The Yoga Loft Storybook: Kathi Helmes

Why/when/where did you start practicing yoga?

Julie encouraged me to start a practice several years ago as a balance to time spent in the gym working on strength and aerobics. I tiptoed into my first class at The Yoga Loft, was guided by the yogi and followed along to the best of my ability. Recognizing my desire to participate more fully and with confidence, I was gifted a few private sessions with a wonderful teacher. Those sessions were the beginning of a conscious appreciation for those who choose to teach and share their practice and philosophy. I learned my poses, felt my weaknesses, admired the beauty of the practice, set my goals and to this day recall some of the guidance given to me in those first sessions and often make small corrections during the day to posture and stature, especially when driving.

How has yoga changed or influenced your life?

I prefer to practice in the studio whenever I can or take an outdoor class when possible. It keeps me in the moment and without distraction. I am grateful for each of the teachers and their individual styles as I practice because I always discover a tightness, a weakness or a limit that I might not have been aware of . The sensation of some poses highlights where work needs to be done and sometimes provides a wonderful “rinse” to the working muscles. The other benefit to my practice, especially now that Julie is the studio owner is that whenever we travel or visit family ( prior to COVID) we seek out a local yoga studio to experience, exploring their space and style. It has taken us to some wonderful places. Thank you to all of the wonderful committed teachers who have guided me and our community , helping us to nurture body, mind and spirit through our yoga practice. The Yoga Loft is a truly special place.

What keeps you busy outside of the studio?

My practice has also introduced me to: focused meditation (hard!), restorative yoga (who knew?) and Reiki under the guidance of Gurdeep. I take care of my mother during the week and have been introducing some of these practices with her.

A quote that you love or would like to share? 

“It’s not how far you move into a pose but how deeply you feel the pose you are in.” - Anodea Judith