Inspiring Yoga for Life

“Let’s start by going around the room,” she says with a jovial smile.

“Tell us your name and what brings you here tonight.” She nods in my direction.

“We’ll start with Asha.”

Gina Castillo, for me, is the Mary Poppins of yoga. She is patient, kind, in tune with our needs, and, while she offers gentle redirection and correction when needed, she stills manages to be her student’s biggest cheerleader. Gina is single-handedly the reason I love yoga – something that is hard to believe given how many times I’ve tried it and my insecurities regarding my frame. Let’s face it -- I’m not a size 5.

But Gina? She made me fall in love with the physical, mental, spiritual, and disciplinary practices of this ancient art with humor, authenticity, and a safe place to practice.

“You don’t have to be a size 5 to be strong, “she once told me.

Her classes aren’t trendy. There is no hip-hop, brews, cats, goats – or horses. However, there is plenty of space for everyone to get comfortable. There is also an abundance of self-love, support, and encouragement. While the class I attend is mainly patronized by women, we’ve had a male straggler attend before. While he was caught off guard, on a temporary stay in our little big city, he was still welcomed with open arms.

“It only said this was a beginner’s class when I looked it up,” the man said.

“Well, you’re in the right place then!” Gina responded cheerfully, with her dark curls springing to life around her ponytail holder.

Classes with Gina at Centered Wellness and Yoga for Life became a part of my healing and self-discovery when I moved to Charlotte in October of last year. I’d gone on Meetup.com to see if I could find any locals who shared the same interests as me. Because I’d made a commitment to take better care of my physical and mental health in this new place, I was intrigued when I saw a group for “Curvy Yoga.”

If there is anything I am – it’s curvy. I signed up to begin attending her classes.

When I arrived at my first class, I stumbled in late. She smiled as I entered the room. Embarrassed, I quickly scurried to a place near a wall in the back of the room.

“Hi there! Make yourself comfortable,” Gina beamed.

My first class was amazing. I left feeling motivated and empowered to continue stepping outside of my comfort zone. At that time, there was no way I could foresee that I would actually begin learning to step into my comfort zone – my Zen place. A place where I actually belonged.

I learned that Gina taught yoga classes at few studios around town and was ecstatic to find her practice at Centered Wellness and Yoga for Life in Uptown. I’d finally found what would become my third home in this new city. Second, only, to Elevation Church.

I kept attending her classes. I found myself growing stronger and healing in ways I didn’t know possible. I learned to disconnect from the outside world and get in touch with my body. I learned to balance my chakras while growing in my faith. I fell more in love with myself and became more accepting of, not only my imperfections, but also with the nuances of life. I found friendship with two other ladies who attended regularly and I’ve been holding on to them ever since. This group of women were among my first friends here in Charlotte and, for each of them, I am thankful.

In addition to teaching us correct form and modifications for our body types, Gina teaches us about love, life, nurturing, and well-being. There is no price too high for the quality of community her classes bring. And I plan to keep showing up.

When I lost my job and got in an unspeakable car accident earlier this Spring, Gina was there with open arms. She literally stood in the lobby of Centered Wellness, hugging me tightly as cars rushed past the front windows. She talked me through the shock, pain, and exhaustion of it all. And, when I had severe seasonal allergies, she offered a holistic remedy – it worked. When I’ve had pain in my body, she’s shown me how to assuage it. When I’ve fallen out of poses – she’s laughed with me and supported every second, third, or fourth attempt. And, when I’ve fallen asleep, only to awaken with just enough time to end class, she’s never once judged me.

“It sounds like you’re not getting enough rest,” is all she said.

Gina’s classes provide a place where we can share our feelings about daily life and the state of the world. We can talk politics, movies, life, love, health, and be completely vulnerable –and safe—in that space.

And, at some point, I know Gina is going to show up to class wearing her famous Fraggle Rock outfit which is just the cherry on top of a perfect practice.

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I glance over at the ladies seated on mats to the right of me. I’ve positioned myself nearest to the left wall in the largest studio here at Yoga for Life. I love this place.

I watch a few passersby stroll down Morehead, most likely looking for half-priced wine at Savor’s next door.

“I just want some grounding tonight,” I respond. “And for Gina to keep fixing my life,” I add with a chuckle.

“I’ll have what Asha’s having,” says a new girl in our class as more laughter erupts.

We may just be joking. But, in Gina’s classes, anything is possible!

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