Tammy

A hard core gymnast from 3rd to 11th grade, daily training, tough workouts, dance classes and stressful competitions were the norm. Competitive fencing replaced gymnastics and then martial arts eventually became my focus for more than a decade after that. Lured by the idea of cross-training, an afternoon bike ride with friends somehow morphed into 25+ years ( and still counting) of racing bicycles both on and off-road. To say I love athletic competition is an understatement.

In 2006, my cycling coach suggested I add a yoga class to my recovery day each week. His selling point was the idea of much needed stretching to help recovery from injuries and a calming day off the bike. I found a studio, started taking class once a week and was surprised to discover how much I really liked it. Not only the physical part but the mental aspect. However, between my work schedule and my training/racing schedule, I was lucky to fit in one class per week.

Time moved on, my work life got busier, my travel schedule got crazier and that particular yoga studio closed. While I wanted to maintain a yoga practice, I struggled to find a studio with class times that could fit into my unpredictable schedule. A normal work month for me still involves two weeks of travel (quite often more) and if I do happen to be home, I commute one hour to my office so fitting in yoga class becomes really complicated. After years of unsuccessful attempts, I eventually resigned myself to the fact my schedule was just too insane to include regular yoga classes. I gave up looking.

Last year, driving back from a mountain bike ride at Pennypack, I happened to look up at the right time and saw the sign for Nourishing Storm. I was so excited! I looked up the website as soon as I got home, and went to check it out a few days later. I was blown away. Just walking in the door, I could feel the positive energy. I met Megan that day, spoke a few minutes about the classes and signed up immediately. Took my first class a day or two later and immediately knew that I had found a home. I knew it instantly. I can’t explain it in words but I definitely felt it in my core. I was meant to be part of the Nourishing Storm family.

I am a big believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason and that you need to trust the universe to show you the way.

Why I never noticed the Storm sign before is beyond me but I trust that I saw it the day I was meant to find it. I am so happy I did. Yoga feeds my soul and helps keep me centered in the midst of the craziness of life. It helps me remember what the truly important things are and it helps me face the world in general with a bit more grace. And I now have the extra special benefit of sharing my love for yoga with the amazing people at Nourishing Storm who consistently bring a smile to both my face and my heart.