I’ve written a lot over the years about the community found at The Mat Yoga Studio, and while I will often use the November post to recollect on things I’m grateful for (particularly in yoga), this year, reflecting on the studio’s community seemed particularly more poignant.
At the end of this past summer, The Mat consolidated its two studios into one at the new Dallas location. I started practicing here years ago, and was first introduced to the amazing community, in its pre-2024 location. Over the years, I’ve made many friends, completed teacher trainings, attended workshops, and learned from knowledgeable and compassionate teachers.
A little after the Plano studio first opened shortly before COVID, I began going more and more when it offered class outside under its beautiful tree, feeling more comfortable outside during those first few months when things started opening back up. I again met other wonderful people (and saw some friends from the Dallas space as well). After I moved, the Plano studio was closer and I attended classes there more frequently. Of course, I’ve loved the beautiful new space in Dallas and would still go when I could for a weekend class or workshop. And honestly? I’d wished I went there more often too!
In the last few months since consolidating the studios, the Dallas community has been so welcoming, as, quite frankly, I thought they might be. There was an early class/happy hour to help introduce Plano students to those at Dallas as well as offering a wonderful invitation to visit the space. But for someone like me who has practiced at Dallas for quite some time, this time has offered many opportunities to reconnect.
Coming back to more regular classes for me, I’ve seen people I used to practice with weekly over those years I was more at Dallas, and it has warmed my heart to meet up with them once again. For some, it may have been quite a few months since we last practiced together. I’ve also seen fellow students from the Plano space and it’s like we’re right back in our weekly classes.
While I celebrate remaking these connections, I’m not surprised. As I started off, I’ve written about The Mat’s community often. It is warm and welcoming, and so it’s no wonder that there were smiling faces, hugs, and catching up conversations as these two studios consolidated and formed the basis for an even stronger space. So while I’m still finding my “spots” – the areas where I really like to roll out my mat and settle in for class – one thing I can count on is no matter where I go in the studio and who I practice next to, I can connect with others in that area.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
