The Practice Travels With You
A spring break journey through Atlanta yoga studios—exploring presence, flexibility, and the power of unfamiliar spaces.
“I’m on spring break in Atlanta with my kids and my dad… and tomorrow I’ll walk into my third yoga studio in a city I’ve never been to before.”
South Beach Magic - Mindful Discovery Walk To Studio
Spring Break 2025 was the first time I discovered the magic of uncovering the delight of a completely unknown yoga class + teacher. I was traveling with my son to South Beach Miami for the first time and in between the food tours and everglade adventures the two of us would share. I decided to go on my own self discovery of reflection and nurturing my spirit while his own 15 year old biological clock (sleeping in) was tending to his rhythm.
After a long walk from our hotel I found myself in the second floor studio of Synergy Yoga. I spent the next 90 minutes taking my first kundalini class and left in conversation with a fellow student feeling completely blissed out and in a spiritual high. My teacher gave me a copy of her playlist and I vibed with it’s resonance long after shavasana was complete.
That was the first time I realized that the practice I had at home could expand and deepen even more with the added discovery of Asana away from home. As yogis we return to our mat no matter the space. Our breath, the sensation of what’s happening around us. Before we even enter the room, there’s somewhat of a discovery of arrival. Whether it’s the rock lined path to the ocean front yoga shala or the first time you’ve driven down the blossom lined street following the navigation to find your sunrise salutation abroad. I love the discovery. Finding the teachers, sharing space with a new community and feeling the pulse of the place I am visiting in an entirely new light.
Up until this moment I never went searching for the softness, community and expansion yoga can bring while traveling.
Being in a new environment, albeit familiar, allows your mind to deepen the awareness of not only your physical surroundings but the inner workings of how you are choosing to show up. It allows you to be more open, to receive information differently, to try on new practices and learn the wisdom from other teachers that would otherwise not be on your radar.
Not that I don’t show up with presence to my regular classes back home—there is just something about the mystery of unfamiliarity. The teacher, the students, the rhythm of the class—each moment is anchored more fully in the now in a way that routine simply can’t replicate.
The quiet, light-filled space at KKRU invited a slower arrival—one grounded in breath, presence, and intention.
KKRU was the first Atlanta studio I walked into.
The space was open and light-filled, with sheer gauzy curtains lining the room. Palo santo lingered in the air, and a mat was already set at each place. We were invited to SETTLE with teacher Jess Pfeffer, who guided us through a somatic journey of gentle movement and breathwork. With my nervous system in check, I walked away with a handful of new techniques to carry into my practice.
Afterwards, Tracy Brown weaved in her Holy Fire Reiki, sending us into a meditative journey that felt like a complete reset. During our time to connect, I delighted in Khetanya’s story of how her studio came to be opening this past October she longed to bring more health and wellness to the community that she grew up in.
It wasn’t until after I left that I realized KKRU stood for “Keep Reaching Up.”
The message thoughtfully interwoven into her brand, and intentionally reminded to all who practice there, whether they realize it not.
I received so many gifts and reminders during this workshop—ones that will stay with me long after this trip has ended.
It was a conversation at KKRU that led me to my 7:30 a.m. heated vinyasa class at Dancing Dogs Yoga. Café lights and a softly saturated blue exterior guided me into a tall, light-filled space. The room was warm, anchored by an altar with a dancing Shiva and surrounded by bold, oversized art and quotes.
It felt comfortable, familiar, and deeply welcoming.
By the time I finished savasana and wiped a chilled lavender towel over my face, I found myself trying to visualize the next time I would return. I lingered, taking in every plant, every detail, every feeling—knowing I didn’t know when I would be back.
It was a beautiful way to begin the day—before my kids and father had even started theirs. I returned feeling grounded, expanded, and complete, having carved out a quiet moment to reconnect with myself.
Dancing Dogs Yoga : Color, light, and energy guiding the way in.
My last journey to my morning practice reminded me to stay flexible and not get too attached…
As I drove out to find a new vinyasa class, it quickly became apparent that Atlanta morning traffic had another path of discovery in mind. Knowing I wouldn’t make it in time, I pulled over and searched for the first 10:30 class I could find. If I couldn’t make that work, my opportunity to practice that day would be gone.
My only option was a Yoga Sculpt class with CorePower Yoga.
I had never taken a class like this before. The pulse of my triceps in a high lunge with airplane arms while holding 3 lb weights….Exhale, and allow it to be completely foreign. I sweat, hit my edge, and left with a different kind of relief than I’m used to.
And it was perfect.
This last class reminded me not to get so attached to things looking or being a certain way, but instead to feel the essence of the moment, pivot when needed and move with the flow.
I’m grateful to carry these lessons with me back to Colorado. The teacher and student in me both recognize the beauty in what was received. No matter the space, the practice always finds a way to meet you exactly where you are.
Until next time… thank you, Atlanta.