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Yoga

Mar 31
0

Wall of Fame: Kristine N.

By Yoga

It takes determination to make it to the Wall of Fame (1,000+) classes. And Kristine has a lot of it.

She’s been a regular between our Forest Hills and Eastown studios since 2011. That’s right, she was here just months after we opened! You can usually find her on weekends, doubling up on morning classes. Give her a congrats next time you see her around the studio.

Funky Wall of Fame Kristine

Words of Wisdom from Kristine:

When and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga?
I started coming to Funky Buddha in September 2011.  I had been a runner for over 30 years and running was just not “fun” anymore – I was looking for something new!

What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?!
Incredible – I am really proud of myself!

What’s your favorite yoga pose? 
 Wheel – because it is still a challenge after all of these classes and I feel so powerful every time I do one.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newbie Funky Buddhas?
Keep coming back. To be totally honest, I did not love my first class. Now I cannot imagine my life without yoga and The Funky Buddha.  Life is so good!

 

Congrats, Kristine! #FunkYeah

Mar 08
0

Hi, Members

By Yoga

So… what is it that makes The Funky Buddha Experience so awesome?

If you ask anyone (students, teachers, assistants) and yourself this question, we may all get the same answer.

It’s the people. The community. The support.

As the Funky Buddha Staff, we take the support of our Funky Community, our Funky Tribe, very seriously. It is both a privilege and a responsibility.

So behind the studio doors, the wheels are always turning. How do we create the very best Hot Yoga Experience? What do our students need? What do they want? What would enhance their experience: physically, emotionally, socially? What tools would help them bring their yoga out of the ether and into their lives? How can we ensure the highest level of quality? How can we be innovative? How can we create more “depth of experience” for everyone?

The Funky Buddha Tribe. You are already here, practicing together, sweating together… but let’s take it one step further. Let’s purposefully commit to the support and growth of one another. Let’s commit to our Tribe.

You want more? You want all things yoga? Well, we are here to give it to you.

The goal of The Funky Buddha Tribe is to give you more – more information, more resources, more opportunities to connect, more laughs, more support.

As always, the choice is yours: participate a little, devour every article, ask a million questions, participate in every outing and workshop, or cherry pick what you want and observe from a distance. We will work hard to provide a high quality enticing “menu” of options for you. You pick and choose what you want from the smorgasbord.

Things currently on the docket for The Funky Buddha Tribe

* Monthly Member Newsletter: You will still get the monthly newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on the studio happenings for the month. But in addition, mid-month, Members will receive a Tribe Newsletter, which will be filled with Funky Fun Stuff that has been curated just for our members (recipes, articles, tips, tools of the trades, behind-the-scenes…).

* An Ever-Changing Awesome-Sauce Schedule of Special Events and Funky Field Trips! Last summer we took over the lawn of Mangiamo’s, dipped our toes into Reed’s and Macatawa Lakes for SUP Yoga, and just generally ROCKED the West Michigan Yoga Scene. THIS YEAR we plan on taking it to the NEXT LEVEL. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for all the ridiculously fun stuff we have planned for you in 2016.

In closing, and at the risk of sounding “super cheese ball yoga-y”…….

SO MUCH GRATITUDE.

Thank you for giving the studios life, for breathing energy and vitality into every class.
Thanks for building and BEING The Funky Buddha Tribe.

Feb 25
0

March’s Student of the Month: Vern B.

By Student of the Month, Yoga

Most of you know Vern if you go to the Holland yoga studio. He’s usually the first one to class, but heck, he’s even kind enough to bring us treats! What a guy.

We’re recognizing Funky Buddha Member Vern B. as March’s Student of the Month for his constant support of other students, the studio and his dedication to his practice. Vern, you’re one in a million.

Nominated and written by Funky Buddha Mentee, Jen S. Here’s Vern’s story:

vern student of the monthThis is Vern.

Vern is a self-proclaimed country boy.

Vern considers Funky Buddha his family.

Vern needs yoga in his life.

If you’ve ever gotten a high-five and a big smile from a friendly face after rising from a transcendent Savasana…it might have been from this guy.

However, this new found confidence is only because his yoga practice has encouraged him to step out of the “barnyard.”

Vern experienced his first yoga class over three years ago when his fit friends told him about The Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse opening. He never looked back.

“This practice has given me so much; without a doubt I’m stronger, more flexible and my doc definitely likes my lower blood pressure — but don’t overlook gaining patience, peace, and the clarity to authentically connect with people. I am a better friend, spouse and parent. This practice has taught me to love myself for who I am and accept others for who they are. Yoga resets my mind. It doesn’t surprise me to find a college athlete, a business professional or a doctor on the mat next to me. Yoga isn’t competitive. It’s about taking care of yourself.”

I know those are only a few of the reasons why Vern and so many others dig our 95° tropical workout. Everybody and every body is welcome here.

Off the mat, Vern enjoys mowing his lawn, archery and bow hunting. Oh and this yogi can cook and bake! I wouldn’t let him out of half-pigeon until he shared this recipe for the sinful cookies he brought into the studio at Christmas (below). You’re welcome.

Vern enjoys sharing how yoga has transformed his life. Next time you see him in the studio, say hi…or maybe holler “howdy!”

We think you’re perfectly Funky, Vern!

“Yoga is the best way I know how to disconnect from the world and totally connect to my well-being.”

chocolate covered cherry cookies   chocolate cherry cookies recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS! Here’s another Vern love note from Michele, our Operations Mgr:

Vern was “all in” from the beginning and has become even more infused into the community as time has gone on. I am so happy to know Vern both as a yogi and client, but also as an ambassador for the Funky Buddha.  He takes it upon himself to invite people to classes and spreads the love by introducing himself to new students.  

From sharing his homemade guacamole with the staff,  to calling just to say “hi,” I am always happy to see and hear from our Vern!

Feb 25
0

Wall of Fame: Kathy D.

By Hot Yoga, Student Stories, Yoga

1,000 classes and counting…

No doubt you’ve seen Kathy D. around the studio – she is a regular after all. Kathy started as a student in Eastown and now calls the Holland studio home!

Kathy, thank you for your years of dedication to yourself and the studio. And welcome to the WALL OF FAME!

Wall of Fame

Wall of FameWhen and why did you start coming to Funky Buddha Yoga?
I started coming to Funky Buddha at the end of January 2010 because I just knew that I needed yoga in my life.

What’s it feel like to hit 1,000 classes?!
It feels like standing on top of a mountain, way above the tree line.

What’s your favorite yoga pose?
My favorite yoga pose is Fish because it reminds me to keep our hearts open to receive.

 

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newbie Funky Buddhas?
One piece of advice (there is never just one…) is to take it one day at a time, don’t overthink anything, and remember to breathe. Yoga has taught me so many life lessons and I have made very close friends in the studio – it’s like a family by choice, the best kind.

Feb 25
0

March’s Super Yogis & Fear Nots

By Yoga

Another group of  amazing yogis who completed more than 250 or 500 classes!

march 2016 super yogis

Fear Nots (500+)

Kim V.
Sara F.
Laura M.
Chris L.
Megan P.
Sally S.
Nancy D.
Dina C.

Super Yogis (250+) 

Franchesca O.
Krystal C.
Caitlyn K.
Aura NC.
Erin O.
Susanna L.
Lindsey M.
Amanda T.
Katie L.
Andrew T.

 

Feb 11
0

Yoga Love Notes: We

By Hot Yoga, Yoga

Since love is in the air and all, we might as well show some love for what brings us all together – YOGA.

yoga love notes

You shared why you love yoga on our Facebook page. Here are a few reasons why yoga won your hearts: 

Renee –  There is nothing like the feeling you get from a hot yoga session. The intensity and concentration work your mind and body to the max and helps you connect in an intimate way to your soul. It brings you mindfulness and allows you to get in touch with you in the moment. It is so hard to explain, but I have benefited in so many ways since starting this practice!!

Jessica – The inner peace, happiness, self awareness and strength that hot yoga brings is amazing. I fought and beat breast cancer in 2015! As a survivor I was looking for something to get me back in the swing of things at a healthy pace. Hot yoga is helping me make the best of 2016 and my 2nd chance! I love hot yoga!

Adeola – I tried yoga for the first time yesterday! Although, I didn’t get all the moves, I loved the peace and relaxation that overcame me during the session! So much so, that I paid for more sessions ahead of time! I am so in love with yoga!!

Julie – Slowly, over time, I am healing. I love yoga because it is teaching me to be present, breathe, and to be ok with where I am.

funky buddha yoga love notes

Cassandra – I love yoga because it is the only time of the day that I’m just thinking about what I’m doing instead of 100 different things! And I love seeing the growth and the strength that comes with yoga! Doing things that I didn’t know I could even do a year ago!

Rachel – I love yoga because it never stops teaching. There’s always more to learn.

Jaime – Not only do I love what yoga has done for my spirit, but I love how practicing with my partner has helped us connect on a new level ♡

Sarah – Yoga calms my inner crazy and reminds me that I can be flexible with my mind, body and spirit.

Frankie – I love yoga because it’s helped me find the balance and purpose my life was missing.

Nikki – Yoga brings energy inside of me that nothing else dose. I feel empowered, clam, energized, and at peace all at the same time. It’s amazing how much can come from sometimes movements so small or still.

funky yoga love notesJen – I love yoga because … I learned how to breathe again

Elisabeth – Yoga gets me out of head and reminds me to take care of the whole me.

Jennifer – This consistent and dedicated practice has brought amazing opportunities into my life. I cannot imagine where I’d be without you, yoga.

Cath – I love yoga because it’s never the same thing twice, even if the flow of poses is the same. Sometimes, there’s the comfort of finding calm in the chaos. Other times, it’s all chaos. No matter what it is, in the end, it is exactly what it needed to be.

Jennifer – I love yoga because it helped me appreciate how strong my body really is, and in that way helps me love myself. Happy Valentine’s Funky!!

 

We’re feeling the love over here! Happy VDay or more like HAPPY LOVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS DAY!