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Wall of Fame

Oct 19
0

Funky Buddha Wall of Fame: Bryan S.

By Student Stories, Wall of Fame

funky buddha wall of fame bryan steen 1,000 classes

1,168.75 hours on a Funky Buddha Yoga mat in 4.5 years?!?! That’s 1,000 classes, folks! Welcome to the Wall of Fame, Bryan!

When and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga?

I’ve been coming to Funky Buddha for 4 1/2 years. Lower back issues is what got me into yoga.

What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?

It feels AWESOME.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newbie Funky Buddha’s?

My piece of advice for newbies is to just keep on going, and remember, it’s just yoga. I’ve done the 30-Day Dare twice. Crashed and burned on the first try, and kicked it’s ass on the second.

Any deep yoga thoughts you’d like to share?

Here’s what I’ve learned over 1,000 classes. No matter what you tell yourself, or others, the mat doesn’t lie; and it’s always worth the time spent to throw down your mat. The days you don’t want to practice are the days you need to practice most. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes, you have to work that shit out.  The only way out is through, and for me, through means running double downs or hitting the triple play button in a day.
Jul 29
0

Wall of Fame: Grace S.

By Wall of Fame

Funky Buddha Wall of Fame Grace SA smile we all have come to know and love!

Her gentle touch as an assistant and constant presence, along with her family who practice and play for us (Potato Moon!), has made Grace a cornerstone of the Funky Buddha Family. It’s easy to see how she achieved a permanent spot on our Wall of Fame.

We asked Grace to share her wisdom and she had lots to offer:

When and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga? 

The Grand Rapids Press had run an article about a new hot yoga studio opening in Eastown. I didn’t know a thing about yoga, but the idea of exercising in the heat sounded good. It was all so foreign! I pretty much laughed, fumbled and sweated through my first class… but I was hooked!

What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?!

1000 times isn’t enough!!! There’s so much more to explore. I think I was 600 classes in before I found my feet!  Haha!  It feels wonderful! PLUS I get my name on that wall 🙂

What’s your favorite yoga pose?

Right now it’s Wheel. I feel strong and free in Wheel. But I could go on and on about Child’s Pose as well. I am calm and grounded in Child’s Pose. I guess it’s what you are seeking at the moment.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newbie Funky Buddhas?

Don’t compare yourself to the rest of the room. Let the practice BE the purpose. Practice for the joy of it and simply keep coming back to your mat!  🙂

Jun 26
0

Wall of Fame: Amanda S.

By Wall of Fame

You’ve seen her name and face around the studio.

Not only because she hit 1,000 classes and is on the Wall of Fame, but because it’s Amanda, one of our fabulous instructors and assistant trainer! Amanda shares her spirit and love of yoga with us every day, but we wanted to ask why she started coming to Funky Buddha and find out what her favorite pose is. Who knew her yoga love started in kindergarten!

wall of fame amandaWhen and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga?
In February 2011, I had a bad day at work and drove past the Eastown studio. On the outside chalkboard, there was a doodle of a peace sign and heart. It was my sign to take a class at the Funky Buddha.

What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?!
It feels the same as the first class. Fun, sweaty, and challenging.

What’s your favorite yoga pose?
Wheel! I learned this pose as “Upward Bow” when I was in kindergarten. Every wheel I do reminds me of that day and the seed planted in me to practice yoga.

What’s one piece of advice you give to newbie Funky Buddhas?
Be curious. There are 2 sides to this: keep learning and embrace unusual.

May 27
0

Funky Buddha Wall of Fame: Kelly H

By Student Stories, Wall of Fame

Another lovely name to add to the ever-growing Funky Buddha Wall of Fame – Kelly H.!

Described by staff as bubbly, friendly, and always excited about yoga, you’ve probably seen her around Forest Hills at all times a day. Many congrats on the 1,000 classes, Kelly!

Funky Buddha Wall of Fame Kelly

We asked Kelly to share about her practice and tips for newbies:

  • When and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga?
    I was nursing a running injury the summer of 2012 and was looking for an alternative to the high-impact movement. I tried Bikram while in Miami for business and fell in love with the heat, but did not care for the rigidity of the practice. When I got home, I looked up hot yoga studios in the area and the universe brought me to the Funky Buddha. My first class was with Lindsay [insert heart emoji here].
  • What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?!
    To me, it is not about what 1,000 classes feels like, it is about what happened on my mat 1,000 times. Some days I listened to my body – I felt strong so I went for it or I felt tired so my flow was gentler; and some days I didn’t listen – I felt tired but went for it anyway. Some days I showed up BIG TIME – grounded and present; and some days I showed up and fought every pose like I was being forced to be on my mat. 1,000 classes later, I am grateful for the opportunity to listen and show up, both on and off my mat.
  • What’s your favorite yoga pose?
    My favorite pose is dancer.  The pose is an awesome shoulder stretch and I love practicing balance and taking my dancer down to bound half-moon and back up again.
  • What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newbie Funky Buddhas?
    I have always been a competitive person which is a perfect mindset for most sports, not necessarily yoga. My practice truly started to evolve when I stopped trying so hard to have the ‘perfect pose’ and instead focused on being completely present on my mat. My one piece of advice is not worry what the person next to you is doing, listen to your body and show up!