Vanderbilt Beach is Heavenly, Clear Water! Yoga & Spiritual Growth

I moved to a sleepy beach town of Naples in 1985 from New York. My uncle used to ride horses down Pine Ridge Rd. You could see straight through the back of Willoughby Acres, my neighborhood, to Immakolee Rd because there were only a few homes. Vanderbilt Beach, Wiggins, Conner's Beach, The Pavillion were our hang outs. Since then Naples has grown into a busy city. It can often feel unfamiliar, inauthentic, and divided. So many families like mine worked their butt's off to get where we are today. I am proud, I am rooted and I am committed to my home, Naples. Yesterday at the beach the water was the most clear blue I have ever seen since stepping foot here in 85'. Heavenly, and inspiring. I am committed to bringing our once small beach town, turned Beverly Hills, together and to remember all of our humble beginnings. The clarity in the water reminded me that it may appear different but it's still home. Sometimes I get angry in traffic, but in the same breath so grateful for the opportunity.

At first yoga was a way to healing for me as many of you know. A complete novice to the practice, no idea how it would lead me closer to many of my life goals. It continues to call me back to my personal growth but now it is a way of life for me, us, I work to give back to this town that has provided sanctuary for me and others.

I have a calling to continue to create space, to stay committed to bringing people, community together. The seed started on the beach over a decade ago teaching to sometimes 1 person, where it will grow into I'm unsure but I definitely see growth I'll just continue to work hard, continue to study, stay dedicated to this spiritual path, and trust in God.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "We wait for the magical moment- sometime in the future- when everything will be as we want it to be".   I'm not ready yet, it's not the right time, all the things we tell ourselves because we believe in some way we aren't enough. Well YOU, I, WE are. We can bring the magic, turn hate to love, anger to understanding and help. I want to change the world, like you. I know feeling helpless, I know frustration, I know feeling weak, I know betrayal, I know anger, but because of those emotions , I know empowerment, I know contentment, I know Strength, I know Loyalty, I know Patience.

We will suffer, but we will continue to persevere, because we are a humans living and learning. I aspire to grow our spiritual community, to work hard with all of you to hold the peace, to protect our beach town, to grow humble Lo's Yoga Community of beautiful souls and all beautiful souls to remember the gift of the breath and this body. This work is not easy but it is crucial and essential. Do the hard work, it will pay off. The gifts are hidden in the darkest places.

I'm not so interested in the fruits of my labor, I'm interested in the growth, in the lessons, in my hometown. The rest I leave in the hands of God. I look forward to more days on the beach with all of you. Take a class with us, dip in this healing clear water and cleanse the doubt. Naples is a beautiful place, I am so grateful. I send you all beautiful blessings and encourage us all to count them right now. Keep up the humble work of individual growth, of community growth.

Classes June 23-29 9am-10am on Vanderbilt Beach

• Tuesday Gentle but Strong with Allison

• Wednesday Strong with Jen

• Friday Hatha Flow & Growth with Lo

• Sunday Reset and Renew with Alex

With Love Always, Keeping a Beginners Mind

Lo

Come rest your bones in nature - Vanderbilt Beach - June 2025