Baron Baptiste Continued
That Thursday morning was beautiful! You couldn't ask for better driving weather. Here were are. Kim and I in my tiny Prius, which has five cup holders, together for six hours. We know each other but not that well. How is this going to go? Let's find out!
The route is up 15 through PA to NY to MA to CT and the trip flew by! We shared our Yoga stories and what felt like for me was processing. After the trip I felt like connecting with Kim was as impactful, if not more than the Master Class with Baron Baptiste. We arrived to the Hilton or some version of a Hilton. I like Hiltons because of the app and the keyless entry. Half of the time you don't even half to check in at the front desk! The hotel was brand new!! I don't know if the room we had was used before. After we rested for a bit and had a bite to eat, we head to Groton to see the man.
Driving to the studio, I felt my eyes well up with tears. I had not let myself feel this kind of excitement in forever. I never thought I would ever meet Baron Baptiste or practice with him. This must be what kids feel like Christmas morning or when someone's about to get high. It was strange to let myself feel it. I usually avoid it because the let down isn't worth it. I can still remember how sunny it was outside and how warm. I think we may have been the first or second to arrive to the studio.
We checked in, bought some swag and then hung out. Side note, you should always support a studio by buying a shirt or something. Since it was such a big event, we were using the Crossfit gym next door and they had to prepare the space by taping the floor. We ended up waiting around for an hour or so. There was a lot of taping to be done for 100 mat spaces. Once we finally were let in and got to the practice, I was over it. I dropped from the high I felt and most likely I was hungry. As soon as the practice ended, I bolted as Kim said. As we were the first to arrive, we were the first to leave. When I reflect on this trip, I think about how I got to connect with Kim. Not so much about practicing with Baron Baptiste.
Taking a class with Baron Baptiste. I've checked that off my list.
Fall of 2025. I'm scrolling through social media again. "Eight Hour Immersion with Baron Baptiste in Buffalo". Are you kidding me?! Time to pack my bags. This time we took the Cadillac. Oh wait. You didn't think I'd go without Kim? Funny thing is she's not even a Baptiste Yogi. She goes to support me. The drive to Buffalo was like a movie! There was a road in PA that ran along a river. It was the time of year where the trees were naked so we could see the river. It just felt so special. We stayed at this amazing place called Hotel Lafayette. It was were the immersion which made the logistics much easier. The only thing was the room only had one queen bed. Kim swears the front desk clerk thought we were a couple when we checked in. Whatever. It is what it is and it made for great story telling! For the immersion we got the perfect spots. We were so close to Baron! It started with an hour practice followed by lecture. There was an opportunity to share. I was looking down at my notes and all the sudden I hear a familiar voice at the microphone. Kim was standing 6 feet away from Baron, eye to eye, proclaiming she hates Warrior One. Smiling and eyes wide open, my jaw drops. I could never speak to him and yet here she is so brave. I was so proud of her! I lasted for half of the immersion. The idea of driving six hours in the dark after eight hours of Yoga was loosing it's appeal and I was pleased with what I got from it. Plus if we would have left in the dark, I would have missed the emerald green river on top of the mountain as entered PA from NY. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before.
My teaching really started to gain momentum from here. I remember speaking a lot of the big toe after the Buffalo trip. Something so simple yet makes such an impact.
To be continued...
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