Opening the doors of The Teal Yogi was one of the most surreal and emotionally charged moments of my life. After years of dreaming, planning, and countless setbacks, seeing the studio come to life was nothing short of a miracle. But the journey to this moment was anything but easy. It was filled with doubt, fear, frustration, and, at times, the temptation to give up.
I share this story not just to reflect on my own experience but because I know so many of you are standing at the starting line of your own journey, wrestling with the same fears and uncertainties. Whether you’re stepping onto your mat for the first time, confronting trauma, or beginning a path of self-discovery, the first 1% is always the hardest.
The Pain of Starting Something New
Starting something new can feel like standing at the base of an insurmountable mountain. For those of us on a healing journey, the stakes can feel even higher. In the trauma-informed yoga communities I’ve connected with, I’ve seen common threads of hesitation and fear:
- Fear of vulnerability: Many people worry about being seen in their rawest, most unguarded state. In a world that often values strength over softness, opening up feels terrifying.
- Overwhelm at the unknown: The idea of stepping into a new space or trying a new practice can be paralyzing. “What if I can’t do it?” “What if people are watching me?” “What if I fail?” are questions I hear often from new students.
- Feeling isolated in their journey: Trauma often creates a sense of disconnection from the world and from oneself. The idea of healing in community, while powerful, can feel foreign.
These pain points are real, valid, and deeply human.
And let me tell you—I’ve been there too.
The Trials and Triumphs of Building The Teal Yogi
When I first envisioned The Teal Yogi, I was filled with hope and excitement. I wanted to create a space where people could come as they are, connect with their bodies, and find peace amidst the chaos of life. But the road to bringing this dream to life was paved with so many challenges.
From securing funding to navigating construction delays to managing the endless logistics of opening a business, there were so many moments when it felt easier to walk away. Add in the emotional weight of self-doubt—Am I capable? Am I enough? Will anyone even show up?—and it became a daily battle to keep going.
But here’s what I learned:
- Trust and doubt can coexist. I had to make space for both. The trick was not letting doubt take the wheel.
- Progress isn’t linear. Some days I felt like I was moving backward, but even those moments were part of the process. Healing, like building, is messy and unpredictable.
- Community makes all the difference. The support of my loved ones, mentors, and community members kept me going when I couldn’t see the finish line.
When we got the clearance from the city to finally open the studio, I felt every emotion at once: joy, sorrow, overwhelm, and gratitude. It reminded me that healing isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about embracing the journey, messiness and all.
The Parallels Between Healing and Starting Something New
The process of opening The Teal Yogi mirrored so much of what I see in students who are new to trauma-sensitive yoga.
- The courage to show up: Just as it took courage for me to keep showing up for this dream, it takes courage for you to step onto your mat, especially when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
- Facing discomfort: Starting anything new often comes with discomfort. In yoga, this might be noticing sensations in your body for the first time or confronting emotions you’ve pushed aside. In life, it’s about sitting with the uncertainty and trusting that it’s worth it.
- Building resilience: Every time you choose to keep going—whether it’s taking a deep breath in a challenging pose or showing up for a class when you’d rather stay in bed—you’re building resilience.
Holding Space for Trust and Doubt
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through both my personal journey and the journey of opening The Teal Yogi, it’s that holding space for trust and doubt is essential.
- Trust reminds us why we started. It whispers, “You can do this. You are enough.”
- Doubt keeps us grounded. It says, “This is hard, but you’re growing.”
Together, trust and doubt create a balance, much like the balance we find in yoga: our yin and yang. They teach us that it’s okay to feel scared and excited, strong and fragile, all at once.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
One of the most powerful lessons yoga has taught me is that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community, in spaces where you feel seen, supported, and held. That’s exactly what I wanted to create at The Teal Yogi: a sanctuary where you can show up as you are and know that you’re not alone.
Our classes are designed with you in mind—whether you’re looking to ease into the practice with Restore & Renew Yoga or find gentle movement with Healing Flow Yoga. We’ve walked this path, and we’re here to walk it with you.
The First 1% Is the Hardest—But It’s Worth It
If you’re standing at the edge of something new—whether it’s healing, a yoga practice, or a dream you’ve been too scared to pursue—know this: the first 1% will be the hardest. But it’s also where the magic happens.
The courage to start is what makes the journey possible. And even if you stumble, even if you feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back, you’re still moving.
You are capable.
You are worthy.
And you are not alone.
Join Us at The Teal Yogi
If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here for you. Our doors are open, and our community is growing.
Whether you’re joining us for a weekday class, exploring the power of sound at our Resonance & Renewal event, or simply taking a moment to breathe, know that you are welcome here.
We see you. We honor your journey. And we can’t wait to take it with you.
With Love and Compassion,
Mandy
