#aditiathome
Karla Henrick
Karla Henrick found Aditi in a very organic way — walking past the original studio location on Stone Way. when she’d visit her native Wallingford when she’d come home from the East Coast, where she lived for nearly 20 years.
Once back in Seattle, she took her first class at Aditi in May 2017, as part of a three-class pass through MindBody. “The passes are such a great way to find out about classes nearby, so I signed up for classes at Aditi, a Lagree pass in Ballard, and a Barre class in the University District,” she says. “Aditi was the perfect fit — and I’ve been there ever since.”
She had been taking yoga for several years in New York City before transitioning to pilates in 2012. From there it was a gym membership for the stationary machines, followed by Barre classes. “The moment I was back on the mat at Aditi, I realized that this is what I had been yearning for — a deep, meaningful practice, not just a workout in front of mirrors while listening to loud music.”
Now, Karla lives across the street from Aditi’s location in Wallingford Center, and her favorite class — whether virtual or in-person — are the Slow Flow offerings. She says that when the shutdown occurred in Seattle as a result of COVID-19, she had been practicing six times a week with Aditi’s other yogis and yoginis. “We found freedom on the mat together, led by caring and intuitive teachers. When the shutdown happened, it felt like the rug — or mat! — had been pulled out from under me!”
However, through the virtual Aditi at Home classes, Karla says she’s continued to have — and be grateful for — the Aditi community. “I’m grateful that Julie was such an early adopter of Zoom classes,” she says. “It allowed all of us to continue our practice — together, yet apart — apart, but not alone!”
It’s also provided some much-needed structure. As a freelance graphic designer, Karla was already used to working from home and structuring her day — but it wasn’t until the studio wasn’t accessible in person did she realize that walking out the front door and into the studio was a reward that kept her focused. “It took a few weeks to adjust, but now when I unroll my mat, it’s like I’m back in the studio again, and I find that I have that structure again and it’s as strong as ever.”
There’s also a grounding and a perspective that haven’t been skipped or missed by the transition to online classes. “Julie and the rest of the teachers at Aditi have been both sensitive and bold in discussing what’s happening around us — coronavirus and racism,” she says. “I don’t want to be pacified on the mat, I want to be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually, and that’s been able to happen with Aditi.” When her mind spins and chatters, the classes have been an opportunity to be, not do. “Yoga gets me there every time. Sometimes only during savasana — or after savasana! — but without it, I would go a little crazy.” When Karla is able to concentrate and focus on her breath and movement, she says her mind slows to a generous state.
“The Aditi community is uniquely loving, full of feeling and care,” Karla says. “Although I’m happy that we’re able to connect virtually, I can’t wait to give actual hugs again!”