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Meet John Espinosa of Full Circle Yoga in Longmont

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Today we’d like to introduce you to John Espinosa.

John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I still feel very new to yoga. I feel that I am as much of a student as I am a teacher. In 2015, with persuasion from others, I decided to take my first yoga class. This class was at Full Circle Yoga. I had no idea what yoga even looked like and I was pretty nervous. At this point, my only form of physical exercise was running. I loved to run, but I was very abusive with it. I loved the impact of running and how it took a toll on my knees. No pain, no gain, right? I figured that if it hurts, I must be doing something right. Back to my first time on the mat… I can’t say that anything feel natural. Then 20 minutes into class, the teacher had us in a Warrior II pose. This was my ah-ha moment! In this pose, I feel my quads on fire. This gave me that no pain, no gain sensation, but it was different in that it didn’t feel impactful or harmful. I feel like I could get the burn of a workout and still be safe. I started to lose my balance in this pose. I had to bring my focus to my breathing. Once I focused on my breath, my mind cleared and I held my balance. Okay, I get it! Yoga is helping both my body AND my mind! At this very moment, I knew that I wanted to teach yoga to others.

Not long after that first class, I started coming to classes daily for the next five months. That fall, I decided to take the yoga teacher training program. I graduated three months later and taught my very first class that same year on Christmas Eve. Over the next couple of years, I found more confidence, discovered my niche, gained a following and started to occupy more classes on the Full Circle schedule.

Two years ago, the owner of the studio asked me to become a manager. I was totally psyched! This place has meant so much to me and it is a place that I consider home. I was honored to take that role. Little did I know that at the time, he was grooming me to purchase FCY and become owner. I bought the business in June of 2019. I can’t possibly express how grateful I am to have this role in my yoga community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Sure, there have been trials and tribulations. That happens in every facet of life. The early challenges were normal human interactions—people with huge hearts who have a difference of opinions from other people with huge hearts. So, you listen with patience and you learn. It is quite beautiful, actually. Then from there, you grow closer or let go and move forward to the next thing. Current challenges are of course, the impact of Covid-19. You can’t compassionately listen to or have a discussion with a virus. Taking the human element out of this is very challenging. We are at the mercy of the Universe. The challenge is to be patient, accept what is happening now without judgment and see what happens next.

We’d love to hear more about Full Circle Yoga.
Full Circle Yoga is so much more than just a yoga studio. We are also a registered yoga school where students can train to become teachers. We are a safe space for anyone to come in, feel what they feel, express what they want to express and have no worry about being judged on or off of the mat. We offer more than just the physical practice of yoga. We also teach and study the philosophical aspects of yoga as well. We give students the tools to discover who they were meant to be; to come full circle.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many that deserve a shout out. My entire staff, all of the teachers that I have had along the way, and the amazing Downtown Longmont community. But I must mention studio manager, Mya Izzolena. She has an amazing gift to hold space for our students. She is a potent teacher trainer who is helping to change lives for the better. This individual has seen me at my best and at my worst. I know without her love and support, things would have looked very different. I also want to mention Kendall Bullock. I feel I am a much better yoga teacher than a business owner! Kendall helps to keep me on track when I am not in the mood to adult.

Pricing:

  • Unlimited yoga for $69/month. That includes in-studio, live Zoom classes and on demand videos.
  • $99 for a 10 punch pass.
  • $15 single class drop in rate.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Mya Izzolena

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