When we were looking for a student to feature in this month’s newsletter, Chris’ name came up several times – evidence of how he positively impacts Funky Buddha Community Culture.
Chris exemplifies what it means to be a Funky Buddha — committed + curious + always learning.
Yoga for Chris comes down to one word, “Health.”
“For me it is a mind and body connection. It not only works on your body, your strength, your flexibility, but it also works on your mind. If you’re stressed or working on some tough stuff, ten minutes after class I feel at peace.”
Chris looks at his yoga practice as a commitment to his own health. This is what keeps him coming back to his mat.
Chris was an active athlete in high school and college. He used yoga for recovery during those years of weight lifting and sports.
“(Yoga) provides all of the benefits of exercise and not nearly as many drawbacks.” – Chris
While visiting Grand Rapids (before it became his home), Chris Googled “Yoga in Grand Rapids.” He took his very first class at Funky Buddha, in November of 2018, and from there he was hooked.
Though he practiced yoga in the past, Funky Buddha Yoga was a new adventure for him. He had never practiced HOT yoga before. But ever the adventurer, the 95-degree room did not dissuade him.
While he has only practiced at the Funky Buddha since November, Chris has thrown himself into his yoga practice and the Funky Buddha Community. He has been to all of the workshops, the community music project classes, and every class we offer in the winter – even sometimes hitting two classes in a day.
Reasons Why Chris Loves His Funky Buddha Yoga Practice:
- “The quality of instruction creates for a deeper understanding of my practice. I know if I were to ask a question about my yoga practice, I would receive a competent and well-thought-out answer. You guys are always willing to help, with anything. That keeps me coming back. There is always somewhere to learn and grow here.”
- “Community. There’s a warmth and friendliness when I walk through the doors, from everyone I encounter”
- “My favorite pose is the ones you don’t see coming. You’ve taken the person’s class a few times and they throw in something you’ve never tried before. It teaches me that I can do more than I think.”
- “The people here are the reason I keep practicing.”
Thank you, Chris for sharing your Funky Buddha Story with us and for adding to the Funky Community with your positivity and commitment to health & growth!
