The Climb

Might I dare say, “We’ve made it?!” I feel it, do you?

After several years of, well, H-E-🏒🏒, 2023 was THE turning point for Inner Fire Yoga, post-pandemic speaking. I feel as if I/we fell into a deep crevasse and slowly, but surely, climbed out only to face a mountain. The climb out was accomplished by all of us who stayed in service to Inner Fire Yoga during the pandemic shut down including me, Hannah, Michael, a handful of teachers who taught virtually plus members who continued to pay despite the studios being closed 🙏 The subsequent climb up the mountain was accomplished by all of us who are part of this community right now. As Original Hot Yogis we can view this experience as a metaphor for yoga practice. It requires strength, discipline, determination, patience and faith. So here’s to all of us: CONGRATULATIONS, we did it! 🥂

It’s interesting to look back (hindsight is 20/20 as they say). There was a time when I wondered, and I know many (maybe all) of you can relate, will I ever feel hopeful again? No one is more thrilled than I am that Inner Fire Yoga “is back”. I feel a sense of joy, gratitude, and community/connection when I am at Inner Fire Yoga, and it is clear that many others are feeling the same. It is (we are) nothing short of a remarkable clan of Inner Fire Yogis. And of course, we are grateful for each other, for our breath, yoga, conversation, and so much more!

On a personal level 2023 was a good year for me, and not just because Inner Fire Yoga turned a corner. After 22 years as a single mother of two, I am an empty nester, woop woop! Also personally impactful: in August I happily passed the Inner Fire Yoga operational reins to Hannah Moran. Hannah, who was previously Director of Marketing and Administrator of Teacher Training, now retains both of those titles and picks up the esteemed title of Director of Operations. Hannah started as receptionist, then attended our teacher training and began teaching, then supported previous long time manager Michael Hoefferle as his Assistant Manager (Michael has been with Inner Fire Yoga for sixteen years and is now Facilities Manager and Graphic Designer), then became Studio Manager, then Marketing Manager/Admin of TT and now DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS. I’m very grateful for Hannah, she is doing an amazing job (honestly, I think better than I would). Since I am the owner of Inner Fire Yoga, I am still in charge of strategy, financials, risk management, and teacher training. And of course, I teach yoga classes at both the East and West studios.

The essence of all of us is that we care about ourselves, we care about each other, we share values, we not only WANT to connect via yoga practice and sharing breath/prana in the yoga rooms, we NEED to connect in this deep and profound way. Yet, let’s take it to another level and stoke our community fire! Next time you are at Inner Fire Yoga, find someone who looks familiar but you haven’t actually met and strike up a conversation. Or if you see someone new, say hello and welcome. Take time, make eye contact, smile and chat with each other. What a priceless gift to connect like this!

Thank you to ALL of you who find meaning in practicing yoga together at Inner Fire Yoga. May you have a hopeful, lovely 2024. See you in the hot rooms! 🕉

Marit
Owner
Inner Fire Yoga