with us long enough to notice other changes at the studio. We have said goodbye to some beloved, long-time teachers in recent months. Some have moved away, while others have found new opportunities. We thank them all for sharing their gifts and wisdom with Yoga Loft and we wish them well as they continue on their paths. Whether change is wanted, needed, or thrust upon you, it’s rarely easy. In many ways, it’s how we grow. How we react or respond to change is perhaps our higher yoga.
I have come to realize that it is my life path to work through the problems of business ownership and be both yoga teacher and leader at the same time. It’s my Dharma. I liked working with Nikki, because I didn’t have to fully step into that role. Well, guess what? Change happens and it’s pushed me a little further down my spiritual growth path.
Yoga Loft is a manifestation of the love that inspired it. We felt the importance of having a place where anyone can go to “get away,” practice and share the peace. The other big part of our vision was to create a space for a style of yoga that was available to every body. I didn’t know what it was, but I trusted it would eventually come. In spite of my efforts, creating this alternative seemed nearly impossible.
Thanks to a very random email invitation to attend a yoga class being held in the basement of a church, I discovered Kaiut Yoga. In the first 20 minutes of the first yoga class, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Francisco Kaiut is a modern-day yoga pioneer. Many other studios have rejected Kaiut Yoga, and while it may not be the yoga many are accustomed to, it is yoga and it has proven helpful for many people. I was well aware that bringing Kaiut yoga to Yoga Loft would change our perceptions of yoga.
Are we transitioning into a Kaiut Yoga studio? Not at all. In fact, we are excited to watch our vinyasa program grow! With the newly renovated third space, it allows us to add classes and be more creative with our scheduling. Starting next week we are adding several new teachers and ramping up our vinyasa program. Click here to see the new schedule of classes. Our new schedule begins Monday, April 18th.
Another important change at the studio is that Hannah Cunha has accepted a managerial role at Yoga Loft. Hannah is a wonderful yoga teacher and her previous managerial experience has become a tremendous asset as we work through the many changes at the studio. Please trust Hannah with any questions or concerns you may have when Lori and I are not on site.
While tradition and history have important elements to any practice, I believe we must continually embrace new information and insight. I am personally incorporating massive paradigm shifts around pranayama and yoga into my practice that have unbelievable benefits. Blending the old with new to find a better way is how we grow and innovate. If you are inspired to learn more, our teacher training program is a great way to immerse yourself into the healing growth and power of yoga.
I understand that yoga is a deeply personal practice, both physically and spiritually. Yoga Loft may never be all things to all people, but we remain true to the vision of creating a space where everyone wanting a better way to live in their body feels safe and welcomed. We hope that is your experience and you will continue to grow and evolve along with us.
If you have feedback or suggestions on how we could improve, I hope you make a point to share your insight with us. I appreciate you and your dedication to your practice. Without you, my vision would be limited to a self-practice, but it’s much more creative and rewarding to share it with you! It’s how we grow.
Thank you and Namaste,
Jeff Bailey
