Reductionism, but to illustrate a point
If one mile around a track tapped me out, imagine how a 2.5 month renovation left me.
When I was younger I determined that there are two types of people (there's obviously infinite types of people):
1. Those who, when told they can't do something, fiercely stand up to the challenge.
2. Those who, when told they can't do a thing, apathetically accept the claim and don't even try. (hi, me 👋🏻)
Thankfully that's changed quite a bit since I've grown. Mostly because I have less of a tendency to immediately disregard things that require effort as "impossible." I also have significantly more confidence in my capabilities since surviving brutal teenage years, making my own doctors appointments since high school, and living to tell the tale of my dad teaching me how to drive 😅 (jk dad!). We could also dive into a deep discussion about how axes of privilege play into self esteem and perceived capability but I'll save that for another time.
So as a little example, throughout most of my life, a consistent voice in my head has told me "I'm not a runner." Starting when I was required to run one mile for the Presidential Fitness Test in the third grade and ended up puking after one—yes, 1—lap around the track. This judgement was further reinforced in 9th grade when I quit field hockey try outs after the first day because that field was way bigger than it looked from the bleachers. Not to mention, when I was a senior in high school and I would hide in the locker room during gym class. That was more because everyone else was a freshman or sophomore, though, and socializing AND engaging physical activity was a combination I did not have the capacity for at the time.
Last summer when the local yoga studios found out I was opening Kula and in-not-so-many-words uninvited me to practice in their spaces 😂, I starting going to a franchise gym that held group fitness classes. Half the class included running and although I was not necessarily jazzed about it, I was down to try. Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it, largely because of the group atmosphere and the encouraging instructor.
I still do not identify as a runner and I have ran outside one time in the past two years resulting in a week of soreness. Still, it has been really cool to see that I can complete a couple miles without getting anxiety sickness!
Even though I could be using that energy for something I'm already good at, it feels gratifying to channel it into an activity thats not only beneficial for my body but also shows myself that I can endure more than I think I can--that although there may be discomfort, basking in the satisfaction of following through with a tough commitment is worth it. And most importantly, that I always have the agency to walk (hence, treadmilll girlie for now ✌🏼).
At this point it's worth asking who's voice is insisting I "can't do something?" With that example, it was me. Likely crafted from a combination of lived experience (not having fun doing it but being obligated to exercise) and black-and-white social comparison / perfectionism (I'm embarrassing myself if I'm not the best, so why try). Many people have also probably had peers or authority figures state similar judgement and internalized it from there.
This makes me wonder what other pursuits I've avoided because of fear of judgement, whether from myself or others. I'm sure I could compile a long list including, but not limited to, most physical activities that include even a 15% chance of breaking a bone and confrontation with people who have displayed an inability to self reflect. Maybe that's a wise choice, though!
All of that to say ~and here's where it all circles back to Kula and YOU~, if you're signed up for our newsletter or reading this blog you probably have at least a little bit of interest in our classes. Totally possible that you just love reading intimate stories from my childhood and that's okay too.
SO drumroll please ........
...... Starting in May, we will still have drop in classes, only they'll now include a little bit of ✨pizzazz✨. There will be an option to sign up for a discounted 4 week class series as well as the tried and true class packs, single drop ins, and our best deal, Unlimited Adult and Student (under 26) memberships.
We hope that the series model will be a great way to support a little splash of commitment, accountability, and community building. More on the specifics of those classes later, but for now think: sound baths, reiki, philosophy, massage-like assists, and Goose Pond!! Maybe even a brief jog & yog(a) class?? If interested, email info@kulavermont.com. All ideas are welcome. Remember, we have free will!
In the meantime! Enjoy our regular rotating classes and the fabulous After Hours Social Lounge events we have on the docket!
